cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Validation of Stroke Meaningful Use Measures in a National Electronic Health Record System

The Meaningful Use (MU) program has increased the national emphasis on electronic measurement of hospital quality. To evaluate stroke MU and one VHA stroke electronic clinical quality measure (eCQM) in national VHA data and determine sources of error in using centralized electronic health record (EHR) data. Our study is a retrospective cross-sectional study of stroke quality measure eCQMs vs. chart review in a national EHR. We developed local SQL algorithms to generate the eCQMs, then modified them to run on VHA Central Data Warehouse (CDW) data. eCQM results were generated from CDW data in 2130 ischemic stroke admissions in 11 VHA hospitals. Local and CDW results were compared to chart review. We calculated the raw proportion of matching cases, sensitivity/specificity, and positive/negative predictive values (PPV/NPV) for the numerators and denominators of each eCQM. To assess overall agreement for each eCQM, we calculated a weighted kappa and prevalence-adjusted bias-adjusted kappa statistic for a three-level outcome: ineligible, eligible-passed, or eligible-failed. In five eCQMs, the proportion of matched cases between CDW and chart ranged from 95.4 %–99.7 % (denominators) and 87.7 %–97.9 % (numerators). PPVs tended to be higher (range 96.8 %–100 % in CDW) with NPVs less stable and lower. Prevalence-adjusted bias-adjusted kappas for overall agreement ranged from 0.73–0.95. Common errors included difficulty in identifying: (1) mechanical VTE prophylaxis devices, (2) hospice and other specific discharge disposition, and (3) contraindications to receiving care processes. Stroke MU indicators can be relatively accurately generated from existing EHR systems (nearly 90 % match to chart review), but accuracy decreases slightly in central compared to local data sources. To improve stroke MU measure accuracy, EHRs should include standardized data elements for devices, discharge disposition (including hospice and comfort care status), and recording contraindications.
The Technological Ethic and the Spirit of International Relations

Most analyses of the relationships between technology and international relations have concentrated on the impact of new technological inputs-nuclear weapons, missiles, fertilizers, IUDs, mass communications media, and the like-upon the international system or upon national decision-making (see particularly Ogburn, 1949; Haskins, 1964; Skolnikoff, 1967). The argument here will be that, while such analyses are necessary and useful, they are incomplete and often misleading in that they do not sufficiently deal with the ethical aspects and dimensions of technology. It is in this sense that this essay, as indicated by the title, is analogous to that of Max Weber's (1958) The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism. Weber argued that capitalism could be properly understood only if one went beyond the prevailing material (and often monocausal) interpretations of capitalism to examine and delineate the underlying cultural and attitudinal changes which he argued were a necessary part of any explanation of the rise of capitalism. His conclusion was that the attitudinal changes
The Estimation of Small Amounts of Carbohydrates by Bacterial ProceduresStudies in Bacterial Metabolism, LXVI

An important observation by Pasteur 1 that the mold, Penicillium glaucum, would destroy the dextrose isomer of tartaric acid (ammonium tartrate), leaving the laevo isomer practically untouched, at least until the former was quantitatively destroyed, opened a new field in biochemistry, in which microbes may be used advantageously as chemical reagents. The fundamental researches of Emil Fischer2 on the important group of carbohydrates added an extensive class of organic compounds in which microbic analysts may be utilized in a highly interesting manner. Fischer recognized the possibilities in this field. His work with Thierfelder 3 on the fermentation of hexose sugars by pure yeast cultures focused attention on the significance of the relation between chemical stereoconfiguration and protoplasmic catabolism. It is unfortunate that bacteriology was insufficiently advanced at the period when Fischer's interest was directed toward the biologic import of the asymmetric carbon atom to afford a more versatile group of organisms than the yeasts for experimentation. The multitude of subsequent studies on the same theme, in which bacteria have supplanted yeasts, lack Fischer's exceptional chemical background which is indispensable for success. Nevertheless, distinct advances have been made, particularly with reference to the microbic aspect of the problem. Two studies by Theobald Smith 4 early in the history of bacteriology paved the way for later observations. The point of view of these investigations was unlike that of Fischer in that the structure of the sugars used as differential tests for microbic identification was not considered, although of course it was an essential feature. Smith made the significant discovery that pathogenic bacteria, which multiply in the tissues
Molecular Effects of cTnC DCM Mutations on Calcium Sensitivity and Myofilament Activation—An Integrated Multiscale Modeling Study

Mutations in cardiac troponin C (D75Y, E59D, and G159D), a key regulatory protein of myofilament contraction, have been associated with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Despite reports of altered myofilament function in these mutants, the underlying molecular alterations caused by these mutations remain elusive. Here we investigate in silico the intramolecular mechanisms by which these mutations affect myofilament contraction. On the basis of the location of cardiac troponin C (cTnC) mutations, we tested the hypothesis that intramolecular effects can explain the altered myofilament calcium sensitivity of force development for D75Y and E59D cTnC, whereas altered cardiac troponin C–troponin I (cTnC–cTnI) interaction contributes to the reported contractile effects of the G159D mutation. We employed a multiscale approach combining molecular dynamics (MD) and Brownian dynamics (BD) simulations to estimate cTnC calcium association and hydrophobic patch opening. We then integrated these parameters into a Markov mod...
Effect analysis of WRF on wind speed prediction at the coast wind power station of Fujian province

In this paper,in order to obtain the most reasonable parameterization scheme,four different physical parameterization schemes were designed with different boundary,surface layer and land layer in WRF numerical to simulate the hourly wind speed during January 1- 11 July 1- 11,2010,and then the simulation was compared with the observation. The results show that the scheme 2 using MYJ boundary layer scheme,Monin- Obukhov surface layer scheme and Noah land- surface scheme provided the best simulation. According to different wind speed levels,the comparison of wind speeds simulated by scheme 2 with the observation during January and July,2010 shows that,in the case of wind speed 6-15 m /s,the average relative error of simulation amounts to less than 20%,meeting the precision demand of wind power prediction,while for wind speed at 0- 6 m /s,the error goes up because the lack of accurate topographic resolution of model and the special location of the wind tower made the low wind speed easily affected by the land disturbance and the land-sea airflow.
Operation Analysis of Wet Limestone FGD Systems in Zhejiang Thermal Power Plants

This paper analyzes operation condition of wet limestone FGD systems in Zhejiang thermal power plants in 2009 and introduces the current situation of operation parameters regulation,operation economy,waste water treatment and chemical analysis.The results of investigation and assessment show that the desulfurization operational parameters regulation is satisfactory in general and economic indicators are excellent in the thermal power plants in Zhejiang province.However,some plants have the problems involving absorption tower pH value,GGH differential pressure control etc,which are expected to be solved in the future operation and retrofit.
Microsurgical anatomy of the lower basilar artery.

AbstractThis study was designed to study the microvascular anatomy of the basilar artery between the superior cerebellar artery and the vertebrobasilar junction (i.e. the lower basilar artery). Twenty unfixed brains were injected with silicone rubber solution and studied with a Zeiss OPMI microscope. The length of this segment of the basilar artery was 28.1 + 1.35 mm and its course was straight in 9 (45%) brains, curved in 7 (35%) and tortuous in 4 (20%). The total number of perforators found in 20 brains was 340 with an average of 17 per brain. Of these, 118 (34.7%) were median and 222 ( 65.2%) were lateral. Median branches had a mean length of 5.8 + 1.25 mm, whereas left and right lateral branches had a mean length of 16 + 1.25 mm and 16 + 1.58 mm respectively.
Embryonic development after microsurgical repair of polyspermic human zygotes.

Correction of polyspermy through pronucleus extraction in the absence of membrane relaxants was applied to 25 polyspermic human zygotes. Nine zygotes survived the procedure, and seven cleaved normally (two of which were fixed for chromosome analysis); two proceeded to compact and one cavitated. Eighteen of the polyspermic zygotes (14 with three pronuclei and 4 with four pronuclei) were obtained from zona pellucida-intact oocytes, and seven (1 five-pronucleate, 3 four-pronucleate, and 3 three-pronucleate) from previously zona-drilled oocytes. Survival and cleavage occurred in all groups except in four- and five-pronucleate zona-drilled zygotes. Criteria used to identify male pronuclei were (1) pronucleus-associated sperm tails, (2) increased pronucleus size, and (3) greater distance (relative to female pronuclei) from the second polar body. Sperm tails were never seen and pronucleus size usually was identical. Therefore, the third criterion was used, although its reliability should be further evaluated. Until complete pronucleus removal techniques and reliable pronucleus selection criteria are perfected, embryo replacement after polyspermy correction could result in aneuploidy and molar pregnancy.
Metastatic head and neck cancer to the percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy exit site : A case report and review of the literature

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is a relatively safe procedure and is an important supportive treatment adjunct for patients with head and neck cancer. We report a case in which squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx implanted at a PEG exit site. This was resected for cure. In this case, and in five others reviewed in the literature, the PEG placement method was the "pull" technique. It is unknown whether other methods of PEG placement may reduce metastatic implants at the PEG exit site, but the possibility of this complication must be considered.
Biomechanics of ligament failure. II. An analysis of immobilization, exercise, and reconditioning effects in primates

The effects of altered levels of activity on the biomechanical properties of a ligament were investigated. After eight weeks of immobilization, anterior cruciate bone-ligament-bone preparations of wild primates tested in tension showed significant decreases in maximum failure load and energy absorbe
Obtaining and Preserving Solar Access Rights in Louisiana

This handbook is targeted towards practitioners and property owners interested in obtaining or already owning solar collectors on their residence or business in Louisiana. It outlines the major points of private property law in Louisiana pertinent to solar panel ownership, and provides guidance for obtaining and preserving the home or business owner’s solar access rights in accordance with current jurisprudence and the principles of the Louisiana Civil Code.
Balance, Transcendence and Dispositions

The portraits in this book reflect the need for freedom in learning that is reconciled with discipline. The process of establishing a balance between freedom and discipline in learning environments is demanding. Teachers and learners may pass through a number of stages that involve negotiation and collaboration before balance is achieved.
Sense of Community in Student Retention at a Tertiary Technical Institution in Bogotá: An Ecological Approach

Objective: This study probes the reasons for high attrition rates and sense of community among students enrolled at a technical institution serving low-income students in Bogota, Colombia. Although sense of community on campus is the strongest predictor of a student’s thriving, scholars in higher education have studied mainly minority students’ sense of belonging, which is just one of the four elements of sense of community. In contrast, this study examines the sense of community among students who are marginalized from the broader social context but who are not a numerical minority at their institution. Method: We developed an ecological retention model for students in technical careers to identify factors unique to the study’s context. We used an embedded and descriptive case study where students were the unit of analysis and multiple sources of data including interviews with administrators, instructors, and students as well as focus groups with students, institutional documentation, and field notes. Re...
LX-17-1 Stockpile Returned Material Lot Comparison

Many different lots of LX-17 have been produced over the years. Two varieties of LX-17, LX-17-0 and LX-17-1, have at one point or another been a part of the Livermore stockpile systems. LX-17-0 was made with dry-aminated TATB whereas LX-17-1 was made with wet-aminated TATB. Both versions have the same TATB to Kel-F 800 mass ratio of 92.5%/7.5%. Both kinds of LX-17 were formulated at Holston during the late 1970s or early to mid-1980s and were certified to have met the necessary specifications that cover the purity, particle size range, explosive to binder ratio, etc. In recent years, Trevor Willy and others have performed a detailed evaluation of solid parts made from each of the LX-17 lots manufactured at Holston. Using the Advanced Light Source at LBNL, Willey and his colleagues radiographed many samples from isostatic pressings using the same scanning conditions. In their investigation they identified that even though the bulk composition can be the same, there may exist a large spread in how smoothly the TATB and binder were distributed within the radiographed volume of different lots of material.1 Overall, the dry-aminated TATB-based material, LX-17-0, had a smooth TATB and binder distribution, whereas the wet-aminated TATB-based LX-17-1 showedmore » a wide range of binder distributions. The results for five different LX-17-1 lots are shown in Figure 1. The wide variation in material distribution has raised the question about whether or not this sort variability will cause significant differences in mechanical behavior.« less
Inhibition of the Human ABC Efflux Transporters P-gp and BCRP by the BDE-47 Hydroxylated Metabolite 6-OH-BDE-47: Considerations for Human Exposure.

High body burdens of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in infants and young children have led to increased concern over their potential impact on human development. PBDE exposure can alter the expression of genes involved in thyroid homeostasis, including those of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, which mediate cellular xenobiotic efflux. However, little information exists on how PBDEs interact with ABC transporters such as P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the interactions of 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47) and its hydroxylated metabolite 6-OH-BDE-47 with P-gp and BCRP, using human MDR1- and BCRP-expressing membrane vesicles and stably transfected NIH-3T3-MDR1 and MDCK-BCRP cells. In P-gp membranes, BDE-47 did not affect P-gp activity; however, 6-OH-BDE-47 inhibited P-gp activity at low µM concentrations (IC50 = 11.7 µM). In BCRP membranes, BDE-47 inhibited BCRP activity; however, 6-OH-BDE-47 was a stronger inhibitor [IC50 = 45.9 µM (BDE-47) vs. IC50 = 9.4 µM (6-OH-BDE-47)]. Intracellular concentrations of known P-gp and BCRP substrates [(3H)-paclitaxel and (3H)-prazosin, respectively] were significantly higher (indicating less efflux) in NIH-3T3-MDR1 and MDCK-BCRP cells in the presence of 6-OH-BDE-47, but not BDE-47. Collectively, our results indicate that the BDE-47 metabolite 6-OH-BDE-47 is an inhibitor of both P-gp and BCRP efflux activity. These findings suggest that some effects previously attributed to BDE-47 in biological systems may actually be due to 6-OH-BDE-47. Considerations for human exposure are discussed.
Column transport studies of 3-nitro-1,2,4-triazol-5-one (NTO) in soils.

Development of the new, insensitive, energetic compound, NTO (3-nitro-1,2,4-triazol-5-one), creates need for the data on NTO's fate and transport to predict its behavior in the environment and potential for groundwater contamination. To measure the transport of NTO in soils, we conducted miscible-displacement experiments under steady state and interrupted flow conditions using eight soils having varying physical and geochemical properties. The breakthrough curve (BTC) data were analyzed using temporal moment analysis and simulated using HYDRUS-1D to determine transport parameters and better understand the mechanisms of sorption and transformation. Parameters determined from the miscible-displacement study were compared to results obtained from batch experiments conducted for the same soils, and examined in relation to soil properties. Column NTO linear adsorption coefficients (Kd) were low and correlated well (P = 0.000049) with measurements from the batch studies. NTO transformation rate constants increased and NTO recovery decreased with increase in soil organic carbon (OC) content. Autoclaved soils had slower transformation rates and greater NTO recoveries indicating that microorganisms play a role in NTO transformation. In addition, the transformation rate increased with time in soils with higher OC. Monod-type kinetics was implemented in HYDRUS-1D to simulate the observed increase in transformation rate with time. We think this phenomenon is due to bacterial growth. Results indicate very low adsorption of NTO in a range of soils, but natural attenuation through transformation that, depending on soil OC content and hydraulic residence time, could result in complete removal of NTO.
Hospitalizations for heat-stress illness varies between rural and urban areas: an analysis of Illinois data, 1987-2014.

The disease burden due to heat-stress illness (HSI), which can result in significant morbidity and mortality, is expected to increase as the climate continues to warm. In the United States (U.S.) much of what is known about HSI epidemiology is from analyses of urban heat waves. There is limited research addressing whether HSI hospitalization risk varies between urban and rural areas, nor is much known about additional diagnoses of patients hospitalized for HSI. Hospitalizations in Illinois for HSI (ICD-9-CM codes 992.x or E900) in the months of May through September from 1987 to 2014 (n = 8667) were examined. Age-adjusted mean monthly hospitalization rates were calculated for each county using U.S. Census population data. Counties were categorized into five urban-rural strata using Rural Urban Continuum Codes (RUCC) (RUCC1, most urbanized to RUCC5, thinly populated). Average maximum monthly temperature (°C) was calculated for each county using daily data. Multi-level linear regression models were used, with county as the fixed effect and temperature as random effect, to model monthly hospitalization rates, adjusting for the percent of county population below the poverty line, percent of population that is Non-Hispanic Black, and percent of the population that is Hispanic. All analyses were stratified by county RUCC. Additional diagnoses of patients hospitalized for HSI and charges for hospitalization were summarized. Highest rates of HSI hospitalizations were seen in the most rural, thinly populated stratum (mean annual summer hospitalization rate of 1.16 hospitalizations per 100,000 population in the thinly populated strata vs. 0.45 per 100,000 in the metropolitan urban strata). A one-degree Celsius increase in maximum monthly average temperature was associated with a 0.34 increase in HSI hospitalization rate per 100,000 population in the thinly populated counties compared with 0.02 per 100,000 in highly urbanized counties. The most common additional diagnoses of patients hospitalized with HSI were dehydration, electrolyte abnormalities, and acute renal disorders. Total and mean hospital charges for HSI cases were $167.7 million and $20,500 (in 2014 US dollars). Elevated temperatures appear to have different impacts on HSI hospitalization rates as function of urbanization. The most rural and the most urbanized counties of Illinois had the largest increases in monthly hospitalization rates for HSI per unit increase in the average monthly maximum temperature. This suggests that vulnerability of communities to heat is complex and strategies to reduce HSI may need to be tailored to the degree of urbanization of a county.
Multiplex Aptamer Discovery through Apta-Seq and Its Application to ATP Aptamers Derived from Human-Genomic SELEX

Laboratory-evolved RNAs bind a wide variety of targets and serve highly diverse functions, including as diagnostic and therapeutic aptamers. The majority of aptamers have been identified using in vitro selection (SELEX), a molecular evolution technique based on selecting target-binding RNAs from highly diverse pools through serial rounds of enrichment and amplification. In vitro selection typically yields multiple distinct motifs of highly variable abundance and target-binding affinities. The discovery of new aptamers is often limited by the difficulty of characterizing the selected motifs, because testing of individual sequences tends to be a tedious process. To facilitate the discovery of new aptamers within in vitro selected pools, we developed Apta-Seq, a multiplex analysis based on quantitative, ligand-dependent 2' acylation of solvent-accessible regions of the selected RNA pools, followed by reverse transcription (SHAPE) and deep sequencing. The method reveals, in a single sequencing experiment, the identity, structural features, and target dissociation constants for aptamers present in the selected pool. Application of Apta-Seq to a human genomic pool enriched for ATP-binding RNAs yielded three new aptamers, which together with previously identified human aptamers suggest that ligand-binding RNAs may be common in mammals.
Alginate hydrogels allow for bioactive and sustained release of VEGF-C and VEGF-D for lymphangiogenic therapeutic applications

Lymphatic dysfunction is associated with the progression of many cardiovascular disorders due to their role in maintaining tissue fluid homeostasis. Promoting new lymphatic vessels (lymphangiogenesis) is a promising strategy to reverse these cardiovascular disorders via restoring lymphatic function. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) members VEGF-C and VEGF-D are both potent candidates for stimulating lymphangiogenesis, though maintaining spatial and temporal control of these factors represents a challenge to developing efficient therapeutic lymphangiogenic applications. Injectable alginate hydrogels have been useful for the controlled delivery of many angiogenic factors, including VEGF-A, to stimulate new blood vasculature. However, the utility of these tunable hydrogels for delivering lymphangiogenic factors has never been closely examined. Thus, the objective of this study was to utilize ionically cross-linked alginate hydrogels to deliver VEGF-C and VEGF-D for potential lymphangiogenic applications. We demonstrated that lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) are sensitive to temporal presentation of VEGF-C and VEGF-D but with different responses between the factors. The greatest LEC mitogenic and sprouting response was observed for constant concentrations of VEGF-C and a high initial concentration that gradually decreased over time for VEGF-D. Additionally, alginate hydrogels provided sustained release of radiolabeled VEGF-C and VEGF-D. Finally, VEGF-C and VEGF-D released from these hydrogels promoted a similar number of LEC sprouts as exogenously added growth factors and new vasculature in vivo via a chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. Overall, these findings demonstrate that alginate hydrogels can provide sustained and bioactive release of VEGF-C and VEGF-D which could have applications for therapeutic lymphangiogenesis.
Oxidative stress induced modulation of platelet integrin α2bβ3 expression and shedding may predict the risk of major bleeding in heart failure patients supported by continuous flow left ventricular assist devices.

Abstract Introduction Oxidative stress and platelet integrin α2bβ3 plays important role in the process of hemostasis and thrombosis. We hypothesized that device-induced patient specific oxidative stress and integrin α2bβ3 shedding may be linked to major bleeding complication (MBC) in heart failure (HF) patients supported by continuous flow left ventricular assist devices (CF-LVADs). Materials and methods We recruited 47patients implanted with CF-LVADs and 15 healthy volunteers. Fourteen patients developed MBC (bleeder group) within one month after implantation while others were considered non-bleeder group (n = 33). Oxidative stresses were evaluated by measuring reactive oxygen species (ROS) in platelets, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL). Assessments of α2bβ3 were carried out using flow cytometry and ELISA. Results Biomarkers of oxidative stress and α2bβ3 shedding (decreased surface expression and higher plasma levels) were found to be preexisting condition in all HF patients prior to CF-LVAD implantation compared to the healthy volunteers. Significantly elevated levels of ROS and oxLDL; concomitant depletion of SOD and TAC; and α2bβ3 shedding were observed in the bleeder group temporarily in comparison to the non-bleeder group after CF-LVAD implantation. A significantly strong association between α2bβ3 shedding and biomarkers of oxidative stress was observed; suggesting a potential role of oxidative stress in platelet integrin shedding leading to MBC after CF-LVAD implantation. Moreover, a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis indicated that the likelihood of MBC data from Integrin α2bβ3 shedding had a predictive power of MBC in CF-LVAD patients. Conclusions Oxidative stress might play a potential role in accelerating α2bβ3 shedding and platelet dysfunction, resulting in MBC in CF-LVAD patients. Integrin α2bβ3 shedding may be used to refine bleeding risk stratification in CF-LVAD patients.
Exploring race and gender in Anna Seghers’s “The Reintroduction of Slavery in Guadeloupe”

ABSTRACTAfter having spent several years in exile in Mexico during World War II, in 1949 German Jewish author Anna Seghers published two novellas set in the Caribbean during the time of transatlantic slavery. In this essay, through an investigation of the novella “Wiedereinfuhrung der Sklaverei in Guadeloupe” (“The Reintroduction of Slavery in Guadeloupe”), I question what Seghers’s portrayal of differently gendered and raced characters says about her argument about revolutionary politics. In general, socialists have long been criticized for their tendency to downplay racism as simply a by-effect that would be eliminated with capitalism. In this regard, Seghers seems to differ; rather than overlooking or downplaying race, “The Reintroduction of Slavery in Guadeloupe” has indeed been praised for demonstrating cross-racial solidarity embodied in its white, mulatto, and black male protagonists. As an author who had been active in socialist political circles since the 1920s and who settled in the Soviet-occup...
Beyond african humanism: Economic reform in post-independent zambia

This study examines distinctive economic reform measures pursued in post-independent Zambia and ethical problems which plagued the reform process. The study begins with a review of the philosophy of Zambian Humanism, the ideology which guided Zambia’s early reform initiatives. Specific reform measures pursued within the framework of humanism focused on: increased state control of the economy; indigenization of the public and private sectors, accelerated development of the rural sector, and use of a series of policy measures to curb domestic exploitation. Beginning in the mid-1980s, deepening economic crisis forced the government to retract most humanist-based reform measures in favor of World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) induced reforms within the framework of structural adjustment and economic liberalization. Post-Humanism reform initiatives built on previous World Bank and IMF formulated framework, but stalled due in part to increase in ethical misbehavior in higher levels of government.
Riding with the Cowboys: Do Entrainment and Entrainment Quotient Matter to Firm Performance?

Most theory and evidence about firm adaptation to major environmental change focuses on the "what" and how of strategic choices: activities, structures, and transactions with their environments. Fa...
Understanding Teacher Change: A National Survey of U.S. Physical Educators.

ABSTRACTPhysical education is critical to addressing childhood obesity, yet many school-based programs do not meet established quality standards and teachers are called upon to change. Little is known about how change is initiated and its associated internal and external factors. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate physical education teacher change that was self-initiated and externally initiated and to examine dispositions toward the change process relative to initiation. Method: A random national sample of physical educators representing each SHAPE America – Society of Health and Physical Educators regional district participated in a survey measuring past programming changes, primary initiators of change, and teachers’ dispositions toward change. In total, 2,423 teachers (46% response rate) completed electronic, paper, or telephone questionnaires. Results: Teachers most often made minor curriculum changes, and they added/subtracted student assessments (primarily informal assessments) l...
Assimilatory hybrid masculinity in Indian editions of global men’s lifestyle magazines: the production process

This study explores the process through which Indian editions of American and British men’s lifestyle magazines are produced. It shows connections between global strategies and local production of ...
EFFECT OF DIETARY PROTEIN INTAKE ON BONE DENSITY IN OLDER ADULTS IN THE HEALTH, AGING, AND BODY COMPOSITION STUDY

Lower dietary protein intake may contribute to age-related decreases in bone mineral density (BMD) that lead to osteoporosis and fractures. We examined the association between dietary protein intake and BMD, as well as change in BMD, within 1,141 community-dwelling older adult participants of the Health, Aging, and Body Composition Study (mean age, 73.6 years; 49.0% male, 38.9% black). BMD at baseline and Year 6 was acquired from computed tomography (CT) scans of the L3 vertebra, and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans of the whole body and hip. Protein intake was measured from a food frequency questionnaire in Year 2. Baseline BMD and the five-year change in BMD was compared across tertiles of protein intake as a percentage of total energy intake [Prot1 < 13.1% ≤ Prot2 < 15.7% ≤ Prot3] with analysis of covariance, adjusting for age, gender, race, smoking status, alcohol consumption, education, physical activity, BMI, energy intake, osteoporosis medications, calcium and vitamin D supplement use, estrogen therapy, and osteoporosis diagnosis. Baseline CT-derived trabecular, cortical, and integral L3 BMD and DXA-derived whole body, thoracic spine, and lumbar spine BMD was highest in participants with ≥15.7% protein intake, and lowest in participants whose protein intake was <13.1% (all p<0.01). However, 5-year change in BMD was not associated with baseline dietary protein intake. Similar trends were observed in gender-stratified models and when examining intake relative to protein source (animal vs. vegetable). In summary, higher dietary protein intake was associated with greater baseline spine and whole body BMD in community-dwelling older adults.
Obstetric and Pediatric Provider Perspectives on Mandatory Reporting of Prenatal Substance Use.

Objective In many states, health care providers are legally required to report pregnant women who use substances, or infants affected by prenatal substance use, to child welfare authorities. The objective of this study was to characterize obstetric and pediatric providers' perceptions of and experiences with policies requiring mandatory reporting of prenatal substance use to child welfare authorities. Methods We conducted a qualitative interview study among 20 obstetric and pediatric providers to elicit participants' perspectives about and experience with current policy requiring mandatory reporting of prenatal substance use. Two investigators used an iterative content analysis approach to code interview transcripts and identify themes. Results Study participants included obstetrician/gynecologists (N = 7), midwives (N = 5), and pediatricians (N = 8). Providers noted that implementation of the policy was often targeted and that targeted screening can be biased. Most providers reported that they incorporated information about mandatory reporting policies into patient counseling about substance use. They described not knowing what happens to patients after mandatory reporting and concerns regarding unintended consequences. Providers indicated that changes are needed to improve outcomes for patients and their families and suggested increased research into best practices, more funding for social services, and eliminating the policy altogether. Conclusions Health care providers expressed concern about the targeted screening process used to identify women with substance use whose children are reported to child welfare authorities. Most providers believed that mandatory reporting processes could be modified in ways that would support the health of women and children.
A preliminary investigation of impulsivity, aggression and white matter in patients with bipolar disorder and a suicide attempt history.

Abstract Background Impulsivity and aggression may be associated with suicide attempts in bipolar disorder (BD), but findings have been inconsistent. Abnormalities in anterior white matter tracts that project to the frontal lobes mediate top-down regulation of emotion and may contribute to this clinical phenomenology. Methods We assessed white matter (i.e., fractional anisotropy) in anterior and posterior brain regions using diffusion tensor imaging in 18 patients with BD and no prior suicide attempt (BD-S), 12 patients with BD and a prior suicide attempt (BD+S), and 12 healthy volunteers. Patients completed the Urgency, Premeditation, Perseverance, Sensation Seeking, Positive Urgency (UPPS-P) Impulsive Behavior Scale and Impulsive Premeditated Aggression Scale (IPAS). All individuals completed the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11). Results Patients with BD+S had higher overall impulsivity (assessed using both the UPPS-P Impulsive Behavior Scale and BIS-11) and premeditated aggression compared to patients with BD-S. There were no significant group differences on measures of fractional anisotropy (FA). In patients with BD+S, however, higher FA in the anterior (but not the posterior) brain regions correlated with greater overall impulsivity on the UPPS-P Impulsive Behavior Scale. There were no significant correlations between either anterior or posterior brain regions with clinical measures in patients with BD-S. Limitations Cross-sectional study, sample size and possible contribution of psychotropic medications. Conclusion Impulsivity and aggression may be risk factors for a suicide attempt in BD. White matter in the anterior limb of the internal capsule and anterior corona radiata may play a role in this phenomenology.
Black body-like radiative cooling for flexible thin-film solar cells

Abstract Elevated temperature due to sunshine and self-heating can be detrimental to the performance and reliability of solar cells. In this work, we use theoretical calculations to identify that polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), which is chemically stable and inexpensive, can be a highly efficient thermal emitter for cooling flexible thin-film solar cells. It is shown that a 200 µm-thick planar PDMS layer is capable of achieving high emissivity over 0.9 in the whole IR regime of 4–26 µm. The emissivity can be further increased to near-unity by introducing pyramid structures to the surface in the range of 8–13 µm, where environment radiation is negligible. According to the calculated radiative cooling rates and realistic power conversion efficiencies, we show that a pyramid-structured PDMS layer can significantly lower the temperature of an organic, a perovskite and a micro-crystalline (µc)-Si flexible solar cell by 11 °C, 12 °C and 16 °C, respectively. This work may provide important guidance to the design of high performance and reliable flexible solar cells.
Downstream Effect of a Proton Treatment Center on an Academic Medical Center.

Purpose To quantify the effects of opening a proton center (PC) on an academic medical center (AMC)/radiation oncology department. Methods and Materials Radiation treatment volume and relative value units from fiscal year 2015 (FY15) to FY17 were retrospectively analyzed at the AMC and 2 community-based centers. To quantify new patient referrals to the AMC, we reviewed the electronic medical record for all patients seen at the PC since consults were initiated in November 2015 (n = 1173). Patients were excluded if the date of entry into the AMC electronic medical record predated their PC consultation. Hospital resource use and professional and technical charges were obtained for these patients. Academic growth, philanthropy, and resident education were evaluated based on grant submissions, clinical trial enrollment, philanthropy, and pediatric case exposure, respectively, from PC opening through FY17. Results From FY15 to FY17, radiation fractions at the AMC and the 2 community sites decreased by 14% (95% confidence interval [CI], 12%-16%, P Conclusions Despite a slight decline in AMC photon patient volumes and relative value units, a positive downstream effect was associated with the addition of a PC, which benefited the AMC.
Biological activities of hexane extract of Piper cubeba against rice weevils and cowpea weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae).

Piper cubeba fruit was evaluated for its biological activites to adults of Sitophilus oryzae (L.) and Callosobrunchus maculatus (F.). The hexane extract of berries was toxic (>50% mortality) to bot...
A Study on the Optimal Base Station Placement for Connected Smart Factories

As the smart factories become more and more connected, the wireless connectivity of the production and material handling machines and systems become increasingly common in many factory floors. It is hence important to question the impacts of Industrial Wireless Sensor Networks in the performance of smart factories, and in particular their end-to-end reliability. One of the most challenging problems is to determine optimal positions for mounting the wireless sensor nodes for high quality signal reception. Base station placement has a significant impact on network lifetime performance for a wireless sensor network. This problem is particularly challenging in harsh factory environments due to its coupling with data routing. Thus the position and total number of base stations used affect the reliability of the sensor networks used in connecting the factory. This paper presents an approximation technique based on K-means clustering method to determine an optimal position for placing base stations, and minimum number of base stations required for a smart factory implementation. The proposed approach has been validated by simulations, which suggest that increasing the number of the base stations will enhance the communication link quality in industrial environments where there is a huge effect of fading and shadowing. This paper focuses on the problem of placement for base stations in a scale smart factory model where the wireless nodes are used for communication between a number of connected automated manufacturing and material handling equipment.
Inner Workings of the Chinese Economy and the US–China Trade War

China has been touted as a unique success story in development economics. The world financial crisis of 2007–2010 impacted China severely. Its GDP growth slowed, corporate debts piled up, equity ma...
Subjectivité et appareil psychique: sur quiétudes et inquiétudes

El presente trabajo discute reflexivamente sobre acontecimientos socio-politicos que podrian indicar un proceso de transformacion de la subjetividad. Para comprender ese cambio es preciso investigar como se construye una subjetividad, es decir, como se construyen modos concretos, imaginarios y simbolicos de hacer, pensar, sentir, decir y fantasear. Partimos de la conviccion de que el sujeto es un ser historico social atravesado por la necesidad y el deseo. Tal conformacion indica la ineludible tarea de comprender el sistema social en el que se desarrolla la subjetividad dado que es en y desde las territorialidades que son y pueden ser-alli en las que se encuentran o no las posibilidades de su realizacion. El proceso de produccion capitalista origina la fetichizacion de la mercancia (dinamica bajo la que se cosifica al trabajador) y la reificacion del capital, siendo una consecuencia de su imperio, la reduccion del sujeto historico social a la alienacion individual. Sugerimos que el deseo (de transformar las estructuras de explotacion y dominacion) es determinante y acaso anterior a la conciencia de la opresion. Por consiguiente, la raiz de todo acto revolucionario se encuentra en la poesia, en la palabra, en aquello que despierta el deseo de transformacion.
Facilitating Student–Instructor and Student–Student Interaction During Remote Learning Using a 3D Printed Mirror Mount

Schools and universities had to quickly adapt to a distance-learning model when the COVID-19 virus became a worldwide pandemic. In response, teachers found alternative ways to deliver course content and also interact with their students one-on-one to help them learn the material. We present here an inexpensive mirror mount for students to use on their laptops which can enable a real-time interaction between learner and instructor. Students can have their work seen by the instructor or TA on a regular notepad, which the instructor/TA can then in turn annotate or use to otherwise provide feedback which the student can see on their own laptop screen.
Traits or Circumstances? Children's Explanations of Positive and Negative Behavioral Outcomes.

Abstract This study examined the extent to which children rely on traits to explain behavior. One hundred twenty-eight 4- to 7-year-olds were told stories about actors’ behaviors that led to positive or negative outcomes. Outcomes could be explained with reference to positive or negative traits (niceness or meanness) or transient or irrelevant situational characteristics (such as emotions, biological states, and social categories). Generally, findings indicated that the majority of children referred to traits to explain behaviors and this tendency increased with age. Among non-trait explanations, emotions were used prominently at all ages to explain negative behavior. Older children in particular discounted traits as an explanation for negative outcomes when alternate explanations such as negative emotions were available. Latent Class Analyses captured individual difference attributional profiles among children: although most children were trait theorists, some children referred consistently to non-trait or situational explanations. Two other profiles reflected positivity and negativity biases in children’s explanations. These findings contribute to our knowledge about the relative influence of trait and non-trait explanations for positive and negative behavioral outcomes; we also present the first evidence for profiles of personality attribution.
Option value and auto title loans

Abstract A title loan is a short- term subprime loan secured by the title of the borrower’s automobile. Upon repayment, the title is retrieved from the lender and the borrower retains the vehicle. In the event of default the lender keeps the title and takes possession of the automobile but has no further recourse if the sale of the auto does not satisfy the outstanding debt. In this paper the borrower’s repayment decision is modeled as a call option with a strike price and option value dependent on loan size and term, interest rate, auto value at expiration and a variable that has not received adequate attention – vehicle quality. Given asymmetric information, the borrower is cognizant as to whether the auto is a peach, lemon or non-fruit and this significantly affects the option value and repayment decision. Under certain conditions the option value of repayment is zero and default may be the better decision even for the owner of a peach. The model is extended to compare the value of the repayment option to the payout of the residual value received from the lender after default. The incentives to rollover the loan are also discussed in terms of the call option value. Analyses are presented of the implications, within the context of the option model, of the use of the auto as collateral and also the likely outcomes for title lenders. Structuring the repayment decision as a call option allows those developing public policy to examine the impact of regulating interest rates, loan term, the loan to auto value ratio and the minimum residual factor.
Gene Expression Profiling in the Management of Uveal Melanoma

Metastatic outcomes and survival have always been challenges in the management of uveal melanoma (UM). Since a gene expression profile (GEP) test was validated for UM, patient prognosis and management changed significantly. GEP is independently the most robust prognostic test for patients with UM improving physician’s ability to stratify need for surveillance testing and enrollment in adjuvant clinical trials. Recently, the discovery of preferentially expressed melanoma antigen (PRAME) has increased the predictive prognostic power of GEP identifying patient at high risk for development of metastases. The clinical applications of GEP in clinical practice have evolved since its validation to assist early clinical diagnosis and management of patients with UM.
Cloud to Ground Secured Computing: User Experiences on the Transition from Cloud-Based to Locally-Sited Hardware.

The application of high-performance computing (HPC) processes, tools, and technologies to Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) creates both opportunities and challenges. Building on our experiences developing, deploying, and managing the Research Environment for Encumbered Data (REED) hosted by AWS GovCloud, Research Computing at Purdue University has recently deployed Weber, our locally-sited HPC solution for the storage and analysis of CUI data. Weber presents our customer base with advances in data access, portability, and usability at a low, stable cost while reducing administrative overhead for our information technology support team.
Surface Stiffness Measurements on Water-Saturated Porous Solids

Generally, the interfacial stiffness is defined as the ratio of the normal or transverse stress to the corresponding interface opening displacement. The interfacial stiffness of a solid/solid interface is characteristic to the nature and degree of interface imperfections therefore it is a sensitive quantitative measure of bond quality. A similar definition of the normal interfacial stiffness can be introduced for fluid/fluid-saturated porous solid boundaries, too. In most cases, the surface pores are inherently “open” and the surface impedance is negligible when the sample is fully submerged in fluid. On the other hand, due to surface tension, practically closed-pore boundary conditions can prevail at an interface between a non-wetting fluid (e.g., air) and a porous solid saturated with a wetting fluid (e.g., water).