cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Planning for Ecosystem Service Markets

Problem: Market mechanisms are emerging as means of offsetting the environmental effects of growth. Unfortunately, formal regulation of ecosystem markets is often separated from broader planning for urban development, resulting in offsets that are unsustainable in the face of future urban growth. Purpose: We aimed to assess how 2008 federal regulations that actively promote aquatic resource markets and encourage watershed planning to restore wetlands and streams damaged during development will affect reputedly efficient existing wetland and stream ecosystem markets in North Carolina. We explore how coordination between regulators and planners can improve long-term viability of market-created resource offsets and improve the ability of markets to respond to rapid urban growth. Methods: We analyzed new state and federal regulations and watershed planning efforts and convened a stakeholder forum including representatives of state and federal agencies, land developers, environmental groups, aquatic restoratio...
An optimal neural network process model for plasma etching

Neural network models of semiconductor processes have recently been shown to offer advantages in both accuracy and predictive ability over traditional statistical methods. However, model development is complicated by the fact that back-propagation neural networks contain several adjustable parameters whose optimal values are initially unknown. These include learning rate, initial weight range, momentum, and training tolerance, as well as the network architecture. The effect of these factors on network performance is investigated here by means of a D-optimal experiment. The goal is to determine how the factors impact network performance and to derive a set of parameters which optimize performance based on several criteria. The network responses optimized are learning capability, predictive capability, and training time. Learning and prediction accuracy are quantified by the experimental error of the model. The process modeled is polysilicon etching in a CCl/sub 4/-based plasma. Statistical analysis of the experimental results reveals that learning capability and convergence speed depend mostly on the learning parameters, whereas prediction is controlled primarily by the number of hidden layer neurons. An optimal network structure and parameter set has been determined which minimizes learning error, prediction error, and training time individually as well as collectively. >
Ontology Evaluation and Ranking using OntoQA

Ontologies form the cornerstone of the Semantic Web and are intended to help researchers to analyze and share knowledge, and as more ontologies are being introduced, it is difficult for users to find good ontologies related to their work. Therefore, tools for evaluating and ranking the ontologies are needed. In this paper, we present OntoQA, a tool that evaluates ontologies related to a certain set of terms and then ranks them according a set of metrics that captures different aspects of ontologies. Since there are no global criteria defining how a good ontology should be, OntoQA allows users to tune the ranking towards certain features of ontologies to suit the need of their applications. We also show the effectiveness of OntoQA in ranking ontologies by comparing its results to the ranking of other comparable approaches as well as expert users.
Imaging of Necrotizing Fasciitis: Self-Assessment Module

INTRODUCTION This self-assessment module on necrotizing fasciitis has an educational component and a self-assessment component. The educational component consists of three required articles that the participant should read. The self-assessment component consists of 10 multiple-choice questions with solutions. All of these materials are available on the ARRS Website (www.arrs.org). To claim CME and SAM credit, each participant must enter his or her responses to the questions online.
Simulating distribution of emergency relief supplies for disaster response operations

In the event of disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes and terrorism, emergency relief supplies need be distributed to disaster victims in timely manner to protect the health and lives of the victims. We develop a modeling framework for disaster response where the supply chain of relief supplies and distribution operations are simulated, and analytics for the optimal transportation of relief supplies to various POD (Points of Distribution) are tested. Our simulation model of disaster response includes modeling the supply chain of relief supplies, distribution operations at PODs, dynamics of demand, and progression of disaster. Our analytics optimize the dispatch of relief supplies to PODs and cross-leveling among PODs. Their effectiveness is estimated by the simulation model. The model can evaluate a wide range of disaster scenarios, assess existing disaster response plans and policies, and identify better approaches for government agencies and first responders to prepare for and respond to disasters.
The Prehospital Sepsis Project: Out-of-Hospital Physiologic Predictors of Sepsis Outcomes

IntroductionSevere sepsis and septic shock are common, expensive and often fatal medical problems. The care of the critically sick and injured often begins in the prehospital setting; there is limited data available related to predictors and interventions specific to sepsis in the prehospital arena. The objective of this study was to assess the predictive effect of physiologic elements commonly reported in the out-of-hospital setting in the outcomes of patients transported with sepsis.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional descriptive study. Data from the years 2004-2006 were collected. Adult cases (≥18 years of age) transported by Emergency Medical Services to a major academic center with the diagnosis of sepsis as defined by ICD-9-CM diagnostic codes were included. Descriptive statistics and standard deviations were used to present group characteristics. Chi-square was used for statistical significance and odds ratio (OR) to assess strength of association. Statistical significance was set at the .05 level. Physiologic variables studied included mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR) and shock index (SI).ResultsSixty-three (63) patients were included. Outcome variables included a mean hospital length of stay (HLOS) of 13.75 days (SD = 9.97), mean ventilator days of 4.93 (SD = 7.87), in-hospital mortality of 22 out of 63 (34.9%), and mean intensive care unit length-of-stay (ICU-LOS) of 7.02 days (SD = 7.98). Although SI and RR were found to predict intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, [OR 5.96 (CI, 1.49-25.78; P = .003) and OR 4.81 (CI, 1.16-21.01; P = .0116), respectively] none of the studied variables were found to predict mortality (MAP 90: P = .60; RR >20 P = .11; SI >0.7 P = .35).ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that the out-of-hospital shock index and respiratory rate have high predictability for ICU admission. Further studies should include the development of an out-of-hospital sepsis score.BaezAA, HanudelP, WilcoxSR. The Prehospital Sepsis Project: Out-of-Hospital Physiologic Predictors of Sepsis Outcomes. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2013;28(6):1-4.
Persistent Gastric intramucosal ischemia in patients with sepsis following resuscitation from shock

Study objectives (1) To determine the effects of resuscitation of patients with severe sepsis to conventional hemodynamic end points and normal blood lactate levels on postresuscitation sequential assessments of gastric intramucosal pH (pHi). (2) To determine whether trends in pHi are reflected in trends in systemic hemodynamic, oxygen utilization, and acid-base assessments. Design Prospective cohort study. Setting Medical ICU in an inner-city, university-based medical center. Patients Twelve recently admitted patients with severe sepsis and signs of circulatory shock who were successfully resuscitated to normal hemodynamic end points and lactate levels and who were also monitored with pulmonary artery catheters and gastric tonometers. Interventions Because of the observational nature of this study, no specific interventions were employed. The physician staff administered IV fluids and pharmacologic agents, during and after the resuscitative period, to treat infection and to achieve and maintain hemodynamic stability. Mechanical ventilation and supplemental oxygen were provided as needed. The hemodynamic and physiologic monitoring employed was determined by the managing physicians and established medical ICU routines. Measurements and results A total of 12 patients were studied. Systemic hemodynamic, oxygen utilization, and acid-base assessments and pHi were recorded following resuscitation, and every 12 h thereafter. pHi decreased from 7.33 ± 0.08 (mean ± SD) following resuscitation to 7.26 ± 0.04 at 24 h, 7.20 ± 0.07 at 36 h ( p Conclusions Gastric intramucosal acidosis develops and persists for at least 48 h in patients resuscitated from septic shock to conventional resuscitative end points, including the normalization of lactate levels. These regional changes were not reflected in corresponding changes in systemic acid-base and oxygen utilization variables. Direct determinations of pHi and therapy directed toward the resolution of splanchnic ischemia may be required to improve the outcome in these patients.
Tamper-indicating seals for nuclear disarmament and hazardous waste management

Tamper‐indicating seals have important applications in many areas, including nuclear disarmament and hazardous waste management. There are, however, many theoretical and practical problems with current seals and seal usage, as well as with tamper detection in general. Most current seals appear to be highly vulnerable to simple and rapid attacks, although this can change with improvements to the seals or to how they are used. Few seals appear to be designed with disarmament and waste management applications in mind. Better seals are possible, especially if new approaches and technologies can be exploited. Seals based on sophisticated technology, however, do not automatically provide better security.
Multitasking roles of mosquito labrum in oviposition and blood feeding

Reception of odorants by two main head appendages, antennae and maxillary palps, is essential for insects' survival and reproduction. There is growing evidence in the literature suggesting that the proboscis is also an olfactory appendage and its function as an additional "antenna" has been previously proposed. We surmised that movements of the labrum toward a blood vessel might be chemically oriented and, if so, there should be odorant receptors expressed in the labrum. To test this hypothesis, we first compared by quantitative PCR expression of odorant receptors (OR) from the Southern house mosquito, Culex quinquefasciatus in antennae and proboscis and, subsequently compared OR expression in various proboscis parts. Our data suggested that a receptor for the oviposition attractant, skatole, CquiOR21, was not expressed in proboscis, whereas a receptor for another oviposition attractant, 4EP (4-ethylphenol), CquiOR99, and a receptorf for the insect repellent DEET, CquiOR136, were expressed in the stylet of the proboscis, particularly in the tip of the labrum. In a dual-choice olfactometer, mosquitoes having the stylet coated with nail polish were attracted to 4EP in the same manner as the untreated mosquitoes. By contrast, in an oviposition assay, the stylet-treated mosquitoes did not discriminate 4EP from control oviposition cups, whereas the untreated mosquitoes (as well as mosquitoes having the labella coated) laid significantly more egg rafts in cups treated with 4EP. Ablation experiments confirmed that 4EP was sensed by the labrum where CquiOR99 is highly expressed. Stylet-coated, labella-coated, and untreated mosquitoes laid significantly more egg rafts in skatole-treated cups than in control cups. Likewise, coating of proboscis structures with nail polish had no effect on DEET-mediated oviposition deterrence. In a behavioral arena designed to mimic a human arm, mosquitoes showed significantly reduced probing time when blood was impregnated with 4EP, i.e., they engaged more rapidly in continuous blood feeding as compared to untreated blood. The time of engagement for feeding in skatole-containing blood vs. untreated blood did not differ significantly. Taken together, these data suggest that 4EP reception by the labrum is important not only for oviposition decisions, but also for reducing probing and initiation of blood feeding.
Airfoil-performance-degradation prediction based on nondimensional icing parameters

A physics-based empirical correlation between icing conditions and the corresponding drag coefficient was developed for NACA 0012 airfoils, and compared to other three existing prediction methods. The correlation was developed based on experimental aerodynamic databases of iced airfoils, and derived using statistical methods. The correlation model also provides drag coefficients for varying angles of attack for a given icing condition. The calculated drag coefficients resulted in 33.40% mean absolute deviation with respect to reference data from three different experimental databases. To validate the proposed degradation model and to further extend the database for helicopter-rotor performance degradation, rotating ice-accretion experiments were conducted. Four ice shapes obtained at the NASA Icing Research Tunnel were reproduced on a 53.34-cm-chord, 1.37-m-radius NACA 0012 rotor blade at the Adverse Environment Rotor Test Stand facility. Ice-shape molding and casting techniques were introduced to capture...
Vision, Race and Modernity: A Visual Economy of the Andean Image World

Vision, Race and Modernity:. Visual Economy of the Andean Image World. Deborah Poole. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1997. 263 pages, 75 halftones.
The Role of Androgen Receptors in the Clinical Course of Nevus Sebaceus of Jadassohn

Nevus sebaceus of Jadassohn (NSJ) is a benign, congenital hamartoma that often presents at birth, appears to regress in childhood, and grows during puberty, suggesting possible hormonal control. We studied 18 cases of NSJ from children and adults for immunohistochemical evidence of androgen receptor expression. The lesions were evaluated for location and pattern of immunostaining, and these findings were compared between age groups, sexes, and to androgen receptor expression in normal skin. Androgen receptor positivity was seen in the sebaceous glands, in eccrine glands with and without apocrine change, and rarely in keratinocytes in the sebaceous nevi. There were no significant differences in staining location or pattern between the age groups or sexes. Normal skin showed similar staining in the sebaceous glands but did not show staining of the eccrine glands or keratinocytes. Androgen receptors are present in all epithelial components of NSJ, but there is no change in androgen receptor expression during puberty.
Asymmetrical Institutional Conflict and Discourse-based Institutional Entrepreneurship

This study explores the manner in which young, innovative firms resolve institutional conflict to establish legitimacy after entering new markets. Prior research has highlighted the use of isomorphism, decoupling, and deinstitutionalization as mechanisms for establishing legitimacy. However, these approaches may not be practical for young firms with few resources. We build on prior research in institutional theory to explain how differences in legitimacy judgment processes create asymmetrical institutional conflicts that do not require costly campaigns to rectify. Instead, young firms may use discourse management to resolve the conflict and achieve growth in new markets.
Chapter 8 The Social Value of Education and Human Capital

We review and extend the empirical literature that seeks evidence of a wedge between the private and social returns to human capital, specifically education. This literature has two main strands. First, much of modern growth theory puts human capital at center-stage, building on older notions of human capital externalities as an engine of economic growth. Empirical support for these ideas, based on both the comparative growth of national outputs and on the geographic dispersion of wages within countries, is meager. There is a strong association between average earnings and average education across nations and regions in the U.S. that exceeds the private returns to education. However, problems of omitted variables and endogeneity inherent in spatial equilibrium models mean that this association can hardly be understood as evidence for social returns. There is no evidence from this literature that social returns are smaller than private ones, yet neither is there much to suggest that they are larger. We then turn to the literature on job market signaling, which implies that social returns to education are smaller than private returns. Consistent with our earlier conclusions, we find scant evidence of this. We construct a model of the speed of employer learning about workers' unobserved talents, and we estimate the model using panel data on young workers. We find that employer learning about productivity occurs fairly quickly after labor market entry, implying that the signaling effects of schooling are small.
Ag Ion-Exchange Reactions of Cu2P3I2 and Cu2P1.8As1.2I2

A variety of ion exchange techniques for Cu 2 P 3 I 2 and its mixed pnictogen analog Cu 2 P 1.8 As 1.2 I 2 have been studied. Ag 2 P 3 I 2 is an existing material, previously prepared from Cu 2 P 3 I 2 by ion exchange of Ag + for Cu + in aqueous medium. This method is compared to non-aqueous (ionic liquid) and solid state routes for ion exchange. Additionally, the new compound Ag 2 P 1.8 As 1.2 I 2 with cell parameters a = 15.838(17) A, b = 13.684(10) A, c = 15.580(17) A and β = 117.63(7)°, has been prepared by reaction of Cu 2 P 1.8 As 1.2 I 2 with AgNO 3 in aqueous solution.
Ocean Dumping of High-Level Waste—An Acceptable Solution We Can “Guarantee”

What is needed for high-level radioactive waste is not necessarily a program for final disposal, but rather an early clear demonstration that an acceptable method is available. This would be especially easy for ocean dumping, since the environment in the water just above the ocean floor is much more uniform, stable, predictable, and more easily reproduced in a laboratory than other environments being considered for waste storage. Other probable advantages of ocean dumping are improved capability for monitoring and retrievability and reduced cost and transport problems. It is assumed that the waste is incorporated into glass and dumped in oceans distributed throughout the world. Calculations of environmental impacts are given for various assuptions about leach rates and failures and for a 30,000-yr delay in onset of leaching achieved by surrounding the waste with a protective coating. With normal leaching, there would be 0.17 eventual human fatalities per GW(electric)-yr, and for the worst case of immediate complete dissolution, this is increased by only 30%. This is 150 times less than the fatalities due to wastes from coal-fired plants.
EARLY MRI FOR CLINICAL SCAPHOID FRACTURES IN CHILDREN; A BETTER PATIENT JOURNEY? A 12 YEAR REVIEW FROM BIRMINGHAM CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL

Objectives & Background Traditional management of Clinical Scaphoid Fractures has been to immobilise the wrist for 10–21 days and then reassess the injury. Birmingham Children9s Hospital (BCH) has offered an Early MRI service for these patients for 12 years. The aim is to MRI the wrist within a few days of injury to get a definitive diagnosis and reduce unnecessary immobilisation. The objective of this review of the Early MRI service, was to analyse: Age, Sex and Hand dominance Percentage of actual scaphoid fractures & other carpal/radial fractures Time from presentation to MRI scan Methods Data was retrieved for all patients (aged 0–18 years) who had had a Scaphoid Xray or MRI from January 1999 until March 2012 from the Xray reporting system. Patients were included if they had presented to the Emergency Department at BCH, and had normal Scaphoid Xrays followed by an MRI scan. Results 137 patients were included. Boys were significantly more likely to actually have a scaphoid fracture (p Conclusion It is possible to offer Early MRI scanning for Clinical Scaphoid Fractures, and most commonly our patients waited 3 days, reducing the length of immobilisation. A large number of other injuries were identified which were missed on initial Xrays. Half of all subjects have a fracture, however only half of these were scaphoid fractures. Only approximately a quarter of scans were normal, and therefore immobilised unnecessarily. Boys are more likely to actually have a scaphoid fracture on MRI than girls.
Conflict in the intensive care unit Nursing advocacy and surgical agency

Background:Nurses and surgeons may experience intra-team conflict during decision making about the use of postoperative life-sustaining treatment in the intensive care unit due to their perceptions of professional roles and responsibilities. Nurses have a sense of advocacy—a responsibility to support the patient’s best interest; surgeons have a sense of agency—a responsibility to keep the patient alive.Objectives:The objectives were to (1) describe the discourse surrounding the responsibilities of nurses and surgeons, as “advocates” and “agents,” and (2) apply these findings to determine how differences in role responsibilities could foster conflict during decision making about postoperative life-sustaining treatment in the intensive care unit.Research design:Articles, books, and professional documents were explored to obtain descriptions of nurses’ and surgeons’ responsibilities to their patients. Using discourse analysis, responsibilities were grouped into themes and then compared for potential for conf...
The Phenology of the Nesting Season of the American Robin (Turdus migratorius) in the United States

Populations of birds that breed in temperate climates adapt their breeding schedules to variations in the progression of the spring from year to year at one locality and also across climatic gradients in a broad geographic area. Since predictable relationships have been demonstrated between a mean daily temperature and the beginning of the period of egg-laying independently of the date (see Nice 1937 and Erskine 1971 for examples), it is possible that both annual and geographic variation in the initiation of the reproductive period are attributable to the fact that members of a given species begin nesting when the local climate reaches a certain mean daily temperature. To examine this hypothesis more thoroughly, we have compared the general trends of annual periodicity in climate in the United States with periodic reproduction in American Robins (Turdus migratorius). This involved analysis of records of 8544 nests. These data have been compiled since 1963 from information submitted by volunteer contributors to the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology Nest-record Card Program and were made available to us through the kindness of David B. Peakall, Director. Quantitative data for factors that are obviously important to robins, such as the presence of mud for nest construction and the presence of soil invertebrates for food, are not available. If these in turn are a function of phenology, then a study of the climate-nesting season relationship is an indirect but valid approach. We give the geographic pattern of the dates on which robins generally begin feeding nestlings. Then we give a three-dimensional presentation of the results of a principal component analysis of the environmental conditions at those times. Finally, the problem is reduced to a model demonstrating how a combination of climatic conditions can be used to predict when robins will nest. The model is also useful for generating hypotheses regarding the limits of the breeding range. This analysis is presented as an alternative or supplementary approach to the synecological one in which the distribution and behavior of a speci s are viewed as attributable to competition with coexisting species for the resources f the locality under consideration.
A NOTE ON INTERPOLATION AND HIGHER INTEGRABILITY

Using interpolation theory we give a new proof and an extension of higher in- tegrability results by Reshetnyak-Gurev, Iwaniec, and others. We show that interpolation theory provides a general context to formulate and prove classical higher integrability theorems.
Health insurance and disclosure of same-sex sexual behaviors among gay and bisexual men in same-sex relationships

Abstract Purpose: Gay and bisexual men (GBM) have poorer health outcomes than the general population. Improved health outcomes will require that GBM have access to healthcare and that healthcare providers are aware of their sexual behaviors. This study sought to examine factors associated with having health insurance and disclosure of same-sex sexual behaviors to primary care providers (PCPs) among GBM in primary same-sex relationships. Methods: We conducted an online survey of a national sample of 722 men in same-sex couples living in the United States. Logistic regression and multinomial regression models were conducted to assess whether characteristic differences existed between men who did and did not have health insurance, and between men who did and did not report that their PCP knew about their same-sex sexual activity. Results: Our national sample of same-sex partnered men identified themselves predominantly as gay and white, and most reported having an income and health insurance. Having health i...
Evolutionary Algorithm for De Novo Molecular Design Considering Multi-Dimensional Constraints

Abstract The area of computer-aided molecular design has benefited from significant advances in technology and methodologies through consideration of problems with increasing complexity and size. The development of increasingly accurate and predictive property models, through application of powerful variable selection and improved mapping techniques, requires new approaches for designing structures meeting property requirements as informed by these models. Additionally, the long-standing desire to model and search an increasingly larger region of chemical space maintains. As such, the necessity of developing algorithms for solving these complex property models, most often containing molecular descriptors of varying type (e.g. information theoretic, charge based, constitutional) and dimensionality (e.g. 1D, 2D, 3D), within a large search space is realized. One such approach involves the implementation of guided stochastic algorithms, such as an evolutionary algorithm. This contribution outlines an evolutionary algorithm for solving computer-aided molecular design problems, with multi-dimensional criteria, in terms of spatial signature descriptors. The effect that various user defined variables have on this algorithm, and the resultant solutions, will be considered in further detail.
Trace Minerals in Type A School Lunches1

As research clarifies the metabolic role of trace elements, dietitians will need to pay increasing attention to the trace element content of normal and therapeutic diets. This article, fourth in a series published by the >Journal on the nutrient content of Type A school lunches, reports data on content of nine trace elements in lunches served to sixth grade children.
Tissue Mast Cell Leukemia

A case of "tissue mast cell leukemia" in a 34-year old white woman is reported. The possible association with urticaria pigmentosa and myeloid leukemia is considered.
Whole-Mount In Situ Hybridization on Murine Skeletogenic Tissues

Whole-mount in situ hybridization (WISH) is a highly sensitive method for spatial and temporal visualization of RNA transcripts throughout an entire tissue. This method is an excellent tool for studying both embryonic development and disease. It is based on sequence complementation between a Digoxigenin (DIG)-labeled antisense RNA probe and the sense RNA transcript of interest in the tissue. The labeled probe is then visualized by immunohistochemical methods using an antibody conjugated to alkaline phosphatase that catalyzes a color reaction.
Marketing Business Services to Developing Countries: An Examination of Environmental Challenges to Service Exports

Business services have been the fastest-growing U.S. exports during the 1970s and 1980s (Cundiff and Hilger 1988). They include numerous professional services such as banking, research, consulting, advertising, engineering, information and maintenance work. The majority of these services are provided by specialized personnel with unique skills. Since there is a good demand for managerial talent and expertise in developing countries (Kolde 1982), these countries become rather attractive markets for various multinational service companies. Unfortunately, some of the characteristics of developing countries create serious challenges for these organizations when it comes to exporting their services.
Swift Fox, Vulpes velox , Den Located Next to a Railroad Track in Northwestern Texas

Swift Fox ( Vulpes velox ) dens are typically found in areas were the vegetation is sparse, in loam soils, and with unobstructed views of the surrounding area. In 2002 a Swift Fox in northwest Texas was found in a unique den situated at the base of a hill with the entrance within 1 m of an active railroad track. Use of a den in such proximity to railroad tracks has never been previously reported.
Perspectives from Within the Clubhouse: A Qualitative Investigation into a Peer-to-Peer Vocational Support Program for Adults with Serious Mental Illness

Adults with serious mental illness consistently have the highest rate of unemployment of all disability groups and in some regions, the rate exceeds 90%. To redress this, mental health clubhouses offer a unique form of vocational rehabilitation built upon peer support. Through the analysis of 14 interviews of clubhouse members, this phenomenological study provides details of the clubhouse experience and its broad effect. The findings reveal that clubhouse members, despite some situational disappointments, find the clubhouse to be an important and highly beneficial resource that provides a sense of connectedness, along with its aims of vocational rehabilitation.
Strategies for the Clinical and Financial Management of Drug Utilization

With the focus in healthcare around improving quality while reducing costs the clinical and economic management around the use of medications in the inpatient and outpatient settings is critical. In September 2014, drug expenditures increased 12.2 % overall, 13.3 % in clinics, and 4.0 % inpatient. Projections for 2015 are expected to increase by 9 %. Therefore, a variety of drug utilization strategies should be implemented across the healthcare sector including more deployment of pharmacists into direct patient care roles, clinical decision support, and electronic order sets. Meanwhile, specialty medications, used to treat diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, cystic fibrosis, Crohn’s disease, and cancer, have quickly been infused into the market resulting in strong patient outcomes but high expense and fragmentation of care. Retail and mail-order pharmacy services remain unchanged but home infusion is growing due to lower associated total cost of care. Managed care and government programs continue to evolve with healthcare cost constraints utilizing formulary management, restricted networks, rebate agreements with manufacturers, and prior authorization methodologies.
Optimization of the simulation parameters for improving realism in anthropomorphic breast phantoms

Virtual clinical trials (VCTs) were introduced as a preclinical alternative to clinical imaging trials, and for the evaluation of breast imaging systems. Realism in computer models of breast anatomy (software phantoms), critical for VCT performance, can be improved by optimizing simulation parameters based on the analysis of clinical images. We optimized the simulation to improve the realism of simulated tissue compartments, defined by the breast Cooper’s ligaments. We utilized the anonymized, previously acquired CT images of a mastectomy specimen to manually segment 205 adipose compartments. We generated 1,440 anthropomorphic breast phantoms based on octree recursive partitioning. These phantoms included variations of simulation parameters—voxel size, number of compartments, percentage of dense tissue, and shape and orientation of the compartments. We compared distributions of the compartment volumes in segmented CT images and phantoms using Kolmogrov-Smirnov (KS) distance, Kullback-Leibler (KL) divergence and a novel distance metric (based on weighted sum of distribution descriptors differences). We identified phantoms with the size distributions closest to CT images. For example, KS resulted in the phantom with 1000 compartments, ligament thickness of 0.4 mm and skin thickness of 12 mm. We applied multilevel analysis of variance (ANOVAN) to these distance measures to identify parameters that most significantly influence the simulated compartment size distribution. We have demonstrated an efficient method for the optimization of phantom parameters to achieve realistic distribution of adipose compartment size. The proposed methodology could be extended to other phantom parameters (e.g., ligaments and skin thicknesses), to further improve realism of the simulation and VCTs.
Mercury Exposure and Diet in Brown Pelicans (Pelecanus occidentalis) in North Carolina, USA

Methylmercury biomagnifies in food chains and can lower reproductive success in many organisms, particularly in top predators such as Brown Pelicans (Pelecanus occidentalis). To determine and compare variability in mercury exposure in this species, chick feathers and egg membranes were collected from seven breeding sites located in the remote Pamlico Sound and the more human-impacted Cape Fear River in North Carolina, USA. The average concentration of total mercury in egg membrane was 0.20 ± 0.14 ppm dry weight, a level associated with slightly reduced reproductive success in some birds, while chick feather total mercury concentrations (1.13 ± 0.02 ppm fresh weight) were well below the lowest observable adverse effects level. Mercury exposure did not vary between the Cape Fear River and Pamlico Sound, but did vary significantly among three Cape Fear River colonies. Diet analysis using δ13C and δ15N revealed minimal differences in the trophic level and foraging location of prey between islands in close proximity, indicating that differences in mercury availability are not due to differences in diet composition. The source of mercury variation in Brown Pelicans remains unknown and in need of further study.
Coherent Lithography with Tabletop Soft X-Ray Lasers: Latest Achievements and Prospects

We present the latest results in the development of a Talbot lithography technique utilizing tabletop SXR lasers. The main characteristics of the method are reviewed and a hybrid scheme that combines interferometric lithography with Talbot lithography is presented. This approach that we named Talbot Interference Lithography allows overcoming resolution limitations typical of the classical Talbot imaging.
Effects of lane departure warning on police-reported crash rates.

Abstract Objective To evaluate the effects of lane departure warning (LDW) on single-vehicle, sideswipe, and head-on crashes. Method Police-reported data for the relevant crash types were obtained from 25 U.S. states for the years 2009–2015. Observed counts of crashes with fatalities, injuries, and of all severities for vehicles with LDW were compared with expected counts based on crash involvement rates for the same passenger vehicles without LDW, with exposure by vehicle series, model year, and lighting system standardized between groups. For relevant crashes of all severities and those with injuries, Poisson regression was used to estimate the benefits of LDW while also controlling for demographic variables; fatal crashes were too infrequent to be modeled. Results Without accounting for driver demographics, vehicles with LDW had significantly lower involvement rates in crashes of all severities (18%), in those with injuries (24%), and in those with fatalities (86%). Adding controls for driver demographics in the Poisson regression reduced the estimated benefit of LDW only modestly in crashes of all severities (11%, p Conclusions Lane departure warning is preventing the crash types it is designed to address, even after controlling for driver demographics. Results suggest that thousands of lives each year could be saved if every passenger vehicle in the United States were equipped with a lane departure warning system that performed like the study systems. Practical applications Purchase of LDW should be encouraged, and, because drivers do not always keep the systems turned on, future efforts should focus on designing systems to encourage greater use and educating consumers about the benefits of using the systems.
Tracking Biological Invasions: An Assessment of Mussel Species in the St. Johns River, Jacksonville, FL

Perna viridis (Asian Green Mussel) and Mytella charruana (Charru Mussel) have been found within the estuaries of Florida, including the St. Johns River, for the past 30 y. This study verified the continuing presence of these 2 invasive mussels as well as the native Ischadium recurvum (Hooked Mussel) within the St. Johns River estuary. We found Hooked Mussels and Charru Mussels at all sampling locations, whereas we documented the Green Mussel at 2 sites. The overall densities and sizes of the Hooked Mussels and Charru Mussels varied by location. We observed higher densities of Charru Mussels at sites with lower salinities; none were observed at sites with salinity greater than 30‰. We noted the greatest Hooked Mussel density at moderate salinities, and those mussels had greater mean shell length compared to other mussel species at sites upriver. Our study highlighted the coexistence of native and non-native mussels within the estuary, and stressed the importance of continued monitoring of introduced mussel species in the southeastern US.
Field pennycress (Thlaspi arvense L.) has potential as an interseeded cover crop

Interseeding provides flexibility in cover crop establishment, but most cover crop species are not well-adapted to the duration of low-intensity light beneath the cash crop canopy. Field pennycress (Thlaspi arvense L.) has physiological seed dormancy traits and its emergence pattern may be better synchronized with cash crop senescence. The objective of this study was to demonstrate proof-of-concept for using pennycress as an interseeded cover crop. A 2-year field experiment was conducted where cereal rye (Secale cereale L.), mustard (Guillenia flavescens L.) or pennycress were interseeded into edamame [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] 1 month after planting. Rye and mustard emerged within 6 days, whereas pennycress emergence was delayed up to 56 days after interseeding. Pennycress provided 37–57% soil cover in fall and produced 0.4–2.5 Mg ha−1 biomass the following spring. Preliminary results demonstrate the utility of pennycress as an interseeded cover crop and the potential value of seed dormancy traits in interseeding systems.
The Consistent Solution for Non-Atomic Games

We study here the relation between the consistent solution to large games, and economic equilibria. Using a non-atomic approximation, we show that homogeneous Pareto-optimal allocations are consistent if and only if they correspond to competitive equilibria.
Conserved CxnC motifs in Kaposi\'s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus ORF66 are required for viral late gene expression and mediate its interaction with ORF34

ABSTRACT Late gene transcription in the beta- and gammaherpesviruses depends on a set of virally-encoded transcriptional activators (vTAs) that hijack the host transcriptional machinery and direct it to a subset of viral genes that are required for completion of the viral replication cycle and capsid assembly. In Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), these vTAs are encoded by ORF18, ORF24, ORF30, ORF31, ORF34, ORF66. Assembly of the vTAs into a complex is critical for late gene transcription, and thus deciphering the architecture of the complex is central to understanding its transcriptional regulatory activity. Here, we generated an ORF66-null virus and confirmed that it fails to produce late genes and infectious virions. We show that ORF66 is incorporated into the vTA complex primarily through its interaction with ORF34, which is mediated by a set of four conserved cysteine-rich motifs in the C-terminal domain of ORF66. While both ORF24 and ORF66 occupy the canonical K8.1 late gene promoter, their promoter occupancy requires the presence of the other vTAs, suggesting that sequence-specific, stable binding requires assembly of the entire complex on the promoter. Additionally, we find that ORF24 expression is impaired in the absence of a stable vTA complex. This work extends our knowledge about the architecture of the KSHV vPIC and suggests that it functions as a complex to recognize late gene promoters. IMPORTANCE Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV; human herpesvirus 8) is an oncogenic gammaherpesvirus that is the causative agent of multiple human cancers. Release of infectious virions requires production of capsid proteins and other late genes, whose production are transcriptionally controlled by a complex of six virally-encoded proteins that hijack the host transcription machinery. It is poorly understood how this complex assembles or what function five of its six components play in transcription. Here, we demonstrate that ORF66 is an essential component of this complex in KSHV and that its inclusion in the complex is mediated through its C-terminal domain, which contains highly conserved cysteine-rich motifs reminiscent of zinc finger motifs. Additionally, we examine assembly of the viral pre-initiation complex at late gene promoters and find that while sequence-specific binding of late gene promoters requires ORF24, it additionally requires a fully assembled viral pre-initation complex.
Program development of a preceptor bootcamp for operational pharmacy preceptors

Purpose To describe the development, design, and implementation of a pilot preceptor development bootcamp and feedback related to its feasibility and impact on operational pharmacy preceptors. Summary The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center designed and implemented a pilot preceptor development bootcamp for operational staff pharmacists serving as residency preceptors for longitudinal weekend staffing experiences. A systematic, multipronged approach was taken to identify preceptor development gaps and design a full-day bootcamp curriculum. The resultant curriculum was comprised of content in major functional areas including using the 4 preceptor roles, documenting performance, giving and receiving feedback, and dealing with difficult situations or learners. The impact of the pilot preceptor development bootcamp was assessed using survey methodology and qualitative feedback from debrief discussions. Conclusion Implementation of a pilot preceptor bootcamp program addressing major areas of precepting skill was well received, resulted in positive feedback from operational pharmacy preceptors, and was feasible to implement at a large academic medical center.
Scientists’ incentives and attitudes toward public communication

In an era of large-scale science-related challenges and rapid advancements in groundbreaking science with major societal implications, communicating about science is critical. The profile of science communication has increased over the last few decades, with multiple sectors calling for such activities. As scientists respond to calls for public-facing communication, we need to evaluate where the scientific community stands. We conducted a unique census of science faculty at land-grant universities across the United States intended to spur the next generation of science communicators and research. Despite scientists' strong approval of science communication efforts, potential areas of tension, attributable to lack of institutional support and confidence in communication skills, constrain these efforts.
A New Type of Imperialism: The Global North’s Weapon of Mass intervention and Eco-Imperialism

Today is no different, but in the 21st century, the exploitation of the global South, comes with a level moralism that never accompanied previous developments. There was never, for example, a moral superiority attached to agricultural advancement. The radical environmentalist movement has led to a dangerous trend in global politics, Eco-Imperialism. Under the guise of “climate change” and “resource protection” the developed global North seeks to control, both politically and practically, the resources of the less developed world. The authors argue that the educated and informed community should realize the true nature of these efforts, and posit a parallel between imperialism of the past and Eco-Imperialism today.
Chapter 9 – Sleep

Publisher Summary This chapter reveals that patients with symptoms of sleep-onset insomnia should initially be tried on melatonin. If insufficient response is obtained, the patient should be switched to valerian, and hops may be tried as an adjunct. If insufficient response is again evident, valerian and hops should be discontinued, and tryptophan supplements may be attempted. If insufficient response is still evident, tryptophan should be discontinued and phenibut may be attempted, although it should not be used every day. As a last resort, phenibut can be discontinued and rauwolfia can be tried, with careful monitoring of physical and psychological effects. Patients with symptoms of sleep-maintenance problems should essentially follow the same algorithm, but a trial of melatonin may be skipped, since it is not likely to be useful in middle-onset or late-onset insomnia.
Taxation, credit frictions and the cyclical behavior of the labor wedge

Labor-income and consumption taxes are often referred to as the primary causes of the labor wedge and differences in hours worked across countries. While this can be potentially true in the long run, its premise for explaining the cyclical behavior of the labor wedge is questionable. Using US data over 1955–2019, this paper first studies whether taxation explains the cyclical behavior of the labor wedge. It is shown that the tax wedge, which combines both types of taxes, fails in accounting for the countercyclicality of the labor wedge. I then study other factors that may raise the labor wedge during recessions, such as credit frictions on the firms’ side and price markups, and find that credit frictions are the primary reasons for this behavior. The empirical findings are consistent with the model-based results; the model with credit frictions successfully generates a countercyclical behavior of the labor wedge, whereas the model without credit frictions does not.
A Multisite Study of the Effect of Fidget Spinners on Academic Performance

Fidget spinners have become popular worldwide, due not only to their popularity with children but also to the mental health claims made by those who advertise them. While a small number of previous research studies indicate that fidget spinners reduce on-task behavior, no research to date has evaluated their effect on student performance. The current study evaluated 3rd grade students to determine whether their performance on 5-min math curriculum–based measures (CBM) changed depending on whether they had access to a fidget spinner. Results indicated that student performance was lower when they were allowed to use fidget spinners than when the fidget spinner was removed. The current study suggests that fidget spinners may cause a deficit in student performance. However, the effect of fidget spinners may actually lessen as the students habituate to the objects.