cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Solution-fabrication dependent thermoelectric behavior of iodine-doped regioregular and regiorandom P3HT/carbon nanotube composites

Abstract Thermoelectric (TE) measurements were compared for iodine-doped composites of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3HT) having different degrees of regioregularity. Regioregular P3HT gave much higher power factors, showing the need of regioregularity in the polymer for best TE results. TE power factors (PFs) up to 148 μW m−1 K−2 were obtained by optimizing multiple factors, including: (i) P3HT sample type, (ii) relative amount and type of CNT, (iii) sample fabrication solvent, and (iv) composite doping duration. The TE performance improvements in the composites arose from greatly increased electrical conductivity by doping and CNT addition, coupled with limited decreases in Seebeck thermopower. Extensive network formation was seen by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in composites with higher CNT fraction, which is believed to provide better charge transport pathways to improve PFs. Multiwall CNT composites showed much lower PFs compared to singlewall CNT composites, attributable (at least in part) to poor nanotube dispersion.
Estimating Drug Costs: How do Manufacturer Net Prices Compare with Other Common US Price References?

Drug costs are frequently estimated in economic analyses using wholesale acquisition cost (WAC), but what is the best approach to develop these estimates? Pharmaceutical manufacturers recently released transparency reports disclosing net price increases after accounting for rebates and other discounts. Our objective was to determine whether manufacturer net prices (MNPs) could approximate the discounted prices observed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). We compared the annual, average price discounts voluntarily reported by three pharmaceutical manufacturers with the VA price for specific products from each company. The top 10 drugs by total sales reported from company tax filings for 2016 were included. The discount observed by the VA was determined from each drug’s list price, reported as WAC, in 2016. Descriptive statistics were calculated for the VA discount observed and a weighted price index was calculated using the lowest price to the VA (Weighted VA Index), which was compared with the manufacturer index. The discounted price as a percentage of the WAC ranged from 9 to 74%. All three indexes estimated by the average discount to the VA were at or below the manufacturer indexes (42 vs. 50% for Eli Lilly, 56 vs. 65% for Johnson & Johnson, and 59 vs. 59% for Merck). Manufacturer-reported average net prices may provide a close approximation of the average discounted price granted to the VA, suggesting they may be a useful proxy for the true pharmacy benefits manager (PBM) or payer cost. However, individual discounts for products have wide variation, making a standard discount adjustment across multiple products less acceptable.
Biocontrol activity of Burkholderia cepacia against Rhizoctonia solani in herbicide-treated soils

Biocontrol activity of Burkholderia (Pseudomonas) cepacia (isolate D1) and Deny® (liquid and peat moss-based formulations of B. cepacia, CCT Corp., Carlsbad, CA) against Rhizoctonia solani-induced cotton seedling damping-off was measured in the presence of three pre-plant herbicides, pendimethalin, prometryn, and trifluralin in microcosms and in the field. In a pre-emergence damping-off microcosm experiment, the D1 soil drench increased the number of emerged seedlings significantly (P < 0.05), relative to the control (not treated with D1) in non-herbicide-treated soils and in soils treated with trifluralin. In a post emergence damping-off microcosm experiment, the D1 soil drench caused a significant (P < 0.05) increase in seedling survival only in non-herbicide-treated soil and in soils treated with pendimethalin and trifluralin. In two field trials conducted at Safford and Tucson, the D1 soil drench increased cotton stand significantly (P < 0.05), relative to the control, in non-herbicide-treated plots and in plots treated with trifluralin. Cotton stand was significantly (P < 0.05) increased by Deny® soil drench only in non-herbicide-treated plots in Tucson field trial. Deny® seed treatment was inefficient in the presence or absence of the herbicides.
The Importance of Physical Literacy and Addressing Academic Learning Through Planned Physical Activity

Literacy is a multifaceted concept that is an essential part of academic performance. It involves the ability to exchange information in various ways. One branch of literacy that uses movement to increase student engagement in learning is called physical literacy. Physical literacy focuses on expanding the opportunity to interpret, express, and demonstrate understanding. Creating new avenues for students to actively participate in the learning process can enhance student engagement in learning and improve academic performance. This chapter will discuss the concept of physical literacy and how to successfully implement physical activity into the classroom using evidence-based practices that enhance learning through movement.
On the Physiological Organization of Social Behavior: Sex and Aggression

This chapter treats the physiological bases of social behavior. Although the topic seems straightforward (albeit covering a vast area of research), there are several ways of relating biology and behavior.
Resilience Assessment of Distribution Systems Considering the Effect of Hurricanes

High wind speeds during hurricanes cause damage to power distribution lines resulting in power outages that last from days to months, depending on the severity of the storm. This highlights the need for accurate risk assessment procedures for decision making purposes. This paper presents a framework for assessing the hurricane resilience of power distribution systems considering the impact of protective devices on reconfiguration and restoration of the distribution network. The framework is applied to an actual distribution network composed of 7051 wood poles located in southeast of the US. Results indicate that for the distribution network reconfiguration is not effective as there is not enough redundancy in the system. However, by considering the repair prioritization and assigning enough number of repair crews, the system can recover quickly.
On a multi-scale finite element model for evaluating ballistic performance of multi-ply woven fabrics

Abstract In this study, an improved multi-scale finite element model of woven fabric was developed for evaluating ballistic responses of multi-ply woven fabrics. The improved multi-scale model was composed of a meso- and a macro-scale model that were coupled through node-sharing at the interface to improve wave propagation responses. To evaluate the accuracy and efficiency of the multi-scale model, a full meso-scale model was also created, and both numerical models were validated using experimental data. The multi-scale model was found to have good accuracy and computational efficiency compared to the full meso-scale model and thus used in the evaluation of ballistic responses of multi-ply woven fabrics. Further, multi-ply woven fabrics were also created using the multi-scale model, and they were validated against experimental data. Thereafter model validations, the three-, five-, seven-, and ten-ply fabrics were created using the improved multi-scale model to investigate ballistic performance of the multi-ply dry Kevlar woven fabrics. The ballistic limit velocities of each target were first determined, followed by the ballistic impact responses, energy transitions, displacements, and damage patterns of the four multi-ply at the impact of V 100 ballistic limit were discussed in detail.
Quantifying the importance of active antimicrobial therapy among patients with Gram-negative bloodstream infections: Cefepime as a representative agent.

ABSTRACT The quantitative importance of active antimicrobial treatment relative to other modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for mortality has not been well defined in the literature. Here we quantify the impact of active antimicrobial treatment on mortality relative to other disease modifiers in patients with Gram-negative bloodstream infection (GNBSI). Patients with at least one positive blood culture who were treated with ≥24 h of cefepime for GNBSI were included in the study. To examine in-hospital survival, a full primary model and a base model with the least significant covariate from the primary model were established. Relative importance of covariates was calculated using percentages of difference in log-likelihood values when each covariate was iteratively added to the base model. A total of 154 unique patients with GNBSI were included. The primary model included active cefepime therapy (P = 0.004), normalised days to positive culture (P = 0.091), intensive care unit (ICU) at time of treatment (P = 0.001), modified Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score on day zero (P = 0.025), history of leukaemia (P = 0.008) and prior immunosuppressive therapy (P = 0.088). Active antimicrobial therapy displayed a relative importance of 32.2%, which was second to ICU residence at the time of culture. Amongst all covariates in the model, active antimicrobial therapy was the only modifiable variable and contributed significantly to in-hospital survival in acutely ill patients with GNBSI.
Theorizing Italian American Youth Culture

This chapter delineates a theoretical approach that maps the empirical study of Italian American youth culture in the following chapters. It draws on the constructionist model of ethnicity and the segmented assimilation model, which are dominant in American sociology although not applied to Italian Americans, and the cultural studies approach to youth culture. This theoretical framework locates Italian American youth culture in specific social and historical contexts, allowing for agency and change. A Guido youth subculture emerged in the 1980s as a collective turn to popular American culture in the name of ethnicity. Italian American youth culture is a new ethnic institution—“sets of relationships” established over time to meet the social and cultural needs of second-generation youth (Cornell and Hartmann 86).
Subjective Well-being and Training Load Predict In-season Injury and Illness in Youth Soccer Players*

It has been suggested that training load (TL) and subjective well-being influence injury and illness risk in adults. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of TL and well-being on illness and injury risk in youth soccer players. 75 female youth soccer players (ages 13-18) reported subjective well-being each morning (mood, fatigue, stress, soreness, sleep quality, and sleep hours), TL after all activities (session-rating of perceived exertion), and all illnesses and injuries throughout a 19-week season. Except for sleep quantity (hours), well-being measures were reported …
Modelling particle impact on the melt pool and wettability effects in laser directed energy deposition additive manufacturing

Abstract In powder based Laser-Directed Energy Deposition (L-DED), an incident laser melts a millimeter scale pool of metal, into which feedstock powder is sprayed. Previous high speed video reveals that powders are trapped by surface tension and float for a brief residence time before melting, directly contributing to surface roughness and loss of mass capture efficiency. In this work, influencing factors on this behavior are investigated with numerical models through coupling a three phase (gas, liquid, solid) Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model with applied surface tension to a heat transfer model and observing the melting dynamics of an individual powder particle of stainless steel 316 L. Sensitivity of residence time to particle size, impact velocity, melt pool and particle temperature, surface tension, and material thermophysical properties are investigated. It is found that simulations can be condensed into a simplified analytic equation, providing a rapid, explicit estimation of residence time. The demonstrated sensitivity of L-DED to powder scale surface wettability phenomena highlights a fundamental mechanistic reason why control of feedstock powder properties is essential for reliable system behavior.
Retinal guanylyl cyclase activation by calcium sensor proteins mediates photoreceptor degeneration in an rd3 mouse model of congenital human blindness

Deficiency of RD3 (retinal degeneration 3) protein causes recessive blindness and photoreceptor degeneration in humans and in the rd3 mouse strain, but the disease mechanism is unclear. Here, we present evidence that RD3 protects photoreceptors from degeneration by competing with guanylyl cyclase-activating proteins (GCAPs), which are calcium sensor proteins for retinal membrane guanylyl cyclase (RetGC). RetGC activity in rd3/rd3 retinas was drastically reduced but stimulated by the endogenous GCAPs at low Ca2+ concentrations. RetGC activity completely failed to accelerate in rd3/rd3GCAPs−/− hybrid photoreceptors, whose photoresponses remained drastically suppressed compared with the WT. However, ∼70% of the hybrid rd3/rd3GCAPs−/− photoreceptors survived past 6 months, in stark contrast to
Obesity Prevention Interventions and Implications for Energy Balance in the United States and Mexico: A Systematic Review of the Evidence and Meta‐Analysis

Objective Obesity is preventable and yet continues to be a major risk factor for chronic disease. Multiple prevention approaches have been proposed across multiple settings where people live, work, learn, worship, and play. This review searched the vast literature on obesity prevention interventions to assess their effects on daily energy consumed and energy expended. Methods This systematic review (PROSPERO registration CRD42017077083) searched seven databases for systematic reviews and studies reporting energy intake and expenditure. Two independent reviewers screened 5,977 citations; data abstraction supported an evidence map, comprehensive evidence tables, and meta-analysis; critical appraisal assessed risk of bias; and the quality of evidence was evaluated using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). Results Hundreds of published reviews were identified. However, few studies reported on energy intake and expenditure to determine intervention success. Ninety-nine studies across all intervention domains were identified. Few areas demonstrated statistically significant effects across studies; school-based approaches and health care initiatives reduced energy consumed, education reduced energy consumed and increased energy expended, and social-group approaches increased energy expenditure. Conclusions Despite the amount of research on obesity prevention interventions, very few studies have provided relevant information on energy intake and expenditure, two factors determining weight gain. Future research needs to fill this gap to identify successful public health policies.
A Population-Based Study of 90-Day Hospital Cost and Utilization Associated With Robotic Surgery in Colon and Rectal Cancer.

Abstract Background The role of robotic surgery in colorectal cancer remains contentious with most data arising from small, single-institution studies. Methods Stage I-III colorectal cancer resections from 2008 to 2014 were identified in New York State. Propensity score–adjusted negative binomial models were used to compare cost and utilization between robotic, laparoscopic, and open resections. Results A total of 12,218 patients were identified. For colectomy, the robotic-to-open conversion rate was 3%, and the laparoscopic-to-open conversion rate was 13%. For rectal resection, the robotic-to-open conversion rate was 7% and the laparoscopic-to-open conversion rate was 32%. In intention-to-treat analysis, there was no significant difference in cost across the surgical approaches, both in overall and stratified analyses. Both laparoscopic and robotic approaches were associated with decreased 90-d hospital utilization compared with open surgery in intention-to-treat analyses. Conclusions Robotic and laparoscopic colorectal cancer resections were not associated with a hospital cost benefit after 90 d compared with open but were associated with decreased hospital utilization. Conversion to open resection was common, and efforts should be made to prevent them. Future research should continue to measure how robotic and laparoscopic approaches can add value to the health care system.
Statistical Mediators of the Association Between Mindfulness and Sexual Experiences in Men with Impaired Sexual Function

Mindfulness-based therapy has shown promise as a treatment for female sexual dysfunction and has the potential to be an efficacious treatment for male sexual dysfunction. However, there has been little empirical evidence regarding the mechanisms through which mindfulness may improve sexual experiences, especially for men. Recent theoretical reviews have suggested potential mediators that may explain the beneficial effects of mindfulness on symptoms of male sexual dysfunction, including reduced avoidance of sex, reduced distraction during sex, and/or reduced activation of negative sexual schemas. We attempted an initial statistical test of these factors as potential mediators of the association between trait mindfulness and multiple sexual outcomes (sexual function, sexual satisfaction, and sexual distress) using a cross-sectional correlational design. A total of 163 men with self-reported current impairments in one or more aspects of sexual function completed self-report scales using a secure online survey. Bivariate correlations indicated that mindfulness was significantly associated with sexual satisfaction, sexual distress, and premature ejaculation, but not other aspects of sexual function. Sexual avoidance statistically mediated the link between mindfulness and sexual satisfaction, both distraction and activation of negative schemas statistically mediated the link between mindfulness and premature ejaculation, and all three factors statistically mediated the link between mindfulness and sexual distress. These results generally supported previous theoretical work and have implications for future treatment outcome research.
Computer Science Enrollment in Magnet High Schools: Issues of Curricula Clusters, Equity, and Pathways

The pathway(s) to Advanced Placement Computer Science has been met with well-documented barriers to Black, Hispanic/Latino, Native American and female high school students. In this manuscript, we report on an initial examination of public instruction data with a focus on two magnet schools in Wake County, North Carolina. Because of their magnet status, the high schools are often considered to be well resourced, and students often are depicted as high achievers. The data provide insights on the availability and access of CS curricula to students. The schools have significant representation of students of color, but their enrollment in the CS courses is not representative of their population in the schools. This study explores representation and how clusters of courses can offer insights into student enrollment in CS.
Educational Strategies for Training in Quality Improvement and Implementation Medicine.

Education in quality improvement (QI) is endorsed by the Association of American Medical Colleges across the spectrum of undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate training. QI training is also a re...
Surgical patient values frame and modify the impact of risk factors for non-routine postdischarge care: A mixed-methods study.

Abstract Background Adult colorectal surgery patients continue to have high rates of readmissions, despite known risk factors for non-routine postdischarge care (emergency department (ED) visit or rehospitalization) and countless interventions to address these. It is unclear how the difficult-to-quantify patient perspective frames and modifies the impact of these quantifiable risk factors. Study design We identified consecutive adult inpatient colorectal surgery patients from 2017 to 2018. This mixed methods study merged data from electronic health records and in-depth patient interviews. Results We enrolled 258 participants, surveyed 167, and interviewed 18. Depressive symptoms represent one of many risk factors confirmed to increase non-routine healthcare utilization (RR 1.85, 95% CI 1.02–3.37), though the patient perspective explained why these symptoms seemed to greatly impact some patients more than others. Additionally, consistent with patient report, patients with non-routine postdischarge care (26%) were less likely to report communication with their surgical team (80% vs 97%, p Conclusion Patient perspectives add depth and understanding of the impact of risk factors on non-routine post-discharge care. This expanded knowledge explains why one patient is more likely to visit an ED close to home whereas another patient might prefer to visit their surgeon’s clinic directly. Effective strategies to reduce unplanned postdischarge care should be tailored.
Species-Specific Responses of Bird Song Output in the Presence of Drones

Drones are now widely used to study wildlife, but applications for studying bioacoustics have been limited. Drones can be used to collect data on bird vocalizations, but an ongoing concern is that noise from the drones could change bird vocalization behavior. To test this we conducted an experiment using 30 sound localization arrays to track the song output of seven songbird species before, during, and after a 3-minute flight of a small quadcopter drone hovering at 50 m above ground level. We analyzed 8,303 song bouts, of which 2,285 song bouts of 184 individual birds were within 50 meters of the array centers. We used GLMMs to assess patterns in song output showed patterns that could be attributed to the drone9s presence. We found no evidence of any effect of the drone for five species: American Robin Turdus migratorius, Common Yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas, Field Sparrow Spizella pusilla, Song Sparrow Melospiza melodia, and Indigo Bunting Passerina cyanea. However, we found a substantial decrease in Yellow Warbler Setophaga petechia song detections during the 3-minute drone hover, such that there was an 81% drop in detections after 2 minutes (Wald-test, p
Sublingual Vitamin D3 Effective In A Patient Resistant To Conventional Vitamin D Supplementation

ABSTRACT Objective Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent worldwide and is usually treated with oral supplementation. Bioavailability of vitamin D may differ among individuals due to variable absorption and metabolism in the body. Methods A 66-year-old woman presented for evaluation of low 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) level. She had no known prior history of gastric or intestinal surgeries or malabsorptive conditions. She had previously been treated with oral vitamin D3 at 2,000 IU daily with poor response. She was then treated with oral vitamin D2 at 50,000 IU weekly, with persistently low 25(OH)D level at 14 ng/mL after 8 weeks of treatment. Results Celiac screen was negative and duodenal biopsy was normal. Due to demonstration of poor oral absorption, she was prescribed vitamin D2 at 50,000 IU sublingually for 8 weeks and then changed to over-the-counter vitamin D3 drops sublingually (1,000 IU/drop) at 4,000 IU twice daily due to suboptimal response with vitamin D2. 25(OH)D level improved gradually to 28 ng/mL after 12 weeks on this regimen and was at 37 ng/mL at 1 year. Conclusion Sublingual vitamin D3 may be an effective alternative mode of vitamin D supplementation in patients who demonstrate poor oral vitamin D absorption despite adequate supplementation for various reasons. Abbreviations 25(OH)D 25-hydroxyvitamin D SL sublingual
High-resolution analogue of time-domain phonon spectroscopy in the transmission electron microscope

Femtosecond photoexcitation of semiconducting materials leads to the generation of coherent acoustic phonons (CAPs), the behaviours of which are linked to intrinsic and engineered electronic, optical and structural properties. While often studied with pump-probe spectroscopic techniques, the influence of nanoscale structure and morphology on CAP dynamics can be challenging to resolve with these all-optical methods. Here, we used ultrafast electron microscopy (UEM) to resolve variations in CAP dynamics caused by differences in the degree of crystallinity in as-prepared and annealed GaAs lamellae. Following in situ femtosecond photoexcitation, we directly imaged the generation and propagation dynamics of hypersonic CAPs in a mostly amorphous and, following an in situ photothermal anneal, a mostly crystalline lamella. Subtle differences in both the initial hypersonic velocities and the asymptotic relaxation behaviours were resolved via construction of space-time contour plots from phonon wavefronts. Comparison to bulk sound velocities in crystalline and amorphous GaAs reveals the influence of the mixed amorphous-crystalline morphology on CAP dispersion behaviours. Further, an increase in the asymptotic velocity following annealing establishes the sensitivity of quantitative UEM imaging to both structural and compositional variations through differences in bonding and elasticity. Implications of extending the methods and results reported here to elucidating correlated electronic, optical and structural behaviours in semiconducting materials are discussed. This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'Dynamic in situ microscopy relating structure and function'.
The First Observations of Low-redshift Damped Lyα Systems with the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph

We report on the first Cosmic Origins Spectrograph observations of damped Ly{alpha} systems (DLAs) and sub-damped Ly{alpha} systems (sub-DLAs) discovered in a new survey of the gaseous halos of low-redshift galaxies. From observations of 37 sightlines, we have discovered three DLAs and four sub-DLAs. We measure the neutral gas density {Omega}{sub HI}, and redshift density d N/d z, of DLA and sub-DLA systems at z < 0.35. We find d N/dz = 0.25{sup +0.24}-{sub 0.14} and {Omega}{sub HI} = 1.4{sup +1.3}{sub -0.7} x 10{sup -3} for DLAs, and d N/d z = 0.08{sup +0.19}{sub -0.06} with {Omega}{sub HI} = 4.2{sup +9.6}{sub -3.5} x 10{sup -5} for sub-DLAs over a redshift path {Delta}z = 11.9. To demonstrate the scientific potential of such systems, we present a detailed analysis of the DLA at z{sub abs} = 0.1140 in the spectrum of SDSS J1009+0713. Profile fits to the absorption lines determine log N(H I) = 20.68 {+-} 0.10 with a metallicity determined from the undepleted element sulfur of [S/H] = -0.62 {+-} 0.18. The abundance pattern of this DLA is similar to that of higher z DLAs, showing mild depletion of the refractory elements Fe and Ti with [S/Fe] = +0.24 {+-} 0.22more » and [S/Ti] = +0.28 {+-} 0.15. Nitrogen is underabundant in this system with [N/H] = -1.40 {+-} 0.14, placing this DLA below the plateau of the [N/{alpha}] measurements in the local universe at similar metallicities. This DLA has a simple kinematic structure with only two components required to fit the profiles and a kinematic width of {Delta}v{sub 90} = 52 km s{sup -1}. Imaging of the QSO field with the Hubble Space Telescope/Wide Field Camera 3 reveals a spiral galaxy at very small impact parameter to the QSO and several galaxies within 10'', or 20 comoving kpc at the redshift of the DLA. Follow-up spectra with the Low Resolution Imaging Spectrometer on the Keck telescope reveal that none of the nearby galaxies are at the redshift of the DLA. The spiral galaxy is identified as the host galaxy of the QSO based on the near perfect alignment of the nucleus and disk of the galaxy as well as spectra of an H II region showing emission lines at the QSO redshift. A small feature appears 0.''70 from the nucleus of the QSO after point-spread function subtraction, providing another candidate for the host galaxy of the DLA system. Even with these supporting data, we are unable to unambiguously identify the host galaxy of the DLA, exemplifying some of the difficulties in determining DLA hosts even at low redshift.« less
Augmentation of core decompression with synthetic bone graft does not improve mechanical properties of the proximal femur

Core decompression is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to treat patients with avascular necrosis of the femoral head. The procedure requires an entry hole in the lateral cortex of the femur which potentially leaves patients susceptible to subtrochanteric fractures. The purpose of this study was to determine if filling the core decompression tract with synthetic bone-graft mechanically strengthens the proximal femur. Twenty composite synthetic femurs underwent a core decompression procedure; ten were augmented with synthetic bone-graft (PRO-DENSE™, Wright Medical) and ten femurs were left unfilled as a control group. Compressive testing to failure was performed using a mechanical testing machine. Stiffness, fracture load, and toughness did not significantly differ between groups. More subtrochanteric fractures were seen in the control group (6 of 10 specimens) compared to the bone-graft augmented group (2 of 10 specimens). In conclusion, augmentation of a core decompression tract does not improve mechanical properties in a synthetic bone model but may be protective of subtrochanteric fracture.
Compliance with CDIM-APDIM Guidelines for Department of Medicine Letters: an Opportunity to Improve Communication Across the Continuum.

With rising applications to internal medicine programs and pending changes in United States Medical Licensing Examination Step 1 score reporting, program directors desire transparent data for comparing applicants. The Department of Medicine Letters of Recommendation (DOM LORs) are frequently used to assess applicants and have the potential to provide clearly defined data on performance including stratification of a medical school class. Despite published guidelines on the expected content of the DOM LOR, these LORs do not always meet that need. To better understand the degree to which DOM LORs comply with published guidelines. We reviewed DOM LORs from 146 of 155 LCME-accredited medical schools in the 2019 Match cycle, assessing for compliance with published guidelines. Adherence to the recommendation for DOM LORs to provide a final characterization of performance relative to peers was low (68/146, 47%). Of those that provided a final characterization, 19/68 (28%) provided a quantitative measure, and 49/68 (72%) provided a qualitative descriptor. Only 17/49 (35%) with qualitative terms described those terms, and thirteen distinct qualitative scales were identified. Ranking systems varied, with seven different titles given to highest performers. Explanations about determination of ranking groups were provided in 12% of cases. Adherence to published guidelines for DOM LORs varies but is generally low. For program directors desiring transparent data to use in application review, clearly defined data on student performance, stratification groupings, and common language across schools could improve the utility of DOM LORs.
The basolateral amygdala and lateral hypothalamus bias learning towards motivationally significant events

Every day we are faced with a huge amount of new information. We can’t learn about everything, we have to select what to learn about. We have many systems that contribute to learning in different ways, allowing us to select the most relevant information to learn about. This review will focus on one such system, comprising the basolateral amygdala and lateral hypothalamus, which we argue works to favor learning about information most relevant to current goals. Specifically, we will discuss work that has revealed the role of the basolateral amygdala in encoding the sensory-specific aspects of rewarding information. Then, we discuss new data implicating lateral hypothalamus in biasing learning towards reward-predictive cues, and away from information distal to rewards. Finally, we offer a framework of how these regions communicate to relay this information to the midbrain dopamine system, allowing them to bias ongoing learning towards the best predictors of motivationally relevant information.
Validity and severity thresholds for the depression subscale of the affective self rating scale: An equipercentile equating study using classical test theory.

Abstract Background: The Affective Symptoms Scale (ASRS) is a unique instrument designed to separately measure depressive and manic symptoms in mood disorders. We validated the ASRS against the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (QIDS-16). Methods: A retrospective study of 258 patients who completed the PHQ-9, QIDS-16 and ASRS as part of routine clinical care. To establish meaningful clinical thresholds for the depression subscale of the ASRS, it was equated with the QIDS and the PHQ-9. Results: The depression subscale of the ASRS had significant positive correlations with the QIDS-16 and the PHQ-9 (respectively, r= 0.8, t[253] = 19.8, p Limitations: Limitations include a small sample size that did not allow more detailed statistical analysis, such as Item Response Theory. The population is a heterogenous population at a university outpatient setting. Conclusions: The ASRS depression subscale significantly correlated with the PHQ-9 and QIDS-16. Our proposed threshold scores for the ASRS are 5, 11, 16 and 23 to indicated mild, moderate, severe and very severe depression respectively.
Lindhard function of a d-dimensional Fermi gas

We review in detail the derivation of the dielectric response function of a noninteracting system of spin-1/2 fermions in the random-phase approximation. Results for the response function of a Fermi gas in one, two and three dimensions can be obtained in closed form, and represent the baseline for developing a pedagogical understanding of the effect of correlations on the response functions in interacting systems of fermions.
Solvent effects on protein stability

Abstract Significant advances have been made in understanding the basic thermodynamic principles that govern protein salting out and stabilization by solvent components. A rule has been established that preferential exclusion of a compound must lead to salting out, whereas stabilization depends on a fine interplay between exclusion from and binding to the native and unfolded proteins. A physico-chemical basis has been provided for the selection of osmolytes by nature, and the basis of structure stabilization by salts has been established for halophiles. A rigorous thermodynamic analysis has identified the basic difference between site occupancy and preferential interactions, showing that it is the latter that control stabilization or denaturation.
Depression and Outcome among Veterans with Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators with or without Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Capability

Background The impact of depression on outcome in implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) recipients has not been fully appreciated. We assessed the prevalence of depression and its association with heart failure (HF) outcome among veterans with ICDs. Methods and Results Patients enrolled between January 2005 and January 2010 in the Outcomes among Veterans with Implantable Defibrillators Registry were studied. We examined the cross-sectional association of depression with severity of HF functional class as well as the association of depression with the composite outcome of mortality or HF hospitalization over a mean follow-up time of 2.7 years. There were 3,862 patients enrolled. Patients with depression (1,162, 43%) were younger (63.1 ± 9.4 years vs 66.6 ± 9.9 years, P < 0.001), more likely to have a history of tobacco or alcohol abuse (P < 0.0001) or atrial fibrillation (P = 0.05) while having a higher ejection fraction (28.3% vs 27.4%, P = 0.03). Depression was associated with advanced HF class at time of implant; odds ratio (OR; vs class I) for class III: 1.65 (confidence interval [CI] 1.17–2.33), class IV: 1.73 (95% CI 1.08–2.76). Death or HF hospitalization was more likely to occur in patients with depression (35.2% vs 32.0%, HR: 1.15 [95% CI 0.99–1.33]). The predictive value of depression was stronger after multivariable adjustment; HR: 1.25 (95% CI 1.05–1.49). Conclusion Depression was prevalent among veterans with ICDs. Depression was associated with severity of HF. The predictive value of associated depression was significant after multivariable adjustment.
Interpretation of the impedance spectroscopy of cement paste via computer modelling

The d.c. conductivity, σ, and low-frequency relative dielectric constant, k, of Portland cement paste were monitored, using impedance spectroscopy, during cooling from room temperature down to -50 °C. Dramatic decreases in the values of σ and k, as great as two orders of magnitude, occurred at the initial freezing point of the aqueous phase in the macropores and larger capillary pores. This result provides strong experimental support for the dielectric amplification mechanism, proposed in Part II of this series, to explain the high measured low-frequency relative dielectric constant of hydrating Portland cement paste. Only gradual changes in the electrical properties were observed below this sudden drop, as the temperature continued to decrease. The values of σ and k of frozen cement paste, at a constant temperature of -40 °C, were dominated by properties of calcium-silicate-hydrate (C-S-H) and so increased with the degree of hydration of the paste, indicating a C-S-H gel percolation threshold at a volume fraction of approximately 15%–20%, in good agreement with previous predictions. Good agreement was found between experimental results and digital-image-based model computations of σ at -40 °C. Freeze-thaw cycling caused a drop in the dielectric constant of paste in the unfrozen state, indicating that measurements of k could be useful for monitoring microstructural changes during freeze-thaw cycling and other processes that gradually damage parts of the cement paste microstructure.
Effect of nickel oxidation state on the structural and electrochemical characteristics of lithium-rich layered oxide cathodes

Li-rich layered oxides are being pursued intensively as next generation cathodes for Li-ion batteries due to their high capacity, but their adoption is hampered by voltage decay during cycling. This investigation focuses on the effect of Ni oxidation state on the structural and electrochemical properties, including voltage decay, of Li-rich layered oxides. With increasing Ni3+ content, (i) the interlayer mixing between Li and Ni (cation disorder) decreases due to its smaller size compared to Ni2+, (ii) the oxygen loss plateau decreases in length due the decreased Mn4+ content and Li content in the transition-metal layer, resulting in a reduction in Li2MnO3 character, (iii) the discharge capacity decreases due to the shorter plateau and a larger 1st cycle irreversible capacity loss, (iv) the operating voltage increases due to the increasing amount of Ni and as Ni4+/3+ reduction occurs at a higher voltage than Mn4+ reduction, and (v) cyclability is enhanced as less Mn3+ ions are formed, minimizing Mn dissolution. Most importantly, the decreasing degree of Mn reduction suppresses the layered-to-spinel phase transformation and the consequent voltage decay. Increasing the oxidation state of Ni could thus be a potential approach to reduce the voltage decay in lithium-rich layered oxides, but it would cause a decrease in capacity.
Is the menopausal transition stressful? Observations of perceived stress from the Seattle Midlife Women's Health Study.

OBJECTIVE To describe changes in the levels of perceived stress in relation to menopausal transition (MT)-related factors (MT stage, hot flash severity, urinary estrone glucuronide, urinary follicle-stimulating hormone, hormone therapy), aging and age-related changes, and psychosocial factors (income adequacy, role burden, social support, parenting, employment, history of sexual abuse, depressed mood). DESIGN A subset of participants (N = 418) in the longitudinal Seattle Midlife Women's Health Study provided data during the late reproductive and early and late MT stages or early postmenopause (PM) from 1990 to 2005, including menstrual calendars for staging the MT, annual health reports, and first morning urine specimens (assayed for estrone and follicle-stimulating hormone). Multilevel modeling was used to test patterns of perceived stress related to MT-related and aging-related factors and psychosocial factors with as many as 1,814 observations from 418 women per factor. Age was centered at 47.9 years. RESULTS The effects of the MT-related factors were not significant, although the stress ratings decreased during PM by 0.11 units (P = 0.06). In analyses with age as a covariate and with each covariate added separately, employment was associated with significantly higher levels of stress (beta = 0.14, P < 0.0001), as was history of sexual abuse (beta = 0.11, P = 0.03) and depressed mood (beta = 0.02, P < 0.0001). Improvement in each of the factors of role burden, social support, and income adequacy was associated with significantly lower perceived stress (beta = -0.19, -0.13, and -0.10, respectively; P < 0.0001 for all). Negative appraisal of aging changes and perceived poorer health were both associated with significantly higher stress levels (beta = 0.08, P < 0.0001 for both) and depressed mood (beta = -0.02, P < 0.0001). A multivariate model included significant effects of employment, perceived health, and depressed mood (beta = 0.24, -0.04, and 0.02, respectively; P < 0.0001 for all). CONCLUSIONS Being employed, experiencing depressed mood, and perceiving one's health as poor were more important in women's evaluation of their daily stress than severity of hot flashes, MT-related factors, or other social factors. Clinicians working with women going through the MT should remain vigilant to the impact of social circumstances of women's lives, especially employment, as well as focusing on the psychosocial and endocrine features of this transition.
Thermodynamics of parabosonic and parafermionic systems of order two.

The thermodynamics of a gas of order two ({ital Q}=2) parabosons or parafermions is shown to be equivalent to that of a mixture of two gases of ordinary bosons or fermions, which either contain equal numbers of particles or the particle numbers of which differ by one.
Sibling Support During Post-Divorce Adjustment: An Idiographic Analysis of Support Forms, Functions, and Relationship Types

This research examines social support from siblings following parental divorce, based on retrospective interviews and ratings obtained from adult children of divorced parents. Sibling relationships were diverse in the extent, form, and direction of support, as reflected in seven types of sibling support relationships (separates, pals, allies, opponents, parent, protector, encourager). Availability/companionship with siblings predicted improved adjustment to divorce, whereas multiple dimensions of maternal support predicted adjustment. Qualitative analyses suggested that the company of a sibling provided reassurance and promoted resilience, even in the absence of explicit support messages or tangible assistance. Supportive siblings appeared to buffer children by providing a sense of continuity and shared experience during family reorganization. Sibling support typically served a complementary role to parental support. However, siblings sometimes provided more extensive and direct compensatory support in si...
Palisaded Encapsulated (“Solitary Circumscribed”) Neuroma of the Oral Cavity: A Review of 55 Cases

We describe the clinicopathologic characteristics of 55 oral palisaded encapsulated (solitary circumscribed) neuromas (PEN/SCN). Fifty-five cases of PEN/SCN in 54 patients were reviewed. Lesions were categorized according to their histologic pattern, partial or complete encapsulation, presence of Verocay bodies and presence of a parent peripheral nerve. In 13 selected cases immunohistochemical evaluation for neuronal markers (S-100, GFAP, NFP, EMA) was performed. When immunoreaction with EMA was weak, claudin-1 and glut-1 stains were utilized. Thirty-eight patients were men and 16 were women. Mean patient age was 48 years (SD: ±14). The vast majority involved the masticatory (palate and gingiva) mucosa (76.4%) followed by the labial mucosa, the tongue and buccal mucosa. Recurrence was recorded in only one case. Histologically, 34 lesions had a lobular pattern, 10 were plexiform, 7 fungating and 4 multilobular. Stroma was limited, but focal myxoid changes were seen at the periphery of the lobules. Only one predominantly myxoid lesion was encountered. The number of intralesional axons varied, but the ratio of Schwann cells to axons was generally less than 1:2. Most lesions (89%) were only partially surrounded by perineurium. Tumor cells were S-100 positive and GFAP negative. The parent nerve was identified in 50% of the cases. Overlying epithelium was generally atrophic. Peritumoral connective tissue was generally unremarkable, but chronic inflammation was present in five cases. PEN/SCN is a relatively common peripheral nerve sheath tumor. Generally, its diagnosis is simple. GFAP may be of help to distinguish PEN/SCN from other peripheral nerve sheath tumors (schwannoma, neurofibroma, traumatic neuroma) in cases where histomorphologic features may be confusing. Finally, pathologists should be aware of the occurrence of plexiform and multilobular PEN/SCN variants, to avoid misinterpretation as plexiform neurofibroma or schwannoma.
Can heterogeneous core–mantle electromagnetic coupling control geomagnetic reversals?

Abstract An analytical model is developed for the electromagnetic torques exerted on the mantle by the poloidal magnetic field of the core interacting with a laterally heterogeneous conducting layer at the base of the mantle. Torques due to changes in both orientation and intensity of a dipolar poloidal field are included. Contrary to earlier suggestions, our calculations predict that the trajectory of the magnetic pole during a polarity reversal is not strongly affected by heterogeneity in mantle electrical conductivity.
Networked electronic information systems at the University of Houston Libraries: The IRIS project and beyond

In 1989, the University of Houston Libraries began a two‐year project to build an experimental Intelligent Reference Information System (IRIS). The IRIS project established a ten‐workstation CD‐ROM network that provided access to 19 CD‐ROM databases, developed an expert system to recommend reference sources, and conducted three research studies. In 1992, the Libraries initiated a new project to replace the IRIS network infrastructure, expand the number of network workstations, increase the number of networked CD‐ROM databases, offer remote access to CD‐ROMs, and provide access to new types of network resources, such as electronic serials and OPACs on the Internet. The Libraries also began a related project to develop a new version of the expert system.