cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Solvability of parabolic equations in divergence form with partially BMO coefficients

Abstract We prove the H p 1 solvability of second order parabolic equations in divergence form with leading coefficients a i j measurable in ( t , x 1 ) and having small BMO (bounded mean oscillation) semi-norms in the other variables. Additionally we assume a 11 is measurable in x 1 and has small BMO semi-norms in the other variables. The corresponding results for the Cauchy problem are also established. Parabolic equations in Sobolev spaces H q , p 1 with mixed norms are also considered under the same conditions of the coefficients.
An Optimal Representation Formula for Carnot–Carathéodory Vector Fields

The simplest example of the sort of representation formula that we shall study is the following familiar inequality for a smooth, real-valued function f(x) defined on a ball B in N-dimensional Euclidean space IRN:formula herewhere ∇f denotes the gradient of f, fB is the average [mid ]B[mid ]−1∫ Bf(y)dy, [mid ]B[mid ] is the Lebesgue measure of B, and C is a constant which is independent of f, x and B. This formula can be found, for example, in [4] and [12]; see also the closely related estimates in [20, pp. 228{231]. Indeed, such a formula holds in any bounded convex domain.
A simple hybrid circuit model for folded waveguide structures

A simple model for the dispersive properties of a folded waveguide slow wave structure is presented. The model, with a small number of fitting parameters, reproduces well the dispersion relation and Kino impedance of a structure as calculated using a computational electromagnetics code. The model allows for the inclusion of asymmetric beam tunnel fields and the stop bands introduced when the beam tunnel is misaligned.
Social Desirability Bias in Dietary Self-Report May Compromise the Validity of Dietary Intake Measures

Background Self-report of dietary intake could be biased by social desirability or social approval thus affecting risk estimates in epidemiological studies. These constructs produce response set biases, which are evident when testing in domains characterized by easily recognizable correct or desirable responses. Given the social and psychological value ascribed to diet, assessment methodologies used most commonly in epidemiological studies are particularly vulnerable to these biases. Methods Social desirability and social approval biases were tested by comparing nutrient scores derived from multiple 24-hour diet recalls (24HR) on seven randomly assigned days with those from two 7-day diet recalls (7DDR) (similar in some respects to commonly used food frequency questionnaires), one administered at the beginning of the test period (pre) and one at the end (post). Statistical analysis included correlation and multiple linear regression. Results Cross-sectionally, no relationships between social approval score and the nutritional variables existed. Social desirability score was negatively correlated with most nutritional variables. In linear regression analysis, social desirability score produced a large downward bias in nutrient estimation in the 7DDR relative to the 24HR. For total energy, this bias equalled about 50 kcal/point on the social desirability scale or about 450 kcal over its interquartile range. The bias was approximately twice as large for women as for men and only about half as large in the post measures. Individuals having the highest 24HR-derived fat and total energy intake scores had the largest downward bias due to social desirability. Conclusions We observed a large downward bias in reporting food intake related to social desirability score. These results are consistent with the theoretical constructs on which the hypothesis is based. The effect of social desirability bias is discussed in terms of its influence on epidemiological estimates of effect. Suggestions are made for future work aimed at improving dietary assessment methodologies and adjusting risk estimates for this bias.
The Compact Ignition Tokamak Project

A review is presented of the Compact Ignition Tokamak (CIT) design. This design calls for a liquid-nitrogen-cooled, copper-coil ignition tokamak to utilize the TFTR facilities. The 1.75-m major radius machine will have a baseline magnetic field of 10.0 T and a double-null diverted plasma current of 9 MA. The flattop magnetic-field pulse will be 5 s in duration. The peak temperature in the coils reaches about 300 K. The requirement for 3000 full-field, full-ignition pulses results in an integrated neutron dose near the limits for the unshielded organic insulators. The baseline toroidal field (TF) design uses pure wedging to support the TF inward loads, and locates the bulk of the poloidal field (PF) coils external to the TF coil. Internal PF coils are provided for control. Potential disruption of the large plasma current results in severe mechanical and thermal loading of the vacuum vessel. In-vessel divertors and wall protection are designed for efficient replacement by in-vessel remote maintenance equipment. The baseline machine will have the capacity to allow a 20% increase in magnetic field (with the option of additional power and mechanical preload) to provide margin, and a larger operating window, should it prove necessary. >
Inexact Solves in Krylov-based Model Reduction

We investigate the use of inexact solves in a Krylov-based model reduction setting and present the resulting perturbation effects on the underlying model reduction problem. We show that for a good selection of interpolation points, Krylov-based model reduction is robust with respect to the perturbations due to inexact solves. On the other hand, when the interpolation points are poorly selected, these perturbations are magnified through the model reduction process. Finally, we incorporate inexact solves for the Krylov-based optimal H2 approximation. The result is an effective optimal model reduction algorithm applicable in realistic large-scale settings.
Families of infants and young children with cancer: A post-traumatic stress framework

Despite unique vulnerabilities in infants and young children, little research has been devoted to understanding the psychological impact of the diagnosis of cancer in this age group. We outline psychological factors affecting very young cancer patients and their families, using the broader literature on psychological adjustment of children and adolescents with cancer and their families, and a post-traumatic stress model for understanding likely reactions of children and families. Examples of evidence-based interventional approaches relevant to families of young children with cancer are presented.
A theoretical model for oxygen transport in skeletal muscle under conditions of high oxygen demand

Oxygen transport from capillaries to exercising skeletal muscle is studied by use of a Krogh-type cylinder model. The goal is to predict oxygen consumption under conditions of high demand, on the basis of a consideration of transport processes occurring at the microvascular level. Effects of the decline in oxygen content of blood flowing along capillaries, intravascular resistance to oxygen diffusion, and myoglobin-facilitated diffusion are included. Parameter values are based on human skeletal muscle. The dependence of oxygen consumption on oxygen demand, perfusion, and capillary density are examined. When demand is moderate, the tissue is well oxygenated and consumption is slightly less than demand. When demand is high, capillary oxygen content declines rapidly with axial distance and radial oxygen transport is limited by diffusion resistance within the capillary and the tissue. Under these conditions, much of the tissue is hypoxic, consumption is substantially less than demand, and consumption is strongly dependent on capillary density. Predicted consumption rates are comparable with experimentally observed maximal rates of oxygen consumption.
Population attributable risk of breast cancer in white women associated with immediately modifiable risk factors.

Estrogen/progestin replacement therapy (EPRT), alcohol consumption, physical activity, and breast-feeding duration differ from other factors associated with breast cancer in being immediately modifiable by the individual, thereby representing attractive targets for future breast cancer prevention efforts. To justify such efforts, it is vital to quantify the potential population-level impacts on breast cancer considering population variations in behavior prevalence, risk estimate, and baseline incidence. For each of these four factors, we calculated population attributable risk percents (PARs) using population-based survey (2001) and cancer registry data (1998–2002) for 41 subpopulations of white, non-Hispanic California women aged 40–79 years, and ranges of relative risk (RR) estimates from the literature. Using a single RR estimate, subpopulation PARs ranged from 2.5% to 5.6% for hormone use, from 0.0% to 6.1% for recent consumption of >= 2 alcoholic drinks daily, and 4.6% to 11.0% for physical inactivity. Using a range of RR estimates, PARs were 2–11% for EPRT use, 1–20% for alcohol consumption and 2–15% for physical inactivity. Subpopulation data were unavailable for breastfeeding, but PARs using published RR estimates ranged from 2% to 11% for lifetime breastfeeding >= 31 months. Thus, of 13,019 breast cancers diagnosed annually in California, as many as 1,432 attributable to EPRT use, 2,604 attributable to alcohol consumption, 1,953 attributable to physical inactivity, and 1,432 attributable to never breastfeeding might be avoidable. The relatively feasible lifestyle changes of discontinuing EPRT use, reducing alcohol consumption, increasing physical activity, and lengthening breastfeeding duration could lower population breast cancer incidence substantially.
Discrimination of Bacillus cereus from Selected Bacillus spp. by Pyrolysis Gas‐Liquid Chromatography

Pyrolysis gas-liquid chromatography (PGLC) and statistical analysis employing stepwise discriminant analysis (SDA), were used to classify five species and varieties in the genus Bacillus. Nine strains were harvested, lyophilized, and pyrolyzed under replicate conditions. The combination of PGLC and SDA enabled classification of these selected varieties and species of Bacillus at 96% accuracy. Stepwise discriminant analysis of the same PGLC data discriminated (100%) B. cereus, a foodborne pathogen, from the remaining selected nonpathogenic bacilli when the two groups were compared. One particular elution peak resulting from the PGLC-SDA analysis was prominent in both discriminations reported. The PGLC and SDA method offers potential as an accurate, objective procedure for the discrimination of these selected bacilli.
Estrogen effects on osmotic regulation of AVP and fluid balance.

To determine estrogen effects on osmotic regulation of arginine vasopressin (AVP) and body fluids, we suppressed endogenous estrogen and progesterone using the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)...
An indirect impedance characterization method for monolithic THz antennas

We present an impedance characterization method for THz antennas using coplanar probe measurements. The antenna structure, which is typically monolithically integrated with detector diodes, is represented as a two-port network. The impedance seen by the diode can be analytically extracted using reflection coefficient measurements from the other remote location of the antenna. The diode port is replaced with three terminations (short, open, and a resistive load) and measured S 11 data is used to compute the impedance seen by the diode. The results show that the approach gives an accurate estimate of the antenna impedance except when the electrical length between two ports is near a multiple of one-half wavelength.
Duration of Endometrial Preparation and Hysteroscopic Sterilization Placement Success

Objective: Previous research has demonstrated the value of endometrial preparation before hysteroscopic procedures. Duration of endometrial preparation prior to hysteroscopic sterilization has not yet been evaluated. The aim of our study is to evaluate the relationship between hormonal endometrial preparation duration and the placement success rate with Essure hysteroscopic sterilization. Study Design: An institutional review board (IRB) approved retrospective cohort study of all women who underwent hysteroscopic sterilization from August 2003 to April 2010 in an urban academic center in Chicago, Illinois was performed. Exclusion criteria included insufficient or incomplete data. Variables including Essure placement success, type and duration of endometrial preparation, demographic factors and hysterosalpingogram (HSG) occlusion rates were compared using chi-square and co-relational analyses. Results: Overall, the Essure placement success rate was 91.5% (226/247). Race, parity, body mass index (BMI), previous surgical history and type of hormonal endometrial preparation did not significantly affect the placement success rate. Women with endometrial preparation (n=216) were significantly more likely to experience successful placement compared to those with no preparation (n=31; p<.005). When comparing Essure placement success rates in patients with 30 days or less (n=49) compared to those that underwent more than 30 days of preparation (n=167), there was no significant effect of duration of hormonal endometrial preparation on placement success rate (p=0.518). Conclusion: This study supports the use of hormonal endometrial preparation prior to hysteroscopic sterilization and suggests that the duration of hormonal treatment does not affect the rate of successful Essure placement. Therefore, scheduling patients for Essure procedures within 30 days of initiating endometrial preparation is unlikely to deleteriously affect Essure placement success, but may instead lower costs and improve patient compliance. Further prospective studies are needed to validate these findings.
Suppression of microbunching instability in the linac coherent light source

A microbunching instability driven by longitudinal space charge, coherent synchrotron radiation, and linac wakefields is studied for the linac coherent light source (LCLS) accelerator system. Since the uncorrelated (local) energy spread of electron beams generated from a photocathode rf gun is very small, the microbunching gain may be large enough to significantly amplify rf-gun generated modulations or even shot-noise fluctuations of the electron beam. The uncorrelated energy spread can be increased by an order of magnitude to provide strong Landau damping against the instability without degrading the free-electron laser performance. We study different damping options in the LCLS and discuss an effective laser heater to minimize the impact of the instability on the quality of the electron beam.
Oxidation-Induced Structural Changes in Sub-Nanometer Platinum Supported on Alumina

Platinum supported on alumina is an essential component of emission treatment catalysts used in transportation. Theoretical, experimental, and mechanistic aspects of platinum particles supported on a variety of supports have been extensively studied; however, available experimental information on the behavior of single vs. sub-nanometer platinum is extremely limited. To bridge the knowledge gap between single supported platinum and well-formed supported platinum nanoparticles, we have carried out synthesis, characterization, and CO and NO oxidation studies of sub-nanometer platinum supported on α, θ, and γ-Al2O3 and monitored changes in structure upon exposure to CO and NO oxidation conditions. Furthermore, we find that sub-nanometer Pt is highly effective for CO oxidation due to high platinum dispersion but is not very efficient as NO oxidation catalyst. Lastly, sub-nanometer platinum agglomerates rapidly under CO or NO oxidation conditions to form nanoparticles.
RAZÓN Y SER EN LA NARRATIVA ESPAÑOLA Y LATINOAMERICANA CONTEMPORÁNEA

El articulo parte de la percepcion de ciertos sintomas en la narrativa hispanoamericana de los noventa, para revisar la trayectoria del genero en Espana y Latinoamerica durante el siglo XX, destacando la vinculacion de texto y contexto. Se concluye que el actual momento de la narrativa en castellano se diferencia notablemente de su tradicion en virtud de su desvinculacion critica respecto del contexto.
Norbornene-containing dithiocarbamates for use in reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization and ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP)

Abstract Two new dithiocarbamate chain transfer agents (CTAs) with norbornene-containing Z-groups were prepared for use in reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. CTA 1b , which contains an electron deficient norbornene imide Z-group, was found to effectively mediate RAFT polymerization of 2° more activated monomers (MAMs) but did not facilitate RAFT of 3° MAMs or less activated monomers (LAMs). In contrast, CTA 2 , derived from a norbornene amine, was well suited for the polymerization of LAMs, but did not control RAFT of MAMs. Poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc), prepared by RAFT polymerization mediated by CTA 2 , possessed the expected CTA-derived α- and ω-end groups. Ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) of 2 was carried out, and full conversion to polymer was achieved within 20 min. Based on this result, ROMP grafting-through of a PVAc macromonomer derived from CTA 2 was carried out, resulting in the formation of a well-defined PVAc bottlebrush polymer with a narrow molecular weight distribution.
Delta Opioid Receptor in Cerebral Preconditioning

Cerebral infarction is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Activation of the delta-opioid receptor has been shown to decrease damage in many models of cerebral protection. In this chapter we gather the work that has been done on the topic, including work to establish the efficacy of the delta-opioid receptor in protection in animals, and the work done to elucidate potential mechanisms. However, most of the previous work was performed in rodents. Testing whether activation of the delta-opioid receptor can induce neuroprotection in large animals and then in humans is needed to fully establish its usefulness in clinical practice.
Electrochemical Studies of Lewis Acid / Ketone Interactions in Ionic Liquids

The voltammetric behavior of 9-fluorenone, benzophenone, and benzil has been investigated in the ionic liquids 1-ethyl-3- methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (EMIm BF4) and 1-butyl- 2,3-dimethylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (BDMIm BF4). At 100 mV/s, protonation of the radical anions of benzophenone and benzil by the EMIm cation is extensive; however, the protonation reaction is slow and is not significant at 1000 mV/s. Use of BDMIm BF4, in which the acidic 2 position is substituted, precludes protonation of these radical anions. It has been found that addition of BF3 etherate to solutions of benzophenone in BDMIm BF4 , and to benzil in EMIm BF4, results in formation of ketone : BF3 complexes.
INVESTIGATION OF N- HEPTANE/AIR PARTIALLY PREMIXED FLAMES USING DETAILED REACTION MECHANISMS

Prediction of flame characteris tics for liquid fuels is very complex due to the presence of droplets of various sizes with widely different trajectories and evaporation characteristics. The development of a manageable but reliable reaction mechanism that can model liquid-fueled flames in simplified configurations becomes extremely important in this context. In this paper, we examine two detailed reaction mechanisms to simulate the structure of n -heptane partially premixed flames in a counterflow configuration. One is the Held mechanism for n-heptane oxidation that is combined with the Li and Williams' NOx mechanism. The full mechanism consists of 54 species and 327 elementary reactions. The second is the Ranzi mechanism that has been developed for the oxidation of hydrocarbon fuels ranging from methane to n - tetradecane, and consists of about 150 species and 3500 reactions. These two mechanisms are evaluated using temperature and species measurements for n-heptane nonpremixed and partially premixed counterflow flames. While there is general ly good agreement between simulations and measurements, especially with regards to temperature and major species profiles, differences are observed for minor species concentrations. The Held mechanism is further evaluated through a detailed comparison of its predictions with those using the Ranzi mechanism.
Cyclic compression and decompression of a lipid bilayer.

In this study, we measure transient thicknesses of a lipid bilayer during electrostatic compression and decompression and deduce non-equilibrium molecular interactions of the surfactants' tails within the layer. The bilayer under investigation (sorbitan monooleate) is single-tailed and self-assembles between a water drop and hafnium oxide in dodecane. We detect minute changes in bilayer thickness (∼0.01 A/s) resulting from step changes in electrostatic pressure. The dynamic response of the bilayer consists of an elastic response followed by an inelastic dissipative behavior. We observe a distinct asymmetry between the inelastic responses: compression triggers a linear reduction in thickness over time, whereas decompression induces a logarithmic increase in thickness.
Rapid assessment of salivary MMP-8 and periodontal disease using lateral flow immunoassay.

OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of a novel point-of-care immunoflow device (POCID) for detecting matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-8 concentrations in oral fluids in comparison with a gold standard laboratory-based immunoassay. METHODS Oral rinse fluid and whole expectorated saliva samples were collected from 41 participants clinically classified as periodontally healthy or diseased. Samples were analyzed for MMP-8 by Luminex immunoassay and POCID. Photographed POCID results were assessed by optical scan and visually by two examiners. Data were analyzed by Pearson's correlation and receiver-operating characteristics. RESULTS MMP-8 was readily detected by the POCID, and concentrations correlated well with Luminex for both saliva and rinse fluids (r = 0.57-0.93). Thresholds that distinguished periodontitis from health were delineated from both the optical scans and visual reads of the POCID (sensitivity: 0.7-0.9, specificity: 0.5-0.7; P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Performance of this POCID for detecting MMP-8 in oral rinse fluid or saliva was excellent. These findings help demonstrate the utility of salivary biomarkers for distinguishing periodontal disease from health using a rapid point-of-care approach.
Engineered tissues for wound repair

Abstract: Wound management has traditionally involved controlling the underlying cause and allowing the body to heal the wound naturally, or utilizing skin grafts to replace lost tissue. The emergence of regenerative medicine coupled with an increased understanding of the cellular and biochemical factors involved in wound repair have provided new therapeutic options which aim to alter the wound microenvironment from one that promotes inflammation and scar tissue formation to one that facilitates rapid regeneration with minimal scarring. In this chapter we will review the wound repair process and the influence of the wound microenvironment on the healing process. We will also discuss regenerative medicine strategies that target and manipulate the microenvironment to enhance healing.
Innovationist Negro: Reflections of an Ex-Drug Dealer

Marquis Glover claims to have been one of the biggest drug dealers in Atlanta, Georgia during the late 1990s. Drawn to the drug trade at 17 years old, he dropped out of high school and passed up a promising future of playing college basketball. For Marquis, selling drugs was a socially illegitimate means to achieve the elusive American dream. Consequently, his criminal actions led to serving time in the US penal system. He was first arrested in 1989 at the age of 16 for snatching purses. Shortly after, he graduated from snatching purses to becoming a drug runner. The guilt and shame of snatching purses from old ladies “weighed on [his] conscience.” The drift between delinquent and conventional behavior ultimately gave way to being a drug runner, and then, eventually selling drugs. According to Marquis in a one-on-one interview, “It was quick, easy money.” The reward was greater than the risk. Thus, a “trap star” was born. “I’m a t-r-a-p-s-t-a-r/ Got the city on lock/ Big shoes on the car … I’m so materialistic/ So well connected/ Just ask about me/ So well respected,” he rapped to me in describing his metamorphosis to “trap star” status.
How molecular motors work – insights from the molecular machinist's toolbox: the Nobel prize in Chemistry 2016

The Nobel prize in Chemistry for 2016 was awarded to Jean Pierre Sauvage, Sir James Fraser Stoddart, and Bernard (Ben) Feringa for their contributions to the design and synthesis of molecular machines. While this field is still in its infancy, and at present there are no commercial applications, many observers have stressed the tremendous potential of molecular machines to revolutionize technology. However, perhaps the most important result so far accruing from the synthesis of molecular machines is the insight provided into the fundamental mechanisms by which molecular motors, including biological motors such as kinesin, myosin, FoF1 ATPase, and the flagellar motor, function. The ability to “tinker” with separate components of molecular motors allows asking, and answering, specific questions about mechanism, particularly with regard to light driven vs. chemistry driven molecular motors.
Automated classification of eligibility criteria in clinical trials to facilitate patient-trial matching for specific patient populations.

Objective To develop automated classification methods for eligibility criteria in ClinicalTrials.gov to facilitate patient-trial matching for specific populations such as persons living with HIV or pregnant women. Materials and methods We annotated 891 interventional cancer trials from ClinicalTrials.gov based on their eligibility for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients using their eligibility criteria. These annotations were used to develop classifiers based on regular expressions and machine learning (ML). After evaluating classification of cancer trials for eligibility of HIV-positive patients, we sought to evaluate the generalizability of our approach to more general diseases and conditions. We annotated the eligibility criteria for 1570 of the most recent interventional trials from ClinicalTrials.gov for HIV-positive and pregnancy eligibility, and the classifiers were retrained and reevaluated using these data. Results On the cancer-HIV dataset, the baseline regex model, the bag-of-words ML classifier, and the ML classifier with named entity recognition (NER) achieved macro-averaged F2 scores of 0.77, 0.87, and 0.87, respectively; the addition of NER did not result in a significant performance improvement. On the general dataset, ML + NER achieved macro-averaged F2 scores of 0.91 and 0.85 for HIV and pregnancy, respectively. Discussion and conclusion The eligibility status of specific patient populations, such as persons living with HIV and pregnant women, for clinical trials is of interest to both patients and clinicians. We show that it is feasible to develop a high-performing, automated trial classification system for eligibility status that can be integrated into consumer-facing search engines as well as patient-trial matching systems.
Particulate Matter and Surface Deposition

This chapter presents the US National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for particulate matter (PM) and the human health, visibility, climate, and ecological problems that may arise from emissions of PM by oil and gas activities, including the use of crystalline silica sand as a proppant in shale rock. Typical PM emissions estimates are presented for the Marcellus Shale in the eastern United States. The current understanding of secondary aerosol formation is also discussed, along with its importance to the oil and gas industry due to the possible contribution of alkane emissions to fine aerosol mass via organic nitrate formation. The ecological implications of PM pollution include impacts on vegetation and mammals due to surface deposition of acids, nitrogen, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon-coated soot particles.
Trisomy 13 and 18: Cardiac Surgery Makes Sense if It Is Part of a Comprehensive Care Strategy

Medical decision-making for infants with trisomy 13 and 18 has many complicating factors, but how to approach surgical treatment of congenital heart defects has been a major issue. Kosiv et al1 have made a significant contribution to our understanding through their comprehensive analysis of outcomes from a large number of infants with these conditions identified in the Pediatric Health Information System database. The database includes information from most large children’s hospitals in the United States and allows for the tracking of infants across hospital admissions at specific institutions. The authors add key information: First, cardiac care is of critical importance because 91% of infants with trisomy 18 and 86% of those with trisomy 13 had congenital heart disease across a spectrum of severity but included many cases of lesions that are … Address correspondence to Kathy Jenkins, MD, MPH, Department of Cardiology, Boston Children’s Hospital, 300 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA 02115. E-mail: kathy.jenkins{at}childrens.harvard.edu
Using a planetarium fieldtrip to engage young children in three-dimensional learning through representations, patterns, and lunar phenomena

Fieldtrips to informal science institutions can be opportunities for children to engage in three-dimensional learning, which is the integration of core disciplinary ideas, science practices, and cr...
Can long-term historical data from electronic medical records improve surveillance for epidemics of acute respiratory infections? A systematic evaluation.

Office of Research and Development, Health Services Research and Development Service, Department of Veterans Affairs [IIR 06-119-1]; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [RFA HK06-602]
The Effectiveness of a Plagiarism Prevention Policy: A Longitudinal Study of Student Views

Undergraduate student views on the severity ofplagiarism were measured before and four yearsafter the adoption of a signed certification ofauthorship policy to determine policyeffectiveness. Students were asked to rate theseverity of dishonesty for a series ofpotential plagiarism type offenses. Resultsindicate that after policy implementation,students rated three out of four plagiarismoffenses as significantly more dishonest thanstudents surveyed before policy implementation. Suggestions for adopting similar policies areprovided.
Child and Adolescent Psychoanalysis as Contemporary Psychotherapy: Insights From a Semistructured Interview of Practitioners

In response to an emerging consensus that research is important to maintain and develop the field of child and adolescent psychoanalysis, 20 child and adolescent psychoanalysts underwent a semistru...
IGFBP6 controls the expansion of chemoresistant glioblastoma through paracrine IGF2/IGF-1R signaling

Glioblastomas (GBMs), the most common and most lethal of the primary brain tumors, are characterized by marked intra-tumor heterogeneity. Several studies have suggested that within these tumors a restricted population of chemoresistant glioma cells is responsible for recurrence. However, the gene expression patterns underlying chemoresistance are largely unknown. Numerous efforts have been made to block IGF-1R signaling pathway in GBM. However, those therapies have been repeatedly unsuccessful. This failure may not only be due to the complexity of IGF receptor signaling, but also due to complex cell-cell interactions in the tumor mass. We hypothesized that differential expression of proteins in the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system underlie cell-specific differences in the resistance to temozolomide (TMZ) within GBM tumors. Expression of IGF-1R was analyzed in cell lines, patient-derived xenograft cell lines and human biopsies by cell surface proteomics, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence and quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Using gain-of-function and loss-of-function strategies, we dissected the molecular mechanism responsible for IGF-binding protein 6 (IGFBP6) tumor suppressor functions both in in vitro and in vivo. Site direct mutagenesis was used to study IGFBP6-IGF2 interactions. We determined that in human glioma tissue, glioma cell lines, and patient-derived xenograft cell lines, treatment with TMZ enhances the expression of IGF1 receptor (IGF-1R) and IGF2 and decreases the expression of IGFBP6, which sequesters IGF2. Using chemoresistant and chemosensitive wild-type and transgenic glioma cells, we further found that a paracrine mechanism driven by IGFBP6 secreted from TMZ-sensitive cells abrogates the proliferation of IGF-1R-expressing TMZ-resistant cells in vitro and in vivo. In mice bearing intracranial human glioma xenografts, overexpression of IGFBP6 in TMZ-resistant cells increased survival. Finally, elevated expression of IGF-1R and IGF2 in gliomas associated with poor patient survival and tumor expression levels of IGFBP6 directly correlated with overall survival time in patients with GBM. Our findings support the view that proliferation of chemoresistant tumor cells is controlled within the tumor mass by IGFBP6-producing tumor cells; however, TMZ treatment eliminates this population and enriches the TMZ-resistant cell populationleading to accelerated growth of the entire tumor mass.
The Procter & Gamble Company: Investment in Crest Whitestrips Advanced Seal

A financial analyst for Procter & Gamble must report on the prospects and implications of a new teeth-whitening product. Beyond a realistic profit-and-loss forecast and baseline net present value, he must determine which pricing and marketing strategy is most likely to maximize value for shareholders. Excerpt UVA-F-1670 Rev. Dec. 7, 2016 The Procter & Gamble Company: Investment in Crest Whitestrips Advanced Seal It was May 2008, and Jackson Christopher, a financial analyst for the Procter & Gamble Company's (P&G) North America Oral Care (NAOC) group, hustled along a sunny downtown Cincinnati street on his way to work. NAOC's Crest teeth whitening group was considering the launch of an extension to its Whitestrips product, and the project had dominated most of his working hours. At least he avoided a long commute by living downtown. The week before, the group had met to consider the merits of the proposed product, known as Crest Advanced Seal. Although openly intrigued by the concept, Angela Roman, the group's general manager (GM), was reserving judgment until she had a clearer picture of the idea and risks. She had tasked Christopher with putting together the economic perspective on Advanced Seal, an effort that had required a lot of work amalgamating all the different considerations and thinking through the financial implications. In the process, he had had to manage a lot of different constituencies. In short, it had been an interesting week, and with the follow-up meeting the next day, Christopher knew he needed to present some conclusions. . . .
Karenia brevis causes high mortality and impaired swimming behavior of Florida stone crab larvae

Abstract The dinoflagellate Karenia brevis causes harmful algal blooms commonly referred to as red tides that are prevalent along Florida’s gulf coast. Severe blooms often cause fish kills, turbid water, and hypoxic events all of which can negatively impact local fisheries. The stone crab, Menippe mercenaria, is a ˜$25 million per year fishery that occurs primarily along Florida’s gulf coast. On the west Florida shelf, red tides occur from fall through spring, although severe blooms can occur during the summer. During the summer, stone crabs are reproductive and release larvae that are transported offshore where K. brevis blooms originate. This study determined the effects of K. brevis exposure on the survivorship, vertical swimming behavior, and oxygen consumption of stage-1 larval stone crabs. Survivorship was determined by exposing larvae to high (> 1 × 106 cells L−1) and medium (˜1 × 105 cells L−1) K. brevis concentrations for 96-hrs and were compared to controls that had no algae present. Larval swimming behavior (i.e., geotaxis) and oxygen consumption were monitored after 6-hr exposure to K. brevis. After 96-hrs of exposure, mortality was 100% and 30% for larvae in the high and medium concentrations of K. brevis, respectively, relative to the control. Larval swimming behavior was reversed in the K. brevis treatment; however oxygen consumption rates did not differ among treatments. These results suggest that severe blooms during the summer may reduce larval supply and serve as a potential bottleneck for new individuals recruiting into the fishery in years following a K. brevis bloom.
Anticipating the Future

Our material universe, as best we can tell, is around 13.7 billion years old. Our Solar System has existed for about a third of that time. Thus, the possibility that life has had much longer than we have had to evolve in other regions of the cosmos is obvious. But has it, and is it still there?
Assessing the impacts of governance reforms on health services delivery: a quasi-experimental, multi-method, and participatory approach

Despite considerable advances in developing new and more sophisticated impact evaluation methodologies and toolkits, policy research continues to suffer from persistent challenges in achieving the evaluation trifecta: identifying effects, isolating mechanisms, and influencing policy. For example, evaluation studies are routinely hampered by problems of establishing valid counterfactuals due to endogeneity and selection effects with respect to policy reform. Additionally, robust evaluation studies often must contend with heterogeneity in treatment, staggered timing, and variation in uptake. And finally, on practical grounds, researchers frequently struggle to involve policymakers and practitioners throughout the research process in order to engender the type of trust needed for policy influence. While it can be difficult to generalize about appropriate evaluation methodologies across contexts, prominent policy interventions like governance reforms for improving health services delivery nonetheless demand rigorous and comprehensive evaluation strategies that can produce valid results and engage policymakers. Drawing on illustrations from our research on health sector decentralization in Honduras, in this paper we present a quasi-experimental, multi-method, and participatory approach that addresses these persistent challenges to policy evaluation.
Changes in sexual behavior, PrEP adherence, and access to sexual health services due to the COVID-19 pandemic among a cohort of PrEP-using MSM in the South

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic has had unforeseen consequences on the delivery of HIV and STD prevention services. However, little is known about how the pandemic has impacted PrEP-using men who have sex with men (MSM). Methods Data come from an online cohort of PrEP-using MSM in the Southern United States from October 2019 to July 2020. Participants were administered ten surveys in total, including one ad hoc survey specifically on COVID-19. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of this ad hoc survey (n=56) and present changes in sexual behaviors and utilization of and access to sexual health services. Using linear mixed-effects regression models, we also analyzed data from the larger cohort (n=78) and document how sexual behaviors and PrEP use varied longitudinally focusing on three months: February (pre-pandemic), April (early pandemic), and June (later in the pandemic). Results A fifth of participants discontinued or changed how often they take PrEP because of COVID-19. A quarter of the cohort documented challenges when attempting to access PrEP, HIV testing, or STD testing. For all sexual behaviors examined longitudinally—number of male sexual partners, anal sex acts, condomless anal sex, oral sex (all measured in the past 2 weeks)—there was a significant decrease from February to April followed by a significant increase from April to June. Discussion Our findings suggest reduced access to and utilization of STD and HIV services coupled with a continuation of behaviors which confer STD/HIV risk. Ensuring appropriate delivery of STD/HIV prevention services during this pandemic is imperative.
Analytical Studies of a Novel Bridge Column-Footing Pipe Pin Connection under Lateral Loading

Abstract Different types of connections have been used in practice to simulate a hinge behavior at the base of bridge columns. Previous earthquakes demonstrated that none of them could remain elast...
Diverse Muslim Narratives: Rethinking Islam 101

The practice of teaching Islam in the American context has a particular intellectual pedigree. At this point, the critique of the Study of Religion as emerging out of a normative Christian framework is well-established in the field. Edward Said’s argument for the ways in which Islam is constructed to meet American political interests, rather than an engagement with Muslims and their religion, is nearly forty years old. These power dynamics mean that students, through popular discourse, understand Wahhabi Islam as Sunni Islam, which they consider the “true Islam” against which other Islams are judged. I propose a model of looking at how Muslims define their religion through contestation and relation which allows students to understand the dynamic nature of their traditions. What I outline as an approach gives a greater sense of covering the breadth of material represented by a global religious community, with over a millennium of history.
Navigating the U.S. health insurance landscape for children with rare diseases: a qualitative study of parents' experiences.

Parents of children with rare diseases often face uncertainty about diagnosis, treatment, and costs associated with healthcare for their child. Health insurance status impacts each of these areas, but no U.S. study has explored parents’ perceptions of the health insurance impacts on their child’s care. This study aimed to qualitatively explore how these parents navigate the complex health insurance system for their children and their experiences in doing so. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with parents of children with metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), chosen for specific disease characteristics and orphan drug status. Participants were recruited via e-mail through patient advocacy organizations between September and December 2018. Interviews were conducted via Skype, were recorded, and professionally transcribed. Modified grounded theory was utilized as a methodology to analyze transcripts in an iterative process to determine themes and sub-themes based on participant described experiences. Major themes and subthemes that emerged across the 15 interviews included: (1) difficulties obtaining secondary insurance based on state eligibility criteria; (2) difficulty accessing needed healthcare services; and (3) need for repeated interactions with insurance representatives. The absence of clearly documented or widely recognized clinical guidelines exacerbated the difficulty accessing care identified as necessary by their healthcare team, such as therapy and equipment. An explanatory model for parent’s experiences was developed from the themes and subthemes. The model includes the cyclical nature of interacting with insurance for redundant reauthorizations and the outside support and financial assistance that is often necessary to address their child’s healthcare needs. With complex health conditions, small setbacks can become costly and disruptive to the health of the child and the life of the family. This study suggests that patients with rare diseases may benefit from time limits for processing coverage decisions, increasing transparency in the claims and preauthorization processes, and more expansive authorizations for on-going needs. Additional studies are needed to understand the full scope of barriers and to inform policies that can facilitate better access for families living with rare diseases.
Using Quality Improvement Science to Create a Navigator in the Electronic Health Record for the Consolidation of Patient Information Surrounding Pediatric End-of-Life Care.

Abstract Background It is important to document the domains surrounding end-of-life (EOL) care in the electronic health record (EHR). No pediatric navigator exists for these purposes. Measures Medical charts were reviewed for documentation surrounding code status and care at the time of death from January 2017 to June 2019. Intervention Creation of a navigator in the EHR to consolidate advance care planning documents, code status orders and notes and EOL flowsheets. Outcomes After implementing the navigator, 96% code status changes had supporting documentation, an increase of 35%. The percentage of deaths supported by a psychosocial team (social worker, chaplain and certified child life specialist) increased by 25%. Post-mortem documentation became electronic. Patient level metrics began to be electronically collected. Conclusions/Lessons Learned Little has been published regarding use of the EHR to consolidate EOL documentation in pediatrics. Development of a systematic approach to documentation is critical to providing EOL care and standardizing care delivered.
Narrative—A Vehicle to Generate Product Form

The paper focuses on the aesthetic assessment and evaluation of the designed product forms. The emphasis was on whether narrative improved the expressive qualities and the unity of the designed artifacts. The story seems to be the condition that guarantees the unity of the object, and at the same time, gives the product form its structure by connecting and merging lines, colors, shapes, and volumes of the experience into a new form. This merging is what philosopher John Dewey called aesthetic experience. Aesthetic experience has a central focus, in which attention is upon intensity and unity of the object, where unity is a matter of coherence and completeness. The study results confirm that using narratives at the design process’s conceptualization phase structured the perception and organized designers’ own experience to generate the product form.
Uranium carbide properties for advanced fuel modeling – A review

Abstract Uranium carbides are receiving renewed interest as a preferred nuclear fuel composition for advanced reactors due to their numerous favorable properties. Like many other refractory and transition metal carbides these compounds exist in both hypo- and hyper-stoichiometric compositions which results in significant variations in physical, thermal, and mechanical properties. This manuscript surveys both historic and recent literature to compile important properties data mainly as a function of temperature and carbon content to support fuel performance modeling. Expressions and fits for such properties are also suggested when allowed by complete data sets. The manuscript also attempts to highlight gaps and discrepancies in the reported data to assist the nuclear fuels community identify key areas that may require further attention in terms of future research and development.
High School Jazz Band Directors’ Efficacious Sources, Self-Efficacy for Teaching Strategies, and Pedagogical Behaviors:

The purpose of this study was to examine relationships between high school jazz band directors’ efficacious sources, self-efficacy for teaching strategies, and pedagogical behaviors. Participants (...