cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The role of osmic acid in the treatment of immune synovitis

Thirty-seven New Zealand rabbits were observed for up to 1 year after their knee joints were instilled with 1 ml of 1% osmic acid. A selective destruction of synovial lining cells occurred with a concurrent synovitis, but lining cell regenerated by the eighth week. Nonprogressive abnormalities were also present in the cartilage. When an immune synovitis was induced in both knees of 16 rabbits, the osmic acid treated joint demonstrated a significantly greater synovitis and progressive aberrations compared to the untreated knee.
Comparison of boundary conditions for predicting the collection efficiency of cyclones

Abstract Gas-particle flow in three cyclones was numerically modeled using the Eulerian–Lagrangian approach. A tangential lift-off boundary condition was developed and included in the CFD simulations of cyclone performance via a user-defined function. Particles were considered as detached from the surface if they met the criterion of tangential lift-off; otherwise they were captured by the surface. Prediction of the collection efficiency in cyclones was conducted using the three different boundary conditions: (1) bottom trap only; (2) cone and bottom trap; and (3) the tangential lift-off, which is a combination of trap and reflect. Comparison with experimental data in literature indicates that the tangential lift-off boundary condition yields more accurate predictions than other boundary conditions.
Erwinia amylovora CRISPR Elements Provide New Tools for Evaluating Strain Diversity and for Microbial Source Tracking

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPRs) comprise a family of short DNA repeat sequences that are separated by non repetitive spacer sequences and, in combination with a suite of Cas proteins, are thought to function as an adaptive immune system against invading DNA. The number of CRISPR arrays in a bacterial chromosome is variable, and the content of each array can differ in both repeat number and in the presence or absence of specific spacers. We utilized a comparative sequence analysis of CRISPR arrays of the plant pathogen Erwinia amylovora to uncover previously unknown genetic diversity in this species. A total of 85 E. amylovora strains varying in geographic isolation (North America, Europe, New Zealand, and the Middle East), host range, plasmid content, and streptomycin sensitivity/resistance were evaluated for CRISPR array number and spacer variability. From these strains, 588 unique spacers were identified in the three CRISPR arrays present in E. amylovora, and these arrays could be categorized into 20, 17, and 2 patterns types, respectively. Analysis of the relatedness of spacer content differentiated most apple and pear strains isolated in the eastern U.S. from western U.S. strains. In addition, we identified North American strains that shared CRISPR genotypes with strains isolated on other continents. E. amylovora strains from Rubus and Indian hawthorn contained mostly unique spacers compared to apple and pear strains, while strains from loquat shared 79% of spacers with apple and pear strains. Approximately 23% of the spacers matched known sequences, with 16% targeting plasmids and 5% targeting bacteriophage. The plasmid pEU30, isolated in E. amylovora strains from the western U.S., was targeted by 55 spacers. Lastly, we used spacer patterns and content to determine that streptomycin-resistant strains of E. amylovora from Michigan were low in diversity and matched corresponding streptomycin-sensitive strains from the background population.
Formation of the B Ring in Steroids and Hopanoids from Squalene

A theoretical conformational study based on density functional calculations provides evidence that the sterol and nonsterol cyclizations of squalene to triterpenes are controlled by conformational effects as has been previously suggested. It was found that different conformers of a model system of squalene give rise to the chair−boat conformation found in the steroids and the chair−chair conformation of the pentacyclic 3-deoxytriterpenes for their A and B rings. It is suggested that the enzymes play a key role in holding the substrate in the proper orientation for these cyclizations to occur. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2004)
Automated Mass Spectrometry-Based Functional Assay for the Routine Analysis of the Secretome

The secretome represents the set of proteins secreted into the extracellular space of cells. These proteins have been shown to play a major role in cell-cell communication. For example, recent observations revealed the presence of diffusible factors with proliferative properties in the secretome of cancer cells. Thus, a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the secretome could lead to the identification of these factors and consequently to the development of new therapeutic strategies. Here, we provide an automated simple and effective strategy to identify novel targets in the secretome of specifically treated cells using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Furthermore, we explore the supportive role of mass spectrometry (MS) in the development of functional assays of identified secreted target molecules. Simplicity is achieved by growing cells in medium free of serum, which eliminates the need to remove the most abundant serum proteins and at the same time reduces disturbing matrix effects. Upon identification of these factors, their validation and characterization will follow. Moreover, this approach can also lead to the identification of proteins abnormally secreted, shed, or oversecreted by cells as response to a stimulus. Furthermore, we also discuss the problems that one may encounter. Finally, we discuss the broad application of automated MS-based proteomics, particularly in cancer research, highlighting new horizons for the use of MS.
Identification in the frequency domain of molecular dissociation fragments detected by a wavepacket

Coherent control of Rb2 predissociation by chirped femtosecond laser pulses is detected by a wavepacket probe. Specific atomic fragments of molecular dissociation are identified by viewing the wavepacket dynamics in the spectral domain.
Influences of climate, cattle density, and lake morphology on Sporormiella abundances in modern lake sediments in the US Great Plains:

Sporormiella, a genus of coprophilous fungus, is increasingly used as a qualitative proxy for megafaunal density. Decreased spore abundances in Late-Pleistocene and Holocene sediments are thought t...
Efficient error free chain coding of binary documents

Finite context models improve the performance of chain based encoders to the point that they become attractive, alternative models for binary image compression. The resulting code is within 4% of JBIG at 200 dpi and is 9% more efficient at 400 dpi.
A Novel Surface Antigen of Relapsing Fever Spirochetes Can Discriminate between Relapsing Fever and Lyme Borreliosis

In a previous immunoproteome analysis of Borrelia hermsii, candidate antigens that bound IgM antibodies from mice and patients infected with relapsing fever spirochetes were identified. One candidate that was identified is a hypothetical protein with a molecular mass of 57 kDa that we have designated Borrelia immunogenic protein A (BipA). This protein was further investigated as a potential diagnostic antigen for B. hermsii given that it is absent from the Borrelia burgdorferi genome. The bipA locus was amplified and sequenced from 39 isolates of B. hermsii that had been acquired from western North America. bipA was also expressed as a recombinant fusion protein. Serum samples from mice and patients infected with B. hermsii or B. burgdorferi were used to confirm the immunogenicity of the recombinant protein in patients infected with relapsing fever spirochetes. Lastly, in silico and experimental analysis indicated that BipA is a surface-exposed lipoprotein in B. hermsii. These findings enhance the capabilities of diagnosing infection with relapsing fever spirochetes.
Instructional Course Lectures, The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons - The Treatment of Stiffness of the Shoulder after Repair of the Rotator Cuff*†

Repair of the rotator cuff usually eliminates pain and improves the over-all function of the shoulder. Good function of the shoulder depends on the patient regaining a nearly normal passive and active range of motion with sufficient strength to perform activities of daily living, work, and sports13. Failure of procedures for repair of the rotator cuff usually is ascribed to disruption of the repair itself and may be associated with both pain and loss of active motion. However, loss of motion may occur with or without disruption of the repair and may be due to postoperative adhesions and actual capsular contracture. The prevalence of loss of motion has not been clearly reported in previous studies of the results of repair of the rotator cuff. A review of series of such procedures that were performed over the previous two decades revealed that, of 500 patients, twenty-one (4 per cent) had loss of motion that was believed to be due to postoperative adhesions2,5,6,8,14,15,17,21,24,31,32,39. Many reports have not included quantitative measurements of postoperative motion compared with preoperative motion; thus, it is difficult to arrive at an accurate appraisal of the prevalence of shoulder stiffness after repair of the rotator cuff. The senior one of us (J. J. P. W.) has found that loss of passive motion is not uncommon after repair of the rotator cuff, and although the patient may not always be symptomatic treatment may be necessary. The purpose of the current paper is to review the variables involved in loss of motion after repair of the rotator cuff and to describe an approach for its evaluation and treatment. Some loss of motion after repair of …
REVIEW OF INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE WITH PUBLIC–PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP IN THE IRRIGATION SUBSECTOR

Over the last few years, the number of initiatives of public–private partnerships in irrigation has increased significantly. PPPs have been developed to accelerate irrigation expansion, improve operation & maintenance services, and eliminate or reduce O&M subsidies. This paper shares the lessons learned from the experiences of the 'pioneer' countries, reviewing: (i) recent PPP transactions under implementation (Morocco, Peru and Ethiopia) and (ii) some transactions under preparation (Brazil, Morocco and Ethiopia). The main lessons learned to date for the promotion and development of PPPs in irrigation cover the following areas: an analysis of what constitutes a favourable environment to promote and develop a PPP, considering the potentially conflicting objectives of farmers, public and private sectors. This paper illustrates that the PPP model (with financial contribution of a private party to the CAPEX, capital investment) is more appropriate for new and modern irrigation schemes with solid irrigation services demand from commercial farmers, while other designs of private sector involvement, like management contracts, should be considered when conditions are different (smallholders with subsistence agriculture, etc.); a description of good and bad practices for transaction design to reduce demand and payment risk and to increase attractiveness of the operation; a discussion on the intrinsic role of PPP in irrigation, advising not to consider it as a new 'panacea' but rather as an additional tool to be used cautiously and only when some specific conditions are met. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Decomposition of interdependent task group for concurrent engineering

In concurrent engineering, project tasks generally involve the establishment of multifunctional teams in which team members from different functional departments interact in every phase of development tasks to design the products and processes concurrently. However, the increasing complexity of product development and design process often come up with large interdependent task groups due to the nature of the concurrent strategy. The large size of interdependent task groups makes it difficult for team organization and thus delays the project completion. This calls for the intention of this research to develop an effective model to: (1) transform the binary task relationships into the quantifiable task coupling strengths; and (2) to decompose the large interdependent task group into smaller and manageable sub-groups. Design structure matrix (DSM), analytic hierarchy process and cluster analysis are used to represent task relationships, quantify task couplings and decompose large size of task groups. Clustering performance between numerical DSM versus binary DSM is evaluated using a simulation experiment. The experimental results show that the clustering performance of using numerical DSM is better than the use of binary DSM. The effectiveness of this model is then demonstrated by an illustrative example. The result shows that our proposed model is capable of decomposing the large coupling task group that helps team organization for concurrent engineering project.
IL-4, IL-13, and dexamethasone augment fibroblast proliferation in asthma.

Abstract Background: IL-4 and IL-13 have been shown to be critical for expression of the asthma phenotype in a murine model and may modulate human fibroblast function. Objective: We hypothesized that IL-4 and IL-13 would increase airway fibroblast proliferation and reduce the ability of dexamethasone to decrease this proliferation. Methods: Six subjects with severe asthma, 5 subjects with mild asthma, and 5 healthy subjects underwent bronchoscopy with endobronchial biopsy. Biopsy specimens were placed in Dulbecco modified Eagle medium and cultured, and only fibro-blasts from the first and second passages were evaluated. Cells were incubated with IL-4 (50 ng/mL), IL-13 (10 ng/mL), and the combination for 48 hours in the presence and absence of dexamethasone, 10 –7 mol/L, and 10 –8 mol/L. Fibroblasts were also incubated with IFN-γ at 50 ng/mL to assess the response of a T H 1 cytokine on proliferation. Results: Fibroblast proliferation, determined by 3 H-thymidine incorporation, was significantly increased by IL-4 in subjects with mild asthma as compared with IL-4 in subjects with severe asthma and healthy subjects ( P = .003), IL-13 ( P = .011), and the combination ( P = .004). Dexamethasone also increased proliferation in the group with mild asthma as compared with the group with severe asthma and the healthy group (10 –7 mol/L, P = .02; 10 –8 mol/L, P = .02). IFN-γ did not significantly alter airway fibroblast proliferation. Conclusion: IL-4, IL-13, and dexamethasone all significantly increased fibroblast proliferation in subjects with mild asthma. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 2001;107:602-6.)
Lesions of ultrasound-induced lung hemorrhage are not consistent with thermal injury.

Abstract— Thermal injury, a potential mechanism of ultrasound-induced lung hemorrhage, was studied by comparing lesions induced by an infrared laser (a tissue-heating source) with those induced by pulsed ultrasound. A 600-mW continuous-wave CO 2 laser (wavelength ∼10.6 μm) was focused (680-μm beamwidth) on the surface of the lungs of rats for a duration between 10 to 40 s; ultrasound beamwidths were between 310 and 930 μm. After exposure, lungs were examined grossly and then processed for microscopic evaluation. Grossly, lesions induced by laser were somewhat similar to those induced by ultrasound; however, microscopically, they were dissimilar. Grossly, lesions were oval, red to dark red and extended into subjacent tissue to form a cone. The surface was elevated, but the center of the laser-induced lesions was often depressed. Microscopically, the laser-induced injury consisted of coagulation of tissue, cells and fluids, whereas injury induced by ultrasound consisted solely of alveolar hemorrhage. These results suggest that ultrasound-induced lung injury is most likely not caused by a thermal mechanism. (E-mail: zacharyj@uiuc.edu )
Knowledge Transfer and Teaching Public Administration: the Academy Model

Since the beginnings of Public Administration in the US and its accompanying education in other parts of the world, government and policy have become more complex. The education in Public Administr...
Assessing African American Spirituality with Spiritual Ecomaps

While there is increasing awareness that spirituality is a central dimension of human existence, there are few assessment instruments that operationalize spiritual strengths in a clinically useful manner. Further, instruments tailored specifically for African Americans, the population for whom spirituality may be most salient, have been almost completely lacking in the literature. Correspondingly, this paper develops a diagrammatic assessment instrument, spiritual ecomaps, for assessing African American spirituality. After delineating the theoretical components of a spiritual ecomap, practical suggestions are given for the instrument's use, including a number of possible interventions that flow from the assessment process. A case study is provided to familiarize the reader with the instrument. The paper concludes by offering suggestions for using the instrument for other populations in a culturally sensitive manner.
The drug use index: a measure of the extent of polydrug usage

A drug use index (DUI) is constructed from actual usage data of 1,121 respondents (517 males and 604 females). It is proposed that this index represents a quantitative measure of the degree of involvement in polydrug use. Correlations between the DUI and use of 19 drugs or drug classes are reported. Furthermore, some applications of the DUI are demonstrated with specific reference to four psycho-personality tests.
Instability of the DSM-IV Subtypes of ADHD From Preschool Through Elementary School

Context The DSM-IV definition of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) distinguished 3 subtypes that had not been extensively studied. Objective To determine whether the ADHD subtypes are stable enough over time to be valid. Design Longitudinal study with a greater-than 89% retention rate in 7 assessments over 8 years. Setting Outpatient clinics. Participants Volunteer sample of 118 4- to 6-year-olds who met DSM-IV criteria for ADHD, including impairment in 2 settings in at least 1 assessment. Main Outcome Measure Meeting DSM-IV criteria for the subtypes of ADHD during years 2 through 8. Results The number of children who met criteria for ADHD declined over time, but most persisted. Children who met criteria for the combined subtype (CT, n = 83) met criteria for ADHD in more subsequent assessments than children in the predominantly hyperactive-impulsive subtype (HT, n = 23). Thirty-one (37%) of 83 CT children and 6 (50%) of 12 children in the predominantly inattentive subtype (IT) met criteria for a different subtype at least twice in the next 6 assessments. Children of the HT subtype were even more likely to shift to a different subtype over time, with HT children who persisted in ADHD mostly shifting to CT in later assessments. The subtypes exhibited consistently different mean levels of hyperactive-impulsive symptoms during years 2 through 8 that corresponded with their initial subtype classifications, but initial subtype differences in inattention symptoms diminished in later years. Conclusions In younger children, the CT and IT may be stable enough to segregate groups for research, but they seem too unstable for use in the clinical assessment of individual children. Children rarely remain in the HT classification over time; rather, they sometimes desist from ADHD but mostly shift to CT in later years. Using continuous ratings of hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms as a diagnostic qualifier should be considered as an alternative to classifying nominal subtypes of ADHD in DSM-V .
Free-space terminator and coherent broad-band black-body interferometry

We propose a free-space terminator and ultra-broad-band interferometry in the microwave to infrared domains. The device is based on a ldquocoherent black-bodyldquo effect using an extremely thin metallic layer in a ring (Sagnac) interferometer.
Multilevel Regression Modeling of Nonlinear Processes: Derivation and Applications to Climatic Variability

Abstract Predictive models are constructed to best describe an observed field’s statistics within a given class of nonlinear dynamics driven by a spatially coherent noise that is white in time. For linear dynamics, such inverse stochastic models are obtained by multiple linear regression (MLR). Nonlinear dynamics, when more appropriate, is accommodated by applying multiple polynomial regression (MPR) instead; the resulting model uses polynomial predictors, but the dependence on the regression parameters is linear in both MPR and MLR. The basic concepts are illustrated using the Lorenz convection model, the classical double-well problem, and a three-well problem in two space dimensions. Given a data sample that is long enough, MPR successfully reconstructs the model coefficients in the former two cases, while the resulting inverse model captures the three-regime structure of the system’s probability density function (PDF) in the latter case. A novel multilevel generalization of the classic regression proce...
General approach for the synthesis of polyquinenes via the weiss reaction XII. The chugaev approach to ellacene (1,10-cyclododecanotriquinancene)

Abstract The synthesis of ellacene (1,10-cyclododecanotriquinancene) 2 has been achieved via the Weiss reaction. The regiospecific monoallylation of 6 to provide 7 , and the pyrolysis of tris xanthate 11 in HMPA at 220°C to furnish 2 represent the key steps in the sequence. The HMPA-mediated dehydration of triol 10 to form the ethers 12 and 13 in preference to the desired 2 has also been observed.
Phase diagram and optimal switching induced by spin Hall effect in a perpendicular magnetic layer

In a ferromagnet/heavy-metal bilayer device with strong spin Hall effect an in-plane current excites magnetic dynamics through spin torque. We analyze bilayers with perpendicular magnetization and calculate three-dimensional phase diagrams describing switching by external magnetic field at a fixed current. We then concentrate on the case of a field applied in the plane formed by the film normal and the current direction. Here we analytically study the evolution of both the conventional ``up''/``down'' magnetic equilibria and the additional equilibria created by the spin torque. Expressions for the stability regions of all equilibria are derived, and the nature of switching at each critical boundary is discussed. The qualitative picture obtained this way predicts complex hysteresis patterns that should occur in bilayers. Analyzing the phase portraits of the system we find regimes where switching between the up and down states proceeds through the current-induced state as an intermediate. The first step of such two-step process is fast and resembles ballistic switching for the reasons discussed in the paper. Using numeric simulations we analyze the switching time and compare it to that of a conventional spin torque device with collinear magnetizations of the polarizer and the free layer.
Protective effect of adrenal steroid administration on irradiated mice.

Summary1. Young male and female DBA mice were exposed to 500 r head radiation or whole-body radiation. A correlation is observed between head and whole-body radiation, as judged by the mortality rate. In both instances a 500 r dose gives a 100% mortality rate, but mice receiving whole-body radiation succumb sooner. 2. Mice receiving 500 r head radiation and primed before or after radiation with cortisone or desoxycorticosterone showed evidence that both of these compounds afford protection from the lethal effect of ionizing radiation. 3. Interpretations of the role of the pituitary-adrenal axis under the conditions of these experiments are discussed.
Managing End-of-Life Uncertainty Applying Problematic Integration Theory to Spousal Communication About Death and Dying

A significant number of Americans die in ways that do not reflect their preferences for end-of-life (EOL) care. For married individuals, the spouse often has the legal authority to make decisions at EOL. Many factors, most notably open preemptive communication about care preferences and dying wishes, determine whether such communication is viable and a partner's wishes are respected. We used a mixed method approach, involving a content analysis of spouses' reasons for seeking and avoiding conversations regarding their partners' EOL care preferences, and examined whether certain demographic factors (eg, income, gender, age) more likely contributed to the initiation of EOL conversations. We situate our findings within the broader cultural discourse about death and dying and highlight the influence of uncertainty in spousal EOL communication.
Optimization of Generalized Nanostructures for Light Trapping Beyond the Ergodic Limit

We report on a novel optimization method of designing generalized 2D and 3D nanostructures for light trapping exceeding the ergodic limit in thin-film photovoltaics via boosting local density of optical states in slot waveguide configuration.
Caregiving in Mothers' Narratives of Perinatal Hospice

A mother whose baby is diagnosed prenatally with a life-threatening condition frequently has weeks or months to prepare for birth and death. Research and anecdotal evidence affirm a mother's mindful journey with her unborn child. Bowlby's theory of caregiving, reciprocal to attachment, provides a theoretical framework for this study. Caregiving includes the goals of protecting, nurturing, and socializing a child. The authors used directed content analysis for a secondary analysis of data from the category of caregiving, created in a prior study of 15 mothers recruited from perinatal hospice support organizations. Results identify multiple ways that mothers protect, nurture, and socialize, and add a new category: final acts of caregiving. Understanding caregiving as a goal-corrected system strengthens the evidence for giving mothers every opportunity to care for their babies in ways that are normal and natural to them.
Intersections at the crossroads: Neurofibromatosis type 1, cAMP, sex, and glioma risk

Cancer predisposition syndromes, particularly neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), provide unique vantage points from which to examine the co-contributions of molecular, cellular, and tissue processes to tumor biology. Polymorphisms in adenylate cyclase 8 affect brain tumor risk in NF1 in a sex-specific fashion, illuminating novel interdependencies in brain tumorigenesis.
SKIPing with teachers: an early years motor skill intervention

ABSTRACTBackground: Fundamental motor skill (FMS) interventions when delivered by an expert can significantly improve the FMS of young children with and without developmental delays. However, there is a gap in the literature as few early childhood centers employ experts with the professional background to deliver FMS intervention.Purpose: The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a motor skill program called SKIP (Successful Kinesthetic Instruction for Preschoolers) on student learning of object control skills (OC). A secondary purpose was to examine the extent to which early childhood teachers could implement the SKIP program with fidelity (while receiving on-going coaching and support) and the extent to which instructional fidelity influenced OC improvement in the SKIP condition.Participants and setting: There were two levels of participants in this study, early childhood teachers (N = 2, Women = 2) and their students (N = 57; Boys = 53%; Mage = 4.39, Range 3–6). All participan...
Paying Attention to the Important Role Played by Reading Guidance in University Library

Reading guidance is an very important part of higher education.Under the services of college library,students can be taught the correct attitude and excellent qualities by honesty education,setback education,situational education and career education,according to the characters of the psychological development of the young and their reading activities.Then the ideological functions of the library can be realized.
Growth and neutralization of sulfate aerosols in human airways.

Evidence derived from in vivo and in vitro laboratory experiments, controlled human exposure studies, and epidemiological studies on mortality and morbidity point to a positive correlation between acid aerosol inhalation and lung impairment. The lung has two important lines of defense against acid aerosols: 1) neutralization by oral or nasal airway ammonia and 2) buffering by mucus lining of the airway. A mathematical model is developed to study the growth and endogenous ammonia neutralization of sulfate-containing aerosol particles in the human respiratory tract. It is shown that an accurate prediction of the luminal ammonia concentration and relative humidity in each generation is essential for quantifying the degree of neutralization of the acidic particles. The model predicts substantial growth and neutralization for small particles ( 1.0 micron) experience negligible neutralization. The predicted neutralization of intermediate-sized particles depends on the parameter values used in the model. Water supersaturations that occur in the respiratory tract when ambient conditions are cool and humid cause rapid particle growth and consequently enhance neutralization. Thus the neutralization depends on the particle size as well as on ambient conditions.
Estramustine Phosphate: Metabolic Aspects Related to Its Action in Prostatic Cancer

AbstractEstramustine phosphate, a drug effective in a substantial number of patients with cancer of the prostate who had failed on other forms of therapy, has been shown to be split into its constituents, that is estradiol-17β and the carbamate nitrogen mustard by non-cancerous and cancerous human prostatic tissues. This fact may explain, in part, the mechanism of action and efficacy of the drug in patients with cancer of the prostate. In addition to presenting results on the hydrolysis and its products accomplished by human prostatic tissues we discuss the limitations of extrapolating animal results with estramustine phosphate to the human condition and possible parameters that bear upon the insignificant toxic and estrogenic effects observed in patients given estramustine phosphate.
Qatar's Educational System in the Technology-Driven Era: Long Story Short

This paper provides an overview of Qatar’s educational system. Specifically, it focuses on the national educational reform that has been unfolding since 2003, tracks its progress, and examines the implementation of educational technology within Qatar’s cultural context of education. The paper ends with recommendations for practice and future research.
Gold nanocluster formation using morpholino oligomer as template and assembly agent within hybrid bio-nanomaterials

We report the use of a phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomer as a DNA analogue to template the assembly of a gold nanocluster possessing 6 Au atoms and a diameter of ∼0.9 nm. Spectroscopic characterization indicates that Au preferentially binds to the phosphorodiamidate backbone as opposed to the nucleobases. A high fraction of Au(I) relative to Au(0) is observed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electrochemistry. This new nanocluster was co-assembled with carbon nanotubes and a fuel-cell enzyme, bilirubin oxidase. The hybrid bio-nanoassembly can reduce O2 to H2O without changing the overpotential of the enzyme.
Strategic Approach to Assess Training Needs Across a Diverse Region

The mission of the Region IV (R-IV) Public Health Training Center (PHTC), headquartered at the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University in Atlanta, GA, is to develop and implement programming to train and educate public health professionals in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Region IV. To identify public health workforce development needs, the R-IV PHTC created a systematic process that included the implementation of a variety of strategies, to gain insights from each state within the diverse region. Conducting regular needs assessments is an integral step to ensure trainings are relevant and meet the needs of public health professionals. To this end, the PHTC employed a mixed methods approach to gather information on both competency-based and non–competency-based training needs, as well as training needs within R-IV’s content focus area of infectious disease. In R-IV there is great variability between the structures of the state and local health departments (e.g., some centralized...
How good is good enough?: a technical perspective informed by ethical sensibility

Upon graduation, my students often take jobs working with safety-critical software. We therefore have an obvious ethical imperative to be concerned with their skills in developing software of good quality. For that reason, I've spent a great deal of time working with Ada, and my talk this evening is drawn from that work.
Counting submodules of a module over a noetherian commutative ring

Abstract We count the number of submodules of an arbitrary module over a countable noetherian commutative ring. We give, along the way, various characterizations of minimax modules, as well as a structural description of meager modules, which are defined as those that do not have the square of a simple module as subquotient. We deduce in particular a characterization of uniserial modules over commutative noetherian rings.
Mind the gap: results of a multispecialty survey on coordination of care for peri-procedural anticoagulation.

To understand how physicians from various specialties perceive coordination of care when managing peri-procedural anticoagulation. Cross-sectional survey of cardiologists, gastroenterologists, and primary care physicians (PCPs) in an integrated health system (N = 251). The survey began with a vignette of a patient with atrial fibrillation co-managed by his PCP, cardiologist, and an anticoagulation clinic who must hold warfarin for a colonoscopy. Respondents’ experiences and opinions around responsibilities and institutional support for managing peri-procedural anticoagulation were elicited using multiple choice questions. We examined differences in responses across specialties using Chi square analysis. The response rate was 51% (n = 127). 52% were PCPs, 28% cardiologists, and 21% gastroenterologists. Nearly half (47.2%) of respondents believed that the cardiologist should be primarily responsible for managing peri-procedural anticoagulation, while fewer identified the PCP (25.2%), anticoagulation clinic (21.3%), or gastroenterologist (6.3%; p = 0.09). Respondents across specialties had significantly different approaches to deciding how to manage the clinical case presented (p < 0.001). Most cardiologists (60.0%) would decide whether to offer bridging without consulting with other providers or clinical resources, while most PCPs would decide after consulting clinical resources (57.6%). Gastroenterologists would most often (46.2%) defer the decision to another provider. A majority of all three specialties agreed that their institution could do more to help manage peri-procedural anticoagulation, and there was broad support (88.1%) for anticoagulation clinics’ managing all aspects of peri-procedural anticoagulation. Providers across specialties agree that their institution could do more to help manage peri-procedural anticoagulation, and overwhelmingly support anticoagulation clinics’ taking responsibility.
“Utopia” as a Critique of Utopia in Ṣabrī Mūsā’s The Gentleman from the Spinach Field

In his 1987 novel al-Sayyid min Ḥaql al-Sabinākh [“The Gentleman from the Spinach Field”], Ṣabri Mūsā provides us with what appears to be a classic plot of utopian literature: the one person who isn’t satisfied with a society that provides them with all the comforts of life save the freedom to make their own choices. The protagonist in his future utopia under domes in an Earth wrecked by environmental catastrophe is carefully constructed to appeal to the sensibilities of Mūsā’s readers: the gentleman’s experiences and the reactions of the benevolent totalitarians that run his society make it easy for modern readers in bureaucratic surveillance societies to sympathize with his desire to return to nature. At the end of the text, however, Mūsā inverts our expectations and shows us how the protagonist is wrong and the totalitarians correct. This serves as an estrangement of the desire of many of his fellow Egyptians and Arabs, when confronted with the hostile environment of Western global capital, to desire a retreat into the past; on the contrary, the text argues, the only way to not be swallowed whole is to embrace the future, even if it means abandoning the old ways.
The Female Athlete Triad

In brief Though appropriate exercise has many health benefits for women, there is a point of diminishing returns. Young female athletes driven to excel in their chosen sports are at risk of developing a potentially fatal triad of disorders. By recognizing the connection between disordered eating, amenorrhea, and osteoporosis, physicians can help athletic young women stay active while avoiding significant morbidity.
Controlled Component Synthesis

A new framework has been developed for structural control. The method developed herein detours from the conventional control system design path which begins with a model of the open loop plant. Instead, the controlled plant is assembled from controlled components in which the modeling phase and the control design phase are integrated at the component level. The developed method is labeled as a Controlled Component Synthesis (CCS) method to reflect that it is motivated by the well developed Component Mode Synthesis (CMS) methods — a collection of structural analysis methods which has been demonstrated to be effective for solving large complex structural analysis problems for almost three decades. The ideas behind CCS are stimulated by the subsystem decomposition viewpoint in large scale system theory on one hand, and by the component mode synthesis methods in structural analysis. In this paper, CCS is illustrated through the design of a distributed structural control system for a planar truss structure.
Smoking in the Workplace: Balancing Smoker and Nonsmoker Rights

The tobacco industry presents an interesting American dilemma. While warning against the use of tobacco and striving for a smokeless society the U.S. government subsidizes the growth of tobacco. The economic impact of smoking is, on balance, negative for users, nonusers and society. The federal government does not legislate the use of tobacco but most states and many municipalities have smoking laws. Although such laws vary they normally attempt to protect the rights of both smokers and nonsmokers. Workplace smoking policies also vary but generally focus on applicable laws, health research findings, employee preferences, involvement in policy determination, formalization and communication, and smoking cessation programs.
Membrane Attack by Complement (With Comments on Cell-Mediated Cytotoxicity)

As shown in the simplified scheme in Fig. 1, the complement system comprises two routes of activation, the classical and the alternative activation pathways, and a single membrane attack sequence which can be initiated by either one of the activating pathways.
Performance Evaluation of Asphalt Binder Modified by Bio-oil Generated from Waste Wood Resources

Bio-oils are thought to be potentials for petroleum asphalt binders used in asphalt pavement because of the renewability and environmental friendliness. The aim of this study is to investigate the performances of asphalt binders modified by bio-oils generated from waste wood resources. Three types of bio-oils generated from wood waste resources are used in this study: the original bio-oil (OB), de-watered bio-oil (DWB) and polymer modified bio-oil (PMB). OB, DWB and PMB were added into the base asphalt PG 58-28 at 5% and 10% by weight. The rotational viscometer (RV), dynamic shear rheometer (DSR), rolling thin film oven (RTFO), pressure aging vessel (PAV) and bending beam rheometer (BBR) were conducted to evaluate the rheological properties of bio-oil modified asphalt binders. The Superpave^(TM) binder specification was used to evaluate the performances of bio-oil modified asphalt binders. The test results show that the addition of bio-oil can lower the mixing temperature of asphalt mixtures while improve the high temperature performance of asphalt binders. However, the medium and low temperature performances were sacrificed. Comparison among the three types of bio-oil modified asphalt binders showed that PMB modified asphalt binders had the highest stiffness, followed by the DWB and OB modified binders. The OB had the lowest effect on the base asphalt binder compared to other two types of bio-oils.
The Development of a Self-Efficacy Measurement Tool For Counseling in Speech-Language Pathology

Purpose This study aimed to develop and administer an adapted survey tool to measure counseling skills in graduate students and early-career speech-language pathologists, focusing on the concept of...
Integrated Surface-Airspace Model of Airport Departures

The significant growth in air traffic over the past few decades has led to increased congestion at major airports. Departure metering strategies to mitigate congestion require good models of operat...
Perspectives and practices of oncology providers in addressing financial toxicity.

e18342Background: Few studies have evaluated the perspectives and clinical practices of oncology providers in regards to assisting patients with financial toxicity. Our study sought to assess provi...
Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms: Have IAP Consensus Guidelines Changed our Approach?: Results from a Multi-institutional Study.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the influence of consensus guidelines on the management of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN) and the subsequent changes in pathologic outcomes. BACKGROUND Over time, multiple guidelines have been developed to identify high-risk IPMN. We hypothesized that the development and implementation of guidelines should have increased the percentage of resected IPMN with high-risk disease. METHODS Memorial Sloan-Kettering (MSK), Johns Hopkins (JH), and Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) databases were queried for resected IPMN (2000-2015). Patients were categorized into main-duct (MD-IPMN) versus branch-duct (BD-IPMN). Guideline-specific radiographic/endoscopic features were recorded. High-risk disease was defined as high-grade dysplasia/carcinoma. Fisher's exact test was used to detect differences between institutions. Logistic regression evaluated differences between time-points [preguidelines (pre-GL, before 2006), Sendai (SCG, 2006-2012), Fukuoka (FCG, after 2012)]. RESULTS The study included 1210 patients. The percentage of BD-IPMN with ≥1 high-risk radiographic feature differed between centers (MSK 69%, JH 60%, MGH 45%; P < 0.001). In MD-IPMN cohort, the presence of radiographic features such as solid component and main pancreatic duct diameter ≥10 mm also differed (solid component: MSK 38%, JH 30%, MGH 18%; P < 0.001; duct ≥10 mm: MSK 49%, JH 32%, MGH 44%; P < 0.001). The percentage of high-risk disease on pathology, however, was similar between institutions (BD-IPMN: P = 0.36, MD-IPMN: P = 0.48). During the study period, the percentage of BD-IPMN resected with ≥1 high-risk feature increased (52% pre-GL vs 67% FCG; P = 0.005), whereas the percentage of high-risk disease decreased (pre-GL vs FCG: 30% vs 20%). For MD-IPMN, there was not a clear trend towards guideline adherence, and the rate of high-risk disease was similar over the time (pre-GL vs FCG: 69% vs 67%; P = 0.63). CONCLUSION Surgical management of IPMN based on radiographic criteria is variable between institutions, with similar percentages of high-risk disease. Over the 15-year study period, the rate of BD-IPMN resected with high-risk radiographic features increased; however, the rate of high-risk disease decreased. Better predictors are needed.
PROSPECTIVE ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY AND MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING VALIDATION STUDY OF A GEOMETRIC MODEL FOR CALCULATING LEFT VENTRICULAR EJECTION FRACTION FROM STRAIN IN VALVULAR HEART DISEASE

Relationships between left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and strain are important to establish for prognosis in cardiac disease. A mathematical equation linking the two was recently derived by Stokke et al., but has not been applied in valve disease. We compared the calculated LVEF (cLVEF)
Macroscale Nonlocal Dispersion

In the previous chapter, we employed hybrid mixture theory to “upscale” classical continuum equations to various higher scales. To do so we required a discrete scale separation between the “pore scale” and one or more higher scales. In this chapter we make no such assumptions on scale separation. That is, we work more in the spirit of sections 2.6–2.8 of Ch. II, though our starting point will be the “Darcy” scale rather than the “molecular” scale.
Explaining Discrepancies Between Total and Segmental DXA and BIA Body Composition Estimates Using Bayesian Regression.

Abstract Introduction/Background: Few investigations have sought to explain discrepancies between dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) body composition estimates. The purpose of this analysis was to explore physiological and anthropometric predictors of discrepancies between DXA and BIA total and segmental body composition estimates. Methodology: Assessments via DXA (GE Lunar Prodigy) and single-frequency BIA (RJL Systems Quantum V) were performed in 179 adults (103 F, 76 M, age: 33.6 ± 15.3 yr; BMI: 24.9 ± 4.3 kg/m2). Potential predictor variables for differences between DXA and BIA total and segmental fat mass (FM) and lean soft tissue (LST) estimates were obtained from demographics and laboratory techniques, including DXA, BIA, bioimpedance spectroscopy, air displacement plethysmography, and 3-dimensional optical scanning. To determine meaningful predictors, Bayesian robust regression models were fit using a t-distribution and regularized hierarchical shrinkage “horseshoe” prior. Standardized model coefficients (β) were generated, and leave-one-out cross validation was used to assess model predictive performance. Results: LST hydration (i.e., total body water:LST) was a predictor of discrepancies in all FM and LST variables (|β|: 0.20–0.82). Additionally, extracellular fluid percentage was a predictor for nearly all outcomes (|β|: 0.19–0.40). Height influenced the agreement between whole-body estimates (|β|: 0.74–0.77), while the mass, length, and composition of body segments were predictors for segmental LST estimates (|β|: 0.23–3.04). Predictors of segmental FM errors were less consistent. Select sex-, race-, or age-based differences between methods were observed. The accuracy of whole-body models was superior to segmental models (leave-one-out cross-validation-adjusted R2 of 0.83–0.85 for FMTOTAL and LSTTOTAL vs. 0.20–0.76 for segmental estimates). For segmental models, predictive performance decreased in the order of: appendicular lean soft tissue, LSTLEGS, LSTTRUNK and FMLEGS, FMARMS, FMTRUNK, and LSTARMS. Conclusions: These findings indicate the importance of LST hydration, extracellular fluid content, and height for explaining discrepancies between DXA and BIA body composition estimates. These general findings and quantitative interpretation based on the presented data allow for a better understanding of sources of error between 2 popular segmental body composition techniques and facilitate interpretation of estimates from these technologies.