cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A pilot examination of the impact of cancer patients' fatigue on their spousal caregivers.

Objective: In this pilot project we examined the quality of life of spouses of cancer patients who had significant fatigue.Methods: We assessed both the spouses of cancer patients and the patients who presented with chemotherapy-induced fatigue and anemia. Study endpoints included the impact that cancer patients' fatigue had on their spouses' quality of life, including their own levels of fatigue, depressive symptoms, activity levels, work absenteeism, and marital adjustment. We examined the extent to which changes in patients' fatigue from baseline to one month follow-up were associated with changes in spouses' quality of life indices.Results: 25 couples completed the study. Seven (28%) spousal caregivers reported handling fewer responsibilities at work, 8 (32%) had reduced their work hours, and 8 (32%) felt that they were less effective overall at work. Spousal caregivers also missed a significant amount of time at work during the month long study, missing an average of 2.7 (SD = 2.95) days, with an additional 1.29 (SD = 2.97) sick days and 1.76 (SD = 2.63) vacation days during that time. Spouses reporting greater levels of caregiver strain were more likely to have increased fatigue at baseline (F1,23 = 8.11, p < .01), and worse dyadic adjustment at both time points (baseline: F1,23 = 7.80, p < .01; follow-up: F1,21 = 9.24, p < .01). Also, those with more caregiver strain were less likely to engage in social activity at baseline (F1,23 = 6.11, p < .05) and more likely to engage in less work by the one month follow-up (F1,20 = 8.36, p < .01).Significance of results: Spouses who were identified as having elevated burden experienced more personal fatigue, had worse dyadic adjustment, reported poor energy levels, and tended to engage in fewer work and social activities; the impact of patient's fatigue level on these parameters was highly variable in this small pilot study.
Reporting Results from Structural Equation Modeling Analyses in Archives of Scientific Psychology.

Psychological research typically involves the analysis of data (e.g., questionnaire responses, records of behavior) using statistical methods. The description of how those methods are used and the results they produce is a key component of scholarly publications. Despite their importance, these descriptions are not always complete and clear. To ensure the completeness and clarity of these descriptions, the Archives of Scientific Psychology requires that authors of manuscripts to be considered for publication adhere to a set of publication standards. Although the current standards cover most of the statistical methods commonly used in psychological research, they do not cover them all. In this article, we propose adjustments to the current standards and the addition of additional standards for a statistical method not adequately covered in the current standards—structural equation modeling (SEM). Adherence to the standards we propose would ensure that scholarly publications that report results of data analyzed using SEM are complete and clear. SCIENTIFIC A BSTRACT For the scientific community, we recommend reporting standards consistent with the Journal Article Reporting Standards (JARS) of the American Psychological Association for manuscripts in which results from SEM analyses are presented. For all sections of the general JARS except the results section, we recommend minor adjustments. For the results section of the JARS, we provide a supplemental module specific to reports of research that use SEM. The result is a questionnaire that ensures thorough and detailed reports of SEM analyses in the Archives.
Perinatal and infant mortality: a worldwide issue. A commentary.

This article focuses on some critical issues that affect perinatal and infant mortality (PIM) in developing and developed countries. The issues include race or ethnic status the pre-conception maternal health status obstetrics history low birth weight and preterm delivery maternal morbidity and mortality and maternal education. The editorial by Vecchia Parazzini and Levi appropriately exposes the global significance of the reduction in PIM and the role of socioeconomic status in reducing risk. However between- and within-country differences remain. It is argued that a first and very important step in improving PIM is convincing policymakers of the critical issues and mobilizing action to demand personal state and corporate action on reducing these deaths. Policymakers must be informed about the aforementioned other socioeconomic issues that affect PIM. Maternal stress illicit drug use poor nutrition lack of social supports and the prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases can increase the incidence of low birth weight and infant deaths. The most consistent indicator of child survival is education and literacy. In the US Black and White women with 12 or more years of education have a reduced risk of infant mortality. In developing countries access to prenatal care the collection of a past obstetrics history and present health condition may be the only means to reduce risk for mother and infant.
Generalized derivatives of dynamic systems with a linear program embedded

Dynamic systems with a linear program (LP) embedded can be found in control and optimization of bioreactor models based on dynamic flux balance analysis (DFBA). Derivatives of the dynamic states with respect to a parameter vector are essential for open and closed-loop dynamic optimization and parameter estimation of such systems. These derivatives, given by a forward sensitivity system, may not exist because the optimal value of a linear program as a function of the right-hand side of the constraints is not continuously differentiable. Therefore, nonsmooth analysis must be applied which provides optimality conditions in terms of subgradients, for convex functions, or Clarke's generalized gradient, for nonconvex functions. This work presents an approach to compute the necessary information for nonsmooth optimization, i.e.,?an element of the generalized gradient. Moreover, a numerical implementation of the results is introduced. The approach is illustrated through a large-scale dynamic flux balance analysis example.
Commentary: Internationalization of the World’s Securities Markets: Economic Causes and Regulatory Consequences

Joseph Grundfest has provided us with a broad-based and perceptive view of international securities markets.
A Single-Molecule Imaging Based Method for Estimating Subunit Stoichiometry of Purified Membrane Protein Complexes in Liposomes

Estimating the number of subunits of a purified novel membrane protein is challenge. There are various methods for determining stoichiometry accurately in detergent, but often we are interested in the protein structure in the native solvent environment - the lipid bilayer. Here we describe a robust and widely applicable method to estimate the number of subunits in a purified membrane protein sample using single molecule fluorescent imaging. First, the multimeric protein complex is solubilized in detergent and purified. Second, it is quantitatively labelled with Cy5-maleimide and reconstituted into liposomes made of E. coli polar lipids or 2:1 POPE/POPG, doped with 0.3% of AF488-NHS ester labelled POPE. Following multiple freeze/thaw cycles to form multilamellar vesicles, the proteoliposomes are extruded through polycarbonate filters of 30, 100 and 400 nm pore diameter resulting in reproducibly distinct size distributions. Reconstitution follows the Poisson distribution resulting in liposomes containing either 0, 1, 2 or more protein molecules. The apparent protein occupancy into liposomes depends on protein:lipid density, efficiency of fluorescent labelling, liposome surface area and the subunit stoichiometry of the protein complex. Liposome size distributions are determined by cryo-electron microscopy whereas the protein density and fluorescent-labeling is controlled during the reconstitution step. We measure the first three terms in the Poisson distribution: F0 (unoccupied liposomes), F1 (single occupancy) and F2 (double occupancy) by single molecule imaging of the fluorescent proteoliposomes to measure protein/lipid co-localization and photobleaching of protein conjugated fluorophores. We test our model with a CLC-ec1 engineered monomeric construct, the native CLC-ec1 homodimer and tetrameric KcsA K+ channel. The methods outlined in this study can be used to determine the subunit stoichiometry of unknown purified membrane protein complexes in a variety of liposome environments.
Black box linearization for greater linear dynamic range: The effect of power transforms on the representation of data

Power transformations are commonly used in image processing techniques to manipulate image contrast. Many analytical results, including chromatograms, are essentially presented as images, often to convey qualitative information. Power transformations have remarkable effects on the appearance of the image, in chromatography, for example, increasing apparent resolution between peaks by the factor √n and apparent column efficiency (plate counts) by a factor of n for an nth-power transform. The profile of a Gaussian peak is not qualitatively changed, but the peak becomes narrower, whereas for an exponentially tailing peak, asymmetry at the 10% peak height level changes markedly. Using several examples we show that power transforms also increase signal-to-noise ratio and make it easier to discern an event of detection. However, they may not improve the limit of detection. Power responses are intrinsic to some detection schemes, and in others they are imbedded in instrument firmware to increase apparent linear range that the casual user may not be aware of. The consequences are demonstrated and discussed.
Airborne Dispersal of San Jose Scale, Quadraspidiotus perniciosus (Comstock) (Homoptera: Diaspididae), Crawlers Infesting Apple

The aerial dispersal of San Jose scale, Quadraspidiotus perniciosus (Comstock), crawlers within the apple tree canopy and between trees was positively correlated with the seasonal abundance of crawlers on the bark. Airborne crawlers were significantly more abundant within the upper portions of the canopy and in the northeast and southeast quadrants. These data supported observations on variations in crawler density by location on the host and suggested that wind direction may have affected the distribution of crawlers dispersing aerially within the trees. The magnitude of aerial dispersal between trees was related to the levels of airborne dispersal within the canopy and the distance to the infested source.
Sludge Conditioning: Effects of Sludge Biochemical Composition

Variations in response of three different sludges to conditioning with organic polyelectrolytes were evaluated with respect to the carbohydrate, protein and lipid content of the sludges. These biochemicals comprise the surfaces of most sludges. The difference in the concentration of these compounds is intrinsic to the sludge type. Polymer Index (PI) , a measure of minimum polymer dose required to achieve maximum dewaterability, was statistically related to each of the three components. Carbohydrate content correlated most strongly with PI. As carbohydrate content increases, PI was found to decrease indicating better polymer performance. Biopolymers, which are composed mainly of carbohydrates may surround the cells forming a highly reactive surface. These exocellular materials also promote bioflocculation. Both actions result in a lower polymer requirement for destabilizing the sludge. Protein and lipid were not observed to have strong correlation with PI. Cellular surfaces and structures are composed of these components. The low correlation indicates these components are less favored than carbohydrates for polymer interaction.
Regulations,monitoring and challenge of China's cosmetics

This paper reviewed the development progress of chinese cosmetic security regulations,standards systems and supervision systems.Referring to the security regulations and supervision systems in developed countries,the author proposed that based on the risk analysis we shoud establish the scientific supervision principles,setting up risk assessment system,enhance the safety and security regulations and improve the supervision efficiency in order to increase the cosmetic safety level and protect the health of consumers as well.
Study on the Corrosion of Electricity Substation copper Clad steel Grounding Material in Acidic and High Salinity Solid

In this paper, aiming soil acidification and salt effects on the corrosion life of the ground material,studies copper clad steel grounding material's corrosion rate and resistance changes in acidic and high salinity solid. Tests showed that with increasing soil pH decreases and salinity increases, copper clad steel grounding material's corrosion rate increases; polarization curves show that the copper clad steel ground pole's corrosion current density increases and corrosion resistance reduced in acidic and high salinity solid. When the soil pH is less than 3.5, salinity greater than 1g Kg-1, the copper clad steel ground pole's life which copper layer thickness of 0.2mm will be less than 30 years. Finally, we discuss the mechanism of clad steel grounding materials corrosion accelerated in acidic and high salinity solid.
Dynamics of ‘quantumness’ measures in the decohering harmonic oscillator

We studied the behaviour under decoherence of four different measures of the distance between quantum states and classical states for the harmonic oscillator coupled to a linear Markovian bath. Three of these are relative measures, using different definitions of the distance between the given quantum states and the set of all classical states. The fourth measure is an absolute one, the negative volume of the Wigner function of the state. All four measures are found to agree, in general, with each other. When applied to the eigenstates |n〉, all four measures behave non-trivially as a function of time during dynamical decoherence. First, we find that the first set of classical states to which the set of eigenstate evolves is (by all measures used) closest to the initial set. That is, all the states decohere to classicality along the ‘shortest path’. Finding this closest classical set of states helps improve the behaviour of all the relative distance measures. Second, at each point in time before becoming classical, all measures have a state n ∗ with maximal quantum-classical distance; the value n ∗ decreases as a function of time. Finally, we explore the dynamics of these non-classicality measures for more general states.
Case XI: Shoulder Weakness 2

A 58-year-old male complains of weakness of the left shoulder. He woke up 4 months ago with some pain in the left shoulder. Then he started noticing weakness mostly in shoulder abduction and external rotation. The pain subsided after a week. There is no history of trauma. He tried PT for a month with no improvement. PSH: right median n decompression at the elbow 23 years ago. FH: lymphoma in a brother, prostate cancer in the maternal grandfather. Socially, he has smoked a pack of cigarettes per month for about 30 years and takes 2–3 alcoholic drinks per day. On examination, left shoulder abduction is 4+ and external rotation 3. The remaining muscle groups are 5/5. Sensation is intact to light touch. Deep tendon reflexes are 2+ and symmetric.
Celiac disease is associated with reduced bone mineral density and increased FRAX scores in the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

We investigated the association between celiac disease (CD) and bone mass density (BMD) and risk of osteoporotic fractures in the general US population. In children and men ≥18 years, CD was associated with reduced BMD, and in men ≥40 years, CD was associated with increased risk of osteoporotic fractures. Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune condition, characterized by inflammation of the small intestine. CD has an increasing prevalence, and if unrecognized or untreated, CD can lead to complications from malabsorption and micronutrient deficiencies. We aimed to study whether CD is an independent predictor of reduced bone mineral density (BMD) and FRAX scores in the general US population. We used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2009–2010 and 2013–2014. CD was defined by positive tissue transglutaminase IgA antibody test. Multivariable models of BMD and FRAX scores were adjusted for BMI, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, vitamin D and calcium supplements, milk intake, serum calcium, and smoking status, when available. In children, aged 8–17 years, CD was associated with decreased Z-scores, by 0.85 for hip and 0.46 for spine (both P < 0.001). In men aged ≥ 18 years, CD was associated with 0.06 g/cm2 decrease in BMD in hip and with 0.11 g/cm2 decrease in BMD in spine (P = 0.08 and P < 0.001, respectively). In women, there were no statistically significant differences in the multiple-adjusted model. In men aged ≥ 40 years, CD predicted FRAX scores, resulting in increased scores by 2.25 % (P = 0.006) for hip fracture and by 2.43 % (P = 0.05) for major osteoporotic fracture. CD did not predict FRAX scores in women aged ≥40 years. CD is independently associated with reduced BMD in children and adults aged ≥18 years and is an independent risk factor of osteoporotic fractures in men aged ≥40 years.
Minimum mean square error approximation of unknown probability distribution functions

In many applications it is desirable to approximate an unknown probability distribution by a finite expansion in terms of known functions. In this paper, a double stochastic approximation algorithm is presented which recursively computes the optimal coefficients to minimize the mean square error in the approximation. The only required data are independent samples from the unknown probability distribution function. The procedure is derived in a straightforward manner and is computationally very simple in comparison to the results of others. A simulation was performed and the results are presented for both one sample run and for an average over several runs. The convergence rate appears to be comparable with that obtained by more complicated procedures that were previously proposed.
Using task-quotient/sup /spl copy// (TQ) to maximize individual motivation & job satisfaction

This paper describes the quantitative research conducted at a major semi-conductor manufacturer which demonstrated that the closer the mixture, or task-quotient (TQ), of 3 task types: 1) routine (repetitive), 2) troubleshooting (problem solving) and 3) project (planning) tasks, aligned to the individual's preference, the higher the individual's level of satisfaction. Also provided are methods to evaluate and implement change in an organization, based upon TQ alignment, to meet individual needs
Trustbus'07 Keynote Talk Privacy Enhanced Personalization

Web personalization has demonstrated to be advantageous for both online customers and vendors. However, current personalization methods require considerable amounts of data about users, and the benefits of personalization are therefore counteracted by privacy concerns. Personalized systems need to take these concerns into account, as well as privacy laws and industry self-regulation that may be in effect. Privacy-Enhanced Personalization aims at reconciling the goals and methods of user modeling and personalization with privacy considerations, and to strive for best possible personalization within the boundaries set by privacy. This talk surveys recent research on factors that affect people's personal information disclosure and on personalization methods that bear fewer privacy risks, and presents design recommendations based thereon.
APPLICATIONS OF MASS SPECTROMETRY IN CANNABINOID RESEARCH

GC—MS methods are described for the quantitation of Δ 9 -THC, 11-hydroxy-Δ 9 -THC, 11-nor-Δ 9 -THC-9-oic acid and CBN in blood and urine using deuterated internal standards. Linear calibration curves were obtained and levels as low as 0.2–0.5 ng/ml could be measured. Results obtained on different instruments and using both electron-impact and chemical ionization showed good reproducibility. Good correlation was also found with measurements made by GLC or radio-TLC. 11-nor-Δ 9 -THC-9-oic acid could be measured with reasonable linearity from 1 ng/ml to 50 ng/ml. A biphasic elimination pattern was observed following i.v. infusion of 4–5 mg Δ 9 -THC. The peak concentration of 50–60 ng/ml declined rapidly for 15–40 min and then more slowly to a value of 3–5 ng/ml after 24 hours. 11-nor-Δ 9 -THC-9-oic acid also showed biphasic elimination but with a longer half-life. 3“-Hydroxy-Δ 9 -THC was also measured by GC—MS using the 11-hydroxy isomer as internal standard. The elimination of 11-[ 2 H 3 ]Δ 9 -THC was also studied and found to be more rapid than elimination of the unlabelled drug. Finally a GC—MS method was developed for the measurement of paraquat in marihuana smoke as its sodium borohydride reduction product.
Innovation at country-level: association between economic development and patents

This study analyzes the role of economic indicators in country-level innovation, represented by patents in the technology sector. Innovation indicators include the ratio of patents owned by foreign residents and the number of patent applications in each industry in the technology sector. Economic indicators include GDP, gross national income, labor cost, RD education enrollment stimulates innovation; among the sectors, government and higher education have higher R&D expenditures than private and non-profit sectors. A significant contribution of our research lies in the dimension of internationalization and ownership of technology innovation. We suggest viable solutions for countries facing tax revenue losses arising from mobility of patents.
Quantum Gravity and Taoist Cosmology: Exploring the Ancient Origins of Phenomenological String Theory

This paper carries forward the author's contribution to PBMP's previous special issue on Integral Biomathics (Rosen 2015). In the earlier paper, the crisis in contemporary theoretical physics was described and it was demonstrated that the problem can be addressed effectively only by shifting the foundations of physics from objectivist Cartesian philosophy to phenomenological philosophy. To that end, a phenomenological string theory was proposed based on qualitative topology and hypercomplex numbers. The current presentation takes this further by delving into the ancient Chinese origin of phenomenological string theory. First, we discover a deep connection between the Klein bottle, which is crucial to the theory, and the Ho-t'u, an old Chinese number archetype central to Taoist cosmology. The two structures are seen to mirror each other in expressing the curious psychophysical (phenomenological) action pattern at the heart of microphysics. But tackling the question of quantum gravity requires that a whole family of topological dimensions be brought into play. What we find in engaging with these structures is a closely related family of Taoist forebears that, in concert with their successors, provide a blueprint for cosmic evolution. Whereas conventional string theory accounts for the generation of nature's fundamental forces via a notion of symmetry breaking that is essentially static and thus unable to explain cosmogony successfully, phenomenological/Taoist string theory is guided by the dialectical interplay between symmetry and asymmetry inherent in the principle of synsymmetry. This dynamic concept of cosmic change is elaborated on in the three concluding sections of the paper. Here, a detailed analysis of cosmogony is offered, first in terms of the theory of dimensional development and its Taoist (yin-yang) counterpart, then in terms of the evolution of the elemental force particles through cycles of expansion and contraction in a spiraling universe. The paper closes by considering the role of the analyst per se in the further evolution of the cosmos.
A comprehensive approach to the assessment of tax increment financing (TIF) projects

One of the most popular economic development incentive tools used today is Tax Increment Financing (TIF). Proponents of TIF argue that these incentive programs have fostered new investment and increased property tax revenues in areas that would otherwise have experienced negative growth. Opponents argue that TIF is now used in non-blighted areas-on projects that could have been completed with no special government subsidies. This paper describes a number of perverse incentives that are inherent with TIF projects. It then outlines a comprehensive framework for estimating the net future fiscal impacts with and without proposed TIF projects for all affected jurisdictions. Finally, it illustrates how the framework can be used to reach better economic development policy decisions at both the state and local levels.
Flexibility: FPGAs and CAD in Deep Learning Acceleration

Deep learning inference has become the key workload to accelerate in our AI-powered world. FPGAs are an ideal platform for the acceleration of deep learning inference by combining low-latency performance, power-efficiency, and flexibility. This paper examines the flexibility aspect, and its impact on FPGA design methodology, physical design tools and CAD. We describe the degrees of flexibility required for creating efficient deep learning accelerators. We quantify the varying effects of precision, vectorization, and buffering on both performance and accuracy, and show how the FPGA can yield superior performance through architecture customization tuned for a specific neural network. We describe the need for abstraction and propose solutions in modern FPGA design flows to enable the rapid creation of these customized accelerator architectures for deep learning inference acceleration. Finally, we examine the implications on physical design tools and CAD.
Moving Away from the Tip of the Pyramid: Screening and Brief Intervention for Risky Alcohol and Opioid Use in Underserved Patients

Purpose Rates of risky substance use and substance use disorders are high in primary-care practices, yet the adoption of universal screening and brief intervention (SBI) has been slow and uneven. This study aimed to describe SBI-related attitudes, practices, and perspectives regarding practice change among medical providers in a minority-majority state. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional, on-line survey of a practice-based research network of medical providers serving predominantly Hispanic/Latinx and Native American patients in rural and urban settings. The main variables were clinician 1) perspectives on the need to address substance use problems in primary care, 2) current screening and intervention practices, and 3) satisfaction with and willingness to make changes to their practices. Results Although providers endorsed alcohol and opiate misuse to be significant problems in their practices, only 25% conducted universal screening. Providers reported focusing most of their screening efforts on those with substance use dependence. In general, providers rated importance of and ability to make practice changes moderately high. There was high interest in practice coordination with the community followed by interest in a collaborative care approach. Conclusions Providers mainly focus efforts on the relatively few patients at the tip of the pyramid (substance use dependence) rather than on the majority of patients who comprise the middle of the pyramid (risky substance use). Practice change strategies are needed to increase universal screening with a focus on risky substance use, particularly in practices serving racial/ethnic communities.
Use of amphetamine in the treatment of aphasia

The effects of d-amphetamine on the recovery of aphasia following stroke was examined in 6 patients. Patients entered the study between 10 and 30 days post onset and were followed for 3 months. The Porch Index of Communicative Ability was used to project a 6 month recovery score. By 3 months post onset, 5 of the 6 patients obtained scores in excess of 100% of the 6 month projections.
Acoustical Experiments on Superfluid 3He-4He Mixtures in Aerogel

This report discusses our results on the superfluidity of 3He-4He mixtures in a 98% porosity silica aerogel. We have used low frequency sound to probe helium mixtures confined to aerogel, and have observed both the slow mode of superfluid 3He in aerogel, which is manifested only below Tc, and an additional sound mode present only in the mixture. We attribute this novel sound mode to the slow-mode in the 4He rich phase of the dilute 3He-4He mixture. This mode exhibits positive frequency shifts below Tc in aerogel, while above Tc the mode is observed at a temperature independent frequency until close to Tλ where it shifts to zero frequency.
Analysis for Global Robust Stability of Cohen-Grossberg Neural Networks with Multiple Delays

Global Robust stability of a class of Cohen-Grossberg neural networks with multiple delays and parameter perturbations is analyzed. The sufficient conditions for the globally asymptotic stability of equilibrium point are given by way of constructing a suitable Lyapunov functional. Combined with the linear matrix inequality (LMI) technique, a practical corollary is derived. All results are established without assuming any symmetry of the interconnecting matrix, and the differentiability and monotonicity of activation functions.
Joint Content Placement and Storage Allocation in C-RANs for IoT Sensing Service

The Internet of Things (IoT) sensing service allows systems and users to monitor environment states by transmitting the content sensed by a variety of sensors. Owing to billions of sensors and devices deployed in the IoT system, a huge amount of data (big data) are generated, thus injecting tremendous traffic into the network. Cloud radio access network (C-RAN) is a promising wireless network architecture to accommodate the fast growing IoT traffic and improve the performance of IoT services. Caching in C-RAN, which brings content to the edges, not only alleviates the network traffic, thus improving the end-to-end user quality of service (QoS), but also avoids activating the sensors too frequently, thus reducing their energy consumption. The content placement problem determines what and where to cache in C-RAN. However, the caching performance is highly related to the caching storages. The storage allocation problem determines the storage capacities of network entities. In this paper, we jointly optimize the storage allocation problem and content placement problem in a hierarchical cache-enabled C-RAN architecture for IoT sensing service. We formulate the joint problem as an integer linear programming (ILP) model with the objective to minimize the total network traffic cost. The storage allocation problem and content placement problem are constrained by caching storage budgets and cache capacities, respectively. Two heuristic algorithms are proposed in order to reduce the computational complexity of ILP. Extensive simulations have been conducted to demonstrate that the performances of our proposed algorithms approximate the optimal solutions.
Size, shape, and identity of surface crystals and their relationship to sensory perception of grittiness in soft smear-ripened cheeses

ABSTRACT Soft smear-ripened cheeses undergo extensive surface crystallization and radial demineralization of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which likely contributes to radial softening during ripening. Furthermore, anecdotal evidence suggests that grittiness is a common characteristic of smear-ripened cheeses. The primary aims of the present study were to evaluate the intensity of perceived grittiness while assessing other key sensory attributes in US artisanal and European protected designation of origin smear-ripened cheeses, and to relate perceived grittiness to the size, shape, and identity of crystals present in the cheese surface smears. Fully ripened wheels of 24 different varieties of smear-ripened cheeses, 16 produced in the United States and 8 in the European Union, were obtained from retail sources. A trained sensory panel (n = 12) was employed to evaluate intensity of grittiness. Crystals present in the cheese smears were identified by powder X-ray diffractometry and polarized light microscopy, and further evaluated in polarized light microscopy micrographs by image analysis for size and shape characteristics. Mean sensory scores for the 24 cheeses ranged from no perceived grittiness to easily identifiable grittiness. Surface crystals included ikaite, struvite, calcite, and brushite, and mean crystal length and area ranged among cheeses from 27 to 1,096 μm, and 533 to 213,969 μm2, respectively. Panel threshold for grittiness occurred at a mean crystal length of about 66 μm and mean crystal area of about 2,913 μm2. Cheeses with mean values at or below these thresholds displayed negligible perceived grittiness. In contrast, for cheeses with mean values above these thresholds, the mean sensory scores for grittiness were highly correlated with mean crystal length and crystal area (r = 0.93 and 0.96, respectively). Results suggest that surface crystals in soft smear-ripened cheeses influence sensory perception of texture in complex ways that likely include radial softening and grittiness development. A better understanding of factors that govern surface crystal formation may lead to improved control over crystallization and more consistent cheese texture.
Choice of Prophylactic Antibiotics and Surgical Site Infections After Cesarean Delivery.

OBJECTIVE:To examine the rate of surgical site infection according to the choice of antibiotics in women undergoing cesarean delivery.METHODS:We conducted a retrospective cohort study of women undergoing cesarean delivery (labored, unlabored, and scheduled) from 2012 to 2017. Women with chorioamnion
CHAPTER 13 – Feeding in Mammals

About 60 million years ago, an explosive evolutionary radiation of mammals took place. Although dental and cranial evidence shows that the earliest mammals had appeared some 120 million years ago, the extraordinary proliferation of mammalian genera occurring during and after dinosaur extinction can be associated with the availability of habitats previously occupied by the highly successful dinosaur radiation, whose species then occupied most of the ecological niches now occupied by mammals. Survival to reproductive age, followed by successful reproduction, requires an adequate food intake. In this context, “adequate food intake” is defined as that which yields more biochemical energy than is required for its collection, ingestion, and digestion. While that statement holds true for all vertebrates, warm-blooded mammals and birds require a higher and a sustained level of energy to maintain homeostatic mechanisms. The feeding process involves a variety of behaviors: some rhythmic (chewing, probably gnawing), some apparently “packaged” (swallowing), and others dictated by instantaneous circumstance. Clearly, the CNS control mechanisms involved in behaviors such as the capture of live prey by felids are very different from those required for the management of gum chewing in humans. This is an apparently absurd comparison, but one that highlights the issues: the former behavior requires the integration of the whole body's sensory–motor systems, whereas the latter is a mechanistic, virtually subconscious, use of the oropharyngeal complex's capacity for subcortically maintained rhythmic behavior.
Nitric oxide is an epigenetic regulator of histone post-translational modifications in cancer

Nitric oxide (nitrogen monoxide, NO) is an endogenously produced signaling molecule in cancer that regulates gene expression and cell phenotype. In recent years, new evidence has emerged regarding the roles of NO in epigenetic regulation and specifically of histone post-translational modifications (PTMs). Epigenetic effects of NO are mediated through transcriptional regulation of histone-modifying enzymes and by the ability of NO to modulate the activities and cellular localizations of these enzymes through the formation of iron–nitrosyl complexes and S-nitrosothiols.
Citizen Action: Political Performance after Yugoslavia

Post–2000, the space of what was formerly socialist Yugoslavia saw the rise of politicized performance practices that interrogate the nation and national identity. The performance works of Grupa Sp...
National Survey of Pediatric Intestinal Rehabilitation Programs in the United States.

Background Pediatric intestinal rehabilitation (PIR) programs are associated with improved outcomes in children with intestinal failure but remain heterogeneous nationally. This study characterizes PIR program components to aid those seeking to establish or expand a program. Methods Members of the Children's Hospital Association reporting a PIR program to the US News and World Report completed a 14-item questionnaire using the Qualtrics Online Survey Software. Programs were categorized as small or large (≤50 vs >50 patients) and new or established (≤10 vs >10 years). Results Seventy-one programs were identified and 61 surveys were returned for a response rate of 86%. Majority of programs had gastroenterology, surgery, nutrition, nursing, and social work services involved. Large programs (n = 34; 59%) were more likely to serve as referral centers; have greater participation by nursing, social work, and primary care; have more dedicated time by gastroenterology, surgery, nursing, nutrition, and social work; have more frequent meetings; and have various funding sources (P Conclusion Critical components of a PIR program include gastroenterology, surgery, and nutrition services with strong nursing and social work support. These data document the components of modern PIR programs, though further studies on the relationship between program structure and patient outcomes are warranted.
Factors associated with high pain catastrophizing in patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome.

The purpose of this study was to determine if physical, mental health and patient-specific factors are associated with increased Pain Catastrophizing in patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS). Patients who underwent primary hip arthroscopy for FAIS were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were included if they completed a standard pre-operative questionnaire which included the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), VAS and 12-Item Short Form Survey (SF-12) Physical and Mental Composite Scores. Patient-specific variables including age, gender, BMI, tobacco use, number of allergies, pre-operative opioid use and diagnosis of depression or anxiety were recorded. Multiple linear regression was performed to assess for a relationship between physical and mental health scores, patient-specific variables, and a 'High Catastrophizing' PCS score. One-hundred and sixty-eight patients were included in this study. Patients with a PCS score of 22 or above were categorized as 'High Catastrophizing'. The variables included in the multiple linear regression model statistically significantly predicted high pain catastrophizing, F(10,149) = 4.75, P < 0.001, R 2 = 0.4. SF-12 Physical and Mental Composite Scores and a mental health illness diagnosis added statistically significantly to the prediction, P < 0.005. Pre-operative hip arthroscopy patients with better general physical and mental health, as measured by the SF-12, and those without mental health illness are less likely to having higher pain catastrophizing scores. Age, gender, BMI, visual analog pain scale (VAS), tobacco use, number of allergies and pre-operative opioid use were not independently associated with elevated pain catastrophizing scores. These findings may be helpful when interpreting PCS scores and counseling patients prior to arthroscopic hip surgery.
Quantum Simulations of Hydrogen Bonding Effects in Glycerol Carbonate Electrolyte Solutions

The need for environmentally friendly nonaqueous solvents in electrochemistry and other fields has motivated recent research into the molecular-level solvation structure, thermodynamics, and dynami...
Challenges and Initiatives in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Cancer Molecular Imaging

A diverse biomedical workforce is essential to achieve excellence in patient care, clinical translational, and basic research. Diversity, equity, and inclusion challenges in cancer molecular represent a combination of the challenges facing the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) field, and challenges in Radiology and Nuclear Medicine. Although there is a growing awareness of conscious and unconscious bias that negatively affect the cancer imaging world, many challenges remain such as overcoming barriers to entry into the pipeline, avoiding program dropout, and providing long-term career prospect. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a significant setback and further highlighted problems faced by women and underrepresented minorities. In this perspective, we have identified some of the challenges faced and highlighted ongoing and future initiatives to address these challenges.
Vulnerability disclosure mechanisms: A synthesis and framework for market-based and non-market-based disclosures

Abstract Vulnerability disclosure has been a controversial topic among scholars and practitioners. Most scholars agree on adopting the responsible disclosure practices for vulnerability disclosures, which give firms a protected period to address the vulnerability before public disclosure is made. However, the firms may not fully utilize the protected period resulting in financial and reputational losses. The recent popularity in market-based disclosure methods such as bug bounty programs has provided new methods to control ethical hackers and effectively manage the disclosure timelines. Through a systematic literature review, we investigate and identify various vulnerability disclosure mechanisms and elaborate the disclosure process of each mechanism. We synthesize and compare the antecedents and consequences of the vulnerability disclosure under market- and non-market-based disclosure mechanisms by proposing two research frameworks. Our analysis suggests that incentivizing hackers in market mechanisms change hackers' motivations, leading to behavioral changes and eventually giving firms more control over the disclosure process. Additionally, our research frameworks provide a basis for further theorizing in this area. We also identify several open research questions addressing issues and challenges in the market-based disclosures. The research has important implications for firms, hackers, policymakers, and researchers in this area.
Human Resource Development - The Key Investment for a Firm Marketing Services

An important element in marketing services is the human factor. Quality of services is subject to wide fluctuations depending on the ability, dedication and motivation of the employee providing these services. Human resources development as part of the investment in a business is discussed in this paper, including relevant calculations concerning the investment.
Prevention of Sexually Transmitted Diseases from Office to Globe

My interest in prevention of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) was borne out of my own frustration in managing the maladies of my dermatologic patients over the last 25 years. As they suffered the consequences of what they had understood would be “safe” sex, via condom use, I began to contemplate that strategy. “Safe sex” originated in the early 1980s as the “buzz-word” for promotion of condom use to high-risk population groups to prevent sexual transmission of HIV/AIDS. Since condoms doubled as barrier contraceptive devices, it was not long before “safe sex” became the prevention strategy of the era. With the use of a simple “prophylactic” device, the condom, adults and teens alike could, in theory, prevent both HIV transmission and pregnancy. They could be “safe” in their sexual practices. In the 1980s and 1990s, it became customary for physicians to caution patients to “practice safe sex.” Then, during the late 1990s, as rising rates of chronic, viral, skin-to-skin transmitted STDs became an increasingly widespread public health problem, the medical literature quietly transitioned to the more accurate description, “safer” sex. Yet “safe sex,” long written into classroom curricula and medical pamphlets, was in its second-generation as the prevention strategy for the general public. It was not until one of those people got a sexually transmitted disease (STD) and ended up as a patient that the idea that “sex” was not really “safe” had become a reality for that patient and doctor. I began to feel the havoc wreaked in the lives of my patients by diseases that could have been prevented by different choices. Ultimately, I came full circle in my own thinking, from my early venereal-disease-clinic years of “see ’em and treat ’em,” to becoming an advocate for primary prevention via behavior change.
Egocentrism and vicarious dissonance

Abstract Past research on vicarious dissonance (Monin, Norton, Cooper, & Hogg, 2004; Norton, Monin, Cooper, & Hogg, 2003) has demonstrated that participants experience vicarious discomfort and change their attitudes when witnessing counterattitudinal behavior from a fellow ingroup member. It has not been shown, however, whether witnessing this counterattitudinal behavior arouses vicarious dissonance because it contradicts the attitudes of the observed ingroup member or for egocentric reasons — that is, because it contradicts the attitudes of the observer. In three experiments, we test the hypothesis that the conditions necessary for arousing vicarious dissonance—namely, observing an ingroup member's responsibility for aversive consequences and level of choice—are processed egocentrically by the observer. By manipulating perspective taking in a vicarious induced compliance task, and manipulating choice difficulty in a vicarious free-choice dissonance paradigm, we show that the arousal of vicarious dissonance crucially depends on the consequences of the ingroup member's actions for the observer, and not for the observed ingroup member. Implications for other aspects of vicarious dissonance and vicarious experience in general are discussed.