cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Biological Applications at LBL’s Soft X-Ray Contact Microscopy Station

The soft x-ray contact microscopy station at LBL has been in operation for about a year and has just recently yielded some images from a couple of biological samples. The station uses a commercial electron-beam evaporation source with a well-cooled target to generate monochromatic soft x-rays in a relatively high vacuum (10−7 torr)[1]. The targets are interchangeable and presently we are using vanadium, which yields Lα x-rays with energy 0.511 keV. Other targets are aluminum, carbon and the bare copper target. At present, we are imaging biological samples with the intent of establishing a sample preparation protocol and standardizing our resist development procedures.
An Automatic Detecting Method for Position and Posture of Boom-type Roadheader Based on Laser Guide

The automatic detection of position and posture of roadheader is one of the key problems for the automatic control of roadheader.The paper analyzed effects that position and posture of boom-type roadheader on tunnel excavation combining with structure and working mode of boom-type roadheader,and proposed an automatic detecting method of position and posture of boom-type roadheader based on laser guide.In addition,the feasibility of the proposed method was analyzed.
Endotoxin priming of monocytes augments Fc gamma receptor cross-linking-induced TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta release.

Cross-linking receptors for the Fc region of immunoglobulin G (IgG) (Fc gamma R) induces tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) release; however, there is controversy about release of interleukin ...
Group-C Trisomy in Myeloid Metaplasia with Possible Leukemia

A chromosomal abnormality in marrow and blood cells has been found in only one patient out of a group of 20 subjects with myeloproliferative disorders other than leukemia. The abnormal karyotypic finding consisted of group C9 trisomy in a patient with myeloid metaplasia and an acute leukemia-like picture and indicates a definite relationship to acute leukemia. The latter has been shown to be not infrequently accompanied by C9 trisomy. The trisomy was accompanied by the presence of a substantial number of hypertetraploid cells in the marrow but not in the cultured blood cells. As a matter of fact, the blood culture yielded predominantly metaphases with 47 chromosomes (C9 trisomy) on the first examination and metaphases with 46 chromosomes and a normal female karyotype on the second occasion. The superiority of bone marrow karyotype analysis over that of blood cells in leukemic states is thus indicated.
Improvement of Sexually Transmitted Disease Screening Among HIV-Infected Men Who Have Sex With Men Through Implementation of a Standardized Sexual Risk Assessment Tool.

BACKGROUND Screening for gonorrhea (GC) and chlamydia (CT) and syphilis among HIV-positive (HIV+) men who have sex with men (MSM) is recommended at least annually. However, significant gaps in screening coverage exist. We conducted a quality improvement intervention to determine whether informing providers of preintervention screening rates and routinizing sexual risk assessment would improve sexually transmitted disease (STD) screening in a large HIV care clinic. METHODS In partnership with Kaiser Permanente Northern California, we developed and implemented a 10-item assessment addressing sexual and other behavioral risk factors among HIV+ MSM. We analyzed the proportion of patients screened for GC/CT and syphilis in a preintervention period (June 25-September 26, 2012) and during the intervention period (June 25-September 26, 2013). RESULTS Of 364 HIV+ MSM seen for care during the intervention period, 47.3% completed the sexual risk assessment. Improvements in GC/CT screening and syphilis screening were observed; when comparing the preintervention period with the intervention period, the proportion of HIV+ MSM receiving GC/CT screening increased by 26.8% (31.6%-40.1%, P = 0.01) at any anatomical site and by 45% (19.5%-28.3%, P = 0.003) at the pharyngeal site. Syphilis screening significantly increased by 18.8% (48.7%-58.0%, P = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS Overall STD screening increases were observed after this intervention that included didactic training on the urgency of STD screening needs for HIV+ MSM, a presentation of preintervention clinic STD screening data, and the implementation of self-reported sexual risk assessment. Additional efforts are needed to determine feasible ways to accurately assess the appropriateness of STD screening and success of interventions to improve STD screening.
Laser for Periorbital Rejuvenation

Advances in laser technology have increased the options for the treatment of dermatologic conditions and rejuvenation of the periorbital area. Vascular and melanocytic lesions can be precisely targeted with modern lasers, and benign tumors can be laser ablated. In this chapter, we review the current treatments available for periorbital photodamage and skin rejuvenation; periocular pigmented lesions, including melanocytic nevi and nevus of Ota; eyeliner tattoo removal; vascular lesions including port-wine stains and infantile hemangiomas; infraorbital dark circles; and hair removal and laser ablation of common benign periocular adnexal tumors, such as syringomas and xanthelasma. The recent advent of fractionated laser technology has resulted in dramatically decreased healing times for periocular skin resurfacing with fewer adverse effects. Fractionated laser resurfacing has now nearly supplanted traditional full-field laser resurfacing, and it provides safe treatment of rhytides on the thin skin of the eyelid. Proper eye protection is, of course, essential when using lasers near the eye. Patient preparation, safety precautions, and ocular risks are discussed herein.
Emotional Intelligence as Organizational Communication: An Examination of the Construct

A large volume of research on emotions in organizations has been produced in the last number of years. This important body of literature has one major limitation: There is no recognized framework from which the literature can be viewed in a holistic manner. This article creates such a framework by reconceptualizing emotional intelligence using a communication orientation. To accomplish this task, we discuss the strengths and limitations of current conceptualizations of emotional intelligence, propose a new model of emotional intelligence, and then place the current literature on emotions in organizations within that model. In this way, both the constructive and destructive possibilities of emotional intelligence are explored.
Highly-selective miniaturized first-order low-profile dual-band frequency selective surface

A miniaturized low-profile first-order dual-band frequency selective surface (FSS) is presented. The proposed structure consists of two resonators layers separated by an ultra-thin dielectric. One layer is a 2D periodic array of a conventional Jerusalem Cross (JC) shaped unit element. The other layer is based on a hybrid of cross slot dipole bounded by a square loop wire slot. The FSS structure utilizes resonant elements and strong coupling between the layers to achieve a high-Q dual bandpass response, delivering the first operating band at a low frequency. The main advantages of the proposed FSS include miniaturized periodic dimensions of about λ 0 /15, ultra-thin overall thickness (in the range of λ 0 /200, where λ 0 is the free space wavelength at the lowest band of operation), and highly selective bandpass response. A prototype, simultaneously operating at S and C bands is fabricated and tested using a standard free space measurement.
Asymmetric Radical Cyclopropanation of Alkenes with In Situ-Generated Donor-Substituted Diazo Reagents via Co(II)-Based Metalloradical Catalysis

Donor-substituted diazo reagents, generated in situ from sulfonyl hydrazones in the presence of base, can serve as suitable radical precursors for Co(II)-based metalloradical catalysis (MRC). The cobalt(II) complex of D2-symmetric chiral porphyrin [Co(3,5-DitBu-Xu(2′-Naph)Phyrin)] is an efficient metalloradical catalyst that is capable of activating different N-arylsulfonyl hydrazones for asymmetric radical cyclopropanation of a broad range of alkenes, affording the corresponding cyclopropanes in high yields with effective control of both diastereo- and enantioselectivity. This Co(II)-based metalloradical system represents the first catalytic protocol that can effectively utilize donor-type diazo reagents for asymmetric olefin cyclopropanation.
Divergent effects of intrinsically active MEK variants on developmental Ras signaling

Stanislav Shvartsman and colleagues quantify signaling changes caused by disease-associated mutations in MAP2K1 (encoding MEK) in fruit fly and zebrafish embryos. They find that intrinsically active MEK variants can both increase and reduce the levels of pathway activation depending on cellular context.
Differences in symptom occurrence, severity, and distress ratings between patients with gastrointestinal cancers who received chemotherapy alone or chemotherapy with targeted therapy.

Background: Approximately 28% of patients with gastrointestinal (GI) cancers will receive targeted therapy (TT) because of the associated increases in survival. Only four studies have examined the symptom experience of these patients. To date, no studies have evaluated for differences in symptom occurrence, severity, and distress between patients who received chemotherapy (CTX) alone (n=304) or CTX with TT (n=93). Methods: Patients completed self-report questionnaires, approximately one week after they received CTX. A modified version of the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale (MSAS) was used to obtain data on symptom occurrence, severity, and distress. Binary logistic regression analyses were used to test for differences in symptom occurrence rates between the two treatment groups. Ordinal logistic regression analyses were used to test for differences in severity and distress ratings between the two treatment groups. Results: Patients who received CTX with TT were significantly younger (P=0.009); were diagnosed with cancer longer (P=0.004); had a higher number of prior treatments (P=0.024); had metastatic disease, specifically to the liver (P Conclusions: This study is the first to evaluate for differences in the symptom experience of GI cancer patients who received CTX alone or CTX with TT using a multidimensional symptom assessment scale. While between group differences in patients’ symptom experiences were identified, both treatment groups warrant ongoing assessments to optimally manage their symptoms.
Cross-Cohort Changes in Adolescents’ Civic Attitudes from 1999 to 2009: An Analysis of Sixteen Countries

Adolescents develop civic attitudes that are shaped by both proximal and distal social contexts; in turn, these contexts change over time due to cultural and historical shifts. This study uses data from the 1999 IEA Civic Education Study and the 2009 IEA International Civics and Citizenship Education Study to assess changes in governmental trust, conceptualizations of citizenship, and inclusive attitudes toward racial/ethnic and gender equality in sixteen countries participating in both surveys. Well-fitting scales were created for each of five attitudes examined, indicating that the structure of attitudes was similar in both cohorts. While attitudes toward racial/ethnic and gender equality became more inclusive in nearly every country, patterns of change in citizenship norms and trust were more varied across countries. Gender gaps also became less pronounced over time for every outcome except for social movement citizenship, indicating a continuing presence of gender-based norms for civic engagement.
Aligning the Ph.d. and Mentoring Experiences of U.S. Underrepresented Minority Students in Engineering

According to the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) (2010), in 2009, 55.1% of doctoral engineering students were foreign nationals, and 44.9% were domestic students. Of these domestic engineering doctoral students, 65.7% were white, 14% were Asian-American, 5.2% were Hispanic, 4.4% were African-American, 9.7% were unidentified, and 1% were classified as other (i.e., American Indians, Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders, and two or more combined groups).
The True Historian: Facts, Values and the Historiography of William Gilmore Simms

In 1991 Simon Schama stirred much controversy when he published a book in which he presented certain invented material to do with American history as factual in what was ostensibly a book of history. No doubt just as much as Schama, William Gilmore Simms, would fail to qualify as a “scientific” historian by modern standards. But Schama takes a fatal step unthinkable to Simms - he indicates a certain doubt as to the historian’s ultimate obligation to the concept of “Truth” with a capital “T.” This paper then will consider Simms’s historiography in the light of the limits of “scientific history” on the one hand and the validity of “humanist history” with its place for the active imagination on the other. The paper begins from Sean Busick’s assumption that William Gilmore Simms thought long and deeply about “the nature of history and its relationship to fiction, epic, and myth” and that this theme is of the essence in seeking a fuller understanding of Simms’s oeuvre.
Hard processes in small systems

Abstract These proceedings from the Quark Matter 2017 conference give an overview of the latest experimental results on hard processes in small collision systems at RHIC and the LHC, discuss their implications, and consider several prospects for future measurements.
Control of Reproductive Function in the Adult

In lower vertebrates, fishes and frogs, reproduction is energy expensive. Most females produce large numbers of eggs (fertilized outside of the body) to insure that at least a few survive. Mammals have developed a more efficient process: only a few eggs are produced which are fertilized and develop internally.
Statin Safety: What Every Health Care Provider Needs to Know

A key target for quality improvement in preventive cardiology is statin therapy, which is underutilized in appropriate high-risk patients for LDL-lowering to prevent atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease events. Translation of statin evidence to practice may be impeded by exaggerated concerns about adverse effects. We aim to cut through an immense amount of controversy in the scientific and mainstream discourse of statin safety by clearly demarcating the reported adverse events based on the reliability of the supporting evidence. In large-scale randomized controlled trials, statin therapy achieving 80 mg/dl (2 mmol/L) reduction in serum LDL-C for 5 years in 10,000 patients would prevent major vascular events in ~ 1000 secondary prevention and ~ 500 primary prevention patients with cardiovascular risk factors. Compared to these benefits, the incidence of adverse events is remarkably low. Based on the same high-quality trial evidence, treatment of 10,000 patients with a standard statin therapy for 5 years would be expected to lead to 5 new cases of myopathy, 50–100 cases of diabetes, and possibly 5–10 cases of hemorrhagic stroke. These adverse effects have already been accounted for in estimates of benefits. Various other adverse events have been misattributed to statins mainly as a result of the large biases inherent in observational studies, which are not designed to assess drug treatment effects. Large-scale randomized evidence indicates that a small increase in myopathy, diabetes, and hemorrhagic stroke may occur with statin therapy, but these adverse effects are greatly outweighed by the cardiovascular benefit of statin therapy. When evaluating statin safety, the reliability of underlying evidence warrants close consideration.
Wisconsin Firearm Mortality, 2000-2014

Background Despite low firearm mortality rates in Wisconsin, overall firearm fatalities continue to rise in recent years. In 2013, the statewide age-adjusted death rate due to firearms was 9.6 per 100,000 persons, the highest mark since the new millennium. This raises not only public safety concerns, but also raises questions regarding ongoing gun violence. Objectives To describe the population and geographic characteristics of firearm mortality rates on population and geographic characteristics in Wisconsin. Methods Mortality data for firearm deaths caused by suicides, homicides and other death intent were obtained from the Wisconsin Interactive Statistics on Health (WISH) query system from 2000 through 2014. The probability of firearm fatality was analyzed through log-linear Poisson regression models to assess the variations of firearm mortality risks in relation to a person's sex, age, race/ethnicity, and region. Results Firearm violence is responsible for 14% of injury-related deaths in Wisconsin. Seventy-two percent of firearm-related deaths were attributed to suicides; the majority of decedents were white men aged 45 years or older. The proportion of homicides by gun to all homicides increased from 63% in 2000 to 72% in 2014. Disproportionally high firearm homicides were found among black men aged 18 to 34 years in southeastern Wisconsin, accounting for 38% of the entire gun-related murder deaths. Conclusion Our study shows that the association of the demographic and geographic characteristics with mortality rates differs among suicides, homicides and the other intent. Understanding characteristics associated with firearm related-deaths is the first step toward addressing them.
Religiosity and Self-Destruction

Measures of religiosity and suicide acceptance were administered to a college student population to corroborate previous findings indicating an inverse relationship between these two variables. To explore this relationship further, a videotape, played for all volunteers, presented an “expert” who advised the “acceptance” of the suicidal person’s feelings. The expert was introduced in one of three ways: as a psychologist, as a minister, and as both a psychologist and minister. Previous findings concerning religiosity and suicide acceptance were replicated. When the suicide acceptance measure was readministered to all volunteers, it was found that those who had viewed the videotape under the “psychologist” and “psychologist/minister” conditions became significantly more accepting of suicide than they had previously been. It was also found that those who had seen the tape under the “minister” only condition became significantly less accepting of suicide than they had previously been. Implications for professional and pastoral counseling are discussed.
Psychoneuroimmunology and Cancer: Incidence, Progression, and Quality of Life

The notion that psychological factors affect cancer has been present throughout history. Stress is an important factor that dysregulates immune function. Considerable work over the past decade has shown how psychological processes can impact pathways implicated in cancer progression. Furthermore, immune system dysregulation may have major implications for fatigue and depressive symptoms among cancer survivors. In this chapter, we first review evidence linking psychosocial factors to cancer incidence and progression. Then, we examine underlying biological mechanisms that may contribute to these links. Finally, we explore how dysregulated immune function contributes to cancer survivors’ quality of life.
Editor's Note on Multicultural Compentencies

The Journal of Mental Health Counseling has a tradition of providing, through peer reviewed articles, a forum for stimulating and engaging scholarly dialogue on issues that are relevant to mental health professionals' work and development. Consistent with that history, this issue's special section of JMHC's Professional Exchange consists of six articles in which the authors' express their views on multicultural competencies. These articles harbinger back to the Weinrach and Thomas article that was published in JMHC in January 2002. In publishing this Professional Exchange set of articles, AMHCA's leadership and I assume that it is obvious to all readers and authors that the written opinions and positions, like other publications in refereed journals, represent the scholarly work of the particular professionals. The authors' opinions are not reflective of the position of the journal's editor or its editorial board, and the articles do not represent the views of AMHCA's leadership. The journal, though published by AMHCA, does not make policy for Mental Health Counselors and certainly does not intrude into other mental health professions by suggesting policy for another organization. Multiculturalism and diversity, by whatever name, are currently "hot" and important topics for mental health professionals. The special section's topic, multicultural competencies, is consistent with the previous editor's (Kelly, 1996) focus on "contemporary challenges ... and constructive accomplishments that will strengthen ... the development of the profession" (p. 195). It also fits with my own view (Pistole, 2002) that "it is imperative that authors discuss their theoretical and scientific ideas in relation to multicultural diversity (e.g., ethnicity, age, capableness, gender, religion, geographical area) and the broader social context (e.g., the socio-economic-historical times, the multicultural-family matrix)" (p. 190). Because MHCs are philosophically committed to the development of professionals who conceptualize with a holistic-contextual approach to mental health, multiculturalism / diversity can be construed as relevant to MHCs' practice and research. Thus, some mental health professionals argue for the need to consider the multiplicity of diversity / cultural elements in clients' identities as a central aspect of counseling in today's world--whether the client is a majority group member, a minority group member, an immigrant, a refugee, or an international person. …
Os Isotope Record in a Cenozoic Deep-Sea Core: Its Relation to Global Tectonics and Climate

The oceanic variation of 87Sr/86Sr over at least the last 100 million years has been established through the study of calcareous biogenic deposits found principally in deep-sea sediments. The large picture is that in sediments from about 100 million years ago until about 38 million years ago 87Sr/86Sr shows only small variations but from that time forward there has been an increase. This variation has been ascribed to the changing relative importance with time of two mixing components: Sr with relatively low 87Sr/86Sr derived primarily by the weathering of ridge basalts and added to the oceans at hydrothermal vents and more radiogenic Sr derived from the weathering of continental crust. The approximately 4-million-year residence time of Sr is about a thousand times the mixing time of the oceans, so a marine 87Sr/86Sr record anywhere in the deep ocean basins speaks to global changes. The fine details of the sources and types of the actual continental rocks undergoing weathering continue to be the subject of active discussion.
Infection of Pigs with Avian Hepatitis E Virus (HEV)

It is now known that HEV can cross-species barriers. In the present study, we used a pig model to determine if HEV from chickens (avian HEV) or rats (rat HEV) was infectious to pigs. Thirty six, SPF pigs were randomly separated into 4 groups of 9 pigs each. Group 1 served as the sham-inoculated group. Group 2 was inoculated with rat HEV. Group 3 was inoculated with avian HEV. In the rat and avian HEV groups, 6 pigs were inoculated with the corresponding virus and 3 pigs remained uninoculated and served as contact controls. Group 4 was inoculated with the prototype swine HEV. Necropsy of 3 pigs from each group was performed on 7, 21, and 35 days postinoculation (dpi). In the rat and avian HEV groups, 2 inoculated and 1 contact control pigs were necropsied at each time point. Liver and bile from sham-inoculated pigs were negative for HEV throughout the study. Pigs in the sham and rat HEV group remained noninfected. Pigs inoculated with avian HEV and those inoculated with the swine HEV became viremic and shed HEV in feces. Both the avian and swine HEV infected pigs had mild-tomoderate lymphoplasmacytic hepatitis. The findings indicate that avian HEV is transmissible to pigs. This may open new areas of study in the epidemiology of HEV. Pigs may be an excellent model for comparative molecular and pathogenetic studies of different HEV strains.
Equidistributed linear forms

In Section 1.1 we present the classical characterization of the normal distribution by stability. Then we use this to define Gaussian measures on abstract spaces and we prove the zero-one law. In Section 3.3 we return to the characterizations of normal distributions. We consider a more difficult problem of characterizations by the equality of distributions of two general linear forms.
Development of co-solvent freeze-drying method for the encapsulation of water-insoluble thiostrepton in sterically stabilized micelles

Abstract The purpose of this work was to develop a practical and scalable method to encapsulate the hydrophobic antibiotic thiostrepton (TST) in sterically stabilized micelles (SSM). Using the conventional method of thin-film hydration, we encapsulated up to 5 drug molecules per SSM (diameter ∼ 16 nm). However, since this method is not suitable for large-scale production – a limiting factor for clinical translation – we applied the co-solvent freeze-drying method using tert-butanol (TBA): water co-solvent system. We found that the presence of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) salts in the lyophilized cake accelerated the reconstitution time and allowed efficient drug encapsulation without the formation of larger drug particles. In addition, TBA proportion of 50% (v/v) was sufficient to maintain both phospholipid and drug in solution prior to the freeze-drying. The increase of drug and phospholipid concentrations in the formulation extended the reconstitution time and led to drug precipitation. Therefore, to increase the strength of the formulation, we prepared lyophilized cakes with lower phospholipid content (5 mM) and reconstituted them in one-third of the fill volume. In conclusion, we found optimum conditions to prepare TST-SSM using the co-solvent freeze-drying method. This scalable production method can facilitate the further clinical development and industrial production of TST-SSM nanomedicine.
Remembering John Warfield

I will always remember the day John Warfield declared, I'm taking you to the war room." The war room" was the famed interdisciplinary think tank on the George Mason University campus where John and his colleagues engaged in integrative design and problem solving. The excitement of theirwork and other projects is conveyed in the wonderful photo of John, shown in Figure 1.
P045 Value from your vitamins – optimising vitamin supplementation in children with cystic fibrosis

Aim To optimise fat soluble vitamin supplementation in children with CF in a tertiary children’s hospital and primary care. To compare supplementation of individual vitamins and supplementation with a new multivitamin preparation against national guidelines, cost and patient acceptability.1 Methods Comparison of current practice (supplementation of individual vitamins) with a new multi-vitamin preparation, Paravit-CF. Form and dose of each of the fat soluble vitamins was compared against national CF Trust guidelines for nutrition.1 Cost of treatment per day was compared. Patient acceptability was explored by comparing medication burden and with a focus group made up of representatives from the CF multi-disciplinary team (MDT) including, consultants, specialist nurses, dieticians and a pharmacist. Results Current approach to vitamin supplementation is not in line with the CF Trust guidelines for nutrition. Supplementation with Paravit-CF preparations meets recommendations made in the CF Trust guidelines for nutrition for patients of all ages except for infants. Infants will receive vitamin A at higher doses than recommended. Cost of vitamin supplementation is reduced by approximately 50% when using Paravit-CF compared with current practice. Medication burden is reduced by more than 50% when using Paravit-CF compared with current practice. Main themes from the MDT focus group were that Paravit-CF liquid is colourless, taste free, odour free and can be mixed into food, all of which may aid compliance. Paravit-CF preparations also vegetarian friendly and comply with halal and kosher regulations. Unlike current practice, Paravit-CF does not offer flexibility in dosing of individual vitamins. Conclusion Fat soluble vitamin supplementation using Paravit-CF offers several advantages over supplementation of individual vitamins. Paravit-CF offers vitamin supplementation at doses in line with the recommendations made by the CF Trust, is cheaper and reduces the medication burden for patients. Locally, the decision has been made to switch to Paravit-CF as first line vitamin supplementation in children with CF. Future work is planned to assess clinical efficacy and financial impact of the switch. Reference Cystic Fibrosis Trust. Nutritional Management of Cystic Fibrosis. Second Edition. September 2016. Available from: https://www.cysticfibrosis.org.uk/the-work-we-do/clinical-care/consensus-documents (Accessed 10 July 2018)
Trends in Volume-Outcome Relationship in Gastrectomies in Texas.

We previously reported a significant volume–outcome relationship in mortality rates after gastrectomies for gastric cancer patients in Texas (1999–2001). We aimed to identify whether changes in the volume distribution of gastrectomies occurred, whether volume–outcome relationships persisted, and potential changes in the factors influencing volume–outcome relationships. We performed a population-based study using the Texas Inpatient Public Use Data File between 2010 and 2015. Hospitals were classified as high-volume centers (HVCs, > 15 cases per year), intermediate-volume centers (IVCs, 3–15 cases per year), and low-volume centers (LVCs, < 3 cases per year). We conducted multivariate analyses to evaluate factors associated with inpatient mortality and adverse events. We identified 2733 gastric cancer patients who underwent gastrectomy at 193 hospitals. Fewer hospitals performed gastrectomy than previously (193 vs. 214). There were more HVCs (5 vs. 2) and LVCs (142 vs. 134), but fewer IVCs (46 vs. 78). The proportion of patients who underwent gastrectomy at HVCs and LVCs increased, while the proportion at IVCs decreased. HVCs maintained lower in-hospital mortality rates than IVCs or LVCs, although mortality rates decreased in both LVCs and IVCs. In adjusted multivariate analyses, treatment at HVCs remained a strong predictor for lower rates of mortality (odds ratio [OR] 0.39, p = 0.019) and adverse events (OR 0.56, p = 0.013). Despite improvements, patient morbidity and mortality at LVCs and IVCs remain higher than at HVCs, demonstrating that volume–outcome relationships still exist for gastrectomy and that opportunities for improvement remain.
Sex Differences in In-hospital Complications Among Older Adults After Traumatic Brain Injury.

Abstract Background Older adults have the highest rates of hospitalization and mortality after traumatic brain injury (TBI) and suffer poorer outcomes compared with younger adults with similar injuries. Non-neurological complications can significantly impact outcomes. Evidence suggests that women may have better outcomes after TBI. However, sex differences in in-hospital complications among older adults after TBI have not been studied. The objective of this study was to assess sex differences in in-hospital complications after TBI among adults aged 65 y and older. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study of adults aged ≥65 y treated for isolated moderate to severe TBI at the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center between 1996 and 2012. Using the Shock Trauma Center registry, we identified TBI using the International Classification of Disease, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes and required an abbreviated injury scale head score ≥3, abbreviated injury scale scores for other body regions ≤2, and a blunt injury mechanism. We searched the Shock Trauma Center registry for the International Classification of Disease, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes representing in-hospital complications. Results Of 2511 patients meeting inclusion criteria, 1283 (51.1%) were men and 635 (25.1%) developed an in-hospital complication. Men were more likely than women to develop an in-hospital complication (28.1% versus 22.0, P Conclusions Older men were more likely to have any in-hospital complications than women.
Dialyzing a Pregnant Woman

It has become increasingly more common for the obstetrician and nephrologist to be involved in the dialytic care of a pregnant woman. With the advent of increasingly more advanced techniques in dialysis, dialyzing a pregnant woman has resulted in better outcomes for both the mother and the fetus. In this chapter, we review the indications for dialysis, how to decide which modality choice is preferable, and discuss common dialysis prescriptions that can be utilized for the pregnant woman on dialysis. Although extremely challenging, the multidisciplinary team approach and close communication can result in successful outcomes.
Interactions of free-living amoebae with the rice fungal pathogen, Rhizoctonia solani

Rhizoctonia solani is a soil-borne fungal pathogen of many important crop plants. In rice, R. solani causes sheath blight disease, which results in devastating grain yield and quality losses. Few methods are available to control this pathogen and classic single gene resistance mechanisms in rice plants have not been identified. We hypothesize that alternate means of control are available in the environment including free-living amoebae. Amoebae are soil-, water- and air-borne microorganisms that are predominantly heterotrophic. Many amoeba species are mycophagous, and several harm their prey using mechanisms other than phagocytosis. Here, we used light and scanning electron microscopy to survey the interactions of R. solani with four amoeba species, with the goal of identifying amoebae species with potential for biocontrol. We observed a wide range of responses during interactions of R. solani with four different free-living amoebae. Two Acanthamoeba species encyst in co-cultures with R. solani at higher rates than medium without R. solani. Vermamoeba vermiformis (formerly Hartmanella vermiformis) attach to R. solani mycelium and are associated with mycelial shriveling and perforations of fungal cell walls, indicating an antagonistic interaction. No phenotypic changes were observed in co-cultures of Dictyostelium discoideum and R. solani.
Modeling and Retrieving Soil Moisture and Organic Matter Profiles in the Active Layer of Permafrost Soils From P-Band Radar Observations

In this paper, a harmonized soil parametrization that accounts for both soil organic matter (SOM) content and degree of decomposition are used to parametrize the hydraulic properties of permafrost soils. Using the wilting point calculated from the soil-water retention curve to inform the amount of bound water in a soil medium, we construct a soil dielectric mixing model effective across the full range of SOM levels. The active layer soils are parametrized as profile functions of SOM and soil moisture in the radar retrievals. The NASA P-band Airborne Microwave Observatory of Subcanopy and Subsurface (AirMOSS) data acquired as part of 2017 Arctic-Boreal Vulnerability Experiment (ABoVE) airborne campaign are used to demonstrate the potentials of retrieving SOM and soil moisture profiles from P-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR).
Clinical response rates, placebo response rates, and significantly associated covariates are dependent on choice of outcome measure in hidradenitis suppurativa: A post hoc analysis of PIONEER 1 and 2 individual patient data.

Background The hidradenitis suppurativa clinical response (HiSCR) is the gold standard primary outcome measure for hidradenitis suppurativa clinical trials; however, it does not assess the presence of draining tunnels, a common finding in advanced disease. It is unclear what the effect of the presence or absence of draining tunnels has on the efficacy of adalimumab therapy in moderate and advanced disease. Objectives We evaluated the efficacy of adalimumab versus placebo using the International Hidradenitis Suppurativa Severity Scoring System (IHS4). Additionally, we assessed the effect of draining tunnels on therapeutic response as measured by both the HiSCR and change in nodule counts. Methods Reanalysis was conducted with the IHS4 and PIONEER 1 and 2 individual patient data. Both binary outcomes (achieving HiSCR and achieving change in IHS4 severity category) and continuous outcomes (nodule counts and IHS4 score) were calculated with R. Regression modeling was undertaken to assess the effect of draining tunnels and other variables. P Results The significance of adalimumab therapy depended on the outcome measure used. Placebo response rates were highest when binary outcome measures were used. Draining tunnels, smoking, antibiotics, and body mass index influenced HiSCR response in PIONEER 2. Significant differences in disease severity were observed between PIONEER 1 and 2 data sets. Conclusions Elevated placebo response rates in PIONEER 1 and 2 are partially attributable to the use of binary outcome measures. Draining tunnels influence clinical response as measured by HiSCR and nodule counts in PIONEER 2. Further investigation into the effect of body mass index on clinical response is required.
Integrating Microbiological and Chemical Testing Into the Screening of Air Samples for Potential Mutagenicity

A recent review of respiratory carcinogenesis (10) notes that presence of chemical carcinogens in the atmosphere, especially in certain urban and industrial environments, was described more than two centuries ago in Pott’s studies in chimney sweeps and a century ago in the work of Harting and Hesse on uranium miners. In the last two decades, with the availability of sophisticated air sampling devices, analytical chemistry techniques, and bioassay procedures, the identity and carcinogenicity of many air pollutants, especially those organic compounds that can be extracted by solvents from particulates, has been documented (10).
Control of adhesive ligand density for modulation of nucleus pulposus cell phenotype.

Abstract Cells of the nucleus pulposus have been observed to undergo a shift from their notochordal-like juvenile phenotype to a more fibroblast-like state with age and maturation. It has been demonstrated that culture of degenerative adult human nucleus pulposus cells upon soft (
Occurrence of Quinone Outside Inhibitor Resistance in Virginia Populations of Parastagonospora nodorum Infecting Wheat.

Stagonospora nodorum blotch (SNB) of wheat, caused by Parastagonospora nodorum, is managed using cultural practices, resistant varieties, and foliar fungicides. Frequent fungicide use can select fo...
Coccidioidomycosis in an Immunocompetent Host during the COVID-19 Era

Introduction: Coccidioides immitis and posadasii are dimorphic fungi endemic to the southwestern United States. Most immunocompetent hosts who contract coccidioidomycosis will clear the infection without symptoms. We detail the case of an immunocompetent, 56-year-old female who presented with symptoms of lower respiratory tract infection and concern for COVID-19 infection given significant exposure history. Case Description: The patient was referred to our advanced lung disease center (located in the southwestern United States) for subacute, productive cough associated with clear-yellow phlegm, dyspnea on exertion, infrequent night sweats, and abnormal chest x-ray (Figure A). The patient denied any history of fever, chills, hemoptysis, unintentional weight loss, or chest pain. Six-weeks prior to admission, the patient had significant exposure to multiple symptomatic persons with COVID-19. Two RT-PCR tests for COVID-19 to date were ruled negative, and a third test performed on admission was also negative. Computed tomography of the chest revealed right upper lobe cavitary consolidation with surrounding nodules bilaterally (Figure B). Sputum smear was negative for acid-fast bacillus or other bacterial organisms, prompting a bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage. Results demonstrated fungal cultures of Coccidioides immitis/posadasii. The patient also had significant IgG antibodies against Coccidioides species. She was started on therapeutic doses of fluconazole with a gradual improvement in symptoms. Discussion: History of significant exposure to COVID-19 warrants prompt and thorough investigation for disease status. Nonetheless, clinicians should still maintain a high suspicion and vigilance for excluding other, potentially treatable infectious etiologies, even regional endemic fungal infections that tend to manifest without symptoms.
An Outbreak of Bovine Tuberculosis in Georgia

Bovine tuberculosis has been reduced to a very low level in United States cattle. However, scattered out-breaks continue to be reported. When suspect tuberculous lesions or other granulomas are found in cattle during routine slaughter inspection, the veterinary medical officer submits specimens for microscopic and mycobacterial examination. If a diagnosis of tuberculosis is confirmed, the tuberculin test is applied to all herds of origin of the tuberculous animal and to all herds that have received cattle from the tuberculous herd.
Association of exposure to neighborhood drug activity, neurobehavioral traits, and marijuana use among at-risk African American females

Abstract Introduction Theories of relative deprivation suggest African Americans in disadvantaged communities are at increased risk for drug use. This increased risk may be due, in part, to exposure to drugs and drug subcultures. Given the significance of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) functioning in yielding behavior that is strategically guided rather than reactive to environmental demands, it is important to examine the relationship between PFC functioning, neighborhood drug activity and substance use among African Americans residing in high risk communities. Methods A sample of 120 young adult African American females was recruited from high-risk neighborhoods. Each completed the modified version of the neighborhood environment scale, a neurobehavioral assessment designed to measure apathy, behavioral disinhibition and executive dysfunction, and provided a urine sample that was tested for the presence of psychoactive drugs. Results Logistic regression analyses indicated that females with higher scores on behavioral disinhibition were 2.6 times more likely to test positive for marijuana (95%CI = 1.02, 6.57). Neither apathy nor executive dysfunction was related to marijuana use. No relationship emerged between neighborhood drug activity and marijuana use. Conclusions Among the neurobehavioral traits considered only behavioral disinhibition was associated with marijuana use, suggesting that different neurobehavioral domains may be uniquely related to marijuana use. For females living in high risk environments, the extent to which they are able to control impulses may provide some protection against marijuana use. Future studies focused on the moderating effects of behavioral disinhibition on the association of exposure to risk environments and marijuana use may prove beneficial. Further, the study adds to the small base of literature supporting the Frontal Systems Behavior Scale as a brief assessment to evaluate frontally-mediated neurobehavioral traits relevant to substance use. However, future studies aimed at examining the influence of neighborhood drug activity might benefit from more precise measures of exposure to neighborhood drug activity. More research to replicate and expand on the present findings is warranted.
Fee Model for Offsetting Impact of Land Use Developments to Travel Delay

This article presents a fee model for offsetting the impact of land use developments to travel delay. The author first discusses how road users experience transportation-related issues ranging from congestion, delay, and crashes which are partially due to growing background traffic and traffic generated by new land use developments. The travel time mitigation fee model, which takes into consideration additional delay to the road users resulting from new trips added to the highway because of new land use developments, is then introduced. A pricing approach is used to determine the average and marginal effects of the travel time. Using the known values of time, vehicle occupancy, and number of travel days per year, a delay fee model in terms of cost per unit increase trip in land use development trip is estimated. The author applies the delay mitigation fee equation to a real case example: 2.87 miles of Indiantown Road in Jupiter, Florida which includes nine signalized intersections and a posted speed limit of 45 miles per hour (mph).
Including the Force Generation Process in Active Suspension Control Formulation

In this paper, the dynamic behavior of hydraulic, quarter car suspensions are investigated by using linear models. These linear models include the sprung and unsprung masses with a linear visco-elastic model of the tire as well as a hydraulic cylinder and two stage electro-hydraulic servovalve model. Using a reduced order linear model, the active suspension control problem is addressed using linear optimal control. Specifically, the linear quadratic regulator formulation is used to formulate a closed loop control strategy for the suspension with the force generation process considered. Results show that the force generation process is dynamically coupled with the suspension system and should be considered when formulating the control strategy.
Enforcing distributed data security via Web services

As the manufacturing and process industries become more intelligent and more distributed, the need for reliable, secure, and verifiable data exchange becomes more acute. We have developed an approach to distributed data security based upon Web services. Each Web service specifies its authentication and authorization policies using WS-policy documents combined with our novel concepts of trust levels and trust level mappings across domains. An authentication Web service verifies human identity via biometric and other digital techniques: software applications are vetted by digital signatures. An authorization Web service enforces a dynamic, context-aware access policy. Federation is used to manage trust relationships across separate but cooperating trust domains.
The Control of Strategic Alliances: An Empirical Analysis of Biotechnology Collaborations

In this paper, we examine the determinants of control rights in technology strategic alliances between biotechnology firms and pharmaceutical corporations, as well as with other biotechnology firms. We undertake three clinical studies and an empirical analysis of 200 contracts. Consistent with the framework developed by Aghion and Tirole [1994], the allocation of control rights to the smaller party increases with its financial health. The empirical evidence regarding the relationship between control rights and the stage of the project at the time the contract is signed is less consistent with theoretical frameworks.
Multiplexed Analysis of Peptide Antigen‐Specific Antibodies

Many experiments require the simultaneous measurement of more than one parameter at a time. These protocols describe a multiplex method that can be used to detect two or more analytes simultaneously in the same sample preparation. Our example detects antibodies directed against peptide antigens but is amenable to most typical EIA format configurations to allow measurement of alternative analytes. We chose to use the LumAvidin bead-based assay system due to the simplicity of coupling synthesized biotin-peptides to the spectrally distinct bead types. The coupled beads were stored at 4 degrees C. Using unlabeled beads as a negative control posed a significant risk of antigen migration from other labeled beads in the multiplex format. Therefore, labeled beads should be mixed immediately prior to performing the assay. Peptide-specific units were assigned to a polyclonal standard control allowing for quantitation of sample responses. The assay has proven to be quite robust.