cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Immediate release niacin effect at stratified lipid levels

Abstract Background The Coronary Drug Project demonstrated a significant decrease in non-fatal myocardial infarction, and total mortality using immediate release niacin (IRN). However, AIM-HIGH and HPS-2-THRIVE showed no additional benefit from adding niacin to statin therapy. Objective To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of IRN on low-density-lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density-lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides, and lipoprotein (a) (Lpa) at stratified lipid levels in a monotherapy IRN group (MTG) and a combined therapy group (CTG) statin + IRN. Methods We retrospectively studied 185 patients who were prescribed IRN for elevated LDL-C, triglycerides, lipoprotein a (Lpa), or low HDL-C. All patients used the same IRN products. Results 157 patients had complete records. (MTG = 74 patients, CTG = 83 patients with 68 combined with statins). Mean IRN dose = 2474 mg. Mean duration = 3.05 years. If initial LDL-C was = 130, LDL-C decreased 35% in MTG vs. 32% decrease in CTG. If initial HDL-C 150, there was a 48% decrease in MTG vs. 54% decrease in CTG. Lpa decreased 49% for all patients with initially elevated Lpa. Data except for LDL-C Conclusion Lowering LDL-C is the corner stone for decreasing cardiovascular events. IRN reduces LDL-C significantly when initial LDL-C > 130, but not significantly when LDL-C
Pediatric Cardiology Boot Camp: Description and Evaluation of a Novel Intensive Training Program for Pediatric Cardiology Trainees

The transition from residency to subspecialty fellowship in a procedurally driven field such as pediatric cardiology is challenging for trainees. We describe and assess the educational value of a pediatric cardiology "boot camp" educational tool designed to help prepare trainees for cardiology fellowship. A two-day intensive training program was provided for pediatric cardiology fellows in July 2015 at a large fellowship training program. Hands-on experiences and simulations were provided in: anatomy, auscultation, echocardiography, catheterization, cardiovascular intensive care (CVICU), electrophysiology (EP), heart failure, and cardiac surgery. Knowledge-based exams as well as surveys were completed by each participant pre-training and post-training. Pre- and post-exam results were compared via paired t tests, and survey results were compared via Wilcoxon rank sum. A total of eight participants were included. After boot camp, there was a significant improvement between pre- and post-exam scores (PRE 54 ± 9 % vs. POST 85 ± 8 %; p ≤ 0.001). On pre-training survey, the most common concerns about starting fellowship included: CVICU emergencies, technical aspects of the catheterization/EP labs, using temporary and permanent pacemakers/implantable cardiac defibrillators (ICDs), and ECG interpretation. Comparing pre- and post-surveys, there was a statistically significant improvement in the participants comfort level in 33 of 36 (92 %) areas of assessment. All participants (8/8, 100 %) strongly agreed that the boot camp was a valuable learning experience and helped to alleviate anxieties about the start of fellowship. A pediatric cardiology boot camp experience at the start of cardiology fellowship can provide a strong foundation and serve as an educational springboard for pediatric cardiology fellows.
Investigation of flow and mass transfer on a flat plate downstream of a shear inducing moving wall

The effects of an opposing (upstream-moving) wall-shear on a two-dimensional turbulent boundary layer are investigated. The shear at the boundary is imparted by a moving belt, flush with the wall. Boundary layer measurements are reported for four surface-to-freestream velocity ratios (0 , −0.38 , −0.51 , −0.63 ) with the Reynolds number (based on the momentum thickness) between 922 and 1951 . Velocity profiles downstream of the moving surface show an increased velocity deficit near the wall, which is more pronounced at higher (negative) belt velocity. Streamwise turbulence values downstream of the belt show the growth of a second peak in the logarithmic region of the boundary layer in addition to the normally-observed peak in the buffer region. This suggests the presence of larger length-scale turbulent eddies at locations away from the wall in the boundary layer. Spectral measurements indicate that the turbulent energy content is distributed over a wide portion of the logarithmic region. Mass transfer measurements using naphthalene sublimation provide the variation of Stanton with Reynolds number on the plate downstream of the moving belt. It shows little difference from the stationary belt case, which suggests that increased wall turbulence is balanced by an increase in the boundary layer thickness.© 2010 ASME
Abstract 1863: MutL homolog 1 promoter polymorphism in prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia

MutL homolog (MLH1) is one of several DNA mismatch repair genes of which defects can result in mutation and genomic instability, and ultimately may lead to cancer. Polymorphisms of MLH1 promoter have been shown to be a risk for several types of cancers and thus, we hypothesize that MLH1 promoter polymorphisms can be a risk factor for prostatic diseases. To test this hypothesis, the genetic distribution of MLH1 polymorphism of the promoter region at nucleotide positions prior to translation start site at −1913 (rs34013758), −593 (rs34566456), −93 (rs1800734) and recently identified −107 (base change C to G) were analyzed in 131 normal healthy subjects, 134 benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and 177 sporadic prostate cancer samples in a Japanese population by sequence-specific PCR and sequencing. These experiments show that the variant G/G genotype at the −93 location is associated with prostate cancer when compared to normal controls. Odds ratio and 95% confidence interval for cancer were 1.93 and 1.01-3.69, respectively, for the variant G/G genotype when compared to wildtype (A/A). Likewise, the variant G allele was associated as a risk for prostate cancer (P=0.063). However, no differences were observed for the promoter −93 polymorphism between BPH and controls as well as between stages or grades of prostate cancer. Interestingly, when analyzing the promoter −93 site with the Ile219Val (A to G) polymorphic site, a significant linkage was observed among controls (D’=1). Haplotype analysis showed bases A-A reflecting the wildtype forms for −93 and Ile219Val sites, respectively, to be significantly reduced in cancer compared to controls (P=0.033). The promoter −107 site was extremely rare with C/G type observed in one cancerous patient whereas rs34013758 and rs34566456 were not observed in this Asian population. This is the first report that demonstrates an association for the MLH1 promoter polymorphism with prostate cancer and these results are important in understanding its role in this disease. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1863.
Information System Lifecycles in Health Care

Navigating a clinical information system (CIS) through the phases of the system development lifecycle (SDLC) requires commitment and expertise from an interdisciplinary cross functional team to ensure that the value of the investment is realized. Beginning with a thorough organizational needs assessment to lay the foundation for effective system selection, a CIS then traverses through the phases of testing, training, implementation and evaluation. Standardized processes and a governance structure that supports organization-wide input and communication will ensure that ongoing system changes and unexpected interruptions are handled effectively and evaluated as the learning cycle continues. This chapter describes the SDLC and provides evidence based information to successfully navigate a system through each phase.
Corrosion Behaviors of Stainless Steels in Simulated Poly Formaldehyde Unit Solution

Objective Corrosion behaviors of 316 L,904L and 2507 stainless steels were studied in the simulated poly formaldehyde unit solution,in order to select a more advanced steel for the upgrade of poly formaldehyde unit. Methods Immersion tests were performed for the three types of steel in the simulated solution,pitting potential was measured using the potentiodynamic polarization technique,and the morphology and the phase of the corrosion layer were observed and analyzed. Results Pitting corrosion and selective phase corrosion of 316 L stainless steel occurred in the simulated solution,and the corrosion products were mainly Fe-Cr ferritic phase and Fe2O3 hematite phase. Conclusion The results showed that owing to the lower corrosion rate and sensitization on pitting corrosion than 316 L stainless steel,904 L stainless steel is expected to improve the corrosion resistance of the poly formaldehyde unit.
Imaging of the Postoperative Spine: Cages, Prostheses, and Instrumentation

Spinal instrumentation has undergone tremendous evolution in the more than 125 years since the first reported internal fixation of the spine in 1888 by B. F. Wilkins, who reduced a dislocated T12-L1 vertebrae by fixing a wire with carbonized silver suture passed around the pedicles of the T12 and L1 vertebrae (Cotler 1999). In 1911 Albee and Hibbs, at two different institutions in New York, performed the first biological fusion procedures of the spine by using autogenous bone graft (Albee 1911; Hibbs 1911). Between these historical events, one of the most significant technological advances to impact the development of spinal instrumentation (and medicine in general) took place: William Roentgen’s discovery of X-ray imaging in 1895. Since these early events, the two landmark developments in spinal instrumentation of the past century were the interspinous wiring technique described by Rogers in the early 1940s and the rod/hook instrumentation system of Harrington for treatment of postpoliomyelitis scoliosis in the 1950s (Benzel 1994).
Serious infections in hospitalized patients with psoriasis in the United States

Background Patients with psoriasis have multiple risk factors for serious infections, including immune dysregulation, systemic immunosuppressive medications, and comorbid health conditions. Objective We sought to determine rates and predictors of serious infections in hospitalized psoriasis patients and quantify costs of care, length of stay, and mortality. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 2002 to 2012, containing a representative 20% sample of all hospitalizations in the United States. Results In multivariate logistic regression models, psoriasis was associated with multiple serious infections, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (odds ratio [OR] 1.76, 95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.52-2.03), cellulitis (OR 3.21, 95% CI 3.12-3.30), herpes simplex virus infection (OR 2.21, 95% CI 1.70-2.89), infectious arthritis (OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.58-2.09), osteomyelitis (OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.18-1.46), meningitis (OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.16-1.47), encephalitis (OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.02-1.47), and tuberculosis (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.20-1.49). Among patients with psoriasis, rates of serious infections increased over all time intervals analyzed ( P = .01) and were significantly higher compared with those without psoriasis across all time intervals ( P P Limitations The study was limited to inpatients. Medication data were not available. Conclusion Serious infections are increasing in incidence in US inpatients with psoriasis.
Evidence for the origin of plasma cells from adventitial cells. I. Sensitized subcutaneous connective tissue examined by light microscopy.

Arthus reactions were induced in the dorsal skin, and the subcutaneous connective tissues from the sensitized areas were examined at various stages. The subcutaneous connective tissue was used due to its simplicity of construction and because it could be studied conveniently by both supravital and fixed methods. This combination of tissue and technic allowed both an accurate classification of various types of inflammatory cells and a close examination of their relationships to the blood vessels. Cells transitional between adventitial cells and plasma cells were observed after antigenic stimulation. Their location on the walls of the venules and capillaries indicated that they were adventitial cells but their morphology was that of plasma cells. By supravital technic they exhibited a glassy and homogeneous cytoplasm, a circular formation of neutral red granules, and a diffuse distribution of Janus green granules; and by fixed method they exhibited a chromatin pattern similar to that of plasma cells, an increased cytoplasmic basophilia, and a nucleolus was often present. Small plasma cells appeared simultaneously around the venules and capillaries. The local origin of plasma cells would appear to explain the absence of plasmacytosis during strong tissue plasma cell reactions. Immunofluorescence was only found in plasma cells and in transitional adventitial cells, indicating a functional similarity between the 2 cells.
Development of a Carbon Fiber Knitted Capacitive Touch Sensor

Textiles, in combination with advances in materials and design, offer exciting new possibilities for human and environmental interaction, including biometric and touch-based sensing. Previous fabric-based or flexible touch sensors have generally required a large number of sensing electrodes positioned in a dense XY grid configuration and a multitude of wires. This paper investigates the design and manufacturing of a planar (two-dimensional, XY location) touch fabric sensor with only two electrodes (wires) to sense both planar touch and pressure, making it ideal for applications with limited space/complexity for wiring. The proposed knitted structure incorporates a supplementary method of sensing to detect human touch on the fabric surface, which offers advantages over previous methods of touch localization through an efficient use of wire connections and sensing materials. This structure is easily manufactured as a single component utilizing flatbed knitting techniques and electrically conductive yarns. The design requires no embedded electronics or solid components in the fabric, which allows the sensor to be flexible and resilient. This paper discusses the design, fabrication, sensing methods, and applications of the fabric sensor in robotics and human-machine interaction, smart garments, and wearables, as well as the highly transdisciplinary approach pursued in developing medical textiles and flexible embedded sensors.
A Case Study for Comparing the Effectiveness of a Computer Simulation and a Hands-on Activity on Learning Electric Circuits.

Background:Science education reform emphasizes innovative and constructivist views of science teaching and learning that promotes active learning environments, dynamic instructions, and authentic science experiments. Technology-based and hands-on instructional designs are among innovative science teaching and learning methods. Research shows that these two types of instructional methods designed with constructivist views of science are more beneficial for students in learning science concepts when compared to traditional science instruction.Materials and methods:However, the comparison of effectiveness of the two approaches as well as their affordances has not been clearly addressed. This paper presents a case study comparing the effectiveness of computer-based versus hands-on instructional activity on learning electric circuits.Results:The results show that both approaches significantly improved pre-service mathematics and science teachers’ learning of electric circuits. The two types of instructional activities did not significantly differ from each other in terms of learning gains. However, hands-on activity provided ample opportunities for group interaction as well as task-related discussions.Conclusions:This study shows that both computer-based and hands-on activities can be effective when utilized in the right classroom environment.
Growth inhibition by methylated flavonoids is proteasome inhibition-independent

A121 Flavonoids are polyphenolic compounds that are widely distributed in the plant kingdom. Compelling research indicates that flavonoids have important roles in cancer chemoprevention and chemotherapy possibly due to biological activities that include action through anti-inflammation, free radical scavenging, modulation of survival/proliferation pathways, and proteasome inhibition. Plant polyphenols including the green tea polyphenol, (-)-EGCG, and the flavonoids apigenin, luteolin, quercetin, and chrysin have been shown to inhibit proteasome activity and induce apoptosis. However, biotransformation reactions on the reactive hydroxyl groups of polyphenols may reduce their biological activities. In the current study, methylated and unmethylated flavonoids were studied for their proteasome-inhibitory and growth-inhibitory abilities in human leukemia HL60 cells. Methylated flavonoids displayed sustained bioavailability and inhibited cellular proliferation by arresting cells in the G1 phase. However, they did not act as proteasome inhibitors and only weakly induced apoptosis. In contrast, unmethylated flavonoids exhibited inhibition of the proteaosmal activity in intact HL60 cells, accumulating proteasome target proteins and inducing caspase activation and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage. We conclude that methylated flavonoids lack potent cytotoxicity against human leukemia cancer cells and most likely have limited ability as chemopreventive agents.
The Role of Evaluation at the UN and in the new Sustainable Development Goals: Towards the Future We Want

After outlining recent developments in the United Nations system with regard to the growing role of evaluation, this article provides an overview on how evaluation was considered in the international policy debates that took place in 2015 to shape the new agenda, and the role evaluation should play during the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Furthermore, it outlines how efforts at the global, national and local level to strengthen evaluation can be made more effective.
Invariant Resource Supply and Tax Incidence in a Lifecycle Growth Model

The incidences of wage, income, interest, output, and expenditure taxes are examined in a dynamic general equilibrium growth model. It is shown that a flat-rate income tax and a general sales tax have the same incidence; if the production function is Cobb-Douglas (unit elasticity of substitution), both are borne entirely by labor income. Feldstein's finding that a proportional capital income tax is partly shifted onto labor income is shown to hold even when saving elasticities are zero. A proportional wage tax reduces after tax wage income by more than the tax, while increasing interest income, demonstrating that labor bears more than a 100% share of this tax's burden. These results are compared to the incidence results of static general equilibrium analysis. It is shown that the general equilibrium results hold in the long run only if the production elasticity of substitution is infinite.
Supertemporal-Resolved Microscopy (STReM) for Measuring Fast Interfacial Dynamics

Protein dynamics at interfaces are crucial to a wide range of applications including disease inception, drug delivery, and separations science. Recent efforts by our group and others have shown the promise of applying single molecule methods to link mechanistic detail about protein adsorptions to macroscale observables. However, although the best super-resolution methods achieve high spatial resolution, the temporal resolution remains low. We report Super Temporal-Resolved Microscopy (STReM) to improve the temporal resolution of 2D super-resolution microscopy by a factor of 20 compared to the traditional camera-limited frame rate. This is achieved by rotating a phase mask in the Fourier plane during data acquisition and then recovering the temporal information by fitting the PSF orientations. The feasibility of this technique is verified with both simulated and experimental 2D adsorption/desorption and 2D emitter transport. When STReM is applied to measure protein adsorption at a glass surface, previously unseen dynamics are revealed.
Bug-In-Ear Technology to Enhance Preservice Teacher Training: Peer Versus Instructor Feedback

Earbud technology has been used in teacher education to strategically increase learning outcomes and appropriate decision-making of pre-service teachers (PST) for over 60 years (Ottley & Hanline, 2014). Research on the integration of wireless communication in physical education teacher education (PETE) programs is limited, however needed to prepare PST for effective teaching. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of instructor and peer cues via Bug-In-Ear (BIE) technology on PST delivery of feedback and movement. Participants (n=16) in an introductory methods course taught 12 lessons to K-2nd grade children during a practical course experience while receiving a condition: instructor verbal cueing, peer verbal cueing, or control with no verbal cueing. Data collection included videotaping and coding lessons for performance feedback (PFB) and sector changes (SC) and individual interviews. Based on the occurrence of cues per minute, results found significance with PFB offered more frequently with instructor cues (F 2, 33 = 8.5, p= 0.001). Sector changes increased in the instructor and peer cueing conditions, but differences were not significant. Interview data revealed four major themes: (1) PST focused more on teaching when using BIE technology; (2) using BIE was sometimes distracting; (3) suggestions for improved implementation; and (4) differences in peer and instructor verbal cueing. Results support the beneficial integration of BIE technology into teaching methods within a PETE program.
Syntheses and PDT activity of new mono- and di-conjugated derivatives of chlorin e6

Syntheses of three new chlorin e6 conjugates for PDT of tumors are reported. One of the new compounds 17 is conjugated with lysine at the 131-position, but the others are mono-conjugated 14 or diconjugated 15 with the non-amino acid species ethanolamine. Cellular experiments with the three new compounds and previously synthesized non-amino acid 152-conjugates (7–10), 131-monoconjugates 14, 16, and a 131,152-diconjugate 12 are reported. In vitro cytotoxicity experiments show that the 131-conjugates are more toxic than the 152-conjugates, and the most toxic derivative (dark- and photo-toxicity) is the 131-ethylenediamine conjugate 11. The most useful PDT photosentitizers appear to be the ethanolamine derivatives, conjugated at the 152- and the 131,152-positions; these show high phototoxicity but relatively low dark toxicity compared with 11, and also the highest dark/photo cytotoxicity ratios.
Bioenergy and carbon capture with storage (BECCS): the prospects and challenges of an emerging climate policy response

There is increasing impetus for large-scale deployment of carbon dioxide removal geoengineering approaches to help keep temperatures to below 2 °C, as provided for under the Paris Agreement. The primary option that has been discussed to date is Bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS). While BECCS could sequester very large amounts of carbon dioxide, it also poses substantial socio-economic risks to society, as well as threats to biodiversity. This essay suggests that a human rights-based approach can help to protect the interests of those who might be adversely impacted by BECCS deployment.
The Distinct Pattern of Relationships Between the Big Five and Racial Resentment Among White Americans

Research on the relationship between the Big Five and prejudice suggests that low agreeableness and low openness to experience are the most consistent personality correlates of prejudice. However, ...
Three-dimensional modeling and assessment of cardiac adipose tissue distribution.

Objective: The layer of fat that accumulates around the heart, called cardiac adipose tissue (CAT), can influence the development of coronary disease and is indicative of cardiovascular risk. While volumetric assessment of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can quantify CAT, volume alone gives no information about its distribution across the myocardial surface, which may be an important factor in risk assessment. In this study, a three-dimensional (3D) modeling technique is developed and used to quantify the distribution of the CAT across the surface of the heart. Methods: Dixon MRI scans, which produce a registered 3D set of fat-only and water-only images, were acquired in 10 subjects for a study on exercise intervention. A previously developed segmentation algorithm was used to identify the heart and CAT. Extracted contours were used to build 3D models. Procrustes analysis was used to register the heart models and an iterative closest point algorithm was used to register and align the CAT models for calculation of CAT thickness. Rays were cast in directions specified by a spherical parameterization of elevation and azimuthal angles, and intersections of the ray with the CAT surface were used to calculate the thickness at each location. To evaluate the effects of the spherical parameterization on the thickness estimates, a set of synthetic models were created with increasing major-to-minor axis ratios. Results: Based on the validation in the synthetic models, the average error in CAT thickness ranged from 1.25% to 17.3% for increasing major-to-minor axis ratio. Conclusions: A process was developed, based on Dixon MRI data, to provide 3D models of the myocardial surface and the cardiac fat. The models can be used in future segmentation algorithm development and for studies on changes in cardiac fat as a result of various interventions.
Dielectric-barrier-discharge plasma-assisted hydrogen diffusion flame. Part 2: Modeling and comparison with experiments

Abstract Recent visual, PIV, and fs-CARS measurements show the multiple fundamental changes that occur when a hydrogen stand-burner flame is actuated by a dielectric-barrier-discharge (DBD). These are far more significant than in corresponding actuation without combustion. The un-actuated flame is conical and flickers at ∼ 10 Hz. As the DBD voltage is increased, the oscillations decrease then cease, the flame flattens and light emission significantly increase. We develop a simulation model that reproduces and allows us to analyze the mechanisms that underlie these changes. The main mechanisms are body forces due to charge sheaths, with radicals produced by plasma excitation playing a secondary role for the present conditions. The basic model introduced for charge density is based on a Poisson–Boltzmann description, with charge assumed to be in equilibrium with the potential. However, in this limit a constant-property plasma produces only an irrotational force, which we show fails to reproduce the observed vortex-ring. To correct this, we introduce a non-constant property, linearized Poisson–Boltzmann model, which thus includes charge-induced vorticity via the misalignment of the gradient of the screening length and the electric field. This reproduces the observations. For weak actuation, the vortex ring remains within the stoichiometric surface. This flame widens some, but flickers at the same frequency with reduced amplitude. Above 8 kV, a sudden increase in plasma extent occurs due to electrical breakdown on the outer dielectric surface facilitated by the flame lying now close to the actuator surface. This supports a broader plasma and consequently a broader vortex ring. The vortex ring moves outside of the stoichiometric surface, leading to a reduction of the flame surface, which is now ventilated by the air entrained by the vortex. This brings the flickering conical flame into a state that resembles a counter-flow flat flame.
Future therapy for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is a leading cause of chronic liver disease and can lead to cirrhosis, hepatocellular cancer and end stage liver disease. It is also associated with increased cardiovascular and cancer related morbidity and mortality. The pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease includes metabolic stress to the liver associated with insulin resistance with downstream cell stress from reactive oxygen species and unfolded protein response with activation of inflammatory and fibrotic pathways. There are currently no approved therapies for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. This review summarizes ongoing efforts to establish the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis the progressive form of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Therapies are currently directed towards improving the metabolic status of the liver, cell stress, apoptosis, inflammation or fibrosis. Several agents are now in pivotal trials and it is expected that the first therapies will be approved in 2-3 years.
Risk factors for near-miss events and safety incidents in pediatric radiation therapy.

Abstract Background and purpose Factors contributing to safety- or quality-related incidents (e.g. variances) in children are unknown. We identified clinical and RT treatment variables associated with risk for variances in a pediatric cohort. Materials and methods Using our institution’s incident learning system, 81 patients age ≤21 years old who experienced variances were compared to 191 pediatric patients without variances. Clinical and RT treatment variables were evaluated as potential predictors for variances using univariate and multivariate analyses. Results Variances were primarily documentation errors (n = 46, 57%) and were most commonly detected during treatment planning (n = 14, 21%). Treatment planning errors constituted the majority (n = 16 out of 29, 55%) of near-misses and safety incidents (NMSI), which excludes workflow incidents. Therapists reported the majority of variances (n = 50, 62%). Physician cross-coverage (OR = 2.1, 95% CI = 1.04–4.38) and 3D conformal RT (OR = 2.3, 95% CI = 1.11–4.69) increased variance risk. Conversely, age >14 years (OR = 0.5, 95% CI = 0.28–0.88) and diagnosis of abdominal tumor (OR = 0.2, 95% CI = 0.04–0.59) decreased variance risk. Conclusions Variances in children occurred in early treatment phases, but were detected at later workflow stages. Quality measures should be implemented during early treatment phases with a focus on younger children and those cared for by cross-covering physicians.
Gender Differences Related to the Types of Sexually Abusive Incidents Encountered by Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse

Prior studies have suggested that specific characteristics of sexually abusive experiences, including the presence of force and penetration, have been proposed to account for much of the harm caused by childhood sexual abuse. Though many studies have documented gender differences in the prevalence and sequelae of childhood sexual abuse (CSA), few have examined gender differences related to the types of abusive incidents that victims have encountered, and all have been limited to clinical samples. Illuminating gender differences in the nature of sexually abusive experiences may help to account for gender disparities related to the sequelae of CSA. Extending this line of research to nonclinical samples will help to estimate the overall prevalence of CSA and assess the generalizability of previous study findings. This study examined gender differences in the types of sexually abusive incidents self-reported by 155 victims of CSA who were students enrolled in an undergraduate psychology course at a large southeastern university. Although Chi square analyses failed to reveal any significant gender differences related to the involvement of force in CSA incidents, results did indicate that males were significantly more likely to report being victimized by incidents involving penetration (41.0% vs. 24.1%). Additional statistically significant gender differences included findings that a greater proportion of males (61.5%) than females (37.1%) reported touching the genitals of someone at least five years older before the age of 16, and that males were more likely to report having engaged in anal intercourse before the age of 16 with someone at least five years older (12.8% vs. 2.6%).
Identifying Inhibitory Subcomponents Associated with Changes in Binge Drinking Behavior: A 6-Month Longitudinal Design.

BACKGROUND Links between response inhibition and young adult problematic drinking (e.g., binge drinking) have been established, but only to an extent. Considering the presence of some inconsistent findings associated with these 2 variables, this study proposes the need to investigate the extent in which different inhibitory subcomponents are associated with binge drinking behaviors of the same sample. METHODS Through the use of a 6-month longitudinal design, changes in Alcohol Use Questionnaire (AUQ) binge score of 163 college students (50.3% female) with a mean age of 21.06 years (SD = 1.83) were correlated with performance on 3 different inhibitory control tasks. Each task was selected to assess separate inhibitory subcomponents: Stop Signal Task (e.g., cancellation of a response), Go/No-Go Task (e.g., withholding of a response), and Simon Task (e.g., inhibiting response interference). Response inhibition was also compared between 2 groups, those who had a substantial increase in AUQ binge score during participation (inAUQ) and those who had a substantial decrease in AUQ binge score (deAUQ). RESULTS A significant correlation was found with a change in AUQ binge score and stop signal reaction time among females only, where an increase in binge drinking score positively correlated with a reduced ability to cancel an already-initiated inhibitory response. Differences in inhibitory performance, where inAUQ performed worse than deAUQ, approached significance. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that the cancellation of a prepotent response, as opposed to the withholding of response or interference inhibition, is a more sensitive inhibitory measure associated with increases in binge drinking behavior among female young adult college students. Further exploration of inhibitory subcomponents relative to substance use is greatly needed (e.g., more extensive longitudinal designs and neuroimaging techniques).
Osteoplastic Flap Without Obliteration: How I Do It.

BackgroundThe osteoplastic flap provides access to pathology of the frontal sinus and is often performed with obliteration, which can result in significant long-term complications.ObjectiveTo descr...
HE4--another marker for gynecologic cancers: do we really need one?

The data on HE4 as a prognosticator in both ovarian and endometrial cancer constitute, at most, an interesting observation, but most likely they are simply a reflection of total tumor burden. There are certainly not enough data to justify making major treatment decisions in ovarian or endometrial cancer on the basis of absolute marker levels. Proteomics and genomics seem more likely to make a difference in this area.
Zoogeographical Notes on Different Orders of Arachnida

The distribution of some orders of Arachnida is determined by the preferred temperature of their environment (i.e., thermopreferendum). Thermophilic orders (i.e., those that live at high temperatures) include: Schizomida, Amblypygi, Thelyphonida (Uropygi), Opilioacarida, most of the scorpions, Solifugae, Opilions Laniatores, and Cyphophthalmi. Thermophobic orders (i.e., resistant to cold temperatures) include: Araneae, Opiliones Eupnoi, Dyspnoi, and some mites. These thermophobic orders generally live in the Far North of Eurasia and North America, including Greenland and high in the mountains. The distribution of some orders is a result of paleogeographical events, whereas the distribution of other orders can be difficult to explain (e.g., Holothyrida, spiders of suborder Mesothelae, with families found in New Zealand and Chile; Ricinulei, the genera of Amblypygi e.g., Phrynus in Indonesia, Trichodamon in Brazil; the presence of only one genus of Thelyphonida in a restricted area in West Africa). Most of these scattered groups are clearly relics. Similarly, in some groups (Scorpiones, Pseudoscorpiones) the presence of American elements in the Mediterranean subregion is surprising and demands explanation.
Different Strokes for Different Folks: Generational Differences, Social Salience, and Social Performance

Empirical evidence establishes that entrepreneurs pursue and achieve different goals and objectives with their ventures ranging from purely economic to purely social (e.g. non-profits) in nature. T...
A Randomized, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Trial of Citicoline in Patients with Alcohol Use Disorder

Background Alcohol use disorder is a major societal and individual burden that exacerbates health outcomes, decreases quality of life, and negatively affects U.S. healthcare spending. Although pharmacological treatments are available for alcohol use disorder, many of them are limited by small effect sizes and used infrequently. Citicoline is a widely available over-the-counter supplement with a favorable side effect profile. It acts through cholinergic pathways and phospholipid metabolism. The current report examines the effect of oral citicoline on alcohol use, craving, depressive symptoms, and cognitive outcomes in individuals with alcohol use disorder. Methods A 12-week, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled, pilot study of citicoline (titrated to 2,000 mg/d) in 62 adults (age 18 to 75) with alcohol use disorder was conducted. Alcohol use, such as number of drinking days, amount used, and number of heavy drinking days, was assessed using the Timeline Followback method and liver enzymes, while alcohol craving was measured using the Penn Alcohol Craving Scale. A neurocognitive battery (e.g., Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test) and depressive symptoms scale (e.g., Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology Self-Report) scores were also collected. Data were analyzed using a random regression analysis. Results The primary outcome analysis was conducted in the intent-to-treat sample and consisted of 55 participants (78.2% men and 21.8% women, mean age of 46.47 ± 9.15 years). In the assessment period, the drinking days, on average, represented 77% of the assessed days. Significant between-group differences were not observed on alcohol use, craving, and cognitive or depressive symptom measures. Citicoline was well tolerated. Conclusions This proof-of-concept study observed that citicoline was well tolerated, but was not associated with a reduction in alcohol use or other outcomes, as compared to placebo. The favorable effects reported with citicoline for cocaine use, cognitive disorders, and other conditions do not appear to extend to alcohol use disorder.
Thermal Neutron Imaging using University of Florida Training Reactor

Thermal neutron imaging technique was developed using the 100 kW University of Florida Training Reactor and a CCD neutron camera at the University of Florida. The 200 × 200 mm scintillator used in the neutron camera was a 0.2 mm thick $^{6}$f LiF:ZnS screen. The thermal column beam port of the reactor was modified for collimation and was used to produce the neutron images. Different reactor power levels were chosen depending on the samples ranging from 100 W to 4000 W. Thermal neutron images of different sample objects like flower bouquet inside a lead cask, ASTM standards, turbine blade, small gearbox and water valve were acquired. The acquisition times range from 2 to 5 min for the samples discussed in this paper.
Absolute molar mass determination in mixed solvents. 1. Solving for the SEC/MALS/DRI trivial case

Size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) with on-line static light scattering, specifically multi-angle static light scattering (MALS), and differential refractometry (DRI) detection remains the premier method by which to determine absolute, calibrant-independent molar masses of polymers. The method is restricted to the use of either neat solvents or solvents with a small amount of additive. In mixed solvents, preferential solvation (i.e., the enrichment, within the solvated volume of the polymer in solution, of one solvent over the other as compared to the solvent ratio outside said volume) leads to errors in the areas of the MALS and DRI chromatograms, as the solvent baseline does not accurately represent the solvent contribution to these detectors' peaks. A seemingly trivial way by which to overcome this problem is through the use of an isorefractive solvent pair. This "trivial" solution is complicated by the fact that the solvents in the pair must be miscible with each other in all proportions; the individual solvents as well as the mix must be able to fully dissolve the analyte; the solvents must possess sufficient optical contrast with the solution so as to generate an adequate detector signal; the solvent mix must be compatible with the chromatographic stationary phase, such that enthalpic contributions to the separation are minimal and analyte recovery from the columns is quantitative; and the difference in the Rayleigh factors of the solvents can be ignored. Herein, we present the analysis of narrow dispersity polystyrene (PS) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) samples, across a four-fold range in molar mass, using SEC/MALS/DRI in a mix of tetrahydrofuran (THF) and methyl isoamyl ketone (MIAK), solvents which are shown to be isorefractive with each other at the temperature and wavelength of the experiments. Molar mass averages and dispersities are demonstrated to be statistically independent of solvent composition and to correspond well to the values in neat THF. The experiments were augmented by the use of on- and off-line quasi-elastic light scattering and of off-line MALS and DRI, to study the effect of solvent composition on polymer size in solution and on dilute solution thermodynamics. Additionally, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy was used to study the effect of tacticity on the insolubility of PMMA100 in 100% MIAK. We believe this constitutes the first example of obtaining accurate molar masses of polymers by SEC/MALS/DRI employing mixed solvents. The value of these experiments to other forms of macromolecular liquid chromatographic separations is also noted.
Topical delivery of long-acting antiretrovirals to prevent HIV acquisition

Purpose of reviewAlthough tremendous successes in HIV treatment and prevention have occurred in the past decade, existing HIV prevention options are inadequate, unacceptable or inaccessible to many. Topical antiretroviral-based preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) options may offer effective, long-acting
An ICT Skills Cascade: Government-Mandated Open Source Policy as a Potential Driver for ICT Skills Transfer

The purpose of the article is to illustrate a government policy-centered approach to universal ICT skills transfer. We believe that the recent laws passed in Venezuela, while specifically aimed at universally migrating government offices, agencies, and industries to Open Source Software and Systems, constitute a new approach to the problem of how to augment the number of skilled IT workers, citizens, and IT-focused companies. We assert that these policies have the potential to change the operating systems and infrastructure of the entire country of Venezuela and provide opportunities for the transfer of ICT skills to traditionally underserved populations. We find that the mandatory migration to OSS policies and laws has the potential to produce massive IT skills transfer. In contrast with the approaches taken by other nations, the Venezuelan government has not relied on the private sector to invest in large-scale projects to build the IT sector. The Venezuelan government has instead created its own large-scale project. In addition, the Venezuelan government has created IT training and educational centers, as well as its own software development centers and small business incubators. Through this approach, the government has been able to close the IT development circle, controlling all aspects of the development process more tightly than in other nations. The Venezuelan policies and OSS migration are relatively new, and the data to measure their success does not yet exist. However, the strategies employed by the government are interesting in themselves because of their potential to begin a cascade of change throughout the country.
Evaluating the effect of microstructural refinement on the ignition of Al-Mg-Zr ball-milled powders

Abstract Next-generation composite Al-Mg-Zr fuels for bio/chem-agent defeat applications rely on intermetallic formation reactions to reduce ignition temperatures below melting point of Al. Scaling-up the ball-milling synthesis of these powders will require a detailed understanding of how milling parameters and powder composition impact the evolution of powder microstructure. In the present work, we explore the effect of milling duration on the size, microstructure, and properties of (Al-8Mg):3Zr, (Al-8Mg):Zr, 3(Al-8Mg):Zr and 4(Al-8Mg):Zr composite powders. We report compositionally dependent refinement of Zr inclusions in the Al-8Mg matrix that impacts ignition temperatures (Tig). For (Al-8Mg):3Zr and (Al-8Mg):Zr composite powders, Tig initially drops as milling time increases to 60 min and then either plateaus or rises at longer milling times. In contrast, Tig generally decreases over the full 90 min milling duration for the two Al-8Mg-rich compositions. Reductions in heterogeneity and average Zr inclusion size dominate the ignition behavior and lead to steady decreases in Tig.
Koopman operator method for solution of generalized aggregate data inverse problems

Abstract Probabilistic inverse problems arise in a variety of scientific and engineering applications. A particular type of probabilistic inverse problem, termed a generalized aggregate data inverse problem, involves the specification of expected value targets and/or probabilistic constraints at discrete times or in a discrete set of transformed domains. Because the transformed distributions themselves are not specified, these problems cannot be readily solved by typical Bayesian solution techniques. In this work, a novel solution technique using the Koopman operator is proposed. The Koopman operator is used to “pull-back” the cost and constraint functions acting on the transformed probability densities to the initial domain, forming a set of integral equations and integral inequalities over a common integration domain. A quadrature technique is employed to approximate this system of equations and inequalities, leading to the formulation of a linearly-constrained convex quadratic program that can be solved using a variety of well-known techniques. Results show that the method can be feasibly applied to solve several practical engineering problems of interest, illustrating tradeoffs in various aspects of the solution process.
Foreign Language Teaching Assistant Professional Development: Challenges and Strategies in Meeting the 2007 MLA Report’s Calls for Change

This chapter critiques the 2007 Modern Language Association Report for failing to address the consequences of integrating the teaching of language, literature, and culture for the socialization and professionalization of foreign language graduate students. In light of these omissions, the author purposes three steps necessary to meet the Report’s calls for change in collegiate foreign language education: (1) focusing on the immediate and long-term needs of graduate students to prepare them as teachers of language, literature and culture, (2) rethinking how theory-practice connections are made to maximize teacher learning, (3) developing coherent concepts of teaching and learning as the core of the graduate student curriculum.