cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Crisis and emergency risk communication in a pandemic: a model for building capacity and resilience of minority communities

As public health agencies prepare for pandemic influenza, it is evident from our experience with Hurricane Katrina that these events will occur in the same social, historical, and cultural milieu in which marked distrust of government and health disparities already exist. This article grapples with the challenges of crisis and emergency risk communication with special populations during a pandemic. Recognizing that targeting messages to specific groups poses significant difficulties at that time, this article proposes a model of community engagement, disaster risk education, and crisis and emergency risk communication to prepare minority communities and government agencies to work effectively in a pandemic, build the capacity of each to respond, and strengthen the trust that is critical at such moments. Examples of such engagement and potential strategies to enhance trust include tools familiar to many health educators.
Retention Rates and Differences between Leavers and Stayers

As part of a National Science Foundation grant (EEC-0234985), the University of Washington revised its longitudinal study of female students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in 2002. A primary revision of the study design included the development of measures to compare the retention rates of women who participate in the Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) program with those who do not. A Female Undergraduate Survey was developed to collect data on student preparation for studying engineering and their perceived self-confidence levels. This research paper combines the two sources of information to yield new findings about STEM leavers and stayers. The paper will also discuss the research findings in light of previous published work in this area. Findings indicate that retention rates for WISE students are much higher than for non-WISE students. Additionally, WISE students are better prepared than non-WISE students, as evidenced by high school grades and SAT scores. Not surprisingly, students who stay in STEM are better prepared for their education than students who leave STEM, based on differences in SAT scores. In the analysis focusing only on WISE students, there were significant differences between UW leavers and STEM leavers, and also between STEM leavers and STEM stayers in years of physics preparation in high school. There were also significant differences between STEM leavers and STEM stayers in terms of years of physics and chemistry, and math confidence.
Achieving Class-Based QoS for Transactional Workloads

Transaction processing systems lie at the core of modern e-commerce applications such as on-line retail stores, banks and airline reservation systems. The economic success of these applications depends on the ability to achieve high user satisfaction, since a single mouse-click is all that it takes a frustrated user to switch to a competitor. Given that system resources are limited and demands are varying, it is difficult to provide optimal performance to all users at all times. However, often transactions can be divided into different classes based on how important they are to the online retailer. For example, transactions initiated by a "big spending" client are more important than transactions from a client that only browses the site. A natural goal then is to ensure short delays for the class of important transactions, while for the less important transactions longer delays are acceptable.
Developing a Threat Model for Enterprise Storage Area Networks

The need for improved security has been widely recognized in the information technology industry, particularly for enterprise storage area networks (SANs). However, until recently there has been relatively little development of threat models which specifically address the unique requirements of these networks. In this paper, we present a method for quantifying risk, justifying security upgrade costs, and proactively assessing threats to an enterprise-class SAN. The threat model suggests that a centralized approach to security management based on the host processor may be more effective than a distributed approach based on the edge of the network. Examples of enterprise server security features developed to address these threats are discussed, along with performance results on host-based encryption and a roadmap for future security enhancements
Slip Chart–Inspired Project Schedule Diagramming: Links, Extension to Network Schedules, and Unification

AbstractSchedule delays are an unfortunate prevalent occurrence in the construction industry. To clearly visualize, track, and mitigate them, graphical and analytical tools are needed. But traditional bar charts do not clearly show delays, and network charts all but hide them. Neither facilitates side-by-side comparisons of schedule updates. Networks can be converted into a modified slip chart from the aerospace industry, which is particularly adept at analyzing delays. Contributions to the body of knowledge include the ability to communicate schedule information more efficiently with less ink, yet in a time-scaled manner, including lead or lag constraints, performing side-by-side comparisons that immediately reveal float gain or loss versus criticality, rapidly identifying underperforming activities, and scrutinizing delay events and assigning responsibility to project participants. To validate the new approach, a delay example from the literature is reanalyzed to gain insights into schedule performance....
The Coral Reef Task Force: Protecting the Environment Through Executive Order

On June 11, 1998, President Bill Clinton issued Executive Order 13089, which created the Coral Reef Task Force. This article outlines the science of coral reefs, the provisions of the Coral Reef Executive Order, other legislation available to give agencies the authority to carry out the Executive Order, and progress being made in protecting coral reefs.
Fighting AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa: is a public- private partnership a viable paradigm?

UNLABELLED In their most recent study, the United Nations AIDS Program estimates that about 22 million people around the world have died from AIDS, and about 40 million more are currently infected with the HIV virus. About 83% of AIDS deaths and 71% of HIV infections have occurred in war-ravaged, poverty-stricken Sub-Saharan Africa. This pandemic is ripping apart the social and economic fabric of this part of the world. The only remedy for this crisis is both prevention and cure. Only through massive education can early and sustained prevention efforts prevent future infections. And only by giving those infected with HIV effective treatments will people be prevented from dying of AIDS in the future. Without a bold, concerted action, not only will millions die in Africa, but the entire world will suffer. To allow sub-Saharan Africa to become socially and economically devastated will have a major impact on the economies of every country of the world. The African Comprehensive HIV/AIDS Partnership (ACHAP) is one answer to the problem. ACHAP, is a joint initiative between the government of Botswana, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Merck Company Foundation. This public-private partnership has provided a new sense of optimism for fighting this devastating pandemic. ACHAP offers all interested parties a multifaceted paradigm that addresses not only the need for ARV medications, but also the other social and medical facets of the HIV/AIDS problem facing sub-Saharan Africa. If a coordinated effort can be launched in the other sub-Saharan African nations, using ACHAP as a paradigm, then there is the possibility that the fight against AIDS could be won. CONCLUSIONS Clinical ethics is of necessity a two-way street, one in which ethical paradigms influence practitioners and researchers whose expertise, in turn, necessarily educates the non-clinical ethicist.
Algebraic multigrid Laplace solver for the extraction of capacitances of conductors in multi-layer dielectrics: Research Articles

This paper describes the development of a robust multigrid, finite element-based, Laplace solver for accurate capacitance extraction of conductors embedded in multi-layer dielectric domains. An algebraic multigrid based on element interpolation is adopted and streamlined for the development of the proposed solver. In particular, a new, node-based agglomeration scheme is proposed to speed up the process of agglomeration. Several attributes of this new method are investigated through the application of the Laplace solver to the calculation of the per-unit-length capacitance of configurations of parallel, uniform conductors embedded in multi-layer dielectric substrates. These two-dimensional configurations are commonly encountered as high-speed interconnect structures for integrated electronic circuits. The proposed method is shown to be particularly robust and accurate for structures with very thin dielectric layers characterized by large variation in their electric permittivities. More specifically, it is demonstrated that for such geometries the proposed node-based agglomeration systematically reduces the problem size and speeds up the iterative solution of the finite element matrix. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dyadic Learning in the Middle School Social Studies Class

This case study examined pairs of 8 th graders learning historical texts in a social studies class in a private school. The teacher created a unit that emphasized pairs of students reading primary texts together. We attended to both students’ and teacher’s attitudes towards studying in this way. Students enthusiastically embraced learning in this context, citing both social and intellectual benefits. Similarly their teacher applauded students’ opportunities to express their thoughts and feelings. She also indicated reservations about giving up control. Implications are applied to best practices for conducting discussion in middle school social studies classes.
Data Mining Methods and Cost Estimation Models: Why is it So Hard to Infuse New Ideas?

Infusing new technologies and methods is hard and can often be described as "banging ones head on a brick wall". The is especially true when trying to get project managers, systems, engineers and cost analysts to add a radically new tool to their tool box. In this paper we suggest that the underlying causes are rooted in the fact that the different players have fundamental differences in mental models, vocabulary and objectives. We based this work on lessons learned from ten years of working on the infusion of software costing models into NASA. The good news is that, lately, a crack has begun to appear in what was previously a brick wall.
Who’s Afraid of Economic Incentives? The Efficacy-Externality Tradeoff

Scholars and members of the attentive public increasingly lament the under-utilisation of carrots relative to sticks as tools of economic statecraft (Cortright and Lopez, 1995; Long, 1996; Cortright, 1997). They note that incentives are often shunned in favour of negative sanctions, even under conditions where theories of economic statecraft suggest that the former may be more effective. This chapter provides a solution to this paradox by identifying the conditions under which incentives are more or less likely to be used to achieve substantive and symbolic goals. We argue that state preferences for using incentives versus sanctions are a function of their goals and a tradeoff between often competing concerns about the effectiveness and externalities of using carrots versus sticks. Effectiveness is defined as the ability of the sender to achieve a desired objective vis-a-vis a specified target. The effectiveness of sanctions versus incentives in achieving these goals varies as a function of each actor’s dependence on one another and its baseline of expectations. Economic statecraft may, however, have a wide range of ramifications other than those intended by the sender vis-a-vis the target. The political costs or benefits associated with these externalities will have a significant impact on the sender’s preference for using incentives versus sanctions to achieve its objective.
Getting Away With Murder: The Film Noir World of Woody Allen

Although normally utilizing parody and humor when dealing with film noir, Woody Allen has made two films that deal more directly with the style and themes of classical noir cinema: Crimes and Misdemeanors (1989) and Match Point (2005). Both films differ from classical film noir, however, in the protagonist’s ability to enter into the criminal underworld and return unscathed by the experience. Whereas classical noir protagonists are isolated and unable to enter (or re-enter) everyday society, the protagonists in Allen’s films are able to do so, moving the focus of these films from an existentialist “fate” of the classical noir to an individualized morality based on choice and reason. This essay examines the noir elements of both Crimes and Misdemeanors and Match Point in an effort to expand current academic understanding of Woody Allen’s film oeuvre.
Reflections on the Economics of Minimum Wage Laws

Using minimum wage laws to protect low-income groups in the population is common practice among different countries.Domestic and international scholars have studied the rationale and effectiveness of such laws from perspectives of both theory and practice,with varying results and opinions.No consensus has been reached so far.If we get out of the restrictions of our analytical frameworks and look from the perspective of the targeted external environment,we soon realize that all policy measures produce positive and negative effects.As a price-control measure,minimum wage law is no exception.Its timely promulgation and adjustment can make the positive effects to be larger than the negative ones,producing therewith good economic and social effects.Untimely promulgation and adjustments produce adverse and opposite effects.Minimum wage law,with a mission to reduce poverty and protect the weak,requires the support of a strong social welfare and security system.Therefore,government should approach it with an eye to both efficiency and justice so that the livelihood of the poor will not worsen in the wake of implementing such laws and the prosperity of all social members remains viable.
Injury-stimulated neurogenesis in sensory systems

Injury-induced repair of sensory cells does occur in mammals in the sense that partial replacement can transpire in sensory ganglion cells and in visual photoreceptors. In the somatosensory system, functional replacement of the peripheral processes of sensory cells can occur when the cell body is not severely damaged. In the visual system, the outer segments of photoreceptors are replaced under physiologic conditions, but complete replacement after injury occurs only in cold-blooded animals. In the olfactory system, complete replacement of sensory nerve cells has evolved as the means by which animals, including mammals, can retain olfactory function with a receptor apparatus that is highly vulnerable to injury. In the taste system, the sensory cells are also disposable and are completely replaced within less than 2 weeks. In the auditory and vestibular systems, replacement is not physiologic and when it does occur, appears to be injury-induced.
Whole-Cell Recording in Isolated Primary Sensory Neurons

The isolated sensory neuron in vitro is a powerful model with which to address a number of important neurobiological questions. Isolated neurons are relatively easy to prepare from both neonatal and adult animals and can be studied both acutely and after considerable time on culture. Intracellular recording is one of the most powerful ways to study these neurons. Methods are described for both the preparation of isolated sensory neurons in vitro as well as for recording major classes of ionic currents (Na(+), K(+), and Ca(2+)) from these neurons with whole cell voltage-clamp techniques. Methods are also provided for an initial characterization of active and passive electrophysiological properties of these neurons in current clamp as well as the use of perforated patch recording as a means to mitigate some of the limitations associated with conventional whole cell patch recording. The reader should be aware that the regulation of ion channels in sensory neurons may very subtle, requiring considerably more sophisticated protocols than have been provided here. The reader should also be aware that there is a tremendous heterogeneity among sensory neurons, which is both a curse and a blessing for those who wish to study them. Thus, the methods provided here should only be considered the starting point for a more detailed analysis of sensory neurons.
The relationship of osteoarthritis and exercise.

This article examines the relationship, both positive and negative, of osteoarthritis and exercise. The epidemiology, physiology, and pathophysiology of osteoarthritis are discussed, and the question of whether exercise is a potential cause of or treatment for osteoarthrites is examined.
Breast cancer survivorship programming at four NCI designated cancer centers: Our experiences and lessons learned.

e20605 Background: National accreditation standards encourage the development and delivery of a comprehensive treatment summary and survivorship care plan (SCP). No published studies have demonstra...
Why Investing in Diversity Management Matters: Organizational Attraction and Person–Organization Fit:

Corporate investments in diversity management programs have increased over the past two decades. Across two samples, the current study used experimental methods to examine if organizational attract...
Successful genetic bioaugmentation with Pseudomonas putida for toluene degradation in soil columns

There is a strong need for effective and sustainable treatment methods for remediating soils and waters contaminated by fossil fuel pollutants such as aromatic hydrocarbons. Remediation could be improved by genetic bioaugmentation that uses conjugation of catabolic plasmids between bacteria. Research on the conditions for success, effectiveness, and long-term impact of genetic bioaugmentation are therefore necessary. Here the effects of genetic bioaugmentation with Pseudomonas putida BBC 443 was studied in continuous-flow soil columns with or without glucose amendment. Results show that the highest transconjugant occurrence of 21.7 ± 2.1 %, and development of microbial communities with the highest overall toluene degradation potential of 0.0790 ± 0.0055 mg toluene/g soil/h, were achieved in soil columns that received a continuous addition of 1 g/L glucose. Plasmid transfer and toluene biodegradation did not depend on the survival of donor P. putida BBC443, suggesting that genetic bioaugmentation was successful. Furthermore, bacterial community structure analysis revealed that genetic bioaugmentation had limited long-term impact on the soil bacterial community structures, regardless of the specific treatment. Our findings show that genetic bioaugmentation was successful and resulted in limited long-term ecological impact, thus demonstrating that genetic bioaugmentation can provide an effective and sustainable method for in situ bioremediation.
Selecting and Deploying Distributed Adaptations

An adaptation service should help applications select a datapath that, together with a set of adaptations, results in the desired end-to-end quality of service. Because Conductor provides service to applications unaware of adaptation, it must have the ability to automatically select and deploy a set of adaptations appropriate to the prevailing network conditions. To allow automatic deployment of adaptation, Conductor must (1) identify nodes within the network that can support adaptation, (2) select a subset of nodes forming a communication path and a set of adaptors that satisfy the user requirements, and (3) cause the data stream to flow through the selected nodes and adaptors.
CELLULAR, MOLECULAR, GENOMICS, AND BIOMEDICAL APPROACHES | Global Gene Expression Profiling in Fish

Global gene expression profiling approaches are revolutionizing many aspects of biological research and allow the expression of many thousands of gene transcripts to be monitored simultaneously. In fish this perspective offers new insights into the mechanisms that underpin physiological processes allowing responses and alterations in physiological states to be correlated with gene transcript levels.
Technoism: will the loss of freedom unleash the voice of dissent?

Since September 11, 2001, life in the United States was destined to change. While the intentions of the United States Government may be noble in the attempt to protect American citizens, the potential abuse of technological snooping and spying exists and threatens future freedoms and liberties. If citizens are concerned, it seems they have averted any open intellectual discussion. Technology assessment extends a voice questioning the chaotic progression of technology without analysis. It eliminates the role of Technoism (suppressed skepticism and blind compliance associated with progression of technology in our lives) and would allow for open discussion so technology will benefit and contribute to our lives rather than complicate our lives and abuse privacy rights in the name of homeland security.
Single Antigen Mismatched Related Donor Allogeneic Stem Transplants Have Similar Outcomes as Matched Unrelated Donor Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplants: A Single Center’s Experience.

We retrospectively reviewed transplant outcomes of 32 patients who received an allogeneic stem cell transplant from single human leukocyte antigen (HLA) mismatched related family donors (MMRD), and compared them to 45 case-matched controls who received transplants from matched unrelated donors (MUD). Controls were matched for age, sex, disease type, disease status, CMV seropositivity, and type of conditioning regimen (full versus reduced intensity). Full donor neutrophil engraftment for MMRD and MUD transplants were achieved in 81% and 93% of patients respectively (p=0.1). Grade 2–4 acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) developed in 32% of MMRD transplants versus 42% for MUD transplants (p=0.43). Limited and extensive chronic GVHD developed in 22% and 19% of MMRD transplants versus 14% and 30% of MUD transplants (p=0.61). Day 100 transplant related mortality (TRM) for MMRD and MUD transplants were 31% and 33% respectively (p=0.69). Disease relapse occurred in 16% of MMRD transplants versus 13% in MUD transplants (p=0.87). Overall survival at 1 and 3 years for MMRD transplants were 53% and 40% versus 49% and 32% for MUD transplants (p=0.61). There were no statistically significant differences among HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-DR MMRD transplants in terms of neutrophil engraftment and grade 2–4 acute GVHD, but day 100 TRM among HLA-DR MMRD transplants were higher than among HLA-A and HLA-B MMRD transplants (50% versus 0% and 17% respectively, p=0.01). Overall survival at 3 years was 53% for HLA-A and HLA-B MMRD transplants, 30% for HLA-DR MMRD transplants, and 32% for MUD transplants (p=0.42). In conclusion, single antigen mismatched related donor allogeneic stem cell transplants have similar transplant outcomes as matched unrelated donor allogeneic stem cell transplants and usually takes a shorter amount of time to stem cell donation. HLA-DR mismatch transplants have higher day 100 TRM than Class I mismatch transplants. Single antigen mismatched related donors should be considered as donors for allogeneic stem cell transplantation.
Is it time to rethink combined liver-kidney transplant in hepatitis C patients with advanced fibrosis?

Is it time to rethink combined liver-kidney transplant in hepatitis C patients with advanced fibrosis?
Optimized dielectric design of stator windings from medium voltage induction machines fed by fast front pulses

AC induction machines are exposed to fast-front pulses when fed from frequency converters. This type of excitation produces additional dielectric stress in the machine's insulation system which can result in premature deterioration or even failure. In this work, a non-uniform transmission line modeling approach is used in combination with FEM-based parameter computation to predict the transient voltage distribution in a machine winding under fast-front pulse excitation. Using this voltage distribution as input, different optimization algorithms are applied to identify and evaluate modifications to the winding design aimed at minimizing the dielectric stress. Test cases considering two different geometrical configurations show that the optimized designs considerably reduce the dielectric stress in the machine coils.
Nodal superconvergence of the local discontinuous Galerkin method for singularly perturbed problems

Abstract In this paper, a superconvergence of order ( ln N ∕ N ) 2 k + 1 for the numerical traces of the LDG approximation to a one dimensional singularly perturbed convection–diffusion–reaction problem is proved. The LDG method is applied on a Shishkin mesh with 2 N elements, and we use polynomials of degree at most k on each element. This result puts the numerical finding reported in Xie and Zhang (2007), Xie et al. (2009) on firm mathematical ground.
Inorganic analogues of graphene: Synthesis, characterization, and applications

The structure, synthesis, characterization, and applications of inorganic analogues of graphene (two-dimensional (2-D) materials) are discussed here. Exfoliation of hexagonal boron nitride ( h -BN) in organic solvents and aqueous solutions is reviewed. Characterization of nanolayers of h -BN by specific spectroscopic and microscopic techniques is discussed from an experimental point of view. Applications of “white graphene” ( h -BN) in electronics and beyond are also reviewed. Next, we discuss the transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), which have a graphene-like structure. MoS 2 was taken as a representative member of this family in order to discuss the preparation, characterization, and applications of TMDs. Subsequently, MXenes, which are structural analogues of TMDs, were reviewed. MXenes are being explored for applications in energy storage, electromagnetic shielding, and biomedicine. We close this chapter with discussion of other monoatomic-layered materials, such as phosphorene (few-layer black phosphorous). We have not included metal oxides and phosphates, many of which form 2-D materials as well. This chapter offer readers a general introduction to 2-D materials other than graphene and familiarizes them with its inorganic counterparts and their interesting chemistry.
Learning By Contributing: Gaining Competitive Advantage Through Contribution to Open Source Software

As the economy increasingly becomes more information-based, firms must enhance their capability to productively use public information goods. Counterintuitively, some firms pay their employees to c...
Buying Drugs Online in the Age of Social Media.

An editorial is presented which addresses social media in relation to the ability to purchase drugs online as of 2017, and it mentions an article about the use of machine learning to identify illicit online pharmacies which appears in the same issue of the journal. The ability to acquire controlled substances online without a prescription is examined, along with cryptomarkets and health information research utilizing the Twitter online social network.
Application of satellite observations in conjunction with aerosol reanalysis to characterize long-range transport of African and Asian dust on air quality in the contiguous U.S.

Abstract A methodology utilizing multiple aerosol measurements and reanalysis was developed to analyze the long-range transport (LRT) of North African and Asian dust events and their effect on contiguous U.S. (CONUS) air quality. Two events in 2015, that originated inland from North Africa and Asia, were detected with aerosol optical depth (AOD) greater than 0.8 over the Gulf of Mexico (June 21) and west coast of Oregon and Washington (April 19). Large amounts of dust were rising over Sahara-Sahel and Taklamakan deserts during these events. For the North African dust event, dust remained the dominant aerosol species transporting from North Africa to CONUS. For Asian dust, before the Taklamakan dust outbreak traveled across the Pacific Ocean, it mixed with sulfate from East China and organic carbons from Siberia. The trans-Atlantic North African dust emerged and compressed below 5 km over the Azores High, whereas the trans-Pacific Asian dust entered the westerlies (5–10 km) along with the mid-latitude frontal system. For the two cases examined, the North African dust event tended to have more influence on CONUS air quality. During the LRT periods, there were 4 of 17 rural and suburban stations (with AOD > 0.5 as the LRT dust approached) in Texas and Louisiana reporting PM2.5 daily maximum observations greater than 36.3 μg m−3. In contrast, the Asian dust stayed above ground level, and all of the 4 rural and suburban stations (with AOD > 0.5 as the LRT dust approached) in Washington and Oregon observed daily maximum PM2.5 below 22.4 μg m−3. The integration of measurements and modeling was able to successfully characterize the sources and transport patterns of the LRT dust events, and differentiate their influence on CONUS air quality. Even though there was high AOD from the Asian LRT dust detected over the western CONUS, significant impacts on surface air quality was not observed as the dust remained aloft.
Protein Structure Prediction as a Systems Problem

Protein structure prediction is a complex problem, which requires various types of techniques to solve different aspects of the problem. To address this complexity, a large number of computational methods have been developed, as discussed in the previous chapters of this book. When the protein structure prediction problem was first formulated, it was envisioned that one could computationally predict any protein structure through solving a minimization problem of a unified physical energy function since protein folding is governed by laws of physics. Such an approach is referred to as “ab initio” protein structure prediction (Tanaka and Scheraga, 1977; States et al., 1980; Chapter 13 of this book). While appealing and theoretically achievable, such ab initio methods only have a limited practical value for the purpose of structure prediction as of now due to the inadequacy of current physical models and the significant gap between the required computing power and what is currently available, among other issues.
Understanding Niacin Formulations

Niacin is an important therapeutic option for the treatment of dyslipidemias and is the only agent currently available that favorably affects all components of the lipid profile to a significant degree. Niacin has consistently been shown to significantly reduce levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, and lipoprotein (a), while having the greatest high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol-raising effects of all available agents. Niacin has also been shown to significantly reduce coronary events and total mortality. Niacin is available in 3 formulations: immediate-release (IR), sustained-release (SR), and a newer formulation, niacin extended-release (ER), all of which differ in their pharmacokinetic, efficacy, and safety profiles. Conventional niacin therapy has notable limitations that include flushing, most often seen with IR formulations, and hepatotoxicity, associated with SR formulations. These side effects are related to the absorption rate and subsequent metabolism of niacin as delivered from the different products. Niacin ER has a delivery system allowing absorption rates intermediate to that of niacin IR and SR. As a result, niacin ER achieves the efficacy of niacin IR with a reduced incidence of flushing and without the hepatic effects seen with niacin SR. The pharmacist should be familiar with the differences among and the advantages and disadvantages of each formulation to educate patients and help them achieve the optimal therapeutic benefit of niacin while minimizing adverse effects.
Bovine T cell responses to bovine respiratory syncytial virus and a vaccine vector candidate

73 Introduction 74 Materials and Methods 76 Results 81 Discussion 91 Acknowledgements 93 References 93 Chapter 5. Priming of Multiple T-Cell Subsets by ModifiedLive and Inactivated BRSV Vaccines 96
Palliating Premature Infants With Obstructed Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection via Catheterization.

Obstructed total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) involves anomalous drainage of all pulmonary veins to a location other than the left atrium and typically causes significant respirato...
Robotic v. Simulated v. “The Real Thing”

Astronomy educators have a variety of motivations for including – or not including – some nature of observing in their curricula. Observing components can range from very simple exercises of merely looking at the sky to much richer, more complex projects that give students a complete feel for the process of doing science through engaging in professional astronomy. Moreover, these observations can be performed in person or virtually, with either remote/robotic telescopes or simulators, thus allowing educators greater freedom to incorporate observing in any kind of learning environment. There is a disconnect, however, between the learning goals that astronomy educators have and their students’ perception that these goals have been met. To explore this disconnect, we have surveyed both astronomy educators and university students to compare how well the student experience of these observations matches the instructor’s objectives and perception of the observing component. We discuss the results of these surveys, and provide highlights from student interviews.
Thermochemistry and Kinetics of Intermolecular Addition of Radicals to Toluene and Alkylaromatics

To better understand intermolecular radical additions to aromatic rings that take place in the pyrolysis of alkylaromatics at low to moderate temperatures (∼450 °C), the thermochemistry and kinetics of several reactions of this type are investigated using the CBS-QB3 level of theory. The calculated thermochemistry of the adduct radicals is significantly different from previous estimates; the average discrepancy in Gibbs free energy at 298 K is 5.3 kcal/mol. A group additivity value for aromatic π radicals was developed to facilitate rapid accurate estimates for other molecules containing this functional group; the average discrepancy in Gibbs free energy using the updated group additivity value is improved to 0.5 kcal/mol. Previous estimations of the rate coefficients of these reactions were found to be inaccurate due to the lack of important features such as loss of aromaticity in the compounds used as the training set for the estimation. Rate coefficients for addition of several different radicals to ar...
Lignification Associated with Decreased Adventitious Rooting Competence of English Ivy Petioles

Abstract English ivy (Hedera helix L.) was used to study the relationship between lignin accumulation and adventitious rooting. Juvenile-phase and three chronological ages of mature-phase petioles were collected from clonal stock plants, analyzed for quantity of vascular lignin, and placed in an in vitro rooting assay. Rooting competence was determined by observing the number of roots formed per petiole. The number of roots per petiole differed significantly between juvenile-phase and mature-phase petioles. Lignin accumulation increased during petiole growth and development with chronologically older mature-phase petioles having the greatest amounts of lignin. There was a negative correlation between lignin accumulation and adventitious rooting competence.
The World Model: An Interregional Input-Output Model of the World Economy

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the World model, an interregional input-output model of the world economy. The model is a first step and a research tool, not a finished polished product. The World model involves a representation of production technologies and changes in technologies in the various economies. While the methodology requires detailed factual information about the structural characteristics of all the sectors of a particular economy, the present data base contains many judgmental approximations. The model requires, for its closure, an explanation of individual consumption and savings behavior, corporate investment decisions, and patterns in world trade. No attempt is made within the model either to forecast population, the size of the labor force, and interest rates or exchange rates or to specify the feedback effects of variables within the model on technology; these are represented instead in alternative scenarios. Many simplifying assumptions have been made at all stages of design, implementation, and application.
Public Health and Online Misinformation: Challenges and Recommendations

The internet has become a popular resource to learn about health and to investigate one's own health condition. However, given the large amount of inaccurate information online, people can easily become misinformed. Individuals have always obtained information from outside the formal health care system, so how has the internet changed people's engagement with health information? This review explores how individuals interact with health misinformation online, whether it be through search, user-generated content, or mobile apps. We discuss whether personal access to information is helping or hindering health outcomes and how the perceived trustworthiness of the institutions communicating health has changed over time. To conclude, we propose several constructive strategies for improving the online information ecosystem. Misinformation concerning health has particularly severe consequences with regard to people's quality of life and even their risk of mortality; therefore, understanding it within today's modern context is an extremely important task.
Characterization of a parametric resonance based capacitive ultrasonic transducer in air for acoustic power transfer and sensing

Abstract Capacitive transducers typically require a DC bias or a pre-charged electret to operate, rendering them non-ideal for applications such as energy harvesting and wireless power transfer. Parametric resonance based capacitive transducers offer an alternative to traditional capacitive transducers as they can be operated without the need for a bias voltage or a pre-charged electret. In this paper, we experimentally validate a 1D lumped parameter model and characterize a CPUT operating in air at 50 kHz for ultrasonic power transfer and sensing applications. This particular CPUT is able to recover 40.5 μW of power at an efficiency of 0.32% without any DC bias when excited by a 50 kHz piezoelectric transducer. The application of the CPUT as a highly sensitive acoustic sensor is explored by making use of active electrical circuits that reduce the resistance of the system. Finally, the capability of the CPUT as a highly directional acoustic sensor is presented with the electrostatic transducer demonstrating a directivity of ±1° when operated as a CPUT as compared to ±13° when operated as a conventional biased receiver. These results set the stage for the application of CPUT as a multi-functional acoustic transducer.
Acquisition of Innate Odor Preference Depends on Spontaneous and Experiential Activities During Critical Period

Abstract Animals possess inborn ability to recognize certain odors, which enables them to seek food, avoid predators and find mates even in the absence of prior experiences. Here we report that the acquisition of innate odor recognition requires spontaneous neural activity and is influenced by sensory experience during early postnatal development. Genetic silencing of mouse olfactory sensory neurons during the critical period has little impact on odor sensitivity, odor discrimination and recognition later in life. However, it abolishes innate odor preference and alters the patterns of activation in brain centers associated with odor preference. Moreover, exposure to an innately aversive odor during the critical period abolishes aversion in adulthood in an odor specific manner. The loss of innate aversion is associated with broadened projection of OSNs expressing the cognate receptor such that they innervate ectopic glomeruli in the olfactory bulb. These results indicate that a delicate balance of neural activity is required during critical period in establishing innate odor preference and that ectopic projection is a convergent mechanism to alter innate odor valence.
Visualization of skull remodeling and re-ossification after reconstructive surgery and mosaic-like cranioplasty in sagittal synostosis and deformational brachycephaly1.

Extended vertex craniectomy in sagittal synostosis (SS) and transposition craniectomy in severe deformational brachycephaly (DB) combined with mosaic-like cranioplasty (M-LC) have been performed in 17 and 24 infants from 2001 to 2003. The hitherto not well-known mechanisms of remodeling and effectiveness of M-LC is assessed by X-ray and anthropometry. Follow-ups included skull radiograms preoperatively and 3 and 15 months postoperatively, which were analyzed by craniometry according to Haas, long-term anthropometry, and clinical follow-up till mean age of 7.6 and 7.4 years. Analysis included the following: time course of cephalic indexes (CI), sizes of distances (breadth, length, height) and modulus, and mean deviation of distances and modulus from the normal age- and sex-dependent values; evaluation of re-ossification of the operative defects covered by M-L C. CI in SS is normalized in early follow-up with stabilization thereafter; CI of DB is gradually normalized till late follow-up. Remodeling occurs in both disorders by active and passive mechanisms: increased growth of distances with preoperative minus and decreased growth of distances with surplus. The latter mechanism adds more to the postoperative remodeling. M-LC leads to concentric and final complete re-ossification of the defects. Significant remodeling of the skull vault is observed in both disorders by the demonstrated time course and mechanisms. M-LC does not hinder early remodeling and guarantees re-ossification of the defects.
What is Consciousness? An Evolutionary Perspective

The Singularity/Big Bang is believed to have instantiated the Universe 13.8 billion years ago, giving rise to everything in the cosmos, including the Earth and its biosphere (Hawking 1998). From this unitary beginning, a path opens from the first primitive unicell to consciousness as one continuous process of dualities (matter and energy existing as two complimentary parts) formed after the Big Bang (Gionti 2015), culminating in the vital mechanism of homeostasis (Torday and Rehan 2012). By regarding the narrative of the cosmos and consciousness as having common origins and epistemology, predictions emerge that can illuminate aspects of biology that have previously been considered dogmatic or enigmatic.
Behcet's Disease: Pakistani Experience.

Objective: To analyze the clinical manifestation of patients with Behcet’s disease, and performance of different classification criteria of Behcet’s disease in our population. Methods: It was a retrospective analysis of all Behcet’s disease patients attending Department of Rheumatology at Fatima Memorial Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan from April 2019 to July 2019. We performed a comprehensive clinical evaluation of patients with Behcet’s disease, with focus on patients’ age, gender and different clinical manifestations. Results: A consecutive cohort of 20 patients was studied. All patients met the International Criteria of Behcet’s Disease criteria, and 18 out of 20 patients also met International Study Group criteria. Mean age of the cohort was 33.5±10.4 years and 45% was female (male to female ratio of 1:1.2). Around 90% of cohort had recurrent oral and genital ulcers. Ocular involvement was present in 80% patients, while Joint manifestations were present in 75% of patients. Cutaneous, neurological (both central and peripheral nervous system involvement), and GIT symptoms were present in 50%, 30%, and 15% of patients, consecutively. Joint pain and eye symptoms were major initial symptoms in males, while eye symptoms and neurological symptoms were more common in female patients at disease onset. Reaching border line significance, Cutaneous (p-value=0.479), ocular (p-value=0.61), and GIT involvement (p-value=0.59) were more prevalent in males while neurological involvement (p-value=0.336) in females. Conclusion: Behcet’s disease occurs commonly in middle age population with equal male to female ratio, with mucocutaneus aphthosis, ocular disease and joint pains being common manifestation. Gastrointestinal symptoms are more common in males while neurological symptoms in females. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.5.1916 How to cite this:Khan A, Haroon M, Bashir F, Zia-ud-Din. Behcet’s Disease: Pakistani Experience. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(5):1005-1010. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.5.1916 This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Experiences and attitudes of dental hygiene faculty regarding the mentorship of undergraduate student research.

PURPOSE Research remains a strong emphasis in entry-level dental hygiene programs as mandated by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. However, more exploration is needed to understand the faculty mentor and student research mentee relationship specific to undergraduate dental hygiene students. The purpose of the study was to identify factors and attitudes of undergraduate faculty influencing their level of interest in mentoring undergraduate student research. METHODS Using a cross-sectional survey research design, a non-probability sample of dental hygiene faculty from U.S. dental hygiene programs were asked questions about their experiences and attitudes about mentoring undergraduate student research. RESULTS From the 248 survey invitations sent to dental hygiene program directors, 68 of the 75 responses received were analyzed. Fifty-six percent (n = 38) of respondents mentored undergraduate research and 77% (n = 52) of respondents expressed interest in mentoring undergraduate research. Full-time faculty (>75% FTE), mid-career faculty (7-20 years) and late-career faculty (>20 years) were more likely to have mentored undergraduate research. Mentors of undergraduate research were more likely to enjoy teaching students about research more than faculty without mentorship experience. Faculty members with interest in research mentorship were more likely to enjoy teaching students about research and help students become better prepared for graduate studies than faculty not interested in research mentorship. Experience with mentoring student research, early-career status (<7 years), and mid-career status (7-20 years) were significant predictors of interest in mentoring student research. CONCLUSION Efforts should be directed to identifying and providing support for faculty mentors of undergraduate student research.