cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Etiology and Epidemiological Conditions Promoting Fusarium Root Rot in Sweetpotato

Sweetpotato production in the United States is limited by several postharvest diseases, and one of the most common is Fusarium root rot. Although Fusarium solani is believed to be the primary causal agent of disease, numerous other Fusarium spp. have been reported to infect sweetpotato. However, the diversity of Fusarium spp. infecting sweetpotato in North Carolina is unknown. In addition, the lack of labeled and effective fungicides for control of Fusarium root rot in sweetpotato creates the need for integrated strategies to control disease. Nonetheless, epidemiological factors that promote Fusarium root rot in sweetpotato remain unexplored. A survey of Fusarium spp. infecting sweetpotato in North Carolina identified six species contributing to disease, with F. solani as the primary causal agent. The effects of storage temperature (13, 18, 23, 29, and 35°C), relative humidity (80, 90, and 100%), and initial inoculum level (3-, 5-, and 7-mm-diameter mycelia plug) were examined for progression of Fusarium ...
Metal complexes (M = Zn, Sn, and Pb) of 2-phosphinobenzenethiolates: insights into ligand folding and hemilability.

The divalent metal complexes MII{(SC6H4-2-PR2)-κ2S,P}2 (3–7, and 9–11) (M = Zn, Sn, or Pb; R = iPr, tBu, or Ph), the Sn(IV) complexes Sn{(SC6H4-2-PR2)-κ2-S,P}Ph2Cl (12 and 13) (R = iPr and tBu), an...
Seismic evidence of glacial-age river incision into the Tahaa barrier reef, French Polynesia

Rivers have long been recognized for their ability to shape reef-bound volcanic islands. On the time-scale of glacial–interglacial sea-level cycles, fluvial incision of exposed barrier reef lagoons may compete with constructional coral growth to shape the coastal geomorphology of ocean islands. However, overprinting of Pleistocene landscapes by Holocene erosion or sedimentation has largely obscured the role lowstand river incision may have played in developing the deep lagoons typical of modern barrier reefs. Here we use high-resolution seismic imagery and core stratigraphy to examine how erosion and/or deposition by upland drainage networks has shaped coastal morphology on Tahaa, a barrier reef-bound island located along the Society Islands hotspot chain in French Polynesia. At Tahaa, we find that many channels, incised into the lagoon floor during Pleistocene sea-level lowstands, are located near the mouths of upstream terrestrial drainages. Steeper antecedent topography appears to have enhanced lowstand fluvial erosion along Tahaa's southwestern coast and maintained a deep pass. During highstands, upland drainages appear to contribute little sediment to refilling accommodation space in the lagoon. Rather, the flushing of fine carbonate sediment out of incised fluvial channels by storms and currents appears to have limited lagoonal infilling and further reinforced development of deep barrier reef lagoons during periods of highstand submersion.
How to run a sports camp – legally speaking

Camps are a great way to keep kids active throughout the summer and to make money for the program sponsoring them. Planning is needed for a sports camp to be safe for both the camp personnel and the athletes, and to minimize legal negligence. Having a risk management plan in place is important to insure that everyone is aware of the risks of participating. Background checks on camp personnel help ensure the camp leaders and coaches do not have a criminal background. It is important to inspect the facilities/equipment to make sure they are safe to use. Athletic trainers help with injuries that may occur with participation. Supervisors make sure that everyone is accounted for and camp rules help the campers behave in an appropriate manner. When planning activities, it is important to look at the skill level of the athletes. If all of these areas are covered, camps should be legally protected if an issue were to arise.
Research for task matching and scheduling based on genetic tabu algorithm

In general a task scheduling problem is a NP-hard problem.In order to arrange backup task reasonably to minimize the processing time,this paper proposes a task matching and scheduling algorithm based on genetic algorithm and tabu search algorithm.It then studies the genetic algorithm and the tabu search algorithm.The simulation experiment results and application examples show that the algorithm,comparing with the single genetic algorithm ,has a great a result on the search efficiency.
Epidemiological Analysis on Acute Flaccid Paralysis in Yongfu County From 1997 to 2006

Objective To learn about the epidemiological features and operation of monitoring system of 17 cases of acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) reported in Yongfu County from 1997 to 2006,so as to find out the weakness in working and provide guidance to eliminate poliomyelitis. Method Carries on analysis to the correlation monitor data. Results 17 cases of AFP were distributed in 7 townships,with 10 cases of males and 7 cases of females. No Seasonality was found in the time of onsets. The oldest sufferer was 12 years old and the youngest was 1 year old. Immunization ≥3 accounted for 64.71%. Children below 15 years old,the monitoring rate of non-poliomyelitis AFP was 1.89/105. The sampling rate of double qualified feces specimens was 100% but no poliomyelitis virus was isolated.The operation of AEP surveillance system including case investigation,stool sample collection,and case follow-up etc. were all done in time. Conclusion No poliomylitis case occurred in Yongfu County from 1997 to 2006,and the AFP surveillance system to monitor arious indiators meet the requirement.
Detection, purification and characterization of a human cancer-associated galactosyltransferase acceptor

A low-molecular-weight acceptor of galactosyltransferase activity was detected in sera and effusions of patients with extensive maligant disease. This substance was purified to homogeneity from both human serum and effusion by using sequential charcoal/Celite and DEAE-cellulose column chromatography. The purified acceptor was shown to act as substrate for both purified normal and cancer-associated human galactosyltransferase (EC 2.4.1.22) isoenzymes, but had a higher affinity for the cancer-associated isoenzyme (Km = 20 microM) than for the normal isoenzyme (Km = 500 microM). The substrate was found to be a glycopeptide with mol.wt. approx. 3600 determined by polyacrylamide-gel chromatography. Carbohyydate analysis demonstrated only the presence of glucosamine and mannose. Amino acid analysis revealed that the peptide moiety consisted of eight different amino acids, including two residues of asparagine and one residue of serine, but no threonine. These structural data suggest that the acceptor is a fraction of an asparagine-glucosamine type of glycoprotein.
Military apprenticeships in the US: an implementation evaluation

Purpose – Apprenticeships in the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, which operate under the United Services Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP), now account for about 20 percent of all registered apprentices in the USA. The purpose of this paper is to draw on interviews and focus groups to examine the strengths and limitations of USMAP, develops implications of the study for policy, and presents ideas for demonstration projects to learn how best to improve USMAP. Design/methodology/approach – The primary method involved background research on USMAP and USMAP occupations, interviews with key staff members involved with USMAP operations, and 11 focus groups at two Navy and two Marine Corps bases with USMAP apprentices, USMAP completers, and USMAP supervisors. Findings – The study contributes by answering key questions about USMAP. Positives include the potential to upgrade skills, document occupational competencies, and smooth the transition to civilian employment. The study shows that service members have a weak understanding of the rationale for participating and for completing their apprenticeships. Logistical problems often result in incomplete documentation. Counselors lack knowledge about how to make USMAP completers attractive to employers. Finally, USMAP does little to engage employers in insuring the occupational standards are adequate for civilian jobs and in hiring those completing apprenticeships. The study draws policy implications and presents an agenda for research. Practical implications – The military should provide additional financial support to help the program connect participants with civilian jobs, including a website where employers could search for candidates and communicate with veterans. Originality/value – This study is the first to examine the operations and implementation of the USMAP.
6 – UNIMOLECULAR LAYERS IN PROTEIN ANALYSIS

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on unimolecular layers in protein analysis. The study of unimolecular layers and films forms a part of surface chemistry and colloid chemistry. Proteins form monolayers on water and aqueous solutions. In the case of small molecules of known structure and constellation, it is always rewarding and often easy to correlate the architecture of the molecule with its behavior in the monolayer state. It is different in the case of proteins. The structure of this class of substance is still in a hypothetical state and new observational material continuously requires adjustments of tentative theories. Many interfacial techniques provide means to study adsorbed monolayers of native proteins and the interaction of dissolved native protein with interfacially-bound other compounds. Mono-molecular films can exist only at interfaces or surfaces. This implies that each atom or molecule of the monolayer is in direct contact with atoms or molecules of both adjacent phases.
Foetal surgery and using in utero therapies to reduce the degree of disability after birth. Could it be morally defensible or even morally required

In 2008 the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act amendments made deliberately choosing to bring disability into the world, using assisted reproduction, a criminal offence. This paper considers whether the legal prohibition above, should influence other policy areas concerning the welfare of future children such as new possibilities presented by foetal surgery and in utero gene therapy. If we have legal duties to avoid disability in one context should this influence our avoidance of disability in this other context? This paper investigates whether the State might have a stake in wider promotion of practices to reduce the degree of disability in foetuses that will come to exist (as opposed to those that will be aborted). Not selecting for disability does not affect the welfare of any future individual, whereas treating in utero abnormalities can optimize the eventual child’s welfare; antenatal interventions stand to improve clinical outcomes and welfare should that specific child be born. I explore why the State may want to intervene in the antenatal setting and to what extent, if at all; the State should implement these technologies. I argue that if the State is justified in intervening to outlaw the choosing to create disabled lives using assisted reproductive techniques, it is also justified in putting pressure on prospective parents to accept therapies in utero to help their child be born less disabled. However, I qualify this with the argument that the State is not justified in using force or the criminal law in this situation during pregnancy.
Assessing the link between chlorophyll concentration and absorption line height at 676 nm over a broad range of water types

The relationship between absorption at 676 nm normalized to chlorophyll-a, i.e., specific absorption aph*(676), and various optical and environmental properties is examined in extensive data sets from Case I and Case II waters found globally to assess drivers of variability such as pigment packaging. A better understanding of this variability could lead to more accurate estimates of chlorophyll concentrations from in situ optical measurements that may be made autonomously. Values of aph*(676) ranged from 0.00006 to 0.0944 m2/mg Chl a across all sites studied, but converged on median and mean values (n = 563) of 0.0108 and 0.0139 m2/mg Chl a respectively, with no apparent relationship with various optical properties, latitude, coastal or open ocean environment, depth, temperature, salinity, photoadaptation, ecosystem health, or albedo. Relative consistency in aph* across such diverse water types and the full range in chlorophyll concentration suggests a single aph* may be used to estimate chlorophyll concentration from absorption measurements with better accuracy than currently thought.
Visualization of whole body PET images

Whole body PET (WB-PET) is used routinely as a clinical procedure for detection of primary and metastatic lesions. In the standard imaging protocol, up to 500 transaxial images are produced. To facilitate viewing of the large data set, only a limited set of coronal and sagittal cross sectional images are used for diagnostic review. Since these images only represent a sub-set of the entire image volume, it is desirable to develop visualization tools that would allow viewing of the full data set. A second factor that makes localization of lesions in WB-PET difficult is the fact that the emission images contain little or no anatomical information. A means to provide some level of anatomical orientation can be obtained from the transmission images. Here, the authors present a visualization package which allows 3-D visualization of the entire WB-PET image set, using surface rendering and image fusion techniques. The software allows real-time, simultaneous, reslicing of the emission and transmission data into arbitrary coronal and sagittal cross sectional slices. The package also provides near real time, 3-D rendering of transmission data, and merging of emission and transmission data. The software is based on the IDL visualization package and is currently implemented on a SUN SPARC/sup TM/ 10/41. >
Vasopressin Bolus Protocol Compared to Desmopressin (DDAVP) for Managing Acute, Postoperative Central Diabetes Insipidus and Hypovolemic Shock.

Introduction. Management of postoperative central diabetes insipidus (DI) can be challenging from changes in volume status and serum sodium levels. We report a case successfully using a dilute vasopressin bolus protocol in managing hypovolemic shock in acute, postoperative, central DI. Case Report. Patient presented after bifrontal decompressive craniotomy for severe traumatic brain injury. He developed increased urine output resulting in hypovolemia and hypernatremia. He was resuscitated with intravenous fluids including a dilute vasopressin bolus protocol. This protocol consisted of 1 unit of vasopressin in 1 liter of 0.45% normal saline. This protocol was given in boluses based on the formula: urine output minus one hundred. Initial serum sodium was 148 mmol/L, and one-hour urine output was 1 liter. After 48 hours, he transitioned to 1-desamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin (DDAVP). Pre-DDAVP serum sodium was 149 mmol/L and one-hour urine output 320 cc. Comparing the bolus protocol to the DDAVP protocol, the average sodium was 143.8 ± 3.2 and 149.6 ± 3.2 mmol/L ( ), average urine output was 433.2 ± 354.4 and 422.3 ± 276.0 cc/hr ( ), and average specific gravity was 1.019 ± 0.009 and 1.016 ± 0.01 ( ), respectively. Conclusion. A protocol using dilute vasopressin bolus can be an alternative for managing acute, central DI postoperatively, particularly in setting of hypovolemic shock resulting in a consistent control of serum sodium.
Accuracy of Capillary Hemoglobin Measurements for the Detection of Anemia among U.S. Low-Income Toddlers and Pregnant Women

The aim of this study is to evaluate the accuracy of capillary hemoglobin (Hb) measurements in detecting anemia among low-income toddlers (aged 12–35 months) and pregnant women. In analyses of data among toddlers from Kansas City (n = 402) and St. Louis, Missouri (n = 236), and pregnant women at <20 weeks gestation from Cleveland, Ohio (n = 397), we compared subjects’ anemia status based on capillary Hb concentrations in finger puncture samples as measured by the HemoCue system with their anemia status based on venous Hb concentrations as measured by the HemoCue and Coulter Counter. The sensitivity of capillary blood analyses in identifying cases of anemia was 32.8% (95% Confidence Intervals (CI): 21.0%–46.3%), among Kansas City toddlers, 59.7% (95% CI: 45.8%–72.4%) among St. Louis toddlers, and 66.7% (95% CI: 46.0%–83.5%) among pregnant women in Cleveland; the corresponding specificities were 97.7%, 86.6%, and 96.7%, respectively. The correlation between HemoCue and Coulter Counter measurements of venous Hb (0.9) was higher than that between HemoCue measurements of capillary and venous blood (0.8). The results show that Hb measurements of capillary blood with HemoCue were not optimal for determining the anemia status of toddlers and pregnant women.
Use of Simulation to Assess Incoming Interns' Recognition of Opportunities to Choose Wisely

BACKGROUND Despite increasing healthcare costs, training on cost-consciousness is lacking in graduate medical education (GME). Medical centers must consider how best to incorporate value-based training into their GME curricula. OBJECTIVE To incorporate low-value principles into an existing GME simulation exercise and assess incoming interns' recognition of low-value care. METHODS Choosing Wisely™ lists were reviewed to identify 4 low-value hazards to be embedded into a simulated hospital room in addition to the 8 patient safety hazards used previously. Interns were given 10 minutes to independently review a mock chart and list all hazards they identified in the simulation. Interns completed a short survey on their prior training in medical school and a follow-up survey one month into internship. 𝑡 tests used to compare identification of low-value vs safety hazards and to associate performance with prior training. RESULTS The mean percentage of hazards correctly identified was 50.4% (standard deviation [SD] 11.8%). Interns identified significantly fewer low-value hazards (mean 19.2%, SD 18.6%) than safety hazards (mean 66.0%, SD 16.0%; 𝑃 < .001). For example, while 96% of interns identified the hand hygiene hazard, only 6% identified the unnecessary blood transfusion and none identified the unnecessary stress ulcer prophylaxis. Interns who self-reported as confident in their ability to identify hazards were not any more likely to correctly identify hazards than those who were not confident. CONCLUSIONS The "Room of Horrors" simulation revealed poor awareness of low-value care among interns. The simulation highlights a promising model for the prioritization and inclusion of value-based experiential training in GME.
Women in Pain: Gender and Morbidity in Mexico. By Kaja Finkler. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, 1994

Women in Pain: Gender and Morbidity in Mexico . By Kaja Finkler. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, 1994 xviii, 238 pp. Reviewed by Linda M. Whiteford , Ph.D., MPH Professor and Director of Graduate Programs in Applied Anthropology, University of South Florida
Cancer-Associated Mutations Mapped on High-Resolution Structures of the U2AF2 RNA Recognition Motifs.

Acquired point mutations of pre-mRNA splicing factors recur among cancers, leukemias, and related neoplasms. Several studies have established that somatic mutations of a U2AF1 subunit, which normally recognizes 3′ splice site junctions, recur among myelodysplastic syndromes. The U2AF2 splicing factor recognizes polypyrimidine signals that precede most 3′ splice sites as a heterodimer with U2AF1. In contrast with those of the well-studied U2AF1 subunit, descriptions of cancer-relevant U2AF2 mutations and their structural relationships are lacking. Here, we survey databases of cancer-associated mutations and identify recurring missense mutations in the U2AF2 gene. We determine ultra-high-resolution structures of the U2AF2 RNA recognition motifs (RRM1 and RRM2) at 1.1 A resolution and map the structural locations of the mutated U2AF2 residues. Comparison with prior, lower-resolution structures of the tandem U2AF2 RRMs in the RNA-bound and apo states reveals clusters of cancer-associated mutations at the U2AF...
Sinter-Resistant and Highly Active Sub-5 nm Bimetallic Au-Cu Nanoparticle Catalysts Encapsulated in Silica for High-Temperature Carbon Monoxide Oxidation.

A novel gold-copper based silica encapsulated mixed metal oxide (MMO) core-shell catalyst - with sub 5-nm MMO particles - was successfully synthesized via a reverse micelle process. The SiO2 encapsulated MMO catalyst was reduced under hydrogen flow to produce Au-Cu@SiO2 catalyst. XRD and XPS characterization confirmed the presence of Au-Cu nanocomposites in the catalyst while TEM characterization revealed the core-shell structure of the catalyst with the presence of sub 5-nm Au-Cu nanoparticle cores inside SiO2 shells. BET surface characterization identified that the catalyst is porous and bimodal in nature. The effects of promoter metal ion, catalyst pretreatment (calcination), and the presence of CO2 in the feed stream on CO oxidation over Au-Cu@SiO2 catalyst were examined in the temperature range of 50-400 °C. A catalyst stability test was performed at 400 °C by conducting the CO oxidation reaction for 104 h time on stream. The catalyst exhibited excellent efficacy for CO oxidation with ~100% conversio...
Using Technological Advances to Improve Surgery Curriculum: Experience With a Mobile Application

Objective Our previous home-video basic surgical skills curriculum required substantial faculty time and resources, and was limited by delayed feedback and technical difficulties. Consequently, we integrated that curriculum with a mobile application platform. Our purpose is to describe this application and learner satisfaction. Materials and Methods The mobile platform incorporates a patented pedagogical design based on Ericsson’s deliberate practice and Bandura’s social learning theory. Instructors built step-wise skills modules. During the challenge phase, learners watched a video of surgical tasks completed by experts and uploaded a video of themselves performing the same task. In the Peer Review phase, they used a grading rubric to provide feedback. In the Recap stage, learners received individual feedback and could review their own videos. Two groups of learners, graduating medical students and matriculating surgical residents, participated in this independent learning platform, along with 2 to 4 laboratory sessions, and completed a survey about their experience. Survey responses were summarized descriptively and comments analyzed using content analysis. Results Fifty learners submitted videos of assigned tasks and completed peer reviews. Learners reported positive experiences specifically for the Peer Review Stage, structured home practice, ease of mobile access to submit and review videos, and ongoing immediate feedback. Over half of the learners reported spending at least 10 to 30 minute practicing skills before recording their videos and over 80% rerecorded at least 2 times before submission. Content analysis revealed learners engaged with the educational concepts designed into the platform. Conclusion Learners easily used and were satisfied with a mobile-technology teaching platform that maintained the fundamental content, educational theories, and organizational structure of our previously effective surgical skills curriculum. Prior challenges were directly addressed through the mobile application’s ease of use, support of deliberate practice, and improved timeliness of feedback.
First-principles description of oxygen self-diffusion in rutile TiO2: Assessment of uncertainties due to enthalpy and entropy contributions

Properties related to transport such as self-diffusion coefficients are relevant to fuel cells, electrolysis cells, and chemical/gas sensors. Prediction of self-diffusion coefficients from first-principles involves precise determination of both enthalpy and entropy contributions for point defect formation and migration. We use first-principles density functional theory to estimate the self-diffusion coefficient for neutral O0i and doubly ionized Oi2- interstitial oxygen in rutile TiO2 and compare the results to prior isotope diffusion experiments. In addition to formation and migration energy, detailed estimates of formation and migration entropy incorporating both vibrational and ionization components are included. Distinct migration pathways, both based on an interstitialcy mechanism, are identified for O0i and Oi2-. These result in self-diffusion coefficients that differ by several orders of magnitude, sufficient to resolve the charge state of the diffusing species to be Oi2- in experiment. The main sources of error when comparing computed parameters to those obtained from experiment are considered, demonstrating that uncertainties due to computed defect formation and migration entropies are comparable in magnitude to those due to computed defect formation and migration energies. Even so, the composite uncertainty seems to limit the accuracy of first-principles calculations to within a factor of ±103, demonstrating that direct connections between computation and experiment are now increasingly possible.
Diagnostic microbiology using real-time PCR based on FRET technology

Molecular amplification of specific nucleic acid–based targets associated with microbial organisms has advanced our existing tools in infectious diseases diagnosis (Fredricks, 1999; Louie, 2000; Peruski, 2003; Yang, 2004). Laboratory diagnosis of infectious diseases in the past has relied on cultivation of the microorganisms in vitro. Hence the viability of the organisms and the laboratory conditions used to mimic the in vivo environment ultimately dictates the successfulness of in vitro amplification of the intact organism(s) outside of the infected host. Nucleic acid–based technologies allow detection by amplification of specific microbial genetic material irrespective of viability or integrity of the organism (Nissen, 2002; Gulliken, 2004; Mackay, 2004). Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based nucleic acid amplification technology has emerged from the marriage between polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and real-time monitoring of fluorescent chemistry. Historically, fluorescence-based detection is well established in the biosciences and has successfully replaced radioactive isotope labeling. Fluorescent dyes have an “environmental advantage”: they have a longer shelf life, are inexpensive to discard, and safer to handle. Fluorescence detection of nucleic acid molecules itself is not more sensitive than immunological or radioactive isotope detection. In fact, in most nano-detection systems, radioactive labeling displays 10to a 1000-fold higher sensitivity. There are two major factors that make fluorescent real-time PCR advantageous. One is the potential of multiple parallel measurements by using different-colored dyes and the other is the potential of time-resolved continuous data acquisition. The increase of fluorescent signal is detectable in a closed system during amplification cycles. Therefore, the absolute sensitivity is no longer a decisive factor for these detection methods, particularly because most applications are based on nucleic acid amplification. Real-time PCR monitors the fluorescence emitted during the reaction as an indicator of amplicon accumulated by every PCR cycle as opposed to the end-point analysis (Higuchi, 1992, 1993). Various FRET systems and instrumentation that
Potential Laser Wavelengths for Percutaneous Endomyocardial Revascularization

Revascularization of the heart has been extensively investigated in the past fifty years. The primary goal has been to restore blood flow to ischemic areas. Many techniques have been tested; the Vineberg procedure, when the internal mammary artery is implanted directly into the ventricular wall [1, 2] (Figure 1); the Beck procedure when the visceral pericardium is irritated to stimulate neovascularization at the epicardial surface [3]; Favalaro’s implantation of double internal mammary artery [4] and then direct grafting of coronary arteries by anastomosis with either saphenous bypass grafts or internal mammary arteries [5]; percutaneous interventional procedures pioneered by Gruentzig when a balloon catheter inflated in the coronary lesion, improved lumen size and distal perfussion [6].
The Site Frequency Spectrum under Finite and Time-Varying Mutation Rates

The diversity in genomes is due to the accumulation of mutations and the site frequency spectrum (SFS) is a popular statistic for summarizing genomic data. The current coalescent algorithm for calculating the SFS for a given demography assumes the μ → 0 limit, where μ is the mutation probability (or rate) per base pair per generation. The algorithm is applicable when μ N, N being the haploid population size, is negligible. We derive a coalescent based algorithm for calculating the SFS that allows the mutation rate μ(t) as well as the population size N(t) to vary arbitrarily as a function of time. That algorithm shows that the probability of two mutations in the genealogy becomes noticeable already for μ=10 -8 for samples of n=10 5 haploid human genomes and increases rapidly with μ. Our algorithm calculates the SFS under the assumption of a single mutation in the genealogy, and the part of the SFS due to a single mutation depends only mildly on the finiteness of μ. However, the dependence of the SFS on variation in μ can be substantial for even n=100 samples. In addition, increasing and decreasing mutation rates alter the SFS in different ways and to different extents.
Association of inflammatory cytokines with obesity and prevention with ASA or DHA/EPA supplementation.

e14619Background: Obesity is associated with poor breast cancer outcomes. Our prior data suggested a positive feedback loop whereby circulating factors associated with obesity induce the COX-2 enzy...
Formal Social Control in Changing Neighborhoods: Racial Implications of Neighborhood Context on Reactive Policing

Public reports to the police are a key component of the formal social control process and have distinct interracial dynamics. This study examines the relationship between incident severity, neighbo...
Minimizing Cost of Load Matching in Multiple Micro-Grids Using MESS

Rapid proliferation of renewables in power grids requires novel solutions to address the challenges arising due to the intermittent nature of renewable generation. Energy storage has emerged as the most promising technology to ensure reliable grid operations by providing supply demand matching services with low ramp up times. In this work, we explore the use of Mobile Energy Storage Systems (MESS) to lower the cost of operations of a grid consisting of multiple micro-grids. We develop a novel algorithm which jointly maximizes the reduction in cost achieved by assigning MESS to micro-grids while minimizing the cost of relocation of MESS between different micro-grids. Finally, we evaluate our approach using simulations on real world datasets.
Multimodality intravascular optical coherence tomography

Abstract Intravascular optical coherence tomography (IVOCT) has become a significant modality for imaging coronary artery microstructure in the cardiac catheterization laboratory. Yet, technology improvements could be beneficial to increase its diagnostic capacity and facilitate procedural utilization. This paper reviews an important class of such advances that combines other catheter-based diagnostic techniques with IVOCT to create multimodality IVOCT imaging technologies where the whole is greater than the sum of its individual parts. Implications of multimodality IVOCT is discussed for the future of intracoronary imaging and patient care.
An Efficient Approach for Cell Segmentation in Phase Contrast Microscopy Images.

In this paper, we propose a new model to segment cells in phase contrast microscopy images. Cell images collected from the similar scenario share a similar background. Inspired by this, we separate cells from the background in images by formulating the problem as a low-rank and structured sparse matrix decomposition problem. Then, we propose the inverse diffraction pattern filtering method to further segment individual cells in the images. This is a deconvolution process that has a much lower computational complexity when compared to the other restoration methods. Experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed model when it is compared with recent works.
Rasburicase versus intravenous allopurinol for non-malignancy-associated acute hyperuricemia in paediatric cardiology patients.

Objectives Limited data exist for management of hyperuricemia in non-oncologic patients, particularly in paediatric cardiac patients. Hyperuricemia is a risk factor for acute kidney injury and may prompt treatment in critically ill patients. The primary objective was to determine if rasburicase use was associated with greater probability normalisation of serum uric acid compared to allopurinol. Secondary outcomes included percent reduction in uric acid, changes in serum creatinine, and cost of therapy. Design A single-centre retrospective chart review. Setting A 20-bed quaternary cardiovascular ICU in a university-based paediatric hospital in California. Patients Patients admitted to cardiovascular ICU who received rasburicase or intravenous allopurinol between 2015 and 2016. Interventions None. Measurements and main results Data from a cohort of 14 patients receiving rasburicase were compared to 7 patients receiving IV allopurinol. Patients who were administered rasburicase for hyperuricemia were more likely to have a post-treatment uric acid level less than 8 mg/dl as compared to IV allopurinol (100 versus 43%; p = 0.0058). Patients who received rasburicase had a greater absolute reduction in post-treatment day 1 uric acid (-9 mg/dl versus -1.9 mg/dl; p = 0.002). There were no differences in post-treatment day 3 or day 7 serum creatinine or time to normalisation of serum creatinine. The cost of therapy normalised to a 20 kg patient was greater in the allopurinol group ($18,720 versus $1928; p = 0.001). Conclusion In a limited paediatric cardiac cohort, the use of rasburicase was associated with a greater reduction in uric acid levels and associated with a lower cost compared to IV allopurinol.
Health and Sociodemographic Variables Predict IADL Performance in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes

Date Presented 04/04/19 This study used a cross-sectional design to determine which health and sociodemographic variables predicted IADL performance in adults with type 2 diabetes. Using stepwise multiple linear regression, the final model revealed that number of medications, presence of depression, and number of nights spent in the hospital predicted frequency of IADL performance. This information will assist OTs in understanding the underlying factors that impact IADL performance. Primary Author and Speaker: Tara Klinedinst Additional Authors and Speakers: Matt Malcolm
Japanese women's perceptions of gender roles and leadership and the effects of a Women & Leadership Course: A qualitative analysis

Abstract In this qualitative, exploratory study, we interviewed 35 Japanese college women about their awareness of gender roles/stereotypes, leadership conceptions/experiences, and future aspirations. We further compared participants who took a Women & Leadership course with those who did not to examine the program's consciousness-raising potential. Using an iterative, thematic analysis approach, several themes emerged, including leadership barriers (e.g., confidence), role model influences (particularly other women), and the course's effects on women's leadership conceptions (e.g., feminine = leader). We discuss our findings in terms of existing literature on Japanese gender roles and leadership and argue that more research on college-aged Japanese women and their professional identity development is necessary to facilitate cultural/policy changes.
Pollution Measurement of External Insulation of Power Transmission and Transformation Equipment

Anti-pollution flashover is an important work of electric power production, Pollution measurement is an important basic work of anti-pollution flashover. With the development of power transmission and transformation equipment anti-pollution flashover on the deepening of the study, involving pollution measurement standard is constantly updated. By comparing the old and new standards, this paper hopes to have a more in-depth understanding of pollution measurement.
Fertility Preservation for the Transgender Individual

This review aims to update readers on recent evidence in order to counsel and guide clinical management of individuals with gender dysphoria seeking fertility preservation (FP). Relevant topics include a discussion of the consistent desire for children in transgender people despite a low utilization rate of FP services, animal models, and human histology depicting the effect of gender-affirming treatment (GAT) on the gonads, varied time for resumption of menses, and start of ovarian stimulation upon discontinuing testosterone (T) in transmen, feasible clinical and experimental options for FP in transgender males and females, worsening dysphoria, and recommended methods to mitigate symptoms, and lastly a short discussion of changes in legislation providing increased insurance coverage of medically indicated FP for transpatients. FP is an important option for transgender patients who desire to retain the ability to become genetic parents. While controlled ovarian stimulation for oocyte or embryo cryopreservation is the standard-of-care for transmen, unique considerations must be made in this population. Recent literature has highlighted the ability of transmen to have viable oocytes and pregnancies despite a history of T use, suggesting that the window of genetic parentage does not close with the start of GAT. FP for transwomen requires ejaculation or extraction with sperm cryopreservation; options for prepubertal transwomen are only in nascent phases. Research is rapidly evolving though many questions remain unanswered. The harmonization of advances in assisted reproduction with legislation advocating for transgender rights will continue to reach new peaks in the coming years.
Coupled cluster-dislocation dynamics of irradiation-induced defects

Abstract We present a new formulation for modeling concurrent radiation damage and plasticity of irradiated materials during service. We consider the case of irradiated zirconium as an example, where the dominant microstructure features are vacancy and interstitial type dislocation loops. We first develop Cluster Dynamics (CD) equations that describe the temporal evolution of both types of loops, taking into account their nucleation and growth. The size distribution is described, where interstitial loops agglomerate mainly by single-step absorption of a few mobile defect species. Vacancy loops are nucleated heterogeneously at collision cascades sites by collapse of loose vacancy clusters into Stacking Fault Tetrahedra (SFT) that transform into sessile vacancy loops on the basal planes within a dose of a few displacements per atom (dpa). A quasi steady-state for fast mobile point defects is quickly reached, while the nucleation and further growth of dislocation loops continues in a slow transient to high radiation dose. The results are consistent with experimental observations of dislocation loop density, mean size and size distribution. CD equations are then used to establish a discrete representation of the dislocation microstructure and point defect radiation-induced super-saturation conditions in finite grains of Zr as function of irradiation dose through statistical sampling of the size distribution. Discrete Dislocation Dynamics (DDD) simulations involving glide motion of dislocations are performed to determine the mechanical state of deformation and the collective behavior of dislocation loops in post-irradiated materials. Results of DDD simulations show that spatial correlation of loops, their reorientation, and their dose-dependent evolution are in qualitative agreement with experimental observations.
The Effects of Police Contact and Neighborhood Context on Delinquency and Violence

We examined both main effects and cross-level effects of prior criminal justice contact on delinquency and violence. Using multilevel longitudinal data from the Project on Human Development on Chic...
A positive perspective on DNA methylation: regulatory functions of DNA methylation outside of host defense in Gram-positive bacteria

The presence of post-replicative DNA methylation is pervasive among both prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. In bacteria, the study of DNA methylation has largely been in the context of restriction-modification systems, where DNA methylation serves to safeguard the chromosome against restriction endonuclease cleavage intended for invading DNA. There has been a growing recognition that the methyltransferase component of restriction-modification systems can also regulate gene expression, with important contributions to virulence factor gene expression in bacterial pathogens. Outside of restriction-modification systems, DNA methylation from orphan methyltransferases, which lack cognate restriction endonucleases, has been shown to regulate important processes, including DNA replication, DNA mismatch repair, and the regulation of gene expression. The majority of research and review articles have been focused on DNA methylation in the context of Gram-negative bacteria, with emphasis toward Escherichia coli, Caulobacter crescentus, and related Proteobacteria. Here we summarize the epigenetic functions of DNA methylation outside of host defense in Gram-positive bacteria, with a focus on the regulatory effects of both phase variable methyltransferases and DNA methyltransferases from traditional restriction-modification systems.
Professional judgement in clinical practice (part 2): knowledge into practice.

Rationale, aims, and objectives Though strong evidence-based medicine is assertive in its claims, an insufficient theoretical basis and patchwork of arguments provide a good case that rather than introducing a new paradigm, EBM is resisting a shift to actually revolutionary complexity theory and other emergent approaches. This refusal to pass beyond discredited positivism is manifest in strong EBM's unsuccessful attempts to continually modify its already inadequate previous modifications, as did the defenders of the Ptolemaic astronomical model who increased the number of circular epicycles until the entire epicycle-deferent system proved untenable. Methods Narrative Review. Results The analysis in Part 1 of this three part series showed epistemological confusion as strong EBM plays the discredited positivistic tradition out to the end, thus repeating in a medical sphere and vocabulary the major assumptions and inadequacies that have appeared in the trajectory of modern science. Paper 2 in this series examines application, attending to strong EBM's claim of direct transferability of EBM research findings to clinical settings and its assertion of epistemological normativity. EBM's contention that it provides the "only valid" approach to knowledge and action is questioned by analyzing the troubled story of proposed hierarchies of the quality of research findings (especially of RCTs, with other factors marginalized), which falsely identifies evaluating findings with operationally utilizing them in clinical recommendations and decision-making. Further, its claim of carrying over its normative guidelines to cover the ethical responsibilities of researchers and clinicians is questioned.
Information Exchange and Use in GSS and Verbal Group Decision Making: Effects of Minority Influence

This study investigated the effects of GSS use on the exchange and use of information with and without a majority/minority split of opinion in the group. When there was a distinct majority/minority, groups exchanged more information, made better decisions, and took no more time when they used a GSS than when they did not use a GSS. In this case, the GSS enabled the minority to overcome the group's inertia toward the majority preference. In the uniform treatment where there was no majority preference, groups exchanged more information but made worse decisions and took more time when they used a GSS than when they did not. The primary cause for the poor performance when using the GSS was that group members did not process and use information received during discussion.
Problematizing Peer Review: Academic Librarians’ Pedagogical Approaches to Peer Review

INTRODUCTION This study is the first to consider how academic librarians’ understanding of and participation in the peer review process influences their information literacy pedagogy and practice. METHODS This mixed-methods study uses a modified sequential explanatory design, beginning with a survey of academic librarians in the United States and Canada, followed by interviews with interested study participants. RESULTS & DISCUSSION The researchers find that academic librarians frequently teach about peer review, but approaches vary widely, and though some have adapted the Framework to fit their instruction about peer review, there are no best practices. Instructor demands, the length of instructional sessions, and student level influence whether and how academic librarians contextualize the peer review process. While some academic librarians draw from their personal experience in the peer review process as authors, reviewers, and/or editors in their teaching, academic librarians do not consistently report their personal experience as an influence on their teaching of the peer review process to students. CONCLUSION This article argues that academic librarians should consider the place of peer review in information literacy instruction, including interrogating how scaffolding instruction about peer review may provide a disservice to students from an equity perspective. The authors urge academic librarians who have it to draw on personal experience to contextualize their instruction about peer review.
A new hybrid homogenization theory for periodic composites with random fiber distributions

Abstract A new homogenization theory is constructed for unidirectional composites with periodic domains containing random fiber distributions. Periodic domains are partitioned into subdomains comprised of single fibers embedded in matrix phase. The subdomain displacement field solutions combine finite-volume and locally-exact elasticity approaches. Inclusions are regarded as meshfree components whose displacement fields are represented by discrete Fourier transforms that satisfy exactly Navier’s equations. In contrast, the matrix is discretized into subvolumes and handled within the finite-volume micromechanics framework. Novel use of traction and displacement continuity conditions at the inclusion/matrix interface seamlessly connect inclusion and matrix phases. Subdomains’ assembly enforces traction, displacement continuity and periodicity conditions in a surface-average sense. Quadratic convergence of stress fields with decreasing matrix discretization relative to exact elasticity solution is obtained, yielding accurate homogenized moduli with relatively coarse matrix meshes. Fourfold and greater reductions in execution times relative to the finite-volume micromechanics justify the new theory’s construction. The proposed theory facilitates accurate and efficient studies of the rarely reported effect of random fiber distributions on homogenized moduli and local stress fields as a function of inclusion content and number of microstructural realizations. We illustrate this by computing probability distributions of homogenized moduli for up to 60,000 microstructural realizations of multi-inclusion periodic domains that may be used in machine-learning algorithms.