cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Oxygen diffusion in poly(dimethyl siloxane) using fluorescence quenching. I. Measurement technique and analysis

The transport properties of oxygen in poly(dimethyl siloxane) have been measured using the method of quenching of fluorescence. This paper discusses the uniqueness of this method and its use in measuring the diffusion coefficient of oxygen in unfilled PDMS. The results show (1) a large value for the diffusion coefficient of oxygen in pure PDMS at 25°C, D = 3.55 × 10−5 cm2/s, (2) a low value of the acitivation energy, ED = 4.77 kcal/mole, which was not temperature dependent in the ranges evaluated, and (3) a large value of the preexponential term, D0 = 0.115 cm2/s. The diffusion coefficient was found to be independent of both the oxygen concentration and fluorophor concentration in the pressure and temperature ranges used in these experiments. The import of these experiments lies in their application to a unique biomedical oxygen sensor which is fast, sensitive, and does not consume oxygen.
Development and Testing of Improved Suicide Functions for Biological Containment of Bacteria

We have developed very efficient suicide functions for biological containment based on the lethal Escherichia coli relF gene. The suicide functions are placed in duplicate within a plasmid and arranged to prevent inactivation by deletion, recombination, and insertional inactivation. The efficiency of this concept was tested in a plasmid containment system that prevents transfer of plasmids to wild-type bacteria. Protection against plasmid transfer was assayed in test tubes and in rat intestine. Protection was efficient and refractory to inactivation by mutation and transposons. The efficiency of the suicide system was also tested in soil and seawater. We show that unprecedented suicide efficiency can be achieved in soil and seawater after suicide induction by IPTG (isopropyl-beta-D-thiogalactopyranoside). More than 7 orders of magnitude reduction in suicide bacteria was achieved.
Semantic Web-Service Discovery and Composition Using Flexible Parameter Matching

When there are a large number of web services available and no single service satisfies the given request, one has to compose multiple web services to fulfill the goal, considering syntactic and semantic aspects. To address the web service composition issue, in this paper, we present a new composition algorithm by extending our previous work, WSRP (web-service planner) so as to determine relations between different parameter types during the process of service composition.
Extrasynaptic α7-Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Expression in Developing Neurons Is Regulated by Inputs, Targets, and Activity

7-Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are widely expressed in the vertebrate nervous system. 7-nAChR functions include postsynaptic transmission, modulating neurotransmitter release, reinforcing nicotine addiction, and a role in neurological disorders, such as schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s disease. In chick parasympathetic ciliary ganglion (CG) neurons, 7-nAChRs are excluded from the synapse and localize perisynaptically. Despite their extrasynaptic distribution, the highly Ca 2 -permeable 7-nAChRs have important synapse-related Ca 2 -dependent signaling functions in the CG. We show here that the synaptic partners regulate 7-nAChR expression during synapse formation in embryonic CG neurons in situ. The absence of inputs and target tissues cause reductions in 7nAChR mRNA and protein levels that primarily resemble those seen for synaptic 3-nAChRs. However, there is a difference in their regulation. 7-nAChR levels are downregulated by reduced activity, whereas 3-nAChR levels are not. We propose that the activity-dependent regulation of extrasynaptic 7nAChR levels may be an important mechanism for postsynaptic CG neurons to detect changes in presynaptic activity levels and respond with Ca 2 -dependent plasticity changes in gene expression.
Birthdate, Birthweight, and Survival in Pronghorn Fawns

Neonatal fawns of pronghorn ( Antilocapra americana ) in Middle Park, Colorado, were weighed and marked, and survival was monitored to weaning in 1988–1990. Birthdates were similar for both sexes, and birthdate did not affect survival to weaning. Birthweight tended to decrease with later birthdate. In 1990, female fawns were heavier at birth than male fawns, and females that survived to weaning were heavier at birth than females that did not survive. Birthdate does not appear important for survival of fawns to weaning, but birthweight can be a factor in survival to weaning in some years.
Influenza Vaccination in Oncology Patients

It is well established that the immunological response to the seasonal trivalent influenza vaccine is attenuated in cancer patients. Furthermore, rates of seroprotection and seroconversion vary by malignancy type and are higher in patients with solid tumors, as compared either with those with hematologic malignancies or with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell recipients. In 2009, a novel influenza strain prompted development of new vaccines and evaluation of alternative dosing strategies in an attempt to increase the rates of seroconversion in immunocompromised patients, further complicating this issue. Recent literature has demonstrated that the use of myeloablative chemotherapy regimens and biologics is correlated with decreased immunogenicity and response to influenza vaccines. Much debate still exists as to the optimal timing of influenza vaccination. Delaying vaccination from 1 week following standard chemotherapy up to 6 months following rituximab is increasingly supported by studies in this heterogeneous population.
Phase I evaluation and pharmacokinetics of aziridinylbenzoquinone using a weekly intravenous schedule.

Abstract Quinone derivatives have shown intensive antitumor activity in a broad variety of neoplasias. Aziridinylbenzoquinone is designed to have adequate lipid solubility to attain useful drug concentrations in the central nervous system. A Phase I study of aziridinylbenzoquinone was conducted in 32 patients with advanced solid cancers. The drug was given as a slow i.v. injection on Days 1, 8, 15, and 22 of a 42-day cycle with a 2-week rest. Five dose levels ranging from 5 to 20 mg/sq m were studied, with 3 to 10 patients treated at each level; a total of 156 doses were administered. The major toxicity was myelosuppression with the median nadir in platelet and white blood cells occurring at Days 15 to 27 of the cycle, and first appearing at doses greater than 10 mg/sq m. Anemia was first seen at the 10-mg/sq m dose level, occurring between Days 22 and 40. Nonmyelosuppressive toxic effects included nausea and vomiting, anorexia, diarrhea, stomatitis, slight alopecia, and transient fever. The highest tolerated dose was 20 mg/sq m, the recommended dose for Phase II studies. Plasma and urine pharmacoknetics were studied in 17 patients by a high-pressure liquid chromatography method. Plasma decay curves could be fitted to a two-compartment open-system model with an overall average α and β half-life values of 10.5 ± 6.28 min and 16.90 ± 8.63 (S.D.) hr. Aziridinylbenzoquinone levels were determined in urine samples of 12 patients, but less than 0.1% of the dose was excreted in the 0- to 4-hr sample of two patients, and none was detected in the urine of 10 patients.
Adding Families to the Homework Equation: A Longitudinal Study of Mathematics Achievement.

Families, whether guided or instructed to, often become involved in their children’s homework. This study examined the effects of a weekly interactive mathematics program (Teachers Involve Parents in Schoolwork - TIPS) on family involvement, emotions and attitudes, and student achievement. Students and families (N=153) from four urban elementary schools participated in this two-year quasi-experimental study, with teachers assigned randomly to TIPS or Control conditions. Seventeen percent of students used TIPS two years, forty percent completed TIPS one year, and forty-three percent never used TIPS. The majority of the sample (57%) represented African-American students, and the remaining students (43%) were Caucasian, with almost 70% of the sample qualifying for free- or reduced-price lunch. Overall, TIPS students and families reported significantly higher levels of family involvement, more positive feelings and attitudes about math homework, and significantly higher standardized mathematics scores than Co...
Effect of chromium supplementation and copper status on performance and reproduction of beef cows

Abstract Pregnant Angus ( n = 83) and Simmental ( n = 69) cows were blocked by age into three age blocks and then randomly assigned by breed within a block to one of two free choice mineral supplements to determine effects of dietary Cr and Cu status on performance and reproduction of beef cows. Supplements consisted of: (1) control (no supplemental Cr) and (2) 40 mg Cr/kg of mineral (from Cr picolinate). Mineral supplements were formulated to contain all minerals typically supplemented to cattle diets with the exception of Cu. The study began approximately 75 days prepartum, at which time half of the cows in each treatment received a 25 g Cu oxide needle bolus. Blood was collected from 36 cows on days 0, 28, 58, 97 (approximately 20 days postpartum), 155, 210, and 279, and from 36 calves on days 196 and 279 for plasma Cu determination. Liver biopsies were taken on days 0 and 279 to determine initial and final liver Cu concentrations in cows. Plasma Cu concentrations were affected by Cu bolus × time ( P P P P P P P P P P P P versus controls. Overall body weight loss and body weight loss postpartum in cows was affected by breed ( P P P P P
SLP's Role in Evaluation and Treatment of Cough Function

Our understanding of airway protection is evolving to encompass multiple behaviors, including both swallowing and cough. The anatomical structures involved in cough production are familiar to most ...
Defending Resource Depletion Attacks on Implantable Medical Devices

Implantable Medical Devices (IMDs) have been widely used to treat chronic diseases such as cardiac arrhythmia and diabetes. Many IMDs are enabled with wireless communication capabilities and can communicate with an outside programmer/reader wirelessly. With the rapid growth of IMDs, IMD security becomes a critical issue since attacks on IMDs may directly harm the patient. Typical IMDs have very limited resource in terms of energy, computation and storage. In this research, we identify a new kind of attacks on IMDs -Resource Depletion (RD) attacks that could deplete IMD resources (e.g., battery power) quickly. The RD attacks could reduce the lifetime of an IMD from several years to a few weeks. The attacks can be easily launched but can not be defended by traditional cryptographic approaches. In this paper, we propose to utilize the patient's IMD access pattern and we design a novel Support Vector Machine (SVM) based scheme to address the RD attacks. Our SVM-based scheme is very effective in defending the RD attacks. Our experimental results show that the average detection rate of the SVM-based scheme is above 90%.
Atmospheric Flight Gust Loads Analysis

Abstract : A new Monte Carlo atmospheric flight gust loads analysis approach is presented. The procedure uses forcing functions that were derived by extracting the turbulent, short-duration, non-persistent components of measured wind profiles. Over 1000 forcing functions were used in each analysis. The results were analyzed statistically to establish the 99.7 percent enclosure, 90 percent confidence level, load values. Results are presented for a medium lift launch vehicle and a heavy lift launch vehicle. Loads for various altitude bands, time of year, and the Eastern Range and Western Range launch facilities in the United States are compared. Also, the Monte Carlo results are compared to a prevalent synthetic gust analysis approach in use today.
An Approach Towards the Integration of Adaptive Business Intelligent and Constraint Programming

Adaptive Business Intelligence is the discipline that combines prediction, optimization and adaptability into a system answering two important questions: What would probably happen in the future? and What is the better decision now? To build such system, first of all we must understand methods and techniques that provide prediction, optimization and adaptability. Hundreds of authors have already investigated about business intelligence, data mining and prediction methods and optimization techniques. However, none of them has explained how to combine these concepts into a system that is able to predict, optimize and adapt. In this article we propose a working framework, which allows incorporate constraint programming as adaptive business intelligence, in the development of adaptive business intelligence software.
Reliability Analysis for Power System Applications

The block diagram reduction technique for reliability analysis is reviewed and compared with the use of the state transition matrix. It is pointed out that an efficient technique now exists for calculating system mean time between failures directly from the transition matrix, and this fact removes the major advantage possessed by the reduction technique. The superior flexibility of analysis using the transition matrix and the fewer approximations that are necessary seem to favor this approach for further power system applications.
Endogenous corticosteroids modulate Clostridium difficile toxin A-induced enteritis in rats.

We examined the role of glucocorticoids in acute inflammatory diarrhea mediated by Clostridium difficile toxin A. Toxin A (5 μg) or buffer was injected in rat ileal loops, and intestinal responses were measured after 30 min to 4 h. Ileal toxin A administration increased plasma glucocorticoids after 1 h, at which time the toxin-stimulated secretion was not significant. Administration of the glucocorticoid analog dexamethasone inhibited toxin A-induced intestinal secretion and inflammation and downregulated toxin A-mediated increase of macrophage inflammatory protein-2. Adrenalectomy followed by replacement with glucocorticoids at various doses suggested that intestinal responses to toxin A were related to circulating levels of glucocorticoids. Administration of the glucocorticoid receptor antagonist RU-486 enhanced toxin A-mediated intestinal secretion and inflammation. We conclude that C. difficile toxin A causes increased secretion of endogenous glucocorticoids, which diminish the intestinal secretory and inflammatory effects of toxin A.
Abstract WP20: Procedure Time and Degree of Collateral Flow Determines Outcome in Acute Endovascular Stroke Therapy

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Treatment options for acute ischemic stroke remain limited. There is a clear time dependant nature to this condition, though more evidence is accumulating that degree of collateral flow is a powerful modulator of the effect of time in acute ischemic stroke. In addition, longer procedural times have been associated with worse outcome. We sought to study the relationship between procedure times, collateral flow, recanalization, and clinical outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of prospectively collected database of 152 patients with anterior circulation strokes treated with endovascular stroke therapy within 8 hours of symptom onset from August 2006 to December 2011. General demographics, clinical features, imaging findings, and outcomes were collected. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed using JMP statistical analysis software. RESULTS: 152 patients [71 (46.7%) male, mean age: 68±15 years;] were included in the analysis. Complete or partial revascularization occurred in 121 (81%) patients. Collateral circulation was assessed on CTA with 7 (0.6%) having no significant collateral flow, 22 (20.7%) having low collateral flow (50% of affected territory), and 28 (26.4%) having full collateral flow. Overall, there was no significant difference in the baseline clinical and radiographic features between the groups. Analysis of procedural times showed significantly reduced chance of good outcome with procedure times >90 minutes. This effect was more pronounced based on collaterals; in those with good collaterals, good outcome (mRS ≤3) was significantly higher in procedures CONCLUSION: Procedure time and the degree of collateralization play a significant role in determining outcome in patients who undergo endovascular therapy in acute ischemic stroke, with significantly worse outcomes seen in patients with procedure times >90 minutes, particularly in those with poor collaterals. Treating physicians should keep these factors in mind during the treatment of acute stroke patients.
Inflation, Exchange Rates, and Required Returns

This note describes the links between inflation, exchange rates, and interest rates in an international setting. Students are introduced to the basic ideas, which are illustrated with data from four countries. The note emphasizes the managerial implications of these links and their relevance to forecasting exchange rates. It is useful as both background reading to supplement cases and as part of preparation for a lecture on the topic.
Improved Method to Stratify Elderly Patients With Cancer at Risk for Competing Events

PurposeTo compare a novel generalized competing event (GCE) model versus the standard Cox proportional hazards regression model for stratifying elderly patients with cancer who are at risk for competing events.MethodsWe identified 84,319 patients with nonmetastatic prostate, head and neck, and breast cancers from the SEER-Medicare database. Using demographic, tumor, and clinical characteristics, we trained risk scores on the basis of GCE versus Cox models for cancer-specific mortality and all-cause mortality. In test sets, we examined the predictive ability of the risk scores on the different causes of death, including second cancer mortality, noncancer mortality, and cause-specific mortality, using Fine-Gray regression and area under the curve. We compared how well models stratified subpopulations according to the ratio of the cumulative cause-specific hazard for cancer mortality to the cumulative hazard for overall mortality (ω) using the Akaike Information Criterion.ResultsIn each sample, increasing GC...
This Is Not a Dumpsite: The Problem of Evaluating Gift Books

After repeated efforts to streamline their gifts-in-kind selection and processing, librarians still face concerns over the small percent of books added and the amount of staff time required. The primary problem is that the purpose of the gifts program is to add reasonable and relevant materials to the collection, and too little of what is received fits that description. Resulting questions include whether the library needs to continue to receive gifts, and if so, whether there are ways to identify which books might be worth adding to the collection. To answer these questions, the authors reviewed circulation records of gift books acquired over a seven-year period and compared those lists with required reading lists for classes, interlibrary loan reports, and lists of financial donors. Results indicate that gift books do circulate, and that required readings lists can be helpful in gift book selection. Librarians are also encouraged to analyze circulation rates by subject on a periodic basis to hone their ...
Giant microwave photoresistivity in high-mobility quantum Hall systems

We report the observation of a remarkably strong microwave photoresistivity effect in a high-mobility two-dimensional electron system subject to a weak magnetic field and low temperature. The effect manifests itself as a giant microwave-induced resistivity peak which, in contrast to microwave-induced resistance oscillations, appears only near the second harmonic of the cyclotron resonance and only at sufficiently high microwave frequencies. Appearing in the regime linear in microwave intensity, the peak can be more than an order of magnitude stronger than the microwave-induced resistance oscillations and can not be explained by existing theories.
Photoconductivity and Carrier Transport in Porous Silicon

We present results from our investigations of the transport properties of p-type Si/porous silicon/Au devices. Current-voltage measurements were performed as a function of temperature from room temperature down to 23K and indicate that a tunneling mechanism governs the transport properties of these devices. Photocurrent spectroscopy measurements were performed as a function of temperature and excitation wavelength and support the conclusion that a tunneling mechanism is operative in these devices. The external quantum efficiencies of our porous-silicon-based structures can be greater than 20%, and the shape of the photocurrent spectra of porous-silicon-based devices, when compared to that of a p-type Si/Au diode, suggests that carriers photogenerated within porous silicon can be collected in an external circuit.
Judgment Based on 95% Confidence Limits: A Statistical Dilemma Involving Multitest Screening and Proficiency Testing of Multiple Specimens

The problems produced by using 95% confidence limits in evaluating a test result as normal for a patient or satisfactory when proficiency testing a laboratory are presented. The authors provide statistical tables for probability estimates to be used in performing multiple tests on a patient or specimen. Suggestions for reducing the problems of the “abnormal” normal in the screening of patients and the “unsatisfactory” satisfactory in proficiency testing of laboratories are offered.
Efficacy of 9 alpha-halo adrenal steroids for maintenance of adrenalectomized dogs.

SummaryThe 9 alpha-halo derivatives of adrenal steroids are highly potent compounds and are capable of maintaining the adrenal-ectomized dog free from all signs and symptoms of insufficiency at very low doses. Fluorocorticosterone was the most active compound tested and proved to be equal in potency to aldosterone. Fluoro-F-acetate was 4.5-9 times more active and chloro-F-acetate more than twice as potent as DOC. Daily doses of the fluoro-F-compound, given orally in large doses, induced marked polydipsia and polyuria accompanied by oedema of the hind legs and scrotum.
Angiotensin II stimulates ammoniagenesis in canine renal proximal tubule segments.

To determine whether angiotensin II (ANG II) affects ammoniagenesis in renal proximal tubule, ammonia production was measured in suspensions of canine renal proximal tubule segments (PCT) incubated...
IMMUNE NETWORK MODELING IN MULTICRITERION DESIGN OF STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS

A modification to the genetic algorithm (GA) based search procedure, based on the modeling of a biological immune system, is proposed as an approach to solving the multicriterion design problem. Such problems have received considerable attention, given that decisions in engineering design practice typically require allocation of resources to satisfy multiple, and frequently conflicting requirements. The approach is particularly amenable to problems with a mix of continuous, discrete, and integer design variables, where the GA has been shown to perform in an effective manner. The approach considered in the present work is based on the concept of converting the multicriterion problem into one with a scalar objective through the use of the utility function. The strength of the approach is in its ability to generate the Pareto-Edgeworth front of compromise solutions in a single execution of the GA. A characteristic feature of biological immune systems which allows for the generation of multiple specialist antibodies, is shown to be an effective approach to facilitate the generation of the Pareto-Edgeworth front. Solutions to problems in structural design are presented in support of the proposed approach.
Early smoldering characteristics of cotton block and correlative compound aspirating smoke detection

By setting the background of study as fire protection of cotton warehouse,the goals of this research are to experimentally investigate the smoldering characteristics of cotton blocks at the very early stage,to compare the change of CO concentration which is a major smoldering product and the response of conventional aspirating smoke detector and finally to provide engineering suggestions on early fire detection in a typical cotton warehouse.Two different series of experiments were designed and conducted respectively.One of them was the study of smoldering characteristics of cotton blocks with different sizes conducted in an ISO standardized combustion room.The smoldering rate,ionization smoke concentration on the ceiling and image information were recorded and analyzed by electronic balance,measurement ionization chamber(MIC) and CCD camera,respectively.It was observed that both horizontal and vertical smoldering spreads occurred if the cotton block was ignited from the top.After ignition,the smoldering first spread over the horizontal surface of cotton block at a relatively slow rate;when the burning area has reached to some extent,it spread vertically at a significant faster rate.Another experiment was carried out to study the responses of fire detectors to typical smoke or gas signal.It has shown that the CO response time of MRU was 1 2.3 times faster than the aspirating detector due to different air entry points.The reason of better transportation of CO in the aspirating pipelines lies on a relatively low smoldering temperature which causes weak turbulent buoyancy of smoldering plume.Furthermore,the density of CO is much smaller than that of smoke particle.The study suggested that a combined technology of aspirating smoke detection and CO gas detection should be adopted in large space especially in a cotton warehouse.The fire detection sensitivity at early stage of smoldering could be greatly improved.Besides,lower false and failure rate of fire alarm could be expected as well.
Discussion on Circulating Fluidized Bed Boiler Desulfurization Technologies

Introduce the desulfurization status of circulating fluidized bed boiler in China,and discuss desulphation technology of limestone injection into furnace,desulphation technology of semi- dry method with limestone injection into furnace and desulphation technology of wet method with limestone injection into furnace. Based on the current environmental policy and desulphurization cost,the desulphation technology of limestone injection into furnace isn't suit for the environmental requirement;for the circulating fluidized bed to combust the low- sulfur coal,the desulphation technology of semi- dry method with limestone injection into furnace should be adopted for reducing the SO2 emission to meet the requirement of of environmental protection with the low operating cost;for the circulating fluidized bed to combust the high- sulfur coal, the desulphation technology of wet method with limestone injection into furnace should be adopted to meet the requirement of of environmental protection with the relatively high operating cost;
Investigation of Atomic Layer Deposition Al 2 O 3 Passivation for Screen-Printed Large-Area Solar Cells

Thermal and plasma-assisted atomic layer deposition (ALD) ${\mathrm{A}}{{\mathrm{l}}_2}{{\mathrm{O}}_3}$ films for surface passivation of Si solar cells are investigated. ALD ${\mathrm{A}}{{\mathrm{l}}_2}{{\mathrm{O}}_3}$ films were deposited on both Czochralski (Cz) and float-zone wafers with textured and planar surface, and then, surface recombination velocity (SRV) was measured. An extremely low SRV of 3 cm/s after annealing and 13 cm/s after contact firing was achieved from plasma-assisted ALD ${\mathrm{A}}{{\mathrm{l}}_2}{{\mathrm{O}}_3}$ on a 2-Ω⋅cm Cz wafer. In addition, screen-printed large-area (239-cm2) textured solar cells were fabricated using plasma-assisted ALD ${\mathrm{A}}{{\mathrm{l}}_2}{{\mathrm{O}}_3}$ films and compared with ${\mathrm{Si}}{{\mathrm{O}}_{\rm{2}}}$ -passivated solar cells. Superior conversion efficiency of 20.0% (n-type) and 18.6% (p-type) was achieved from ALD ${\mathrm{A}}{{\mathrm{l}}_2}{{\mathrm{O}}_3}$ passivation, while ${\mathrm{Si}}{{\mathrm{O}}_{\rm{2}}}$ -passivated solar cells provide 19.8% (n-type) and 17.7% (p-type).
Intrauterine diagnosis: Potential complications

The hazards of amniocentesis for intrauterine diagnosis have yet to be established. We are particularly concerned by the high incidence (7.5 per cent) of postamniocentesis abortions and amniotic fluid leaks in our series. A larger experience is certainly needed before these concerns can be disregarded. Until then, it is important that indications for this procedure be strictly adhered to.
Real-Time and Predictive Analytics for Smart Public Transportation Decision Support System

Public bus transit plays an important role in city transportation infrastructure. However, public bus transit is often difficult to use because of lack of real- time information about bus locations and delay time, which in the presence of operational delays and service alerts makes it difficult for riders to predict when buses will arrive and plan trips. Precisely tracking vehicle and informing riders of estimated times of arrival is challenging due to a number of factors, such as traffic congestion, operational delays, varying times taken to load passengers at each stop. In this paper, we introduce a public transportation decision support system for both short-term as well as long-term prediction of arrival bus times. The system uses streaming real-time bus position data, which is updated once every minute, and historical arrival and departure data - available for select stops to predict bus arrival times. Our approach combines clustering analysis and Kalman filters with a shared route segment model in order to produce more accurate arrival time predictions. Experiments show that compared to the basic arrival time prediction model that is currently being used by the city, our system reduces arrival time prediction errors by 25% on average when predicting the arrival delay an hour ahead and 47% when predicting within a 15 minute future time window.
"It's just too sad!": Teacher candidates' emotional resistance to picture books

The use of critical literacy with children’s books that focus on social issues and disrupt the status quo can be a powerful way to create spaces for conversations with students about social justice and empowerment. Teacher candidates in a semester long children’s literature course were asked to respond to a range of children’s texts that dealt with many social issues and disrupted the commonplace. Despite an explicit emphasis on critical literacy and social justice, the candidates were very resistant to using many of the texts in their own future classrooms. They had strong emotional reactions that prevented them from consideration of how the texts could foster opportunities for students to uncover power relations in texts or to discuss ways that texts either maintain or disrupt the status quo. Data from three picture books that were cited the most frequently are shared in this paper, as well as a discussion on the implications for teacher educators who work with teacher candidates in the area of children’s literature.
Patterns of youth tobacco and polytobacco usage: The shift to alternative tobacco products.

ABSTRACTBackground: Despite significant declines in youth cigarette smoking, overall tobacco usage remains over 20% as non-cigarette tobacco product usage is increasingly common and polytobacco use (using 1+ tobacco product) remains steady. Objectives: The present study was designed to identify patterns of youth tobacco use and examine associations with sociodemographic characteristics and tobacco dependence. Methods: The current analysis uses Latent Class Analysis (LCA) to examine the 6,958 tobacco users (n = 2,738 female) in the National Youth Tobacco Survey (2012 and 2013). We used as indicators past month use of tobacco products (cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, e-cigarettes, hookah, snus, pipes, bidis, and kreteks) and regressed resulting classes on sociodemographic characteristics and tobacco dependence. Results: Nine classes emerged: cigarette smokers (33.4% of sample, also included small probabilities for use of cigars and e-cigarettes), cigar smokers (16.8%, nearly exclusive), smokeless tob...
(Re)claiming an activist identity as criticalmathematics educators: addressing anti-black racism because #BlackLivesMatter

Abstract In the 8th annual meeting of the International Mathematics Education and Society (MES-8), Martin (2015) asked the critical question, “where does critical mathematics education stand, and demonstrate unequivocal action, against anti-black racism, racial terror, and global white supremacy?” This question marked a call to action for criticalmathematics educators to think not only about the liberatory and emancipatory possibilities of mathematics education, but to specifically address race and racism more explicitly as a field. Using Powell’s (2012) “futuristic definition” of a criticalmathematics educator as mathematician, educator, and activist, the authors argue that while criticalmathematics educators have successfully pushed educators to consider improved pedagogical strategies for greater equity, more social action is needed to fight racism. The authors advocate for greater attention to Martin’s call to action and the need for criticalmathematics educators to actively and explicitly engage in more unequivocal action against global white supremacy and anti-black racism. Resumen Durante el 8vo Encuentro Internacional Matematicas Educacion y Sociedad (MES-8), Martin (2015) planteo una cuestion fundamental, “?En donde se posiciona la educacion matematica critica y demuestra accion inequivoca contra el racismo anti-negro, el terror racial y la supremacia blanca global? Esta pregunta marca un llamado a la accion para los educadores matematicos criticos a pensar no solamente en las posibilidades liberadoras y emancipadoras de la educacion matematica, sino de abordar de manera mas explicita y especificamente la raza y el racismo. Usando la “definicion futurista” de Powell (2012) de educador matematico critico como matematico, educador y activista, las autoras plantean que aunque los educadores matematicos criticos han conducido exitosamente a que los educadores consideren mejores estrategias pedagogicas para alcanzar una mayor equidad, es necesaria mas accion social para luchar contra el racismo. Las autoras abogan por una mayor atencion al llamado a la accion que hizo Martin y a la necesidad de que los educadores matematicos criticos se involucren activa y explicitamente en mas acciones inequivocas en contra de la supremacia blanca global y el racismo anti-negro
Application Study: Particle Accelerator Tuning

In this chapter we present a simulation study of applying the ES method for optimization of a particle accelerator with time-varying beam and component characteristics and we also describe the experimental results of applying ES in hardware for resonance control. We demonstrate the main advantages of the method which are: (1) its ability to handle unknown, time-varying systems, (2) known bounds on parameter update rates, (3) analytic convergence and stability conditions, and (4) simple digital implementation through a system such as the Experimental Physics and Industrial Control System (EPICS).
Long-term Outcomes After Proton Beam Irradiation in Patients With Large Choroidal Melanomas.

Importance Although radiotherapy has been used more frequently in past decades for the management of large melanomas, long-term efficacy of proton beam irradiation (PBI) of large choroidal melanomas has not been reported. Objective To evaluate long-term outcomes in patients who underwent PBI for the treatment of large choroidal melanomas. Design, Setting, and Participants Data were obtained at a single Boston, Massachusetts, academic tertiary referral practice for this retrospective cohort study. In total, 336 patients with large tumors treated over a 13-year period from January 1, 1985, to December 31, 1997, and followed up until the end points were reached or until December 31, 2008, were included. Data analyses were initially completed in February 2017 and finalized in July 2017. Large tumors were those with a height 10 mm or greater or a longest linear diameter greater than 16 mm or a height greater than 8 mm when the optic nerve was involved. Intervention Proton beam irradiation (total 70 Gy) delivered in 5 equal fractions. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcomes of rates of visual acuity retention, eye retention, tumor recurrence, and melanoma-related mortality were calculated using Kaplan-Meier estimates, and Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were completed to evaluate risk factors for tumor recurrence and melanoma-related mortality. Results In this cohort of 336 patients with large tumors, 150 were women and 329 were white; mean (SD) age was 60.0 (14.0) years. Of 178 patients without optic nerve involvement (tumor >1 disc diameter from optic nerve), the mean (SD) largest basal diameter was 18.1 (1.9) mm and mean height was 8.2 (2.7) mm. Optic nerve involvement and tumors greater than 8 mm were observed in 109 patients (32.4% of the cohort). Baseline visual acuity of 20/200 or better was observed in 244 patients (72.6%), and worse than 20/800 in 52 (15.5%). Ten-year rates of visual acuity retention were 8.7% (95% CI, 4.1%-15.6%) for at least 20/200 and 22.4% (95% CI, 15.4%-30.4%) for at least counting fingers. Ten years after PBI therapy, the eye was retained (70.4%; 95% CI, 61.5%-77.6%) and tumor controlled (87.5%; 95% CI, 76.8%-93.5%) in most patients. The 10-year all-cause mortality rate was 60.7% (95% CI, 55.5%-65.9%). Approximately half of the patients died of metastatic uveal melanoma (10-year rate, 48.5%; 95% CI, 43.0%-54.4%). Conclusions and Relevance This study demonstrates that eye conservation is possible in most cases, with ambulatory vision retained in a small proportion of patients 10 years after PBI. Tumor recurrence rates were low and mortality rates were comparable to those observed after enucleation.
Patient-specific design of a soft occluder for the left atrial appendage

3D printing has been used to create a wide variety of anatomical models and tools for procedural planning and training. Yet, the printing of permanent, soft endocardial implants remains challenging because of the need for haemocompatibility and durability of the printed materials. Here, we describe an approach for the rapid prototyping of patient-specific cardiovascular occluders via 3D printing and static moulding of inflatable silicone/polyurethane balloons derived from volume-rendered computed tomography scans. We demonstrate the use of the approach, which provides custom-made implants made of high-quality, durable and haemocompatible elastomeric materials, in the fabrication of devices for occlusion of the left atrial appendage-a structure known to be highly variable in geometry and the primary source of stroke for patients with atrial fibrillation. We describe the design workflow, fabrication and deployment of patient-specific left atrial appendage occluders and, as a proof-of-concept, show their efficacy using 3D-printed anatomical models, in vitro flow loops and an in vivo large animal model.
Geospatial Risk Assessment of Marine Terminal Infrastructure to Storm Surge Inundation and Sea Level Rise

Planning resiliency and sustainability of port operations and critical infrastructure requires risk assessment of storm surge exposure and potential sea level rise. An approach for rapid, screening...
Serum Levels of Albumin and Prealbumin Do Not Correlate With Nutrient Delivery in Surgical Intensive Care Unit Patients

BACKGROUND Serum albumin and prealbumin levels, may be more strongly associated with inflammation than with nutrient delivery. Their predictive value has not been extensively described in surgical intensive care unit (ICU) patients. METHODS We analyzed a registry of adult surgical ICU patients receiving enteral nutrition. Subjects with at least 1 serum albumin, prealbumin, or C-reactive protein (CRP) level were included. Demographic, nutrition, and clinical outcome data were collected. RESULTS A total 252 subjects were included. A subset had serial measurements: albumin (n = 194), prealbumin (n = 13), CRP (n = 9), white blood cell (WBC) (n = 131), and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (n = 86). Serum albumin level was inversely correlated with all 3 inflammatory biomarkers (CRP, ρ = -0.24, P <0.02; WBC, ρ = -0.15, P <0.001; and NLR, ρ = -0.26, P < 0.001). Change in serum albumin level was inversely correlated with change in NLR (ρ = -0.22, P = 0.044) but not with CRP or WBC. Admission serum albumin level was significantly higher in nourished vs. moderately and/or severely malnourished patients (3.2 [2.7-3.7] vs. 2.7 [2.3-3.0], P = 0.004). Admission serum prealbumin level was significantly higher in nourished vs. moderately and/or severely malnourished patients (9 [7-12] vs. 4 [3-5], P = 0.001). Serum albumin level was inversely correlated with Charlson Comorbidity Index (ρ = 0.20, P = 0.001). Calorie and/or protein delivery in the ICU was not correlated with changes in serum albumin or prealbumin levels. CONCLUSIONS In the ICU, initial serum albumin levels and serial trends are inversely correlated with inflammation. Although initial serum albumin levels are reflective of baseline nutrition status, neither serum albumin level nor serum prealbumin level trends correlate with calorie or protein deficits and should not be used to assess adequacy of nutrition delivery.
Nuclear Binding and Biologic Response

The mechanism by which female sex steroids stimulate cellular functions has been the subject of several recent reviews (Jensen and DeSombre, 1973; Jensen et al., 1974; Baulieu et al., 1975; Katzenellenbogen and Gorski, 1975; O’Malley and Means, 1974; Gorski and Gannon, 1976; Yamamoto and Alberts, 1976; Clark et al., 1978c). In this chapter we will not attempt to cover all of the topics discussed in these reviews, but instead we will explain the experiments and concepts that we have developed.
Evolution of Mental Health and Addiction Care Systems in Europe

In all European countries there are institutions for mental health care and addiction treatment. The way in which they have developed, however, is different in each country. In addition, institutions for mental health care and substance abuse treatment have evolved mostly independently of each other. This hinders an integrated treatment for people with both addiction and other mental disorders.
On the Prevalence of the Gamow-Teller Transition

In this review we present the evidence for the prevalence of the GT (Gamow-Teller) transition mode amongst the allowed beta (β) nuclear transitions. It is shown that the number of strong F (Fermi) transitions is limited to about thirty cases in the light nuclei, A < 40. These constitute the so-called super-allowed (F) β decays. All other allowed β decays of the F type are generally ≈ 1/100 the intensity of the GT decay or are entirely forbidden by the spin selection rule. The GTβ transitions on the other hand remain uniformly strong throughout all the atomic weight range of observable β decays although they are hindered by factors of the order of 1/100 compared to the super-allowed (GT) decays. There are roughly a thousand such hindered-allowed decays known and perhaps an equal number as yet unobserved.
Tree inference: Uniqueness of multinomial processing trees representing response time when two factors selectively influence processes

Abstract Multinomial Processing Trees are widely used to model response probability and sometimes to model response time and other measures. Information about the structure of a Multinomial Processing Tree can be discovered by manipulating experimental factors that selectively influence its vertices. A factor selectively influences a vertex if changing the level of the factor changes values of parameters associated with arcs descending from that vertex, leaving all else invariant. If two factors, each with a finite number of levels, selectively influence two different vertices in a Multinomial Processing Tree, an infinite number of Multinomial Processing Trees can be constructed that account for the response probability and response time. Under relatively unrestrictive assumptions, we show that all are equivalent, for these two factors, to one of two relatively simple Multinomial Processing Trees. We also show that if response probabilities and response times are produced by averaging over a mixture of different trees, the mixture is equivalent to one of the two relatively simple trees.
Parental feeding style changes the relationships between children's food preferences and food parenting practices: The case for comprehensive food parenting interventions by pediatric healthcare professionals.

Purpose To determine if parental feeding styles (emotional environment of the meal) moderate the relationship between food parenting practices (goal-directed behaviors) and children's preferences for fruits, vegetables, or high fat/sugar foods. Design and methods This cross-sectional descriptive study recruited parents (n = 108) of preschool age children. The parents completed several questionnaires. Linear regressions were used to assess the relationship between food parenting practices and children's food preferences as moderated by feeding style, with the authoritative feeding style serving as the reference. Results Parental feeding styles were found to be moderators between several food parenting practices and child food preferences. When compared with parents with the authoritative feeding style (high demands, responds to child's needs), children like vegetables significantly less if indulgent (low demands, responds to child's needs) parents allow children to control their own eating, or authoritarian (high demands, does not respond to child's needs), or uninvolved (low demands, does not respond to child's needs) parents provide a healthy food environment. The authoritative style was not always preferential. For example, children of uninvolved parents who used food as a reward liked vegetables significantly more than children of parents who had the authoritative feeding style who also used food as a reward. In addition, children of authoritarian parents who modeled healthy eating liked foods high in fat and/or sugar significantly less than children of authoritative parents. Practice implications When discussing child diet quality with parents, pediatric nurses should educate parents on both food parenting practices and feeding style, or the meal's emotional climate, as children experience both of these during mealtime interactions. In addition, for educational efforts, it may be advantageous to tailor interventions based upon the parent's feeding style.
Diffusion kinetics of ethane, ethylene, and their binary mixtures in ethane-selective adsorbents

Abstract Sorption kinetics of single component and binary mixtures of ethane and ethylene in powder and pellet samples of paraffin-selective adsorbents Ni(bdc)(ted)0.5 and ZIF-7 were investigated by zero-length column (ZLC) technique for the purpose of olefin/paraffin separation. The intracrystalline diffusivities were determined at 25 °C and the results were compared in order to investigate the effects of coadsorption for binary gas mixtures and also diffusion in pelletized adsorbents. The diffusion time constants measured for ethane and ethylene through both ZIF-7 and Ni(bdc)(ted)0.5 in powder and pellet forms were similar and found to be in the ranges of 2.68–3.35 × 10−3 s−1 and 1.23–4.07 × 10−3 s−1, respectively, for single component and binary mixtures. Furthermore, diffusion of ethylene for both single component and binary mixture trials revealed the presence of surface resistance due to strong interactions between the C C double bond and the external crystalline surface of the adsorbents. The findings of this study provide novel kinetic characterizations on paraffin-selective adsorbents for the separation of ethane and ethylene.