cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
DREADDing the lateral habenula: A review of methodological approaches for studying lateral habenula function

The lateral habenula (LHb) is part of the habenular complex in the dorsal diencephalon. The LHb is an important regulator of several neurotransmitter systems in the midbrain; disturbances in this regulation may contribute to mood disorders, abnormalities in cognition, drive, and addiction. Owing to the critical role this nucleus plays in modulating activity of midbrain nuclei, there has been a rapid increase in studies targeting the LHb in the recent years. In this review, we describe studies using traditional approaches to elucidate the function of this brain region, such as lesion, electrical and chemical stimulation, electrophysiology and in vivo microdialysis. We have selected a variety of illustrative studies to discuss each of these methods. Next, we describe studies using methods that are based upon recent advances in molecular biology techniques including recent results from our laboratory using the Designer Receptor Exclusively Activated by Designer Drug (DREADD) technology. Using a Gi/o-coupled DREADD, we found that inhibition of the LHb reduces depression-like behavior in the forced swim test in a manner that suggests enhanced serotonergic activity. The emerging picture reveals that the LHb is likely to be a critical node in the network of subcortical nuclei that regulate aversive learning, motivation, stress responses, etc. We describe how recently developed methods have advanced the study of the LHb and are leading research of this brain region in promising new directions. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Optogenetics (7th BRES).
Challenges for the academic test community

Abstract only given, substantially as follows. These are exciting times for digital technology, as we see continual reductions in feature size and power supply voltage, and increases in chip size, density and speed. Unfortunately, test costs seem to demand an increasing fraction of the total production costs. The author discusses the relationship between industry and academic research from the perspective of funding, sharing of data and distribution of software.
Effect of Unsteady Stator Wake—Rotor Double-Leakage Tip Clearance Flow Interaction on Time-Average Compressor Performance

A study has been conducted, using unsteady three-dimensional Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes simulations to determine the impact on rotor performance of the interaction between upstream (steady defect and time-varying defect) stator wakes and rotor tip clearance flow. The key effects of the interaction between steady stator wakes and rotor tip clearance flow are: 1) a decrease in loss and blockage associated with tip clearance flow; 2) an increase in passage static pressure rise. Performance benefit is seen in the operability range from near design to high loading. The benefit is modest near design and increases with loading. Significant beneficial changes due to the stator-rotor interaction occur when the phenomenon of tip clearance flow double-leakage is present. Double-leakage occurs when the tip clearance flow passes through the tip gap of the adjacent blade. It is detrimental for compressor performance. The effect of strong stator-rotor interaction is to suppress double-leakage on a time-average basis. Double-leakage typically takes place at high loading but can be present at design condition as well, for modern highly loaded compressor. A benefit due to unsteady interaction is also observed in the operability range of the rotor. A new generic causal mechanism is proposed to explain the observed changes in performance. It identifies the interaction between the trip clearance flow and the pressure pulses, induced on the rotor blade pressure surface by the upstream wakes, as the cause for the observed effects. The direct effect of the interaction is a decrease in the time-average double-leakage flow through the tip clearance gap so that the stream-wise defect of the exiting tip flow is lower with respect to the main flow. A lower defect leads to a decrease in loss and blockage generation and hence an enhanced performance compared to that in the steady situation. The performance benefits increase monotonically with loading and scale linearly with upstream wake velocity defect. With oscillating defect stator wakes, rotor performance shows dependence on oscillation frequency. Changes in the tip region occur at a particular reduced frequency leading to (1) decrease in blockage, and (2) increase in passage loss. The changes in rotor performance at a particular reduced frequency are hypothesized to be associated with the inherent unsteadiness of the tip clearance vortex and its resonance behavior excited by the oscillating wakes.
PS2-44: VDW Data Sources: Kaiser Permanente Northern California

Background The Virtual Data Warehouse (VDW) was created as a mechanism for producing comparable data across sites for purposes of proposing and conducting research. It is “virtual” in the sense that the data remain at the local sites; there is no shared multi-site physical database at a centralized data coordinating center. At the core of the VDW are a series of standardized file definitions. Content areas and data elements that are commonly required for research studies are identified, and data dictionaries are created for each of the content areas, specifying a common format for each of the elements—variable name, label, description, code values, and value labels. Local site programmers have mapped the data elements from their HMO’s data systems into this standardized set of variable definitions, names, and codes, as well as into standardized SAS file formats. This common structure of the VDW files enables a SAS analyst at one site to write one program to extract and/or analyze data at all participating sites.
Routine Monitoring of Cyclosporine in Whole Blood and in Kidney Tissue Using High Performance Liquid Chromatography

A simple Isocratic reversed-phase high pressure liquid chromatographic procedure for the specific estimation of cyclosporlne in 1 mL of whole blood using cyclosproin D as internal standard is described. The chromatographic conditions chosen afford a high degree of resolution and sensitivity, a prolonged analytical column life (four months), and complete analysis of ether extracts within 8 mln. The limit of detection is 10/Jg/L. Thirty-five patient samples can be analyzed in a single batch with a turnaround time of 7 hr. This method has been in use in the authors' therapeutic drug monitoring laboratory for nearly two years. It can be simply adapted for the analysis of cyclosporine in kidney samples as a possible aid in the diagnosis of therapeutic failure or toxicity in renal allograft recipients. Examples are given to illustrate the usefulness of frequent monitoring of cyclosporine in stabilizing graft function after organ transplantation.
The Tinbergen legacy in photography and film

Niko Tinbergen always felt that something was wrong because he was able to spend much of his professional life doing things that he enjoyed enormously: watching and photographing animals, and trying to work out the interaction between behaviour and evolution. He wrote an elegant justification of his activities near the end of ‘Curious naturalists’ (Tinbergen, 1958):
Beyond Westermarck: Can Shared Mothering or Maternal Phenotype Matching Account for Incest Avoidance?

Westermarck's Hypothesis (WH) is widely accepted amongst evolutionary scientists as the best explanation of human incest avoidance. Although WH may account for incest avoidance between co-reared ki...
Nervous, endocrine, immune systems as a target for complementary and alternative medicine.

Homeostasis is a fundamental process in life conducted under various stressors. Human health in a highly variable environment is dependent upon the proper balance of physiological processes. According to emerging views, homeostasis may be achieved by the coordinated activities of the three major integrative systems: the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems. The immune system has for a long time been considered as independent, but recent numerous studies have revealed it to be in a delicate state of balance with the neuro-endocrine system. In this chapter, the author reviews how this reciprocal modulation between neuro-endocrine and immune systems is maintained in relation to stress and diseases. Possible animal models for the basic study of neuro-endocrine-immune system are also presented. Lastly, there is a discussion of how: 1) the development of these animal models is important; 2) complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) could contribute to the alleviation of stress-induced diseases.
Plant Maturity Effects on the Physicochemical Properties and Dilute Acid Hydrolysis of Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum, L.) Hemicelluloses

Hemicelluloses account for 20–35% of grass feedstocks and not only present a barrier to enzymes accessing cellulose during enzymatic hydrolysis but also contain sugars that can be utilized as subst...
American Historians: A Bicentennial Appraisal

N EVER has American history been more in the public eye than in this bicentennial year. Amidst the lavish recalling of our national heritage, this massive evocation of American history, there is a painful anomaly. There never has been a greater need for professionally trained American historians than today, and never has there been a time when so many historians were seeking employment. This ironic fact causes me, at this annual meeting of the Organization of American Historians marking the bicentennial, to undertake an appraisal of the profession. It is a somber topic, running counter, as so much does in 1976, to the traditional American idea of progress, yet through its exploration may be found some possible avenues for positive action. The historical profession is in a state of crisis, and it is one of our most salutary American traditions in time of crisis to seek new opportunities. Two major problems afflict the history profession, both calling for our thoughtful attention and our best efforts to find solutions. One is the malaise in the teaching of history in the schools; the other is the overproduction of doctorates, many of whom are unable to find employment in academic institutions or in history-related occupations. Both these problems are of vital concern to members of this organization. Since an Organization of American Historians committee has recently reported on the crisis in the schools, and is at present drafting proposals for a project to bring improvement, I would like to focus my attention on the problem of the Ph Ds. I shall in the course of these remarks refer frequently both to all doctorates in history and to that largest segment of them in the field of American history. It is difficult to talk about the part without also discussing the whole.
Nellix EndoVascular Aneurysm Sealing System: Device description, technique of implantation, and literature review

Clinical outcome reports document that from 30% to 60% of endovascular aneurysm repair procedures are performed outside of US Food and Drug Administration-approved Instruction for Use, or "off label." Endovascular aneurysm repair performed outside of Instruction for Use has a significantly higher rate of device failure, potentially requiring device reintervention and even planned or emergent explant. The Nellix device has the potential to reduce the rate of aneurysm device failure through its novel design. The objective of this article was to introduce the Nellix EndoVascular Aneurysm Sealing System and indications for use and describe the technique of implantation. We describe various modes of endovascular aneurysm repair failure and how the Nellix system can reduce these unplanned adverse outcomes. Additional clinical applications and theoretical shortcomings of endovascular aneurysm sealing devices are detailed.
Exploring the nucleophilicity of N,N′-diamidocarbenes: Heteroallenes and related compounds as coupling reagents†

The propensity of a stable N,N′-diamidocarbene (DAC) to react with various heteroallenes was explored. The DAC condensed with 4-nitrophenyl azide as well as 4-nitrophenyl isothiocyanate to afford the respective acyclic triazene or zwitterionic dihydropyrimidinium imidothiolate products. Treating the DAC with two equivalents of 3-nitrophenyl isocyanate afforded an iminooxazolidinone rather than the expected hydantoin. Similarly, the addition of diphenylketene to the DAC afforded a dioxolane product, whereas analogous reactions involving N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) resulted in betaine adducts. Although the DAC as well as various diaminocarbenes condensed with 2,6-dimethoxyphenyl nitrile N-oxide to afford the respective nitrosoethylenes, only the six-membered DAC and NHC adducts rearranged to the corresponding nitrones at elevated temperature. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relationship between the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) variant R306ter and physiological responses to mechanical or thermal stimuli in Labrador Retriever dogs.

Abstract Objective Variants in the MC1R gene have been associated with red hair color and sensitivity to pain in humans. The study objective was to determine if a relationship exists between MC1R genotype and physiological thermal or mechanical nociceptive thresholds in Labrador Retriever dogs. Study design Prospective experimental study. Animals Thirty-four Labrador Retriever dogs were included in the study following public requests for volunteers. Owner consent was obtained and owners verified that their dog was apparently not experiencing pain and had not been treated for pain during the previous 14 days. The study was approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. Methods Nociceptive thresholds were determined from a mean of three thermal and five mechanical replications using commercially available algometers. Each dog was genotyped for the previously described MC1R variant (R306ter). Data were analyzed using one-way anova with post hoc comparisons using Tukey’s test ( p Results Thirteen dogs were homozygous wild-type (WT/WT), nine were heterozygous (WT/R306ter), and eight were homozygous variant (R306ter/R306ter) genotype. Four dogs could not be genotyped. A significant difference ( p = 0.04) in mechanical nociceptive thresholds was identified between dogs with the WT/WT genotype (12.1 ± 2.1 N) and those with the WT/R306ter genotype (9.2 ± 2.4 N). Conclusion A difference in mechanical, but not thermal, nociceptive threshold was observed between wild-type and heterozygous MC1R variants. Differences in nociceptive thresholds between homozygous R306ter variants and other genotypes for MC1R were not observed. Clinical relevance Compared with the wild-type MC1R genotype, nociceptive sensitivity to mechanical force in dogs with a single variant R306ter allele may be greater. However, in contrast to the reported association between homozygous MC1R variants (associated with red hair color) and nociception in humans, we found no evidence of a similar relationship in dogs with the homozygous variant genotype.
Surfactant addition to alkali solutions for increased carbon dioxide absorption rates

To meet the growing need for CO2 capture and storage technology, Michigan Technological University is studying CO2 capture using alkali-based solvents. The objective of the present study was to find a way to increase the absorption rate of CO2 into an alkali solution without reducing the absorption capacity of the solution. One approach to increasing absorption rate is to use a surfactant to chemically alter the gas bubble size. The surfactant chosen for the study was a neutral-charge polypropylene glycol methyl ether (PPGME) with a molecidar weight of 200. Experiments were conducted to study the absorption rate of CO2 at varying surfactant concentrations. Residts showed that as the concentration of PPGME increased in solution, the absorption rate also increased. The CO2 absorption rate increased from 3.45 × 10−3 mol/min CO2 at 0g/L PPGME to 3.92 × 10−3 mol/min CO2 at 0.48 g/L PPGME. This amounted to a 14% increase in the CO2 absorption rate with no decrease in the absorption capacity of the solution.
A New Ecology for Education: Refocusing Educational Technology Beyond Content

In this new century, much of education in general and educational technology in particular have centered on the delivery of information. Instructional design has, since the last century, focused on increasing efficiency and measuring retention. At this point, however, we need to develop a “new ecology” of learning, one which includes other forms of learning into education and one which develops students who are curious, creative, and capable. In our new ecology of education, we should be focusing on the complex and full diversity of learning, not just on a few simple aspects. We must go beyond content to include the development of skills and cognitive traits such as creativity, curiosity, and persistence.
Field Experience through Community Engagement: A Model and Case Study

A crucial element in the foundation of geographic training is field experience and the opportunity to learn how to interpret the landscape. This element of the geographer's background provides a li...
Hexagonally Ordered Arrays of α-Helical Bundles Formed from Peptide-Dendron Hybrids

Combining monodisperse building blocks that have distinct folding properties serves as a modular strategy for controlling structural complexity in hierarchically organized materials. We combine an α-helical bundle-forming peptide with self-assembling dendrons to better control the arrangement of functional groups within cylindrical nanostructures. Site-specific grafting of dendrons to amino acid residues on the exterior of the α-helical bundle yields monodisperse macromolecules with programmable folding and self-assembly properties. The resulting hybrid biomaterials form thermotropic columnar hexagonal mesophases in which the peptides adopt an α-helical conformation. Bundling of the α-helical peptides accompanies self-assembly of the peptide-dendron hybrids into cylindrical nanostructures. The bundle stoichiometry in the mesophase agrees well with the size found in solution for α-helical bundles of peptides with a similar amino acid sequence.
Octocoral distribution is associated with substratum orientation on coral reefs in St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands

Abstract In marine benthic habitats, structural complexity is positively associated with diversity, and the area of hard surfaces modulates community structure. These principles are well developed on tropical coral reefs, where stony corals create complex surfaces that are favored for settlement. This study explores the relationship between substratum orientation and the distribution of arborescent octocorals on shallow reefs (
Spectral Signatures of Moisture–Convection Feedbacks over the Indian Ocean

AbstractPositive feedbacks between the cloud population and the environmental moisture field are central to theoretical expositions on the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO). This study investigates the statistical incidence of positive moisture-convection feedbacks across multiple space and time scales over the tropical Indian Ocean. This work uses vertically integrated moisture budget terms from the ECMWF Reanalysis (ERA-I) in a framework proposed by Hannah et al. (2016). Positive moisture-convection feedbacks are primarily a low-frequency, low-wavenumber phenomenon with significant spectral signatures in the 32-48 day time-scale. The efficacy of these feedbacks, however, is subject to horizontal moisture advection variations, whose relative importance varies with scale. Wave-filtered Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite precipitation is used to show that these moisture-convection feedbacks contribute more to moisture increases in the MJO than in other equatorial waves. A moving-window corr...
Psychosocial Factors Associated with Problem Drinking Among Substance Users with Poorly Controlled HIV Infection.

Aims We aimed to identify psychosocial factors related to problem drinking among patients with poorly controlled human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Short summary We aimed to identify psychosocial factors related to problem drinking among those with poorly controlled HIV infection. Increased levels of interpersonal conflict were associated with greater severity of alcohol problems. Poorer mental health, medical mistrust and less satisfaction with one's physician related to excessive drinking. Methods This secondary analysis used baseline data from a large multisite randomized controlled trial of substance users whose HIV infection was currently poorly controlled, from 11 urban hospitals across the USA. Participants were HIV-infected adult inpatients (n = 801; 67% male, 75% African American) with substance use histories. Participants self-reported on their drinking, perceived health, mental health, social relationships and patient-provider relationship. Structural equation models examined psychosocial factors associated with problem drinking, controlling for demographic covariates. Results Increased levels of interpersonal conflict were associated with greater severity of alcohol problems. Poorer mental health, medical mistrust and less satisfaction with one's physician were associated with excessive drinking. Conclusions Several psychosocial factors, including interpersonal conflict, poor mental health (i.e. anxiety, depression and somatization), medical mistrust and less satisfaction with one's provider, were associated with problem drinking among HIV-infected substance users with poorly controlled HIV infection. The co-occurrence of these concerns highlights the need for comprehensive services (including attention to problem drinking, social services, mental health and quality medical care) in this at-risk group.
HUGONIOT MEASUREMENTS IN VANADIUM USING THE LLNL TWO-STAGE LIGHT-GAS GUN

Hugoniot measurements on vanadium have been made using the LLNL two-stage light-gas gun. The direct collision method with electrical pins and a tantalum flyer accelerated to 6.28 km/s was used. Alt'shuler, et al, I have reported Hugoniot measurements in vanadium using explosives and the impedance match method. They reported a kink in the Us – Up relationship at 183 GPa, and attribute it to electronic transitions. The upper portion of their curve is based on a single point at 339 GPa. The present work was performed to further investigate the equation-of-state in the high pressure range.
Folacin content of tea.

Estimates based on data obtained in this study show that an individual can obtain up to 25% of the RDA for folacin by consuming five cups of tea per day. Tea intake should be considered when the folacin status of individuals or populations is evaluated.
Elucidation of the NLRP3 interactome

Upon pathogen detection, the immune system triggers a variety of signaling pathways. Two key pathways are the proinflammatory NLRP3 inflammasome pathway, which activates the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18 via activation of Caspase-1 (CASP1), and the antiviral IFN pathway, which signals through the JAK-STAT pathway to upregulate key IFN-stimulated genes. Importantly, a growing body of evidence demonstrates that crosstalk between these pathways is required to fine tune the host immune response, and the co-regulation between the pathways can be either positive or negative. For example, upon viral infection, IL-1β synergizes with INF to suppress viral replication. At other times, as in the treatment of multiple sclerosis with INF-β therapy, INF suppresses IL-1β expression and activation. However, the mechanism governing inflammasome-INF crosstalk remains unclear. To address this gap in our understanding, we conducted a series of proteomic studies aimed at identifying novel interacting partners of NLRP3 and CASP1. We employed an affinity purification and mass spectrometry-based approach. Interestingly, we found that components of the JAK-STAT pathway interact with NLRP3. We will present data characterizing this interaction as well as the role of JAK-STAT proteins in regulating inflammasome-IFN crosstalk. These findings will enhance our understanding of how these two cascades act in concert to impact infection and immunity.
A Hybrid Attack Model for Cyber-Physical Security Assessment in Electricity Grid

A detailed model of an attack on the power grid involves both a preparation stage as well as an execution stage of the attack. This paper introduces a novel Hybrid Attack Model (HAM) that combines Probabilistic Learning Attacker, Dynamic Defender (PLADD) model and a Markov Chain model to simulate the planning and execution stages of a bad data injection attack in power grid. We discuss the advantages and limitations of the prior work models and of our proposed Hybrid Attack Model and show that HAM is more effective compared to individual PLADD or Markov Chain models.
Comparison of Methods To Examine Diet of Feral Horses from Noninvasively Collected Fecal Samples

Abstract Feral horses (Equus ferus caballus) have become abundant on public lands in the American West, particularly over the past 10 yr. In areas where they are overabundant, there is risk of habitat degradation. Most previous studies on diet and habitat use of feral horses were conducted more than 20 yr ago; rangelands have changed considerably in that time, so it is useful to revisit horse diets. We conducted a study to examine the diet of feral horses using noninvasive methods and subjectively compare diet analysis techniques. We collected feral horse fecal samples from a sagebrush/pinyon-juniper ecosystem in Colorado in May, August, and October 2014. We analyzed 30 fecal samples from each collection session by both microhistology and plant DNA barcoding. Both microhistology and plant DNA barcoding results indicated horse diet consisted primarily of graminoids (78.5% and 68.8%, respectively, both of which are in greater proportion than availability based on ecological site descriptions); however, the two methods differed in species composition of grasses. Similar to other studies, microhistological analyses underestimated the proportion of forbs in the diet compared with plant DNA barcoding analyses, which showed a surprisingly high contribution of forbs to the diet compared with previous studies. Our results suggest plant DNA barcoding analyses have great potential, although both methods have inherent biases.
Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 and Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Case Report

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has had a profound impact on healthcare systems around the world The emergency department (ED) in particular has become the frontline for the identification and care of these patients While its effects on respiratory symptoms are well recognized, neurologic manifestations have been rarer We report the case of a patient who presented in cardiac arrest with the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) The patient was found to have subarachnoid hemorrhage and later tested positive for COVID-19
Pesticide Injection and Drenching

Drenching and injection are two pesticide application methods that are particularly effective in controlling some of the most troublesome insect pests of ornamental landscape trees. This 4-page document describes the equipment and procedures you will need to carry out either of these methods. Written by Frederick M. Fishel and published by the UF/IFAS Agronomy Department, January 2018. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pi274
Health Insurance Coverage Mandates: Colorectal Cancer Screening in the Post-ACA Era

Building a culture of precision public health requires research that includes health delivery model with innovative systems, health policies, and programs that support this vision. Health insurance mandates are effective mechanisms that many state policymakers use to increase the utilization of preventive health services, such as colorectal cancer screening. This study estimated the effects of health insurance mandate variations on colorectal cancer screening post Affordable Care Act (ACA) era. The study analyzed secondary data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) and the NCI State Cancer Legislative Database (SCLD) from 1997 to 2014. BRFSS data were merged with SCLD data by state ID. The target population was U.S. adults, age 50 to 74, who lived in states where health insurance was mandated or nonmandated before and after the implementation of ACA. Using a difference-in-differences (DD) approach with a time-series analysis, we evaluated the effects of health insurance mandates on colorectal cancer screening status based on U.S. Preventive Services Task Force guidelines. The adjusted average marginal effects from the DD model indicate that health insurance mandates increased the probability of up-to-date screenings versus noncompliance by 2.8% points, suggesting that an estimated 2.37 million additional age-eligible persons would receive a screening with such health insurance mandates. Compliant participants9 mean age was 65 years and 57% were women (n = 32,569). Our findings are robust for various model specifications. Health insurance mandates that lower out-of-pocket expenses constitute an effective approach to increase colorectal cancer screenings for the population, as a whole. Prevention Relevance: The value added includes future health care reforms that increase access to preventive services, such as CRC screening, are likely with lower out-of-pocket costs and will increase the number of people who are considered “up-to-date”. Such policies have been used historically to improve health outcomes, and they are currently being used as public health strategies to increase access to preventive health services in an effort to improve the nation9s health.
From global norms to national politics: decoupling transitional justice in Colombia

As transitional justice has spread across the world as an expected approach for states dealing with grave human rights violations, seemingly similar global measures have been established in dispara...
Improvement in mask utilization with 3D-printed ear protectors

Purpose : Face masks have been associated with significant discomfort for health care workers. Face mask ear protectors (EP) may reduce discomfort by allowing ear loop masks to be worn without tension. In Ophthalmology, given the close proximity required for the exam, appropriate mask usage and fit is essential. There is evidence of higher COVID-19 disease burden in ophthalmology compared to other specialties. This study aims to assess how a simple, attachment may decrease discomfort and increase compliance in an academic institution's Ophthalmology department. Methods : EPs were distributed to the Ophthalmology department. A validated questionnaire was administered before and 2 weeks after EP usage, which surveyed demographics, likelihood of wearing a mask during select activities, and degree of mask usage (measured as number of times mask was removed/hour) during these activities. Descriptive statistics were performed with Fischer's t test to assess for a change in face mask utilization pre- and post-EP distribution. Results : Although changes in mask usage post-EP were not statistically significant, post-EP responses demonstrated increased likelihood of mask usage across all activities. The greatest change was seen during outdoor activities with a 14.3% increase in those responding as very likely to wear a mask after using the EP. There was a 7.3% increase in responders who were likely to wear a mask in the workplace. EP decreased noncompliance while visiting friends. Nearly no subjects reported mask removal of >15 times/hr post-EP. 91.9% reported improved comfort, 91.9% improved fit, and 81.6% increased mask usage. Conclusions : Our results suggest that simple 3D-printed EPs may improve fit, comfort, and overall mask compliance. This has potential implications not only for healthcare workers, but for the larger population as well. The statistical significance of this study may be limited due to the small subset of healthcare workers who were already high mask utilizers pre-EP, and thus may not truly appreciate the effect of EPs on the general population. The results of this study should drive broader public health efforts to further investigate whether mask attachments can improve overall mask compliance through better comfort and fit.
The impact of graft type on rehabilitation outcomes following ACL reconstruction: Bone patellar tendon bone versus quadriceps tendon grafts

Abstract Objective The aims of this study were to 1) compare the dosage of physical therapy provided for patients following an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACL-R) with either quadriceps or bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) graft type and their resulting outcomes and 2) investigate the frequency therapists documented surgical graft type. Design Retrospective observational. Setting Outpatient orthopedics. Participants Data was collected from the electronic medical records of 212 patients: BPTB (41) and quadriceps tendon (33) were analyzed. Forty-eight cases were other graft types and 90 were unspecified. Main outcome measure An independent samples t-test was used to compare differences in knee range of motion (ROM) and Knee Functional Status (FS) between BPTB and quadriceps grafts. Results There were no differences in knee flexion (p = 0.148) or extension (p = 0.305) ROM between groups at discharge. The quadriceps group achieved greater improvement in functional outcomes (p Conclusions The significant difference in treatment dosage makes it difficult to conclude which graft is superior. It is unknown if the frequent omission of graft type in the patient chart is an indication of poor documentation practice or a lack of perceived importance in knowing the graft type for PT.
Screening for Prostate Cancer—Beyond Total PSA, Utilization of Novel Biomarkers

Urology has been beset by several major trends that have shifted the entire paradigm for prostate cancer screening. These stem from a backlash against overdiagnosis and overtreatment due to prostate-specific antigen (PSA)-based screening efforts and have led national societies to modify their guidelines. More importantly, the public outcry has shifted the focus of early detection from an effort to diagnose any and all prostate cancers to an effort to diagnose clinically significant prostate cancers at an early stage. This review provides an update on contemporary biomarkers for prostate cancer that may be used to supplement PSA-based screening approaches.
ICT Support for Electronic Portfolios and Alternative Assessment

This paper covers the use of technology to support three aspects of Alternative Assessment: Observations of Student Learning, Performance Assessments, and Electronic Portfolios. Discussion includes the differences between Performance Assessments and Portfolios, definition of electronic portfolios, the benefits of electronic portfolios, along with the author’s five-stage and five-level electronic portfolio development process. Technology tools to support electronic or digital portfolios are outlined, including proprietary software and the use off-the-shelf multimedia development software. Significant research in electronic portfolio development will be discussed along with examples from the USA and international examples with corresponding web sites.
Alliances as a Vehicle for eBusiness Transformation: An Empirical Study of the Antecedents and Outcomes of eBusiness Alliances

Since the commercialization of the World Wide Web, web technologies and the Internet have enabled companies to perform digital business operations more efficiently and effectively than ever before. These apparent gains in business performance have transformed e-Business operations from an exploratory action to a competitive necessity for most organizations. However, this e-Business transformation requires specific skills, capital, information, technology, access to markets, and core resources that many firms lack. Relatively little is known about how firms obtain these e-Business-specific resources and capabilities. One increasingly common approach appears to be the use of alliances. We know that firms engaging in eBusiness transformation use a range of alliance forms to enhance their e-Business operations, however little is known about the nuances of e-Business alliance formation and the resultant effects. Drawing upon resource-based view, social exchange and institutional theories, our research objective is to: 1) identify the antecedents to e-Business alliance formation, 2) understand why firms choose a specific alliance form over other alternatives when participating in an e-Business alliance and 3) capture the firm performance outcomes of an e-Business alliance.
A co-evolving memetic wrapper for prediction of patient outcomes in TCM informatics

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) relies on the combined effects of herbs within prescribed formulae. However, given the combinatorial explosion due to the vast number of herbs available for treatment, the study of these combined effects can become computationally intractable. Thus feature selection has become increasingly crucial as a pre-processing step prior to the study of combined effects in TCM informatics. In accord with this goal, a new feature selection algorithm known as a co-evolving memetic wrapper (COW) is proposed in this paper. COW takes advantage of recent research in genetic algorithms (GAs) and memetic algorithms (MAs) by evolving appropriate feature subsets for a given domain. Our empirical experiments have demonstrated that COW is capable of selecting subsets of herbs from a TCM insomnia dataset that shows signs of combined effects on the prediction of patient outcomes measured in terms of classification accuracy. We compare the proposed algorithm with results from statistical analysis including main effects and up to three way interaction terms and show that COW is capable of correctly identifying the herbs and herb by herb effects that are significantly associated to patient outcome prediction.
Transfer of Infectious Drug Resistance in Microbially Defined Mice

Germ-free mice were intentionally associated with drug-resistant donor strains of Escherichia coli known to carry R factors and with drug-sensitive recipient strains. In vivo transfer of R factors was observed in all experiments, involving five different donor-recipient combinations. The number of converted recipients varied, depending upon the donor-recipient combination, but in all cases it was restricted by limiting numbers of either recipient or donor strains in the digestive tract of the microbially defined mice. Converted recipients were detected in fecal material as early as 5.5 hr after mice were associated with donor and recipient bacteria. Donors, recipients, and converted recipients were detectable in the stomach, small intestine, cecum, and large intestine of the microbially defined mice and their suckling young.
Assessment of Fibula Flap Skin Perfusion in Patients Undergoing Oromandibular Reconstruction: Comparison of Clinical Findings, Fluorescein, and Indocyanine Green Angiography

ImportanceComplications of partial flap necrosis contribute substantially to morbidity in patients who undergo head and neck reconstructive surgery. ObjectiveTo assess the usefulness of clinical fi...
1996 IEEE International Frequency Control Symposium Introduction To The Historical Session [front matter]

The Annual Frequency Control Symposium celebrates its Golden Anniversary this year. Highlights from symposia predating the published proceedings are featured, along with some global remarks pertinent to this happy occasion.
Synthesis and structure of nitrile-solvated rare earth metallocene cations [Cp 2 Ln(NCR) 3 ][BPh 4 ] (Cp = C 5 Me 5 , C 5 H 4 SiMe 3 ; R = Me, t Bu, Ph)

Abstract The coordination chemistry of MeCN, tBuCN, and PhCN with the cationic rare earth metallocene complexes [(C5Me5)2Ln][(μ-Ph)2BPh2], 1-Ln (Ln = Y, La, Gd), has been examined to determine how nitrile coordination will affect the metallocene geometry. Crystallographic determination of geometry was possible for [(C5Me5)2Ln(NCMe)3][BPh4] (2-Y, 2-Gd), [(C5Me5)2Y(NCtBu)3][BPh4] (3-Y), and [(C5Me5)2Ln(NCPh)3][BPh4] (4-La, 4-Gd). In each case, only three nitriles are found to coordinate and the metallocenes are bent with (C5Me5 ring centroid)–metal–(C5Me5 ring centroid) angles of 137–140°. The THF adduct, [(C5Me5)2La(NCMe)2(THF)][BPh4], 5-La, was also crystallographically characterized. A similar result was observed with the yttrium metallocene of the trimethylsilyl-containing ligand (C5H4SiMe3)1−: coordination of only three nitriles is found in [(C5H4SiMe3)2Y(NCMe)3][BPh4], 6-Y, which has a 136.8° (C5Me5 ring centroid)–Y–(C5Me5 ring centroid) angle.
45 PERFORMANCE OF CHILDREN TO 8 YEARS WHO RECEIVED NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE

We tested 297 children repeatedly from 6 mos to 8 yrs. All were born in 1965–1975 and required neonatal intensive care because of low birth weight (BW) and/or hyaline membrane disease. Most were from middle-class families. All but 5% were testable at 8 yrs with standard psychological tests. In all, 86% had IQs ≥85; for infants with BW ≤1500 the proportion was 80%. For the whole group, mild intellectual disabilities were the major adverse outcomes detected at 8 yrs. Two specific disabilities that occurred frequently were low visual-motor integration scores (VMI deficit) and language disability (low WISC-R Verbal IQ—Low VIQ). The behavioral antecedents of these problems were examined by comparisons with IQmatched groups that did not have the disability. The VMI deficit group had lower IQ than its comparison by 2 yrs of age and thereafter. The Low VIQ group did not differ from its comparison group until age 3 yrs when lower IQ was noted which persisted through age 6 yrs. Predictive test items associated with the observed IQ differences have been identified. The neonatal precursors of specific disabilities were also examined. VLBW was associated with Low VIQ but not with VMI deficit. Sex differences were not significant in these discrete outcomes. When an overall illness rating which had been assigned to each infant was considered, the Low VIQ group have been significantly more sick than all other children except those with IQ <75. (Supported by HL-27356 and HD-17669)
Use of Expert Judgment to Bound Lung Cancer Risks

A bounding analytic technique for inferring the contribution of poorly characterized risk factors to a common health endpoint is demonstrated. Lung cancer mortality was chosen for the case study because the exposures responsible for the bulk of the deaths are very well-known, and the contribution of other putative causes is a focus of ongoing research and regulatory scrutiny. We elicited expert opinions on the upper and lower bounds on the fractions of the total lung cancer mortality due to individual risk factors. Interactive second-order uncertainty analysis was used to improve the experts' confidence in their bounds. From this information we calculated an upper bound on the residual fraction of deaths due to minor causes not selected by the experts.
Impacts of low phytoplankton NO3−:PO43− utilization ratios over the Chukchi Shelf, Arctic Ocean

Abstract The impact of Arctic denitrification is seen in the extremely low values for the geochemical tracer of microbial nitrogen (N) cycle source/sink processes N ⁎ ⁎ (Mordy et al. 2010). The utility of N ⁎ ⁎ as an oceanic tracer of microbial N cycle processes, however, relies on the assumption that phytoplankton utilize dissolved N and P in Redfield proportions, and thus changes in N ⁎ ⁎ are due to either N2-fixation or denitrification. We present results from two cruises to the Chukchi Sea that quantify nutrient drawdown, nutrient deficits, and particulate nutrient concentrations to estimate production over the Chukchi Shelf and document lower than Redfield N:P utilization ratios by phytoplankton. These low ratios are used to calculate N ⁎ ⁎ (assuming a Redfield NO3−:PO43− utilization ratio) and N N R ⁎ ⁎ (using the measured particulate N:P ratios) and, combined with current flow speed and direction measurements, to diagnose denitrification rates on the Chukchi Shelf. Our estimates of denitrification rates are up to 40% higher when Redfield proportions are used. However, the denitrification rates we calculate using N N R ⁎ ⁎ are still higher than previous estimates (up to 8 fold) of denitrification on the Chukchi shelf. These estimates suggest that Arctic shelves may be a greater sink of oceanic N than previously thought.
Brief group cognitive-behavioral intervention for temporomandibular disorders

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are currently viewed as an interrelated set of clinical conditions presenting with signs and symptoms in masticatory and related muscles of the head and neck, and the soft tissue and bony components of the temporomandibular joint. Epidemiologic and clinical studies of TMD confirm its status as a chronic pain problem. In this report we present results from a randomized clinical trial which compared, at 3- and 12-month follow-ups, the effects of usual TMD treatment on TMD pain and related physical and psychological variables with the effects of a cognitive-behavioral (CB) intervention delivered to small groups of patients before usual TMD treatment began. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a minimal CB intervention followed by dental TMD treatment enhanced the effects of usual clinical dental treatment. A second purpose of the study was to determine whether patients classified as high in somatization and psychosocial dysfunction would respond less favorably to this minimal intervention than would those low in somatization and dysfunction. Patients who participated in the CB intervention followed by usual treatment showed greater long-term decreases in reported pain level and pain interference in daily activities than did patients who received only usual treatment. The benefits of CB intervention were not seen when the CB and UT groups were compared at 3-month follow-up. During the 3-12-month follow-up interval, however, the UT group maintained essentially the same level of improvement in characteristic pain while the CB group continued to improve, as hypothesized. During this same follow-up interval, the CB group also showed a strong trend toward continued improvement in pain interference. Such effects were not observed for depression, somatization, or clinical measures of jaw range of motion. Additionally, as hypothesized, dysfunctional chronic pain patients did not appear to benefit from the brief CB intervention. Intent to treat analyses were also performed to assess generalizability of the results.
The Electrodiagnostic Evaluation of Radiculopathy

Electrodiagnostic studies play an important role in the evaluation of radiculopathy. This article reviews the use of standard nerve conduction studies, late responses, evoked potentials, and needle electrode examination in the work-up of lumbosacral and cervical radiculopathy.