cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Man and machine: A collaborative approach to digital collection evaluation

Digital collections continue to secure themselves as reliable and permanent information sources, and stand to play an increasingly significant role in the way in which we expect to interact with information services [1]. In order to support the use of digital collections we need mechanisms that provide useful and easily digestible information to enable users to make judgments regarding quality and usefulness. Initiatives which identify and organize digital collections and repositories are growing and worthy endeavors, but while these projects facilitate access, they provide limited critical contextual and evaluative information. This poster describes ongoing work to establish a system of collaborative evaluation for digital collections.
Transcriptomic and proteomic analysis of global ischemia and cardioprotection in the rabbit heart

Cardioplegia is used to partially alleviate the effects of surgically induced global ischemia injury; however, the molecular mechanisms involved in this cardioprotection remain to be elucidated. To improve the understanding of the molecular processes modulating the effects of global ischemia and the cardioprotection afforded by cardioplegia, we constructed rabbit heart cDNA libraries and isolated, sequenced, and identified a compendium of nonredundant cDNAs for use in transcriptomic and proteomic analyses. New Zealand White rabbits were used to compare the effects of global ischemia and cardioplegia compared with control (nonischemic) hearts. The effects of RNA and protein synthesis on the cardioprotection afforded by cardioplegia were investigated separately by preperfusion with either α-amanitin or cycloheximide. Our results demonstrate that cardioplegia partially ameliorates the effects of global ischemia and that the cardioprotection is modulated by RNA- and protein-dependent mechanisms. Transcriptomic and proteomic enrichment analyses indicated that global ischemia downregulated genes/proteins associated with mitochondrial function and energy production, cofactor catabolism, and the generation of precursor metabolites of energy. In contrast, cardioplegia significantly increased differentially expressed genes/proteins associated with the mitochondrion and mitochondrial function and significantly upregulated the biological processes of muscle contraction, involuntary muscle contraction, carboxylic acid and fatty acid catabolic processes, fatty acid β-oxidation, and fatty acid metabolic processes.
Leaf Scraping Beetle Feces are a Food Resource for Tree Hole Mosquito Larvae

Abstract In tree holes, leaf scraping scirtid beetles increase the rate at which leaf litter is converted to fine particles, which may benefit fine particle feeding mosquitoes if these fine particles are valuable to mosquitoes. We tested whether the products of scirtid feeding are a valuable food resource for mosquito larvae [Ochlerotatus triseriatus (Say)] by introducing different amounts of scirtid feces to mosquito larvae and measuring mosquito performance. Mosquito larvae survived longer and developed to later instars in treatments with many scirtids (and, therefore, a lot of feces) compared to treatments with few or no scirtids. This result suggests that scirtid feces (and attached microorganisms) constitute a valuable food resource for O. triseriatus. Thus, other members of tree hole communities may have complex effects on the population growth of O. triseriatus.
An Assessment of Fiscal Federalism in the Early 21st Century

This analysis draws on a study by Robert Inman in the late 1980s where he examined broad based trends in fiscal federalism and assistance to the states. In this analysis, he found that federal grants are redistributive across the states, but also that political dynamics appear to play a significant role. Since this time, research on specific grant programs has suggested a deterioration in the federal redistributive role. This research examines influences on the distribution of federal grant-in-aid funds to state and local governments from 1998-2009 across a variety of indicators and finds that poverty in particular has an inverse effect on state receipt of federal grants per capita. This effect appears to be driven in large part by Medicaid funds per capita which are also negatively affected by poverty levels. Although selected income security programs such as food stamps continue to have a redistributive effect, programs such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and federal compensatory education programs, all of which are intended to target poverty, have no correlation with state poverty levels.
Mental Health Disability: A Model for Assessment

Individuals who file claims for mental health disability benefits require medical documentation to support their claims. The level of training of the evaluating mental health professional and the relationship with the claimant vary depending on the type of disability evaluation and the orientation of the mental health clinician’s practice. Regardless, mental health disability evaluators should consider developing a narrative case formulation to assist them in answering the frequently asked questions associated with any type of mental health disability evaluation. A claimant’s documentation requirements may not include the provision of a case formulation. Nevertheless, mental health professionals are better able to address the questions they are asked to answer if they can construct a case formulation that allows them to understand the process by which evaluees have come to identify themselves or be identified as occupationally disabled. This chapter offers a model for constructing case formulations in disability evaluations based on a work capacity analysis.
(±)-trans-3-Benzoyl­bicyclo­[2.2.2]octane-2-carboxylic acid

The title keto acid, C16H18O3, displays significant twisting of all three ethyl­ene bridges in its bicyclo­[2.2.2]octane structure owing to steric inter­actions; the bridgehead-to-bridgehead torsion angles are 13.14 (12), 13.14 (13) and 9.37 (13)°. The compound crystallizes as centrosymmetric carboxyl dimers [O⋯O = 2.6513 (12) A and O—H⋯O = 178°], which have two orientations within the cell and contain no significant carboxyl disorder.
Association of grip and knee extension strength with walking speed of older women receiving home-care physical therapy

Background Decreased muscle strength and limited physical performance are key elements of frailty and sarcopenia. The relative value of grip and knee extension strength for explaining walking performance has not been clearly established. Objectives Compare the ability of grip and knee extension strength to explain gait speed. Design Retrospective use of cross-sectionally obtained data. Setting Patients' homes. Participants Forty-four ambulatory women patients at least 65 years of age. Measurements Grip and knee extension forces obtained bilaterally with dynamometers and comfortable gait speed. Results Knee extension forces were, but grip strength forces were not, correlated significantly with gait speed. Knee extension forces were able, but grip strength forces were not able, to satisfactorily identify patients with gait speeds Conclusions For women receiving therapy in a home-care setting, physical performance as reflected by gait speed is better explained by knee extension strength than by grip strength.
Characterizing Recent Trends in U.S. Heavy Precipitation

AbstractTime series of U.S. daily heavy precipitation (95th percentile) are analyzed to determine factors responsible for regionality and seasonality in their 1979–2013 trends. For annual conditions, contiguous U.S. trends have been characterized by increases in precipitation associated with heavy daily events across the northern United States and decreases across the southern United States. Diagnosis of climate simulations (CCSM4 and CAM4) reveals that the evolution of observed sea surface temperatures (SSTs) was a more important factor influencing these trends than boundary condition changes linked to external radiative forcing alone. Since 1979, the latter induces widespread, but mostly weak, increases in precipitation associated with heavy daily events. The former induces a meridional pattern of northern U.S. increases and southern U.S. decreases as observed, the magnitude of which closely aligns with observed changes, especially over the south and far west. Analysis of model ensemble spread reveals t...
Towards Identification of Lower Scale Composite Material Properties From Higher Scale Experimental Data via Inverse Analysis of Coupled Multiscale Models

In the present paper we demonstrate the application of a multiscale inverse methodology for identifying material properties of the constituents of a selected composite material with long fibers embedded in a polymer matrix by utilizing macro-scale experimental data. Taking advantage of a computational homogenization technique for periodic microstructures, the proposed optimization methodology allows, for the determination of a considerable number of the elastic properties of the composite material at the micro-scale of the constituents and their interface zone. Our approach describes the theoretical development and numerical implementation of a multi-scale modeling chain of the composite, extending from the periodic microstructure represented by a suitable unit cell and subjected to appropriate periodic boundary conditions at the micro scale, to the composite lamina at the meso-scale, to the laminated, multi-axially loaded material at the macro-scale. By applying the proposed methodology, we have been able to accurately calculate several fiber, matrix properties by utilizing properly generated synthetic data of the macro-scale behavior of the composite laminate. Furthermore, in an effort to explore the potential of our method for identifying quantities that manifest only after manufacturing including damage quantities at the micro-scale, we have initiated an effort to explore the capability of determining fiber-matrix interfacial properties and have demonstrated initial success.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Chondroid Chordoma—A Variant of Chordoma: A Morphologic and Immunohistochemical Study

In 1973, Heffelfinger and coworkers described a variant of chordoma that contained cartilaginous areas indistinguishable from hyaline type chondrosarcoma. They designated these tumors chondroid chordomas and found that they had a better prognosis than classic (nonchondroid) chordomas. Since that time, there has been an ongoing debate over whether chondroid chordoma is best considered a distinct clinicopathologic entity separable from chondrosarcoma or a misdiagnosed chondrosarcoma whose concept developed from the erroneous interpretation of morphology. In an attempt to clarify the issue, the authors used light microscopy and immunohistochemistry to study 12 chondroid chordomas, 38 classic chordomas, and 28 chondrosarcomas that arose in the base of the skull or spine. As a reference, they also analyzed the immunohistochemical profile of fetal notochord, ecchordosis physaliphora, and fetal hyaline cartilage. They found that all chondroid and nonchondroid chordomas were positive for cytokeratin, and the majority were also positive for epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). In contrast, none of the chondrosarcomas stained for cytokeratin, EMA or CEA. Vimentin and S-100 were positive in more than 95% of both classic and chondroid chordomas and chondrosarcomas. The immunohistochemical profile of these tumors was similar to the pattern of immunoreactivity of their nonneoplastic counterparts. The authors conclude that chondroid chordomas is a variant of chordoma and should not be confused with chondrosarcoma. Because chondroid chordomas have been reported to have a better prognosis, they felt that this nosologic term should be preserved and that chondroid chordoma should continue to be a focus of clinical and pathologic study.
Notes on the History of the General Equations of Hydrodynamics

(1953). Notes on the History of the General Equations of Hydrodynamics. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 60, No. 7, pp. 445-458.
ANTINUCLEAR FACTOR IN SENSITIZED LYMPH AND SERUM FROM SKIN HOMOGRAFTED DOGS.

SummaryA factor reacting with epithelial and mesenchymal nuclei of 54% of skin homografts in dogs, 36% of donor and 19% of host's normal skin could be demonstrated in their respective host's, sensitized lymph supernate by the indirect fluorescent antibody technic. Recipient serum less frequently contained this factor and only against nuclei of donor (14%) and host's normal skin (9%). Pretreatment of skin sections with Dnase failed to alter this reaction. Lymph from homografted dogs exhibited elevation of total protein, albumin and gamma globulin. However, this latter could not be absolutely correlated with the occurrence of antinuclear factor. The precise role of antinuclear factor in homograft rejection remains to be demonstrated.
Abstract 1899: Anti-skin tumor promoting effects of pentacyclic triterpenes found in Perilla frutescens

Proceedings: AACR 106th Annual Meeting 2015; April 18-22, 2015; Philadelphia, PA In this study, we conducted a comprehensive examination of a series of pentacyclic tritperpenes found in P. frutescens, including ursolic acid (UA) oleanolic acid (OA), augustic acid (AA), corosolic acid (CA), 3-epi-corosolic acid (3-epiCA), maslinic acid (MA), and 3-epi-maslinic acid (3-epiMA) for their effects on epidermal cell signaling, proliferation, and skin inflammation in relation to their ability to inhibit skin tumor promotion by TPA. For these experiments, female ICR mice (7-9 weeks of age) were treated with either acetone or 2 μmol of UA, OA, AA, CA, 3-epiCA, MA, or 3-epiMA 30 min prior to TPA (6.8 nmol) treatment The treatment protocol involved twice weekly treatments over a two week period. Mouse epidermis (6 hr time point) and whole skin (48 hr time point) were collected for Western blot analysis and histological analysis, respectively. Pretreatment with these compounds inhibited the activation of JNK1/2, Src, and Stat3 as well as the induction of Cox-2 protein. Pretreatment with the compounds also reversed the effect of TPA on PDCD4 and p27, and increased the activation of AMPK and LKB1. We also examined the effect of the compounds on TPA-induced epidermal hyperproliferation as assessed by epidermal thickness and epidermal labeling index (LI). All of the compounds examined significantly inhibited TPA-induced epidermal hyperproliferation (significant reductions in both epidermal thickness and LI). In addition, the effect of the triterpenes on TPA-induced infiltration of mast cells in dermis was evaluated. UA significantly inhibited the infiltration of dermal mast cells induced by TPA. Notably, OA, AA, CA, 3-epiCA, MA, and 3-epiMA produced a greater inhibitory effect than that seen with UA on the number of infiltrated mast cells. Thus, UA and a series of related triterpenes differentially inhibited multiple signaling pathways, epidermal hyperproliferation, and a marker of skin inflammation (infiltrated mast cells) induced by TPA. Several of the compounds including CA, 3-epiCA, MA, and 3-epiMA were particularly effective in these experiments. We are currently testing the ability of this group of compounds to inhibit skin tumor promotion by TPA in a two-stage skin carcinogenesis experiment. Collectively, the current data suggest that several pentacyclic triterpenes, in addition to UA, may have potent chemopreventive activity. Research supported by CA164159. Citation Format: Jiyoon Cho, Okkyung Rho, Jacob Junco, Thomas J. Slaga, Andrew M. Camelio, Dionicio Siegel, John DiGiovanni. Anti-skin tumor promoting effects of pentacyclic triterpenes found in Perilla frutescens. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 1899. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-1899
Viral Infections Associated with Bone Marrow Transplantation

Bone marrow transplantation is complicated by a sequential occurrence of viral infections, the predictability of which influences disease management. Among these infections are herpes simplex virus, cytomegalovirus, varicella zoster virus, Epstein-Barr virus, respiratory viral infections, hepatitis viral infections, and gastrointestinal infections. The approach to the treatment and prevention of these infections is discussed.
TRANSURETHRAL INCISION OF THE PROSTATE

Transurethral surgery of the prostate and bladder neck is an old procedure for the treatment of infravesical obstruction. Pare, in 1575, used a metal sound when performing transurethral surgery for infravesical obstruction (Shelley 1969). Through a perineal urethrotomy, Blizzard, in 1806, introduced incision of the prostate using a double gorget or knife (Blain 1983). Guthrie, Bell, Civiale, and Mercier all were strong advocates of transurethral surgery to relieve bladder outlet obstruction and each constructed an instrument of his own. The instruments were called by various names such as prostatome, incisor, excisor, prostatolithotrite, and kiotome. In spite of the refinement of this blind transurethral prostatic surgery at that time, this procedure never became widely accepted, primarily due to the high incidence of infection, bleeding, incontinence, and operative mortality.
Effect of Alloying Components on the Tribocorrosion Properties of Tungsten-Carbide Cermets

We study the corrosion and tribocorrosion properties of tungsten-carbide metal composites alloyed with graphite and chromium and vanadium carbides in a 3% NaCl solution. It is shown that the addition of 2–4% of graphite to the VN20 composite intensifies local corrosion processes because graphite inclusions serve as additional cathodic sections. This deteriorates the tribocorrosion behavior of the alloys, including the alloys alloyed with chromium and vanadium carbides because the corrosion processes in the contact zone lead to the crumbling of carbide inclusions playing the role of abrasive. We revealed the high wear resistance of the (VN20 + 1% VC)–(VN20 + 1% Cr3C2 ) friction couple in a 3% NaCl solution. After friction, the corrosion current density decreases on both contacting surfaces by almost an order of magnitude, which corresponds to the formation of secondary structures guaranteeing corrosion protection.
Computer Program for Leveling Resources Usage

A computer program is presented that is to perform the task of leveling resource usage for a project using as input the critical path method solution for event times and floats. The manipulations of activities follow a predetermined order of selection. The order of selection is explained with good and bad features noted. Control of the individual problem is provided to the user through the ability to vary several inputs. The program is designed to accept the superposition of additional criteria for manipulation in order that experimentation be encouraged.
Flow Cytometry of Lung and Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Cells from Mice Challenged with Fluorescent Aspergillus Reporter (FLARE) Conidia

Aspergillus fumigatus is a ubiquitous fungal pathogen that forms airborne conidia. The process of restricting conidial germination into hyphae by lung leukocytes is critical in determining infectious outcomes. Tracking the outcome of conidia-host cell encounters in vivo is technically challenging and an obstacle to understanding the molecular and cellular basis of antifungal immunity in the lung. Here, we describe a method that utilizes a genetically engineered Aspergillus strain [called FLARE (Jhingran et al., 2012; Espinosa et al., 2014; Heung et al., 2015)] to monitor conidial phagocytosis and killing by leukocytes within the lung environment at single encounter resolution.
How Do Things Persist? Location Relations in Physics and the Metaphysics of Persistence

This paper investigates the use of theories of mechanics (classical and quantum) to provide answers to questions in the metaphysics of spatial location and persistence. Investigating spatial location, I find that in classical physics bodies pertend the region of space at which they are exactly located, while a quantum system spans a region at which it is exactly located. Following this analysis, I present a ‘no-go’ result which shows that quantum mechanics (conventionally interpreted) restricts the available options for locational persistence theories in an interesting way: it demonstrates that the spatiotemporal path of a persisting thing is discrete (or discontinuous) in time. This leads to unpalatable consequences for both perdurantists and endurantists. In particular, I argue that Butterfield’s ‘anti-pointilliste’ perdurantism is ruled out, and show that endurantists relying on immanent causation run into trouble. I conclude by suggesting the revival of Whitehead’s alternative mode of persistence called ‘reiteration.’
Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin 2 Regulates Phagosome Maturation and Is Required for Bacterial Clearance in Escherichia coli Sepsis

Background:Transient receptor potential melastatin 2 is a Ca2+-permeable cation channel abundantly expressed in macrophages. Trpm2−/− mice showed exacerbated infection and mortality during polymicrobial sepsis, which is associated with inefficient bacterial killing in macrophages. However, the mecha
Paraspinal Advancement Flap for Back Reconstruction

The paraspinal advancement flap can provide muscle coverage for midline posterior defects. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia in the prone position. It is critical to ensure adequate debridement of any devitalized or necrotic tissue. The paraspinal muscles are located by incising the thoracolumbar fascia medially. If the wound is chronic, incisions may need to be extended proximally or distally to identify normal tissue planes. Paraspinal muscles are released from their origin on the spine. This is bluntly elevated from the transverse processes mobilizing the muscle medially to laterally. Skin and subcutaneous tissue is undermined in a supra-fascial plane to allow primary closure. Alternatively, a turnover flap can be performed by making the initial fascial incisions on the lateral aspect of the erector spinae fascia, elevating the muscle groups from lateral to medial (preserving the medial perforator row), and transposing the lateral edges of bilateral muscle flaps toward the midline.
Thomas Earl Starzl (1926-2017).

Thomas E. Starzl, best known for his contributions to the field of organ transplantation, died on 4 March 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was 90 years old. Starzl pioneered many aspects of transplantation, including immunosuppressive drug development, organ preservation, tissue matching, and innovative transplant surgical procedures. He developed the team approach to organ transplantation, thus paving the way for the success and acceptance of heart, lung, pancreas, intestinal, liver, kidney, and composite tissue transplants. Thanks to Starzl's lifetime commitment to transplantation, close to 1 million patients around the world have received a life-saving organ transplant.
COMPARISON OF ROCK SEAWALL AND DUNE FOR STORM DAMAGE REDUCTION

Four test series consisting of 14 tests and 140 runs (each run lasted 400 s) were conducted in a wave flume with a sand beach and a berm in order to compare the effectiveness of a dune and a rock (stone) seawall placed on the foreshore in reducing wave overtopping and sand overwash. The incident irregular waves were kept approximately the same for all the runs. The water level was increased to create dune erosion and crest lowering as well as stone displacement. The dune was effective in eliminating or reducing wave overtopping and overwash in comparison to the corresponding berm with no dune but the narrow dune was destroyed easily as the water level was increased. The stone seawall reduced wave overtopping and overwash even after it was damaged moderately. A stone seawall buried inside a dune was examined in the last test series. The buried seawall functioned like the dune initially and like the seawall after the sand on the seawall was eroded by overtopping waves. The buried seawall combines the aesthetics of the dune and the robustness of the stone seawall.
Easily fabricated ion source for characterizing mixtures of organic compounds by direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry

The increasing use of atmospheric pressure mass spectrometry has led to the development of many ambient ionization sources, for which sampling versatility and low cost are desired features. One such recent ambient ionization method is direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry (DART-MS), which has proven to be well suited to the analysis of native samples of both simple and complex natures. We describe a home-built DART source (EZ-DART) with versatile sampling capabilities, low power requirements, and low assembly cost which can be easily interfaced to mass spectrometers equipped with an atmospheric pressure inlet. The operating temperature range (22–250 °C) enables the acquisition of both temperature programmed desorption-based DART mass spectra and the collection of multistep collision-induced dissociation (CID) mass spectra. We present here the validation of the EZ-DART source and a demonstration of its performance in a number of relevant applications. Additionally, we introduce the new DART application of reagent assisted desorption ionization (RADI) for the targeting of specific chemical functionality in complex organic mixtures through a host–guest chemical system.
Toward Sustainable Rivers and Water Resources

The previous chapter reviewed a long list of human activities that have directly and indirectly altered process and form in river ecosystems, with an associated loss of ecosystem services. Management in many river basins now focuses on trying to restore some balance between existing, typically consumptive or homogenizing uses of river resources versus restoration of diversity, sustainability, and river ecosystem health. None of the latter three terms is easy to define. Diversity refers to variety but, as discussed in Chap. 2, there are multiple ways to define physical or biotic diversity and no particular metric is consistently better in all situations or for all purposes. Sustainability in an ecological context typically refers to the ability of ecosystems to remain diverse and productive. In a physical context, sustainability may refer to the ability of a system to continue functioning or providing natural resources. River health also has multiple potential definitions. Even using the relatively simple definition in Chap. 1, that river health is the degree to which a river ecosystem matches natural conditions, requires understanding natural conditions. On the one hand, use and understanding of words matters and people may use similar words but have different objectives or desired outcomes. On the other hand, diversity, sustainability, and river health are now widely used and there is at least broad consensus on the meaning of these words. So, what is being done to protect and restore river corridors? This chapter reviews the development of river restoration during the latter twentieth century and early twenty-first century; discusses particular concepts used in restoration; and presents specific examples of watershed-scale restoration.
Trade-Off Between Prediction Accuracy and Underestimation Rate in Job Runtime Estimates

Job runtime estimates provided by users are widely acknowledged to be overestimated and runtime overestimation can greatly degrade job scheduling performance. Previous studies focus on improving accuracy of job runtime estimates by reducing runtime overestimation, but fail to address the underestimation problem (i.e., the underestimation of job runtimes). Using an underestimated runtime is catastrophic to a job as the job will be killed by the scheduler before completion. We argue that both the improvement of runtime accuracy and the reduction of underestimation rate are equally important. To address this problem, we propose an online runtime adjustment framework called TRIP. TRIP explores the data censoring capability of the Tobit model to improve prediction accuracy while keeping a low underestimation rate of job runtimes. TRIP can be used as a plugin to job scheduler for improving job runtime estimates and hence boosting job scheduling performance. Preliminary results demonstrate that TRIP is capable of achieving high accuracy of 80% and low underestimation rate of 5%. This is significant as compared to other well-known machine learning methods such as SVM, Random Forest, and Last-2 which result in a high underestimation rate (20%-50%). Our experiments further quantify the amount of scheduling performance gain achieved by the use of TRIP.
THE epistemologies of parsimony: A review of Ockham's razors: A user's manual by Elliott Sober

Sober analyzes two paradigms of parsimony that have been used successfully in science. These are associated with two interpretations of probability: Bayesian and frequentist. Sober applies these paradigms to problems in biology, psychology, and philosophy. In the chapter on psychology, he argues that objective data consisting of environmental input and two or more concurrent responses could be used to refute empirically the radical behaviorist thesis that probability of learned responses can be accounted for solely on the basis of environmental variables. Sober believes that such data are readily available and offers a thought experiment to illustrate his point. Behavior analysts, however, would want actual experimental data, undoubtedly with animals, before accepting any such refutation. Nonetheless, Sober's philosophical point about the type of experiment that would be capable of refuting this thesis is valid. The behavior analytic program, however, does not depend upon the truth of this thesis.
Adolescence effortful control as a mediator between family ecology and problematic substance use in early adulthood: A 16-year prospective study

This study examined the mediated effect of early adolescence familial context on early adulthood problematic substance use through effortful control in late adolescence. The sample consisted of a community sample of 311 adolescents and their families comprising the control group within a randomized trial intervention. Parental monitoring and parent-child relationship quality (P-C RQ) were measured annually from ages 11 to 13. Effortful control was measured by self-reports and parent and teacher reports at ages 16 to 17. Self-reports of problematic tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana use were measured at ages 18 to 19, 21 to 22, 23 to 24, and 26 to 27. Structural equation modeling was employed to test hypothesized models. Only P-C RQ was found to be significantly associated with adolescent effortful control. As expected, higher levels of adolescent effortful control were associated with lower problematic substance use through early adulthood, controlling for previous substance use levels. Mediation analyses showed that effortful control significantly mediated the relationship between P-C RQ and problematic substance use. Higher relationship quality between youth and parents in early adolescence is associated with higher effortful control, which in turn relates to a lower level of problematic substance use in early adulthood.
Provider adherence to clinical guidelines related to lipid-lowering medications.

ABSTRACT:The objective of this study was to determine whether health care providers at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) in Salem, Virginia were adherent to lipid-lowering medication guidelines over a 5-year period. Five hundred randomly chosen electronic medical records of veterans with diabetes, congestive heart failure, and/or coronary artery disease were examined for the use of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors as part of a larger study on patient–provider adherence to cardiovascular risk-reduction guidelines. Study findings indicated that health care providers prescribed HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors to patients at high risk per evidence-based guidelines. Provider adherence to guidelines rose each year of the study, which coincided with the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center efforts to educate health care providers about the evidence-based guidelines, utilization of computer-generated reminders, open access appointment scheduling, and increased collaboration with patients.
Collagen: Structure, Function and Biomaterial Properties

Collagen, in the form of fibers, represents the single most abundant animal protein in mammals accounting for 40% of all proteins (Fig. 1). The collagen molecules, after being secreted by the cells, assemble into very characteristic fibers, and as such are responsible for the functional integrity of tissues such as bone, cartilage, skin and tendon (Fig. 2). They also contribute a structural framework to other tissues such as blood vessels and most organs. Crosslinks between adjacent molecules are a prerequisite for the collagen fibers to withstand the physical stresses to which they are exposed. Native crosslinks are generated by a rather complicated series of intracellular and extracellular events, and significant progress has been made towards understanding the functional groups involved in their formation, nature and location along the molecules.(1)
Cortical Neuromodulation of Remote Regions after Experimental Traumatic Brain Injury Normalizes Forelimb Function but is Temporally Dependent.

Abstract Traumatic brain injury (TBI) results in well-known, significant alterations in structural and functional connectivity. Although this is especially likely to occur in areas of pathology, de...
Multinational Enterprises: Leveraging a Corporate International Entrepreneurship Lens for New Insights Into Subsidiary Initiatives

Abstract Corporate entrepreneurship has long been acknowledged as critical to multinational enterprises (MNEs), with dispersed entrepreneurial efforts involving subsidiary initiatives becoming increasingly relied upon. Yet despite the global context in which MNEs operate, the conversation has not fully embraced the extent to which many of its entrepreneurial activities overlap with internationalization. In this paper, we identify a set of opportunity phenotypes for subsidiary initiatives based on their market focus as well as the knowledge and capabilities leveraged to identify and exploit the opportunity. The recursive relationship between opportunities and dynamic capabilities is then discussed, with an emphasis on building a research agenda for corporate international entrepreneurship.
Synthesis and characterization of amoxicillin loaded poly (vinyl alcohol)-g-poly (acrylamide) (PVA-g-PAM) hydrogels and study of swelling triggered release of antibiotic drug

In the present work, amoxicillin drug-loaded films of poly (vinyl alcohol)-g-poly (acrylamide) of varying compositions were prepared by graft copolymerization method. The as-prepared drug-loaded grafted hydrogels were characterized by various analytical techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction analysis, respectively. The grafted hydrogels were investigated for their water intake behavior under varying experimental conditions of their chemical composition, pH and temperature of the swelling bath, and simulated biological fluids. The water sorption data of hydrogels were used to calculate network parameters of the grafted hydrogel such as average molecular weight between crosslinks (Mc), crosslink density (Ve), number of elastically effective chains (qe), swelling exponent (n), and diffusion constant (D), respectively. The swelling controlled drug release behavior of amoxicillin loaded hydrogel was investigated under in vitro conditions, and the influence of various factors such as chemical composition of grafted hydrogel, percent loading of drug (amoxicillin), pH and temperature of the release media was studied on the release profiles of the drug. The amoxicillin loaded grafted hydrogels were also examined for their antibacterial activity against gram-negative bacteria.
The Color of the Sun – Perception and Spectral Density

The peak position of the spectral density for blackbody radiation is given by the Wien displacement law. Within introductory physics materials it is often stated, or implied through example, that the color of the light emitted from a blackbody, such as the Sun, can be ascertained from knowledge of the position of that peak in the spectral density. Such a conclusion is at best incomplete, may be misleading, and in many ways can be considered to be wrong. Here these claims are addressed and a method for introducing and better understanding spectral density is presented. For concreteness, the discussion centers around the solar spectrum, which is often used as an example in physics and astronomy classes.
UMP Kinase Regulates Chloroplast Development and Cold Response in Rice

Pyrimidine nucleotides are important metabolites that are building blocks of nucleic acids, which participate in various aspects of plant development. Only a few genes involved in pyrimidine metabolism have been identified in rice and the majority of their functions remain unclear. In this study, we used a map-based cloning strategy to isolate a UMPK gene in rice, encoding the UMP kinase that phosphorylates UMP to form UDP, from a recessive mutant with pale-green leaves. In the mutant, UDP content always decreased, while UTP content fluctuated with the development of leaves. Mutation of UMPK reduced chlorophyll contents and decreased photosynthetic capacity. In the mutant, transcription of plastid-encoded RNA polymerase-dependent genes, including psaA, psbB, psbC and petB, was significantly reduced, whereas transcription of nuclear-encoded RNA polymerase-dependent genes, including rpoA, rpoB, rpoC1, and rpl23, was elevated. The expression of UMPK was significantly induced by various stresses, including cold, heat, and drought. Increased sensitivity to cold stress was observed in the mutant, based on the survival rate and malondialdehyde content. High accumulation of hydrogen peroxide was found in the mutant, which was enhanced by cold treatment. Our results indicate that the UMP kinase gene plays important roles in regulating chloroplast development and stress response in rice.
The Depression Prevention Initiative: Mediators of Interpersonal Psychotherapy-Adolescent Skills Training.

Several adolescent depression prevention programs have demonstrated effects on depressive symptoms and overall functioning. Yet, despite an increasing emphasis on elucidating mechanisms of change i...
Aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 activation by Alda-1 decreases necrosis and fibrosis after bile duct ligation in mice.

Abstract Background and aim Liver fibrosis is a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Oxidative stress is a key component in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. We investigated the role of aldehyde formation resulting from lipid peroxidation in cholestatic liver injury and fibrosis. Methods C57Bl/6J mice underwent bile duct ligation (BDL) or sham operation. One hour after surgery and daily thereafter, animals were given Alda-1 (20 mg/kg, s.c.), an aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 activator, or equivalent volume of vehicle. Blood and livers were collected after 3 and 14 days. Results Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) increased from 39.8 U/L after sham operation to 537 U/L 3 days after BDL, which Alda-1 decreased to 281 U/L. Biliary infarcts with a periportal distribution developed with an area of 7.8% at 14 days after BDL versus 0% area after sham operation. Alda-1 treatment with BDL decreased biliary infarcts to 1.9%. Fibrosis detected by picrosirius red staining increased from 1.6% area in sham to 7.3% after BDL, which decreased to 3.8% with Alda-1. Alda-1 suppression of fibrosis was additionally confirmed by second harmonic generation microscopy. After BDL, collagen-I mRNA increased 12-fold compared to sham, which decreased to 6-fold after Alda-1 treatment. Smooth muscle α-actin expression in the liver, a marker of activated stellate cells, increased from 1% area in sham to 18.7% after BDL, which decreased to 5.3% with Alda-1. CD68-positive macrophages increased from 33.4 cells/field in sham to 134.5 cells/field after BDL, which decreased to 64.9 cells/field with Alda-1. Lastly, 4-hydroxynonenal adduct (4-HNE) immunofluorescence increased from 2.5% area in sham to 14.1% after BDL. Alda-1 treatment decreased 4-HNE to 2.2%. Conclusion Accelerated aldehyde degradation by Alda-1 decreases BDL-induced liver necrosis, inflammation, and fibrosis, implying that aldehydes play an important role in the pathogenesis of cholestatic liver injury and fibrosis.
Suppression of Inflammasome Activation by IRF8 and IRF4 in cDCs Is Critical for T Cell Priming.

Summary Inflammasome activation leads to pyroptotic cell death, thereby eliminating the replicative niche of virulent pathogens. Although inflammasome-associated cytokines IL-1β and IL-18 have an established role in T cell function, whether inflammasome activation in dendritic cells (DCs) is critical for T cell priming is not clear. Here, we find that conventional DCs (cDCs) suppress inflammasome activation to prevent pyroptotic cell death, thus preserving their ability to prime both CD4 and CD8 T cells. Transcription factors IRF8 and IRF4, in cDC1s and cDC2s, respectively, mediate suppression of inflammasome activation by limiting the expression of inflammasome-associated genes. Overexpression of IRF4 or IRF8 inhibits inflammasome activation in macrophages, while reduced expression of IRF8 leads to aberrant inflammasome activation in cDC1s and hampers their ability to prime CD8 T cells. Thus, activation of inflammasome in DCs is detrimental to adaptive immunity, and our results reveal that cDCs use IRF4 and IRF8 to suppress this response.
Impact of Emergency Medicine Point-of-Care Ultrasound on Radiology Ultrasound Volumes in a Single Pediatric Emergency Department.

Abstract Purpose Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is growing, but few data exist regarding its effects on radiology ultrasound (Rad US) volumes. The authors studied changes in Rad US ordered by emergency medicine (EM) as POCUS began and grew at their pediatric hospital. Methods This retrospective study included EM POCUS and EM-ordered Rad US volumes between 2011 and 2017, during three 2-year intervals: before POCUS, early POCUS, and expanded POCUS. Changes in overall Rad US and POCUS volumes per visit during these intervals were studied. Changes in skin and soft tissue infection (SSTI) US per SSTI visit, an examination performed diagnostically by both radiology and EM, were also assessed. Volume differences were examined using the Mann-Whitney U test (significance threshold, P Results The study included 49,908 Rad US and 2,772 POCUS examinations during 647,890 emergency department visits. Rad US volumes per visit remained unchanged during early POCUS (P = .858) but increased with expanded POCUS (P Conclusions Rad US overall and specifically for SSTI increased or remained stable during the introduction and growth of EM POCUS. Rather than decreasing Rad US, EM POCUS had a complementary role.
Privacy practices using genetic data from cell-free DNA aneuploidy screening.

Cell-free fetal DNA (cfDNA) analyzes maternal and fetoplacental DNA, generating highly personal genetic information for both mother and fetus. This study aimed to determine how laboratories retain, use, and share genetic information from cfDNA. Other outcomes included laboratories’ adherence to American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) privacy principles, and the readability of privacy policies. Laboratories offering cfDNA aneuploidy screening were identified from online searches, curated databases, and a genomics news website. Of 124 laboratories identified, 13 were commercial laboratories offering cfDNA aneuploidy screening in the United States, and were included. Genetic privacy policies from eligible laboratories were identified by reviewing requisition and consent forms, which were obtained online or by direct contact. Most laboratories use prenatal genetic information for research (n = 10, 77%), and more than half (n = 7, 54%) shared genetic information with others. Overall, laboratories inadequately disclosed privacy risks. In a readability analysis, 9 of 11 (82%) laboratories’ genetic privacy policies were written at or above a 12th grade reading level. Most laboratories allowed for prolonged use and sharing of cfDNA data, demonstrated incomplete adherence to ASHG privacy recommendations, and provided consents written in college-level language. Laboratories should revise their consent forms, and providers should help patients understand these forms.
Role of the Private Sector in the Management of Highways: A Primer on Public-Private Partnerships

A number of states have used public-private partnerships (PPPs), usually funded at least partially by tolls, to manage highway or bridge projects. Whether to make more use of PPPs has been the subject of considerable debate. If PPPs are to improve social welfare through their management of highway and bridge projects, how the government structures each contract with a private partner is an important consideration. To increase social welfare, PPP contracts need to achieve a balance between the price of tolls, the share of costs borne by taxpayers, and the impact of pricing on the rest of the highway network. Tolls should be high enough to limit congestion but low enough to attract enough traffic to use the additional highway capacity and limit congestion on parallel roads and highways. State departments of transportation should use contracts that pass along some risk to the private partner but include arrangements to limit that risk, such as variable-term contracts and minimum revenue guarantees, in order to reduce financing costs. It is also important that highway departments clearly communicate project goals and tradeoffs involved to voters and their elected representatives.
Rapid and efficient adaptation of the dTAG system in mammalian development reveals stage specific requirements of NELF

Targeted protein degradation methods offer a unique avenue to assess a proteins function in a variety of model systems. Recently, these approaches have been applied to mammalian cell culture models, enabling unprecedented temporal control of protein function. However, the efficacy of these systems at the tissue and organismal levels in vivo is not well established. Here, we tested the functionality of the degradation tag (dTAG) degron system in mammalian development. We generated a homozygous knock-in mouse with a FKBPF36V tag fused to Negative elongation factor b (Nelfb) locus, a ubiquitously expressed protein regulator of transcription. In the first validation of targeted endogenous protein degradation across mammalian development, we demonstrate that irrespective of the route of administration the dTAG system is safe, rapid, and efficient in embryos from the zygote to midgestation stages. Additionally, acute early depletion of NELFB revealed a specific role in zygote-to-2-cell development and Zygotic Genome Activation (ZGA). HIGHLIGHTSO_LIgenetically engineered mouse model harboring a FKBPF36V knock-in to evaluate kinetics and efficacy of the dTAG degron system in vivo C_LIO_LIsystem is non-toxic, and allows acute and efficient degradation of a FKBPF36V- tagged endogenous protein during in utero embryo development C_LIO_LIsystem nables fine temporal degradation and reversibility of depletion across embryonic stages C_LIO_LIstage-specific depletion reveals a role for NELFB during mouse ZGA C_LI