cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chapter 12 – Rotational testing

The natural stimulus for the semicircular canals is rotation of the head, which also might stimulate the otolith organs. Vestibular stimulation usually induces eye movements via the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR). The orientation of the subject with respect to the axis of rotation and the orientation of the axis of rotation with respect to gravity together determine which labyrinthine receptors are stimulated for particular motion trajectories. Rotational testing usually includes the measurement of eye movements via a video system but might use a subject's perception of motion. The most common types of rotational testing are whole-body computer-controlled sinusoidal or trapezoidal stimuli during earth-vertical axis rotation (EVAR), which stimulates primarily the horizontal semicircular canals bilaterally. Recently, manual impulsive rotations, known as head impulse testing (HIT), have been developed to assess individual horizontal semicircular canals. Most types of rotational stimuli are not used routinely in the clinical setting but may be used in selected research environments. This chapter will discuss clinically relevant rotational stimuli and several types of rotational testing that are used primarily in research settings.
Exclusively intertubular seminoma arising in undescended testes: Report of two cases

Abstract Exclusively intertubular seminoma is a rare and easily overlooked variant that often poses diagnostic challenge. It is characterized by the absence of grossly apparent tumor and tumor cells dispersed in the intertubular space without forming an expansile lesion microscopically. We herein report two such cases, both arising in undescended testes in adult patients. The goal is to highlight this potential diagnostic caveat in examining orchiectomies performed for cryptorchidism in adult patients.
A 30-Year-Old Who Refuses to Be Drug Tested

This article examines the medical, legal, and ethical considerations involved in a complex case of a hospitalized man. The patient was an African-American gentleman with sickle-cell disease admitted for a heart valve infection. His physicians suspected him of intravenous drug abuse. After the patient refused urine drug screening, a physician sought permission from one of the co-authors, the Director of Pathology, to conduct blood drug testing on an existing specimen. We examine the implications of this request and suggest alternative strategies.
Solar geoengineering and the chemtrails conspiracy on social media

Discourse on social media of solar geoengineering has been rapidly increasing over the past decade, in line with increased attention by the scientific community and low but increasing awareness among the general public. The topic has also found increased attention online. But unlike scientific discourse, a majority of online discussion focuses on the so-called chemtrails conspiracy theory, the widely debunked idea that airplanes are spraying a toxic mix of chemicals through contrails, with supposed goals ranging from weather to mind control. This paper presents the results of a nationally representative 1000-subject poll part of the 36,000-subject 2016 Cooperative Congressional Election Study (CCES), and an analysis of the universe of social media mentions of geoengineering. The former shows ~ 10% of Americans declaring the chemtrails conspiracy as “completely” and a further ~ 20–30% as “somewhat” true, with no apparent difference by party affiliation or strength of partisanship. Conspiratorial views have accounted for ~ 60% of geoengineering discourse on social media over the past decade. Of that, Twitter has accounted for >90%, compared to ~ 75% of total geoengineering mentions. Further affinity analysis reveals a broad online community of conspiracy. Anonymity of social media appears to help its spread, so does the general ease of spreading unverified or outright false information. Online behavior has important real-world reverberations, with implications for climate science communication and policy.
AN ASSESSMENT OF INCOME INEQUALITY IN ATHEROSCLEROTIC CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE RISK

Income disparities in cardiovascular disease have been previously reported, but the exact mechanisms causing these differences remain unknown. This study investigated the relationship between income and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk in a large national dataset to help guide
The Experts Weigh in: High‐Achieving, Low‐Income Students Reflect on Their Experience in and the Impact of a College Access Program

An evaluation of the Princeton University Preparatory Program (PUPP), a college access program for low-income, high-achieving public high school students, yielded favorable findings regarding the perceptions of program participants. Survey results, which include responses from all 71 participants in the 2015–2016 program, indicated that the participants perceived the program as positively impacting their academic and social–emotional skills, increasing their knowledge of the college application process, broadening their pool of target colleges, and exposing them to new arts and cultural experiences, as the program is intended to do. Scholars' responses also highlight the strength of the PUPP community and social network and confirm that PUPP is helping some scholars to address personal and financial challenges that could prevent them from participating in educational experiences such as PUPP. Findings also highlight the PUPP academic enrichment program as a possible area for growth.
Synthesis and characterization of rhodium, iridium, and palladium complexes of a diarylamido-based PNSb pincer ligand.

A new diarylmido-based pincer proto ligand (iPrPNHSbPh) with one –PPri2 and one –SbPh2 side donor has been synthesized. Three complexes of its amido form were prepared using standard metalation techniques: (iPrPNSbPh)PdCl, (iPrPNSbPh)RhCO, and (iPrPNSbPh)Ir(COE), where COE = cis-cyclooctene. These complexes were compared with their previously reported analogs incorporating a –PPh2 side donor in place of –SbPh2. The –SbPh2 donor arm is less donating towards the metal and is less strongly trans-influencing, based on the structural and IR spectroscopic analysis of the Rh complexes. The redox potential of the Pd complexes is only marginally affected by the change from –PPh2 to –SbPh2. (iPrPNSbPh)Ir(COE) proved to be a slower and less selective catalyst in the dehydrogenative borylation of terminal alkynes (DHBTA) than its –PPh2 analog.
New machine-learning technologies for computer-aided diagnosis.

Machine learning can be used for computer-aided diagnosis of acute neurological events and retinal disease and can be incorporated into conventional clinical workflows to improve health outcomes.
Traditional and instrument-based vision screening in third-grade students.

Background The American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus recommends optotype-based vision screening for children >5 years of age. Instrument-based screening for 3- to 4-year-old children is more time efficient and has a higher positive predictive value than traditional optotype screening. The purpose of this study was to directly compare instrument-based vision screening and traditional screening of third graders in a school-based setting. Methods Third graders from 16 schools in Chesterfield County, Virginia, were screened by traditional methods (optotypes and stereoacuity) and using a photoscreener (Plusoptix S12). Children referred from either method were offered a comprehensive eye examination with cycloplegic refraction. Time to screen was recorded. Results Screening was performed on 1,593 children, of whom 516 (32.4%) were referred for a complete eye examination by either screening method. Traditional screening and photoscreening referred 287 and 398 children, respectively; 169 were referred by both methods. Cycloplegic examinations were completed on 247 children (47.9%). There was no statistical difference between the two methods for detecting visual acuity of Conclusions The positive predictive value for detecting a need for glasses in third-graders is not statistically significant between traditional and instrument-based screening. Instrument-based vision screening takes less time than traditional screening.
Integrated framework for model assessment and advanced uncertainty quantification of nuclear computer codes under Bayesian statistics

Abstract A framework for model evaluation and uncertainty quantification (UQ) is presented with applications oriented to nuclear engineering simulation codes. Our framework is inspired by the previous research on Bayesian statistics and model averaging. The methodology is demonstrated by performing UQ of three thermal-hydraulic computer codes used for two-phase flow simulation inside nuclear reactors, and conclusions regarding their performance are drawn. The complexity of the framework implementation depends upon the information to be drawn about the models as well as the nature of the models and the data. Uncertainties inherent in the input parameters and experimental data, along with predictive and model-form uncertainty can be quantified in this methodology. A composite (average) model based on the competent models can be created for improved response prediction. Two benchmarks featuring steady-state void fraction data in full-scale light water reactor (LWR) channels are used to demonstrate the methodology. The results show that the three models/codes demonstrate variable competitiveness in reproducing the data (i.e. goodness of fit with the data). There is no consistent trend at which each code excels. The predictive uncertainty (representing individual model deficiency or discrepancy) dominates the model-form uncertainty for many cases in this study due to two reasons: (1) presence of a single competent model for a specific response and (2) poor agreement with experimental data for certain responses at which nuclear codes struggle, such as low pressure and subcooled boiling conditions. In general, improvements in composite predictions (based on posterior model weights) are observed for BFBT data, while slight improvement is found for PSBT. For PSBT, the predictive uncertainty of RELAP5 and TRACE dominates the response uncertainty causing weak improvement. Additional efforts are needed to improve the closure models of these codes in future to reduce the model discrepancy contribution. This framework can be utilized for this purpose at which various closure models for the same code can be assessed in terms of their effect on the final response uncertainty. The proposed framework is flexible and extendable to other types of physics, models, and data. Developing the underlying methodology of calculating the model weights is the main focus in the subsequent studies.
Estrogen signaling impacts temporomandibular joint and periodontal disease pathology

Women experience a higher incidence of oral diseases including periodontal diseases and temporomandibular joint disease (TMD) implicating the role of estrogen signaling in disease pathology. Fluctuating levels of estrogen during childbearing age potentiates facial pain, high estrogen levels during pregnancy promote gingivitis, and low levels of estrogen during menopause predisposes the TMJ to degeneration and increases alveolar bone loss. In this review, an overview of estrogen signaling pathways in vitro and in vivo that regulate pregnancy-related gingivitis, TMJ homeostasis, and alveolar bone remodeling is provided. Deciphering the specific estrogen signaling pathways for individual oral diseases is crucial for potential new drug therapies to promote and maintain healthy tissue.
The effects of Deepwater Horizon crude oil on ammonia and urea handling in mahi-mahi (Coryphaena hippurus) early life stages

Abstract Many ecologically important fishes, including mahi-mahi (Coryphaena hippurus), and their offspring were directly exposed to crude oil following the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) oil spill. Early life stage fish are especially vulnerable to the toxicity of crude oil-derived polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). In teleosts, yolk sac proteins are the main energy source during development and are usually catabolized into ammonia or urea among other byproducts. Although excretion of these waste products is sensitive to oil exposure, we know little about the underlying mechanisms of this process. In this study, we examined the effects of crude oil on ammonia and urea handling in the early life stages of mahi. Mahi embryos exposed to 30–32 μg L−1 ∑PAH exhibited increased urea excretion rates and greater accumulation of urea in the tissues before hatch suggesting that ammonia, which is highly toxic, was converted into less-toxic urea. Oil-exposed embryos (6.3–32 μg L−1 ∑PAH) displayed significantly increased tissue ammonia levels at 42 hpf and upregulated mRNA levels of ammonia transporters (Rhag, Rhbg and Rhcg1) from 30 to 54 hpf. However, despite increased accumulation and higher expression of ammonia transporters, the larvae exposed to higher ∑PAH (30 μg L−1 ∑PAH) showed reduced ammonia excretion rates after hatch. Together, the increased production of nitrogenous waste reinforces previous work that increased energy demand in oil-exposed embryos is fueled, at least in part, by protein metabolism and that urea synthesis plays a role in ammonia detoxification in oil-exposed mahi embryos. To our knowledge, this study is the first to combine physiological and molecular approaches to assess the impact of crude-oil on both nitrogenous waste excretion and accumulation in the early life stages of any teleosts.
How Quickly Do Farmers Adopt Technology? A Non-Parametric Duration Analysis of Kansas Farmers’ Adoption

Precision technologies have been available at the farm level for decades. However, the rate at which adoption occurs varies. Some technologies have been readily adopted while others lagged. Analysis of 608 Kansas farms provided insights regarding duration of adoption. The lag, in years, between technologies becoming commercially available and adopted were evaluated using non-parametric duration analysis. Duration for embodied-knowledge technologies were statistically sooner than for information-intensive technologies, indicating farmers adopt automated guidance ‘quicker’ than yield monitors. Duration was indirectly (directly) proportional to commercialization date of embodied-knowledge (information-intensive) technology. Results are useful to farmers considering adoption, retailers targeting customers, and manufacturers managing supply chains.
Expanding access to genetic evaluations in a large community oncology practice through a collaborative service delivery model.

123Background: Identifying individuals with inherited cancer susceptibility is critical to cancer treatment and prevention in patients and families. While the identification and management of inher...
Noise in the microwave absorption of Y Ba 2 Cu 3 O 7 − δ

Low-temperature microwave absorption measurements at 9.3 GHz in ceramic $\mathrm{Y}{\mathrm{Ba}}_{2}{\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}{\mathrm{O}}_{7\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\delta}}$ were made on the broad modulated signal observed after maximum flux had been trapped. Noise occurred on the extrema of this signal if the modulation frequency and amplitude were sufficiently high and the temperature was close to the lowest that could be attained when the limiting factor was the microwave heating of the sample. The source of the noise is proposed to be thermal instabilities, which produce small flux avalanches in the superconducting grains.
Angiogenin regulates PKD activation and COX-2 expression induced by TNF-α and bradykinin in the colonic myofibroblast

Abstract Introduction The myofibroblast is a gastrointestinal stromal cell that is a target of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), a pro-inflammatory cytokine strongly implicated in colitis-associated cancer. Crosstalk between TNF-α and other pro-inflammatory mediators amplify inflammatory signaling but the mechanism is unknown. Angiogenin (ANG) is a 14-kDa angiogenesis protein that is regulated in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. However, the role of ANG on inflammatory mediator crosstalk in the myofibroblast is unknown. Methods The human colonic myofibroblast cell line 18Co, as well as primary mouse and human colonic myofibroblasts, were exposed to TNF-α (10 ng/ml) and bradykinin (BK, 100 nM). ANG was quantified by ELISA. The expression of cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) and phosphorylation of PKD was assessed by Western Blot. Results Primary mouse and human colonic myofibroblasts exposed to TNF-α/BK led to enhanced PKD phosphorylation and synergistic COX-2 expression. 18Co cells secrete high levels of ANG (24h, 265 ± 5 pg/ml). The monoclonal antibody 26-2F, which neutralizes ANG, inhibited TNF-α/BK-mediated PKD phosphorylation and synergistic COX-2 expression in primary human myofibroblasts. Likewise, in primary mouse myofibroblasts that do not express ANG (ANG-KO), TNF-α/BK failed to enhance PKD phosphorylation and COX-2 expression. Conclusions TNF-α/BK enhance PKD phosphorylation and COX-2 expression in primary mouse and human colonic myofibroblasts. Angiogenin is produced by the myofibroblast, and inhibition of ANG signaling, either by its absence (ANG-KO) or by pharmacologic inhibition, blocks enhanced PKD phosphorylation and synergistic COX-2 expression induced by TNF-α/BK. ANG mediates crosstalk signaling between TNF-α/BK in the regulation of stroma-derived COX-2 and may be a novel therapeutic target for the management of colitis-associated cancer.
Correlation effects in parallel tempering and the role of the swapping frequency

In this work, I investigate the effect of the swapping time frequency in parallel tempering (or replica exchange molecular dynamics, REMD) on the sampled equilibrium distributions at the different temperatures. By means of a simple deterministic Ising model originally introduced by M. Creutz (Phys. Rev. Lett., 1983, 50, 1411) I show that high frequency swaps can induce a systematic bias on the sampled REMD equilibrium distributions. The origin of this failure is ascribed to correlation effects among close temperature configurations used to evaluate REMD swapping probabilities. These results should serve as a monitor for using too frequent swapping attempts in parallel tempering simulations of generic Hamiltonians, including the ones used in atomistic simulations.
Physiological Correlates of Sluggish Cognitive Tempo in Children: Examining Autonomic Nervous System Reactivity during Social and Cognitive Stressor Tasks.

It is important to establish correlates of sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT) across units of analysis and to better understand how SCT may be conceptualized in models of psychopathology. The current study examined SCT symptoms in relation to automatic nervous system reactivity during social and cognitive stressor tasks. Participants were 61 children ages 8–12 years with a full range of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptom severity. Parents provided ratings of SCT and parents and teachers completed measures that were used to create composite indices of ADHD symptoms. Children were administered standardized peer rejection and impossible puzzle tasks, during which their respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) and skin conductance level (SCL) reactivity were recorded. Regression analyses indicated that SCT symptoms were unassociated with RSA reactivity to either task. Greater SCT symptoms were significantly associated with greater SCL reactivity to peer rejection. Greater SCT symptoms were not significantly associated with SCL reactivity to the impossible puzzle task. The pattern of findings was unchanged in sensitivity analyses that controlled for ADHD symptoms, internalizing symptoms, medication status, or sex. This study provides the first evidence that SCT symptoms are associated with sympathetic nervous system reactivity. These findings suggest that SCT symptoms may be associated with greater behavioral inhibition system activation, and reactivity may be especially pronounced in social challenges.
Radiculopathy Following Vertebral Body Compression Fracture: The Role of Percutaneous Cement Augmentation

Background Vertebral cement augmentation is a commonly used procedure in patients with vertebral body compression fractures from primary or secondary osteoporosis, metastatic disease, or trauma. Many of these patients present with radiculopathy as a presenting symptom, and can experience symptomatic relief following the procedure. Objectives To determine the incidence of preprocedural radiculopathy in patients with vertebral body compression fractures presenting for cement augmentation, and present their postoperative outcomes. Study design Retrospective cohort study. Setting Interventional pain practice in a tertiary care university hospital. Methods In this cohort study, all patients who underwent kyphoplasty (KP) or vertebroplasty (VP) procedures in a 7-year period within our practice were evaluated through a search of the electronic medical records. The primary endpoint was to evaluate the prevalence of noncompressive preprocedural radiculopathy in our patients. Evaluation of each patient's relative improvement following the procedure, respective to the initial presence or absence of radicular symptoms (including and above T10, above and below T10, and below T10) was included as a secondary endpoint. Additional subanalysis was performed with respect to patients demographics, fracture location, and primary indication for the procedure (osteoporosis, trauma, etc.). Results A total of 302 procedures were performed during this time period, encompassing 544 total vertebral body levels. After exclusion criteria were applied to this cohort, 31.6% of patients demonstrated radiculopathy prior to the procedure that could not be explained by nerve impingement. Nearly half of patients demonstrated an optimal clinical outcome (48.5% nearly complete/complete resolution of symptoms, 40.1% partial resolution of symptoms, 11.4% little to no resolution of symptoms). Patients with fractures above T10 were more likely to see complete resolution, whereas patients with fractures above and below T10 were likely to not see any resolution. Men and women without initial radiculopathy symptoms were more likely to see little to no resolution, regardless of fracture location. Limitations This retrospective study used an electronic chart review of clinicians' notes to determine the presence of radiculopathy and their relative improvement following the procedure. Conclusions Preprocedural radiculopathy is a common symptom of patients presenting for the evaluation of VP or KP. The presence of radiculopathy in the absence of nerve impingement may be an important marker for those patients who may experience greater benefit from the procedure. Key words Radiculopathy, kyphoplasty, vertebroplasty, osteoporosis, compression fracture, spine, cement augmentation.
Mothers' Adjustment to Autism: Exploring the Roles of Autism Knowledge and Culture.

Introduction Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) service-use disparities are well-documented among racial/ethnic minorities. Yet the nuanced impact that culture has on barriers to ASD service-use has not been sufficiently explored among these populations. This study explores the interrelatedness of culture and service-use barriers (i.e., parent ASD knowledge and adjustment) among culturally diverse mothers of children with ASD. Methods Twenty mothers from the Boston area participated in semi-structured qualitative interviews regarding their experiences with ASD. Applied thematic analysis was used to analyze data stratified by ethnicity (Latina vs. non-Latina) and nativity (immigrant vs. U.S. born). Results All mothers had similar gains in ASD knowledge after their children's ASD diagnoses. Non-Latina mothers (immigrant and U.S. born) felt empowered by their gained ASD knowledge, while Latina mothers struggled to fully accept their child's diagnosis and were unable to apply their general ASD knowledge to better understand their child's ASD-related needs. Culturally based stigma against ASD, including rejection from the Latino community and internalized self-blame, appeared to drive Latina mothers' beliefs that ASD is an invalid diagnosis for their child. Conclusion Latina mothers' desire for community acceptance in the context of ASD stigma was a particularly salient cultural value among Latina mothers in this sample. Findings suggest that parent-focused ASD education programs may not sufficiently address ASD service-use disparities for Latina mothers. Rather, ASD education programs that address informational and cultural needs may better promote ASD adjustment among ethnic minority families.
Financial inclusion and inequality: A cross-country analysis

In the context of increasing economic inequality, linkages between finance and the distribution of wealth and income have attracted considerable attention. This paper examines the relationships bet...
Terbinafine and Itraconazole Are Most Effective for Toenail Onychomycosis.

For toenail onychomycosis, continuous terbinafine (Lamisil), 250 mg, and continuous itraconazole (Sporanox), 200 mg, for 12 to 24 weeks are the preferred therapies.
ON THE ORIGIN OF THE HIGH COLUMN DENSITY TURNOVER IN THE H I COLUMN DENSITY DISTRIBUTION

We study the high column density regime of the H I column density distribution function and argue that there are two distinct features: a turnover at N{sub H{sub I}} Almost-Equal-To 10{sup 21} cm{sup -2}, which is present at both z = 0 and z Almost-Equal-To 3, and a lack of systems above N{sub H{sub I}} Almost-Equal-To 10{sup 22} cm{sup -2} at z = 0. Using observations of the column density distribution, we argue that the H I-H{sub 2} transition does not cause the turnover at N{sub H{sub I}} Almost-Equal-To 10{sup 21} cm{sup -2} but can plausibly explain the turnover at N{sub H{sub I}} {approx}> 10{sup 22} cm{sup -2}. We compute the H I column density distribution of individual galaxies in the THINGS sample and show that the turnover column density depends only weakly on metallicity. Furthermore, we show that the column density distribution of galaxies, corrected for inclination, is insensitive to the resolution of the H I map or to averaging in radial shells. Our results indicate that the similarity of H I column density distributions at z = 3 and 0 is due to the similarity of the maximum H I surface densities of high-z and low-z disks, setmore » presumably by universal processes that shape properties of the gaseous disks of galaxies. Using fully cosmological simulations, we explore other candidate physical mechanisms that could produce a turnover in the column density distribution. We show that while turbulence within giant molecular clouds cannot affect the damped Ly{alpha} column density distribution, stellar feedback can affect it significantly if the feedback is sufficiently effective in removing gas from the central 2-3 kpc of high-redshift galaxies. Finally, we argue that it is meaningful to compare column densities averaged over {approx} kpc scales with those estimated from quasar spectra that probe sub-pc scales due to the steep power spectrum of H I column density fluctuations observed in nearby galaxies.« less
Those Dancing Feet! Musical Theater Dance as an Ethnographic Identifier

Commercial dance forms, specifically musical theater dance, remain highly marginalized within higher education research. This article presents the need to establish more scholarly research in music...
The Ralston-Landreth-Gustafson Harmony: A Security!

The legal definition of a security is incomplete but consistent with the economic fun- ction of securities transactions and the financial theory of securities valuation (the Capital Asset Pri- cing Model). The switch of the regulatory environ-
Official Business: International Trade Law and the Resurgence (or Resilience) of the State as an Economic Actor

The end of the 20th century was a time of privatization; so far, the new millennium has heralded a resurgence of state capitalism. China is doubtless Exhibit A. The notion that state enterprises engage in unfair competition is now a common refrain. It is conventional wisdom that the World Trade Organization has not held up on this front, and that the WTO needs new rules to reign in state enterprises. This Article challenges that point of view. Governments should not be able to circumvent existing WTO rules through state enterprises but putting the state sector under new special constraints is unjustified. State enterprise can be a legitimate tool of public policy. Focusing complaints about anti-competitive behavior on the state sector is unwarranted: private firms may also engage in unfair competition and abuse market power. Carefully examining the case law in the WTO, this Article argues that there is a strong basis in existing jurisprudence for holding governments accountable for the conduct of state firms, despite one often-cited decision anomalous tribunal decision. The Article advocates greater transparency & dialogue in the WTO about how ownership structure affects competition and trade-but applied equally to both public & private entities.
The Cost of Counterterrorism: Power, Politics, and Liberty

1. The perilous dichotomy 2. Indefinite detention and coercive interrogation 3. Financial counterterrorism 4. Privacy and surveillance 5. Terrorist speech and free expression 6. Auxiliary precautions.
Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendation–Guided Huddles Improve Communication and Teamwork in the Emergency Department

Problem Thousands of people die annually in hospitals because of poor communication and teamwork between health care team members. Standardized tools and strategies help increase the amount and quality of communication. Two structured communication methods include implementing huddles and the use of the situation, background, assessment, and recommendation (SBAR) communication framework. Methods To improve communication among nurse practitioners and registered nurses within a pediatric emergency department, a performance-improvement project with the structured processes of a joint patient evaluation and huddle was implemented. Data were gathered from 32 nurses and 2 nurse practitioners using structured observation and pre- and post-implementation surveys. The following outcomes were measured: presence or absence of joint patient evaluation and SBAR-guided huddle, verbalization of treatment plan, communication, teamwork, and nurse satisfaction. Results Eighty-three percent of patient encounters included a joint evaluation. A huddle structured with SBAR was conducted 86% of the time. Registered nurses and nurse practitioners verbalized patients' treatment plans in 89% of cases and 97% of cases, respectively. Improved teamwork, communication, and nursing satisfaction scores were demonstrated among the nurse practitioners and registered nurses. Implications for practice This project showed the feasibility of a simple and inexpensive joint nurse practitioner–registered nurse patient evaluation followed by a structured huddle, which improved communication, teamwork, and nurse satisfaction scores. This performance-improvement project has the potential to enhance efficiency by reducing redundancy, as well as to improve patient safety through the use of structured communication techniques.
T-cell co-stimulation through B7RP-1 and ICOS

T-cell activation requires co-stimulation through receptors such as CD28 and antigen-specific signalling through the T-cell antigen receptor. Here we describe a new murine costimulatory receptor-ligand pair. The receptor, which is related to CD28 and is the homologue of the human protein ICOS, is expressed on activated T cells and resting memory T cells. The ligand, which has homology to B7 molecules and is called B7-related protein-1 (B7RP-1), is expressed on B cells and macrophages. ICOS and B7RP-I do not interact with proteins in the CD28-B7 pathway, and B7RP-1 co-stimulates T cells in vitro independently of CD28. Transgenic mice expressing a B7RP-1-Fc fusion protein show lymphoid hyperplasia in the spleen, lymph nodes and Peyer's patches. Presensitized mice treated with B7RP-1-Fc during antigen challenge show enhanced hypersensitivity. Therefore, B7RP-1 exhibits co-stimulatory activities in vitro and in vivo. ICOS and B7RP-1 define a new and distinct receptor-ligand pair that is structurally related to CD28-B7 and is involved in the adaptive immune response.
One-way speed of light?

This is a comment on a paper by Greaves, Rodriguez, and Ruiz-Camacho [Am. J. Phys. 77, 894 (2009)] which reports a measurement of the one-way speed of light.
Alveolar macrophage activation by myeloperoxidase: a model for exacerbation of lung inflammation.

Inflammation of the lung is characterized by the influx of increased numbers of various leukocytes including polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) neutrophils. In addition to cells, numerous studies have pointed to the role of tumor necrosis factor- α in the inflammatory process. This study addresses a previously unrecognized interaction between neutrophil-derived myeloperoxidase (MPO) and resident alveolar macrophages (AMo). Rat AMo exposed to either enzymatically active recombinant MPO or enzymatically inactive MPO (iMPO) exhibited an increased respiratory burst (RB). When iMPO was employed, the enhancement of the RB was greater than that observed with MPO. Although the RB was greater with iMPO, macrophage (Mo)-mediated intracellular candidic activity was equivalent for both MPO and iMPO. It is known that pro- inflammatory cytokines contribute to the inflammatory process. When rat AMo were exposed to both forms of myeloperoxidase, iMPO demonstrated greater upregulation of cytokine genes as well as product. ...
An activity based approach for measuring a hospital's output units of care

Traditionally used units of hospital output have been adjusted patient days (APD) and adjusted discharges, both of which assume patient profiles are equivalent across hospitals. This paper introduces a standardized measure for a hospital output unit of care (HUC) as a function of the direct patient care activities. An HUC is defined as the equivalent resources required to deliver one general medical/surgical inpatient day. The HUC follows a patient activity centric approach, and derives an equivalency parameter for each of the care activities in a hospital. These equivalencies provide a model for the roll-up of all care activities into a unified output measure which inherently captures the patient heterogeneity. The developed HUC measure is comprised of five activity components: (i) case-mix adjusted inpatient days, (ii) intensive care, (iii) nursery, (iv) outpatient care, and (v) ancillary services. Within each component are specific billable activities tracked by MEDPAR, the primary data source for the ...
Solution of Lane–Emden type equations using rational Bernoulli functions

In this paper, a numerical method for solving Lane-Emden type equations, which are nonlinear ordinary differential equations on the semi-infinite domain, is presented. The method is based upon the modified rational Bernoulli functions; these functions are first introduced. Operational matrices of derivative and product of modified rational Bernoulli functions are then given and are utilized to reduce the solution of the Lane-Emden type equations to a system of algebraic equations. Illustrative examples are included to demonstrate the validity and applicability of the technique. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Beyond Words: Using Language and Literature to Teach Compassion for Others

Young children need to have ongoing opportunities to learn about compassion and kindness. The social nature of language makes early literacy classrooms an ideal forum in which to do this. Due to the social nature of language, guided language, writing, and literature-based experiences provide a meaningful springboard from which children can learn the habits of mind and actions associated with compassion. A rationale for addressing compassion within the early literacy curriculum is provided, along with specific strategies and resources for helping children to learn and practice this important concept.
Pathophysiology of adrenal hypertension.

Hypertension affects 20% to 25% of the adult population. Most patients are diagnosed as having essential or primary hypertension. Up to 10% to 15% have an identifiable cause and many of those have an adrenal basis. The identification of an adrenal cause of hypertension provides an opportunity for a targeted therapeutic intervention. Mineralocorticoid hypertension refers to hypertension caused by increased sodium and water retention by the kidney, expansion of the extracellular fluid compartment, and direct effects on the vasculature and circumventricular areas of the central nervous system (CNS), which result in elevation of blood pressure. The most common form of mineralocorticoid hypertension (MCH) is primary hyperaldosteronism (PA). In the past decade, significant advances have been made in our understanding of the pathogenesis of low-renin hypertension with the elucidation of the genetic basis and characterization of 3 forms of monogenic hypertension: glucocorticoid-remediable aldosteronism, syndrome of apparent mineralocorticoid excess, and Liddle's syndrome. This article focuses attention on the role of steroid hormones in the pathogenesis of hypertension and outlines the pathophysiology of the different forms of adrenal hypertension.
Bollylite in America

Slumdog Millionaire's success in the US invites a broader question: have the film's many Bollywood flourishes and references created a wider appetite for its ‘ancestors’ from Bollywood? In addressing the question of Bombay cinema's penetration into the US mainstream, the paper argues that the germane issue is not the influx of Bombay cinema en masse into America's screens but rather the specific forms from Bombay that have captured the interest of US audiences. This form is such a departure from the internal conventions of Bollywood that it is more properly understood as Bollywood Lite, or Bollylite. Bollylite pillages formal characteristics from Bollywood while shearing much of that cinema's fabled social substance and political edge. Thus lightened, Bollylite travels, though with a remarkably limited commercial and critical half-life. Observing Bollylite's fortunes and the material conditions that produce it, the paper examines Bollylite films that have enjoyed successful distribution in the US market, ...
Bio-heat transfer analysis during short pulse laser irradiation of tissues

Abstract The objective of this paper is to analyze the temperature distributions and heat affected zone in skin tissue medium when irradiated with either a collimated or a focused laser beam from a short pulse laser source. Experiments are performed on multi-layer tissue phantoms simulating skin tissue with embedded inhomogeneities simulating subsurface tumors and as well as on freshly excised mouse skin tissue samples. Two types of lasers have been used in this study – namely a Q-switched pulsed 1064 nm Nd:YAG short pulse laser having a pulse width of 200 ns and a 1552 nm diode short pulsed laser having a pulse width of 1.3 ps. Experimental measurements of axial and radial temperature distribution in the tissue medium are compared with the numerical modeling results. For numerical modeling, the transient radiative transport equation is first solved using a discrete ordinates method for obtaining the intensity distribution and radiative heat flux inside the tissue medium. Then the temperature distribution is obtained by coupling the bio-heat transfer equation with either hyperbolic non-Fourier or parabolic Fourier heat conduction model. The hyperbolic heat conduction equation is solved using MacCormack’s scheme with error terms correction. It is observed that experimentally measured temperature distribution is in good agreement with that predicted by hyperbolic heat conduction model. The experimental measurements demonstrate that converging laser beam focused directly at the subsurface location can produce desired high temperature at that location compared to that produced by collimated laser beam for the same laser parameters. Finally the ablated tissue removal is characterized using histological studies as a function of laser parameters.
Still Photography in the Systematic Recording and Analysis of Behavioral Data

Every anthropologist goes into the field with at least a notebook and a still camera. He will have had years of training in the special literacy with which he will handle the observational, conceptual, and interpretive aspects of his discipline in the words he will write. But he may have had little, if any, systematic training in seeing, understanding, taking, or using the materials he will get with his camera.
Primary care patients' views and decisions about, experience of and reactions to direct-to-consumer genetic testing: a longitudinal study.

Little is known about the decisions and perspectives of participants undergoing direct-to-consumer genetic testing (DTCGT). The aims of this study were to examine the views, attitudes and decision-making factors of primary care patients regarding DTCGT. Their experience of and reactions to testing also emerged during the study. In this longitudinal, qualitative study, 20 primary care patients participated in DTCGT and individual interviews: (1) prior to testing after the informed consent session, (2) after receiving results, (3) 3 months post-test, and (4) 12 months post-test. Interviews included open-ended questions and all transcripts were analyzed using grounded theory, constant comparison methods. Five key themes emerged from data analysis as participants underwent DTCGT and reflected on their decision over time: (1) limited concerns about DTCGT, (2) motivations for testing, (3) expectations of testing, (4) understanding of results, and (5) impact of testing and results. While a few participants expressed concerns before testing, participants were motivated to test by curiosity, gaining actionable knowledge, and altruism. Most were uncertain of what to expect from DTCGT and needed assistance in understanding results. While many reported testing had no significant impact on them, being relieved or pleased after testing was the most common emotional effect. Notably, a few participants made positive health changes in response to testing. Given the paucity of information about primary care patients and DTCGT, this study adds more in-depth information to the emerging research on how such participants’ view, make decisions about, experience and react to DTCGT over time. Because uncertainty remains about the accuracy of DTCGT, the response of primary care patients to this testing requires further investigation.
High-resolution analysis of shoreline change and application of balloon-based aerial photography, Albemarle-Pamlico Estuarine System, North Carolina, USA

Previous studies of shorelines have relied on satellite imagery or airplane-based aerial photography, which can be costly, of limited availability, and of restricted resolution. These factors limit the usefulness of such imagery for detailed shoreline-change measurements that require frequent observations with high spatial accuracy. Easily deployed balloon-based photography systems can provide high spatial and temporal resolution images at relatively low cost. This study used an Aerostat balloon photography system along with real-time kinematic (RTK) GPS to observe subannual changes in the shoreline position of the Albemarle-Pamlico Estuarine System (APES), North Carolina, USA. The fine (0.03 m-pixel) resolution of Aerostat images is ideal for mapping shoreline areas although limited in spatial extent. Features digitized from these images compare well in position (0.5 ± 0.5 m) and accuracy (± 0.4 m) to in situ RTK-GPS surveys. The balloon system is best used concurrently with RTK-GPS surveys to obtain the highest possible georectification accuracy. Results demonstrate that this method is well suited to high-accuracy analysis of shoreline positions over short timescales (annual to subannual), and that the balloon images provide a valuable spatial context for any measured changes. Preliminary analysis of shoreline change across the APES highlights great spatial and temporal complexity. Annualized rates of change reached >30 m/y, but average net changes were modest for survey periods (−0.5 m to 0.04 m). Tropical systems (e.g., Hurricane Earl) can be key drivers of the observed shoreline response, and the associated sediment dynamics likely have important ecological (e.g., submerged-aquatic-vegetation and water quality) ramifications.
The stability of precision grip force in older adults.

The exceedingly large grip forces that many older adults employ when lifting objects with a precision pinch grip (Cole, 1991) may compensate for a reduced capability to produce a stable isometric force. That is, their grip force may fluctuate enough from moment to moment to yield grip forces that approach the force at which the object would slip from grasp. We examined the within-trial variability of isometric force in old (68-85 years, n = 13) and young (n = 11) human subjects (a) when they were asked to produce a constant pinch force at three target levels (0.49, 2.25, and 10.5 N) with external support of the arm, hand, and force transducer and (b) when they were asked to grasp, lift, and hold a small test object with a precision grip. Pinch force produced in the first task was equally stable across the two subject groups during analysis intervals that lasted 4 s. The elderly subjects produced grip forces when lifting objects that averaged twice as much as those produced by the young subjects. The force variability during the static (hold) phase of the lift for the old subjects was comparable with that used by the young subjects, after adjusting for the difference in grip force. The failure to observe less stable grip force in older adults contradicts a similar recent study. Differences in task (isometric grip force versus isometric abduction torque of a single digit) may account for this conflict, however. Thumb and finger forces for grip are produced through coactivation of many muscles and thus promote smooth force output through temporal summation of twitches. We conclude that peripheral reorganization of muscle in older adults does not yield increased instability of precision grip force and therefore does not contribute directly to increased grip forces in this population. However, force instability may affect other grip configurations (e.g., lateral pinch) or manipulation involving digit abduction or adduction forces.
Synthesis of 4‐protio‐3‐carbamoyl‐2,2,5,5‐tetraperdeuteromethyl‐3‐pyrrolin‐1‐yloxy (mHCTPO): A selectively isotopically labeled compound for use in T2 spin label oxymetry

The title compound (mHCTPO) has been prepared to enhance sensitivity to molecular oxygen concentration in its Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) spectrum. The synthesis involved a novel variant of the traditional nitroxide synthesis leading to a much improved yield of mHCTPO over the several steps of the synthesis. An enhancement of T2 spin label oxymetry with independent measurment of spin label concentration (from a spectral feature) has been observed. This molecule represents a new class of potentially valuable compounds for in vivo application and for imaging in ESR oxymetry.
Stereoselektive Synthese des Everninomicin‐A1B(A)C‐Gerüsts

Eine Ringschlusmetathese ist der Schlusselschritt bei der Synthese von 1 aus Divinylmethanol. Aus der gemeinsamen Ausgangsverbindung 1 wurden die aktivierten Derivate 2 und 3 hergestellt, die wiederum als Vorstufen fur die Zuckereinheiten der C- und B-Ringe des synthetisierten A1B(A)C-Gerusts 4 von Everninomicin 13,384-1 dienten.