cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analysis of measles immunity level and the immunization strategy among healthy population of Baohe district

Objective To know the measles antibody level among 0-50 years old population,and explore a scientific subsequent immune strategy for measles elimination.Methods Multi-stage stratified random sampling was conducted to collect 297 inhabitants aged 0 to 50 years old recruited from 5 towns,and 1-2 ml vein blood was sampled to detect the measles antibody level.Results Among 297 participants,the positive rate of measles antibody was 75.4%,the geometric mean titer(GMT) was 1:214.8.There was no significant difference in positive rate between local population and migrant,and males and females(χ2=0.382,0.096;P0.05).The positive rate among infants under 8 months old was the lowest,and among the group aged 1 to 15 years old was the highest.The positive rate of people vaccinated for measles was significantly higher than those unvaccinated(χ2=30.455,P0.05).Conclusion The immunity barrier against measles virus had been established for the group aged 1-15 years old.In order to achieve the measles elimination goal,the routine immunization for measles should be strengthened,and the special immunization should be focused on infants under 8 months old and population aged more than 15 years.
Sample Size Reestimation for Confirmatory Clinical Trials

This chapter discusses the benefits and limitations of adaptive sample size reestimation for phase 3 confirmatory clinical trials. Comparisons are made with more traditional fixed sample and group sequential designs. It is seen that the real benefit of the adaptive approach arises through the ability to invest sample size resources into the trial in stages. The trial starts with a small up-front sample size commitment. Additional sample size resources are committed to the trial only if promising results are obtained at an interim analysis. This strategy is seen to be more advantageous than the fixed sample or group sequential approaches in certain settings. The discussion is illustrated with the help of three case studies of actual adaptive trials, one in neurology with a continuous endpoint and one in cardiology with a binomial endpoint, and one in oncology with a time to event endpoint. Methodological, regulatory and operational issues are examined.
The murky waters of neoliberal marketization and commodification on the education of adults in the United States

We approach marketization and commodification of adult education from multiple lenses including our personal narratives and neoliberalism juxtaposed against the educational philosophy of the Progressive Period. We argue that adult education occurs in many arenas including the public spaces found in social movements, community-based organizations, and government sponsored programs designed to engage and give voice to all citizens toward building a stronger civil society. We conclude that only when adult education is viewed from the university lens, where it focuses on the individual and not the public good, does it succumb to neoliberal forces.
Acute Pelvic Pain

Vaginal issues are a common problem faced by women. This chapter guides the physician in the diagnosis and treatment of commonly encountered conditions and allows the emergency physician to confidently care for patients with these common complaints.
Phase 1 trial of preoperative image guided intensity modulated proton radiation therapy with simultaneously integrated boost to the high risk margin for retroperitoneal sarcomas

Abstract Purpose To conduct phase 1 and 2 trials with photon intensity modulated radiation therapy and intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT) arms to selectively escalate the retroperitoneal sarcoma preoperative radiation dose to tumor volume (clinical target volume [CTV] 2) that is judged to be at a high risk for positive margins and aim to reduce local recurrence. We report on the IMPT study arm in phase 1. Methods and materials Patients aged ≥18 years with primary or locally recurrent retroperitoneal sarcoma were treated with preoperative IMPT, 50.4 GyRBE in 28 fractions, to CTV1 (gross tumor volume and adjacent tissues at risk of subclinical disease) with a simultaneous integrated boost to CTV2 to doses of 60.2, 61.6, and 63.0 GyRBE in 28 fractions of 2.15, 2.20, and 2.25 GyRBE, respectively. The primary objective of the phase 1 study was to determine the maximum tolerated dose to CTV2, which will be further tested in the phase 2 study. Results Eleven patients showed increasing IMPT dose levels without acute dose limiting toxicities that prevented dose escalation to maximum tolerated dose. Acute toxicity was generally mild with no radiation interruptions. No unexpected perioperative morbidity was noted. Eight months postoperatively, one patient developed hydronephrosis that was treated by stent with ureter dissected off tumor and received 57.5 GyRBE. Retained ureter(s) was (were) subsequently constrained to 50.4 GyRBE without further problem. With an 18-month median follow-up, there were no local recurrences. Conclusions IMPT dose escalation to CTV2 to 63 GyRBE was achieved without acute dose limiting toxicities. The phase 2 study of IMPT will accrue patients to that dose. Parallel intensity modulated radiation therapy phase 1 arm is currently accruing at the initial dose level. Ureters that undergo a high dose radiation and/or surgery are at risk for late hydro-ureter. Future studies will constrain retained ureters to 50.4 GyRBE to avoid ureteral stricture.
How Satisfied Are Patients With Their Radiologists? Assessment Using a National Patient Ratings Website.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study is to assess features of patient satisfaction scores for U.S. radiologists using a popular physician rating website. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Patient reviews were retrieved from the website RateMDs for all listed radiologists in all 297 U.S. cities with population 100,000 or greater. Reviews included rating scores of 1–5 (5 = highest) in four categories (staff, punctuality, knowledge, and helpfulness). Additional physician information was obtained from Medicare files. Common words in patient free-text comments were assessed. Statistical analyses were performed. RESULTS. We identified 1891 patient reviews for 1259 radiologists. In all four categories, the most common score was 5 for excellent (62.7–74.3%), and the second most common score was 1 for terrible (13.5–20.4%); scores of 2–4 were far less frequent (1.9–11.6%). Scores for all four categories highly correlated with one another (r = 0.781–0.951). Radiologists in the Northeast scored significantly lower (p < 0.001) ...
Can i have a word? : methods of communication in Judges 6

?Puedo decir algo?: metodos de comunicacion en Jueces 6 La comunicacion hombre-divinidad toma diferentes formas en la Biblia hebrea. Desde suenos y visiones profeticas a oraculos hablados, hay una variedad de representaciones de comunicacion entre humanos y lo divino. Jueces 6 encaja en el cuerpo de pasajes en el cual la comunicacion es de vital importancia; el capitulo se centra en la llamada divina de Gedeon y su respuesta. Lo que precipita esta llamada es la invasion y los ataques de los recursos. Jueces 6 comienza con Israel enfrentandose a los madianitas, amalecitas y otros grupos sin nombres. El modo de vida israelita esta comprometido porque sus actividades y produccion agricola son interrumpidas por los ataques externos. En el medio de estos conflictos, Gedeon es comisionado por Yahve para proveer el alivio necesario. Un incierto agricultor convertido en guerrero, Gedeon tiene dos encargos divinos antes de ir a la batalla—uno en una prensa de vino y el otro en un piso para trillar las cosechas. En estos encuentros antes de ir a la batalla, Yahve se comunica mediante productos agrarios y el ambiente natural, a saber, el mundo que rodeaba a Gedeon es utilizado para entregar mensajes divinos y la aprobacion para la guerra. Este articulo examina estos metodos de comunicacion usando los principios de la hermeneutica ecologica
Softmax Regression Design for Stochastic Computing Based Deep Convolutional Neural Networks

Recently, Deep Convolutional Neural Networks (DCNNs) have made tremendous advances, achieving close to or even better accuracy than human-level perception in various tasks. Stochastic Computing (SC), as an alternate to the conventional binary computing paradigm, has the potential to enable massively parallel and highly scalable hardware implementations of DCNNs. In this paper, we design and optimize the SC based Softmax Regression function. Experiment results show that compared with a binary SR, the proposed SC-SR under longer bit stream can reach the same level of accuracy with the improvement of 295X, 62X, 2617X in terms of power, area and energy, respectively. Binary SR is suggested for future DCNNs with short bit stream length input whereas SC-SR is recommended for longer bit stream.
A vectorcardiographic study of right bundle branch block with the Frank lead system. Clinical correlation in myocardial infarction.

Abstract A series of 40 patients with myocardial infarction and right bundle branch block has been presented. They were studied by vectorcardiograms and electrocardiograms. The results obtained with the vectorcardiograms demonstrate that the orientation and configuration of the first portion of the QRSsE loop were affected only by the myocardial infarction, while the right bundle branch block did not interfere with this portion of the loop. However, the terminal deflection of the QRSsE loop was typical of right bundle branch block. The electrocardiogram was diagnostically satisfactory in virtually all case of anterior and diaphragmatic myocardial infarction in the presence of right bundle branch block; but the electrocardiogram failed to recognize most of the posterior and posterolateral infarctions. An explanation is offered for the diagnostic superiority of the vectorcardiogram over the electrocardiogram in the detection of certain types of myocardial infarction with coexisting right bundle branch block
Regulatory control of food and water intake and metabolism by the liver

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses a critical role for the liver in the control of ingestion. The logic of the liver makes this organ the prime candidate for regulatory control of food and water intake. The fact that the liver is the principal organ in metabolic regulation makes it reasonable to seek hepatic control of feeding, linking this behavior to availability of energy to the tissues. The availability of energy substrates to tissues and the overall utilization of calories are nearly unchanged when an overnight fast is extended to three days of food deprivation in an adult vertebrate. There is electrophysiological evidence that at least some of the receptors needed to monitor the availability of energy and some individual nutrients can be found in the liver and their presence can alter afferent neural activity. The liver is the first organ downstream to the digestive tract and inside the body in the topological sense. This makes it, then, the first organ to be able both to take energy-bearing substances from the circulation and also to be able to measure that uptake.
Hauptgruppenmetalle – Metalle mit stark variierenden Eigenschaften

Die meisten Elemente des Periodensystems der Elemente (PSE) sind Metalle (Abb. 13.1 und 13.2, blau hinterlegt). Zieht man von Bor (13. Gruppe, Kopfelement) zu Astat (17. Gruppe, letztes Element) eine Gerade, dann sind alle Elemente links davon Metalle und rechts davon Nichtmetalle. Elemente, die direkt auf oder neben dieser Trennlinie liegen, sind in den Eigenschaften und Reaktionsverhalten zwischen Metallen und Nichtmetallen angesiedelt und werden deshalb als Halbmetalle bezeichnet. Generell gilt, dass in Gruppen des PSE der metallische Charakter von oben nach unten zunimmt und in Perioden von links nach rechts abnimmt.
Neuropharmacological Responses from Nerve Cells in Tissue Culture

It has been amply demonstrated over the past several years that nervous tissue can maintain and develop a high degree of differentiation in culture. Essentially every region of the neuraxis has been successfully grown in some form of culture, and neural tissue from bird, mouse, rat, and man as well as invertebrate material has proven suitable for in vitro work (Murray, 1971; Nelson, 1974). In this chapter, we will be particularly concerned with electrophysiological responses of nerve (and muscle) cells to iontophoretically applied neurohormones but will also deal with some biochemical effects of neuropharmacological agents.
Planning and Scheduling in Health Care

In most countries the health care industry represents a significant percentage of the Gross National Product. With the aging of the population, health care costs have been going up considerably over the last couple of decades. For these reasons, many governments have begun to look into the productivity of their health care industries.
Abstract 21: Grading dysphagia as a toxicity of head and neck cancer: Differences in severity classification based on MBS DIGEST and clinical CTCAE grades

Background: Clinician-reported toxicity grading through Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) stages dysphagia based on symptoms, diet, and tube dependence. The new Dynamic Imaging Grade of Swallowing Toxicity (DIGEST) tool offers a similarly scaled 5-point ordinal summary grade of pharyngeal swallowing as determined through results of a modified barium swallow (MBS) study. This study aims to inform clinicians on the similarities and differences between dysphagia severity according to clinical CTCAE and MBS-derived DIGEST grading. Methods: A cross-sectional sample of 95 MBS studies was randomly selected from a prospectively-acquired MBS database among patients treated with organ preservation strategies for head and neck cancer. MBS DIGEST and clinical CTCAE dysphagia grades were compared. Results: DIGEST and CTCAE dysphagia grades had “fair” agreement per weighted k of 0.358 (95% CI .231-.485). Using a threshold of DIGEST ≥3 as reference, CTCAE had an overall sensitivity of 0.50, specificity of 0.84, and area under the curve (AUC) of 0.67 to identify severe MBS-detected dysphagia. At less than 6 months, sensitivity was 0.72, specificity was 0.76, and AUC was 0.75 while at greater than 6 months, sensitivity was 0.22, specificity was 0.90, and AUC was 0.56 for CTCAE to detect dysphagia as determined by DIGEST. Conclusions: Classification of pharyngeal dysphagia on MBS using DIGEST augments our understanding of dysphagia severity according to the clinically derived CTCAE while maintaining the simplicity of an ordinal scale. DIGEST likely complements CTCAE toxicity grading through improved specificity for physiologic dysphagia in the acute-phase and improved sensitivity for dysphagia in the late-phase. Citation Format: Ryan P. Goepfert, Jan S. Lewin, Martha P. Barrow, Carla L. Warneke, Clifton D. Fuller, Stephen Y. Lai, Randal S. Weber, Katherine A. Hutcheson. Grading dysphagia as a toxicity of head and neck cancer: Differences in severity classification based on MBS DIGEST and clinical CTCAE grades [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-AHNS Head and Neck Cancer Conference: Optimizing Survival and Quality of Life through Basic, Clinical, and Translational Research; April 23-25, 2017; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2017;23(23_Suppl):Abstract nr 21.
Implications of the Credibility Revolution for Productivity, Creativity, and Progress:

The credibility revolution (sometimes referred to as the "replicability crisis") in psychology has brought about many changes in the standards by which psychological science is evaluated. These changes include (a) greater emphasis on transparency and openness, (b) a move toward preregistration of research, (c) more direct-replication studies, and (d) higher standards for the quality and quantity of evidence needed to make strong scientific claims. What are the implications of these changes for productivity, creativity, and progress in psychological science? These questions can and should be studied empirically, and I present my predictions here. The productivity of individual researchers is likely to decline, although some changes (e.g., greater collaboration, data sharing) may mitigate this effect. The effects of these changes on creativity are likely to be mixed: Researchers will be less likely to pursue risky questions; more likely to use a broad range of methods, designs, and populations; and less free to define their own best practices and standards of evidence. Finally, the rate of scientific progress-the most important shared goal of scientists-is likely to increase as a result of these changes, although one's subjective experience of making progress will likely become rarer.
Use of Previously Burnt Skin in Local Fasciocutaneous Flaps

Reconstruction of severe burns in patients remains a challenge. This is particularly problematic in wounds that require durable flap coverage such as exposed bony prominences, tendons, and joints due to the paucity of normal adjacent skin donor sites. Reluctance in using local or regional flaps previously burned or skin-grafted is based on the erroneous assumption of inferior blood supply in the burned skin from prior thermal damage. The initial thermal injury is generally limited to the skin and subcutaneous fat; the underlying fascia and its vasculature are usually spared.
NONUNIFORM TORSION OF COMPOSITE BEAMS

The general expressions governing the behavior of a beam of composite, open, thin-walled cross section subjected to nonuniform torsion are developed. These expressions are rewritten in series form for the case in which the cross section is composed of a series of flat plates of different materials. Numerical results are presented for a composite tee-section consisting of a concrete slab connected to a WF beam. These results indicate a significant increase in the torsional resistance of such sections due to composite action. Equations for determining the torsional properties of composite sections used in buildings and bridges are also presented.
Tropical and Subtropical Fruits and Vegetables

Tropical and subtropical fruit and starchy root and tuber crops are among the most important components of diets in many parts of the world (Tables 1 and 2). They are also important sources of hard currency income, either from the export of fresh or processed food or from the sale of secondary products. Recent trends in the growth of tropical fruit production suggest that consumers in many temperate countries are discovering tropical fruit (Table 2). There is currently a massive expansion of the tropical fruit industry in Central America, South America and in many Caribbean countries. Most tropical fruit, root and tuber crops have been vegetatively propagated for several hundred, and in some cases, for several thousand years. Clonal propagation methods that have been used have ranged from relatively sophisticated grafting techniques with some fruit cultivars (12) to direct planting of tuber or stem pieces with some of the starchy root and tuber plants. In this way, the unique genetic balance of plant selections has been maintained. With the passage of time, however, many of these clones have become highly vulnerable to increased disease pressure. Classic examples of this phenomenon during the twentieth century have been the devastation of ‘Gros Michel’ banana production in Central America by Panama disease and the more recent epidemic of black Sigatoka disease among cooking bananas (plantains) in the same region. Finally, the spread of acquired systemic viral and bacterial infections has been facilitated by clonal propagation methods. These diseases have become the most important factors that limit production of Citrus, yam, sweet potato, cassava, and various edible aroids.
Rapid prototyping of sheet metal workpieces using bending-machining hybrid process

Sheet metal structures produced by bending are extensively used in a wide variety of industries. Rapid production of such workpieces is well sought after for low production volume demands. An effective and practical way to reduce springback is through compensating die dimensions, which has proved to be economic for large production scenario. However, in the environment of rapid production, part dimensions and/or material composition change frequently and hence new dies have to be designed and made to address these changes even if they are minor. Such situation inevitably incurs significant effort and high expenditure on determining appropriate die dimensions and fabricating new dies, and therefore imposes both time and financial burdens on producing angular sheet metal workpieces particularly at very low production volumes. This paper presents an effective and economic way of prototyping sheet metal workpieces with angular dimensional accuracy maintained, however without the need of creating new dies. The methodology extends from the author’s previous work on angular dimension improvement as reported by Li and Sekar (Proceedings of the 2016 Manufacturing Science and Engineering Conference, MSEC2016, 2016) to the rapid prototyping of sheet metal structures and process planning of bending-machining hybrid process. Three case studies are provided in the paper and the outcome shows that the methodology is capable of prototyping angled sheet metal workpieces with existing dies that are not designed nor compensated for the prototype models.
Peer socialisation: brand-related bullying in the school classroom

This paper details a study of brand-related bullying in a school setting, among children approximately 11–18 years of age during their schooling experience. Defined as ‘repeated oppression, psychol...
Hydrophilic azaspiroalkenes as robust bioorthogonal reporters.

Two hydrophilic spiroalkenes, azaspiro[2.3]hex-1-ene and azaspiro[2.4]hept-1-ene, were designed and synthesized. Compared to the previously reported spiro[2.3]hex-1-ene, the azaspiroalkenes exhibited greater water solubility and reactivity as dipolarophiles in the photoinduced tetrazole–alkene cycloaddition reaction. In addition, an azaspiro[2.3]hex-1-ene-containing amino acid, AsphK, was found to be charged by an engineered pyrrolysyl-tRNA synthetase into proteins via amber codon suppression in E. coli as well as in mammalian cells.
Adaptive Wireless Charging Using Resonant Coupling with Multiple Transmit Coils

We describe an experimental study of an mid-range resonant wireless power transfer (WPT) system with multiple transmit coils. While there exists substantial literature on WPT systems using coupled resonance as well as those using multi-coil transmitters, previous work has been limited to simple transmitter configurations with a small number of coils uncoupled with each other because of the difficulty of accurately tuning and optimizing such systems. Our key novelty is to use real-time receiver feedback to adaptively tune the system. This simple and powerful idea opens up the possibility of large-scale WPT systems with potentially large numbers of resonant transmitter coils that can adaptively transfer power to one or more receivers using realtime feedback. We describe a experimental study that shows the feasibility of this concept and its advantages over WPT systems without real-time feedback.
GPU-based lightweight parallel processing toolset for LiDAR data for terrain analysis

Abstract LiDAR products are provided at fine spatial resolutions and the data volume can be huge even for a small study region. Therefore, we have developed a parallel computing toolset that is built on Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) computing techniques to speed up the computational processes on LiDAR products. The toolset provides a set of fundamental processing functions for LiDAR point cloud data, serving as a basic toolkit to derive terrain data products. With this toolset, scientists with limited access to high-end computing facilities can still perform efficient analysis of LiDAR products without dealing with the technical complexity of developing and deploying tools for these products. We have integrated data decomposition methods to handle files that exceed the memory capacity of GPU devices. Preliminary results show that GPU-based implementation yields high speedup ratios and can handle files with a maximum size of 8 GB.
Particle swarm based algorithms for finding locally and Bayesian D -optimal designs

When a model-based approach is appropriate, an optimal design can guide how to collect data judiciously for making reliable inference at minimal cost. However, finding optimal designs for a statistical model with several possibly interacting factors can be both theoretically and computationally challenging, and this issue is rarely discussed in the literature. We propose nature-inspired metaheuristic algorithms, like particle swarm optimization (PSO) and its variants, to solve such optimization problems. We demonstrate that such techniques, which are easy to implement, can find different types of optimal designs for models with several factors efficiently. To facilitate use of such algorithms, we provide computer codes to generate tailor made optimal designs and evaluate efficiencies of competing designs. As applications, we apply PSO and find Bayesian optimal designs for Exponential models useful in HIV studies and re-design a car-refuelling study for a Logistic model with ten factors and some interacting factors.
Pathophysiology of Macular Edema: Results from Basic Research

Macular edema is the final common pathway of numerous retinal diseases, and ocular disorders associated with this condition are a major cause of blindness. Fluid and molecular exchanges between the blood and retina are tightly regulated and restricted by the blood-retinal barrier (BRB), which is mainly composed of intercellular junctions both at the levels of capillary endothelial cells (inner BRB) and at the retinal pigment epithelium (outer BRB). When a break occurs in the BRB, whether caused by pathological changes in the intervening cells, by imbalance in hydrostatic/oncotic pressure, or by other mechanical forces, fluid and macromolecules enter the retinal intercellular space, causing retinal edema. When this barrier break occurs at or near the macula, fluid accumulation induces formation of macular edema and vision loss ensues. Common diseases associated with macular edema include diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular edema, retinal venous occlusion, retinopathy of prematurity, intraocular inflammation (uveitis, postsurgical, traumatic), anatomical disturbances of retinal vasculature (macular telangiectasias, macroaneurysms), drug-induced break, and tumors. In this chapter, we review and discuss the cellular and molecular mechanisms of BRB integrity and breakdown.
Medical-Financial Partnerships: Cross-Sector Collaborations Between Medical and Financial Services to Improve Health

Financial stress is the root cause of many adverse health outcomes among poor and low-income children and their families, yet few clinical interventions have been developed to improve health by directly addressing patient and family finances. Medical-Financial Partnerships (MFPs) are novel cross-sector collaborations in which health care systems and financial service organizations work collaboratively to improve health by reducing patient financial stress, primarily in low-income communities. Financial services provided by MFPs include individually tailored financial coaching, free tax preparation, budgeting, debt reduction, savings support, and job assistance, among others. MFPs have been shown to improve finances and, in the few existing studies available, health outcomes. We describe the rationale for MFPs and examine 8 established MFPs providing financial services under 1 of 3 models: full-scope on-site service partnerships; targeted on-site service partnerships; and partnerships facilitating referral to off-site financial services. The services MFPs provide complement clinical social risk screening and navigation programs by preventing or repairing common financial problems that would otherwise lead to poverty-related social needs, such as food and housing insecurity. We identify common themes, as well as unique strengths and solutions to a variety of implementation challenges MFPs commonly encounter. Given that the financial circumstances and health outcomes of socially marginalized patients and families are closely linked, MFPs represent a promising and feasible cross-sector service delivery approach and a new model for upstream health care to promote synergistic financial well-being and health improvement.
A FACTOR IN SERUM WHICH ACCELERATES THE CONVERSION OF PROTHROMBIN TO THROMBIN III. ITS RELATIONSHIP TO THE COAGULATION DEFECT OF THROMBOCYTOPENIC BLOOD

The sera from thrombocytopenic blood show abnormally large residual prothrombin activity and small amounts of prothrombin conversion accelerator. The addition of normal platelets or thromboplastin corrects these abnormalities. In one subject the clotting defect persisted despite temporary remission of the thrombocytopenia consequent to splenectomy.
Chemical and Physical Stability of an Admixture Containing Cefepime and Vancomycin in Lactated Ringer Solution.

Purpose: To evaluate the chemical and physical stability of an admixture containing cefepime and vancomycin in a single volume of lactated Ringer solution at refrigerated temperatures. Methods: Cef...
The science and practice of ecological restoration: a mental models analysis of restoration practitioners

Ecological restoration seeks to modify current conditions to more closely approximate conditions deemed to be more desirable within a given landscape. While substantial resources have been dedicated to advance ecological restoration efforts, limited research has investigated how ecological restoration is conceptualized by restoration practitioners. These conceptualizations are important because they likely inform goal-setting and selected management approaches, while different conceptualizations may contribute to conflicts that inhibit restoration efforts. This paper reports results from a mental model analysis completed at three USDA Forest Service Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program (CFLRP) sites. We found that decision-makers across several disciplinary groups and organizations expressed a depth of knowledge of ecological principles related to restoration consistent with the body of ecological literature we reviewed. However, despite broad recognition of social and economic constraints, participant responses suggested limited consideration of how restoration may incorporate and achieve social and economic goals. There was also less emphasis placed on longer-term and more difficult to quantify management topics, such as monitoring and adaptive management. Literature and history both suggest that these components are critical for the long-term success of ecological restoration efforts, and so their lack of salience to participants point to these as potential areas of improvement. Our management and policy recommendations include taking steps to more effectively integrate social scientific input in restoration planning, which may be supported by incorporating decision-aiding tools such as Structured Decision Making to guide restoration-planning efforts.
The Antiviral Small-Interfering RNA Pathway Induces Zika Virus Resistance in Transgenic Aedes aegypti.

The resurgence of arbovirus outbreaks across the globe, including the recent Zika virus (ZIKV) epidemic in 2015–2016, emphasizes the need for innovative vector control methods. In this study, we investigated ZIKV susceptibility to transgenic Aedes aegypti engineered to target the virus by means of the antiviral small-interfering RNA (siRNA) pathway. The robustness of antiviral effector expression in transgenic mosquitoes is strongly influenced by the genomic insertion locus and transgene copy number; we therefore used CRISPR/Cas9 to re-target a previously characterized locus (Chr2:321382225) and engineered mosquitoes expressing an inverted repeat (IR) dsRNA against the NS3/4A region of the ZIKV genome. Small RNA analysis revealed that the IR effector triggered the mosquito’s siRNA antiviral pathway in bloodfed females. Nearly complete (90%) inhibition of ZIKV replication was found in vivo in both midguts and carcasses at 7 or 14 days post-infection (dpi). Furthermore, significantly fewer transgenic mosquitoes contained ZIKV in their salivary glands (p = 0.001), which led to a reduction in the number of ZIKV-containing saliva samples as measured by transmission assay. Our work shows that Ae. aegypti innate immunity can be co-opted to engineer mosquitoes resistant to ZIKV.
Real-time Frequency Response Reserve based on System Inertia

To ensure adequate and economic reserve for primary frequency response in the current and future power system, this paper proposes real-time frequency response reserve (FRR) requirement based on system inertia. This minimum FRR will help power system operators adjust the current frequency response requirement and accommodate more renewable generations while achieving a saving of both energy and facility costs. Most importantly, the ability to adaptively vary the FRR will provide the additional agility, resiliency, and reliability to the grid.
The Effects of Medication and Parkinson’s Disease Severity on Visually Encoded Memory Guided Reaching (1718)

Objective: To examine the effects of medication (on vs. off) and PD severity (mild-to-moderate vs. advanced) on the performance of visually encoded memory guided reaching movements. Background: Visual inputs can be used to encode spatial locations and program movements to memorized locations. Studies suggest that the basal ganglia are involved in this visual-motor integration. Patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD), characterized by basal ganglia dysfunction, manifest deficits in visual-motor integration and impairments in memory guided movements. The effects of anti-Parkinsonian medication and PD severity on impairments in visually encoded memory guided movements remain unclear. Examining the effect of medication and PD severity will clarify the role of dopaminergic circuits in visually encoded memory guided reaching and the sustained effectiveness of medication as PD progresses. Design/Methods: Participants with mild-to-moderate (15m, 3f; mean age ± SD: 65.4±5.7 years; off motor UPDRS ± SD, 35.1±8.9) and advanced PD (11m, 3f; 66.2±4 years; 51±13.1) performed a visually encoded memory guided reaching task while on and off medication (12-hour overnight withdrawal), in a completely darkened room, over two separate days. Participants used visual inputs to encode three sequential targets and reached to the memorized targets as accurately as possible. Dependent outcomes included peak velocity and accuracy. All statistical analyses were performed using SAS Proc Mixed. Results: Medication significantly improved peak velocity (mean difference, 0.35m/s; p Conclusions: Medication improved performance in a visually encoded memory guided reaching task in the mild-to-moderate PD group but not in the advanced PD group. This supports the critical role of dopaminergic circuits in using visual inputs during memory guided reaching. Our findings also highlight the declining effect of medication as the disease progresses. Disclosure: Dr. Entezar has nothing to disclose. Dr. Rivera has nothing to disclose. Dr. Munoz has nothing to disclose. Dr. Pal has nothing to disclose. Dr. Verhagen Metman has received personal compensation for consulting, serving on a scientific advisory board, speaking, or other activities with Abbott, AbbVie, and Boston Scientific. Dr. Goelz has nothing to disclose. Dr. Corcos has nothing to disclose. Dr. David has nothing to disclose.
Time Driven Activity Based Costing as a Method for Estimating the Practice-Level and National Cost Burden of Treatment-Related Prior Authorization for Academic Radiation Oncology Practices

Purpose/Objective(s) Prior authorization (PA) imposes a significant time burden on radiation oncology practices. To date, the financial impact of this process has not been characterized. Here we use time driven activity-based costing (TDABC) to assess the time and cost burden of individual treatment-related PA events on academic radiation oncology practices. We then estimate annual costs to an academic medical center as well as academic practices nationally. Materials/Methods We performed internal analyses to generate TDABC process maps for treatment-related PA events at a hospital-based clinic and regional satellite clinics for an academic medical center. Using published compensation data, internal work-hour estimates, and supervisory requirements we calculated the cost of each PA event. Based upon event frequency and average personnel requirements, annual departmental PA costs were then estimated. Using response data from the 2018 American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Prior Authorization Survey, we then estimated annual costs for all academic medical centers nationally. Results We successfully created TDABC process maps for all treatment-related PA events for an academic medical center. There were significant time and cost burdens for all events (range: 51-95 minutes, $28-$101), with significant increases when peer-to-peer discussion was required (range: 92-95 minutes, $75-$101). Per episode, Financial Clearance Specialist requirements were relatively fixed (range: 48-54 minutes, $21-$23) but Attending Physician requirements were variable (range: 2-28 minutes, $6-$71). Annual treatment-related PA departmental costs were estimated to be $491,989 with subsequently approved treatments accounting for the vast majority (94%; $463,027). Annual treatment-related PA costs were estimated at $40,125,848 for all academic practices nationally with subsequently approved treatments accounting for the vast majority (86%; $34,632,620). Results summarized in Table 1. Conclusion TDABC can be used to calculate the time and cost burden of PA events. These burdens are significant and translate into massive organizational costs on an annual basis. Our national estimates highlight the tremendous cost of PA to academic radiation oncology practices, with the majority of costs related to approved treatments.
Introduction to Membrane Biophysics

In this book we will be describing the behavior of excitable cells, notably nerve and muscle, both descriptively and quantitatively. Excitable cells are surrounded by a plasma membrane whose main function is to control the passage of substances (ions and molecules) into and out of the cell. The cellular electrical properties derive from the membrane’s ionic behavior. The membrane is about 75 A thick. Since this thickness is normally much less than other dimensions of interest, usually the membrane can be considered as an interface (from an electrical source-field standpoint).
An oral vaccine against the tumor-stromal antigen FAP (fibroblast activation protein) inhibits growth of chemo-resistant murine colon-carcinoma

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 45, 2004 4841 In an attempt to further broaden the array off currently available targets for the immunotherapy of cancer, we successfully engineered a DNA-based vaccine against a tumor-stromal antigen, fibroblast activation protein (FAP). This cell surface antigen is selectively overexpressed in stromal fibroblasts of various epithelial cancers, such as colon, breast and lung. Generally, normal adult tissues are devoid of any FAP-expression, although it can be found during wound-healing co-expressed with CD26, a T-cell activation antigen with which it shares 48% amino acid sequence identity. In addition, transient expression of FAP in some fetal mesenchymal tissues has been described. This DNA-vaccine, carried by attenuated Salmonella typhimurium , and co-expressing either CD40LT or IL-2 plus CCL21, inhibited the growth of primary s.c. tumors in a prophylactic model as well as the dissemination of pulmonary metastases in a therapeutic model of a multi-drug resistant clone of CT-26 murine colon carcinoma cells. By inducing specific lysis of cells overexpressing FAP with purified, CD8-positive cells from splenocytes of vaccinated mice, we were able to show that this vaccine was indeed capable of breaking peripheral immune tolerance against this self-antigen. Additionally, we found up-regulation of T-cell, NK-cell and dendritic cell activation markers and costimulatory molecules, indicating further involvement of the adoptive immune system. Another very interesting and possibly clinically relevant finding was the fact that immunized mice compared to control mice were able to incorporate more of the low-molecular weight dye fluorescein (Mr 376) as well as the high-molecular weight compound Evans-blue albumin (Mr 68,500) in tumors, thereby opening a venue to combine immuno- and chemotherapies. In summary, this DNA-based vaccine provided protection against growth of primary as well as metastatic multi-drug resistant colon carcinoma cells and is anticipated to significantly ameliorate chemotherapy by improving delivery of therapeutic agents to tumors, a project currently under investigation in our laboratory.
Visualizing protein interactions in living cells using digitized GFP imaging and FRET microscopy.

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the theoretical basis of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) microscopy, with emphasis on its application to the living cell. It describes the characteristics of the green fluorescent proteins (GFPs) that make them useful for FRET imaging studies and outlines the important characteristics of an imaging system suitable for detecting FRET signals. The factors that limit the detection of the weak fluorescent signals associated with FRET include the contribution of autofluorescence, photobleaching, light scattering, and fluctuation in excitation light intensity relative to the image background. These factors can be especially significant for the acquisition of images using ultraviolet light excitation of BFP. The contribution of these factors could be considerably reduced by using two-photon excitation fluorescence imaging microscopy. The chapter uses the expression of genetic vectors encoding protein fusions to GFP and BFP to demonstrate the practical implementation of FRET imaging. It also describes the future direction of FRET imaging technology in biological applications.
HOW DOES KNOWLEDGE FLOW? INTERFIRM PATTERNS IN THE SEMICONDUCTOR INDUSTRY

Although knowledge spillovers between firms play a critical role in the evolution of technology, we know little about such spillovers. How does knowledge flow across company boundaries? How do industry characteristics and national institutions shape knowledge diffusion? To what extent do companies direct knowledge flows? This study seeks answers to these questions by examining knowledge sharing patterns in the semiconductor industry. The research shows that public sources of technical data play a larger role in knowledge diffusion in Japan than in the United States and in semiconductors relative to steel. By understanding the mechanisms and determinants of knowledge flows, company managers and public policy makers can influence knowledge diffusion more effectively.
Effect of Gastrointestinal Hormones on the Biliary Sphincter of the Opossum

Abstract The smooth muscle sphincter enveloping the terminal portion of the common bile duct in the opossum exhibits spontaneous electrical activity and simultaneous rhythmic contractions. The aim of our study was to define the influence of four gastrointestinal hormones on biliary sphincter electrical and mechanical activity. An array of five monopolar extracellular electrodes was placed along the opossum choledochal sphincteric smooth muscle and contiguous duodenum. A catheter in continuity with a pressure transducer, drop counter, and saline reservoir was placed in the common duct for simultaneous measurement of ductal pressure and flow. The cystic and distal common hepatic ducts were then ligated to isolate the common bile duct from the gallbladder and liver. In each opossum, biliary sphincteric and duodenal myoelectric activity, common bile duct and gallbladder pressure, and common duct flow were recorded simultaneously before and after the intravenous administration of five different doses of an enteric hormone. Ten animals were given 0.1–10.0 international dog units per kilogram body wt of cholecystokinin, 10 received 0.01–1.00 μg/kg body wt of cholecystokinin-octapeptide, 10 were given 0.1–10.0 μg/kg body wt of secretin, and 5 were given 0.1–10.0 μg/kg body wt of pentagastrin. Cholecystokinin, cholecystokinin-octapeptide, and pentagastrin all effected a significant increase in sphincter electrical spike activity and common duct pressure with a decrease in common duct flow. This contractile response was consistent at a wide range of hormonal levels. Secretin had little effect on biliary pressure, flow, and myoelectric activity. The data lend support to the concept that cholecystokinin and gastrin contract the biliary sphincter, metering bile flow at the time of gallbladder emptying in the opossum.
Surface Forces and Nanorheology of Molecularly Thin Films

In this chapter, we describe the static and dynamic normal forces that occur between surfaces in vacuum or liquids and the different modes of friction that can be observed between: (i) bare surfaces in contact (dry or interfacial friction), (ii) surfaces separated by a thin liquid film (lubricated friction), and (iii) surfaces coated with organic monolayers (boundary friction). Experimental methods suitable for measuring normal surface forces, adhesion and friction (lateral or shear) forces of different magnitude at the molecular level are described. We explain the molecular origin of van der Waals, electrostatic, solvation and polymer-mediated interactions, and basic models for the contact mechanics of adhesive and nonadhesive elastically deforming bodies. The effects of interaction forces, molecular shape, surface structure and roughness on adhesion and friction are discussed. Simple models for the contributions of the adhesion force and external load to interfacial friction are illustrated with experimental data on both unlubricated and lubricated systems, as measured with the surface forces apparatus. We discuss rate-dependent adhesion (adhesion hysteresis) and how this is related to friction. Some examples of the transition from wearless friction to friction with wear are shown. Lubrication in different lubricant thickness regimes is described together with explanations of nanorheological concepts. The occurrence of and transitions between smooth and stick–slip sliding in various types of dry (unlubricated and solid boundary lubricated) and liquid lubricated systems are discussed based on recent experimental results and models for stick–slip involving memory distance and dilatancy.
Lactase deficiency in patients with cystic fibrosis.

Disaccharidase (lactase, maltase, sucrase, and palatinase) assays were performed on small intestinal mucosal biopsies obtained from 28 patients with cystic fibrosis and 90 controls. Seven patients with cystic fibrosis showed a significant reduction in lactase activity with normal values for sucrase, maltase, and palatinase. In the remaining 21 patients the enzymatic activities, expressed in units per gram of wet weight of tissue and per gram of protein, were comparable with the 90 controls. The mucosal histology showed normal villous structure. Oral tolerance tests for glucose revealed excellent absorption in all cases tested. Patients with cystic fibrosis having normal lactase activity also had good lactose absorption. However, in the patients with lactase deficiency, flat oral lactose tolerance tests were found. Five of the seven patients with lactase deficiency were able to tolerate some lactose, whereas two others were very intolerant and required elimination of lactose from their diet. This study brings out the high incidence of intestinal lactase deficiency in patients with cystic fibrosis and suggests that the lactase deficiency may be a primary genetic disorder. At present no explanation for this genetic association is available.