cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
International Consensus Statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Rhinosinusitis Executive Summary.

Background The body of knowledge regarding rhinosinusitis (RS) continues to expand, with rapid growth in number of publications yet substantial variability in the quality of those presentations. In an effort to both consolidate and critically appraise this information, rhinologic experts from around the world have produced the International Consensus Statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Rhinosinusitis (ICAR:RS). This executive summary consolidates the findings of the ICAR:RS document. Methods ICAR:RS presents over 140 topics in the forms of evidence-based reviews with recommendations (EBRRs) and evidence-based reviews (EBR). The structured recommendations of the EBRR sections are summarized in this executive summary. Results This summary compiles the EBRRs regarding medical and surgical management of acute RS (ARS) and chronic RS with and without nasal polyps (CRSwNP and CRSsNP). Conclusion This ICAR:RS Executive Summary provides a compilation of the evidence-based recommendations for medical and surgical treatment of the most common forms of RS.
Connectivity of Shape Memory Alloy-based Self-Folding Structures

Structures inspired by origami have attractive characteristics such as the potential to be reconfigurable, reduced manufacturing complexity, and the capability to be folded into compact forms for storage. In some circumstances, it may be impractical to apply external manipulations to generate the desired folds in origami-inspired structures (e.g., as in remote applications such as deployable satellite members, solar arrays, etc.). In such cases, self-folding capabilities may be necessary. The self-folding system considered herein consists of a laminate with outer layers of thermally actuated shape memory alloy (SMA) separated by a compliant and insulating layer. Localized actuation of the SMA layers allows for control of the laminate curvature anywhere in the sheet, allowing the initially planar sheet to reconfigure into a 3D structure. For self-folding structures created with this laminate, it is inefficient to hold permanent heating at the actuated regions to maintain the shape of the folded structure. Connectivity systems are proposed to avoid such permanent heating. Different ideas for connectivity systems are studied in this work via finite element analysis (FEA). The connections are compared in different aspects such as the capability of maintaining the folded structure upon cooling, the capability of disconnecting after connection is achieved, the complexity of the maneuver needed to connect the structure, and the complexity of adding multiple connections in a sheet for any general complex structure.
Two New Aspergillus Nidulans Group Members from Wyoming Soils

Two new species in the Aspergillus nidulans group are described and compared with known related taxa. Aspergillus spectabilis, with tall conidiophores, broad green conidial columns and early-ripening cleistothecia shallowly embedded in a vivacious Hulle-cell crust, may be most closely related t A. multicolor, A. crustosus (both nonascosporic), A. striatus and Emericella desertorum. Aspergillus bicolor is distinctive among all other recognized species in the complex in its development of tall conidiophores and columnar green heads on dilute media and in its production on malt agar of a floccose yellow felt which forms vivacious Hulle-cell cleistothecium aggregations aerially after growth for 4-6 wk. Ascospores in the latter species are produced sparingly, mature at 2-3 mo, and are orange red, smooth or delicately roughened and have very low equatorial crests.
Western State Hospital: implementing a MUMPS-based PC network.

Western State Hospital, a state-administered 1,200-bed mental health institution near Tacoma, Wash., confronted the challenge of automating its large campus through the application of the Healthcare Integrated Information System (HIIS). It is the first adaptation of the Veterans Administration's Decentralized Hospital Computer Program software in a mental health institution of this size, and the first DHCP application to be installed on a PC client/server network in a large U.S. hospital.
Successful Treatment of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome with Pseudoaneurysm Excision and Median Nerve Neurolysis.

Background Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), formerly referred to as reflex sympathetic dystrophy, is a pain syndrome characterized by severe pain, altered autonomic and motor function, and trophic changes. CRPS is usually associated with soft tissue injury or trauma. It has also been described as a rare complication of arterial access for angiography secondary to pseudoaneurysm formation. Case Description A 73-year-old woman underwent catheterization of the left brachial artery for angiography of the celiac artery. The following day, the patient noticed numbness and severe pain in the median nerve distribution of the left upper extremity. Over the next 6 months, the patient developed CRPS in the left hand with pain and signs of autonomic dysfunction. Further work-up revealed the formation of a left brachial artery pseudoaneurysm with impingement on the median nerve. She underwent excision of the pseudoaneurysm with decompression and neurolysis of the left median nerve. Approximately 6 weeks after surgery, the patient had noticed significant improvement in autonomic symptoms. Conclusions This case involves a unique presentation of CRPS caused by brachial artery angiography and pseudoaneurysm formation. In addition, the case demonstrates the efficacy of pseudoaneurysm excision and median nerve neurolysis in the treatment of CRPS as a rare complication of arterial angiography.
Detection and Diagnosis of Viral Infections

Diagnostic tests are paramount in determining the etiology of viral infections. Direct diagnostic methods assay for the presence of the virus, while indirect methods test for effects of the virus. Cell culture is the process of growing cells or tissues in the laboratory. Cell lines can be infected with patient samples to allow viral replication within the cells; observable cytopathic effects can help to identify the identity of the virus. Infected cells can also be used for immunofluorescence assays, which use fluorescently labeled virus-specific antibodies to identify viruses in fixed cells or tissues. A variety of diagnostic immunoassays exist, including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays/enzyme immunoassays, western blots, lateral flow immunoassays, and agglutination reactions. Assays that detect viral nucleic acids are based upon the principles of PCR or nucleic acid hybridization, are extremely sensitive, and are specific for a particular virus.
Volcanology 101 for Seismologists

Magmas feeding into the roots of active volcanoes contain dissolved gas. These magmas then exhibit a full range of degassing behavior, from purely passive (slow, between eruptions) to purely explosive (rapid, during explosive eruptions). Free, ‘leaky’ passive degassing reduces though does not completely eliminate explosive potential; ‘tight’ plugging of conduits for decades, centuries or longer favors gas accumulation and increases explosive potential, particularly if the final ascent of that magma is too fast to allow much of the accumulated gas to bleed off. Explosive magmatic eruptions reflect rapid expansion of gas bubbles to the point that the bubble walls and magma foam fragments (‘blows itself apart’), just as a carbonated drink forms a foam and then a fine spray when rapidly uncorked. Parallels between active volcanoes and active faults include strain accumulation (gas accumulation), stick-slip behavior (intermittent magma ascent and eruption), creep (passive degassing), and power-law magnitude frequency relations. Unique features of volcanoes include high-temperature gases and often pronounced precursory unrest before eruptions. Unrest is especially pronounced when a magma conduit has become plugged since the previous eruption, forcing magma to pressurize and break a new path to the surface before it can erupt.
Abstract P212: Circulating Homocysteine, Aldosterone and Brain Natriuretic Peptide Levels Predict the Development of Metabolic Syndrome and Longitudinal Changes in Metabolic Syndrome Components: Findings from fhe Jackson Heart Study

Background: The relative contribution of selected circulatory biomarkers that represent distinct biological pathways to the incidence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in African Americans is not well elucidated despite the greater prevalence of cardiovascular diseases in this ethnic group. Thus, we aimed to assess the relative contribution of a panel of representative cardiometabolic biomarkers with the hypothesis that they are predictors of incident MetS and longitudinal changes in MetS components. Materials and Methods: At the end of the second JHS examination cycle (average 4.7 years from baseline), 178 participants of the total 1055 without prevalent MetS at baseline had developed MetS. We selected informative markers from a panel of 7 representing inflammation (C - reactive protein and leptin), neurohormonal activity (aldosterone, BNP, cortisol), and endothelial function (endothelin and homocysteine) that were significantly associated with incident metabolic syndrome (MetS). Biomarker selection was performed using stepwise selection in multivariable logistic regression models. We adjusted for baseline age, gender, systolic and diastolic BP, log triglycerides, fasting glucose and HDL cholesterol, and waist circumference measurements. Results: Serum homocysteine, aldosterone and B-natriuretic peptide (BNP) concentration were retained as significantly associated with incident MetS, with p-values 0.037, 0.008 and 0.022, respectively. The multivariable adjusted OR (95%CI) were 1.28 (1.02 to 1.62) for homocysteine; 1.33 (1.08 to 1.65) for aldosterone, and 2.47 (1.31 to 4.66) for 2nd BNP quartile compared to the first quartile. In multivariable analyses evaluating longitudinal change in MetS components (analyzed as continuous variables); homocysteine was significantly and positively associated with diastolic BP. Serum aldosterone was associated with all MetS risk factors, while higher levels of plasma circulating BNP were associated with all risk factors except sex-standardized waist circumference. Discussion and Conclusions: Higher circulating homocysteine and aldosterone levels were directly associated with the development of MetS and with longitudinal change of its components except HDL cholesterol and sex standardized waist circumference, which were negatively associated with aldosterone. The second and fourth quartiles of circulating plasma BNP concentration were significantly associated with greater odds of developing MetS than the first quartile. Further, higher concentration of BNP was associated with positive changes in all risk components except for HDL cholesterol and waist circumference. These results suggest that the biomarkers and their related pathways are essential in mediating metabolic risk in African Americans.
Design of the Endoscopy Procedure Room

The design of the endoscopy procedure room should be nonthreatening for the patient and provide an efficient, satisfying work environment for the endoscopist and gastrointestinal assistant. Major aspects of room design are addressed. Included are discussions of room size and configuration, the activity zone concept, infection control, utilities, controls, and equipment. These major aspects of room design are applied to the development of a general purpose or specialized procedure room.
Correction to: Stereotactic body radiation therapy for non-small cell lung cancer patients with prior history of thoracic surgery and/or radiation therapy: the influence of smoking, size, and central location on risk of complications

The purpose of this retrospective cohort study was to evaluate the effect of tumor location and other major factors on the risk of complications from stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with a history of thoracic surgery and/or radiation therapy. Medical records of patients with recurrent or second primary NSCLC treated with SBRT between 2005 and 2015 were reviewed. All patients had prior thoracic surgery and/or radiation therapy and were treated with image-guided, robotic SBRT. Time to local failure and toxicity was evaluated by using cumulative incidence and competing risk regression analysis. Overall survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Fifty-six patients with 74 tumors treated with SBRT were included for analysis. Of the 74 tumors, 19 (26%) were centrally located within 2 cm of the proximal bronchial tree. At a median follow-up of 27 months (range = 5–129), the 2-year cumulative incidence of LF was 13% for peripheral tumors and 16% for central tumors (p = 0.95). Neither prior thoracic surgery nor radiation therapy was associated with increased LF or toxicity. Among the 56 patients, eight (14%), three (5%), and one (2%) experienced grade 2, 3, and 4 complications following SBRT. Patients with a ≥ 50 pack-year smoking history were more likely to develop ≥ grade 2 toxicity (HR 5.3; 95% CI 1.4–19.9, p = 0.01). Central tumor location was associated with higher risk of toxicity (HR 3.4; 95% CI 1.1–10.5, p = 0.04) as was planning tumor volume > 30 mL (HR 4.3; 95% CI 1.1–16.3, p = 0.047). In a multivariable model, central location remained significant after adjusting for smoking history and planning tumor volume. After prior thoracic surgery and/or radiation, SBRT retreatment for NSCLC provided durable local control and was well tolerated in most patients. Patients with a history of previously operated and/or radiated lung cancer with new central tumors, PTV volume > 30 mL, or smoking history ≥ 50 pack-years were at higher risk of complications from SBRT.
Comparing Class- and Task-Level Measures of Achievement Goals.

ABSTRACTModels of achievement goals suggest that different tasks and contexts influence the goals students adopt at a given time. However, many studies of achievement goals rely on measures assessed at the class level, analyze results with a variable-centered approach, and employ self-report questionnaires, which may reduce understanding of the contextual factors that arise as students interact with tasks. We compared a behavioral, task-level measure of middle school students' achievement goals to a self-reported, class-level measure and analyzed both measures' relations to task performance and quarterly grades using both variable-centered and person-centered approaches. Task-level goals predicted task performance but not quarterly grades, while class-level goals predicted grades but not task performance. The two measures of achievement goals were not related. This work demonstrates the importance of measuring goals at multiple levels and suggests opportunities for changing students' behaviors and achieve...
Correlation Between Sensory Descriptive Analysis and Volatile Composition of Beer Using Multivariate Analysis: The Effect of the Nonvolatile Matrix on the Sensory Perception and Volatile Fraction Behavior

The effect of carbohydrate and protein content on the volatile compound release and sensory perception of four selected volatile compounds (isoamyl acetate [banana], ethyl hexanoate [apple], myrcen...
An analysis of teaching strategies designed to improve written communication skills

Accounting instructors can embed effective writing into the curriculum, but how much instruction is enough to make a significant improvement in students’ written products? In this quasi-experimenta...
Rectal Administration of Vigabatrin Achieves Higher Plasma Concentration than Oral Administration. (P2.302)

Objective: Not applicable Background: Vigabatrin is a synthetic GABA derivative used to treat infantile spasms and as an adjunctive therapy in resistant epilepsy cases. It is known to be administered orally with a bioavailability of 80%. Other routes have not been described in the literature. Our article describes an alternative route of administration of vigabatrin in humans. Design/Methods: A case report of an eighteen-month-old white male with a history of infantile spasms, well controlled on oral phenobarbital and vigabatrin, who was admitted for urgent surgical management of esophageal obstruction. Since oral administration was not possible, the medicine was crushed and dissolved in 15 cc of water to be administered rectally. Results: After correcting the dose of the oral vigabatrin according to the plasma concentration-time curve of vigabatrin published by Frisk-Holmberg et al. in 1989, it showed minimal difference in relation to food administration. Vigabatrin was detected in the patient’s serum at three times higher levels than when the medicine was administered orally. Conclusions: We report the first human case to suggest that rectal administration of vigabatrin might be an efficient route to achieve therapeutic drug-plasma level. Two elements might have contributed to this difference: One-third of the rectal venous drainage is via the superior rectal vein to the hepato-portal circulation while two-thirds of it is via the middle and inferior rectal veins to the systemic circulation and thus, bypassing the first-pass metabolism. Vigabatrin is proven to be absorbed from the intestine through the proton-coupled amino acid transporter (PAT1) which was detected in the human gastrointestinal tract from the esophagus to the rectum. In animal studies, rPAT1 protein was found along the intestinal mucosa, maximally in the jejunum, but also in the rectum. Vigabatrin was quickly absorbed rectally from these rats. As in humans when administered orally, it showed dose linear pharmacokinetics. Disclosure: Dr. Hamed has nothing to disclose. Dr. Hussein has nothing to disclose. Dr. Sawalha has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kalra has nothing to disclose.
Analytic Solution for a Complex Network of Chaotic Oscillators

Chaotic evolution is generally too irregular to be captured in an analytic solution. Nonetheless, some dynamical systems do have such solutions enabling more rigorous analysis than can be achieved with numerical solutions. Here, we introduce a method of coupling solvable chaotic oscillators that maintains solvability. In fact, an analytic solution is given for an entire network of coupled oscillators. Importantly, a valid chaotic solution is shown even when the coupling topology is complex and the population of oscillators is heterogeneous. We provide a specific example of a solvable chaotic network with star topology and a hub that oscillates much faster than its leaves. We present analytic solutions as the coupling strength is varied showing states of varying degrees of global organization. The covariance of the network is derived explicity from the analytic solution characterizing the degree of synchronization across the network as the coupling strength varies. This example suggests that analytic solutions may constitute a new tool in the study of chaotic network dynamics generally.
Novel therapeutics for depression: L-methylfolate as a trimonoamine modulator and antidepressant-augmenting agent.

Folate deficiency may increase the risk of depression and reduce the action of antidepressants. Individuals with an inherited polymorphism that reduces the efficiency of folate formation may be at high risk for folate deficiency and for major depression. Antidepressant effects have been reported when antidepressants are augmented with folic acid, folinic acid, or the centrally active L-methylfolate (known formally as (6(S)-5-methyltetrahydrofolate [MTHF]), particularly in depressed patients with folate deficiency whose major depressive episodes have failed to respond to antidepressants. The putative mechanism of action of MTHF as an augmenting agent to antidepressants is that it acts as a trimonoamine modulator (TMM), enhancing the synthesis of the three monoamines: dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE), and serotonin (5-HT), resulting in a boost to the efficacy of antidepressants.
Medical Biochemistry Without Rote Memorization: Multi-Institution Implementation and Student Perceptions of a Nationally Standardized Metabolic Map for Learning and Assessment

Despite the growing number of patients worldwide with metabolism-related chronic diseases, medical biochemistry education is commonly perceived as focusing on recall of facts irrelevant for patient care. The authors suggest that this focus on rote memorization of pathways creates excessive cognitive load that may interfere with learners’ development of an integrated understanding of metabolic regulation and dysregulation. This cognitive load can be minimized by providing appropriate references during learning and assessment. Biochemistry educators collaborated to develop a medically relevant pathways of human metabolism map (MetMap) that is now being used at many medical schools as a nationally standardized resource during learning and assessments. To assess impact, students from three medical schools were surveyed about its benefits and disadvantages. Responses were obtained from 481 students (84%) and were examined using thematic analysis. Five main themes emerged as perceived benefits of using the MetMap: (1) aids visual and mental organization, (2) promotes deep learning and applied understanding, (3) decreases emphasis on memorization, (4) reduces anxiety on exams, and (5) aids recall. Perceived disadvantages were (1) fear of underpreparation for licensing exams, (2) overwhelming nature of the map, and (3) reduced motivation for and time spent studying. Results affirm that students’ perceive use of the MetMap promotes focus on broader metabolic concepts and deep versus surface learning, supporting a shift in cognitive load toward desired goals. Although the long-term impact on learning needs to be further studied, the use of the MetMap represents a step toward open-reference exams that reflect “real-world” practice.
Omega Conotoxin MVIIC

Omega conotoxin MVIIC is a small peptide that preferentially blocks P- and Q-type Ca++ currents by binding with high affinity to voltage-sensitive, neuronal Ca++ channels. This 26 residue peptide, with three disulfide bonds, is found in the venom of the sea-snail Conus magus …
Crack propagation in a PVA dual-crosslink hydrogel: Crack tip fields measured using digital image correlation

Abstract As a non-contact, full field deformation measurement technique, 2D digital image correlation (DIC) is a good candidate for the measurement of the crack tip fields of gels. We apply 2D DIC to study the crack propagation of a Poly(vinyl) alcohol (PVA) hydrogel specimen immersed in mineral oil. Practical issues such as the quality of the speckle pattern and the possible optical distortion are discussed. The accuracy of the setup in measuring the high-gradient crack tip strain field is carefully validated. A hydrogel specimen with an existing crack is loaded to fracture and the strain field near the tip of the propagating crack is measured using DIC. We find that the crack propagates under steady state conditions. The moving crack induces high strain rates at material points ahead of the crack.
Promotion of Instability of a Sinusoidally Deformed Flexible Plate and its Transition to Oscillatory Motions

We experimentally study the transition to large oscillatory motions of a thin elastic plate buckled into a second mode sinusoidal deformation. This deformation, intended to promote the onset of structural instabilities, is created by applying a permanent external net compressive force to the plate through a series of equispaced tension lines. These lines are attached to the two lateral edges of the plate, which are oriented parallel to the mean flow direction. We subject the deformed plate to an incompressible flow and find an early onset of the flutter instability (lower critical flow velocity, ${U}_{c}$) and increased range of periodic large oscillatory motions relative to previous studies of plates mounted in flag or inverted-flag configurations. No upstream vortex shedding or additional transversal rigidity is provided to achieve this lower ${U}_{c}$, which are methods used by previous researchers to initiate instability. The reduced ${U}_{c}$ is instead achieved by the combination of three mechanisms: a deformed plate that exhibits bistability, the destabilizing action of the net compressive force on the plate, and the pressure drag on the plate existent prior to large plate oscillations. Subjected to a mean flow, ${U}_{o}$, the deformed plate evinces three states of motion: (a) a buckled plate with small perturbations for ${U}_{o}l{U}_{c}$ (perturbations are of the order of 0.1% of the plate's length); (b) a plate with large oscillatory motions appearing as the superposition of traveling and standing waves for ${U}_{o}g{U}_{c}$, showing fundamental oscillatory frequencies ${f}_{o}$, which scale with ${U}_{o}$, along with higher harmonics; and (c) a plate with chaotic oscillatory motions for ${U}_{o}g{U}_{t}$, a transitional flow velocity where ${U}_{t}g{U}_{c}$, characterized by a broad frequency spectrum still with a characteristic ${f}_{o}$, and slightly reduced relationship between ${U}_{o}$ and ${f}_{o}$.
Balancing Smart Grid's Performance Enhancement and Resilience to Cyber Threat

The strong interplay between the power grid and the corresponding communication and control network plays a pivotal role in the resilience of the smart grid. In this paper, the dynamics of the interdependence among smart-grid subsystems such as the power grid, communication network, and response of human operators are captured during the propagation of cascading failures. A previously developed Markov-chain based model is refined into an interdependent Markov chain model to capture the role of cyber threat from the communication network and the human-operator error during cascading failures. The state transitions of the Markov chain are parameterized by the critical operating parameters of the power grid. The calculations assume a generic form of correlation between the level of and damage from cyber-attacks, on the one hand, and the level of interdependence on the other hand. The model finds the optimal level of interdependence, i.e., the trade-off between well-informed control and vulnerability to attacks that minimizes the probability of massive cascading failures in power grids. There is a point of diminishing returns beyond which the harm of exposure to cyber threat outweighs the benefits of information.
Pelvic Outlet Obstruction

Pelvic outlet obstruction is characterized by incomplete evacuation of stool, straining, splinting, and constipation. The true incidence of pelvic outlet obstruction is unknown, as it commonly initially presents as “constipation.” It is important to understand the normal physiology of defecation in order to assess and treat patients with functional pelvic outlet obstruction. Diagnostic evaluation is individualized based on the patient’s symptoms and the degree of concern for other associated conditions, such as slow-transit constipation, rectocele, or pelvic organ prolapse. The goal of treatment is to mitigate symptoms by improving the mechanics of evacuation and the consistency and frequency of stool. Treatment is often multimodal, and includes dietary changes, pelvic floor physical therapy or biofeedback, and ultrasound-guided botulinum injection, with surgery generally reserved for refractory cases.
A Multi-task LSTM Framework for Improved Early Sepsis Prediction

Early detection for sepsis, a high-mortality clinical condition, is important for improving patient outcomes. The performance of conventional deep learning methods degrades quickly as predictions are made several hours prior to the clinical definition. We adopt recurrent neural networks (RNNs) to improve early prediction of the onset of sepsis using times series of physiological measurements. Furthermore, physiological data is often missing and imputation is necessary. Absence of data might arise due to decisions made by clinical professionals which carries information. Using the missing data patterns into the learning process can further guide how much trust to place on imputed values. A new multi-task LSTM model is proposed that takes informative missingness into account during training that effectively attributes trust to temporal measurements. Experimental results demonstrate our method outperforms conventional CNN and LSTM models on the PhysioNet-2019 CiC early sepsis prediction challenge in terms of area under receiver-operating curve and precision-recall curve, and further improves upon calibration of prediction scores.
A Regularized Stochastic Block Model for the robust community detection in complex networks.

The stochastic block model is able to generate random graphs with different types of network partitions, ranging from the traditional assortative structures to the disassortative structures. Since the stochastic block model does not specify which mixing pattern is desired, the inference algorithms discover the locally most likely nodes’ partition, regardless of its type. Here we introduce a new model constraining nodes’ internal degree ratios in the objective function to guide the inference algorithms to converge to the desired type of structure in the observed network data. We show experimentally that given the regularized model, the inference algorithms, such as Markov chain Monte Carlo, reliably and quickly find the assortative or disassortative structure as directed by the value of a single parameter. In contrast, when the sought-after assortative community structure is not strong in the observed network, the traditional inference algorithms using the degree-corrected stochastic block model tend to converge to undesired disassortative partitions.
Childhood maltreatment and lead levels in middle adulthood: A prospective examination of the roles of individual socio-economic and neighborhood characteristics.

Background Lead is a common environmental hazard because of its past use as an additive to gasoline and household paint. Some evidence suggests that children with histories of child abuse and neglect are at elevated risk for residence in communities and households with less desirable characteristics and high levels of exposure to environmental hazards and toxins. Objectives To understand whether childhood maltreatment leads to higher levels of household dust lead and blood lead in adulthood and the extent to which characteristics of a person's physical environment or individual level socio-economic status (SES) (based on unemployment, poverty, and receipt of public assistance) contribute to understanding the relationship. Methods A large prospective cohort design study in which abused and neglected children (ages 0-11) were matched with non-maltreated children and assessed in adulthood. Objective and subjective neighborhood characteristics were assessed at approximate age 40 and household dust lead (cleaned and less often cleaned) and blood lead levels were measured at age 41. Blood was collected through venipuncture by a registered nurse as part of a medical status exam. Results Childhood maltreatment predicted higher levels of dust lead in less often cleaned household places, residence in worse neighborhoods defined by objective (census tract data) and subjective (reports of physical disorder and lack of social cohesion and control), and higher levels of poverty, receiving public assistance, and unemployment. Only objective neighborhood characteristics mediated the relationship between childhood maltreatment and dust lead level in adulthood. There were also significant paths from objective neighborhood disadvantage and individual level SES to higher levels of blood lead. Discussion Thirty years after their childhood experiences, individuals with documented histories of childhood maltreatment are at higher risk for living in environments as adults with elevated lead levels that may impact other aspects of their lives and compromise their health.
First-principles calculation of the configurational energy density of states for a solid-state ion conductor with a variant of the Wang and Landau algorithm.

In this work, a variant of the Wang and Landau algorithm for calculation of the configurational energy density of states is proposed. The algorithm was developed for the purpose of using first-principles simulations, such as density functional theory, to calculate the partition function of disordered sublattices in crystal materials. The expensive calculations of first-principles methods make a parallel algorithm necessary for a practical computation of the configurational energy density of states within a supercell approximation of a solid-state material. The algorithm developed in this work is tested with the two-dimensional (2d) Ising model to bench mark the algorithm and to help provide insight for implementation to a materials science application. Tests with the 2d Ising model revealed that the algorithm has good performance compared to the original Wang and Landau algorithm and the $1/t$ algorithm, in particular the short iteration performance. A proof of convergence is presented within an adiabatic assumption, and the analysis is able to correctly predict the time dependence of the modification factor to the density of states. The algorithm was then applied to the lithium and lanthanum sublattice of the solid-state lithium ion conductor ${\mathrm{Li}}_{0.5}{\mathrm{La}}_{0.5}\mathrm{Ti}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$. This was done to help understand the disordered nature of the lithium and lanthanum. The results find, overall, that the algorithm performs very well for the 2d Ising model and that the results for ${\mathrm{Li}}_{0.5}{\mathrm{La}}_{0.5}\mathrm{Ti}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ are consistent with experiment while providing additional insight into the lithium and lanthanum ordering in the material. The primary result is that the lithium and lanthanum become more mixed between layers along the $c$ axis for increasing temperature. In part, the simulation of the disordered ${\mathrm{Li}}_{0.5}{\mathrm{La}}_{0.5}\mathrm{Ti}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ system serves as a benchmark for what size systems are currently and in the near future practical to calculate with density functional theory methods.
Atypical structure and function of integrin α V β 8

Integrins are heterodimeric transmembrane proteins that play important roles in various biological processes. Most integrins serve as adhesion molecules and transmit bidirectional signaling across the cell membrane through global conformational changes from the bent closed to the extended open conformation. However, integrin β8 is distinctive in structure and function. Its cytoplasmic domain lacks the conserved protein-binding sequence, which is important in transmitting inside-out signals, suggesting that integrin β8 may have a different activation mechanism or lack such signaling. In addition, the ligand-binding or activating metal ion Mn2+ does not induce a global conformational change in integrin β8 . It may have only one conformation, that is, an extended, closed conformation, but with high affinity for ligands under physiological conditions, and is, therefore, considered an atypical integrin member. The extended structure and high ligand-binding affinity of integrin αv β8 make it ideal for encountering and binding ligands expressed on an opposing cell or in the extracellular matrix. In this review, we summarize the progress in integrin β8 research with a focus on its distinctive function and structure among integrin members.
Augmented and Virtual Reality and Its Effects on Social Responsibility and Fair Trade in the Apparel Industry

Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR) are projected to be more commonly found in retail environments in the next few years, making it a key point of observation. The purpose of this study is to reveal what underlying values must be focused on to increase Fair Trade and social responsibility consumption by Generation Z consumers in the apparel industry through possible implementation of AR/VR. An online survey with a total of 214 respondents was conducted to better understand the use and perception of AR and VR, and how that moderates the effects of knowledge of Fair Trade leading to social responsibility concern and vice versa determining purchase intention. It was found that knowledge does not play a strong role in the use of AR/VR moderating purchase intention. However, focusing on concern of social responsibility in apparel production when using AR and VR and its impact on purchase intention is quite meaningful.
Mass Extinctions, Comet Impacts, and the Galaxy

The hypothesis relating mass extinctions of life on Earth to impacts of comets whose flux is partly modulated by the dynamics of the Milky Way Galaxy contains a number of postulates that can be tested by geologic evidence and statistical analyses. In an increasing number of cases, geologic evidence for impact (widespread impact debris and/or large impact craters) is found at times of mass extinction events, and the record of dated impact craters has been found to show a significant correlation with mass extinctions. Statistical analyses suggest that mass extinction events exhibit a periodic component of about 26 to 30 Myr, and periodicities of 30± 0.5 Myr and 35 ±2 Myr have been extracted from sets of well-dated impact craters. The evidence is consistent with periodic or quasi-periodic showers of impactors, probably Oort Cloud comets, with an approximately 30-Myr cycle. The best explanation for these proposed quasi-periodic comet showers involves the Sun’s vertical oscillation through the galactic disk, which may have a similar cycle time between crossings of the galactic plane.
Networks of Conflict and Cooperation

Conflict and cooperation do not result from isolated individual actions. In settings such as insurgency, interstate conflict, protest mobilization, and informal governance, actors are highly interd...
It Is the Little Things That Matter.

How can you prove that you are providing high-quality care? As a consultant breast surgeon, the author thought it meant doing the right thing to the right patient at the right time. She followed the latest clinical guidelines and audited her complication and mortality rates. However, when she was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer at the age of 40 and found herself going through every treatment she prescribed to her patients, she realized that something was missing. She had not been truly focusing on the third factor of quality care—the patient experience. She found out the hard way about what it is really like for cancer patients to cope during treatment and beyond, and it changed her practice for the better. She started adding little things that she knew could make a massive difference to how her patients coped physically, mentally and emotionally with their breast cancer diagnosis. In this article, she shares with you some of the lessons she learned from the other side of the table and hopes you will consider using them to further improve the high-quality service you already provide.
To be (different) or not to be: The role of gender in constructing diplomatic speeches

Abstract With an increasing number of female political leaders worldwide, there has been a debate as to whether female politicians could bring alternative voices into politics, which has long been dominated by males. Some scholars highlight the role of gender identity, while others stress the masculine traits of political leadership. To contribute to this debate, we propose the idea of gender authenticity and argue that female politicians can strategically highlight their feminine traits and femininist consciousness even in a highly masculine environment. We compare the diplomatic speeches delivered by Hillary Clinton and John Kerry, who both served as secretary of state under former President Obama. Based on the framework of gender authenticity, we empirically examine how the remarks of these two top diplomatic officials differ in their topical, linguistic, and conceptual dimensions. While the political speeches of Clinton and Kerry behave similarly in terms of their linguistic styles, there are gendered differences in their topical and conceptual dimensions. The results suggest that Clinton pays closer attention to issues of women's rights and human rights, and that she also adopts a more feminine style in her interpretation of the concept of power.
Evaluation of skin-on goat meat processing on processing efficiency, carcass yield, meat quality, and sensory attributes.

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the properties of skin-on and skin-off goat processing and carcasses for processing efficiency, fabrication time, biochemical factors, and sensory attributes for stewed goat meat. Thirty-one goats were harvested in 2 separate experiments, either skin-on (n = 16) or off (n = 15). The carcasses were fabricated into four primals and each primal was cut into cubes. Processing efficiency, carcasses yield, collagen content, moisture, lipid, ultimate pH, and sensory attributes were measured, and multivariate regression analysis were conducted. The skin-on group had greater overall yield compared to the skin-off group (P 0.10). Finally, lipid % was found to be the most essential palatability trait to American Asian consumers.
Gender expansive listeners utilize a non-binary, multidimensional conception of gender to inform voice gender perception.

Abstract Few studies on voice perception have attempted to address the complexity of gender perception of ambiguous voices. The current study investigated how perception of gender varies with the complexity of the listener’s own gender conception and identity. We explicitly recruited participants of all genders, including those who are gender expansive (i.e. transgender and/or non-binary), and directed them to rate ambiguous synthetic voices on three independent scales of masculine, feminine, and “other” (and to select one or multiple categorical labels for them). Gender expansive listeners were more likely to use the entire expanse of the rating scales and showed systematic categorization of gender-neutral voices as non-binary. We propose this is due to repeated use of reflective processes that challenge pre-existing gender categories and the incorporation of this decision-making process into their reflexive system. Because voice gender influences speech perception, the perceptual experience of gender expansive listeners may influence perceptual flexibility in speech.
Responses to ethanol in C57BL/6 versus C57BL/6 × 129 hybrid mice

Although genetic background alters responses to ethanol, there has not yet been a methodical quantification of differences in ethanol-related behaviors between inbred and hybrid mice commonly used in gene-targeting studies. Here, we compared C57BL/6NTac × 129S6/SvEvTac F1 hybrid mice (B6129S6) with C57BL/6NTac inbred mice (B6NT), and C57BL/6J × 129X1/SvJ (B6129X1) and C57BL/6J × 129S4/SvJae F1 hybrids (B6129S4) with C57BL/6J mice (B6J), in five commonly used tests: continuous access two-bottle choice drinking, intermittent limited-access binge drinking, ethanol clearance, ethanol-induced loss of the righting reflex, and conditioned place preference (CPP) for ethanol. We found that inbred B6J and B6NT mice showed greater ethanol preference and consumption than their respective hybrids when ethanol was continuously available. Within the intermittent limited-access drinking procedure, though all lines showed similar intake over eight drinking sessions, the average of all sessions showed that B6NT mice drank significantly more ethanol than B6129S6 mice. In addition, B6J mice consumed more ethanol than B6129X1 mice, although they drank less than B6129S4 mice. No differences in ethanol LORR duration were observed between inbred and hybrid mice. Although ethanol clearance was similar among B6J mice and their respective hybrids, B6NT mice cleared ethanol more rapidly than B6129S6 mice. All lines developed CPP for ethanol. Our findings indicate that it may not be necessary to backcross hybrids to an inbred B6 background to study many ethanol-related behaviors in gene-targeted mice.
Engineering Applications of Data Envelopment Analysis

Engineering is concerned with the design of products, services, processes, or in general with the design of systems. These design activities are managed and improved by the organization’s decision-makers. Therefore, the performance evaluation of the production function where engineering plays a fundamental role is an integral part of managerial decision-making. In the last twenty years, there has been limited research that uses Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) in Engineering. One can attribute this to a number of issues that include but are not limited to: the lack of understanding of the role of DEA in assessing and improving design decisions, the inability to open the input/output process transformation box, and the unavailability of production and engineering data. Nevertheless, the existing DEA applications in Engineering have focused on the evaluation of alternative design configurations, have proposed performance improvement interventions for production processes at the disaggregated level, ass essed the preformance of hierarchical manufacturing organizations, studied the dynamical behavior of production systems, and have dealt with data imprecision issues. This chapter discusses the issues that the researcher faces when applying DEA to engineering problems, proposes an approach for the design an integrated DEA based performance measurement system, summarizes studies that have focused on engineering applications of DEA, and suggests some systems thinking concepts that are appropriate for future DEA research in Engineering.
Neutral-Current Interactions in Hydrogen and Deuterium

I will present data on neutral-current interactions from two experiments: The Argonne-Purdue 12-foot chamber neutrino-deuterium experiment [1] and the Argonne-Carnegie Mellon-Purdue 15-foot chamber anti-neutrino-hydrogen experiment [2].
Braess's paradox in large sparse graphs

Braess's paradox, in its original context, is the counterintuitive observation that, without lessening demand, closing roads can improve traffic flow. With the explosion of distributed (selfish) routing situations understanding this paradox has become an important concern in a broad range of network design situations. However, the previous theoretical work on Braess's paradox has focused on "designer" graphs or dense graphs, which are unrealistic in practical situations. In this work, we exploit the expansion properties of Erdős-Renyi random graphs to show that Braess's paradox occurs when np ≥ c log(n) for some c > 1.
El Acceso Abierto en América Latina: Situación actual y expectativas

Access to scientific information in the world has traditionally been exclusive to selected groups, including professors, researchers, and students in higher education. In Latin America, the situation has had a few other variables: such as the cost of subscriptions and the lack of Spanish content in scientific journals. Fortunately current advancements in Information Technology and Communication are positively changing the way digital information is disseminated in the world. For the access to scientific information, the emergence of the Open Access (OA) model is enabling positive changes in the creation and dissemination of scientific information. This article presents the results of an analysis of the current situation and the expectations that the OA movement can mean for the Latin America countries.