cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Design and manufacturing of low cost thermoplastic composite bridge superstructures

An integral modular fiber thermoplastic composite bridge structural system is described. The design concept is presented by utilizing a high performance thermoplastic material (i.e. Glass/Polypropylene) along with an efficient low cost manufacturing process and fabrication techniques. The design is based on detailed finite element analyses to investigate the stiffness and strength of the structural system. To demonstrate the design concept, two bridge deck systems with different spans are modeled. The design concept of both decks presents a unique approach for structurally efficient and low cost bridge deck systems.
Inhibition of Silencing and Accelerated Aging by Nicotinamide, a Putative Negative Regulator of Yeast Sir2 and Human SIRT1

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae Sir2 protein is an NAD(+)-dependent histone deacetylase that plays a critical role in transcriptional silencing, genome stability, and longevity. A human homologue of Sir2, SIRT1, regulates the activity of the p53 tumor suppressor and inhibits apoptosis. The Sir2 deacetylation reaction generates two products: O-acetyl-ADP-ribose and nicotinamide, a precursor of nicotinic acid and a form of niacin/vitamin B(3). We show here that nicotinamide strongly inhibits yeast silencing, increases rDNA recombination, and shortens replicative life span to that of a sir2 mutant. Nicotinamide abolishes silencing and leads to an eventual delocalization of Sir2 even in G(1)-arrested cells, demonstrating that silent heterochromatin requires continual Sir2 activity. We show that physiological concentrations of nicotinamide noncompetitively inhibit both Sir2 and SIRT1 in vitro. The degree of inhibition by nicotinamide (IC(50) < 50 microm) is equal to or better than the most effective known synthetic inhibitors of this class of proteins. We propose a model whereby nicotinamide inhibits deacetylation by binding to a conserved pocket adjacent to NAD(+), thereby blocking NAD(+) hydrolysis. We discuss the possibility that nicotinamide is a physiologically relevant regulator of Sir2 enzymes.
On the Concentration of Sulfate in Precipitation

Abstract Two case studies are used to examine the relationship of the sulfate concentration in surface precipitation to the microphysical characteristics of the precipitating cloud systems. The data from one case study support the contention that existing sulfate aerosol was incorporated into cloud water by the nucleation process and accounted for nearly all of the observed cloud and precipitation water sulfate concentration. These activated sulfate particles comprised nearly 60% of the clear-air sulfate mass concentration. Once nucleated, the sulfate particles accumulated water through the condensation process and were subsequently deposited at the surface after accretion on large snowflakes. The presumption of aqueous phase sulfate oxidation of SO2 was not necessary to account for the observed sulfate concentrations. The data from the second case study are more limited and difficult to interpret. Nucleation and below cloud washout appeared to be the main contributors to the surface sulfate concentration...
Solitary recurrence of castration-resistant prostate cancer with low or undetectable levels of prostate specific antigen salvaged with local ablative radiation therapy: A case report

Prostate cancer recurrences are usually first detected by increased levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA), and systemic therapy is often initiated if distant metastasis is confirmed. However, low or nearly undetectable levels of PSA in the modern era of ultrasensitive PSA assay may be difficult to interpret in patients with a history of prostate cancer. Deciding whether to initiate additional systemic therapy in limited indolent metastatic disease while balancing the quality of life of the patient and ensuring the oncologic control of the disease may be challenging. In the present study, the case of a biopsy-confirmed solitary spine recurrence of prostate cancer with nearly undetectable but persistent levels of PSA (0.05 ng/ml) is reported. Treatment of the recurrence with local ablative radiotherapy improved the pain experienced by the patient, and reduced his levels of PSA to undetectable limits (<0.05 ng/ml). Repeated imaging analysis, PSA assay and clinical assessment demonstrated durable control of the disease without the requirement for additional systemic treatments. The present case highlighted the importance of initiating appropriate work-up according to the clinical scenario. Local treatment for solitary or oligometastatic recurrence of prostate cancer may enhance the effectiveness of current therapeutic strategies and benefit certain patients.
Host defense against oropharyngeal and vaginal candidiasis: Site-specific differences.

Mucosal candidiasis is extremely common in immunocompromised patients. However, the prevalence of site-specific infection (i.e., oropharyngeal, vaginal, and esophageal candidiasis) can be quite variable depending on the immune status of the host. While vulvovaginal candidiasis is common in normal healthy women, oropharyngeal and esophageal candidiasis are more frequently encountered under immunocompromised states. Candida albicans, the causative agent in most cases of candidiasis, is a commensal organism of the gastrointestinal and lower female reproductive tracts. Thus, most healthy individuals have demonstrable Candida-specific immunity in the peripheral circulation. The pathogenic state is often precipitated by a deficiency or dysfunction in this immunity. Studies from animal models, women with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis, and HIV-infected individuals, however, suggest that distinct host defense mechanisms may function against oropharyngeal and vulvovaginal candidiasis. While cell-mediated immunity (CMI) appears important for protection against oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC), there is little evidence to indicate that T cell-mediated immunity is protective against vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). Furthermore, whereas both local and systemically derived immune defenses appear important for protection against OPC, host defenses that protect against VVC appear limited to the local tissue and possibly restricted to innate mechanisms. Thus, current evidence suggests that VVC, unlike OPC, may not represent a strict opportunistic infection.
IRIDOID GLYCOSIDES OF CORNUS CANADENSIS : A COMPARISON WITH SOME OTHER CORNUS SPECIES

Abstract The iridoid glycosides scandoside, scandoside methyl ester, monotropein, and galioside were found in Cornus canadensis from several widely distributed collection sites. Cornin and hastatoside were isolated from C. nuttallii . No iridoids were found in C. stolonifera , that instead yielded cornoside and halleridone, also independent of collection location. The results were compared with previous studies and current phylogenetic work on the genus Cornus .
Corneal Penetrating Elastin-Like Polypeptide Carriers

Abstract Purpose: Elastin-like polypeptide (ELP) is a bioengineered protein widely applied as a drug carrier due to its biocompatibility and amenability to modification with cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) and therapeutic agents. The purpose of this study was to determine whether topically applied ELP or CPP-fused ELPs penetrate the corneal barrier. Methods: In vitro binding and cytotoxicity to human corneal epithelial (HCE) cells were determined for ELP or CPP-ELPs. Corneal binding, clearance, and penetration were assessed in a rabbit model following topical application of the fluorescently labeled proteins by quantitative fluorescence imaging and histology. Results: ELP bound to HCE cells in vitro, and binding/uptake was enhanced 2- to 3-fold by the addition of CPPs. When applied topically to rabbit eyes, ELP accumulated in the cornea at levels 7.4-fold higher than did an equivalent dose of immunoglobulin G. Both ELP and a CPP-ELP penetrated the corneal epithelium and were detectable in the stroma. Add...
MFI - A Study of Socio-Economic Indicators of Women SHG's in South Rajasthan with Perspective of Financial Sustainability

Micro finance and its linkage to SHG’s is the key to financial sustainability of rural poor and “bottom-up” local economic and social development. Microfinance is an instrument that under the right conditions, fits the needs of a broad range of the population — including the poorest — people living below the poverty line and tribal’s. Micro finance, more accurately Micro Credit is an essential tool in economic development helping to establish or to expand income-generating activity.This study is an attempt to examine the change in socio economic indicators of SHG women especially with emphasis to financial sustainability. The question that must be asked is to what extent are socioeconomic opportunities expanded through supplemental income from microcredit loans? To answer this question, measurable indicators that display characteristics of socioeconomic development need to be utilized. The indicators that have been used as representative of such development are: new employment generation, increase in wages, women rejoining workforce, improvement in education level etc. For the purpose of this study both Primary and secondary data have been used.
Perceived Challenges and Rewards of Forming a Sexual Agreement Among HIV-Negative Male Couples

Sexual agreements, explicit mutual understandings made between two partners about which sexual and related behaviors they agree to engage in within and/or outside of their relationship, are common among male couples. However, little is known about the perceived rewards and challenges partnered men face in the process of forming a sexual agreement. Such knowledge may be useful for the development of future HIV preventive and sexual health programs that encourage male couples to establish a sexual agreement in their relationship. By using qualitative dyadic data from a sample of 29 self-reported concordant HIV-negative male couples who had a sexual agreement, the present qualitative study sought to assess partnered men's perceived rewards and challenges of forming a sexual agreement in their relationship and examine whether both men in the couple concurred about their perceived rewards and challenges of forming a sexual agreement. Themes for perceived rewards were (1) being honest, (2) improving communication, (3) increasing understanding about expectations and permitted behaviors, (4) enhancing intimacy and relational bond, and (5) building trust. Themes for perceived challenges were: (1) stigma about having an open agreement; (2) awkwardness about the topic and talking about it; (3) jealousy; and (4) no perceived challenges. Few couples had both partners concur about their perceived rewards or challenges toward establishing a sexual agreement. The variety of perceived rewards and challenges highlight the need for tailoring given that a variety of factors may influence partnered men's establishment of a sexual agreement in their relationship.
Patient satisfaction surveys: an evaluation of POSNA members' knowledge and experience.

Background Patient satisfaction surveys (PSS) were originally designed to identify areas in need of improvement in patient interactions for individuals, practices, and institutions. As a result of the Affordable Care Act, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services incorporated PSS into a formula designed to determine the quality of medical care delivered to hospital inpatients; the resultant score and rank will determine subsequent hospital payments. This survey was developed to evaluate POSNA members' knowledge of and experience with PSS. Methods The POSNA Practice Management Committee developed a 14-question survey that was sent to all active and candidate members (850). A total of 229 members responded; and results were tabulated by answer and simple percentages were calculated for each question. Comments were reviewed and grouped by similarity to identify frequency. Results A total of 82% of respondents were aware of PSS with 67% stating they were utilized in their setting. Utilization of PSS rarely alters clinical decision making. However, PSS do affect decisions regarding the patient experience; and 45% of respondents believe that PSS have utility with respect to business decisions. Fifty-nine percent of respondents feel that scores can be predictably improved. Less than half the respondents stated that they had a good or excellent understanding of PSS and only 48% believe that PSS are a valid measure of health care quality. Conclusions POSNA members' knowledge of and experience with PSS are not universal or uniform. Although most agree that patient satisfaction does not drive clinical decision making, it does appear to impact business and clinic-flow decisions with the idea that it can be predictably improved. Despite this, members' self-assessed that knowledge is average and it is not clear to the members that patient satisfaction reflects medical quality. On the basis of these findings and as the impacts of PSS become more prominent, efforts to educate the members of POSNA about PSS should be enhanced. Furthermore, research to identify and develop best practices that enhance patient satisfaction and well-being while minimizing costs should be supported. Level of evidence Level IV.
CFD Simulation of Entrained Flow Gasification With Improved Devolatilization and Char Consumption Submodels

In this work, we use a CFD package to model the operation of a coal gasifier with the objective of assessing the impact of devolatilization and char consumption models on the accuracy of the results. Devolatilization is modeled using the Chemical Percolation Devolitilization (CPD) model. The traditional CPD models predict the rate and the amount of volatiles released but not their species composition. We show that the knowledge of devolatilization rates is not sufficient for the accurate prediction of char consumption and a quantitative description of the devolatilization products, including the chemical composition of the tar, is needed. We incorporate experimental data on devolatilization products combined with modeling of the tar composition and reactions to improve the prediction of syngas compositions and carbon conversion. We also apply the shrinking core model and the random pore model to describe char consumption in the CFD simulations. Analysis of the results indicates distinct regimes of kinetic and diffusion control depending on the particle radius and injection conditions for both char oxidation and gasification reactions. The random pore model with Langmuir-Hinshelwood reaction kinetics are found to be better at predicting carbon conversion and exit syngas composition than the shrinking core model with Arrhenius kinetics. In addition, we gain qualitative and quantitative insights into the impact of the ash layer surrounding the char particle on the reaction rate.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
What Corporate Governance Can Learn from Catholic Social Teaching

This reflection focuses on what insights Catholic Social Teaching (CST) can provide for corporate governance. I argue that the ‘standard’ agency theory is overly reductionist and insufficiently incorporates important economic limitations (such as asymmetric information, incomplete contracts, and the need for coordination) as well as human frailty. As a result, such agency theory insufficiently distinguishes firms from markets, which can easily relativize how we treat others and facilitate rationalization of unethical behavior. I then explore how three pillars of CST—human dignity, solidarity, and subsidiarity—can help overcome these limitations. CST proposes a vision of the business corporation as a community of persons, working together in cooperative business relationships toward the shared purpose of contributing to human flourishing.
NASA’s Hurricane and Severe Storm Sentinel (HS3) Investigation

AbstractThe National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Hurricane and Severe Storm Sentinel (HS3) investigation was a multiyear field campaign designed to improve understanding of the physical processes that control hurricane formation and intensity change, specifically the relative roles of environmental and inner-core processes. Funded as part of NASA’s Earth Venture program, HS3 conducted 5-week campaigns during the hurricane seasons of 2012–14 using the NASA Global Hawk aircraft, along with a second Global Hawk in 2013 and a WB-57f aircraft in 2014. Flying from a base at Wallops Island, Virginia, the Global Hawk could be on station over storms for up to 18 h off the East Coast of the United States and up to about 6 h off the western coast of Africa. Over the 3 years, HS3 flew 21 missions over nine named storms, along with flights over two nondeveloping systems and several Saharan air layer (SAL) outbreaks. This article summarizes the HS3 experiment, the missions flown, and some preliminary ...
Preliminary Study on the Reform and Development of Geography in Teachers College in the 21st Century

From the chances and contradictions in the curriculum construction of geography in teachers colleges at present, the analysis is made on the important changes in geography and the goal of training professionals for the 21st century. The countermeasures for the reform and development of geography are given.
Firms' Reactions to Public Information on Business Practices: Case of Search Advertising

We use five years of bidding data to examine the reaction of advertisers to widely disseminated press on the lack of effectiveness of brand search advertising (queries that contain the firm's name) found in a large experiment run by eBay (Blake, Nosko and Tadelis, 2015). We estimate that 11% of firms that did not face competing ads on their brand keywords, matching the case of eBay, discontinued the practice of brand search advertising. In contrast, firms did not react to the information pertaining to the high value and ease of running experiments -- we observe no change in the experiment-like variation in advertising levels. Further, while 72% of firms had sharp changes in advertising suitable for estimating causal effects, we find no correlation between firm-level advertising effects and the propensity to advertise in the future. We discuss how a principal-agent problem within the firm would lead to these learning dynamics.
Multiple Pathways of Linolenic Acid Synthesis Operate and Interact in Leaf Tissue

Different biosynthetic pathways have been proposed for trienoic fatty acids(FA) in 18: 3/16: 3 and 18: 3/18: 3 monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG) molecular species1. In the ‘prokaryotic’ pathway, 18: 1/16: 0 MGDG is synthesized within the chloroplast and desaturated in situ to form 18: 3/16: 3 MGDG. A ‘eukaryotic’ pathway involving microsomal phosphatidylcholine (PC) as substrate for desaturation of 18: 1 to 18: 2 provides the diglyceride precursor for 18: 3/18: 3 MGDG. After galactosylation, the MGDG is further desaturated in the chloroplast to form 18: 3/18: 3. We have used a recently identified mutant of Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) (‘JBl’) deficient in 18: 3,2 and secondly 4-chloro-5-dimethylamino-2-phenyl-3(2H)-pyridazinone (BASF 13-338, Sandoz 9785) which inhibits 18: 2 desaturation3 to obtain definitive evidence for the synthesis of 18: 3 via these different pathways.
NAREIT Identified Exchange Listed REITs and Their Performance Characteristics: 1972-1991

This study identifies a standard set of REITs and provides characteristics of the set. The total REIT sample is formed by 245 firms identified by the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (NAREIT) for the years 1972-1991. Of these firms, 151 have return data available from CRSP. Portfolios are constructed using all 151 existing REITs—survivors, equity, mortgage, and hybrid—to analyze the performance among different types of REITs. Evidence from these portfolios suggests that REITs have lower risk than found in previous studies. Correspondingly, REIT returns have been lower than market returns over the study period.Over the 20-year period studied, the average data series for all firms is 99.7 months long, but the range is from two months to 240 months (the entire period). Only 16 of the 245 REITs exist for the total period and only 12 of the 16 have returns recorded by CRSP in each month.
PEP-III magnet power conversion systems: Power supplies for large magnet strings

This paper presents the cooperative design efforts of LBL, SLAC, and LLNL on the magnet power conversion systems for PEP-II. The systems include 900 channels of correction magnet bipolar supplies and 400 unipolar supplies in the range of 5 to 500 kW. We show the decision process and technical considerations influencing the choice of power supply technologies employed. We also show the development of specifications that take maximum advantage of both the resources available and existing facilities while at the same time satisfying tight constraints for cost control, scheduling and coordination of different working groups. Switch-mode power conversion techniques will be used extensively in these systems, from the corrector supplies to the largest units if the dynamic performance specifications demand it. General system descriptions for each of the power supply ranges and for a new common control system interface and regulator are included.
INSAR phase offset estimation for DEM generation: Improvement of the performances of the STopBE and IPBE algorithms

In order to generate a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) by exploiting the Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Interferometry (InSAR) technique, it is necessary to properly estimate an unknown phase offset present in the unwrapped interferogram.
Beta Decay of Mn 56 and Co 56

$\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray transitions following the decay of ${\mathrm{Mn}}^{56}$ to ${\mathrm{Fe}}^{56}$ have been investigated with particular attention given to weak transitions following hindered $\ensuremath{\beta}$ decays. Two such transitions were found, one to the 2.085-MeV state in ${\mathrm{Fe}}^{56}$ ($logft=8.7\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.2$) and the other to the 3.445-MeV state ($logft=6.0\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.2$). Precision $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray measurements have been made both to corroborate the decay scheme and to provide $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray calibration energies. The decay of ${\mathrm{Co}}^{56}$ to ${\mathrm{Fe}}^{56}$ was similarly investigated; several new transitions were found, and precision $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray energies are reported.
Is There Anybody Out There? Trait Anthropomorphism Predicts the Psychological Benefits of a Favorite Belonging

Abstract. Prior research shows that there are stable personality differences in the tendency to attribute human-like mental states to (i.e., anthropomorphize) non-human targets. A separate line of research has explored the extent to which individuals turn to non-human targets as a source of the support and security people often derive from close relationships. The current paper offers a first integration of these lines of research by testing whether trait differences in the tendency to anthropomorphize non-human targets predicts the extent to which individuals derive feelings of security from a favorite belonging. An experimental study finds that individuals who tend to anthropomorphize feel greater security after a reminder of a favorite object (vs. close other) and that these feelings of security subsequently enhance motivations for personal growth, an established benefit of interpersonal relationships.
Eight-Year Visit

Tito comes to the pediatric clinic with Mrs. Munoz while Mr. Munoz is at work. He weighs 20.40 kg (45 lb), which is in the third percentile, and is 118.1 cm (46.5 in.) tall, putting him in the fifth percentile for height. His tanner stage is 2. His blood pressure is 94/56 and his BMI is 14.6, or third percentile. He is a good boy, doing his work and listening to the teachers in the parochial school in their community but he is lately making excuses to stay home from school, such as having a stomachache. Mrs. Munoz is concerned that there is something wrong with Tito. His mother usually walks him to school. Tito does very well in school, but recently he has started not completing his homework and doing poorly on tests, according to the teacher at open school night. He has one good friend but does not have a group that he is connected with.
Generational Profiles in Value Co-Creation Interactions

Little is known about how different generational market segments react to collaborative initiatives proposed by hospitality and tourism providers. This study is one of the first to examine generati...
An Examination of Retail Product Return Behavior Based on Category of Good: An Abstract

A review of the literature indicates that product return behavior may differ by category of good due to a number of issues: product and emotional dissonance, the discovery of a better product or price, customer opportunism, awareness of return policies, and the timing of the return (Harris 2010; Kim and Wansink 2012). To address this gap in the literature, the purpose of this paper is to investigate how product return behavior may differ by category of goods across these issues. The research is based on a survey of 283 Target and Wal-Mart retail shoppers. The findings may help retailers manage and target product return policies to reduce financial losses and build stronger customer relationships (Berger et al. 2007; Ketzenberg and Zuidwijk 2009; Stamer and Diller 2006). There are several goods categories reported in the literature; however, the present research utilizes a commonly accepted categorization developed by Enis and Roering (1980) that classifies consumer goods as convenience, preference, shopping, or specialty. ANOVA was used to test for significant differences in these constructs across the different category of goods. The hypothesis for differences by product category for product dissonance (H1) was not supported (F = 0.69, p = 0.557). Emotional dissonance (H2) was supported as significant differences between category of goods were found (F = 6.28, p = 0.000). Found better product (H3) was supported (F = 5.77, p = 0.001). Found better price (H4) was not supported (F = 1.95, p = 0.122). Customer opportunism (H5) was not supported (F = 0.97, p = 0.409). Awareness of return policy (H6) was not supported (F = 0.07, p = 0.978). Timing of return (H7) was supported (F = 3.88, p = 0.010). Product dissonance (H1) was predicted to vary across the category of goods but was found to be nonsignificant. This finding was surprising as it ran contrary to the existing literature indicating that variations of product attributes between categories of goods would influence dissonance. Return reason – found better price (H4) was predicted to vary across the category of goods but was also found to be nonsignificant. This is an interesting finding as the level of price and its associated perceived risk varies by product category. The research reported in this paper represents an initial investigation into the area of return behavior related to good categories.
Proteomic characterization of high-density lipoprotein particles in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Metabolic diseases such as obesity and diabetes are associated with changes in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles, including changes in particle size and protein composition, often resulting in abnormal function. Recent studies suggested that patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), including individuals with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), have smaller HDL particles when compared to individuals without liver pathologies. However, no studies have investigated potential changes in HDL particle protein composition in patients with NAFLD, in addition to changes related to obesity, to explore putative functional changes of HDL which may increase the risk of cardiovascular complications. From a cohort of morbidly obese females who were diagnosed with simple steatosis (SS), NASH, or normal liver histology, we selected five matched individuals from each condition for a preliminary pilot HDL proteome analysis. HDL particles were enriched using size-exclusion chromatography, and the proteome of the resulting fraction was analyzed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Differences in the proteomes between the three conditions (normal, SS, NASH) were assessed using label-free quantitative analysis. Gene ontology term analysis was performed to assess the potential impact of proteomic changes on specific functions of HDL particles. Of the 95 proteins identified, 12 proteins showed nominally significant differences between the three conditions. Gene ontology term analysis revealed that severity of the liver pathology may significantly impact the anti-thrombotic functions of HDL particles, as suggested by changes in the abundance of HDL-associated proteins such as antithrombin III and plasminogen. The pilot data from this study suggest that changes in the HDL proteome may impact the functionality of HDL particles in NAFLD and NASH patients. These proteome changes may alter cardio-protective properties of HDL, potentially contributing to the increased cardiovascular disease risk in affected individuals. Further validation of these protein changes by orthogonal approaches is key to confirming the role of alterations in the HDL proteome in NAFLD and NASH. This will help elucidate the mechanistic effects of the altered HDL proteome on cardioprotective properties of HDL particles.
Response of greater sage-grouse Centrocercus urophasianus populations to different levels of exploitation in Idaho, USA

We investigated the response of greater sage-grouse Centrocercus urophasianus populations to different levels of exploitation. From 1995 through 2002 we monitored breeding populations in areas closed to hunting, open to limited hunting (1-bird daily bag limit; 7-day season), and open to moderate hunting (2-bird daily bag limit; 23-day season). We used three approaches to assess the effects of hunting on sage-grouse populations. Results were consistent regardless of the method used and indicated that overall, areas closed to hunting had greater rates of increase for breeding populations than areas open to hunting (P = 0.018). Limited or moderate rates of exploitation apparently slowed population recovery for sage-grouse. These effects may have been more pronounced for grouse occupying relatively xeric habitats close to human population centers or highly fragmented habitats. Our results suggest that hunting seasons for sage-grouse should generally be conservative and reflect both sage-grouse population trend and quality of habitat occupied by the population.
A Mixed Methods Approach to Evaluating Treatment Outcomes for an Eclectic Approach to Intensive Stuttering Therapy

Rodney M. Gabel, Advisor The purpose of this study was to evaluate treatment outcomes of the Intensive Clinic for Adolescents and Adults Who Stutter, offered at Bowling Green State University. The study used a mixed methods design to evaluate treatment effectiveness from a user’s perspective within an evidence-based framework. The core method in this mixed methods design was a qualitative, phenomenological approach to recount participants’ experiences at the intensive clinic. Toward this end, the primary investigator engaged in semi-structured interviews with seven participants who had attended the intensive clinic between 2003 and 2008. The study gathered objective clinical data concurrently. Clinical data included archival records and current measures on a variety of assessments to evaluate stuttering severity and attitudes toward communication. All semi-structured interviews were audio-recorded and video-taped. The primary investigator transcribed and analyzed the interviews using thematic analysis to determine major themes within and across participants. Credibility was established by providing participants’ a copy of the analysis to validate, clarify, or question the results. Additionally, two independent investigators recoded all statements from the transcripts. Their codes were compared with the codes generated by the primary investigator to establish reliability. The participants spoke at length about various aspects of the intensive clinic that were either helpful or not helpful to their individual experiences. The major themes generated from participant transcripts included the positive direct effects of: the duration and nature of the program; speech techniques learned and practiced at the intensive clinic; attitude change and counseling techniques used in therapy; and
Understanding the spatial organization of image regions by means of force histograms: a guided tour

Understanding the spatial organization of regions in images is a crucial task, essential to many domains of computer vision. The histogram of forces--a quantitative representation of the relative position between two objects--constitutes a powerful tool dedicated to this task. It encapsulates structural information about the objects as well as information about their spatial relationships. Moreover, it offers solid theoretical guarantees and nice geometric properties. Numerous applications have been studied, and new applications continue to be explored. For instance, force histograms can be compared through similarity measures for fuzzy scene matching. They can be used for describing relative positions in terms of spatial relationships modeled by fuzzy relations. They can also be used for scene description, where relative positions are represented by linguistic expressions. This chapter reviews and classifies work on the histogram of forces. It touches topics as varied as human-robot communication and spatial indexing mechanisms for medical image databases.
Intramolluscan inter-trematode antagonism: a review of factors influencing the host-parasite system and its possible role in biological control.

Publisher Summary The study of intramolluscan single and double trematode infections has proved to be a useful approach in better understanding host–parasite relationship. Modification and disruption of snail infection with trematodes is reviewed and the parameters and characteristics of various infection combinations are described. Biologically, however, the inter-trematode reactions and the responses of the snail host offer remarkable opportunities to examine and isolate various aspects of this host–parasite relationship. The single species infection patterns differ widely between the pure sporocyst type, exemplified by S. mansoni, and the redial type, typified by P. segregatum. Characteristics of each are reviewed. Their interaction is then reviewed, based on original data and comparison with other studies. Redial predation (“direct antagonism”) is discussed in terms of relative activity, efficiency, and predatory response to triggering stimuli in the snail. Possible mechanisms of indirect antagonism are reviewed, with a fuller consideration of snail immunity as induced by these infections and measured experimentally. The parameters or characteristics of single-species infection are described and related to one another in a preliminary fashion as an “adaptation index” (AI), which includes such parameters as infection rate, period for 50% snail death, and period to cercarial shed. The trematode method is locally applicable, using indigenous strains supplied and sustained at a high level by continual reseeding with eggs of the controlling trematode (or processed faeces from the appropriate final hosts). Effective biocontrol as a self-sustaining life-cycle appears highly improbable, as is the expectation that this method can be adopted on a wide scale with the same controlling agent.
Burnout in blue: an analysis of the extent and primary predictors of burnout among law enforcement officers in the United States

Job-related burnout is a significant concern for researchers, law enforcement administrators, and government authorities because of its broader effects on officer health, job performance, and servi...
Sleep Disorders in Chronic Pain

Restorative sleep and intact pain perception are both vital to survival. These important health systems share a bidirectional relationship. Patients with chronic pain invariably have sleep disturbances and sleep disruption can result in hyperalgesia (1). Also, therapies used in pain management can have a variety of effects on sleep. Addressing sleep has an important role in chronic pain management.
Gender and Patriarchy

In this chapter I consider the dynamics and impact of patriarchy on families. I begin with a discussion of feminism and resistance against gender oppression. I link resistance to resilience. I then explore the impact of postmodernism on feminist thought. I describe patriarchy, link gender to capitalism and social class, and explore the costs of patriarchy. I consider the impact of patriarchy on relationships between fathers and sons as a special topic followed by a case example and implications for how what is presented in this chapter can be applied in the practice of family therapy.
Detection of Campylobacter jejuni liver dissemination in experimentally colonized turkey poults.

Consumption of contaminated poultry products, including chicken livers, is the main source of human campylobacteriosis and approximately 90% of human cases are caused by Campylobacter jejuni subsp. jejuni (C. jejuni). Recent culinary trends that favor undercooked chicken livers may be responsible for outbreaks. Turkey is an emerging human protein source, and poultry livers are commonly prepared in popular cuisine such as pâte. The mechanism of how Campylobacter disseminates to poultry liver tissue is unknown. We have previously demonstrated that certain strains of C. jejuni persistently colonize turkeys with the highest density in the ceca. Whether C. jejuni disseminates to the liver of turkeys following intestinal colonization is unknown. In this study, 45 D of hatch turkey poults were co-housed for 30 D. Five poults were euthanized to screen for Campylobacter colonization, and were free of detectable Campylobacter. The remaining 40 poults were randomly split into 2 rooms, with 20 poults per room. At 35 D of age, poults were inoculated by oral gavage with 1 × 106 cfu of C. jejuni isolate NCTC 11168 or mock-inoculated with sterile medium. Ten poults from each room were euthanized at 7 and 14 D post-inoculation (dpi), and cecal contents and livers were cultured and/or enriched for Campylobacter. Livers were harvested aseptically. The ceca of C. jejuni-inoculated poults were highly colonized at 7 and 14 dpi with approximately 108 cfu/mL of cecal contents. At 7 and 14 dpi, 3 and 5 of 10 liver samples were positive for C. jejuni culture (8.6 × 103 cfu/g of liver ± 4.43 × 103 and 5.10 × 103 cfu/g of liver ± 1.74 × 103), respectively. At 14 dpi, liver samples were cultured by enrichment, and 6 of 10 were positive for Campylobacter. Some liver samples may be below the limit of detection for direct plate culturing. These data determined that turkey liver is a potential reservoir of C. jejuni following intestinal colonization, and identified a potential food safety consideration when turkey liver is prepared for human or pet food consumption.
Role of real-world evidence for oncology product registration in the United States: A review of approvals by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration from 2015 to 2019.

e14130Background: There are few concrete examples of real world evidence (RWE) used to support clinical development in regulatory filings despite growing interest in this field. This study systemat...
The nature of submillimetre galaxies in cosmological hydrodynamic simulations

We study the nature of rapidly star-forming galaxies at z= 2 in cosmological hydrodynamic simulations, and compare their properties to observations of submillimetre galaxies (SMGs). We identify simulated SMGs as the most rapidly star-forming systems that match the observed number density of SMGs. In our models, SMGs are massive galaxies sitting at the centres of large potential wells, being fed by smooth infall and gas-rich satellites at rates comparable to their star formation rates (SFRs). They are not typically undergoing major mergers that significantly boost their quiescent SFR, but they still often show complex gas morphologies and kinematics. Our simulated SMGs have stellar masses of M*∼ 1011−11.7 M⊙, SFRs of ∼180–500 M⊙ yr−1, a clustering length of ∼10 h−1 Mpc and solar metallicities. The SFRs are lower than those inferred from far-infrared (far-IR) data by ∼×3, which we suggest may owe to one or more systematic effects in the SFR calibrations. SMGs at z= 2 live in ∼1013 M⊙ haloes, and by z= 0 they mostly end up as brightest group galaxies in ∼1014 M⊙ haloes. We predict that higher M* SMGs should have on average lower specific SFRs, less disturbed morphologies and higher clustering. We also predict that deeper far-IR surveys will smoothly join SMGs on to the massive end of the SFR–M* relationship defined by lower mass z∼ 2 galaxies. Overall, our simulated rapid star-formers provide as good a match to available SMG data as merger-based scenarios, offering an alternative scenario that emerges naturally from cosmological simulations.
Bounding temperature dissipation in time-modulated Rayleigh-Bénard convection

We use the background method to find an upper bound on the nondimensional temperature dissipation for Rayleigh-B\'enard convection with the temperature of one boundary modulated in time. The resulting bound depends on characteristics of the temperature modulation profile and its derivative. We investigate the limits of high-frequency modulation and large Rayleigh number, and we also examine two examples of sinusoidal modulation. Asymptotically, the bound for large Rayleigh number has the same leading order behavior as the non-modulated case.
Stabilization Strategies for Fast Walking in Challenging Environments With Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury

Gait rehabilitation following incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI) often aims to enhance speed and stability. Concurrently increasing both may be difficult, though, because certain stabilization strategies will be compromised at faster speeds. To evaluate the interaction between speed and lateral stability, we examined individuals with (n=12) and without (n=12) iSCI as they performed straight walking and lateral maneuvers at Preferred and Fast treadmill speeds. To better detect the effects of speed on stability, we challenged lateral stability with a movement amplification force field. The Amplification field, created by a cable-driven robot, applied lateral forces to the pelvis that were proportional to the real-time lateral center of mass (COM) velocity. While we expected individuals to maintain stability during straight walking at the Fast speed in normal conditions, we hypothesized that both groups would be less stable in the Amplification field at the Fast speed compared to the Preferred. However, we found no effects of speed or the interaction between speed and field on straight-walking stability (Lyapunov exponent or lateral margin of stability (MOS)). Across all trials at the Fast speed compared to the Preferred, there was greater step width variability (p=0.031) and a stronger correlation between lateral COM state at midstance and the subsequent lateral foot placement. These observations suggest that increased stepping variability at faster speeds may be beneficial for COM control. We hypothesized that during lateral maneuvers in the Amplification field, MOS on the Initiation and Termination steps would be smaller at the Fast speed than at the Preferred. We found no effect of speed on the Initiation step MOS within either field (p>0.350) or group (p>0.200). The Termination step MOS decreased at the Fast speed within the group without iSCI (p<0.001), indicating a trade-off between lateral stability and forward walking speed. Unexpectedly, participants took more steps and time to complete maneuvers at the Fast treadmill speed in the Amplification field. This strategy prioritizing stability over speed was especially evident in the group with iSCI. Overall, individuals with iSCI were able to maintain lateral stability when walking fast in balance-challenging conditions but may have employed more cautious maneuver strategies.
A Standard Atmosphere of the Antarctic Plateau

Climate models often rely on standard atmospheres to represent various regions; these broadly capture the important physical and radiative characteristics of regional atmospheres, and become benchmarks for simulations by researchers. The high Antarctic plateau is a significant region of the earth for which such standard atmospheres are as yet unavailable. Moreover, representative profiles from atmospheres over other regions of the planet, including &om the northern high latitudes, are not comparable to the atmosphere over the Antarctic plateau, and are therefore only of limited value as substitutes in climate models. Using data from radiosondes, ozonesondes and satellites along with other observations from South Pole station, typical seasonal atmospheric profiles for the high plateau are compiled. Proper representations of rapidly changing ozone concentrations (during the ozone hole) and the effect of surface elevation on tropospheric temperatures are discussed. The differences between standard profiles developed here and the most similar standard atmosphere that already exists - namely, the Arctic Winter profile - suggest that these new profiles will be extremely useful to make accurate representations of the atmosphere over the high plateau.
Health-Related Quality of Life in Adult Survivors After the Fontan Operation

The primary objective of this study was to ascertain the long-term health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of adult patients who underwent a childhood Fontan operation for palliation of univentricular cardiac anomalies. The secondary objective was to compare the long-term HRQOL of Fontan survivors to that of pediatric heart transplant recipients. This cross-sectional study examined adult survivors (>19 years) who underwent a Fontan operation during childhood (Fontan group) or a pediatric heart transplant (HT group) between 1988 and 2011 (23-year span). HRQOL was assessed using the short form 36 survey. The study group consisted of 49 Fontan group patients and 13 HT group patients who responded to the survey. HRQOL scores of the Fontan group were similar to those of an age-controlled healthy US population in social and mental functioning, energy or vitality, and overall mental component score (P ≥ 0.2). However, Fontan scores in physical functioning, bodily pain, general health, and overall by physical component were significantly lower than those of the age-controlled US population (P < 0.05). No differences were identified between Fontan and HT patients. This favorable life-satisfaction period (average 18 years) should be considered when informing patients and families of expectations with the Fontan pathway vs certain higher-risk procedures.
Characterization of ornithine decarboxylase activity in human uterine decidua vera

Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) catalyzes the rate-limiting step in the biosynthesis of the polyamines putrescine, spermidine, and spermine. In the present study, we characterized the activity of ODC in human uterine decidua vera tissue. We evaluated the activity of the enzyme in decidua vera tissue that was obtained from pregnancies at term before or after the spontaneous onset of labor and in decidua vera tissue that was obtained between 8 and 18 weeks' postconceptional gestational age at the time of elective abortion. Among these tissues, no significant differences in ODC activity were demonstrable.