cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Clustering on the basis of longitudinal data

A menu-drive PC program, ZDIST, for computing the distances between the estimated polynomial growth curves of subjects who have been followed longitudinally is described, illustrated, and made available to interested readers. These distances can be computed on the basis of the individual growth curves themselves and/or from estimates of individuals' growth velocity and acceleration curves. The resulting distance matrices can be saved in ASCII format and subsequently imported into any clustering program which accepts this type of input, e.g. SYSTAT.
Evaluation of Traditional and Shock-Confining LES Filters using DNS Data of Compressible Turbulence

uniformly highorder-accurate numerical methods for approximating the convective terms of the NavierStokes equations: the introduction of new, non-physical extrema near discontinuities. Extensive investigations have been conducted into myriad types of shock-capturing methods, which adaptively decrease their order of accuracy within shock-containing regions in order to maintain accuracy and stability over time. Inspired by such work, Grube et al. (AIAA 2007-4198) have proposed the conceptually similar idea of “shock-confining” filtering (SCF) for compressible large-eddy simulations (LES), in which a class of linear filters is subject to adaptive adjustments based on smoothness information provided by a weighted essentially non-oscillatory (WENO) method. In the current work, we utilize the turbulent flow fields produced by direct numerical simulations (DNS) of shock/isotropic-turbulence interaction to perform preliminary a priori testing of these shock-confining filters against the corresponding linear filters. Although additional study, both a priori and a posteriori, is required to verify the necessity and suitability of SCF for LES, we conclude that linear filtering can indeed create serious qualitative discrepancies in global flow characteristics, discrepancies that are avoided by the use of SCF.
Direct mass spectrometric peptide profiling and sequencing of single neurons reveals differential peptide patterns in a small neuronal network

Mass spectrometry (MS) was employed to detect and structurally characterize peptides in two functionally related neurons, named VD1 and RPD2, which form a network involved in the modulation of heartbeat in Lymnaea. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization MS, directly applied to single neurons VD1 and RPD2, showed overlapping yet distinct mass profiles, with a subset of putative peptides specifically present in neuron VD1. Direct tandem MS of a single VD1 neuron revealed the primary structures of the VD1-specific peptides, which were identified as members of the family of small cardioactive peptides. Based on the tandem MS data, a degenerate oligonucleotide was made for use in a polymerase chain reaction strategy to isolate the cDNA encoding the precursor to the small cardioactive peptides from a brain-specific cDNA library. The calculated masses of the mature, posttranslationally modified peptides, as predicted from the corresponding cDNA, agreed with the measured masses of the actual peptides, as det...
Some Comments About Predicting Fiber Response by Thermal and Spectroscopic Techniques

The effect of thermal energy on matrix mobility of oriented polyamide fibers can be determined by ATR infrared spec troscopy, broad-line nmr and DSC. A composite of these techniques are required for predicting the response of the polyamide fiber during dyeing and heat setting.
Our Princess Is in Another Castle: A Review of Trends in Serious Gaming for Education

Do video games show demonstrable relationships to academic achievement gains when used to support the K-12 curriculum? In a review of literature, we identified 300+ articles whose descriptions related to video games and academic achievement. We found some evidence for the effects of video games on language learning, history, and physical education (specifically exergames), but little support for the academic value of video games in science and math. We summarize the trends for each subject area and supply recommendations for the nascent field of video games research. Many educationally interesting games exist, yet evidence for their impact on student achievement is slim. We recommend separating simulations from games and refocusing the question onto the situated nature of game-player-context interactions, including meta-game social collaborative elements.
Genetic, Maternal, School, Intelligence, and Media Use Predictors of Adult Criminality: A Longitudinal Test of the Catalyst Model in Adolescence through Early Adulthood

The catalyst model suggests that adult criminality arises from the interaction of genetic and proximal social influences such as family influences, but that distal social influences such as media exposure have only negligible influence. This article uses data from a 13-year longitudinal study of adolescent health to examine the catalyst model. As expected by the catalyst model, adult criminality was best explained by a confluence of genetic and proximal social risk factors. The influence of media exposure on adult criminality was negligible. Implications of these findings for both theory and policy are discussed.
Use of scented sugar bait stations to track mosquito-borne arbovirus transmission in California

Laboratory and field research was conducted to determine if Culex tarsalis Coquillett expectorated West Nile virus (WNV) during sugar feeding and if a lure or bait station could be developed to exploit this behavior for WNV surveillance. Experimentally infected Cx. tarsalis repeatedly expectorated WNV onto filter paper strips and into vials with wicks containing sucrose that was readily detectable by a quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction assay. Few females (33%, n = 27) became infected by imbibing sugar solutions spiked with high concentrations (107 plaque forming units/ml) of WNV, indicating sugar feeding stations probably would not be a source of WNV infection. In nature, sugar bait stations scented with the floral attractant phenyl acetaldehyde tracked WNV transmission activity in desert but not urban or agricultural landscapes in California. When deployed in areas of the Coachella Valley with WNV activity during the summer of 2011, 27 of 400 weekly sugar samples (6.8%) tested positive for WNV RNA by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Prevalence of positives varied spatially, but positive sugar stations were detected before concurrent surveillance measures of infection (mosquito pools) or transmission (sentinel chicken seroconversions). In contrast, sugar bait stations deployed in urban settings in Los Angeles or agricultural habits near Bakersfield in Kern County supporting WNV activity produced 1 of 90 and 0 of 60 positive weekly sugar samples, respectively. These results with sugar bait stations will require additional research to enhance bait attractancy and to understand the relationship between positive sugar stations and standard metrics of arbovirus surveillance.
Analysis of impurity migration in plastic containers

The problem of the migration of impurities from plastic containers has been analyzed, and the effect of the outward diffusion of the container contents on the impurity migration has been considered. The system of equations describing the coupled diffusion problem has been solved using finite-difference methods, and an analytical solution has been developed for the initial stages of the mass transfer process. It was found that the outward diffusion of the container contents can exhibit a large effect on the migration of impurity if the ratio of the diffusivity of the container contents to the diffusivity of the impurity exceeds 100. Sufficiently large values of this diffusivity ratio and of the impurity partition coefficient can minimize the buildup of undesirable impurities in the contents of a plastic container.
Prestressed Ceramics as a Structural Material

The compressive strengths of most ceramic products are seven to ten times greater than their respective tensile strengths. If ceramic structural members are kept in compression by prestressing, they are capable of carrying much larger loads than members with no prestressing. Through application of the principle of prestressing, tensile stresses are avoided. Results of preliminary experiments with prestressed ceramic members are described. The test findings indicate that prestressing gives marked improvement in resistance to failure in both static and impact loadings. Some possibilities are suggested for using prestressing methods with ceramic materials.
Functional Anatomy of the Oral Region of the Potato Psyllid (Hemiptera: Psylloidea: Triozidae)

ABSTRACT “Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum”, causal agent of zebra chip of potato and veingreening of tomato, is prolific in tissues of the oral region of its vector, Bactericera cockerelli (Sulc). The region has, evolutionarily, reflexed under the head (“opisthognathy”), so that the mandibular stylets are ventral to the maxillary stylets, and both are directed posteriorly. The region includes the labium, furcasternum, and tentorium. The tentorium is a minute, crate-shaped, extremely complex endoskeletal apparatus consisting of preoral and postoral sections, with the primitive mouth in between. Except for certain prominent structures, its functional anatomy is poorly understood, and provisional (generic) terminology is needed to identify them. It is formed from several panel-shaped and rod-shaped invaginations of the preoral orifice. Panels divide the preoral section into four tissue blocks: hypopharynx, epipharynx, and two lateral blocks of questionable homological identity. Those between the hypopha...
An Oil Boom’s Effect on Quality of Life (QoL): Lessons from Western North Dakota

This article presents a holistic framework to understand the effect of an oil boom on quality of life (QoL) in western North Dakota. Compared to quantitative QoL studies that focus on cities and urban QoL or studies that compare/contrast QoL between different communities, this descriptive and qualitative article focuses on the heterogeneous QoL perceptions among different stakeholder groups, within a community, in a rural setting, during a period of rapid social and economic transformation. The focus allows for a new way of looking at the significance of changes caused by oil development on QoL of stakeholders in a rural community, which provides a useful lens for studying QoL changes in many other rural communities currently experiencing unconventional oil/gas development in the USA. The framework presented captures the contextual determinants and indicators that constitute QoL in a rural context. The findings show that some significant impacts of the boom (both positive and negative) affect QoL of everyone in the community, while other impacts only affect certain stakeholder groups based on their positioning in the economic/income structure and level of exposure to local inflation. Implications of the findings on community planning and development on ways to improve QoL are presented and discussed.
EVALUATION OF FOLIAR INSECTICIDES FOR CONTROL OF CORN BORERS IN FIELD CORN, 2004

The objective of the study was to determine the effectiveness of insecticides applied to corn foliage against corn borers. Field corn ‘Pioneer 3345’, a non-BT cultivar, was planted with a John Deere 7100 Maximerge planter at a rate of 2.2 seed per row ft. at the Cotton Branch Experimental Station, Mariana, AR on 16 Apr (early planting) and 1 May (late planting) 2004. Soil type was silt loam and had been planted to cotton in 2003. Plots consisted of one row 45 ft long. Plots were separated by 80 inches. Replications were separated by 5 ft bare ground buffers. The experimental design was RCB with four replications. Applications were timed by splitting corn stalks in adjacent plots and searching for corn borer pupae. A single insecticide application was made on 30 Jun, one week after the first dark pupae were detected. Insecticides were applied with a CO2 propelled backpack sprayer equipped with two Delvan HB10 nozzles. Spray volume was 14.8 gpa at 25 psi. Insecticide effectiveness was assessed as follows. On 24 Aug 10 randomly selected plants were cut at soil level from each plot. Each stalk was split with a band saw and corn borer damage was assessed for each stalk internodes. On each plant, damage to the first 15 internodes beginning at ground level and counting upward, was determined. Any stalk with a single damaged internode was considered infested. Stalks with more than 2 damaged internodes were categorized as having major damage. Ear damage was rated on a 0 to 5 scale, with 5 the most severe. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and means were separated using an F-protected LSD (P ≤ 0.05).
Working with resistance to experiencing and expressing emotions in group therapy

Emotional insight is essential in order for therapeutic change to take place. Profound resistances to experiencing, expressing, and understanding emotions are present in group members, the group as a whole, and the group therapist. Reasons for the three types of resistances are described. Specific therapist attitudes and therapeutic techniques are suggested to understand and effectively work through resistances at individual, interpersonal, and whole-group levels. Examples are given from an ongoing therapy group to illustrate the processes of understanding and working through resistances. Resistances on the part of the group therapist are identified and their possible effects on the group's resistance are explored.
Analysis of Pediatric Antibiotics in Our Hospital during the Period of 2002～2005

OBJECTIVE:To evaluate status quo of the application of antibiotics for children and its trend.METHODS:The data about the amount and money of antibiotics used from2002to2005in out patient pharmacy of our hospital are collected and analyzed.RESULTS:Cephalothin,penicillin and azithromycin were widely used in our hospital and the using situation was reasonable at large,but some problems still existed.CONCLUSION:Rational using of antibiotics need efforts of all the departments in the hospital.
Adherence and invasion of cells by uropathogenic Escherichia coli

Objective: To study the adherence and invasion of host cells by uropathogenic Escherichia coli(UPEC)132.Methods: Pathogenic UPEC132 and nonfimbrial strain E.coli K-12 p678-54 were employed to adhere and invade Vero,Ketr-3 and EJ cells.The adhesion rate,adhesion index and invasion index of above three cell lines by both strains were calculated and compared.Results: E.coli K-12 p678-54 did not adhere and invade tested cells,while UPEC132 caused not only morphological changes but also cell death.The adhesion rates of Vero,Ketr-3 and EJ cells by UPEC132 were(61.44±3.21)%,(55.22±4.09)% and(58.67±5.12)% respectively without statistical differences,but the adhesion indexes of these cell lines were 1.44±0.06,1.74±0.09 and 2.27±0.18 respectively with statistical differences(P0.05).The invasion indexes of EJ and Ketr-3 cells by UPEC132 were(3.25±0.20)×10-3 and(3.00±0.34)×10-3,and both of which were significantly higher than that of Vero cells[(2.61±0.32)×10-3,P0.05].Conclusion:UPEC132 can adhere and invade Vero,Ketr-3 and EJ cells.Since EJ cell is more prone to be adhered by UPEC132 than the other two,it can be selected for further study on the pathogenic mechanism of UPEC.
Long-term tissue culture of human bone marrow. I. Report of isolation of a strain of cells resembling epithelial cells from bone marrow of a patient with carcinoma of the lung.

Using methods described, long-term tissue cultures of human bone marrow pass through three typical growth phases : (1) a myeloid phase during which myeloid cells can be recognized; (2) a round-cell phase during which histioid and monocytoid cells predominate; and (3) a fibroblastic phase which can be maintained thereafter. The three phases are of variable onset and duration. In a culture from a patient with carcinoma of the lung, isolated colonies of polygonal cells appeared on the 51st day of continuous cultivation. These were removed and subcultured. By means of trypsinization, the sheets of polygonal cells were transferred and subcultured in bulk and in a manner making it possible to obtain replicate cultures. The morphologic characteristics and growth behavior of the strain of cells (Detroit-6 strain) are similar to those observed for HeLa cells. The pattern of growth of the Detroit-6 strain is that of epithelial cells, presumably of metastatic origin from a carcinoma of the lung. The susceptibilities of the Detroit-6 strain to infection with various viruses (poliomyelitis, Coxsackie, herpes simplex, and influenza) are similar to those observed in the HeLa strain of human malignant epithelial cells originating from a carcinoma of the cervix. The possible values of long-term tissue culture of human bone marrow have been discussed.
A Preliminary Investigation of Hierarchical Hidden Markov Models for Tutorial Planning.

For tutorial dialogue systems, selecting an appropriate dialogue move to support learners can significantly influence cognitive and affective outcomes. The strategies implemented in tutorial dialogue systems have historically been based on handcrafted rules derived from observing human tutors, but a data-driven model of strategy selection may increase the effectiveness of tutorial dialogue systems. Tutorial dialogue projects including CIRCSIM-TUTOR [1], ITSPOKE [2], and KSC-PAL [3] have utilized corpora to inform the behavior of a system. Our work builds on this line of research by directly learning a hierarchical hidden Markov model (HHMM) for predicting tutor dialogue acts within a corpus. The corpus was collected during a human-human tutoring study in the domain of introductory computer science [4]. We annotated the dialogue moves with dialogue acts (Table 1). The subtask structure and student problem-solving action correctness were also annotated manually.
The Anatomy of a Successful Crowdfunding Campaign Page

New ventures must overcome various information asymmetries in their quest to acquire financial resources. Extensive research has shown that entrepreneurs attempt to do this is by signaling pertinen...
Accuracy and reproducibility of ambulatory blood pressure recorder measurements during rest and exercise

Blood pressure (BP) readings obtained by an Avionics ambulatory BP monitoring device (ABPM) were compared with values obtained simultaneously by auscultation (AUSC) in 14 non-hypertensive individuals on two separate days during the following standardized conditions: (1) 15 minute supine rest (SU), (2) 2 minute standing rest (ST), (3) 90 second isometric handgrip at 50% max. (HG), (4) submaximum bicycle exercise at 50, 75, 100, and 125 Watts (BEX). Pearson product moment correlations between ABPM and AUSC on Day 1 for systolic pressures (SBP) ranged from 0.92 to 0.96 during SU, ST and HG and was 0.92 during BEX, while diastolic pressures (DBP) were 0.74 to 0.93 during SU, ST, and HG and 0.60 during BEX. Correlations between ABPM and AUSC on Day 2 were similar to Day 1. The correlations between Day 1 and Day 2 for SBP measured by ABPM were 0.68 to 0.80 during SU, ST and HG and 0.89 during BEX and were similar to the reproducibility of AUSC readings (SU, ST and HG = 0.70 to 0.76, BEX = 0.93). The correlations between Day 1 and Day 2 for DBP during SU, ST and HG were 0.53 to 0.59 for ABPM and 0.63 to 0.79 for AUSC. During BEX correlations for DBP were 0.61 for ABPM and 0.28 for AUSC. In conclusion, these data indicate an overall high level of accuracy and reproducibility for ABPM at rest and during moderate levels of activity.
The Singing Sage: rhymes in Confucius dialogues

The present article explores uses of verse in direct speech attributed to Confucius (551–479 bce) within works compiled mainly during the Han dynasty (206 bce–220 ce). Analysing short prose narratives and dialogues, the article investigates a poeticized debate, in which versified proverbs or apothegms are employed as tools of argumentation. In addition I examine the mnemonic function of reiterated rhymes on politics, and emotive song as an expression of thwarted ambition, purportedly revealing glimpses at Confucius's inner life; and libretto-like records of dramatic encounters whose participants exchange verse. The goal of the investigation is twofold. First, it demonstrates how, in early imperial China, the image of Confucius was remoulded to fulfil different functions and satisfy diverse needs beyond his by now familiar role as philosopher and as patron saint of an intellectual tradition and state ideology. Second, it draws attention to the riches of stylistic nuance and functional variety exhibited by early Chinese writings, which have so far hardly been tapped.
David Oliver: Reducing acute admissions--a timely reality check.

In March NHS England published Next Steps on the NHS Five Year Forward View , a mid-term report and road map to 2020 of the plan by its chief executive, Simon Stevens, to sustain the NHS in the face of unprecedented crises in funding, demand, and workforce.1 Reducing urgent care activity and hospital beds have been key themes of England’s 44 sustainability and transformation plans (STPs). These are key vehicles for delivering the strategy Stevens set out in the NHS Five Year Forward View . They’ll now be called not plans but “partnerships.” I welcome Next Steps ’ …
Economic Evaluation of Quality Improvement Interventions Designed to Prevent Hospital Readmission: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Importance Quality improvement (QI) interventions can reduce hospital readmission, but little is known about their economic value. Objective To systematically review economic evaluations of QI interventions designed to reduce readmissions. Data Sources Databases searched included PubMed, Econlit, the Centre for Reviews & Dissemination Economic Evaluations, New York Academy of Medicine's Grey Literature Report, and Worldcat (January 2004 to July 2016). Study Selection Dual reviewers selected English-language studies from high-income countries that evaluated organizational or structural changes to reduce hospital readmission, and that reported program and readmission-related costs. Data Extraction and Synthesis Dual reviewers extracted intervention characteristics, study design, clinical effectiveness, study quality, economic perspective, and costs. We calculated the risk difference and net costs to the health system in 2015 US dollars. Weighted least-squares regression analyses tested predictors of the risk difference and net costs. Main Outcomes and Measures Main outcomes measures included the risk difference in readmission rates and incremental net cost. This systematic review and data analysis is reported in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Results Of 5205 articles, 50 unique studies were eligible, including 25 studies in populations limited to heart failure (HF) that included 5768 patients, 21 in general populations that included 10 445 patients, and 4 in unique populations. Fifteen studies lasted up to 30 days while most others lasted 6 to 24 months. Based on regression analyses, readmissions declined by an average of 12.1% among patients with HF (95% CI, 8.3%-15.9%; P P P = .23; 24 studies), and the mean net loss was $169 among general populations (95% CI, −$2610 to $2949; P = .90; 21 studies), reflecting nonsignificant differences. Among general populations, interventions that engaged patients and caregivers were associated with greater net savings ($1714 vs −$6568; P = .006). Conclusions and Relevance Multicomponent QI interventions can be effective at reducing readmissions relative to the status quo, but net costs vary. Interventions that engage general populations of patients and their caregivers may offer greater value to the health system, but the implications for patients and caregivers are unknown.
Thoracic Endovascular Repair (TEVAR) for Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm

Patient is a ___ -year-old male/female with findings of a symptomatic/asymptomatic thoracic aortic aneurysm. After assessment of symptoms, size of aneurysm, and observation with serial imaging, a thorough discussion of treatment options was discussed with the patient. (Coverage of the left subclavian artery and need for carotid/subclavian bypass/transposition was also discussed). The risks of paraplegia, bleeding, stroke, and death were discussed at length and patient.
One-Stop Management of Acute Stroke Patients: Minimizing Door-to-Reperfusion Times.

Background and Purpose—Intrahospital time delays significantly affect the neurological outcome of stroke patients with large-vessel occlusion. This study was conducted to determine whether a one-st...
Does Democracy need Redefinition

Of the three [democratic values, liberty, equality and fraternity], it is liberty that is the dearest, whose absence is most painful, whose limitation is most quickly noted. —Carl Cohen, Democracy
Evaluation of behavioral parameters, hematological markers, liver and kidney functions in rodents exposed to Deepwater Horizon crude oil and Corexit.

The 2010 Deepwater Horizon (DWH) oil spill is the largest marine oil spill in US history. In the aftermath of the spill, the response efforts used a chemical dispersant, Corexit, to disperse the oil spill. The health impacts of crude oil and Corexit mixture to humans, mammals, fishes, and birds are mostly unknown. The purpose of this study is to investigate the in vivo effects of DWH oil, Corexit, and oil-Corexit mixture on the general behavior, hematological markers, and liver and kidney functions of rodents. C57 Bl6 mice were treated with DWH oil (80 mg/kg) and/or Corexit (95 mg/kg), and several hematological markers, lipid profile, liver and kidney functions were monitored. The results show that both DWH oil and Corexit altered the white blood cells and platelet counts. Moreover, they also impacted the lipid profile and induced toxic effects on the liver and kidney functions. The impacts were more pronounced when the mice were treated with a mixture of DWH-oil and Corexit. This study provides preliminary data to elucidate the potential toxicological effects of DWH oil, Corexit, and their mixtures on mammalian health. Residues from the DWH spill continue to remain trapped along various Gulf Coast beaches and therefore further studies are needed to fully understand their long-term impacts on coastal ecosystems.
Covert Modeling: Imagery-Based Rehearsal for Therapeutic Change

Imagery has been used rather extensively in various forms of psychotherapy, particularly in Europe (Singer, 1974; Singer and Pope, 1978). In psychoanalysis, for example, imagery and fantasy have had at least an ancillary role in the treatment process. Both Freud and Jung.employed fantasy as a basis for assessing psychological processes assumed to underlie symptomatic behaviors. Variations of psychoanalytic practice have used imagery-based procedures more extensively. For example, imagining scenes with content of psychodynamic significance has characterized psychoanalytic treatment at different points in history (e.g., Clark, 1925; Kubie, 1943; Reyher, 1963). Many other techniques spawned by analytic treatment rely hevily on imagery (Singer, 1974). Clients may be instructed to imagine standardized scenes that reflect such themes as interpersonal relationships, conflicts, and personal strivings. Alternatively, imagery can be less structured, and the client may be encouraged to engage in free-flowing imagery. In such cases, the client usually is deeply relaxed and engages in imagery construction for the entire therapy session. The therapeutic effects of guided-imagery are assumed to result either from the imagery process itself or from the psychologically significant material that imagery evokes (Desoille, 1938; Fretigny and Virel, 1968; Leuner, 1969).
5.15 – Quantum-Well Lasers and Their Applications

Quantum-well (QW) active semiconductor lasers enjoy widespread commercial use in optoelectronic applications ranging from high-power sources for medical therapy, material processing, laser printing, and pumps for solid-state lasers to lower output power single-mode, single-frequency sources for telecommunications. Strained-layer QWs, such as InGaAs/GaAs and InGaAs/InP, have become the workhorse materials for near-infrared diode laser sources. More recently, the large energy band gap bowing in dilute nitride materials is further opening up the emission wavelength windows, which is otherwise limited by material strain relaxation. This chapter reviews QW laser design issues and general properties of QW lasers. Applications of QW active regions to realize high output power, long emission wavelength, and visible emission from InGaN/GaN QW lasers are discussed.
Biological Photosensors: Phytochrome and Stentorin

Living organisms possess extremely sensitive sensors by which the organisms are capable of probing their various environmental signals such as chemicals (Chemotaxis), heat (thermotaxis), gravitational force (gravitropism), magnetic field (magnetotaxis) and radiation (phototaxis, photophobic response, etc.). In this chapter, we discuss two examples of the biological radiation sensors, namely, phytochrome in plants and stentorin in an aneural unicellular protozoan ciliate Stentor coeruleus.
An Overview of Tabu Search Approaches to Production Scheduling Problems

During the last five years, tabu search has been shown to be a remarkably effective method in solving difficult problems in the timely and very important area of production scheduling. In this paper, we present an overview of the research that has contributed to that success. We also review the various techniques that have been employed, giving attention to advances that have led to major improvements and suggesting directions for future research.
Passive heat therapy protects against endothelial cell hypoxia-reoxygenation via effects of elevations in temperature and circulating factors

Key points Accumulating evidence indicates that passive heat therapy (chronic use of hot tubs or saunas) has widespread physiological benefits, including enhanced resistance against novel stressors ('stress resistance'). Using a cell culture model to isolate the key stimuli that are likely to underlie physiological adaptation with heat therapy, we showed that both mild elevations in temperature (to 39°C) and exposure to serum from human subjects who have undergone 8 weeks of heat therapy (i.e. altered circulating factors) independently prevented oxidative and inflammatory stress associated with hypoxia-reoxygenation in cultured endothelial cells. Our results elucidate some of the mechanisms (i.e. direct effects of temperature vs. circulating factors) by which heat therapy seems to improve resistance against oxidative and inflammatory stress. Heat therapy may be a promising intervention for reducing cellular damage following ischaemic events, which has broad implications for patients with cardiovascular diseases and conditions characterized by 'chronic' ischaemia (e.g. peripheral artery disease, metabolic diseases, obesity). Abstract Repeated exposure to passive heat stress ('heat therapy') has widespread physiological benefits, including cellular protection against novel stressors. Increased heat shock protein (HSP) expression and upregulation of circulating factors may impart this protection. We tested the isolated abilities of mild heat pretreatment and serum from human subjects (n = 10) who had undergone 8 weeks of heat therapy to protect against cellular stress following hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R), a model of ischaemic cardiovascular events. Cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells were incubated for 24 h at 37°C (control), 39°C (heat pretreatment) or 37°C with 10% serum collected before and after 8 weeks of passive heat therapy (four to five times per week to increase rectal temperature to ≥ 38.5°C for 60 min). Cells were then collected before and after incubation at 1% O2 for 16 h (hypoxia; 37°C), followed by 20% O2 for 4 h (reoxygenation; 37°C) and assessed for markers of cell stress. In control cells, H/R increased nuclear NF-κB p65 protein (i.e. activation) by 106 ± 38%, increased IL-6 release by 37 ± 8% and increased superoxide production by 272 ± 45%. Both heat pretreatment and exposure to heat therapy serum prevented H/R-induced NF-κB activation and attenuated superoxide production; by contrast, only exposure to serum attenuated IL-6 release. H/R also decreased cytoplasmic haemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1) protein (known to suppress NF-κB), in control cells (-25 ± 8%), whereas HO-1 protein increased following H/R in cells pretreated with heat or serum-exposed, providing a possible mechanism of protection against H/R. These data indicate heat therapy is capable of imparting resistance against inflammatory and oxidative stress via direct heat and humoral factors.
Ramsey regions

Let (T"1,T"2,...,T"c) be a fixed c-tuple of sets of graphs (i.e. each T"i is a set of graphs). Let R(c,n,(T"1,T"2,...,T"c)) denote the set of all n-tuples, (a"1,a"2,...,a"n), such that every c-coloring of the edges of the complete multipartite graph, K"a"""1","a"""2","...","a"""n, forces a monochromatic subgraph of color i from the set T"i (for at least one i). If N denotes the set of non-negative integers, then R(c,n,(T"1,T"2,...,T"c))@?N^n. We call such a subset of N^n a ''Ramsey region''. An application of Ramsey's Theorem shows that R(c,n,(T"1,T"2,...,T"c)) is non-empty for [email protected]?0. For a given c-tuple, (T"1,T"2,...,T"c), known results in Ramsey theory help identify values of n for which the associated Ramsey regions are non-empty and help establish specific points that are in such Ramsey regions. In this paper, we develop the basic theory and some of the underlying algebraic structure governing these regions.
First-time parents' experiences of proximity and intimacy after childbirth - A qualitative study.

Abstract Objective To explore first-time parents’ experiences of proximity and intimacy after childbirth. Methods This was a qualitative study. Individual interviews with a sample of six women and six men were conducted in December 2017. The data were analysed using systematic text condensation. Results In the first theme, the parents described that their mutual attraction was affected by the female body changes during pregnancy and childbirth. The second theme described how the baby represented a new focus, resulting in a form of intimacy that was more sensual than sexual. The third theme described how pain, fear and new priorities changed couples’ intimacy, making their sex life a challenge. Conclusion First-time parents had varied experiences of proximity and intimacy after the birth. When they chose to prioritize each other, attraction increased, strengthening their relationship and even when busy, those who wanted to be intimate with their partner found sufficient time. During this process, there was sometimes an imbalance between the partners’ sexual needs. Intimacy was then challenged, but not necessarily weakened. New parents need information and guidance on changes that may affect proximity and intimacy in their relationship after childbirth, but receive very little information.
The Effectiveness of Micotil for the treatment of bovine respiratory disease

Trials were conducted to compare Micotil (tilmicosin) to other antibiotics available for the treatment of bovine respiratory disease. Tilmicosin (10 mg/kg body weight) was more effective than oxytetracycline (20 mg/kg) at lowering the temperature of affected cattle on the first day of treatment and showed a lower mortality rate. Tilmicosin gave better results than oxytetracycline (4 and 7 mg/lb), ceftiofur (0.5 mg/lb) and trimethoprim (1.2 mg)/sulfadoxine (6 mg/lb) with regard to first treatment success rate, numbers of animals becoming chronic, numbers developing fibrinous pneumonia and average treatment days per animal.
An Error-Reflective Consistency Model for Distributed Data Stores

Consistency models for distributed data stores offer insights and paths to reasoning about what a user of such a system can expect. However, often consistency models are defined or implemented in coarse-grained manners, making it difficult to achieve precisely the consistency required. Further, many domains are already written to handle anomalies in distributed systems, yet they have little opportunity for expressing or taking advantage of their leniency. We propose reflective consistency-an active solution which adapts an underlying data store to changing loads and resource availability to meet a given consistency level. We implement reflective consistency in Cassandra, an existing distributed data store supporting per-read and per-write consistency. Our implementation allows users to express their anomaly leniency directly and the system will react to the presence of anomalies, changing Cassandra's consistency only when needed. Users of Reflective Cassandra can expect minimal overhead (anywhere from 1% to 14% depending on configuration) and a 50% decrease in the amount of costly strong reads.
Experimental Model of Far Temporal Field Negative Dysphotopsia Generated in Phakic Eyes.

Purpose The axial separation between the iris and the intraocular lens (IOL) in pseudophakic eyes can cause rays originating from the far temporal field to miss the IOL, resulting in negative dysphotopsia (ND). We developed an experimental model to test the hypothesis that obstruction of rays from the far temporal field can generate ND and an accompanying loss of visual sensitivity in the far temporal field. Methods The right eyes of 10 phakic subjects were fitted with soft contact lenses containing a 5.50-mm central clear zone and a 12-mm outer diameter opaque annulus. In three of the subjects, eyes were dilated with 1% tropicamide solution, and effective aperture diameters were determined optically (pupil camera) and psychophysically (narrow beam detection). Visual field extent (Goldmann bowl) and temporal and inferotemporal meridian sensitivities (Octopus perimeter) were measured. A wide-angle model was constructed to quantify the impact of the annular opacity on retinal illuminance. Results All 10 subjects observed a dark crescent in the far temporal and inferotemporal fields. The opaque annulus reduced effective horizontal pupil diameters from 8 mm to 5.5 mm on-axis and from >2 mm to 50% beyond 70°), approaching zero retinal illuminance beyond 85°. Conclusions Vignetting of rays originating from the far temporal field by axially separated apertures can create symptoms mirroring perceptual reports of negative dysphotopsia in symptomatic pseudophakic patients.
Abstract B22: The origin of the Hippo pathway

First discovered in Drosophila, the Hippo signaling pathway plays a crucial role in organ size control from fly to human. Interestingly, there are many paralog genes in the mammalian Hippo pathway, which were developed through duplication from fly to human. Tracked in evolution, the Hippo pathway originated from unicellular organism. In this study, we primarily focused on how the Hippo pathway evolved to establish its conserved function in tissue/organ homeostasis, which may shed light on its dysregulation in cancer development from a new perspective. Citation Format: Yuxuan Chen, Wenqi Wang. The origin of the Hippo pathway [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on the Hippo Pathway: Signaling, Cancer, and Beyond; 2019 May 8-11; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Res 2020;18(8_Suppl):Abstract nr B22.
Talent-Centered Education Leadership: Using the Employee Experience to Improve Teacher-School Relations:

Low teacher engagement and retention are challenges faced by many schools, especially in high poverty contexts. In this case study, readers will draw on feedback and reflections provided by teacher...
Finding the intersection of tourism and localism through craft beverages

Prior to COVID-19 and amidst improving economic conditions, food and beverage tourism was burgeoning in the United States. In terms of craft beverage tourism, particular pockets emerged across the ...
Measuring accurate optical constants of uranium minerals for use in optical modeling of infrared spectra

Knowledge of the bulk optical constants n and k of solids or liquids allows researchers to accurately predict the absorption, reflection, and scattering properties of materials for different physical forms. Indeed, chemically complex materials such as minerals can have an almost limitless variety of morphologies, particle sizes, shapes, and compositions, and the optical properties of such species can be predicted if the optical constants are known. For species such as minerals, there can be additional challenges due to e.g. hydration or dehydration during the course of the optical constants measurement. Here, we describe the protocols to obtain the bulk optical constants n and k of uranium-bearing minerals and ores such as uraninite or autunite. If quality n and k data are at hand, the (infrared) reflectance spectra can be predicted for different particle sizes and morphologies and the modeling results for various scenarios can be derived.
Anisotropic Layering and Seismic Body Waves: Deformation Gradients, Initial S-Polarizations, and Converted-Wave Birefringence

We apply an updated computer algorithm for reflectivity synthetic seismograms to examine observational scenarios for seismic plane-wave propagation through horizontally stratified anisotropic media. Based on the commercial software package Matlab, the ANIMATIVITY software can compute synthetic seismograms using anisotropic models described either by a full elastic tensor or using common notations for an elastic tensor with a symmetry axis. This algorithm enables us to simulate wave propagation with high frequency components and to consider all transmission and reflection coefficients in one step. We validate the ANIMATIVITY code with synthetic P–S receiver functions in layered anisotropic media, compared against legacy reflectivity codes. Contrasting synthetic RFs for models with either sharp or gradual anisotropy transitions, we observe features in the gradual-transition models that could be misconstrued as caused by dipping interfaces. We find that S–P receiver functions have the potential to constrain anisotropy at depth via the back-azimuth variation of Sp-phase amplitude on the vertical component. We conclude that practical use of S receiver functions to investigate anisotropy will depend on accurate determination of the initial S-wave polarization. The ANIMATIVITY simulations of shear-wave splitting include S–P converted waves that precede the split SKS wave.
Air pollutant emissions from multi jet fusion, material-jetting, and digital light synthesis commercial 3D printers in a service bureau

Abstract As additive manufacturing becomes more prevalent in industrial manufacturing facilities, so does human interaction with these machines. In this study, we characterized the size-resolved concentrations of particulate matter (PM, from ≈ 11 to 20,000 nm in size) and volatile organic compounds (VOC) resulting from a material-jetting (Projet 5500X), multi jet fusion (HP MJF 4200), and photopolymerization (Carbon 3D continuous liquid interface production). During all processes, PM concentrations were below the OSHA limits and ultrafine PM ( P M 0 . 1 ) concentrations were well below levels commonly observed for fused deposition modeling printers. PM and total volatile organic compound (VOC) concentrations during printing were close to background levels for the HP MJF printer and HP MJF post processing station. However, the mean particle size of the powder used (PA 12) was above the upper detection limit of the instrument (20 μ m ). Carbon 3D total VOC levels were highest during part post processing. Cyclic PM emissions from the Projet 5500X printer suggested higher PM emissions during cooling fan activity. VOC analysis revealed high concentrations of HP ink solvents (2-Pyrrolidinone and Triethylene glycol), potential exposure to fluorinated compounds and photoresin VOCs during Carbon 3D post-processing, and exposure to photo-resin compounds during Projet 5500X printing. This study indicates that proper exhaust and facility air exchange can limit concentrations of PM and VOCs and therefore particular attention to the building design and ventilation system should be taken into consideration for additive manufacturing facilities to mitigate potential human exposure and associated health risks.
Defining Clinical Endpoints in Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer

Over the past five years a better understanding of the biology of CRPC has led to the regulatory approval of five new agents, all having evidence of the ability to improve overall survival (OS). The introduction of these novel compounds in our treatment armamentarium will likely challenge future drug development and registration strategies for new agents undergoing clinical testing in this patient population. The utility of endpoints including prostate-specific antigen (PSA), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall response rate (ORR) used in clinical trial development are now challenged by the apparent disconnect between OS, and these commonly used intermediate markers of clinical efficacy. Quality of life (QOL), pain, and skeletal-related complications have also become attractive potential endpoints for drug development given the bone tropism of metastatic prostate cancer. Drug development both in the pre- and post-chemotherapy settings will be faced with new levels of complexity as many of the novel agents recently approved are used earlier in the management of the disease. Similarly, recent data suggesting that earlier use of chemotherapy for men with metastatic hormone-naive prostate cancer, i.e. given concomitantly with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) leads to improved survival will also challenge future trial design in men with castration-responsive disease. In this chapter, we review traditional endpoints used for drug development in mCRPC and discuss some of the challenges faced when interpreting clinical drug development in this setting.
TESTS ON BEAMS WITH REINFORCED WEB OPENINGS

Sixteen elastic tests and three ultimate load tests on A36 steel W 12x45 beams with reinforced rectangular openings in the web at middepth are described and analyzed. The experimental variables were the moment-shear ratio at the opening and the details of the horizontal reinforcing bars which were used above and below the openings. It is concluded that fillet welds placed on only one side of the reinforcing bars provided an adequate connection to the web, both for one and two-sided reinforcing bars, and that the use of reinforcing bars on only one side of the web had no interpretable effect on the strength and behavior of the beams. It is also concluded that designing the extension of the reinforcing bars beyond the edges of the opening to develop the strength of the bars in the welds is a reasonable and satisfactory approach to this detail.
Unlimited mileage from telomerase

Last year, scientists from the company Geron reported that inserting the gene for telomerase--the enzyme that makes the protective ends of chromosomes and is turned on in many tumors--into fibroblasts can prolong their ability to replicate, up to 100 generations. But how is this different from what happens in cancer cells? In their Perspective, de Lange and DePinho explore new evidence that begins to sort out the controls of cellular replication and oncogenesis. They liken the function of telomerase to that of a gas tank in a car, with oncogenes as the gas pedal and tumor suppressors as the brake.