cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Low volume is associated with worse patient outcomes for pediatric liver transplant centers.

Background: An inverse association between hospital procedure volume and postoperative mortality has been demonstrated for a variety of pediatric surgical procedures. The objective of our study was to determine whether such an association exists for pediatric liver transplantation. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of pediatric liver transplant procedures included in the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients over a 7.5-year time period from July 1, 2000, through December 31, 2007. Pediatric liver transplant centers were divided into three volume categories (high, middle, low) based on absolute annual volume. Mean 1-year patient survival rates and aggregate 1-year observed-to-expected (O:E) patient death ratios were calculated for each hospital volume category and then compared using ordered logistic regression and chi square analyses. Results: High-volume pediatric liver transplant centers achieved significantly lower aggregate 1-year O: E patient death ratios than low-volume centers. When freestanding children's hospitals (FCH), children's hospitals within adult hospitals (CAH), and other centers (OC) were considered separately, we found that a significant volume-outcomes association existed among OC centers but not among FCH or CAH centers. Low-volume OC centers, which represent 41.6% of all pediatric liver transplant centers and perform 10% of all pediatric liver transplantation, had the least favorable aggregate 1-year O:E patient death ratio of all groups. Conclusions: We demonstrate that a significant center volume-outcomes relationship exists among OC pediatric liver transplant centers but not among FCH or CAH centers. These findings support the possible institution of minimum annual procedure volume requirements for OC pediatric liver transplant centers.
Residual susceptibility of the red imported fire ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) to four agricultural insecticides.

The red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren, is an abundant predator in cropping systems throughout its range. It has been documented to be an important predator of numerous crop pests, as well as being an agricultural pest itself. Information on the impact of insecticides on natural enemies such as fire ants is necessary for the integration of biological and chemical control tactics in an effective pest management program. Therefore, a residual vial bioassay was developed to determine the concentration-mortality responses of S. invicta workers to four commonly used insecticides: acephate, chlorpyrifos, methomyl, and lambda-cyhalothrin. Fire ant workers showed a mortality response to serial dilutions to all four chemicals. Methomyl (LC50 0.04 μg/vial, fiducial limits 0.03–0.06) was the most toxic, followed by chlorpyrifos (LC50 0.11 μg/vial, fiducial limits 0.07–0.17) and acephate (LC50 0.76 μg/vial, fiducial limits 0.50–1.04). Of the chemicals assayed, it took a much higher concentration of lambda-cyhalothrin (LC50 2.30 μg/vial, fiducial limits 1.57–3.59) to kill 50% of the workers compared with the other three chemicals. The results of this study demonstrate the wide range in responses of fire ants to four insecticides that are labeled and commonly used on numerous agricultural crops throughout the United States. These results further suggest the possibility of using a discriminating dose of lambda-cyhalothrin to control the target pest species while conserving fire ants in the agricultural systems in which their predatory behavior is beneficial to the integrated pest management program.
Nanomedicine: Anticancer Platelet-Mimicking Nanovehicles (Adv. Mater. 44/2015).

Abstract The inside front cover is a schematic representation of an anticancer platelet-mimicking drug-delivery system described by Z. Gu and co-workers on page 7043. The platelet membrane-coated nanovehicles can inhibit primary tumor growth, and also eliminate circulating tumor cells through sequential delivery of plasma membrane-associated cytokine and intracellularly functional small-molecule drugs.
Indirect Encountering Reflectively Analyzed

There is a difference between the direct and the indirect encountering of things. The emphasis in the history of phenomenology, as in the rest of modern philosophy, has been on direct encountering. But at least in industrialized societies, there is acquaintance with vastly more things through indirect encountering. A clarification of what encountering is in general will first be attempted, some traditional doctrines will be objected to, and then the difference between direct and indirect encountering will be explored. The goal is a modest phenomenological investigation that invites the reader to verify, correct, and extend it. Terminology, genre, and the secondary emphasis on thetic or positional components of believing, valuing, and willing are central to the reflective analysis.
Effects of transforming growth factor-beta 1 on nitric oxide synthesis by C2C12 skeletal myocytes

The production of nitric oxide (NO) via the inducible form of NO synthase (iNOS) is regulated by a complex network of cytokines and endogenous hormones. Among these, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta 1) is known to suppress iNOS expression and NO production by many cell types. To determine the effect of TGF-beta 1 on NO production by skeletal muscle cells, we stimulated C2C12 myocytes with interferon-gamma (IFN) and interleukin-1 (IL-1) in the presence or absence of TGF-beta 1. In contrast to findings in macrophages, TGF-beta 1 markedly enhanced NO production by skeletal muscle cells. Increases in NO production reflected significant increases in iNOS immunoreactive protein and iNOS mRNA. Elevated iNOS mRNA levels associated with TGF-beta 1 treatment were not due to an alteration in mRNA stability, but rather reflected a significantly increased transcriptional rate of the iNOS gene. These findings indicate that TGF-beta 1 enhances iNOS expression in skeletal muscle cells and suggest that the regulation of NO production by TGF-beta 1 may depend on the cell type studied.
Ascorbic Acid Dipping as a Means of Extending Shelf Life and Improving Microbial Quality of Cut-Up Broiler Parts

Abstract Dipping cut-up broiler parts in 1% ascorbic acid solution for 3 min. retarded microbial growth and increased the refrigerated shelf life for 6 to 7 days when compared with water dipped controls. Throughout the entire storage period, ascorbic acid dipped samples had lower microbial counts and coliform most probable numbers than the water dipped controls. Dipping in ascorbic acid had no adverse effect on the organoleptic characteristics of the cooked meat. Additional studies employing phosphoric and hydrochloric acid solutions at pH. 2.75 indicated that the pH. reduction was not the only factor responsible for the microbial reduction observed when broiler parts were dipped in 1% ascorbic acid solution.
Structure and Properties of Strained Crystalline Multilayers

We present a computer simulation study of thin crystalline multilayers constructed from two FCC solids with differing lattice constants and binding energies. Both materials are described by Lennard-Jones interatomic potentials and initially have the same orientation and coherent interfaces. We have studied systems in which interfaces are perpendicular to the common [100] and [111] directions, respectively. A novel technique for analyzing local atomic ordering, Common Neighbor Analysis, is used to identify structural characteristics in these systems. We have found several structural changes in the layers of smaller atoms, including an FCC to HCP transition. In a system with (111) texture, a coherent interface to incoherent interface transformation is observed. Calculations of elastic constants of these multilayer structures show that elastic anomalies are associated with the structural variations.
The type B receptor for tumor necrosis factor-alpha mediates DNA fragmentation in HL-60 and U937 cells and differentiation in HL-60 cells.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) binds to two specific cell surface receptors, types A and B, which are both present on HL-60 and U937 cells, and induces monocytoid differentiation in HL-60 cells and early DNA fragmentation in HL-60 and U937 cells. To further define the receptors' roles, we studied how monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) against each receptor affected TNF-induced cellular responses. HTR-9, an MoAb against the type B (low affinity, 55 Kd) receptor, reproduced all of these effects in a dose-dependent manner. UTR-1, an MoAb against the type A (high affinity, 75 Kd) receptor, had no effect in saturating doses, but supersaturating doses enhanced DNA fragmentation threefold. TNF and interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) synergistically induced morphologic differentiation and monocytic antigen expression, while the antitype B receptor MoAb was synergistic for morphologic response, but not antigen expression. Our results indicate that (1) the type B receptor mediates some responses to TNF in HL-60 and U937 cells, (2) the type A receptor does not stimulate these responses, (3) the TNF molecule is not necessary for some of these actions, and (4) TNF- induced morphologic changes and surface antigen expression in HL-60 cells may be regulated by separate postreceptor pathways.
The Developing Countries

Assessing the impact of the projected “single market” for the European Community in “EC92” on the economic situation and performance of the less developed countries (LDCs) considered as a group is the task of this paper. Logically, this requires first that one estimates the nature and magnitude of the formation of the single market on Europe itself, and then attempts to trace the channels through which these effects, whatever they are, might be transmitted to the LDCs. To specify the likely response of the LDCs to these exogenous shocks one also, of course, needs some hypothesis about their structure and behavioural characteristics. Needless to say, a comprehensive study on these lines to do full justice to the task would take a whole research institute quite some time to deliver: all that can be attempted here is to offer some tentative suggestions toward an appropriate conceptual framework for such a study.
Decoupling the Arrhenius equation via mechanochemistry.

Mechanochemistry continues to reveal new possibilities in chemistry including the opportunity for “greening” reactions. Nevertheless, a clear understanding of the energetic transformations within mechanochemical systems remains elusive. We employed a uniquely modified ball mill and strategically chosen Diels–Alder reactions to evaluate the role of several ball-milling variables. This revealed three different energetic regions that we believe are defining characteristics of most, if not all, mechanochemical reactors. Relative to the locations of a given ball mill's regions, activation energy determines whether a reaction is energetically easy (Region I), challenging (Region II), or unreasonable (Region III) in a given timeframe. It is in Region II, that great sensitivity to mechanochemical conditions such as vial material and oscillation frequency emerge. Our unique modifications granted control of reaction vessel temperature, which in turn allowed control of the locations of Regions I, II, and III for our mill. Taken together, these results suggest envisioning vibratory mills (and likely other mechanochemical methodologies) as molecular-collision facilitating devices that act upon molecules occupying a thermally-derived energy distribution. This unifies ball-milling energetics with solution-reaction energetics via a common tie to the Arrhenius equation, but gives mechanochemistry the unique opportunity to influence either half of the equation. In light of this, we discuss a strategy for translating solvent-based reaction conditions to ball milling conditions. Lastly, we posit that the extra control via frequency factor grants mechanochemistry the potential for greater selectivity than conventional solution reactions.
Modeling pedestrian mobility in disaster areas

Abstract Realistic mobility modeling is necessary for testing disaster management strategies as well as performance of disaster–resilient networks. Evacuation of the people from a disaster area depends on the environment and type of the hazard which cause certain changes in the pedestrian flows. Although most models focus on the building evacuations or city-scale evacuation planning, there is a need for a mobility model that captures the pedestrians’ movement behavior during evacuation from large and crowded disaster areas such as theme parks. In this paper, we propose a mobility model of the pedestrians in disaster areas. In our application scenario of theme parks, the main mission of the operators is the evacuation of the visitors and providing access to transportation vehicles such as ambulances. We use real maps to generate theme park models with obstacles, roads, and disaster events. We incorporate macro and micro mobility decisions of the visitors, considering their local knowledge and the social interactions among the visitors. We analyze the outcomes of the simulation of our theme park disaster (TP-D) mobility model with simulations of currently used models and real-world GPS traces. Moreover, using the proposed model as a baseline, we analyze the performance of an opportunistic network application.
Chasing the open-state structure of pentameric ligand-gated ion channels

Remarkable advances have been made toward the structural characterization of ion channels in the last two decades. However, the unambiguous assignment of well-defined functional states to the obtained structural models has proved challenging. In the case of the superfamily of nicotinic-receptor channels (also referred to as pentameric ligand-gated ion channels [pLGICs]), for example, two different types of model of the open-channel conformation have been proposed on the basis of structures solved to resolutions better than 4.0 A. At the level of the transmembrane pore, the open-state models of the proton-gated pLGIC from Gloeobacter violaceus (GLIC) and the invertebrate glutamate-gated Cl – channel (GluCl) are very similar to each other, but that of the glycine receptor (GlyR) is considerably wider. Indeed, the mean distances between the axis of ion permeation and the Cα atoms at the narrowest constriction of the pore (position −2′) differ by ∼2 A in these two classes of model, a large difference when it comes to understanding the physicochemical bases of ion conduction and charge selectivity. Here, we take advantage of the extreme open-channel stabilizing effect of mutations at pore-facing position 9′. We find that the I9′A mutation slows down entry into desensitization of GLIC to the extent that macroscopic currents decay only slightly by the end of pH 4.5 solution applications to the extracellular side for several minutes. We crystallize (at pH 4.5) two variants of GLIC carrying this mutation and solve their structures to resolutions of 3.12 A and 3.36 A. Furthermore, we perform all-atom molecular dynamics simulations of ion permeation and picrotoxinin block, using the different open-channel structural models. On the basis of these results, we favor the notion that the open-channel structure of pLGICs from animals is much closer to that of the narrow models (of GLIC and GluCl) than it is to that of the GlyR.
Design, Analysis, and Evaluation of a Remotely Actuated MRI-Compatible Neurosurgical Robot

The letter presents an MRI-compatible neurosurgical robotic system that is designed to operate the head-mounted meso-scale 6-degree-of-freedom (DoF) spring-based MINIR-II. The robotic system consists of an actuation module, a transmission module, and the robot module. The transmission module consist of a switching mechanism for reducing the required number of motors by half, an innovative linkage mechanism to insert and retract the robot with minimal tendon displacement and friction loss, and a quick-connect mechanism for easy attachment of the disposable MINIR-II. Design, analysis, and development of each module are described in detail. Most of the critical components such as the robot, the quick-connect, the linkage mechanism, and various gear-pulley combinations in our design are 3-D printed. Preliminary mechanical properties characterization of the system and the capability of the underactuated system to replicate the critical functions of the 6-DoF robot are presented. The robot motion capability in a brain phantom model and its MRI compatibility in a 7-T magnet were verified.
Lung Cancer Screening in the Community Setting.

Background Lung cancer has high incidence and high mortality burden, particularly because it is typically diagnosed in later stages. The National Lung Screening Trial demonstrated a lung cancer–specific mortality benefit in high-risk current and former smokers with yearly low-dose chest computed tomography (CT). Lung cancer screening is thus recommended, but it is unclear whether the results of the National Lung Screening Trial can be replicated in community settings. Methods A retrospective review was performed of the lung screening program over its first 5 years, 2012 to 2016. Patients' demographics, initial screening results, follow-up, and management results were analyzed in relation to the National Lung Screening Trial results. Annual adherence was defined as returning for imaging within 1 year + 90 days. Results A total of 1,241 persons underwent initial screening over the 5-year period; 78.6% of findings were benign, and only annual repeat low-dose chest CT was recommended. A total of 29 cancers were identified in 26 participants (2%), of which 72% were stage I. The annual adherence rate to repeat imaging after a low-risk baseline scan was 37%, and the any follow-up rate was 51% despite programmatic efforts to follow screening recommendations. When positive findings required more intensive evaluation, most commonly by repeat chest CT scan, adherence was 88%. A total of 1.1% of all participants had invasive biopsies for benign results. Complications of biopsy were minimal. Conclusions This review demonstrates that a community-based program can approximate the results of the National Lung Screening Trial in detecting early lung cancers. Further study of the adherence phenomenon is essential.
Individual Incentive Based Reward Policy for an Ad Exchange to Mitigate the Threat of Ad Blocking

This article investigates the fairness of the existing business model of advertisement blocking and ad exchange companies by using exchange frameworks and equity theory. It then provides an individual-centric approach for an ad exchange, which aims to provide a fair compensation to individuals in exchange for their information and effort in the targeting and viewing/filtering of online advertisements. In this article, it is shown that by providing a higher value proposition to individuals in an online advertisement ecosystem, the ad exchange can not only increase individuals' equity in the system, but it can also mitigate the threat of ad blocking for publisher websites and advertisers. An efficient algorithm that estimates the monetary impact of the proposed approach and determines a fair monetary incentive-compensation-for individuals' personal information and actions-engagement-is presented in this article.
Hemorrhagic Stroke Patients Who Underwent EVD: Contemporary Mortality Trends in the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) (P5.061)

Objective: Report of the changes in mortality over time in patients who have undergone external ventricular drainage device placement is lacking. This study aims to delineate national trends in mortality in this patient population. Background: Hemorrhage accounts for 15% of strokes in the US, and is associated with a high risk of death. Many of these patients require an external ventricular device as a life-saving intervention. Newer technologies and greater focus on care paths and guidelines have contributed to significant changes in managing hemorrhagic stroke patients who have undergone EVD placement (HS-EVD) over the past decade. Reports of recent mortality trends in this population are lacking. Design/Methods: NIS analysis identified patients acutely admitted with hemorrhagic stroke (ICD-9-CM codes 430 and 431) during the years 2000 – 2011. We identified HS-EVD patients, and dichotomized this group based on survival outcome. Logistic regression was used to examine mortality trends in HS-EVD. Results: The NIS documented total of 292,741 inpatient admissions for hemorrhagic stroke from 2000–2011. EVD insertion took place during the admission in 25,751 (8.8%). The overall mortality rate during the period of study in HS-EVD was 33.4%. The highest mortality rate was at the beginning of the study period (yr. 2000) at 37.8%, and the lowest was at the end of the study period (yr. 2011) at 27.9%. For each one year increase in time between 2000 – 2011, the odds of in-hospital mortality declined significantly by an average of 3.7% (p Conclusions: This analysis of the NIS indicates that HS-EVD associated in-hospital death rates have declined by approximately one-third, outpacing the rate of all-stroke in-hospital mortality declines. Further study of potential factors underlying these trends, including application of newer technologies and specific aspects of ICU care paths and guidelines, is needed to better understand the reasons for this trend, and identify areas for improvement. Study Supported by: The Cleveland Clinic Foundation Neurological Institute Center of Research (NICOR) Disclosure: Dr. Lynch, MD has nothing to disclose. Dr. Thompson, M.S. has nothing to disclose.
An NFC (near-field communication) based wireless power transfer system design with miniaturized receiver coil for optogenetic implants

Optogenetics is the control and monitoring of genetically modified neurons that are responsive to light. It has opened the door for neuroscience research by providing a means to understand the neural circuit dysfunctions such as mood disorders, addiction, and Parkinson's disease. With the growing demand for biomedical implants, the need for a wireless power transfer (WPT) module is also increasing. An essential part of optogenetic implants is the power source of the device. A wireless optogenetic implant requires enough voltage and current to power an LED to stimulate the neurons. In this paper, a WPT module with a transmitter and a compact receiver module are presented. The receiver module contains a miniaturized 6 × 6 mm2 receiver antenna, a Schottky diode, and a mini-LED. The proposed WPT scheme utilizes near-field communication and inductive power transmission at 7.15 MHz frequency. Simulation results using High Frequency Structure Simulator (HFSS) show that the receiver antenna achieves up to a −15.37 dB return loss (Sii) at the resonating frequency. The fabricated WPT system transfers 500 mV pp to the receiver module at 5 mm distance for an input power of 0 dBm. The received power is rectified to provide an average 200 mV DC to turn on a mini-LED. The preliminary simulation and measurement results of the proposed WPT module show a better prospect for future optogenetics based applications.
Endoscopic ambulatory surgery centers in the academic medical center. We can do it too

A freestanding ambulatory surgery center (ASC) at an academic institution is an exception rather than the rule. It is a major challenge to the concept of the traditional academic medical center. Advantages and disadvantages are discussed, as well as the detailed planning process beginning with a well executed feasibility study, the hiring of consultants, and financing of the facility. Construction, opening of the facility and operation are not different from other ACSs. However, the integration of teaching and research presents new opportunities. Lessons learned and advice to others are detailed on how the ASC benefitted one specific institution and how it may add value and revenue to other academic medical centers.
Affirmative Action, Sociology of

Affirmative action is a public policy that uses a range of governmental and private initiatives to enhance the socioeconomic status of racial and ethnic minority groups, or other groups thought to be disadvantaged such as women. The policy evolved during the 1960s to help compensate protected groups for the effects of past and present discrimination, and more recent the policy has been actively used as a means to help ensure greater institutional diversity. Since its inception, affirmative action policy has become controversial and it has led to charges of reverse discrimination by white Americans. Over the years, the concept has taken on different meanings and different forms of implementation. Moreover, its legal status has been affected by court decisions and ballot initiatives that have greatly curtailed its reach and led to an uncertain future for all government supported affirmative action programs.
Affinity chromatography of thymidylate synthetases using 5-fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine 5'-phosphate derivatives of sepharose.

The de novo synthesis of thymidylate from deoxyuridylate proceeds by the following sequence of reactions: $$ 5,10-Methylenetetrahydrofolate + deoxyuridylate\to dihydrofolate + thymidylate $$ (1) $$ Dihydrofolate + TPNH+{{H}^{+}}\to tetrahydrofolate + TP{{N}^{+}} $$ (2) $$ Tetrahydrofolate + "- C{H_2} -" \to 5,10 - methylenetetrahydrofolate $$ (3) In the presence of thymidylate synthetase, 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate donates its labile one-carbon unit (the methylene group) to deoxyuridylate, and also provides the reducing power necessary to convert the methylene group to methyl leading to the formation of thymidylate and dihydrofolate, as is shown in equation (1). The dihydrofolate so formed is converted to tetrahydrofolate with the aid of a second enzyme, dihydrofolate reductase (equation (2)). The cycle is then completed (equation (3)) by tetrahydrofolate acquiring the one-carbon unit necessary to re-form the methylene derivative utilized in the first reaction. Because thymidylate is essential for the biosynthesis of DNA, these reactions play a leading role in cellular replication. This factor is probably responsible for the potent chemotherapeutic properties possessed by compounds such as amethopterin and 5-fluorouracil.
Pervasive Modulation of Obesity Risk by the Environment and Genomic Background

The prevalence of the so-called diseases of affluence, such as type 2 diabetes or hypertension, has increased dramatically in the last two generations. Although genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have discovered hundreds of genes involved in disease etiology, the sudden increase in disease incidence suggests a major role for environmental risk factors. Obesity constitutes a case example of a modern trait shaped by contemporary environment, although with considerable debates about the extent to which gene-by-environment (G×E) interactions accentuate obesity risk in individuals following obesogenic lifestyles. Although interaction effects have been robustly confirmed at the FTO locus, accumulating evidence at the genome-wide level implicates a role for polygenic risk-by-environment interactions. Through a variety of analyses using the UK Biobank, we confirm that the genomic background plays a major role in shaping the expressivity of alleles that increase body mass index (BMI).
Deconstruction of an African folk medicine uncovers a novel molecular strategy for therapeutic potassium channel activation

A third of the global population relies heavily upon traditional or folk medicines, such as the African shrub Mallotus oppositifolius. Here, we used pharmacological screening and electrophysiological analysis in combination with in silico docking and site-directed mutagenesis to elucidate the effects of M. oppositifolius constituents on KCNQ1, a ubiquitous and influential cardiac and epithelial voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channel. Two components of the M. oppositifolius leaf extract, mallotoxin (MTX) and 3-ethyl-2-hydroxy-2-cyclopenten-1-one (CPT1), augmented KCNQ1 current by negative shifting its voltage dependence of activation. MTX was also highly effective at augmenting currents generated by KCNQ1 in complexes with native partners KCNE1 or SMIT1; conversely, MTX inhibited KCNQ1-KCNE3 channels. MTX and CPT1 activated KCNQ1 by hydrogen bonding to the foot of the voltage sensor, a previously unidentified drug site which we also find to be essential for MTX activation of the related KCNQ2/3 channel. The findings elucidate the molecular mechanistic basis for modulation by a widely used folk medicine of an important human Kv channel and uncover novel molecular approaches for therapeutic modulation of potassium channel activity.
Cowl Shapes of Minimum Drag in Supersonic Flow: Part 2. Newtonian Optima

In part 1 of this paper the shape of an axially symmetric ducted body, of given length and fineness ratio, having minimum pressure drag was derived using the Newtonian impact pressure law. It was shown that this shape closely approximated that found by a computer method of Guderley, Armitage and Valentine which employed the general flow equations. Indeed the two curves could be distinguished only for values of the diameter ratio Δ= d i /d f , of the initial and final diameters, so small as to be outside the range likely to be used for cowl shapes.
Impact of mobile radiography services in nursing homes on the utilisation of diagnostic imaging procedures

In the last decade, mobile radiography services have been introduced in nursing homes in several countries. Earlier research found an underutilisation of diagnostic imaging among nursing home residents. However, the effects of introducing mobile radiography services on the use of diagnostic imaging are unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the utilisation of diagnostic imaging among nursing home residents and if there are any differences between hospitals with and without a mobile radiography service. Data for 2015 were collected from the radiological information systems of 11 hospitals. The data included information on the anatomical region/organ/organ system, modality, and information on where the examination took place. Using nursing home beds as a proxy for nursing home residents’ differences in the use of diagnostic imaging in areas with hospitals with and without mobile radiography services were analysed. The chi-squared test was used to compare the areas. From 11,066 examinations of nursing home residents, 87% were plain radiographs, 8% were CT scans, and 4% were ultrasound examinations. In areas with mobile radiography services, there was a significantly higher proportion of diagnostic imaging used per nursing home bed, 50% per bed compared to 36% per bed in areas without; p = < 0.001. Furthermore, in areas with mobile radiography services, there was a significantly lower proportion of CT and ultrasound used per nursing home bed, 2.5 and 1.4% respectively per bed compared to 4.7 and 2.2% respectively per bed in areas without; p = < 0.001. This study demonstrate a lower use of radiology by nursing home residents compared to the general population, and indicates that mobile radiography services increase the level closer to the user rate in the general population. The proportions of plain radiographs are significantly higher in areas with a mobile radiography service, while the proportion of more advanced imaging techniques such as CT and ultrasound are lower. The higher use of diagnostic imaging is most likely appropriate because of higher morbidity and lower use of diagnostic imaging among nursing home residents, compared to the general population. Further research is necessary on how to improve diagnostic imaging services for nursing home residents.
Structure, Function, and Localization of Gβ5–RGS Complexes

Members of the R7 subfamily of regulator of G protein signaling (RGS) proteins (RGS6, 7, 9, and 11) exist as heterodimers with the G protein beta subunit Gβ5. These protein complexes are only found in neurons and are defined by the presence of three domains: DEP/DHEX, Gβ5/GGL, and RGS. This article summarizes published work in the following areas: (1) the functional significance of structural organization of Gβ5–R7 complexes, (2) regional distribution of Gβ5–R7 in the nervous system and regulation of R7 family expression, (3) subcellular localization of Gβ5–R7 complexes, and (4) novel binding partners of Gβ5–R7 proteins. The review points out some contradictions between observations made by different research groups and highlights the importance of using alternative experimental approaches to obtain conclusive information about Gβ5–R7 function in vivo.
Liberalism and Education

Liberalism is an evolving political, economic and moral philosophy that stresses the significance of individual rights. It has had a significant influence in politics, economics, moral doctrine, and education especially in Western Europe and the United States. As a political philosophy it arose as an attempt to re-legitimize political authority at a time when religious wars had devastated Europe and at a time when the doctrine of the divine right of kings that had previously been used to justify political and moral order was discredited. As an economic idea, liberalism's primary concern is the development of market economies. As a political ideal it is concerned with individual rights and the role of government in protecting them. The history of liberalism is a history of coming to terms with what these ideas mean in the context of changing social, political, and economic considerations. As a moral ideal it takes the individual person as both the agent of and the standard for moral action. As an educational idea its concern is the development of individual autonomy.
The role of scientific communication in predicting science identity and research career intention

The number of biomedical sciences PhDs persisting in academic faculty careers has been declining. As one potential influence on trainees' intention to persist, we investigate the development of scientific communication (SC) skills, hypothesizing that attitudes and behaviors regarding scientific writing, speaking, and presenting predict academic research career intention, through science identity. After adapting a social-cognitive career theoretical model of SC to include science identity and mentor practices, we conducted a longitudinal survey of 185 doctoral and postdoctoral fellows. Structural equation modeling was used to examine relationships among SC productivity, SC self-efficacy, SC outcome expectations, mentor practices in SC, science identity, and research career intention. Results confirmed the overall model and revealed additional specific pathways: SC productivity and SC outcome expectations directly predicted career intention; SC productivity and mentor practices predicted science identity through SC self-efficacy. Demographic factors did not predict intention when controlling for SC variables. Findings support a model of SC skill development as a predictor of research career intention (R2 = .32). The finding that SC language use predicts science identity has important sociolinguistic implications. The key factors in this process are actionable at the trainee, mentor, and institutional levels, suggesting potential for SC interventions to increase career persistence.
Decisional Conflict and Knowledge Among Patients With Varicocele Seeking Treatment for Infertility.

Abstract Objective To study disease-specific knowledge and decisional quality in men with varicocele being counseled for infertility. Materials and Methods An instrument designed to measure decisional quality by evaluating disease-specific knowledge, decisional conflict, and the impression that shared decision-making was administered to 92 men identified to have a varicocele seeking their initial infertility consultation. Mean scores on disease-specific knowledge questionnaire, prevalence of decisional conflict, and impact of consultation on preferred infertility treatment were analyzed. Results Fifty-five percent of patients were found to have decisional conflict. Compared to those with decisional conflict, men without decisional conflict scored higher on the infertility knowledge assessment (63% vs 53% correct) and were more likely to feel that they discussed treatment options with their physician in detail (98% vs 82%) (all P Conclusion Infertile men with varicocele have limited knowledge of their disease and high rates of decisional conflict. Before consultation, men with varicoceles showed preference for assisted reproductive technology over varicocele surgery; this trend reversed after consultation. Men with decisional conflict were less likely to prefer varicocelectomy, even after consultation.
Inpatient stroke rehabilitation: prediction of clinical outcomes using a machine-learning approach

In clinical practice, therapists often rely on clinical outcome measures to quantify a patient’s impairment and function. Predicting a patient’s discharge outcome using baseline clinical information may help clinicians design more targeted treatment strategies and better anticipate the patient’s assistive needs and discharge care plan. The objective of this study was to develop predictive models for four standardized clinical outcome measures (Functional Independence Measure, Ten-Meter Walk Test, Six-Minute Walk Test, Berg Balance Scale) during inpatient rehabilitation. Fifty stroke survivors admitted to a United States inpatient rehabilitation hospital participated in this study. Predictors chosen for the clinical discharge scores included demographics, stroke characteristics, and scores of clinical tests at admission. We used the Pearson product-moment and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients to calculate correlations among clinical outcome measures and predictors, a cross-validated Lasso regression to develop predictive equations for discharge scores of each clinical outcome measure, and a Random Forest based permutation analysis to compare the relative importance of the predictors. The predictive equations explained 70–77% of the variance in discharge scores and resulted in a normalized error of 13–15% for predicting the outcomes of new patients. The most important predictors were clinical test scores at admission. Additional variables that affected the discharge score of at least one clinical outcome were time from stroke onset to rehabilitation admission, age, sex, body mass index, race, and diagnosis of dysphasia or speech impairment. The models presented in this study could help clinicians and researchers to predict the discharge scores of clinical outcomes for individuals enrolled in an inpatient stroke rehabilitation program that adheres to U.S. Medicare standards.
Medical Students’ Participation in Longitudinal Community Service During Preclerkship Years: A Qualitative Study on Experiences and Perceived Outcomes:

The aim of this study was to qualitatively evaluate medical students perspectives of the benefits of a longitudinal volunteering experience compared with a 1-day community service experience. Fifteen medical students participated in 2 types of community service: (1) longitudinal, weekly volunteering from February to April of 2019 and (2) a single day of community service in March of 2019. Semistructured interviews were conducted to identify medical students perspectives of the impact of volunteering. Interview data was analyzed thematically based on the common ideas expressed by the participants. Four themes emerged: development of communication and interpersonal skills; understanding how to teach; ability to understand community issues in a low socioeconomic status (SES) neighborhood and the improvement of overall well-being. Medical students' participation in a longitudinal nutrition education volunteer program was perceived as being an effective way to develop communication, interpersonal, and teaching skills. Medical students were able to interact with a diverse and vulnerable community located in a low SES neighborhood, to help them understand current community issues and risk factors.
Breaking Analog Locking Techniques

Similar to digital circuits, analog circuits are also susceptible to supply-chain attacks. There are several analog locking techniques proposed to combat these supply-chain attacks. However, there exists no elaborate evaluation procedure to estimate the resilience offered by these techniques. Evaluating analog defenses requires the usage of non-Boolean variables, such as bias current and gain. Hence, in this work, we evaluate the resilience of the analog-only locks and analog and mixed-signal (AMS) locks using satisfiability modulo theories (SMTs). We demonstrate our attack on five analog locking techniques and three AMS locking techniques. The attack is demonstrated on commonly used circuits, such as bandpass filter (BPF), low-noise amplifier (LNA), and low-dropout (LDO) voltage regulator. Attack results on analog-only locks show that the attacker, knowing the required bias current or voltage range, can determine the key. Likewise, knowing the protected input patterns (PIPs), the attacker can determine the key to unlock the AMS locks. We then extend our attack to break the existing analog camouflaging technique.
Renal function in short-statured children born small for gestational age and treated with growth hormone.

BACKGROUND Children born small for gestational age (SGA), particularly when associated with an extremely low birthweight (ELBW), have a higher risk of renal dysfunction. Growth hormone (GH) treatment is used to treat short-statured children born SGA; however, its effects on renal function remain elusive, especially in those born SGA with ELBW. METHODS Short-statured children born SGA (N = 42) were included. Subjects were subdivided into two groups based on their birthweight: the ELBW group (N = 15) with a birthweight of <1,000 g, and the non-ELBW group (N = 27) with birthweights ranging between 1,000 and 2,500 g. The creatinine-based estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) before (pre-eGFR) and 5 years after GH treatment (post-eGFR) were compared. Correlations between eGFR, anthropometric, or birth parameters, and cumulative GH dose were evaluated using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. RESULTS The ELBW group had a lower pre- and post-eGFR than the non-ELBW group. Five-year GH treatment did not significantly reduce eGFR in either group. Post-eGFR was positively associated with gestational week and birthweight. However, the cumulative GH dose was not correlated with pre-eGFR, post-eGFR, or percentage change in eGFR (%ΔeGFR). The change in bodyweight standard deviation score during GH treatment was positively correlated with %ΔeGFR in the ELBW group. CONCLUSIONS The current results indicated that GH treatment was unlikely a risk for the reduction in eGFR in short-statured children born SGA. However, eGFR should be carefully monitored, especially in those born SGA with ELBW because these subjects had lower eGFR than non-ELBW subjects.
A comparison of white/red and white/blue LED light fixtures on Pekin duck production, stress and behaviour.

1. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of two mixed LED light spectra on duck production, stress and fear responses. Pekin ducks were reared under either white/red (WR) or whit...
Susceptibility and resistance in leprosy: Studies in the mouse model

Leprosy is a chronic granulomatous infectious disease caused by the pathogen, Mycobacteriu M. lepromatosis, and the more recently discovered, M. lepromatosis. Described in 1873, M. leprae was among the first microorganisms to be proposed as a cause of a human infectious disease. As an obligate intracellular bacterium, it has still not thus far been reproducibly cultivated in axenic medium or cell cultures. Shepard's mouse footpad assay, therefore, was truly a breakthrough in leprosy research. The generation of immunosuppressed and genetically engineered mice, along with advances in molecular and cellular techniques, has since offered more tools for the study of the M. leprae-induced granuloma. While far from perfect, these new mouse models have provided insights into the immunoregulatory mechanisms responsible for the spectrum of this complex disease.
Predictors of Subjective Cognitive Decline Among People With Diabetes: Data From the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System:

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and SCD-related functional limitations among people with diabetes and to identify socioeconomic ...
Directed energy deposition joining of Inconel 625 to 304 stainless steel with direct bonding

Understanding and developing efficient methods to join dissimilar materials is important in additive manufacturing technology. Approaches include functional grading, adding a filler layer, and direct bonding. Each has advantages and disadvantages, but in any, avoiding deleterious brittle phases enhances success. Cracking, attributed to metal carbide formation, has been reported in the Inconel 625 (IN625) to Stainless Steel 304 system when functionally graded. Here, we investigate directly bonded junctions in this material system. Scanning electron microscopy is performed to characterize melt pool composition, substrate interdiffusion and gross defects in single beads and single-layer pads. Cracking and intermetallic formation are not detected at high IN625 content. At lower IN625 content, such gross defects are observed and are attributed to carbide formation. To emulate service conditions, heat treatments are conducted up to 1300 °C. Although oxidation occurs at the highest temperatures, no gross defects develop at junctions in pads with higher IN625 content.
Remissions Induced in Patients with Trophoblastic Tumors by 6-Diazo-5-Oxo-L-Norleucine (DON)

Trophoblastic tumors associated with pregnancy comprise a fascinating spectrum of diseases. Several aspects of these tumors relate directly to major problems in cancer research and therapy.
Factors modulating brain serotonin turnover.

Publisher Summary In view of the relatively high K m for oxygen of tryptophan-5-hydroxylase, the rate of brain 5-HT turnover is highly susceptible to pO 2 and, therefore, small adjustments in the rate of 5-HT synthesis may depend on changes in tissue pO 2 . Experimental evidence is now available showing that during hyperbaric oxygenation the brain 5-HT and NE can be depleted exponentially. Reports in the literature show that the turnover time of brain NE stores is 5.8 hours and that of brain 5-HT stores is 1.2 hours. This difference in turnover time must reflect some difference in the biochemical properties of the store rather than in the physiological utilization, because electrical stimulation of the spinal cord of mice has revealed that the amounts of 5-HT and NE released are comparable, and that electrical impulses increase the turnover of both amine stores by the same extent. Experiments have revealed that ether increases the 5-HT turnover and the level of 5-HIAA while lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) decreases the brain 6-HIAA level, the metabolism rate of brain 5-HT through monoamine oxidase (MAO) and slightly increases the level of brain 5-HT. An increase of 5-HT turnover is not a general property of anesthesia because halothane and cyclopropane fail to increase the 5-HT turnover.
“Euro-Islam”: Going Beyond the Aporiatic Politics of Othering

Is a “Euro-Islam” possible? Whether at the level of theory, practice or policy, very few scholars and practitioners pay enough sustained attention to the fact that how we think/not-think, speak/silence, inscribe/erase, and address/ignore various aspects of “Islam in Western Europe” has much to do with the concepts of “identity” and “other.” Whereas policy-makers, activists, peace-advocates, and fear-mongers continuously deploy these concepts for or against certain strategies, agendas and purposes, it is important to “deconstruct” these concepts so as to open up a horizon for thinking the possibility of a Euro-Islam. This paper thus argues that thinking of Euro-Islam implies an aporiatic politics of “Othering” and that it is possible to go beyond this aporia in a certain way by using a new approach for thinking about Islam in Europe. I develop this framework through a deconstruction of the concepts of “identity” and “other” using a non-Aristotelian logic of “without,” the pair of undecidable concepts immunity/auto-immunity, and Derrida’s notion of “negotiation.”