cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Complicated pediatric subglottic granular cell tumor with extensive intraluminal and extraluminal invasion.

Subglottic granular cell tumors (GCT) are rare, potentially life threatening benign tumors. Complete resection is necessary, yet care must be taken to preserve laryngeal function. We present the first description of a pediatric subglottic GCT with extensive invasion beyond the confines of the subglottis to include the vocal folds and central neck. Urgent endoscopic debulking avoided tracheotomy and facilitated extubation. Later, complete resection required hemithyroidectomy, laryngofissure and partial cricotracheal resection. We conclude that endoscopic debulking is an appropriate initial treatment. Transmural extension should be suspected in tumors larger than 1 cm and warn of the need for tracheal resection.
Response of velvetleaf demographic processes to herbicide rate

Abstract Field studies were conducted in 1995 and 1996 to determine the rate response of velvetleaf seedling survival, seed production, and shoot biomass to postemergence herbicides in corn and soybean. Dicamba and imazethapyr were applied to corn and soybean, respectively, at 1, ½, ¼, ⅛, 1/16, 1/32, and 0× labeled rates. Velvetleaf mature plant density was linearly related to seedling density, thus indicating that seedling survival was not density dependent, even after seedling densities exceeded 150 plants m−2. Seedling survival as influenced by herbicide was described by a dose–response curve in corn and soybean. In corn, seedling survival ranged from 0 to 48% across herbicide treatments and years. Seedling survival was greater at the ½× or lower herbicide rates than at the 1× rate. In soybean, maximum seedling survival was 61 and 14% in 1995 and 1996, respectively, and minimum seedling survival was less than 2% in each year. Seedling survival was less in 1996 than in 1995 because velvetleaf was infect...
Extinctions in the History of Life

Paul D. Taylor, 2004, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, U.K., 191 p. (Hardcover, U.S. $70.00) ISBN: 0-521-84224-7. Excepting perhaps the topic of dinosaurs, extinction is probably the biggest “ooh-aah” topic in paleontology, at least from an undergraduate student's perspective. The book, Extinctions in the History of Life, edited by Paul Taylor, is aimed specifically for that audience, and has an appropriate title for catching the aspiring geologist's attention and imagination. From the paleontologists' perspective, extinctions are a major topic of importance—not only have they shaped the history of life on Earth, and in the case of mass extinctions, are major events in the biosphere, but also extinctions and the data gleaned from them may have great importance to modern ecological crises. The preface itself is a good opening for the rest of the book, and puts the subject matter in solemn perspective: that most of life on Earth is extinct if one includes the fossil species. Taylor goes on to point out the positive aspect of extinction, which is that the process of extinction is a major former of the pattern of life on Earth. There are six chapters in the book, ranging from Precambrian microbial paleontology through macroinvertebrates and plants; no single chapter is dedicated to microfossils or vertebrates. Each chapter originates from an attendee of a symposium by the Center for the Study of Evolution and the Origin of Life (CSEOL) at the University of California, Los Angeles. Chapter 1 is as it should be, a good overview of the topic and a strong introduction to the rest of the book. Taylor stresses the importance of extinctions in the history of life on Earth, and reviews the primary issues surrounding mass extinctions. The chapter also includes a short discussion of the history of thought behind extinctions, which is crucial …
Immobilized enzyme technology for food applications

Publisher Summary This chapter describes that there are very few examples of commercial processes that utilize immobilized enzymes for food constituent modifications. In order for the immobilized process to be more economical or more useful than the soluble enzyme, either the cost per unit of product must be less or the product formed can only be produced with an immobilized enzyme. The two most successful examples of the use of immobilized enzymes are the production of high-fructose corn syrup and trans-free oils. The use of enzymes for food constituent modification has several advantages over the use of chemicals. The reactions are specific with generally fewer side reactions. Numerous publications over the past few years have focused on the development of immobilized enzymes for future commercial use, yet currently there are few successful examples of immobilized enzymes for food processing despite the advantages associated with immobilized enzyme processing. The immobilized form of glucose isomerase is used for the production of high-fructose corn syrup and immobilized lipases are used for production of diacylglycerols and trans-free fats, and oils. Despite the numerous benefits associated with immobilized enzymes, the economics of the system outweighs most other benefits.
ICES-GMU Workshop On Internationalization & Competitiveness

The objective of this project is to begin to study the effects of internationalization on competitiveness/performance and its measurement to inform policy, using an interactive workshop format.This two-day workshop attempts to integrate novel perspectives on important problems identified during and after the workshop, by having an interdisciplinary and international focus on broad problems, relevant to scientists in diverse fields, which would also inform follow-on research proposals by participating researchers. The workshop (30-40 people) is organized along two tracks (one for policy, one for measurement) and a set of themes developed for each track. Themes will be integrated in panel led presentation/discussion sessions hosted in a rich social environment for exchange in ideas.
Wound Healing and Aging

There is a general consensus that wounds heal more slowly in the elderly population and that all phases of the wound healing process are affected. Studies in both humans and animal models of wound healing suggest that aging is accompanied by decreased inflammatory and proliferative responses, delayed angiogenesis, delayed remodeling, and slower re-epithelialization. The available literature is compromised, however, by variable and sometimes inappropriate definitions of old age, lack of standardization for clinical wounds, incomplete descriptions of both methodology and results, and the frequent presence of confounding variables, especially in human studies. This article reviews the effects of age on wound healing and speculates on potential future therapies to enhance healing in older individuals.
A Japanese Center of Excellence: The Institute for Advanced Materials Processing (Sozaiken) of Tohoku University

It has been stated that the Japanese society is effectively closed to foreigners. During our four-month stay in Sendai and our trips throughout Japan by train and car, we found that such was certainly not the case, neither in social nor professional terms. We think fondly of our time there and of the many friends that we made and hope to see again. U.S. faculty who have, or can create, an opportunity to visit the universities of Japan should do so. They will not be disappointed, and the effort may help build bridges that dispel mistrust and foster collaboration among nations. This is true for graduate students who want to broaden their horizons and are not intimidated by so-called language barriers.
Pulmonary blastoma. A case report and review of the literature.

A case of pulmonary blastoma occurring in a 48-year-old man is reported. Clinical and pathologic features are reviewed, together with those of 21 cases recorded in the literature. Seventeen of the reported cases occurred in men and four in women. The mean age was 48 years, which is somewhat younger than that for carcinoma of the lung. Pulmonary blastoma is usually unilateral and peripheral in location. Clinical evaluation has been inconsistent and unreliable as to the diagnostic determination of the tumor type and degree of malignancy. Prognosis after adequate resection appears to be better than for other malignant tumors of the lungs. The present case is unique in that the pulmonary blastoma was with an independent primary carcinoma in the opposite lung.
Myocardial Extracellular Volume: Unifying Form and Function in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction.

The prevalence of heart failure (HF) is expected to increase by 46% from 2012 to 2013 [(1)][1]. Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) accounts for between 30% to 50% of HF cases, depending on the analysis and specific choice of ejection fraction (EF) cut-off, and continues to
The inhibition of cat lateral superior olive unit excitatory responses to binaural tone bursts. II. The sustained discharges.

1. Preliminary to extending a point process model of lateral superior olive (LSO) unit activity to describe the units' binaural responses, the statistical properties of their discharges to binaural...
Olfactory Function and Associated Clinical Correlates in Former National Football League Players

Abstract Professional American football players incur thousands of repetitive head impacts (RHIs) throughout their lifetime. The long-term consequences of RHI are not well characterized, but may include olfactory dysfunction. RHI has been associated with changes to brain regions involved in olfaction, and olfactory impairment is common after traumatic brain injury. Olfactory dysfunction is a frequent early sequelae of neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer's disease), and RHI is associated with the neurodegenerative disease, chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). We examined olfaction, and its association with clinical measures, in former National Football League (NFL) players. Ninety-five former NFL players (ages 40–69) and 28 same-age controls completed a neuropsychological and neuropsychiatric evaluation as part of a National Institutes of Health–funded study. The Brief Smell Identification Test (B-SIT) assessed olfaction. Principal component analysis generated a four-factor structure of the clin...
AED Withdrawal in Children with Cerebral Palsy

The safety of antiepileptic drug (AED) withdrawal in 65 children with cerebral palsy (CP) who had been seizure-free for at least 2 years was investigated in the Neurology Department, Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, Dallas.
On the sums of infinitely many sequences

A Theorem is proved giving a necessary and sufficient condition for the equality of the sum of the limits of infinitely many sequences to the limit of the sequence of their sum.
PGAM5: a new player in immune-mediated liver injury

Mechanisms of cell death are critical in any pathophysiology and hence have been extensively investigated in a number of different organ systems. Initially, the term ‘programmed cell death’ was exclusively applied to apoptosis, where molecular mediators and signalling pathways involved in the process were relatively well characterised. The other form of cell death, namely necrosis, was considered to be an uncontrolled process, where catastrophic events within the cell resulted in a rupture of the plasma membrane with release of cell contents. However, this paradigm has been rapidly evolving as new pathways and mediators, which control necrotic cell death, are discovered. It is now clear that whenever cells die by necrosis, they do so in an ordered systematic manner, which, not surprisingly, shares some components with the apoptotic pathway. This is especially relevant in the liver, where apoptosis was considered to be the main form of cell death in a large number of contexts. These concepts are now changing based on the identification of specific mediators involved in programmed necrosis in response to a number of insults in the liver. The new study from He et al 1 in this issue now identifies mitochondrial phosphoglycerate mutase/protein phosphatase 5 (PGAM5) as another key mediator in physiologically relevant cell death in the liver, …
Drastically improved performance in poly-Si TFTs with channel dimensions comparable to grain size

Poly-Si thin-film transistors (TFTs) with channel dimensions (width, W, and length, L) comparable to the grain size of the film were fabricated and characterized. The grain size of the film was enhanced by Si ion implantation followed by a low-temperature anneal. A remarkable improvement was observed in the device performance as the channel dimensions decreased to W=L=2 mu m. The TFTs with submicron channel dimensions were characterized by an extremely abrupt switching in their transfer characteristic. The improvement was attributed to the floating-body effect as well as the minimization of the grain boundary effect. It is believed that the results obtained will have impact in the development of large-area devices such as active-matrix liquid-crystal displays and image sensors with on-glass circuits. >
On scheduling without a master clock: Coupled Oscillator Time Division Multiplexing

Most scheduled communication systems rely on either central coordination, or on the presence of an external reference clock that is accessible to all nodes in the network. Such requirements often limit the scalability and applicability of time division multiple access (TDMA) solutions to ad-hoc networks, which largely rely on conflict resolution based on random access mechanism. We show that, by borrowing mechanisms of coordination found in nature, we can self-organize nodes in a network in time division without a central clock, nor a common reference signal. We show that a common clock reference and a conflict free schedule can emerge from our signaling control scheme, using simple local computations that are based on the so called Pulse Coupled Oscillator (PCO) dynamics. Compared to the prior art on PCO, our work provides an integrated solution for network synchronization and collision free TDMA that is completely decentralized and can lead to efficient transmission of data at a regular and reliable pace. We discuss how this scheme can be used to provide an alternative to the popular Zigbee interface, and produce collision free clustered synchronous networks.
Truth and Reconciliation Commissions: Anthropological Perspectives

In periods of transition after political violence, a truth and reconciliation commission is one method for successor governments and international agencies to document past abuses of human rights. These temporary commissions investigate the covert activities of repressive regimes and rebel groups, document and publicize survivors’ testimonies, and recommend institutional reforms and restitution for victims and their families. Most commissions pursue a form of restorative justice that prioritizes the needs of survivors, without also trading truth for immunity from prosecution as occurred at the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Anthropological studies help us understand how the target audience of survivors actually responds to top-down national policy measures such as truth-telling, reparations and reconciliation, and how such transitional justice mechanisms might be designed to be more responsive to the needs and aspirations of those most affected.
Water Resources Information Services

Available water resources scientific and technical information services are reviewed and discussed with emphasis on water resources engineering. Discipline-oriented services are analyzed along with problem oriented services. The problem of current awareness and retrospective information are discussed. the Use of research groups located at universities as document processing centers of information analysis centers . is discussed. The interfaces between and among energy, environment, and natural resources fields are discussed as they relate to water resources information. The programme of the Office of Water Research and Technology and the services of its Water Resources Scientific Information Center (WRSIC), the National Center for Water Resources Scientific and Technical Information, are reviewed and discussed. Finally, the basis of WRSIC's current international exchange agreements is reviewed.
Enuresis and Encopresis: The Elimination Disorders

The childhood elimination disorders have been written about extensively in the psychological, medical, child developmental, urological, and pediatrics literature. In fact, the Winter 1976 issue of the Journal of Pediatric Psychology was entirely devoted to this topic. Nearly four decades later, there is still abundant ongoing research addressing etiological frameworks as well as risk factors, comorbidities, and treatment strategies.
The Oak Ridge Isochronous Cyclotron as an Energy Booster for a 25 MV Tandem

The maximum heavy-ion energy available at Oak Ridge will be substantially increased by using ORIC as an energy booster for the 25 MV “folded” tandem now being acquired. Beams of ions with mass up to A=160, with energy sufficient to overcome the Coulomb barrier on lead will be produced. The beams will enter the cyclotron through the dee stem, be directed by a magnet through the fringe and main fields to a stripping foil which lies on the appropriate orbit for acceleration. General orbit and beam transport codes have been used to aid in the design of the injection system.
Comparative accuracy of intravenous contrast-enhanced CT versus noncontrast CT plus intravenous contrast-enhanced CT in the detection and characterization of patients with hypervascular liver metastases: a critically appraised topic

Rational and Objectives To evaluate whether addition of nonenhanced computed tomography (NECT) to intravenous contrast-enhanced (CE) abdominal CT improves detection or characterization of hypervascular liver masses. Patients were referred for initial staging or follow-up with known breast, melanoma, neuroendocrine, or thyroid cancer. Material and Methods The literature was searched using the patient, intervention, comparison, and outcome (PICO) method. Retrieved articles were critically appraised and assigned a level of evidence based on the Oxford University Centre for Evidence-based Medicine hierarchy of validity for diagnostic studies. Results One thousand one hundred studies were reviewed; only 11 studies matched the PICO of our study and were appraised. Most of the appraised articles were published in the 1990s using older technology and contrast delivery. The retrieved diagnostic performance for characterization of liver metastases showed sensitivity/specificity of 97%/76% for NECT, 97%/75% for arterial CT, and 98%/76% for portal venous phase CT in patients with breast cancer; sensitivity of 96% (arterial and portal CT) versus 100% (NECT, arterial and portal CT) in patients with melanoma; and sensitivity of 43% (portal CT) versus 17% (NECT) in patients with neuroendocrine tumor. No primary study was found for performance of different CT protocols in patients with thyroid cancer. Available evidence showed radiologists reported more conspicuous liver masses on CECT compared to NECT in patients with breast or neuroendocrine cancer. Conclusions Based on existing evidence, NECT only adds a small incremental value to CECT for detection/characterization of hypervascular liver metastases. Addition of NECT increases patient's exposure to radiation and the number of images available for interpretation.
In-Plane Free Vibration and Stability of High Speed Rotating Annular Disks and Rings

Analytical method is presented for the determination of free vibration characteristics of high speed viscoelastic rotating disks. In the development of this analytical solution, two-dimensional elastodynamic theory is employed and the viscoelastic material for the medium is allowed by assuming complex elastic moduli. The general governing equations of motion are derived and a solution for a single rotating disk with different boundary conditions is developed for a wide range of rotating speeds and any radius ratios, such as those for solid disks or thin rings. The proposed solution is used to investigate the influences of hysteretic material damping on dimensionless natural frequencies and modal loss factors for the rotating disks. Furthermore, the solution is expanded to consider the effect of adding disk segment with different material on the inner or outer sides of a disk on the natural frequencies and critical speeds of the equivalent single disk. The dimensionless results for these cases are presented for a wide range of rotational speeds.
EVIDENCE-BASED PROCEDURES FOR PERFORMING THE SINGLE LEG SQUAT AND STEP-DOWN TESTS IN EVALUATION OF NON-ARTHRITIC HIP PAIN: A LITERATURE REVIEW.

Background Functional performance tests are commonly utilized in screening for injury prevention, evaluating for athletic injuries, and making return-to-play decisions. Two frequently performed functional performance tests are the single leg squat and step-down tests. Purpose The purpose of this study was to systematically review the available psychometric evidence for use of the single leg squat and step-down tests for evaluating non-arthritic hip conditions and construct an evidence-based protocol for test administration. Study design Review of the Literature. Materials/methods A search of the PubMed and SPORTSDiscus databases was performed. Psychometric evidence of reliability, validity, and responsiveness to support the use of the both tests were collected. The protocols used for administering these tests were extracted, summarized, and combined. Results Of the 3,406 articles that were reviewed, 56 total articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Evidence for reliability and validity was available to support the use of the single leg squat and step-down tests. Both tests assess for neuromuscular control of the hip and surrounding muscular structures. Evaluation of these functional movement patterns enable the clinician to assess for limitations that may cause an increase in hip pain and dysfunction. Conclusions The single leg squat and step-down tests can assess for kinematic and biomechanical deficiencies and may be useful in the evaluation process for individuals with non-arthritic hip pain. The authors of this review present a comprehensive evidence-based protocol for standardized performance of these tests. Level of evidence 2b.
Internal Medicine Residents' Exposure to and Confidence in Managing Hospital Acute Clinical Events.

BACKGROUND Internal Medicine (IM) residency graduates should be able to manage hospital emergencies, but the rare and critical nature of such events poses an educational challenge. IM residents' exposure to inpatient acute clinical events is currently unknown. OBJECTIVE We developed an instrument to assess IM residents' exposure to and confidence in managing hospital acute clinical events. METHODS We administered a survey to all IM residents at our institution assessing their exposure to and confidence in managing 50 inpatient acute clinical events. Exposures assessed included mannequin-based simulation or management of hospital-based events as a part of a team or independently in a leadership role. Confidence was rated on a five-point scale and dichotomized to "confident" versus "not confident." Results were analyzed by multivariable logistic regression to assess the relationship between exposure and confidence accounting for year in training. RESULTS A total of 140 of 170 IM residents (82%) responded. Postgraduate year 1 (PGY-1) residents had managed 31.3% of acute events independently vs 71.7% of events for PGY-3/4 residents (P < .0001). In multivariable analysis, residents' confidence increased with level of training (PGY-1 residents were confident to manage 24.9% of events vs 72.5% of events for PGY-3/4 residents, P < .0001) and level of exposure, independent of training year (P = .001). Events with the lowest levels of exposure and confidence for graduating residents were identified. CONCLUSIONS IM residents' confidence in managing inpatient acute events correlated with level of training and clinical exposure. We identified events with low levels of resident exposure and confidence that can serve as targets for future curriculum development.
Finite element study of headed shear studs embedded in ultra-high performance concrete

Abstract A novel bridge repair method has been developed to strengthen steel bridge girders with section loss due to end corrosion. The repair comprises of welding headed shear studs to the non-corroded portion of the web plate and encasing them in ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) to create an alternate bearing load path. The interaction between the headed studs and the UHPC panels is crucial in the force transfer. Therefore, a careful study is needed through high-fidelity finite element analysis to complement the experimental results. This paper presents the development of a model in Abaqus finite element software that enables capturing the behavior of studs embedded in UHPC. The model was validated using a series of experimental results from push-out tests with headed shear studs welded onto a thin web plate. Experimental results from push-out tests performed on stud diameters of 12, 16 and 19 mm and two levels of eccentric loadings were used to calibrate the modeling methodology. The model explicitly considers effects of material damage, contact between the studs and UHPC, and the precise geometry of the weld collar of studs. After validation, design parameters such as interaction of in-plane torsion and direct shear, and limits for web thickness-to-stud diameter ratio were studied to compliment the experimental data. The results are expected to inform engineers about the design of this novel repair method. In addition, this paper may enable future finite element studies on the performance of studs in UHPC.
Telemetry-controlled simultaneous stimulation-and-recording device (SRD) to study interhemispheric cortical circuits in rat primary somatosensory (SI) cortex

A growing need exists for neuroscience platforms that can perform simultaneous chronic recording and stimulation of neural tissue in animal models in a telemetry-controlled fashion with signal processing for analysis of the chronic recording data and external triggering capability. We describe the system design, testing, evaluation, and implementation of a wireless simultaneous stimulation-and-recording device (SRD) for modulating cortical circuits in physiologically identified sites in primary somatosensory (SI) cortex in awake-behaving and freely-moving rats. The SRD was developed using low-cost electronic components and open-source software. The function of the SRD was assessed by bench and in-vivo testing. The SRD recorded spontaneous spiking and bursting neuronal activity, evoked responses to programmed intracortical microstimulation (ICMS) delivered internally by the SRD, and evoked responses to external peripheral forelimb stimulation. The SRD is capable of wireless stimulation and recording on a predetermined schedule or can be wirelessly synchronized with external input as would be required in behavioral testing prior to, during, and following ICMS.
Pediatric-to-adult healthcare transitions: Current challenges and recommended practices.

Purpose An overview of the pediatric-to-adult healthcare transition (HCT) process, including stakeholders, challenges, and fundamental components that present opportunities for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, is provided. Summary Pediatric-to-adult HCT programs should be longitudinal in nature, be patient focused, and be coproduced by patients, caregivers, and care team members. Educational components of HCT programs should include knowledge and skills in disease state management and self-care; safe and effective use of medications, as well as other treatment modalities; and healthcare system navigation, including insurance issues. Interprofessional involvement in HCT is encouraged; however, roles for each discipline involved are not clearly delineated in current guidelines or literature. Possible influencing elements in achieving successful pediatric-to-adult HCT outcomes include those that are related to patient and/or caregiver factors, clinician awareness, availability of resources, and ability to achieve financial sustainability. Conclusion The use of structured pediatric-to-adult HCT programs is currently recommended to optimize patient and health-system outcomes. Given the importance of medication-related knowledge and healthcare system navigation skills to successful care transitions, there are opportunities for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to contribute to HCT programs.
Monte carlo simulations to teach the effect of lean methods to improve business processes

This paper presents two Monte Carlo simulations that we use in our Operations Management course to support the teaching of Lean concepts. Students are experienced and inexperienced, international and domestic, and technically savvy and technically challenged, and the course is taught both online and on campus. The educational aims of the simulations are to teach our students: (1) the concept of variation and its impact on service system throughput; (2) how capacity buffers work and that they can add significant cost; and (3) how Lean approaches that remove non-value-added activities can result in customer experience improvements without adding significant cost. We achieve these aims through the use of two service system simulations - one that can be done manually and the other that uses Excel.
Exploring the Parameter Space of p-Cresyl Sulfate Adsorption in Metal–Organic Frameworks

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have high porosity and surface area, making them ideal candidates for adsorption-mediated applications. One high-value application is the removal of uremic toxins fr...
Comparison of Early Life Obesity-Related Risk and Protective Factors in Non-Hispanic Black Subgroups.

Previous obesity prevention studies in preschool-age children have included non-Hispanic Black (NHB) children, but few have investigated between-subgroup differences even though there may be cultural risk and protective practice differences, challenging the generalizability of findings. The purpose of this study was to examine differences in early childhood obesity-related factors in NHB subgroups (Haitian, other Caribbean Islander and African-American [AA]) children. Baseline data from two randomized controlled trials in 52 childcare centers of which 35 had data to test a preschool-based obesity prevention intervention was analyzed. The sub-sample included 370 caregiver-child dyads; 209 self-identified as AA, 120 as Haitian and 41 as Caribbean Islander/West Indian or mixed race. Multilevel regression models generated outcome estimates for group differences in body mass index (BMI) percentile, birthweight, breastfeeding initiation and duration, bottle feeding duration and age when solid foods were introduced. Mean BMI percentile was similar for AA, Haitian and Caribbean Islander/West Indian/Multiracial (60.1th percentile, 60.8th percentile, 62.8th percentile, respectively) as was birthweight (6.3, 6.8, and 6.6 lb, respectively). Children of US-born caregivers had significantly lower BMI percentiles (9.13 percentile points) versus foreign-born caregivers. Haitian women were significantly more likely to initiate breastfeeding (64.9%) versus AA (47.6%) and Caribbean Islander/West Indian/Multiracial (62.2%) (p < .01). No significant group differences were found in breastfeeding or bottle feeding duration or age solid foods were introduced. Findings here suggest that NHB race classification can identify important subgroup behavioral similarities which in turn may inform culturally sensitive strategies to promote early childhood healthy weight. Foreign-born caregivers may benefit from healthy weight promotion information, and as early as possible in their child’s development.
Controls on the rates and products of particle attrition by bed-load collisions

Abstract. River rocks round through the process of impact attrition, whereby energetic collisions during bed-load transport induce chipping of the grain surface. This process is also important for bedrock erosion. Although previous work has shown that impact energy, lithology, and shape are controlling factors for attrition rates, the functional dependence among these quantities is not settled. Here we examine these factors using a double-pendulum apparatus that generates controlled collisions between two grains under conditions relevant for bed-load transport. We also determine the grain size distributions (GSDs) of the attrition products. Two experimental results appear to support previous treatments of impact erosion as brittle fracture: (i) mass loss is proportional to kinetic energy, and this proportionality is a function of previously identified material properties; and (ii) attrition-product GSDs are well described by a Weibull distribution. Chipping results from the development of shallow and surface-parallel cracks, a process that is distinct from bulk fragmentation that occurs at higher energies. We suggest that Hertzian fracture is the dominant mechanism of impact attrition for bed-load transport. We also identify an initial phase of rapid mass loss in which attrition is independent of energy and material properties; this is a shape effect associated with removal of very sharp corners. The apparent universality of both mass loss curves and attrition-product GSDs requires further investigation. Nonetheless, these findings are useful for interpreting the contribution of in-stream attrition to downstream fining and the production of sand resulting from bed-load transport of river pebbles.
Between land and water: Hydraulic engineering in the Tlalixcoyan basin, Veracruz, Mexico

Abstract Recent remote sensing research in the Tlalixcoyan basin, Veracruz, has identified patterns of raised fields and public civic-ceremonial plaza groups that suggest a local and decentralized strategy of cooperation to develop hydraulic and agricultural resources. This perspective provides support for Scarborough and Lucero’s (2010) cross-cultural conceptualization of hydraulic strategies in the semi-tropics, but we note some exceptions to their model as well. We conclude based on the remotely sensed data that (1) most of the interconnected field systems are too large or complex for a single family or lineage to have built and maintained alone; (2) the Tlalixcoyan settlement system is divided into clusters that likely represent social groupings akin to administrative districts; (3) each residential cluster possessed its own public civic-ceremonial plaza group; (4) each plaza group could have provided the seat of cooperation in the creation and maintenance of common-pool resources like raised fields; and (5) despite the implication of local hydraulic management within districts, the region as a whole presents a hierarchical settlement distribution with the Tlalixcoyan Monumental Complex at the top. The last two points represent central hypotheses generated from the remote sensing data that will be tested in future field research.
Inhaled corticosteroid prescriptions in the ED for recurrent asthma using IT clinical decision support: Revisit after cessation of an incentive program

INTRODUCTION The objective of this study was to assess whether inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) prescription rates for patients with poorly controlled asthma presenting to the emergency department (ED) remained high with a clinical support system in place, after a financial incentive program ended. This study is the second phase of a previous study done at our institution. The first phase demonstrated that the introduction of an electronic alert system advising providers to prescribe ICS to patients with poorly controlled asthma, along with a financial incentive, increased ICS prescription rates from 2% to 77%. Clinical support systems are necessary to improve control for patients with asthma, as prescribing ICS in the ED has not previously been standard of care. METHODS This retrospective study identified 96 eligible patients during the study period of January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019. Subjects included patients aged 4-18 with at least two ED visits for asthma within 365 days and no recent ICS prescription. For subjects meeting these criteria, an electronic alert activated, advising the provider to prescribe ICS. RESULTS ICS prescription rate without the incentive remained high at 0.74 (0.59, 0.86) and was not significantly different than the rate with the incentive of 0.77 (0.65, 0.87), with p value 0.82. No significant differences were detected in baseline characteristics between patients discharged with and without an ICS prescription. CONCLUSIONS This study confirmed that an electronic alert advising ICS prescription in the ED for patients with recurrent asthma visits is effective, even without a financial incentive.
Effects of Betaine Supplementation on Markers of Metabolic Flexibility, Body Composition, and Anaerobic Performance in Active College-Age Females.

Betaine (BET) has shown to be effective in improving body composition and performance, although research in women is lacking. This study investigated the effects of BET supplementation on markers o...
The rise of the public in Enlightenment Europe

Introduction: what is the public sphere? Part I. Politics and the Rise of Public Opinion: The Cases of England and France: 1. The peculiarities of the English 2. Opacity and transparency: French political culture in the eighteenth century Part II. Readers, Writers and Spectators: 3. Reading publics: transformations of the literary public sphere 4. Eighteenth century authorship 5. From courts to consumers: theatre publics Part III. Being Sociable: 6. Enlightenment salons 7. Drinking in public: taverns and coffeehouses 8. Freemasons Conclusion.
Perceptual Dimensions of Odd and Even Pricing

This study examines the dimensions consumers use to perceive odd and even prices. A-priori dimensions were developed to measure these perceptions. Subjects were shown ads for low, medium and high-priced products that were either even or odd- priced. They were then asked to respond to a series of questions designed to measure perceptual dimensions. A factor analysis was performed to evaluate the a-priori dimensions. The results confirmed these dimensions.
Ceramic Powder Synthesis with Solid Phase Reactant

This chapter discusses the fluid-solid and solid-solid reactions used to produce ceramic powders. The first aspect of this discussion is the spontaneity of a particular reaction for a given temperature and atmosphere. Thermodynamics is used to determine whether a reaction is spontaneous. The thermodynamics of the thermal decomposition of minerals and metal salts, oxidation reactions, reduction reactions, and nitridation reactions is discussed because these are often used for ceramic powder synthesis. A classic example of a solid-fluid ceramic powder synthesis reaction is that of calcination and dehydration of natural or synthetic raw materials. After a discussion of thermodynamics, the kinetics of reaction is given to determine the time necessary to complete the reaction. Reaction kinetics are discussed in terms of the various rate determining steps of mass and heat transfer, as well as surface reaction. After this discussion of reaction kinetics, a brief discussion of the types of equipment used for the synthesis of ceramic powders is presented in the chapter.
The yeast quorum sensing molecule, farnesol, acts as an adjuvant to promote innate inflammatory responses (VAC8P.1060)

Candida albicans is a polymorphic fungus that can cause systemic disease in immunocompromised and transplant patients, but is maintained as a commensal in healthy adults mainly through the actions of innate immunity. At low cell density, C. albicans secretes the quorum-sensing molecule, farnesol (FOH) which acts as a virulence factor. Our previous work indicates that FOH alone promotes chemotaxis of macrophages (MΦ) and synergizes with the TLR-2 agonist zymosan to promote MΦ cytokine secretion in vitro . We next determined whether FOH could act similarly to promote inflammatory responses in vivo . After intra-peritoneal injection, FOH increased the numbers of MΦ and neutrophils in the peritoneal cavity compared to untreated or thioglycollate treated mice. FOH treatment increased IL-6 and CCL2 mRNA in peritoneal exudate cells consistent with MΦ activation. In addition, cell surface expression of MHC class II and co-stimulatory molecules on dendritic cells in the peritoneum were higher in FOH injected mice compared to controls, suggesting FOH may prime antigen presenting cells for T cell activation. Currently we are investigating whether FOH can act as an adjuvant to promote antigen specific, cell mediated or antibody mediated immunity or a combination of both types. Defining the immunostimulatory properties of FOH, a potentially novel adjuvant, will improve strategies for vaccine design that promotes robust immunity against a variety of infectious diseases.
Towards a Discrete Newton Method with Memory for Large-Scale Optimization

A new method for solving large nonlinear optimization problems is outlined. It attempts to combine the best properties of the discrete-truncated Newton method and the limited memory BFGS method, to produce an algorithm that is both economical and capable of handling ill-conditioned problems. The key idea is to use the curvature information generated during the computation of the discrete Newton step to improve the limited memory BFGS approximations. The numerical performance of the new method is studied using a family of functions whose nonlinearity and condition number can be controlled.
Enough of this science and mathematics, let's do some engineering [education]

This paper suggests that student learning can be improved by requiring them to deal with implicit problem statements rather than explicit. This forces students to figure out what the problem is (and solve it). This is in contrast to explicitly stating the problem, leaving students only to manipulate the equations and plug in the numbers.
Sensor network security: more interesting than you think

With the advent of low-power wireless sensor networks, a wealth of new applications at the interface of the real and digital worlds is emerging. A distributed computing platform that can measure properties of the real world, formulate intelligent inferences, and instrument responses, requires strong foundations in distributed computing, artificial intelligence, databases, control theory, and security. Before these intelligent systems can be deployed in critical infrastructures such as emergency rooms and powerplants, the security properties of sensors must be fully understood. Existing wisdom has been to apply the traditional security models and techniques to sensor networks. However, sensor networks are not traditional computing devices, and as a result, existing security models and methods are ill suited. In this position paper, we take the first steps towards producing a comprehensive security model that is tailored for sensor networks. Incorporating work from Internet security, ubiquitous computing, and distributed systems, we outline security properties that must be considered when designing a secure sensor network. We propose challenges for sensor networks-security obstacles that, when overcome, will move us closer to decreasing the divide between computers and the physical world.
Particle Acceleration by a Time-Varying Electric Field in Merging Magnetic Fields

Traditional models for particle acceleration by magnetic reconnection in solar flares assumed a constant electric field in a steady reconnecting magnetic field. Although this assumption may be justified during the gradual phase of flares, the situation is different during the impulsive phase. Observed rapid variations in flare emissions imply that reconnection is non-steady and a time-varying electric field is present in a reconnecting current sheet. This paper describes exploratory calculations of charged particle orbits in an oscillating electric field present either at a neutral plane or a neutral line of two-dimensional magnetic field. A simple analytical model makes it possible to explain the effects of particle trapping and resonant acceleration previously noted by Petkaki and MacKinnon in a numerical simulation. As an application, electron acceleration to X-ray generating energies in impulsive solar flares is discussed within the context of the model.
Transcriptional approaches to riboswitch studies.

Natural RNA sensors of small molecules (a.k.a. riboswitches) regulate numerous metabolic genes. In bacteria, these RNA elements control transcription termination and translation initiation by changing the folding pathway of nascent RNA upon direct binding of a metabolite. To identify and study riboswitches we used in vitro reconstituted solid-phase transcription elongation/termination system. This approach allows for direct monitoring ligand binding and riboswitch functioning, establishing the working concentration of a ligand as a function of RNA polymerase speed, and also probing RNA structure of the riboswitch. Using this system we have been able to identify and characterize first several riboswitches including those involved in vitamin biosynthesis and sulfur metabolism. The system can be utilized to facilitate biochemical studies of riboswitches in general, i.e. to simplify analysis of riboswitches that are not necessarily involved in transcriptional control.
Total parenteral nutrition energy composition affects small intestinal disaccharidase activity in the newborn miniature pig.

Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) decreases disaccharidase activity in the small intestine of humans and miniature piglets. The possibility, however, that specific components of TPN (eg, the energy mix) will increase disaccharidase activity has largely been unexplored. The identification of such components would be particularly useful in the treatment of premature infants with immature gastrointestinal tracts and patients with small intestinal mucosal disease associated with decreased disaccharidase activity. To determine whether the TPN energy composition affects small intestinal disaccharidase activity, 7-day-old miniature piglet littermates were randomized to receive TPN containing either glucose (group G) or glucose and fat (group G/F) as the nonnitrogen energy source(s). The TPN regimens were isonitrogenous and isoenergetic. The piglets were not allowed oral intake during the 7 days they were maintained on TPN. At 14 days of age the piglets were killed and the small intestines analyzed for weight, pro...