cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Emotional Appeals and Gain Versus Loss Framing in Communicating Sea Star Wasting Disease

In response to the recent sea star wasting disease event and the growing concern over the negative consequences of eco-depression regarding environmental crises, this study investigated the effects of two emotional appeals (sadness and hope) and their interaction with gain versus loss framing on information seeking, policy support, and pro-environmental behavioral intentions. Overall, the results suggest that the sadness appeal was an effective approach in promoting information seeking and policy support, whereas the impacts of the hope appeal were limited in this context. In addition, this study provides initial evidence that a sadness appeal will be more effective when it is accompanied by gain framing and that a hope appeal tends to have greater impacts when it is juxtaposed with loss framing. Future implications and limitations are also discussed.
Insights into Thin, Thermally Responsive Polymer Layers Through Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation

The thermodynamics of temperature-responsive polymeric layers was analyzed using a two-state coil to globule model to which the van’t Hoff relationship was applied. For soluble homopolymer poly(N-i...
Spatial and Temporal Probes of Deformation and Fracture at Interfaces

During the peel of a ductile material from a rigid substrate, a number of instabilities can arise in the shape and motion of the peel front. For instance, void formation, viscous fingering, and fibril formation and bifurcation can modulate the local rate of detachment between the two materials. These fluctuations affect the rate of energy dissipation and depend directly on the micromechanics of the detachment zone. Exploiting the consequences of contact charging between dissimilar materials, we have developed sensitive methods for detecting fluctuations during interfacial failure. We have also developed a sensitive probe of ductile deformation in reactive metals and use these measurements to probe energy dissipation during interfacial failure. We present examples of chaotic behavior and discuss the relation between these results with our current understanding of energy dissipation during interfacial crack growth.
Depolarization-induced inhibition of cyclic AMP accumulation: cholinergic-adrenergic antagonism in murine atria.

Isolated mouse heart atria incubated in medium containing 57 mM potassium chloride (K+) lose their capacity to make cyclic AMP when stimulated with isoproterenol. With lower concentrations of medium K+ (22 and 40 mM) there is partial blockade of catecholamine sensitive cyclic AMP accumulation. Inhibition is apparent within minutes of exposure to high K+ medium and is reversed in atria returned to medium of normal (6 mM) K+ concentration. K+ induced inhibition requires external calcium, and is blocked by atropine. The cholinergic, agonist, carbachol, also blocks isoproterenol-responsive cyclic AMP accumulation in murine atria, with an IC50, of 0.1 µM. Inhibition by carbachol is reversed by atropine, but in contrast to the effect of K+, carbachol-induced inhibition does not require external calcium. Both K+ and carbachol produce noncompetitive inhibition of isoproterenol stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation, with 85-90% inhibition at maximal concentrations. Neither manipulation lowers the basal cyclic AMP concentration or the increase in cyclic AMP produced by cholera toxin. Catecholamine-sensitive cyclic AMP accumulation is also markedly depressed in atria incubated with the cholinesterase inhibitor, physostigmine, and in atria exposed to millimolar concentrations of choline (to replace sodium). Atropine abolishes the inhibition produced by these interventions. The findings presented here demonstrate muscarinic antagonism of isoproterenol-sensitive cyclic AMP accumulation in murine atria and suggest that acetylcholine released from cholinergic nerve endings by K+ depolarization or released spontaneously while cholinesterase is inhibited, can regulate cyclic AMP responses to adrenergic stimulation. The marked noncompetitive inhibition of atrial cyclic AMP accumulation by locally released acetylcholine may be basic to parasympathetic antagonism of sympathetic responses in the myocardium. ACKNOWLEDGMENT The technical assistance of Mr. Michael Branks is gratefully acknowledged. This work would not have been possible without the support and encouragement of Dr. Steven E. Mayer.
Enhanced Precision of the New Hologic Horizon Model Compared With the Old Discovery Model Is Less Evident When Fewer Vertebrae Are Included in the Analysis

The International Society for Clinical Densitometry guidelines recommend using locally derived precision data for spine bone mineral densities (BMDs), but do not specify whether data derived from L1-L4 spines correctly reflect the precision for spines reporting fewer than 4 vertebrae. Our experience suggested that the decrease in precision with successively fewer vertebrae is progressive as more vertebrae are excluded and that the precision for the newer Horizon Hologic model might be better than that for the previous model, and we sought to quantify. Precision studies were performed on Hologic densitometers by acquiring spine BMD in fast array mode twice on 30 patients, according to International Society for Clinical Densitometry guidelines. This was done 10 different times on various Discovery densitometers, and once on a Horizon densitometer. When 1 vertebral body was excluded from analysis, there was no significant deterioration in precision. When 2 vertebrae were excluded, there was a nonsignificant trend to poorer precision, and when 3 vertebrae were excluded, there was significantly worse precision. When 3 or 4 vertebrae were reported, the precision of the spine BMD measurement was significantly better on the Hologic Horizon than on the Discovery, but the difference in precision between densitometers narrowed and was no longer significant when 1 or 2 vertebrae were reported. The results suggest that (1) the measurement of in vivo spine BMD on the new Hologic Horizon densitometer is significantly more precise than on the older Discovery model; (2) the difference in precision between the Horizon and Discovery models decreases as fewer vertebrae are included; (3) the measurement of spine BMD is less precise as more vertebrae are excluded, but still quite reasonable even when only 1 vertebral body is included; and (4) when 3 vertebrae are reported, L1-L4 precision data can reasonably be used to report significance of changes in BMD. When 1 or 2 vertebrae are reported, precision data for 1 or 2 vertebrae, respectively, should be used, because the exclusion of 2-3 vertebrae significantly worsens precision.
Regulation of Cadherin-Cadherin Interaction: Secondary Structure of the HAV and ADT Peptides Derived from Human E-Cadherin Sequence

Tight junctions present a major obstacle for delivery of drugs through the intestinal and blood brain barriers. These tight junctions are regulated in part by E-cadherins, which are calcium(dependent cell-cell adhesion molecules. E-cadherins are type-1 glycoproteins with a single transmembrane domain, a tandem repeat at the extracelluar domain (EC1-EC5) and a short cytoplasmic domain. E-cadherins are also calcium(de-pendent molecules that are mediators of cell adhesion through homophilic interactions [1]. Peptides derived from this binding region have been shown to increase the opening of the intercellular tight junctions in a reversible fashion, and may be used to improve paracellular drug transport by altering the intercellular junctions [1,2].
Model Minority Stereotype: Influence on Perceived Mental Health Needs of Asian Americans

This study examined the influence of the model minority stereotype on the perceived mental health functioning of Asian Americans. It was hypothesized that college students would perceive Asian Americans as having fewer mental health problems and clinical symptoms than Whites due to the model minority stereotype. Four hundred and twenty-five undergraduate students from a predominately White college campus in the American northeast were randomly exposed to one of four conditions: (1) a clinical vignette describing a White college student suffering from adjustment disorder; (2) the same vignette describing an Asian American college student; (3) a newspaper article describing a success story of Whites and the White clinical vignette; (4) the same newspaper article and clinical vignette describing an Asian American. Following exposure to one of the conditions, participants completed a memory recall task and measures of colorblindness, attitudes towards Asian Americans, attitudes towards out-group members, and perceived mental health functioning. Participants exposed to the vignettes primed with the positive/model minority stereotype perceived the target regardless of race/ethnicity as having better mental health functioning and less clinical symptoms than the condition without the stereotype. Additionally, the stereotype primer was found to be a modest predictor for the perception of mental health functioning in Asian American vignettes. Results shed light on the impact of the model minority stereotype on the misperception of Asian Americans' mental health status, contributing to the invisibility or neglect of this minority group's mental health needs.
Effect of Insurance on Rates of Total Ankle Arthroplasty Versus Arthrodesis for Tibiotalar Osteoarthritis.

Background:Several studies have examined the effect of insurance on the management of various orthopedic conditions. The purpose of our study was to assess the effect of insurance and other demographic factors on the operative management of tibiotalar osteoarthritis.Methods:The National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database was used to identify patients who underwent a total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) or tibiotalar arthrodesis (TTA) for tibiotalar osteoarthritis. Insurance status was identified for each patient, and the proportions of each insurance type were computed for each operative modality. A multivariate analysis was performed to account for confounding variables to isolate the effect of insurance type on operative treatment.Results:From 2007 to 2012, a total of 10 010 patients (35.6%) were identified who underwent a total ankle replacement (TAR) procedure and 18 094 patients (64.4%%) who underwent TTA for tibiotalar osteoarthritis. Patients receiving a TAR were older (65.8 vs 64.2, P < .001), more likely ...
Excited-State Dynamics of Melamine and Its Lysine Derivative Investigated by Femtosecond Transient Absorption Spectroscopy

Melamine may have been an important prebiotic information carrier, but its excited-state dynamics, which determine its stability under UV radiation, have never been characterized. The ability of melamine to withstand the strong UV radiation present on the surface of the early Earth is likely to have affected its abundance in the primordial soup. Here, we studied the excited-state dynamics of melamine (a proto-nucleobase) and its lysine derivative (a proto-nucleoside) using the transient absorption technique with a UV pump, and UV and infrared probe pulses. For melamine, the excited-state population decays by internal conversion with a lifetime of 13 ps without coupling significantly to any photochemical channels. The excited-state lifetime of the lysine derivative is slightly longer (18 ps), but the dominant deactivation pathway is otherwise the same as for melamine. In both cases, the vast majority of excited molecules return to the electronic ground state on the aforementioned time scales, but a minor population is trapped in a long-lived triplet state.
Nanoparticle targeting of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria for magnetic-based separations of bacterial pathogens

Antimicrobial resistance is a healthcare problem of increasing significance, and there is increasing interest in developing new tools to address bacterial infections. Bacteria-targeting nanoparticles hold promise to improve drug efficacy, compliance, and safety. In addition, nanoparticles can also be used for novel applications, such as bacterial imaging or bioseperations. We here present the use of a scalable block-copolymer-directed self-assembly process, Flash NanoPrecipitation, to form zinc(II)-bis(dipicolylamine) modified nanoparticles that bind to both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria with specificity. Particles have tunable surface ligand densities that change particle avidity and binding efficacy. A variety of materials can be encapsulated into the core of the particles, such as optical dyes or iron oxide colloids, to produce imageable and magnetically active bacterial targeting constructs. As a proof-of-concept, these particles are used to bind and separate bacteria from solution in a magnetic column. Magnetic manipulation and separation would translate to a platform for pathogen identification or removal. These magnetic and targeted nanoparticles enable new methods to address bacterial infections.
There’s Always another Fish Available – Why Bother about Quotas at All?

The introduction of fisheries management schemes always included unintended side effects and the development of strategies to avoid or circumnavigate regulatory systems. Using the case of the German market for fish products during the twentieth century this chapter demonstrates how the fish processing industry and the distant water fishing industry avoided the effects from the introduction of fisheries management schemes. Together, they simply targeted a new species every time a management scheme restricted access to a species. The consumer plays a key role in the success of any such scheme. Poor consumer knowledge about marine species combined with sophisticated advertising and marketing enabled German fish processing companies and distant water fisheries to avoid or minimize the effects of fisheries management on their respective businesses. Overall the chapter demonstrates that any analytical approach of fisheries management schemes will remain incomplete if the role of the final consumer is not considered.
Discontinuous Solutions of Hamilton-Jacobi Equations: Existence, Uniqueness, and Regularity

The theory of continuous viscosity solutions for Hamilton-Jacobi equations and fully nonlinear second-order elliptic and parabolic equations has been established (see [8]) since Crandall-Lions introduced the viscosity solutions in [6]. In this Note, we are concerned with global discontinuous solutions of the Cauchy problem for Hamilton-Jacobi equations: $$ {{u}_{t}} + H(t,x,u,Du) = 0,\quad x \in {{R}^{d}},t > 0,\quad u(0,x) = \varphi (x). $$ (1) The discontinuous solutions of Hamilton-Jacobi equations arise in many important situations. The study of geometrically based motions demands deep understanding of discontinuous solutions of Hamilton-Jacobi equations. (e.g. [2]). Many examples in the control theory and the differential game theory do not have continuous solutions. Another motivation is that Hamiltonians arising in the differential game theory and other areas are discontinuous with respect to some or all t, x Du (e.g. [10, 13]). The conventional theories of viscosity solutions do not apply.
Engineering surface texture and hierarchical morphology of suspension plasma sprayed TiO 2 coatings to control wetting behavior and superhydrophobic properties

Abstract Beyond its conventional application for developing thermal barrier coatings, suspension plasma spraying (SPS) has shown promise for new applications focusing on surface textured coatings including superhydrophobic coatings. Such coatings have a dual-scale hierarchical morphology or so-called “cauliflower” features on the surface and they demonstrate extreme water repellence and mobility after treatment for lowering their surface energy. Studying and determining suitable process parameters to optimize the wetting properties of these coatings is the focus of this work. Herein, it is demonstrated that by carefully designing and controlling the process parameters, one can generate relatively fine and uniform dual-scale (hierarchical) surface textured coatings that after treatment for lowering their surface energy, show significantly improved water repellence and water mobility with water contact angles as high as 170° and sliding angles as low as 1.3°. It is also demonstrated that both scale levels of surface textures (i.e. micron-scale and nanoscale) are essential for having simultaneously improved water repellence and mobility. Furthermore, it is established that producing finer, more uniformly distributed and packed surface features lead to more consistent and desirable wetting properties. The results show the significant influence of pre-deposition surface roughness, precursor suspension rheology and plasma power on the structure and performance of the developed coatings.
Moral elevation and compassionate goals predict posttraumatic growth in the context of a college shooting

After a mass shooting, community members may experience not only distress, but also feeling uplifted or morally elevated by others’ prosocial responses to the trauma. Those experiencing elevation m...
Concurrent and Longitudinal Associations Among Temperament, Parental Feeding Styles, and Selective Eating in a Preschool Sample.

Objective To examine the associations among negative/reactive temperament, feeding styles, and selective eating in a sample of preschoolers because preschool eating behaviors likely have lasting implications for children's health. Methods A community sample of preschoolers aged 3-5 years (M = 4.49 years, 49.5% female, 75.7% European American) in the Midwest of the United States was recruited to participate in the study (N = 297). Parents completed measures of temperament and feeding styles at two time points 6 months apart. Results A series of regressions indicated that children who had temperaments high in negative affectivity were significantly more likely to experience instrumental and emotional feeding styles. They were also significantly more likely to be selective eaters. These associations were present when examined both concurrently and after 6 months. Conclusions This study provides a novel investigation of child temperament and eating behaviors, allowing for a better understanding of how negative affectivity is associated with instrumental feeding, emotional feeding, and selective eating. These results inform interventions to improve child health.
Clinical profile of patients with below knee soft tissue injuries

Background: In the recent era of trauma majority of people suffer from lower limb injuries, which cause functional disabilities and psychosocial consequences. Lower limb injury specially below knee generally involves young and productive people so it is the prime responsibility of the society to prevent such incidents. Our aim is to study clinical profile of various below knee soft tissue injuries to develop better prediction models for defining the most important target for prevention and to reduce morbidities and disabilities. Methods: The study was conducted in the Department of Surgery, Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences (HIMS), Swami Ram Nagar, Dehradun, over a period of 12 months. Subjects were recruited from patients presenting in Emergency/Surgery OPD, HIMS, Dehradun with a primary diagnosis of below knee soft tissue injuries. A total of 64 patients were included in the study. Results: Maximum number of patients were in the age group of 20-40 years (46.88%), and were predominantly males (84.38%). The commonest mode of injury was RTA (75%) primarily involving 2 wheelers (72.91%). Most patients (42.18%) had late presentation to the hospital i.e. after 72 hours of injury which was found to be associated with contamination of wound in 66.6% of patients. Conclusions: The study emphasizes the need for preventive strategies and protection mechanisms for lower limb injuries. Late presenting contaminated wounds leads to higher complication rates hence there is need for efficient ambulance services for ensuring timely intervention.
Complete Genome Sequences of Two Atypical Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli O145 Environmental Strains.

ABSTRACT Escherichia coli O145 strains RM14715 and RM14723 were isolated from wildlife feces near a leafy greens-growing region in Yuma, Arizona. Both strains carry a distinct genotype compared with the E. coli O145 strains isolated from Salinas Valley, California. Here we report complete genome sequences and annotations of RM14715 and RM14723.
Mathematical model of biofilm-mediated pathogen persistence in a water distribution network with time-constant flows

In industrialized nations, potable water is often provided through sophisticated water distribution systems. If pathogenic bacteria are introduced into the water distribution network, the presence of a biofilm can lead to biofilm-assisted retention of the pathogens, affecting the potability of the water. To study the dynamics of planktonic and biofilm-bound pathogens within the large network of pipes in a water distribution system, we develop a network model governing the concentration of introduced pathogens within the bulk fluid and the biofilms lining the pipes. Under time-constant flow regimes within the network, we prove that the long-time behaviour of the entire network is dependent on the Lyapunov exponents for each connection in the network when viewed in isolation and the network connectivity. An efficient algorithm is developed for predicting the long-time behaviour of the pathogen population within large networks using the network's topological ordering. The algorithm's predictions are validated using numerical simulations of the full non-linear system on a range of water distribution network sizes.
Interventions to Provide More Equitable Health Care: Emerging Evidence and Next Steps

Multiple studies have shown that racial and ethnic minorities often experience lower quality of health care when compared with white patients (Institute of Medicine [IOM], 2002). Even after taking into account various factors like differences in access to care and disease severity, racial and ethnic disparities in care remain, and are often associated with worse health outcomes (IOM; Mead et al., 2008).
Implicit Learning and Memory: Psychological and Neural Aspects

Implicit learning and implicit memory are forms of learning and memory that occur without the person's awareness. Implicit learning and memory depend upon different brain systems than those underlying consciously controlled (or ‘explicit’) learning and memory. Perceptual and conceptual priming are two examples of implicit memory. Perceptual priming is an increased ability to identify stimuli and is attributable to changes within perceptual brain processes. Conceptual priming is an increased ability to access information about meaning that is attributable to changes within brain areas that process semantic information. Category learning and sequence learning are two examples of implicit learning. Category learning is a type of implicit learning that, like perceptual priming, reflects experience-depended changes in perceptual brain processes. Implicit sequence learning is an increase in performance speed that arises from repeatedly practicing the same movement sequences, and it depends upon learning-related changes in the brain regions that control our movement abilities. In general, implicit learning and memory appear to reflect the manner in which different brain regions, specialized for processing different types of information, are modified through experience.
Ambulatory Inotrope Infusions in Advanced Heart Failure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract Objectives This study sought to systematically review the available evidence of risks and benefits of ambulatory intravenous inotrope therapy in advanced heart failure (HF). Background Ambulatory inotrope infusions are sometimes offered to patients with advanced Stage D HF; however, an understanding of the relative risks and benefits is lacking. Methods On August 7, 2016, we searched SCOPUS, Web of Science, Ovid EMBASE, and Ovid MEDLINE for studies of long-term use of intravenous inotropes in outpatients with advanced HF. Meta-analysis was performed using random effects models. Results A total of 66 studies (13 randomized controlled trials and 53 observational studies) met inclusion criteria. Most studies were small and at high risk for bias. Pooled rates of death (41 studies), all-cause hospitalization (15 studies), central line infection (13 studies), and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator shocks (3 studies) of inotropes were 4.2, 22.2, 3.6, and 2.4 per 100 person-months follow-up, respectively. Improvement in New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class was greater in patients taking inotropes than in controls (mean difference of 0.60 NYHA functional classes; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.22 to 0.98; p = 0.001; 5 trials). There was no significant difference in mortality risk in those taking inotropes compared with controls (pooled risk ratio: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.40 to 1.17; p = 0.16; 9 trials). Data were too limited to pool for other outcomes or to stratify by indication (i.e., bridge-to-transplant or palliative). Conclusions High-quality evidence for the risks and benefits of ambulatory inotrope infusions in advanced HF is limited, particularly when used for palliation. Available data suggest that inotrope therapy improves NYHA functional class and does not impact survival.
Why do hemophiliacs bleed

A revised hypothesis of coagulation integrates all the factors known to be involved into a single pathway that is initiated by factor VIIa/tissue factor and in which "contact" factors are not required. A key point is that the initial hemostatic response must be "consolidated" by the progressive local generation of factor Xa and thrombin.
Mechanical Bending Fatigue Life Prediction Analysis

The fatigue life prediction of solder joints under cyclic bending requires a three-stage analysis: (1) a three-dimensional finite element analysis with linear material properties for computing the assembly stiffness and imposed strain values, (2) a one-dimensional combined creep and time-independent plastic deformation analysis under cyclic loading for computing the inelastic strain energy, and (3) a life prediction analysis.
Impedance Control of a DC Servo Motor

Many methods have been proposed for controlling DC servo motors. If the output is position, a traditional position control scheme an be used. If the output is torque, a force control scheme can be used. If the output is an impedance however (the relationship between position and torque), difficulties often arise. These include the creating of algebraic loops, the creation of second feedback loops around the environment, and the need for switching control laws to mention a few. In this paper, four methods for regulating the impedance of a DC servo motor are presented. Two of the more promising methods are tested on a 1300W DC servo motor. It is shown that a control law which specifies the voltage as a function of the motor's angle is able to implement an impedance controller with an arbitrary mass, spring, and friction term in term.
Strength Assessments: Neuromuscular and Biomechanical Considerations

Abstract Muscular strength is essential for both the general and athletic populations. Valid, reliable, and applicable strength assessments can be used to identify physical weakness, evaluate training programs, assess muscle-bone strength, monitor athletic performance, and guide postinjury rehabilitation. This chapter describes the neuromuscular and biomechanics factors that may affect strength assessment outcomes. Muscle activation, maximum isometric muscle force, and muscle force–length–velocity relationship, which determine the force production of a muscle, are defined. Biomechanics of single-joint and multijoint strength tests are discussed with a focus on understanding internal and external forces as well as torques and how changes in movement range of motion, body positions, and load placements may affect the joint contributions to strength outcomes. Modality of movement and posture are introduced in relation with the importance of task specificity in strength training and assessments. In addition, common guidelines and recent literature regarding the effect of warm-up, postactivation potentiation, and fatigue on strength assessments are described. Finally, traditional and convenient strength assessments with extra equipment are compared and illustrated. Practitioners and researchers should be aware of and control these factors to ensure the reliability, validity, and comparability of strength assessments. Dynamic strength assessments that require less time and impose decreased injury risk are encouraged, when appropriate.
Red raspberry (Rubus ideaus) supplementation mitigates the effects of a high-fat diet on brain and behavior in mice

Research has shown that berries may have the ability to reverse, reduce, or slow the progression of behavioral dysfunction associated with aging and neurodegenerative disease. In contrast, high-ene...
Community-Based Conversations about Advance Care Planning for Underserved Populations Using Lay Patient Navigators

Background: Widespread community engagement in advance care planning (ACP) is needed to overcome barriers to ACP implementation. Objective: Develop, implement, and evaluate a model for community-based ACP in rural populations with low English language fluency and health care access using lay patient navigators. Design: A statewide initiative to improve ACP setting/subjects-trained in a group session approach, bilingual patient navigators facilitated 1-hour English and Spanish ACP sessions discussing concerns about choosing a surrogate decision maker and completing an advance directive (AD). Participants received bilingual informational materials, including Frequently Asked Questions, an AD in English or Spanish, and Goal Setting worksheet. Measurement: Participants completed a program evaluation and 4-item ACP Engagement Survey (ACP-4) postsession. Results: For 18 months, 74 ACP sessions engaged 1034 participants in urban, rural, and frontier areas of the state; 39% were ethnically diverse, 69% female. A nurse or physician co-facilitated 49% of sessions. Forty-seven percent of participants completed an ACP-4 with 29% planning to name a decision maker in the next 6 months and 21% in the next 30 days; 31% were ready to complete an AD in the next 6 months and 22% in the next 30 days. Evaluations showed 98% were satisfied with sessions. Thematic analysis of interviews with facilitators highlighted barriers to delivering an ACP community-based initiative, strategies used to build community buy-in and engagement, and ways success was measured. Conclusion: Patient navigators effectively engaged underserved and ethnically diverse rural populations in community-based settings. This model can be adapted to improve ACP in other underserved populations.
Development and evaluation of additional college of pharmacy admittance variables: Life experiences and holistic composite scores.

Abstract Introduction This study aimed to develop and evaluate new variables for assessment of doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) program candidates. Methods Two new admissions variables were created. The life experiences variable included number of awards, letter of reference scores, degree attainment, publications, prior academic suspension, leadership experience, work experience, and a diversity score. The holistic composite variable consisted of Pharmacy College Admission Test score, pre-pharmacy grade point average (GPA), interview score, and the new life experiences score. Variables were retroactively applied to prior admissions data, and scores of successful applicants were compared to scores of unsuccessful applicants. Results A total of 968 applicants from the 2015 and 2016 applicant pools were included in the evaluation analysis. Applicants offered admission had higher average scores for life experiences and holistic composite variables compared to those that were not offered admission (63.6 vs. 59.95 and 77.3 vs. 64, respectively). The life experiences and holistic composite scores were positively correlated with an offer of admission (0.142 and 0.547, respectively) and post-admission GPA (0.211 and 0.433, respectively) and negatively correlated with applicants accepting the offer of admission (−0.158 and − 0.25, respectively). Conclusions The holistic composite score was strongly predictive of an offer for admission and post-admission academic success, indicating that it may be a useful tool in assessing applicants. As new data becomes available, revisions could be considered to the life experiences score to better predict offer of an interview, offer of admission, and post-admission academic success.
Soil moisture variation drives canopy water content dynamics across the western U.S.

Abstract Drought stress is a major contributing factor to plant mortality across the globe. Drought effects are often studied at the local scale, but recent advances in remote sensing allow for observations of plant water status across broad geographic scales. The vegetation optical depth (VOD) derived from satellite-based surface microwave emission has been shown to be sensitive to canopy water content, which is increasingly recognized as an important indicator of water relations and incipient mortality in plants. We develop an index which quantifies the normalized difference between night- and daytime diurnal VOD retrievals (nVODr) and apply it across the western U.S. to determine the relative sensitivity of plants to variations in water supply (soil moisture) and atmospheric water demand (vapor pressure deficit -VPD). Canopy water content dynamics were most sensitive to soil moisture variation at intermediate climatic water deficits where tree cover transitions to grass cover. These areas are in transitional climate zones and occur at ecotones between forest and non-forest vegetation where canopy water content dynamics are most sensitive to both soil moisture and VPD variation. Our results suggest that vegetation in semi-arid ecotones is likely to see the most proximal impacts of drought stress as the planet warms.
Optimal Policies for a Pandemic: A Stochastic Game Approach and a Deep Learning Algorithm

Game theory has been an effective tool in the control of disease spread and in suggesting optimal policies at both individual and area levels. In this paper, we propose a multi-region SEIR model based on stochastic differential game theory, aiming to formulate optimal regional policies for infectious diseases. Specifically, we enhance the standard epidemic SEIR model by taking into account the social and health policies issued by multiple region planners. This enhancement makes the model more realistic and powerful. However, it also introduces a formidable computational challenge due to the high dimensionality of the solution space brought by the presence of multiple regions. This significant numerical difficulty of the model structure motivates us to generalize the deep fictitious algorithm introduced in [Han and Hu, MSML2020, pp.221--245, PMLR, 2020] and develop an improved algorithm to overcome the curse of dimensionality. We apply the proposed model and algorithm to study the COVID-19 pandemic in three states: New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. The model parameters are estimated from real data posted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We are able to show the effects of the lockdown/travel ban policy on the spread of COVID-19 for each state and how their policies affect each other.
Assessment of Electronic Health Record Use Between US and Non-US Health Systems.

Importance Understanding how the electronic health record (EHR) system changes clinician work, productivity, and well-being is critical. Little is known regarding global variation in patterns of use. Objective To provide insights into which EHR activities clinicians spend their time doing, the EHR tools they use, the system messages they receive, and the amount of time they spend using the EHR after hours. Design, Setting, and Participants This cross-sectional study analyzed the deidentified metadata of ambulatory care health systems in the US, Canada, Northern Europe, Western Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania from January 1, 2019, to August 31, 2019. All of these organizations used the EHR software from Epic Systems and represented most of Epic Systems’s ambulatory customer base. The sample included all clinicians with scheduled patient appointments, such as physicians and advanced practice practitioners. Exposures Clinician EHR use was tracked by deidentified and aggregated metadata across a variety of clinical activities. Main Outcomes and Measures Descriptive statistics for clinician EHR use included time spent on clinical activities, note documentation (as measured by the percentage of characters in the note generated by automated or manual data entry source), messages received, and time spent after hours. Results A total of 371 health systems were included in the sample, of which 348 (93.8%) were located in the US and 23 (6.2%) were located in other countries. US clinicians spent more time per day actively using the EHR compared with non-US clinicians (mean time, 90.2 minutes vs 59.1 minutes;P Conclusions and Relevance This study found that US clinicians compared with their non-US counterparts spent substantially more time actively using the EHR for a wide range of clinical activities or tasks. This finding suggests that US clinicians have a greater EHR burden that may be associated with nontechnical factors, which policy makers and health system leaders should consider when addressing clinician wellness.
Field Notes:* Household Food Security and Gardening of Mothers with Young Children Living in Prince Edward Island

This study examined the food security and gardening practices of mothers with young children. Participants were adult mothers with young children aged 0–6 years living in Prince Edward Island (PEI)...
Turkey’s TV celebrities as cultural envoys: the role of celebrity diplomacy in nation branding and the pursuit of soft power

With the increasing popularity of Turkish television dramas, actors from Turkish TV series have become global celebrities with hundreds of millions of fans worldwide. In this paper, drawing on a po...
Self-assembled caseinate-laponite® nanocomposites for curcumin delivery.

Abstract In this study, novel self-assembled protein-clay nanocomposites were developed for curcumin delivery. Experimentally, curcumin was dissolved and deprotonated in sodium caseinate-laponite® (NaCas-LAP) dispersion at pH 12.0 for 30 min followed by neutralization to pH = 7. Due to the pH-mediated dissociation and re-association process, curcumin was successfully encapsulated into NaCas-LAP nanocomposites. The colloidal properties and encapsulation capabilities of NaCas-LAP nanocomposites were investigated, including particle size, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, release profile in simulated gastrointestinal tract, as well as nanoscale morphology. The results indicated that upon neutralization, NaCas-LAP nanocomposites were re-associated into smaller particles due to strong hydrophobic interactions among NaCas, LAP and curcumin. Specifically, 0.10% curcumin loaded nanocomposites prepared with 2% NaCas and 0.5% LAP showed improved encapsulation performance (73.4%) with smaller particle size (100 nm). The as-prepared protein-clay nanocomposites hold promising potential to deliver lipophilic bioactive compounds, such as curcumin.
Xylazine Spreads Across the US: A Growing Component of the Increasingly Synthetic and Polysubstance Overdose Crisis

Background Recent sharp exacerbations of the US overdose crisis have been linked to systemic polysubstance use and potent synthetic compounds in numerous drug classes. Xylazine is a veterinary tranquilizer, long noted in the opioid supply of Puerto Rico, and more recently Philadelphia. Yet its national growth over time, geographic distribution, and potential role in the shifting US overdose risk environment are poorly characterized. Methods In this sequential mixed methods study, xylazine was increasingly observed by our ethnographic team over many years of intensive participant observation fieldwork in Philadelphia among drug sellers and people who inject drugs (PWID). Subsequently, we systematically searched for records describing xylazine-involved overdose mortality across the US and assessed time trends and overlap with other drugs. Results In 10 jurisdictions—representing all 4 US Census Regions—xylazine was found to be increasingly implicated in overdose mortality, rising from 0.36% of deaths in 2015 to 6.7% in 2020. The highest xylazine prevalence in the recent data was observed in Philadelphia, (25.8% of deaths), followed by Maryland (19.3%) and Connecticut (10.2%). Illicitly-manufactured-fentanyls were present in 98.4% of xylazine-involved-overdose-deaths— suggesting a strong ecological link—as well as cocaine (45.4%), benzodiazepines (28.4%), heroin (23.3%), and alcohol (19.7%). PWID in Philadelphia described xylazine as a sought-after adulterant that improves euphoria and lengthens the short duration of fentanyl injections, in particular. They also linked it to increased risk of soft tissue infection and overdose. Conclusions We summarize evidence that xylazine is increasingly implicated in overdose deaths across the US and is linked to the proliferation of illicitly-manufactured-fentanyls. We document hypothesis-generating ethnographic accounts linking it to health risks for PWID. Nevertheless, many jurisdictions do not routinely test for xylazine, and it is not tracked in federal overdose statistics. Further efforts are needed to provide PWID with services that can help to minimize additional risks associated with a shifting drug supply.
HIGHWAYS, TRANSPORT, AND ENERGY: A LOOK AHEAD

Changes in urban development and travel that will affect transportation energy consumption are discussed. Methods for reducing energy use in the transportation sector in the decades ahead are examined.
Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha Inhibits Hepatocyte Mitochondrial Respiration and Induces Release of Cytoplasmic Enzymes

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) has been identified as a major mediator of physiologic and pathophysiologic responses to infections and traumatic insults. While TNFα enhances tissue repair and host defense against microbials [1] at low concentrations, high concentrations lead to tissue damage and to a typical shock syndrome [2]. As endotoxin was shown to be one of the most important stimuli for TNFα release, it was subsequently demonstrated that many features of the septic shock syndrome are induced by TNFα [3]. In sepsis, Kupffer cells, the largest population of fixed macrophages in the body, are thought to be a major source of TNFα [4]. Due to their close relationship to Kupffer cells, hepatocytes are exposed to TNFα released from Kupffer cells in addition to TNFα coming from the intenstine into the portal bloodstream. Therefore, it may be relevant to investigate whether TNFα contributes to hepatocellular dysfunction, which is a serious problem in sepsis [5]. The mechanisms of TNFα-mediated cytotoxicity are not very well understood. One of the established effects of TNFα at the subcellular level is mitochondrial swelling [6] and a decrease of mitochondrial respiration in tumor cell lines [7]. Because endotoxemia also results in impaired mitochondrial function of hepatocytes [8] we undertook the following experiments to demonstrate whether this effect is also mediated by TNFα.
Adrenergic Receptors and Signal Transduction in Myocardial Hypertrophy, Ischemia, and Failure

Signal transduction mediated by both α1- and β-adrenergic receptors may be important in the pathogenesis of myocardial hypertrophy, ischemia, and failure. In neonatal rat ventricular myocytes, α1-adrenergic agonism produces cardiac cell enlargement by mechanisms that ultimately involve regulation of genes controlling myocardial protein synthesis. In this system α1-adrenergic receptors do not down-regulate, and second messenger production (inositol trisphosphate) does not undergo desensitization. On the gene level, the rates of transcription of several genes are regulated in a highly complex manner which is currently under intense investigation. Both in animal models and in patients with congestive cardiac failure, down-regulation of β-adrenergic receptors appears to be a constant finding. This at least in part accounts for the reduction of adenylate cyclase activity and myocardial function that is observed. Recent attention has focused on the role of G proteins in heart failure. There appears to be an abnormality in G protein function but whether this results from a reduction in the guanine nucleotide stimulatory protein, Gs, or an increase in the guanine nucleotide inhibitory protein, Gi, or both, has not been established. In an animal model of acute myocardial ischemia, Gs function is diminished, but in the presence of chronic β-blockade there appears to be enhanced coupling between Gs and the β-adrenergic receptor resulting in relative preservation of agonist-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity, particularly in the subepicardium. This observation could account, at least in part, for the beneficial effects of chronic β-adrenergic blockade in acute myocardial ischemia.
Understanding Static and Dynamic Visualizations

Data from expert forecasters making weather reports (using the talk aloud method) were coded for dynamic comments as well as whether the visualization itself was static or dynamic. Preliminary results strongly suggest that meteorologists build dynamic mental models from static images.
An empirical investigation of the factors affecting data warehousing success

The IT implementation literature suggests that various implementation factors play critical roles in the success of an information system; however, there is little empirical research about the implementation of data warehousing projects. Data warehousing has unique characteristics that may impact the importance of factors that apply to it. In this study, a cross-sectional survey investigated a model of data warehousing success. Data warehousing managers and data suppliers from 111 organizations completed paired mail questionnaires on implementation factors and the success of the warehouse. The results from a Partial Least Squares analysis of the data identified significant relationships between the system quality and data quality factors and perceived net benefits. It was found that management support and resources help to address organizational issues that arise during warehouse implementations; resources, user participation, and highly-skilled project team members increase the likelihood that warehousing projects will finish on-time, on-budget, with the right functionality; and diverse, unstandardized source systems and poor development technology will increase the technical issues that project teams must overcome. The implementation's success with organizational and project issues, in turn, influence the system quality of the data warehouse; however, data quality is best explained by factors not included in the research model.
Response-dedicated trigger neurons as control points for behavioral actions: selective inhibition of lateral giant command neurons during feeding in crayfish

Feeding behavior suppresses lateral giant neuron-mediated escape behavior in crayfish. The suppression appears to result from reduced transmission to the lateral giants from primary afferents and/or sensory interneurons, while the operation of sensory and motor networks themselves is unaffected. It is suggested that control occurs at the level of the lateral giants because these neurons are pivotal in, and dedicated solely to, producing the type of escape that needs to be controlled. It is hypothesized that response-dedicated sets of neurons that play a similar role will probably be found wherever it is necessary to control particular responses selectively.