cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive energy analysis of a photovoltaic thermal water electrolyzer

The use of photovoltaic thermal (PVT) technologies enables improvement in the electrical efficiency of a photovoltaic (PV) module by reducing the temperature of the PV module via active waste heat removal. In current PVT systems, the removed heat is mainly used for specific applications, such as water and/or room heating, but their need is intermittent and seasonal. For a more efficient and versatile use of the removed waste heat, we propose a new architecture where the PV module is integrated with a dual-functional electrolyzer that removes the waste heat by active cooling and produces hydrogen via electrolysis. The excess heat from the PV cell is utilized to enhance the reaction kinetics of the electrolysis process (due to an increase in temperature) inside an electrolyzer, which is located below the PV module. In this paper, we used finite-element analysis (FEA) simulations to optimize the geometry and operating conditions of an electrolyzer to maximize overall energetic efficiency and hydrogen production. To evaluate the practical feasibility of the approach, we performed a comprehensive energy analysis of the PVTE system using data from Phoenix, AZ. The energetic efficiency of the proposed PVTE system was calculated to be 56–59%, which is comparable to those of current PVT systems. Additionally, the integration of the electrolyzer with the PV module led to an almost 2.5-fold increase in hydrogen production compared to a stand-alone electrolyzer operated at ambient temperature. The analyzed hybrid approach potentially represents a viable and useful alternative for utilization of waste heat energy from PV cells. This approach may further increase the use of photovoltaic technologies as a renewable energy source.
The Effect of Traffic on the Cross Section of a Runway Pavement

This paper analyses the problem of whether or not it is necessary to construct runway pavements uniformly thick across their entire width. The fact is that traffic at many airports is concentrated ...
Effects of Prey on Survival, Development, and Reproduction of Trash-Carrying Chrysopids (Neuroptera: Ceraeochrysa)

Trash-carrying chrysopids within the genus Ceraeochrysa appear well-protected from intraguild predation, and several species show excellent potential for commercialization in the United States and Latin America. To facilitate their mass production and marketing, we evaluated how Ceraeochrysa cincta (Schneider), Ceraeochrysa cubana (Hagen), and Ceraeochrysa smithi (Navas) perform when larvae are reared on several different prey regimens, including two currently used to rear chrysopids commercially [eggs of the moths Anagasta kuehniella (Zeller) and Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier)]. All regimens that included the moth eggs gave substantially and significantly faster (by 3–4 d) preimaginal development and sometimes larger adults than did a diet of aphids [ Myzus persicae (Sulzer)]. Compared with S. cerealella, A. kuehniella eggs resulted in a slight (a1 d) but significant acceleration in larval development, but no effect on adult body size or reproductive traits. The prey regimens that we tested yielded no significant variation in either larval or imaginal survival; however, they affected the survival of the combined prepupal, pupal, and preemergent adult stages of C. cubana and C. smithi. Our results indicate that the three Ceraeochrysa species could be mass reared readily on either species of moth eggs ( A. kuehniella or S. cerealella ) commonly used as prey in the mass production of Chrysoperla. The findings also underscore that Ceraeochrysa is not restricted to homopteran prey.
Evaluation of Peruvian Maize for Resistance to European Corn Borer (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) Leaf Feeding and Ovipositional Preference

Partial control of the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hubner), in maize, Zea mays L., has been achieved through germplasm resistant to leaf feeding that was incorporated into breeding populations. Leaf-feeding resistance to European corn borer in maize had generally been attributed to presence of the chemical 2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3-one (DIMBOA). New sources of resistance, other than that mediated by DIMBOA, are desirable for developing new resistant cultivars. From 1990 to 1992, 1,601 accessions of Peruvian maize maintained in the U.S. National Plant Germplasm System were evaluated for leaf-feeding resistance to European corn borer. Eleven resistant accessions were identified, all of which originated from Peru's north coast. The 11 resistant accessions were then analyzed for 6-methoxybenzoxazolinone (MBOA), the degradation product of DIMBOA and an indicator of DIMBOA levels present in the plant. All 11 resistant accessions contained low MBOA concentrations, equivalent to that found in the susceptible inbred WF9, indicating that DIMBOA is not the basis of this resistance. The factor(s) underlying this source of host plant resistance remains to be determined. Six morphologically diverse Peruvian maize races were evaluated in the greenhouse for ovipositional nonpreference by the European corn borer. Some differences were noted, but morphological factors could not be confirmed as causing the differences.
Elevated immune monitoring as measured by increased adenosine triphosphate production in activated lymphocytes is associated with accelerated development of cardiac allograft vasculopathy after cardiac transplantation

Background Elevated immune monitoring (IM), as measured by adenosine triphosphate (ATP) release from activated lymphocytes, has been suggested to represent an under-immunosuppressed state. Its association with the development of angiographic cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) is unknown. Methods Patients transplanted between January 2007 and December 2011 with annual angiograms and at least 1 IM assay were included in the analysis. Peak IM scores were determined for each patient. Patients with peak IM in the highest quartile (Group 2) were compared with those with scores in the lower quartiles (Group 1). Mild disease was scored as Grade 1 (CAV1) and moderate or severe disease was scored as Grades 2 or 3 (CAV2/3). Results Two hundred forty patients were included. The mean age at transplant was 54.2 ± 12.1 years. Time to peak IM assay was 105.9 ± 44.1 days and average number of assays obtained per patient was 3.1 ± 1.8. Patients in the highest quartile (Group 2) had peak IM ≥446 ng ATP/ml. Mean clinical follow-up was 4.6 ± 1.7 years. CAV1 was observed in 86 of 180 (47.8%) patients in Group 1 and 39 of 60 (65.0%) in Group 2. Freedom from CAV1 was significantly lower in patients in Group 2 (log rank, p = 0.012). CAV2/3 occurred in 7 of 180 (3.7%) patients in Group 1 and 9 of 60 (15.0%) patients in Group 2. Freedom from CAV2/3 was significantly lower in patients in Group 2 ( p = 0.003). In multivariate analysis elevated peak IM assay was still found to be associated with angiographic CAV (hazard ratio 1.647, confidence interval 1.020 to 2.661, p = 0.041). Conclusion Elevated peak IM, as measured by increased ATP production, in activated lymphocytes is associated with decreased freedom from angiographic CAV.
Computational Tools To Model Halogen Bonds in Medicinal Chemistry

The use of halogens in therapeutics dates back to the earliest days of medicine when seaweed was used as a source of iodine to treat goiters. The incorporation of halogens to improve the potency of drugs is now fairly standard in medicinal chemistry. In the past decade, halogens have been recognized as direct participants in defining the affinity of inhibitors through a noncovalent interaction called the halogen bond or X-bond. Incorporating X-bonding into structure-based drug design requires computational models for the anisotropic distribution of charge and the nonspherical shape of halogens, which lead to their highly directional geometries and stabilizing energies. We review here current successes and challenges in developing computational methods to introduce X-bonding into lead compound discovery and optimization during drug development. This fast-growing field will push further development of more accurate and efficient computational tools to accelerate the exploitation of halogens in medicinal chemistry.
FoxF1 and FoxF2 transcription factors synergistically promote rhabdomyosarcoma carcinogenesis by repressing transcription of p21(Cip1) CDK inhibitor.

The role of Forkhead Box F1 (FoxF1) transcription factor in carcinogenesis is not well characterized. Depending on tissue and histological type of cancer, FoxF1 has been shown to be either an oncogene or a tumor suppressor. Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most aggressive pediatric soft-tissue sarcoma. Although FoxF1 is highly expressed in alveolar RMS, the functional role of FoxF1 in RMS is unknown. The present study demonstrates that expression of FoxF1 and its closely related transcription factor FoxF2 are essential for RMS tumor growth. Depletion of FoxF1 or FoxF2 in RMS cells decreased tumor growth in orthotopic mouse models of RMS. The decreased tumorigenesis was associated with reduced tumor cell proliferation. Cell cycle regulatory proteins Cdk2, Cdk4/6, Cyclin D1 and Cyclin E2 were decreased in FoxF1- and FoxF2-deficient RMS tumors. Depletion of either FoxF1 or FoxF2 delayed G1-S cell cycle progression, decreased levels of phosphorylated retinoblastoma protein (Rb) and increased protein levels of the CDK inhibitors, p21Cip1 and p27Kip1. Depletion of both FoxF1 and FoxF2 in tumor cells completely abrogated RMS tumor growth in mice. Overexpression of either FoxF1 or FoxF2 in tumor cells was sufficient to increase tumor growth in orthotopic RMS mouse model. FoxF1 and FoxF2 directly bound to and repressed transcriptional activity of p21Cip1 promoter through -556/-545 bp region, but did not affect p27Kip1 transcription. Knockdown of p21Cip1 restored cell cycle progression in the FoxF1- or FoxF2-deficient tumor cells. Altogether, FoxF1 and FoxF2 promoted RMS tumorigenesis by inducing tumor cell proliferation via transcriptional repression of p21Cip1 gene promoter. Because of the robust oncogenic activity in RMS tumors, FoxF1 and FoxF2 may represent promising targets for anti-tumor therapy.
Safety of selective nerve sparing in high risk prostate cancer during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy

D’Amico high risk prostate cancer is associated with higher incidence of extra prostatic disease. It is recommended to avoid nerve sparing in high risk patients to avoid residual cancer. We report our intermediate term oncologic and functional outcomes in patients with preoperative D’Amico high risk prostate cancer, who underwent selective nerve sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). Between Jan 2008 till June 2013, 557 patients underwent RARP for D’Amico high risk prostate cancer. The criteria for nerve sparing were as follows—complete: non palpable disease with 0.05). The overall biochemical recurrence (BCR) rate at mean follow-up of 24.3 months was 19.21 %. The continence rate at 3 month was significantly higher in complete NS group in comparison to non-NS group (p = 0.020), however, this difference was not statistically significant at 1 year. Similarly, mean time to continence was significantly lower in complete NS group in comparison to non-NS group (p = 0.030). The potency rate was significantly higher and mean time to potency was significantly lower in complete NS group in comparison to non-NS group (p = 0.010 and 0.020, respectively). In high risk prostate cancer patients, selective nerve sparing during RARP, using the preoperative clinical variables (clinical stage and positive cores on biopsy) and surgeon’s intraoperative perception, could provide reasonable intermediate term oncologic, functional outcomes (continence and potency) with acceptable perioperative morbidity and positive surgical margins rate. Use of these preoperative factors and surgeon’s intraoperative judgment can appropriately evaluate high risk prostate cancer patients for nerve sparing RARP.
Modeling one-on-one tutoring sessions

The overarching goal of this project is to develop computational models of the nonverbal behavior and interactive strategies observed during face-to-face teaching. This project will help advance the science of learning and teaching by improving our understanding of the dynamics of nonverbal behavior in teaching at a computational level across multiple scales, including low-level facial movements, cognitive and affective processes, and higher level strategic behaviors. In this work we connect higher level teacher and student behaviors to lower level eye gaze dynamics to inform the development of models of nonverbal behavior. Specifically, we use student and teacher behaviors to predict teacher-to-student gaze onset. We additionally model student and teacher behaviors as a probabilistic finite state machine to examine cross-session teaching policy. Findings suggest a relationship between tutoring events and teacher gaze to student, with cross-validation yielding a mean 2AFC performance of .69. Future analysis will connect automated detection of facial affect to the behavioral events explored in this paper.
DDEL-10MICRONENVIRONMENTAL MODULATION IMPROVES NANOMEDICINE DELIVERY INTO BRAIN TUMORS

One of the key challenges in cancer nanotechnology is to efficiently deliver nanomedicine into solid tumors. Nanomedicine relies on a functional vascular network and minimal tissue resistance to achieve homogeneous transport and distribution in solid tumor via convection- and diffusion-based mechanisms. This is especially true for brain tumors, where the presence of specialized blood brain barrier further impedes transport of nanomedicine from the systemic circulation into the central nervous system. Unlike blood vessels within healthy tissues, tumor vessels are often morphologically pathologic and functionally impaired, due to an imbalance of pro- and anti-angiogenic growth factor production within the tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, within the tumor stroma, excessive and heterogeneous productions of collagen and other matrix proteins further restrict nanomedicine distribution. We characterized the perfusion and diffusion parameters of luminescent nanoparticles within syngeneic GL261 brain tumor models using multi-photon imaging, in vivo. We demonstrated that brain tumor vasculatures exhibit increased permeability and decreased perfusion capacity compared to normal vessels. As a result, transport of nanomedicine across the vessel wall into the tumor stroma is strongly dependent on particle size and surface polarity. Furthermore, intratumoral mapping of nanomedicine distributions revealed that once gaining entry into tumors, nanoparticles often experience perivascular clumping and are unable to reach tumor tissue beyond 20 µm from the nearest vessels. Finally, with therapeutic modulation of the tumor microenvironment using anti-VEGFR or anti-TGF-β1 antibody treatments to remodel the tumor vasculature and collagen matrix, respectively, we showed that tumors begin to exhibit improved tissue perfusion with improved delivery and distribution with nanomedicine into the tumor interstitium. These findings suggest that optimized delivery of nanomedicine for brain tumors may be possible through the modulation of both the tumor vasculature and extracellular matrix. The successful implementation of this combined therapeutic approach can have significant implications in developing more effective targeted nanomedicines for brain tumors.
Kant on Proving Aristotle’s Logic as Complete

Kant claims that Aristotle’s logic is complete. He defends this claim from the nature of a strictly scientific logic, and rejects as futile the attempts by some modern philosophers at extending it. I analyse what it means for Kant to regard Aristotle’s (formal) logic as complete, explain the historical and philosophical considerations that commit him to proving the completeness claim and sketch the proof based on materials from his logic corpus. The proof will turn out to be an integral part of Kant’s larger reform of formal logic in response to a foundational crisis facing it.
Treatment of ibuprofen intoxication in a dog via therapeutic plasma exchange

Objective To describe the treatment of ibuprofen intoxication with therapeutic plasma exchange in a dog (TPE). Summary A 13-year-old male neutered mixed breed dog presented after ingesting approximately 200 mg/kg of ibuprofen. Treatment consisted of supportive medical therapy with IV fluids, gastrointestinal protectants, antiemetics and prostaglandin analogs, and TPE. A cycle of TPE was performed over 180 minutes, achieving 1.5 plasma volume exchanges. During therapy, heparinized blood and effluent samples were collected. Ibuprofen concentrations were determined in the samples by high-pressure liquid chromatography. Post TPE, the dog was continued on supportive medical therapy and was discharged 96 hours after the overdose. New or Unique Information This report describes the use of TPE as an adjunct for ibuprofen intoxication. An 85% reduction in plasma ibuprofen concentration occurred and recovery from a potentially lethal ingestion of ibuprofen was achieved with TPE and supportive care. TPE should be considered when presented with acute ibuprofen intoxication due to the rapid and efficacious nature of therapy.
Analysis of holographic photopolymers for integrated optical systems via quantitative phase microscopy

Optically-driven diffusion of high refractive index molecules within a transparent thermoset polymer matrix is a promising platform for hybrid optics that combines a wide range of optical structures from large scale holograms to micron-scale gradient index waveguides in a single integrated optical system. Design of such a system requires characterization of the optical response of the material at a wide range of spatial scales and intensities. While holographic analysis of the photopolymers is appropriate to probe the smaller spatial scales and lower intensity optical response, quantitative phase mapping of isolated structures is needed to probe the response to the higher intensities and lower spatial frequencies used in direct write lithography of waveguides. We apply the transport of intensity equation (TIE) to demonstrate quantitative refractive index measurements of 10 μm-scale localized gradient index structures written into diffusive photopolymer materials using both single- and two-photon polymerization. These quantitative measurements allow us to study the effect of different exposure conditions and material parameters such as writing beam power, exposure time, and wt% loading of the writing monomer on the overall profile of the refractive index structure. We use these measurements to probe the time scales over which diffusion is significant, and take advantage of the diffusion of monomer with a multiple-write scheme that achieves a peak refractive index contrast of 0.025.
Spontaneous resolution and crystal structure of (2S)-2-(3-nitro­phen­yl)-3-phenyl-2,3,5,6-tetra­hydro-4H-1,3-thia­zin-4-one; crystal structure of rac-2-(4-nitro­phen­yl)-3-phenyl-2,3,5,6-tetra­hydro-4H-1,3-thia­zin-4-one

The crystal structures of isomeric rac-2-(4-nitro­phen­yl)-3-phenyl-2,3,5,6-tetra­hydro-4H-1,3-thia­zin-4-one (C16H14N2O3S) (1) and (2S)-2-(3-nitro­phen­yl)-3-phenyl-2,3,5,6-tetra­hydro-4H-1,3-thia­zin-4-one (C16H14N2O3S) (2) are reported here. While 1 crystallizes in a centrosymmetric space group, the crystal of 2 chosen for data collection has mol­ecules only with (2S) chirality. This is the result of spontaneous resolution during crystallization, as the synthesis produces a racemic mixture. A crystal with (2R) mol­ecules was also found in the same crystallization vial (structure factors available). The six-membered thia­zine ring in both 1 and 2 displays an envelope conformation with the S atom forming the flap. The aryl rings in both structures adopt an approximate V shape with angles between their planes of 46.97 (14)° in 1 and 58.37 (10)° in 2. In both structures, the mol­ecules form layers in the ab plane. Within such a layer in 1, one of the O atoms of the nitro­phenyl group accepts a C—H⋯O hydrogen bond from the CH group at position 5 of the thia­zine ring of a mol­ecule of opposite chirality, forming chains along the a-axis direction. Each of the thia­zine rings also participate in C—H⋯O bonds with the same carbon atom as above, resulting in chains along the b-axis direction, albeit of monochiral type. Adjacent layers are consolidated along the c-axis direction by pairs of parallel hydrogen bonds (C—H⋯O type) between the nitro­phenyl groups of enanti­omers. In 2, the two C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds contribute to chain formation along the b-axis direction. Weak edge-to-face inter­actions between the aryl groups of neighbouring mol­ecules in 1, and C—H⋯π inter­actions between a thia­zine ring CH group and a phenyl group of a neighboring mol­ecule in 2 are also observed.
Optimization of extraction methods for quantification of microcystin-LR and microcystin-RR in fish, vegetable, and soil matrices using UPLC-MS/MS.

Abstract Human-driven environmental change has increased the occurrence of harmful cyanobacteria blooms in aquatic ecosystems. Concomitantly, exposure to microcystin (MC), a cyanobacterial toxin that can accumulate in animals, edible plants, and agricultural soils, has become a growing public health concern. For accurate estimation of health risks and timely monitoring, availability of reliable detection methods is imperative. Nonetheless, quantitative analysis of MCs in many types of biological and environmental samples has proven challenging because matrix interferences can hinder sample preparation and extraction procedures, leading to poor MC recovery. Herein, controlled experiments were conducted to enhance the use of ultra-performance liquid-chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS) to recover MC-LR and MC-RR at a range of concentrations in seafood (fish), vegetables (lettuce), and environmental (soil) matrices. Although these experiments offer insight into detailed technical aspects of the MC homogenization and extraction process (i.e., sonication duration and centrifugation speed during homogenization; elution solvent to use during the final extraction), they centered on identifying the best (1) solvent system to use during homogenization (2–3 tested per matrix) and (2) single-phase extraction (SPE) column type (3 tested) to use for the final extraction. The best procedure consisted of the following, regardless of sample type: centrifugation speed = 4200 × g; elution volume = 8 mL; elution solvent = 80% methanol; and SPE column type = hydrophilic–lipophilic balance (HLB), with carbon also being satisfactory for fish. For sonication, 2 min, 5 min, and 10 min were optimal for fish, lettuce, and soil matrices, respectively. Using the recommended HLB column, the solvent systems that led to the highest recovery of MCs were methanol:water:butanol for fish, methanol:water for lettuce, and EDTA-Na4P2O7 for soils. Given that the recommended procedures resulted in average MC-LR and MC-RR recoveries that ranged 93 to 98%, their adoption for the preparation of samples with complex matrices before UPLC–MS/MS analysis is encouraged.
The role of mast cells in endotoxin-induced uveitis.

PURPOSE To investigate the role of mast cells in the induction of endotoxin-induced uveitis (EIU). METHODS We previously showed that the mean mast cell number in the anterior uvea was greatest for Lewis rats, lowest for Brown Norway (BN) rats, and intermediate for LBNF1 rats. In the current experiment, we assessed the time of onset and severity of EIU in these three rat strains. We then studied changes in mast cell numbers in the anterior uvea during the induction period of EIU. RESULTS Time of onset and severity of EIU were related to the number of mast cells in the anterior uvea. EIU occurred earliest in the Lewis rats, and the maximum mean grade of ocular inflammation on a scale of 0 (no inflammation) to 4 (severe inflammation) +/- standard error of the mean was 3.87 +/- 0.13 for Lewis rats, 1.06 +/- 0.06 for BN rats, and 1.19 +/- 0.12 for LBNF1 rats. The difference between the mean grade of inflammation in the Lewis rats and the other two strains was highly statistically significant (P < .001). In the Lewis rats, mast cell numbers +/- SEM decreased from 68.9 +/- 10.8 at baseline to 49.6 +/- 5.9 4 hr after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection and to 27.6 +/- 8.4 8 hr after LPS injection, suggesting that mast cell degranulation occurs before the development of EIU. CONCLUSION Mast cells in the anterior uvea appear to potentiate endotoxin-induced ocular inflammation.
Challenges to Substantial and Sustained Reductions in Greenhouse Gases: Opportunities for the United States from the Bottom-Up

National leaders are calling for substantial reductions in anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from industrialized nations in order to avoid dramatic climate change. Doing so raises significant challenges in technology, policy and organizational realms, and at international, national, regional and local scales. While the current debate is focused on national and international policies to reduce greenhouse gases, such as cap-and-trade and R&D in low-carbon technologies, reduction targets on the order of 80% will also require significant parallel capacity building at local and regional scales. Cost-effective, rapid deployment of efficient and low carbon technologies requires both localization and the leveraging of economic and environmental co-benefits. This chapter outlines a three part strategy that builds upon an understanding of local energy resource and demand dynamics, essential to cost-effectively achieve climate and other sustainability goals.
Cholecystokinin octapeptide inhibits Ca2+-dependent amylase secretion from permeabilized pancreatic acini by blocking the MgATP-dependent priming of exocytosis

At present little is known about how the low-affinity cholecystokinin receptor inhibits secretagogue-stimulated amylase secretion from pancreatic acinar cells. To examine this question we have determined how cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK8) influences Ca2+-dependent amylase secretion from alpha-toxin-permeabilized pancreatic acini. CCK8 significantly inhibited Ca2+-stimulated amylase secretion. The inhibitory actions of CCK8 were completely blocked by the addition of JMV-180, a specific antagonist for the low-affinity CCK8 receptor. Previous studies have shown that Ca2+-dependent amylase secretion from alpha-toxin-permeabilized acini has two distinct phases [Padfield and Panesar (1997) Am. J. Physiol. 36, G655-660]. There is an initial rapid phase of secretion which represents release from exocytotic sites primed by MgATP prior to permeabilization. This is followed by a slower sustained phase of secretion which, in part, reflects the MgATP-dependent repriming of the exocytotic machinery. CCK8 did not influence the initial rapid phase of the Ca2+-dependent secretory response, but inhibited the second slower sustained phase. Moreover, CCK8 was shown to inhibit the MgATP-dependent priming of exocytosis in the acini. These results indicate that the low-affinity CCK receptor blocks stimulated amylase secretion by inhibiting the MgATP-dependent repriming of exocytosis.
Evaluation of Commercial Prototype Bacteriophage Intervention Designed for Reducing O157 and Non-O157 Shiga-Toxigenic Escherichia coli (STEC) on Beef Cattle Hide

Microbiological safety of beef products can be protected by application of antimicrobial interventions throughout the beef chain. This study evaluated a commercial prototype antimicrobial intervention comprised of lytic bacteriophages formulated to reduce O157 and non-O157 Shiga-toxigenic Escherichia coli (STEC) on beef cattle hide pieces, simulating commercial pre-harvest hide decontamination. STEC reduction in vitro by individual and cocktailed phages was determined by efficiency of plating (EOP). Following STEC inoculation onto hide pieces, the phage intervention was applied and hide pieces were analyzed to quantify reductions in STEC counts. Phage intervention treatment resulted in 0.4 to 0.7 log10 CFU/cm2 (p 0.05). Multiplicity of infection (MOI) evaluation indicated E. coli O157 and O121 isolates required the fewest numbers of phages per host cell to produce host lysis. STEC-attacking phages may be applied to assist in preventing STEC transmission to beef products.
Two-particle excitations under coexisting electron interaction and disorder

We study the combined impact of random disorder and electron-electron and electron-hole interactions on the absorption spectra of a three-dimensional Hubbard Hamiltonian. We determine the single-particle Green's function within the typical medium dynamical cluster approximation. We solve the Bethe-Salpeter equation (BSE) to obtain the dynamical conductivity. Our results show that increasing disorder strength at a given interaction strength leads to decreased absorption with the dynamical conductivity, systematically going to zero at all frequencies, a fingerprint of a correlation-mediated electron localization. Surprisingly, our data reveal that taking into account the effects of electron-hole interactions through the BSE significantly changes the oscillator strength with a concomitant reduction in the critical disorder strengths ${W}_{c}^{U}$. We attribute this behavior to enhanced quantum correction induced by electron-hole interactions.
Effect of isavuconazole on tacrolimus and sirolimus serum concentrations in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients: A drug-drug interaction study

Introduction Isavuconazole, a triazole antifungal, is an inhibitor of cytochrome P450 3A4, which also metabolizes tacrolimus and sirolimus. In previous studies, isavuconazole administration increased tacrolimus and sirolimus area under the curve values by 2.3-fold and 1.8-fold, respectively, in healthy adults and tacrolimus concentration/dose (C/D) ratio by 1.3-fold in solid organ transplant patients. We aimed to determine the magnitude of effect of isavuconazole administration on tacrolimus and sirolimus C/D ratios in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (alloHSCT) patients. Methods A retrospective, single-center, single-arm study in adult alloHSCT patients who received at least 10 days of combination therapy with isavuconazole and tacrolimus and/or sirolimus as inpatients or outpatients was conducted. Tacrolimus and sirolimus trough serum concentrations were measured up to twice weekly for up to 4 weeks. Results Twenty-two patients receiving tacrolimus and twenty patients receiving sirolimus met the inclusion criteria. The mean C/D ratio increased from baseline by 1.42-fold for tacrolimus during week 1 (P = 0.002) and up to 1.56-fold for sirolimus during week 2 (P = 0.02). For the remaining timepoints, tacrolimus and sirolimus C/D ratios were not statistically significantly different from baseline. Conclusion In alloHSCT patients, modest increases in tacrolimus and sirolimus C/D ratios from baseline were observed within the first 2 weeks after initiation of isavuconazole.
Hydrosalpinx in patients with hysterectomy without salpingo-oophorectomy referred for pelvic magnetic resonance imaging.

Abstract Objective Women with ovarian-sparing hysterectomy before 2007 are more likely to have retained Fallopian tube remnants which can become fluid-filled, distended masses, potentially mistaken for a cystic adnexal neoplasm on imaging. Here we assess the prevalence and appearance of hydrosalpinx in women with ovarian-sparing hysterectomy prior to 2007 referred for pelvic MRI. Methods A total of 3044 consecutive pelvic MRI exams performed over a two-year period (2003–2004) were selected from our radiology database and retrospectively reviewed. Examinations performed on male patients (N = 858), duplicate examinations on the same patient (N = 675) and examinations performed for MR guided biopsy (N = 1) were excluded from the study. From the remaining female pelvic MRI examinations (N = 1510), patients with hysterectomy without oophorectomy were identified. The frequency of hydrosalpinx in this population was then determined visually by two experienced radiologists and kappa analysis was then performed to assess for interobserver agreement. Results Of the 3044 pelvic MRI examinations, 1510 were performed on females and 76 (5%) of these women had ovarian-sparing hysterectomy. Of these 76 women, 14 patients (18%) had hydrosalpinx (kappa = 0.8) of which 11 were unilateral and 3 bilateral. A total of 9 of the 14 cases positive for hydrosalpinx in patients with ovarian-sparing hysterectomy were referred to MRI for evaluation of cystic adnexal masses detected on other modalities. Conclusion Hydrosalpinx should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cystic adnexal lesions in women with prior hysterectomy and retained ovaries.
Principles and Practice of Antibiotic Stewardship in the ICU

In the face of emerging drug-resistant pathogens and a decrease in the development of new antimicrobial agents, antibiotic stewardship should be practiced in all critical care units. Antibiotic stewardship should be a core competency of all critical care practitioners in conjunction with a formal antibiotic stewardship program (ASP). Prospective audit and feedback, and antibiotic time-outs, are effective components of an ASP in the ICU. As rapid diagnostics are introduced in the ICU, assessment of performance and effect on outcomes will clearly be needed. Disease-specific stewardship for community-acquired pneumonia that relies on clinical pathways may be particularly high-yield. Computerized decision support has the potential to individualize stewardship for specific patients. Finally, infection control and prevention is the cornerstone of every ASP.
A qualitative analysis of beliefs about sexual consent among high school students

Examining how adolescents understand the concept of sexual consent, and expect to garner or confer consent in sexual encounters, can contribute to the design of age- and developmentally appropriate...
Crafting mosque-state relations through community-service work: the case of Yardam mosque in Kazan, Tatarstan

This contribution examines a symbiotic relationship between the state, represented by local government officials, and a mosque through a case study of the Yardam mosque in the central Russian regio...
Evaluation of a nurse practitioner-led transitional care program

Background Transitional care management (TCM) is a growing field in the delivery of post hospital discharge care. Current data suggest that implemented nurse practitioner (NP)-led transitional care models can be useful in reducing 30-day readmission rates. However, there is lack of data regarding the costs involved to implement and sustain a transitional care model. Local problem The Transitional Care Encounter Program (TCEP) implemented by an NP at a private practice affiliated with a 250-bed acute care facility required program evaluation. This article addresses the TCEP's cost and sustainability, reimbursement, and nonmonetary value added to the practice. Methods The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (1999) "Framework for Program Evaluation in Public Health" was used for formal program evaluation. The TCEP's billing and revenue data compared with the TCEP's cost determined the financial impact. Qualitative data were also collected. Interventions Patients discharged from the hospital to home had a TCEP visit within 7 days of discharge. The patient's hospital records were extensively reviewed. Medication reconciliation, education about current medications, diagnosis, and treatment plan were incorporated. Results Total reimbursement was $53,330.32. Providers expressed they could allocate more time to primary care patients and averaged 2-3 more patients by having a dedicated transitional care provider. Providers expressed patients were "empowered" after the TCEP visit. Conclusions The TCEP was a source of revenue and improved provider satisfaction. Exploration of the TCM's impact on 30-day readmission rates and patient satisfaction are recommended to further support the model.
Developments in Business Chinese Teaching and Research: An Overview and Perspectives

The goal of this review is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the research on business Chinese from 1997 to 2017. In all, 50 articles published in 16 top-tier academic journals in Mainland China, Taiwan, as well as the USA were reviewed. These papers can be divided into several categories, such as curriculum design, textbooks and materials development, instruction and pedagogy, and assessment and evaluation. Through a detailed description of the past work, we attempt to present an overview of the research effort, summarize past findings, and identify the under-investigated areas. The hope is that this will ultimately point out future directions for business Chinese research.
Online determination of coffee roast degree toward controlling acidity

Three methods of measuring coffee roast degree were compared using titratable acidity as an indicator of roast-dependent flavor change. The first roast degree method was based on prediction of the ...
The Contested Boundaries of Emerging International Migration Law in the Post-Pandemic

One measure of how and whether the COVID-19 pandemic reshapes the emerging field of international migration law will be the extent to which transnational civil society and activist movements can counteract the intensification of state border controls that the pandemic has triggered. Before the pandemic, transnational efforts to establish a new normative framework for migration seemed to be accelerating. These efforts included new, if non-binding, global compacts on refugees and migration, and new, if modest, efforts at facilitating global cooperation, alongside innovative approaches to scholarly engagement. Such developments arguably contributed to an emerging framework for protecting migrants under international law. Has the pandemic defeated this potential? State responses to the pandemic have eschewed multilateralism, brought migration to a near standstill, and ignored well-established human rights obligations. Moreover, states are poised to deploy a range of new border management technologies and even more assertively manage migration in the name of “health proofing” borders. Yet at the same time, some progressive state practices have emerged alongside a call from the UN Secretary-General to “reimagine human mobility for the benefit of all.” In this essay, we chart some areas of potentially progressive expansion beyond the status quo, noting not only the substance but also the process by which these norms are emerging.
The Socratic Method, Once and for All

The “Socratic method” seems to be well understood in general to mean some sort of “question and answer” procedure as distinguished from “lecturing.” Law schools are familiar sites for its so-called...
Bempedoic acid: Review of a novel therapy in lipid management.

Purpose An update on clinical development of a first-in-class oral medication for adjunctive cholesterol lowering in high-risk patients with persistent elevation of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) despite statin therapy is reviewed. Summary Despite the proven efficacy of statin therapy, many patients cannot reach LDL-C goals with statins alone, largely due to inadequate response or intolerance. Nonstatin treatment options to reduce LDL-C include ezetimibe, bile acid sequestrants, and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors; however their use has been limited by modest clinical benefit or high treatment costs. Novel nonstatin treatments are in development to further address the needs of this population. Bempedoic acid is a first-in-class oral adenosine triphosphate (ATP) citrate lyase inhibitor being evaluated as an additional treatment option for high-risk patients requiring further reduction in LDL-C. Bempedoic acid has been evaluated in multiple phase 2 and phase 3 trials as monotherapy or for use in combination with ezetimibe and/or statin therapy. Treatment with bempedoic acid has been demonstrated to result in significant reductions in LDL-C and several other cardiovascular risk markers without the myalgia associated with statin therapy. Conclusion Bempedoic acid, used alone or with ezetimibe in a fixed-dose combination formulation, may be an effective alternative to current guideline-recommended nonstatin therapies in patients who do not attain adequate LDL-C lowering with maximally tolerated statin therapy and in statin-intolerant patients at risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Nuclear Data Sheets for A=123

Abstract Experimental nuclear structure and decay data are evaluated for all of 15 known nuclides of mass 123 (Ru, Rh, Pd, Ag, Cd, In, Sn, Sb, Te, I, Xe, Cs, Ba, La, Ce). For each nuclide, detailed evaluated spectroscopic information is presented in each reaction and decay, and the best values combining all available data are recommended for level properties, γ and β radiations, and other spectroscopic properties. No excited states have been identified in 123Ru, 123Rh and 123Pd. For 123Ag, the long-predicted 1/2− β-emitting isomer has been identified at 60-keV by 2019Ch24 recently, resolving unknown excitation energies in the level scheme that was previously available only from isomeric decays of two isomers (202 ns and 393 ns) with the position and spin-parity of the former remaining unknown. Significant discrepancies exist between data on high-spin sequences based on 11/2(−) isomer in 123Cd (2002Hw01 and 2016Re05), which needs to be resolved with further experimental investigation. In 123Cs, the 114-ns isomer as the πg9/2 bandhead proposed at 231.6+x by 2000Gi12 has been resolved by 2004Si26 and 2004Si27 to be the 328-keV level that is proposed by 2000Gi12 as a separate level. Excited states in 123La and 123Ce have only been studied via (HI, xnγ) reactions, with their base levels and thus excitation energies remaining unknown. The β− decay schemes for daughter nuclide 123Cd, 123In and 123Sn and the e decay schemes for 123Xe, 123Cs and 123Ba are considered incomplete due to large gaps between the highest observed excited levels and the Q-values. 123Sn, 123Sb, 123Te and 123I are the most extensively studied nuclides via various reactions and decays. This work supersedes earlier full evaluations of A=123 by 2004Oh11, 1993Oh12, 1980Ta02 and 1972Au10.
Conservative philanthropies and organizations shaping U.S. educational policy and practice: edited by K. deMarrais, B. A. Herron, & J. Copple, Gorham, Maine, Myers Education Press, 2020, 280 pp., $38.95 (paperback), $139.95 (hardback), ISBN: 978-1-9755-0300-0

P-12 and higher education public school systems in the United States have been under attack for decades. They are often described as ‘broken’ and ‘failing’ and the public’s national concern for U.S...
Information in electrodeposited dendrites

Dendrites are structures that develop with a continuously branching tree-like form. Such patterns are found in many aspects of the natural world, which indicates the universality of their topology....
Inorganic Halide Perovskite Thin Films for Neutron Detection

The need for high-efficiency radiation detectors with wide-area coverage is essential in applications such as nuclear medicine, industrial imagining, environmental radioactivity monitoring, spacecraft applications, and homeland security, among others. For these applications, the detector material should interact strongly with high-energy particles or photons, must be able to operate at high electric fields with negligible leakage current, must possess high resistivity, and must be scalable. Cesium lead bromide (CsPbBr3) possesses excellent electric, electronic, and spectroscopic properties while showing endurance to humidity and good stability under extreme operating conditions. These properties make it an ideal material for high-energy radiation detectors. The use of CsPbBr3 for heavily charged particle sensing is normally limited to single crystals due to the lack of deposition techniques for thick CsPbBr3 films, which is necessary for efficient radiation and neutron sensing. This chapter shows methods that allow the deposition of perovskite thin films with controlled thickness. The close-space sublimation (CSS) process allows for the deposition of stoichiometric and high-quality CsPbBr3 films with reduced defects and large grains with high deposition rates. Alpha and neutron particle sensing using a p-n diode is discussed. This chapter demonstrates the potential of inorganic perovskite films for alpha and neutron detectors in planar and micro-structured perovskite thin films.
Palladium electrodeposition in 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium dicyanamide ionic liquid

Abstract In aqueous solutions, Pd electrodeposition is complicated by hydrogen embrittlement. As an alternative, ionic liquids have been suggested. However, the physical and chemical properties of each ionic liquid are unique. In this work, Pd electrodeposition was investigated on Ni at room temperature in one of the promising air- and water-stable ionic liquids, 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium dicyanamide ([Bmpyrr][DCA]). The goal of this study was to elucidate kinetics of the Pd electro-reduction in [Bmpyrr][DCA] on Ni using current-time transient method (CTT) and its effect on the structure of the Pd deposits using chronoamperometry. The kinetics of the electrodeposition process was found to be limited by mass transfer. The nucleation and growth mechanism on Ni, extracted from the CTTs and analyzed using Scharifker and Hills model, showed potential dependence; at lower overpotential, the nucleation and growth was progressive that transitioned to instantaneous as the overpotential increased. Pd films obtained after potential holds for 30 min were crack-free and had a surface morphology that was less granular when overpotential increased showing clear potential-dependent nucleation and growth. Evidence of [Bmpyrr][DCA] on the surface of the Pd films was observed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The Pd films had well-defined crystallinity only after heat treatment at 600 °C.