cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Which behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia are the most problematic? Variability by prevalence, intensity, distress ratings, and associations with caregiver depressive symptoms.

Background Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) impact well-being for persons with dementia (PWD) and caregivers. Identifying the most problematic symptoms is vital in targeting interventions and allocating resources. The current study highlights inconsistencies in the “most problematic” symptoms when identified via prevalence, intensity, caregiver distress, or associations with caregiver depressive symptoms. Methods Caregivers (N = 177) were mostly female (77%) and spouses of PWD (73%), with average age of 66.7 years (SD = 16.1). They reported BPSD frequency and distress via the Revised Memory and Behavior Problem Checklist (RMBPC) and Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI), and their own depressive symptoms via the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). BPSD were ranked by prevalence, average frequency, and average distress ratings. RMBPC subscales were correlated with GDS, and discriminant function analyses used NPI symptoms to discriminate between caregivers' normal (range 0–9) or elevated (10+) GDS. Results Most prevalent NPI symptoms were Apathy, Depression, and Agitation. Most intense (frequency × severity) were Appetite, Motor behaviors, and Apathy, and most distressing were Delusions, Agitation, and Irritability. For RMBPC, Memory was most frequent but least distressing, whereas Disruptive was least frequent but most distressing. RMBPC frequency and distress subscales were significantly associated with caregiver GDS. Discriminant function analyses were statistically significant (Lambda = 0.822; χ2(12) = 30.62; p = 0.002. Canonical correlation = 0.442); NPI symptoms correctly classified caregivers GDS status 72% of the time. Conclusions Symptoms revealed as “most problematic” varied by measurement criterion. Common or frequent symptoms are not necessarily the most distressing or most predictive of caregiver depression. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hammer Mill Versus Roller Mill Grinding of Corn for Commercial Egg Layers

Abstract Three trials were conducted to determine differences in particle size characteristics of corn processed with a hammer mill vs. that processed with a roller mill. The particle size (geometric mean diameter) for corn processed with the roller mill ranged from 1,343 to 1,501 μm whereas that of corn processed with the hammer mill ranged from 814 to 873 μm. The trials demonstrated that the differing particle size characteristic of feed milled with hammer mill versus roller mill did not significantly influence the performance of commercial laying hens as measured by body weight, percentage of hen-day egg production, egg weight, average daily feed consumption, feed efficiency (grams of feed per gram egg produced), egg shell breaking strength, or mortality.
Automatic matrix determination in four dye fluorescence-based DNA sequencing

The four dye fluorescence detection strategy is a widely used approach to automated DNA sequence analysis. An important aspect of data processing in this approach is the multicomponent analysis to deduce the concentrations of four fluorophores from fluorescence emission intensities at four different wave-lengths. This requires knowledge of the correct transformation matrix M. The matrix M is a function both of the fluorophores employed and the fluorescence detection system. M is typically determined either by a calibration process with individual dyes, or by choosing four well-separated individual peaks corresponding to the four different dyes. Both are time-consuming and complicated procedures for routine use. An automatic scheme for finding M directly from raw sequence data is presented here. This facilitates data analysis and the underlying algorithm may also find utility in other multispectral applications.
Direct utilization of geothermal energy.

The worldwide application of geothermal energy for direct utilization is reviewed. This paper is based on the world update for direct-use presented at the World Geothermal Congress 2010 in Bali, Indonesia (WGC2010) [1] which also includes material presented at three world geothermal congresses in Italy, Japan and Turkey (WGC95, WGC2000 and WGC2005). This report is based on country update papers prepared for WGC2010 and data from other sources. Final update papers were received from 70 countries of which 66 reported some direct utilization of geothermal energy for WGC2010. Twelve additional countries were added to the list based on other sources of information. The 78 countries having direct utilization of geothermal energy, is a significant increase from the 72 reported in 2005, the 58 reported in 2000, and the 28 reported in 1995. An estimate of the installed thermal power for direct utilization at the end of 2009, reported from WGC2010 is 48,493 MWt, almost a 72 % increased over the 2005 data, growing at a compound rate of 11.4% annually with a capacity factor of 0.28. The thermal energy used is 423,830 TJ/year (117,740 GWh/yr), about a 55% increase over 2005, growing at a compound rate of 9.2% annually. The distribution of thermal energy used by category is approximately 47.2% for ground-source heat pumps, 25.8% for bathing and swimming (including balneology), 14.9% for space heating (of which 85% is for district heating), 5.5% for greenhouses and open ground heating, 2.8% for industrial process heating, 2.7% for aquaculture pond and raceway heating, 0.4% for agricultural drying, 0.5% for snow melting and cooling, and 0.2% for other uses. Energy savings amounted to 250 million barrels (38 million tonnes) of equivalent oil annually, preventing 33 million tonnes of carbon and 107 million tonnes of CO2 being release to the atmosphere which includes savings in geothermal heat pump cooling (compared to using fuel oil to generate electricity).
Plate tectonics: principal elements

The modern concepts of plate tectonics were formulated rapidly into a working hypothesis in the early to middle 1960s. Elements of the modern paradigm had been proposed since the early part of this century, but the ideas were too revolutionary at that time and did not take hold for want of a unifying principle. Despite the supporting evidence for continental drift, it was not widely accepted as a viable tectonic model because it seemed mechanically impossible. Isostasy required a sialic continent to have a root, in contrast to the simatic ocean crust. Seismic-refraction observations confirmed the evidence from gravity that continental crust is commonly 35 to 50 km thick, whereas oceanic crust is generally only about 6 to 8 km thick. How could continents with such a deep keel plow through the rigid oceanic crust especially because granite is fundamentally weaker than basalt. Many Earth scientists were left in a quandary of apparently conflicting evidence. As recently as the middle 1960s, most universities dealt pedagogically with continental drift in the way that universities today deal with the expanding-Earth model. A tectonic mechanism, a dynamic model, was needed before a significant part of the geologic community would accept the geometric reconstructions and the various kinematic scenarios promoted by the advocates of continental drift.
Contraflow evacuation e-planning system for I-65 in Alabama

Contraflow on major evacuation routes is one approach that has been adopted in many Gulf Coast states for hurricane evacuation. The idea is to reverse one direction of the roadway to accommodate the often substantially increased travel demand moving away from the impact area. Efficient planning and operation is critical to a successful contraflow implementation. The purpose of this paper was to develop a decision support system for contraflow evacuation planning for use by the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT). User requirements were identified, and a literature review was conducted to determine applicable existing algorithms. A working prototype system was then constructed. The practical value of this paper is to provide state transportation officials with an effective computer-based tool for pre-planning and evaluating possible responses to such an event.
Protracted 'pro-addictive' phenotype produced in mice by pre-adolescent phenylpropanolamine.

For decades, the sympathomimetic phenylpropanolamine (PPA; 7-norepinephrine) was an active ingredient found in popular children’s over-the-counter (OTC) cold, cough, and allergy medications. To examine the possibility that pre-adolescent PPA exposure may induce neuroadaptations that influence behavioral and neurochemical responding to cocaine, C57BL/6J mice were pretreated with PPA (0– 40 mg/kg) during postnatal days 21–31. The behavioral and neurochemical responses to acute and repeated cocaine (4 � 15 mg/kg) were then assessed in adulthood when the mice were 10 weeks of age. Whereas pre-adolescent PPA exposure did not influence the acute locomotor response to 15 mg/kg cocaine, PPA pre-exposure dose-dependently enhanced the expression of cocaine-induced place conditioning, reduced the expression of locomotor sensitization, but did not influence cocaine-induced stereotypy. Pre-adolescent PPA exposure completely prevented the capacity of cocaine to elevate extracellular levels of catecholamines in the nucleus accumbens, but facilitated the development of cocaine-induced glutamate sensitization. Neither acute nor repeated cocaine altered extracellular GABA levels in the accumbens of control mice; however, 15 mg/kg cocaine lowered GABA levels by approximately 40% in PPA pretreated mice and this effect showed tolerance with repeated cocaine administration. These data provide the first evidence that early exposure to an OTC compound produces protracted effects upon cocaine-induced changes in nucleus accumbens neurotransmission that may contribute to a ‘pro-addictive’ phenotype in adulthood. Neuropsychopharmacology (2007) 32, 1760–1773; doi:10.1038/sj.npp.1301306; published online 24 January 2007
Size and Bandgap Control in the Solution-Phase Synthesis of Near-Infrared-Emitting Germanium Nanocrystals

We present a novel colloidal synthesis of alkyl-terminated Ge nanocrystals based on the reduction of GeI4/GeI2 mixtures. The size of the nanocrystals (2.3−11.3 nm) was controlled by adjusting both the Ge(IV)/Ge(II) ratio and the temperature ramp rate following reductant injection. The near-infrared absorption (1.6−0.70 eV) and corresponding band-edge emission demonstrate the highly tunable quantum confinement effects in Ge nanocrystals prepared using this mixed-valence precursor method. A mechanism is proposed for the observed size control, which relies upon the difference in reduction temperatures for Ge(II) versus Ge(IV).
The Effect of an Anti-idling Campaign on Indoor Aerosol at Urban Schools

ABSTRACTThe study objective was to examine how the changes in outdoor concentration of traffic-related aerosol at schools occurring due to an anti-idling campaign affect the indoor aerosol concentration. Four urban public schools featuring different average numbers of school buses and cars and located at different distances from major urban traffic arteries were selected in Cincinnati (Ohio, USA). For each school, the indoor and outdoor air monitoring was conducted before and after the implementation of anti-idling campaign. Additionally, the ambient air was monitored at four “community” sites representing the background aerosol. The PM2.5 samples were collected and subjected to gravimetric, carbon and elemental analysis. The outdoor concentrations of PM2.5 and its relevant elemental constituents were consistent with the data reported in previous studies. Following the anti-idling campaign, the outdoor concentration of most elements decreased at two schools although only a fraction showed statistically significant changes. After accounting for the background aerosol changes, the positive impact of the anti-idling campaign was demonstrated only for one school – with the most intense local traffic. For this school, reduction of the outdoor elemental concentrations was followed by a decrease in the corresponding indoor concentrations (R2 = 0.47, p < 0.05). The data suggests that in cases when traffic emission is the dominant pollution source in the school vicinity, the changes in outdoor air quality associated with the anti-idling campaign are capable of reducing the children exposure to traffic aerosols inside the schools.
Bis[(η5-cyclopentadienyl)tris(diethyl phosphito)-κ3P,P′,P′′-cobaltate(III)-κ3O,O′,O′′]cobalt(II)

The title compound [systematic name: bis(η5-cyclo­penta­dien­yl)hexa­kis(μ-diethyl phosphito)-1:2κ6P:O;2:3κ6O:P-tricobalt(II,III,III)], [Co3(C5H5)2(C4H10O3P)6], is a well known mixed-valence CoII/CoIII cluster, with inversion symmetry. Each CoIII atom is bonded to three P atoms and a η5-cyclo­penta­dienyl ring; the central CoII atom, lying on an inversion center, has six O-atom neighbors in an octa­hedral arrangement.
A Distributed Dynamic Model Based on the MSN Graphic Theory

Based on the location information and graph theory,a distributed sensor network model is introduced.The relationship between data transmission and fusion between nodes are described with the Delaunay triangulation.And the Voronoi diagrams are used in the description of the coverage region of nodes.With the model,the disadvantages of the existing location systems based on a fixed infrastructure can be overcome;and the self-development simulation experiments of the networks are done.The results are satisfactory.
Hidden failure,vulnerability and adaptability of relaying automations in large interconnected power systems

The market environment change and uncertain factor increase,especially the influence of several large-area blackouts and information technology progress,bring forward some new require-ments to relaying automations. Recent researches about automation informization focus on:develop-ment of the rapid synchronous supervisor,preventive control for improving dynamic security estimation,integration of substation cell information into EMS. The hidden failure,power system vulnerability and adaptive control regarding relaying automations are thus discussed,as well as system dynamic monitoring,predicting,protection and analysis.
Sexuality and physical disabilities.

Physical disabilities which produce physical handicaps are increasing in frequency. As many as 10% of the general adult population have a physical handicap (Finley, 1972). Types of handicaps include disabilities which have their onset at birth or in early life, those which have an abrupt onset after puberty, disabilities which have progressive courses and begin before puberty, and progressive disabilities which begin after puberty. Examples include arthritis, amputations, deformities, cerebral vascular disease, coronary heart disease, kidney failure and transplant, blindness, deafness, developmental disabilities, paralysis, and disfigurements. In spite of common belief to the contrary, many disabled people report that their disabilities do not alter their sexuality or libido (Richardson, 1972).
Patient Selection Criteria for Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair

Endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) is being increasingly applied as a less-invasive alternative to open surgical repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). It is an excellent treatment option for AAA when per formed on appropriately selected patients and with adequate preoperative plan ning. Recent trials have reported lower short-term operative mortality rates for EVAR than open surgical repair, but the long-term results of endograft repair are unknown. Preoperative planning and patient selection are essential for good short-term and long-term results and crucial to the successful widespread adoption of EVAR. A thorough understanding of the basic anatomic criteria for EVAR is essential before contemplating the procedure or selecting the ap propriate device. When assessing the arterial anatomy of a patient for potential EVAR, multiple factors need to be considered. These include the quality of ilio-femoral access, the proximal landing zone (infrarenal neck), the anatomy of the aneurysm itself, the anatomy of the distal aorta, and the distal landing zones (most commonly in the common iliac arteries but can be more distal, depending on the patient's pelvic anatomy). Anatomical assessment dictates the particular endograft most suitable, as each endograft design addresses dif ferent anatomical issues and may better accommodate an individual patient's aneurysm. A thorough understanding of these devices is also necessary before a sound clinical decision can be made about which device is the most appropri ate fit for a particular patient's aneurysm. Poor patient or endograft selection will inevitably lead to poor results and significant long-term complications.
Transfusion-transmitted viral hepatitis.

Various measures, such as laboratory screening of donors, use of washed red blood cells, passive immunization, and active immunization, can be implemented to prevent transfusion-transmitted viral hepatitis. The difficulties and benefits in using each of these procedures are explored.
The respiratory microbiome of HIV-infected individuals.

ABSTRACTIntroduction: The respiratory tract is constantly exposed to various environmental and endogenous microbes; however, unlike other similar mucosal surfaces, there has been limited investigation of the microbiome of the respiratory tract.Areas covered: In this review, we summarize the current state of knowledge of the bacterial, fungal, and viral respiratory microbiomes during HIV infection and how the microbiome might relate to HIV-associated lung disease.Expert commentary: HIV infection is associated with alterations in the respiratory microbiome. The clinical implications of lung microbial dysbiosis are however currently unknown. Mechanistic studies are needed to establish causality between shifts in the respiratory microbiome and pulmonary complications in HIV-infected individuals.
CD49d, Zap‐70, and CD38 Expression in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Zeta-chain (TCR) associated protein kinase 70kDa (Zap-70), and CD38 expression are predictors of IgVH mutation and prognosis in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Previous studies indicate that Za...
Best Practices for Implementation of Clinical Decision Support

Implementation of clinical decision support (CDS) is the process by which knowledge about appropriate practice is integrated with systems that are designed to influence provider behavior. We describe a systematic and replicable approach to implementation of knowledge that proceeds from knowledge synthesis that defines ideal care through a knowledge formalization phase in which that knowledge is transformed so it can be processed by computers. Next the knowledge is fitted to local needs, capabilities, and constraints. Finally, new knowledge gained from the implementation completes a feedback loop to inform future decision support activities.
Increased Amplitude of Thalamocortical Low-Frequency Oscillations in Patients with Migraine.

For many years, neurobiological theories have emphasized the importance of neuronal oscillations in the emergence of brain function. At the same time, clinical studies have shown that disturbances or irregularities in brain rhythms may relate to various common neurological conditions, including migraine. Increasing evidence suggests that the CNS plays a fundamental role in the predisposition to develop different forms of headache. Here, we present human imaging data that strongly support the presence of abnormal low-frequency oscillations (LFOs) in thalamocortical networks of patients in the interictal phase of migraine. Our results show that the main source of arrhythmic activity was localized to the higher-order thalamic relays of the medial dorsal nucleus. In addition, spontaneous LFOs in the thalamus were selectively associated with the headache attack frequency, meaning that the varying amplitude of dysrhythmia could predispose patients to recurrent attacks. Rhythmic cortical feedback to the thalamus is a major factor in the amplification of thalamocortical oscillations, making it a strong candidate for influencing neuronal excitability. We further speculate that the intrinsic dynamics of thalamocortical network oscillations are crucial for early sensory processing and therefore could underlie important pathophysiological processes involved in multisensory integration. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT In many cases, migraine attacks are thought to begin centrally. A major obstacle to studying intrinsic brain activity has been the identification of the precise anatomical structures and functional networks that are involved in migraine. Here, we present imaging data that strongly support the presence of abnormal low-frequency oscillations in thalamocortical networks of patients in the interictal phase of migraine. This arrhythmic activity was localized to the higher-order thalamic relays of the medial dorsal nucleus and was selectively associated with headache attack frequency. Rhythmic cortical feedback to the thalamus is a major factor in the amplification of thalamocortical oscillations, making it a strong candidate for influencing neuronal excitability and higher-level processes involved in multisensory integration.
Strongly stable rank and applications to matrix completion

We perform an in-depth study of strongly stable ranks of modules over a commutative ring. Here we define the strongly stable rank of a module to be the supremum of the stable ranks of its finitely ...
Qualitative Outcomes of Participation in Fishing Components of NOLS Courses

Numerous fishing education programs in the United States strive to impart hard skill development, as well as life values to youth. This study employs utilizing semi-structured interviewing techniques and means-end analysis to evaluate the effects of youth participation in fishing components of NOLS courses. Interviews were conducted over five years to study benefit retention across time. The fishing component led to thirteen consequences, most frequently to youth feeling a sense of fun and excitement, developing hard skills, and having a new experience/opportunity. In turn, these consequences led youth to a number of values, including transference of information learned or benefits to other areas of their lives, an increased self-respect/esteem/confidence, self-fulfillment, a sense of accomplishment, and self-awareness. These results provide educators and program managers with information to direct programming development for youth attainment and retention of specific participation outcomes.
Lenalidomide Enhances the Function of CS1 Chimeric Antigen Receptor Redirected-T Cells Against Multiple Myeloma

Abstract Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable malignancy of plasma cells even with great advances in treatment. Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) directed T cell therapy, which can specifically recognize tumor associated antigens and kill tumor cells in an MHC independent manner, is a promising approach for hematological malignancy. There are several candidate antigens for CAR T cell targeting of multiple myeloma, including BCMA and CS1. Our goal is to develop novel CARs for the treatment of MM and explore the potential benefits of combinatorial therapy of CAR T cells and immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) such as lenalidomide. In the present study, we redirected central memory T cells to express second-generation CARs specific for either CS1 or BCMA that incorporate CD28 signaling moieties. Central memory T cells were activated by CD3/CD28 bead stimulation, transduced with lentivirus encoding the CAR construct, and expanded ex vivo. The engineered and expanded CS1 and BCMA CAR T cells exhibited similar phenotypes and comparable in vitro effector function. However, once adoptively transferred into MM tumor-bearing NOD/Scid IL2RγCnull (NSG) mice by intravenous injection of 1x10^6 CAR T cells, CS1 CAR T cells exhibited superior antitumor activity over BCMA CART cells and significantly prolonged mouse survival (P Download : Download high-res image (180KB) Download : Download full-size image Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
What is the Best Pregnancy Rate that may be Expected from Vasectomy Reversal

Pregnancy rates after vasectomy reversal vary among different reporting surgeons. To study those patients who are most likely to achieve pregnancy after vasectomy reversal, and to eliminate the effect of variations in surgical technique and operative findings on surgical outcome, the pregnancy rate after vasectomy reversal was calculated in men who achieved completely and consistently normal postoperative semen analyses (sperm concentration 20 x 10(6)/ml. or more and sperm motility 50% or greater). Of 95 patients who met the study criteria 58 (61.1%) achieved pregnancy and 37 (30.9%) did not. Including an allowance for some patients who will achieve pregnancy beyond the study-followup, it is concluded that the maximum pregnancy probability for vasectomy reversal is approximately 67%. Failure to achieve pregnancy in approximately a third of the patients may be explained by partner infertility, epididymal dysfunction and sperm antibodies. Studies that report pregnancy chances in excess of two-thirds must have different patient demographics and/or different methods of statistical analysis.
Susto, Coraje, y Fatalismo: Cultural-Bound Beliefs and the Treatment of Diabetes Among Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Hispanics

Hispanics are disparately affected by diabetes. Treating socioeconomically disadvantaged Hispanics is challenging due to economic and cultural barriers. Health care providers must understand that cultural beliefs about medicine and disease may have an impact on how diabetes treatment is viewed. Concepts such as susto (fright), coraje (anger), and fatalismo (fatalism) are common cultural beliefs. If these beliefs are not well understood by the health care provider, recommendations for treatment are likely to be discarded. To dismantle cultural barriers between the patient and the health care provider, there are several strategies that a health care provider can implement. For instance, a health care provider must develop trust with the patient. The health care provider could also engage a family member or promotora or promotor (community health worker) in the conversation. Furthermore, if the cultural barriers are significant, the patient may be best served by receiving treatment from someone with a better understanding of his or her background. Thus, a referral may be appropriate.
Interventions for Social Skills

Social development is inextricably linked to a student’s school success and his or her long-term social acceptance and adjustment. While most children develop social skills by observing the real-life modeling of parents, siblings, extended family, and teachers, as well as daily interactions with their peers; children with behavioral problems often have not developed or do not satisfactorily demonstrate these important skills. In fact, inability to establish and maintain satisfactory peer and teacher relationships is a key defining characteristic of behaviorally disordered children—unfortunately resulting in profound implications throughout their lives. Many students with attention problems, oppositional or defiant behaviors, aggressive behaviors, or those who annoy and bother other students are disliked or rejected by their peers. In addition, students with learning disabilities, autistic disorders, or internalizing disorders are sometimes teased by peers and may have significant difficulties making and keeping friends.
Crown condition and nutrient status of red spruce (Picea rubens sarg.) in West Virginia

The appearance, foliar nutrient status, and soil nutrient availability were determined for 9 trees in each of 39 red spruce stands in West Viginia. Visual evaluation of crown conditions for all 351 trees sampled resulted in median values of 5% for discoloration and 10% for defoliation. The most common symptom of discoloration was needle chlorosis, found on the upper surface of collected branches. Defoliation generally occurred beginning with the older year-classes of needles and progressed outward toward the branch tips. The levels of discoloration and defoliation varied to such an extent among stands, plots, and trees within a plot that a single causal agent was not likely responsible for the observed symptoms. Foliar nutrient levels were compared to observed crown condition but were inconclusive in proving a definite relationship between crown condition and any individual nutrient; levels of foliar N and P were negatively correlated to defoliation, but not to discoloration or live crown ratio; yet, foliar K was negatively correlated to both discoloration and defoliation and positively correlated to live crown ration. While individual sample trees exhibited symptoms of reduced health and vigor, the majority of red spruce sampled during the course of this study appeared healthy.
Are there differences in parents’ preferences and search processes across preschool types? Evidence from Louisiana

Abstract A rising proportion of four-year-olds now attend formal, or center-based, early childhood education (ECE) programs. Formal settings, such as Head Start, public preschool, and subsidized child care centers vary significantly in regulation, funding, and service provision. As these differences may have substantial implications for child development and family well-being, understanding how parents search for and select formal programs is critical. Using data from a sample of low-income families with four-year-olds enrolled in publicly-funded programs, we examine whether parents' preferences for ECE and their search processes vary across formal ECE program types. We find little evidence of differences in preferences across preschool types but do find significant differences in parents' search processes. Parents with children in subsidized child care consider more options, consider their search more difficult, and are less likely to call their child's program their “first choice." Implications for policy and future research are discussed.
Application of the Permutation Group to Stereoisomer Generation for Computer Assisted Structure Elucidation

The purpose of this paper is to describe a recent effort to generate, classify, and enumerate the stereoisomers of all organic chemical structures consistent with a given empirical formula. The resulting theory is then converted into an algorithm which is programmed for a computer. The resulting program is used as an aid for computer assisted structure elucidation (1). The proper group theoretical formulation is the key to the solution of the problem and will be discussed here. Simply stated, the problem is to generate, classify and enumerate the possible stereoisomers for an organic chemical structure of defined constitution. (Constitution is the specification of the atoms in the molecule and their connectivity by bonds).
Weighing In: Rural Iowa Principals’ Perceptions of State-Mandated Teaching Evaluation Standards

As the accountability movement has gained momentum, policy makers and educators have strived to strike a difficult balance between the sometimes competing demands at the local, state, and federal levels. Efforts to improve accountability and teacher evaluation have taken an especially unique route in Iowa, where local control and resistance to state mandated curricular standards have been popular topics from the statehouse to the convenience store. This research explores principals’ impressions of Iowa’s state-mandated standards for best-practice teaching (as opposed to state mandated curricular standards). Further, the research examined the extent to which the Iowa Teaching Standards (ITS) and accompanying Iowa Evaluator Approval Training Program (IEATP) have impacted the way teacher evaluations are conducted in the state’s rural schools. Evidence indicates that most principals felt that ITS and the accompanying IEATP made them feel adequately or very well prepared to conduct teacher evaluations. In addition, 65% of respondents reported that IAETP had changed the way teachers are evaluated.
Heparinization for Routine Hemodialysis

Routine hemodialysis requires anticoagulation with heparin to prevent clotting in the extracorporeal circuit. Activated whole blood clotting times are used to measure the level of anticoagulation during dialysis. The magnitude of the clotting time obtained for a given level of heparin depends on the test used, and each dialysis unit must establish its own target range. The preferred dosage regimen for heparin is an initial loading dose, followed by a constant infusion. Dosage regimens based on intermittent boluses of heparin are associated with periods of under- and over-anticoagulation and require more staff attention during dialysis. Because patient responses to heparin differ markedly, the doses required to achieve suitable anticoagulation must be determined on an individual basis. The doses of heparin for an individual patient are best determined using a simple pharmacodynamic model, although they can be found empirically through trial and error. In spite of careful anticoagulation, an unsatisfactory outcome may still result. Patient-specific factors may be responsible for some of these adverse outcomes; however, in most cases they result from poor technique, including failure to deliver the prescribed dose of heparin, turbulence and foam formation in the extracorporeal circuit, and excessive access recirculation.
Race and the Extra-Legal Punishment of Professional Athletes

In recent years, major American sports teams and leagues have responded increasingly to players’ off-field, off-court wrongdoing by imposing extra-legal punishments (ELPs) on offending athletes. Th...
Indeterminate Truss Analysis

As was done in this chapter for beams, a kinematic analysis is necessary to calculate reactions of a statically indeterminate truss. This chapter will present the Williot-Mohr method of calculating nodal displacements. Initially kinematic analyses of statically determinate trusses will be presented. The Williot-Mohr method establishes the final displacement of all the nodes, not just a single node’s X or Y movement as is done with Virtual Work, and the Unit Load Method.
Sidelobe Leakage Reduction in Random Phase Diversity Radar Using Coherent CLEAN

Random pulse-to-pulse phase diversity provides the means to suppress range-ambiguous interference in medium-to-high pulse repetition frequency radar applications. However, Doppler filters used in random phase diversity processing tend to suffer from high average sidelobe levels. This paper shows how this problem can be addressed using Coherent CLEAN, a deconvolution algorithm originally developed to address the problem of sidelobe interference in sparse antenna arrays. In the context of random phase diversity, Coherent CLEAN can remove sidelobe leakage from the output of a random phase diversity Doppler filter bank or be applied more directly to disentangle returns from multiple range ambiguities. The algorithm is proposed as an effective and computationally efficient feasible alternative to iterative filter refinement or “worst-case” filter shaping for suppression of unexpected returns. Multiple modes of applying Coherent CLEAN are described and a new variation of the algorithm, simultaneous Coherent CLEAN, is introduced.
Global datasets of land surface state changes associated with the Madden-Julian Oscillation.

Abstract This data article reports the global datasets of land surface state changes including daily maximum and minimum temperature, diurnal temperature range, surface precipitation, snow cover, soil moisture and outgoing longwave radiation associated with the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO), which are related to the research article entitled “Variation of Global Diurnal Temperature Range Associated with the Madden-Julian Oscillation” published in the Journal of Atmospheric and Solar-Terrestrial Physics by Lin and Qian (2019). The changes of surface air temperature and diurnal temperature range are calculated from two datasets: the Berkeley surface air temperature and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center (CPC) surface air temperature. The change of surface precipitation is derived from the NOAA CPC daily surface precipitation. The change of snow cover is calculated from the MODIS satellite data. The change of soil moisture is derived from the European Space Agency combined satellite data. The change of outgoing longwave radiation is calculated from NOAA satellite measurements. All of the data are stored in separate netcdf files and deposited at PANGAEA. These datasets can be used as observational benchmarks for evaluating the MJO simulations in global climate models, and in studies of MJO's impacts on global physical systems, public health, and ecosystems.
Mechanisms associated with the variation in tenderness of meat from brahman and hereford cattle

To study possible mechanisms for differences in meat tenderness, 10 purebred Hereford and 10 American Grey Brahman steers were fed a typical feedlot diet and slaughtered when ultrasound measurements indicated that they had approximately 1 cm of fat thickness at the 12th rib. Longissimus muscle from Brahman cattle was less (P < .05) tender after 7, 14,21, 28 and 35 d postmortem than muscle from Hereford cattle, but muscle from Hereford cattle showed greater improvement in tenderness from 7 to 14 d postmortem than muscle from Brahman cattle (interaction P < .05). Cathepsin B or cathepsin B+L activities and the myofibrillar response to elevated ionic strength were not different between breeds, but both could be related to the postmortem increase in tenderness of both breeds. Calciumdependent protease activity, as modulated by calcium-dependent protease inhibitor, seems to play a major role in the inherent tenderness differences between breeds. (Key Words: Beef, Brahman, Ion Strength Effects. Proteases, Tenderness.) J. Anim. Sci. 1990. 68:42W220
The Impact of Race, Age, Gender, Income, and Level of Education on Motivations to Pursue Cosmetic Surgery and Surgeon Selection at an Academic Institution.

Background Aesthetic surgery is a personal choice that appeals to a wide population of individuals. The authors investigated how race and ethnicity, age, gender, income, and education level affect patient motivation to pursue cosmetic surgery and selection of a plastic surgeon. Methods One hundred seventy-two consecutive patients from two surgeons (an African American man and a Caucasian woman) completed surveys from 2016 to 2017 that assessed their decision to pursue cosmetic surgery. Univariable cumulative logit models with odds ratios and 95 percent confidence intervals were calculated with the survey data. Results African American patients were more likely to be willing to travel greater than 100 miles for a surgeon who shared the same ethnicity or race, to consider international surgery, to report that social standards did not influence their decision for surgery, and to view the buttocks as the female feature that best defines attractiveness within their race or ethnicity. Patients with incomes over $125,000 and those over the age of 50 years were more likely to seek a surgeon of the same gender, think a same-gender surgeon could provide better results, be influenced by societal standards to pursue surgery, and view the face as the defining attractive female feature within their race or ethnicity. Patients with college or graduate degrees were more likely to believe a gender- and racially concordant surgeon would provide them with better a result and believed societal standards were unrealistic to obtain with diet and exercise. Conclusions Plastic surgeons encounter patients of varying demographics, all of whom have differing perspectives about cosmetic surgery and motivations for its pursuit. Recognizing and defining these differences could enable surgeons to provide a more individualized cosmetic experience and inform future marketing strategies to attract a diverse patient population.
Role of Haemopoietic Growth Factors in Lymphoma Therapy

Recombinant haemopoietic growth factors are now well established in their efficacy as agents which can promote the growth and function of granulocytes and/or macrophages. These factors expand the number of dividing precursor cells and shorten the postmitotic maturation time of maturing granulocytes in the bone marrow. They have proved to be an important addition to the supportive care armamentarium in patients treated with myelosuppressive chemo-therapeutic agents. Pilot and phase II trials have shown that the recovery of maturing granulocytes is hastened following myelosuppression, especially after high-dose chemotherapy programmes [1–4]. The duration of severe neutropenia (≤1000 ANC x 109/I) is clearly shortened from 5.4 days to 1 day with conventional dose therapy and from 30 days to 16 days with high-dose therapy plus autologous bone marrow transplantation (ABMT). “Full” doses of chemotherapy appeared to be delivered on time; with high-dose therapy, shortened periods of hospitalization were seen. These growth factors were surprisingly well tolerated with G-CSF and recombinant (yeast) GM-CSF being the least toxic. Thus, they could be safely administered to the majority of patients without regard for serious organ toxicity. Mild fever or medullary bone pain may occur with G-CSF that can be controlled by analgesics. The recovery of platelets and red cells was not enhanced.
Decision regret, adverse outcomes, and treatment choice in men with localized prostate cancer: Results from a multi-site randomized trial

Abstract Introduction Men diagnosed with localized prostate cancer must navigate a highly preference-sensitive decision between treatment options with varying adverse outcome profiles. We evaluated whether use of a decision support tool previously shown to decrease decisional conflict also impacted the secondary outcome of post-treatment decision regret. Methods Participants were randomized to receive personalized decision support via the Personal Patient Profile-Prostate or usual care prior to a final treatment decision. Symptoms were measured just before randomization and 6 months later; decision regret was measured at 6 months along with records review to ascertain treatment choices. Regression modeling explored associations between baseline variables including race and D`Amico risk, study group, and 6-month variables regret, choice, and symptoms. Results At 6 months, 287 of 392 (73%) men returned questionnaires of which 257 (89%) had made a treatment choice. Of that group, 201 of 257 (78%) completely answered the regret scale. Regret was not significantly different between participants randomized to the P3P intervention compared to the control group (P = 0.360). In univariate analyses, we found that Black men, men with hormonal symptoms, and men with bowel symptoms reported significantly higher decision regret (all P Conclusion The Personal Patient Profile-Prostate decision support tool may be most beneficial in minimizing decisional regret for Black men considering treatment options for newly-diagnosed prostate cancer. Trial Registration NCT01844999
An Electronic Tool to Support Patient-Centered Broad Consent: A Multi-Arm Randomized Clinical Trial in Family Medicine.

PURPOSE Patients are frequently asked to share their personal health information. The objective of this study was to compare the effects on patient experiences of 3 electronic consent (e-consent) versions asking patients to share their health records for research. METHODS A multi-arm randomized controlled trial was conducted from November 2017 through November 2018. Adult patients (n = 734) were recruited from 4 family medicine clinics in Florida. Using a tablet computer, participants were randomized to (1) a standard e-consent (standard), (2) an e-consent containing standard information plus hyperlinks to additional interactive details (interactive), or (3) an e-consent containing standard information, interactive hyperlinks, and factual messages about data protections and researcher training (trust-enhanced). Satisfaction (1 to 5), subjective understanding (0 to 100), and other outcomes were measured immediately, at 1 week, and at 6 months. RESULTS A majority of participants (94%) consented to future uses of their health record information for research. No differences in study outcomes between versions were observed at immediate or 1-week follow-up. At 6-month follow-up, compared with the standard e-consent, participants who used the interactive e-consent reported greater satisfaction (B = 0.43; SE = 0.09; P <.001) and subjective understanding (B = 18.04; SE = 2.58; P <.001). At 6-month follow-up, compared with the interactive e-consent, participants who used the trust-enhanced e-consent reported greater satisfaction (B = 0.9; SE = 1.0; P <.001) and subjective understanding (B = 32.2; SE = 2.6, P <.001). CONCLUSIONS Patients who used e-consents with interactive research details and trust-enhancing messages reported higher satisfaction and understanding at 6-month follow-up. Research institutions should consider developing and further validating e-consents that interactively deliver information beyond that required by federal regulations, including facts that may enhance patient trust in research.
The Superhero Executive: Strategy Planning Through Adhocracy

An adhocratic approach to strategy planning is informal, unstructured, and emergent, and embraces experimentation and improvisation. The adhocratic strategy planning approach is popular with many startups and owner-operated small businesses. An adhocratic strategy process is founded on the notion that the routineness of the emergent implementation tasks and day-to-day implementation activities provide a stable, consistent, and repeatable framework for identifying and meeting strategic goals. Results from multiple peer-reviewed studies and original research show that adhocracies can tilt a company’s strategy toward unending experimentation and improvisation at the expense of creating predictability, stable systems, and internal processes that cater to systematically meeting the important needs of its customers. Therefore, an adhocratic strategy planning processes which tends to tilt heavily in favor of innovation, technology, product development, flexibility, and adaptability often tilts the company away from customers—with such companies satisfying only 2%–6% of their customers’ needs.
Using Step Counts to Prescribe Physical Activity: What Is the Optimal Dose?

ABSTRACT An activity goal of 10,000 steps per day is widely known but was not initially developed based on scientific evidence. The last several years have seen an increase in both the availability of consumer-based step counting devices and research examining the link between daily step counts and various health outcomes. Daily step counts are an intuitive metric of physical activity and are useful for goal-setting and motivating behavioral change. This article reviews the current evidence for daily step counts as related to common health conditions to determine activity goals to prescribe to patients, and also discusses factors to consider when counseling patients on physical activity.