cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Cultural Determinants of Strategic Bias in Conflict Resolution

We examine the impact of individuals’ religious and political affiliations on the conflict resolution strategies they employ. Participants in the U.S., Israel, and Qatar played the interactive computer game PeaceMaker (ImpactGames, 2006) with the objective of satisfying constituents on both sides of the Israel-Palestine conflict. We find a “reverse bias” favoring participants’ nonaffiliated side in the role of Israeli Prime Minister, but bias favoring one’s affiliated side when playing the role of Palestinian President. We interpret this difference in light of minoritymajority group membership, and deliberate assertion of in-group interests versus perspectivetaking of out-group interests. Finally, we discuss the potential of interactive computer games to study conflict resolution in other dynamic environments characterized by uncertainty and complex interdependencies.
Change is Good or the Disposition Effect Among Mutual Fund Managers

We document that mutual fund managers exhibit the disposition bias, or the tendency to hold on too long to poorly performing stocks. This bias arises because of the psychological unwillingness to admit past mistakes. We show that new fund managers, who are emotionally unattached to their predecessors' decisions, sell the momentum losers they have inherited more readily than continuing fund managers. They also sell more losers than winners, and this difference is higher than for continuing managers. The results are robust to various measures of trade and definitions of the control group. The effects are more pronounced when the outgoing manager is young, perhaps because new managers have less respect for the portfolio decisions of younger predecessors. Given that mutual funds hold a large fraction of the U.S. equity market, this finding may shed light on the origins of price momentum.
An approach to determining the Brinell hardness indentation diameter based on contact position

Significant differences in Brinell hardness results have been observed worldwide, largely due to the curved surface at the indentation edge making it difficult to measure its diameter. The indenter/material contact boundary under the test force should be the basis for the Brinell indentation diameter; however, the contact boundary cannot be observed using an optical microscope after the indenter is removed as is required by the test methods. Finite element analysis (FEA) models were used to develop a method to effectively determine the location of the indentation contact boundary after unloading, allowing the indentation diameter to be physically defined and measured.
Annamaria Viterbo: International Economic Law and Monetary Measures: Limitations to States’ Sovereignty and Dispute Settlement

Annamaria Viterbo’s book is a complete and relatively easy to read legal history of post-1944 international law as it pertains to the effective economic policy space of sovereign states. It is, the...
Ability of the Hessian Fly to Stunt Winter Wheat. 3. Gibberellic Acid and Elongation of Second and Third Leaves of Infested Plants

Three concentrations of gibberellic acid (GA3) were applied to the soil in pots of wheat, Triticum aestivum L., plants uninfested and infested with Mayetiola destructor (Say) for 11 consecutive days. Treatment of uninfested plants with GA3 caused greatly elongated 2nd and 3rd leaves, but treated plants infested with a mean of 14.4 Race B larvae per plant had stunted 3rd leaves, compared with 3rd leaves of treated uninfested plants. Also, when 2 concentrations of GA3 were applied to the soil in pots of plants infested with 1 Race B larva per plant for 11 consecutive days, the GA3 treatments prevented some of the stunting of the 2nd leaves of infested plants, compared with 2nd leaves of uninfested plants, but again failed to prevent stunting of the 3rd leaves. Therefore, the inhibition of growth caused by the Hessian fly probably does not involve a deficiency of gibberellin, since treatment with gibberellic acid did not prevent stunting of wheat plants by the larvae.
Controlling Nanorod Self-Assembly in Polymer Thin Films

The integration of functional polymers and semiconducting nanorods can lead to properties unattainable by either of the components independently. Elongated nanocrystals provide advantageous anisotropic physical properties which could be uniquely harnessed via integration into hybrid materials, if control over their orientation could be imposed. Controlling this orientation of anisotropic nanocrystals in polymer composites is challenging due to the presence of multiple interactions between the nanorods, polymer, and surfaces of the films. This study demonstrates a simple yet versatile method to obtain vertically aligned nanorod arrays in polymer composites over large areas. Comparison of systems consisting of rods of varying geometry and chemistry of ligand and/or polymer indicates that nanorod–nanorod interactions dominate the self-assembly behavior of the nanocrystals, while weak polymer–nanorod interactions can lead to independent co-self-assembly of each of the components in the system and allow for th...
Death analysis and mortality prediction in children under 5 from 2006 to 2012 in Zhabei District, Shanghai

[Objective] By the use of GM( 1,1) model to predict mortality trends of children under 5 years,on the basis of the analysis of cause of death in children under 5 from 2006 to 2012 in Zhabei District of Shanghai City. [Methods] Nearly 5 years of monitoring data were used for analysis of the cause of death,and the grey model( GM) was used to fit and predict mortality. [Results] The death of children under 5 was mainly infant death and the infant death was mainly newborns death from 2006 to 2012 in Zhabei District. During this five-year period,children mortality under 5 fluctuated from 3. 30‰ to 4. 98‰ and was slightly increased in 2010. The main cause of death in the neonatal period was birth asphyxia,accounting for 31. 82%. For infant period,The first cause was congenital anomaly,accounting for 30. 43% and the second cause was birth asphyxia,accounting for 20. 29%. The fitting effect of GM was fine and the predicted mortality of children under 5 years was 3. 88‰ in 2013. [Conclusion] Congenital anomalies,birth asphyxia and accident death seriously threaten the lives of children under 5 years. We must strengthen neonatal screening,neonatal accidental death education,thus effectively reducing the mortality of children under 5. The fitting effect of GM( 1,1) on mortality rate of children under 5 is good and can be applied for prediction.
Age at First Birth and Psychiatric Disorders in Low-Income Pregnant Women.

Abstract Background: Young maternal age at first birth has been associated with poor mental health. However, few studies directly compared the prevalence of psychiatric disorders among adolescent versus adult mothers at first birth using a comprehensive diagnostic tool. This study examined the association between age at first birth and 22 current and lifetime psychiatric disorders in a cohort of low-income pregnant women. Methods: The sample consisted of 744 low-income currently pregnant women who were Medicaid-eligible and enrolled in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in Saint Louis City and 5 rural counties in Southeastern Missouri. Current (previous 12 months) and lifetime psychiatric disorders were assessed using the Diagnostic Interview Schedule IV (DIS-IV). Logistic regression analyses tested the association between women's age at first birth and psychiatric disorders, controlling for potential confounders, including relative poverty. Results: When adj...
Afterload mismatch after transcatheter mitral valve repair with MitraClip for degenerative mitral regurgitation in acute cardiogenic shock

Acute afterload mismatch after surgery for mitral regurgitation (MR) with transient left ventricular dysfunction is well known, but not described after transcatheter mitral valve repair with MitraClip, except in functional MR and cardiomyopathy. MitraClip to manage acute severe MR and cardiogenic shock has also been rarely reported. We report here a 77-year-old female who presented with acute severe degenerative MR from a flail posterior leaflet, with cardiogenic shock requiring intra-aortic balloon pump support. She was medically stabilized and underwent successful MitraClip repair with mild residual MR, but developed acute afterload mismatch and severe left ventricular dysfunction and shock 24 hr after her procedure. Patient was medically managed with intra-aortic balloon pump and inotropic support. She subsequently fully recovered with normal ventricular function and was discharged after 14 days. Patient remained asymptomatic in NYHA I functional class 9 months after MitraClip repair, with mild residual MR and normal ventricular function. MitraClip repair in patients with acute severe degenerative MR and cardiogenic shock is a less invasive and potentially safer alternative to open surgery, but acute afterload mismatch may occur and requires prompt diagnosis and management for a successful outcome. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluation of Multivalent Cation Insertion in Single- and Double-Layered Polymorphs of V2O5

Multivalent intercalation batteries have the potential to circumvent several fundamental limitations of reigning Li-ion technologies. Such batteries will potentially deliver high volumetric energy densities, be safer to operate, and rely on materials that are much more abundant than Li in the Earth’s crust. The design of intercalation cathodes for such batteries requires consideration of thermodynamic aspects such as structural distortions and energetics as well as kinetic aspects such as barriers to the diffusion of cations. The layered α-V2O5 system is a canonical intercalation host for Li-ions but does not perform nearly as well for multivalent cation insertion. However, the rich V–O phase diagram provides access to numerous metastable polymorphs that hold much greater promise for multivalent cation intercalation. In this article, we explore multivalent cation insertion in three metastable polymorphs, γ′, δ′, and ρ′ phases of V2O5, using density functional theory calculations. The calculations allow fo...
De Aphrodisio expugnato: The Siege of Mahdia in the Habsburg Imaginary

In the summer of 1550, Habsburg forces from Genoa, Naples, and Sicily defeated the Ottoman corsair Dragut Rais at Mahdia, the Tunisian city also known as Africa (ancient Aphrodisium). Illustrated pamphlets, letters, and maps immediately began to circulate the news throughout Italy, often associating Mahdia with Charles V’s 1535 victory at Tunis. Some published maps include troops that contemporary viewers were likely to have identified as «mori amici». In Palermo, the Viceroy of Sicily commissioned the Porta d’Africa to celebrate his role in the Mahdia campaign. But its relief sculptures, representing two European soldiers and a Turk, invited viewers to forget that allied Arab troops from Tunis and Kairouan had taken part in the battle. Nell’estate del 1550, truppe degli Asburgo provenienti da Genova, Napoli e dalla Sicilia sconfissero il corsaro ottomano Dragut Rais a Mahdia, la citta tunisina chiamata anche Africa (l’antica Aphrodisium ). Opuscoli illustrati, lettere e mappe iniziarono subito a far circolare questa notizia per tutta l’Italia, spesso associando la battaglia di Mahdia con la vittoria di Carlo V a Tunisi nel 1531. Alcune delle mappe pubblicate mostrano delle truppe che gli spettatori contemporanei avrebbero probabilmente identificato come «mori amici». Ma, a Palermo, il vicere della Sicilia commissiono la Porta d’Africa per celebrare il suo ruolo nella campagna militare di Mahdia. Tuttavia questi rilievi, che raffigurano due soldati europei ed un turco, portano gli spettatori a dimenticare che anche le truppe arabe alleate da Tunisi e Kairouan parteciparono alla battaglia.
Evaluation and Management of Bacterial and Fungal Infections in Patients with a Hematological Malignancy: A 2018 Update

Bacterial and fungal infections continue to be an unwelcome complication of the treatment of patients with hematological malignancies despite much progress in the oncologic management in recent years. Some new treatment advances and modalities have offered hope to entire new patient populations, but have also opened the door for opportunistic and invasive organisms. Developments in antimicrobial agents, diagnostic methods, and infection control practices have unfortunately not been able to keep up with rapid developments in oncologic therapies nor antimicrobial resistance. Understanding and control of risk factors for antineoplastic therapy-associated immune-suppression, antimicrobial mechanisms and effects, and changing microbial characteristics are key factors to prevention and treatment of bacterial and fungal infection in this complex patient population. This chapter aims to provide a solid understanding of all these principles and factors to enable educated decision-making, considering guidelines and evidence when these exist, and rational recommendations when evidence is lacking for a particular topic.
Transmission Electron Microscopy Study of Listeria monocytogenes Treated with Nisin in Combination with either Grape Seed or Green Tea Extract

The objective of this study was to use transmission electron microscopy to investigate the morphological changes that occurred in Listeria monocytogenes cells treated with grape seed extract (GSE), green tea extract (GTE), nisin, and combinations of nisin with either GSE or GTE. The test solutions were prepared with (i) 1% GSE, 1% GTE, 6,400 IU of nisin, and the combination of these dilutions with nisin or with (ii) the pure major phenolic constituents of GSE (0.02% epicatechin plus 0.02% catechin) or GTE (0.02% epicatechin plus 0.02% caffeic acid) and their combinations with 6,400 IU of nisin in tryptic soy broth with 0.6% yeast extract (TSBYE). Test solutions were inoculated with L. monocytogenes at approximately 10(6) CFU/ml and incubated for 3 or 24 h at 37 degrees C. After 3 h of incubation, cells were harvested and evaluated under a transmission electron microscope (JEOL-100 CX) operating at 80 kV (50,000X). Microscopic examination revealed an altered cell membrane and condensed cytoplasm when L. monocytogenes cells were exposed to a combination of nisin with either GSE or GTE or to pure compounds of the major phenolic constituents in combination. After 24 h of incubation at 37 degrees C, the combinations of nisin with GSE and nisin with GTE reduced the L. monocytogenes population to undetectable levels and 3.7 log CFU/ml, respectively. These observations indicate that the combination of nisin with either GSE or GTE had a synergistic effect, and the combinations of nisin with the major phenolic constituents were most likely associated with the L. monocytogenes cell damage during inactivation in TSBYE at 37 degrees C.
Cholesterol Synthesis and Regulation

Cholesterol is a critical component of eukaryotic cell membranes and a precursor of steroid hormones, oxysterols, and bile acids that have important roles in cell signaling and/or lipid absorption. In addition, intermediates in the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway are diverted to the synthesis of diverse polyisoprenoids that have important functions in the cell. Thus, it is not surprising that the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway is highly regulated. Drugs, collectively called statins, that inhibit the rate-limiting enzyme of cholesterol synthesis, have been shown to both reduce plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and impair the progression of atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease.
Optimizing Bioassay Use in Environmental Management through Test System Selection

Bioassays, the use of a living system to test or assay an effect or response, are finding expanding use in environmental management. Testing procedures have become standardized and new technologies support development of biosensors with the sensitivity and accuracy needed for routine application in monitoring and assessment programs. While new methods allow more accurate and sensitive detection of biological response, if response measurement is not connected with an environmental or ecological consequence, testing may have little use in management or regulation. It is possible to optimize bioassay use in environmental management by following study design assurance procedures that carefully select testing procedures and batteries of tests to meet defined objectives. This paper first reviews procedures for selecting measurement metrics for wastewater treatment process control and environmental assessment. Test systems are suggested that optimize bioassay use in the management of complex environmental systems. For example, an ecological paradigm can be applied to wastewater treatment processes as well as receiving water ecosystems. This paradigm considers both the structure and function of the system in selection of measurement metrics and test batteries in the development of a test system. Examples are provided that demonstrate how optimal bioassay use can lead to improved environmental management.
Distal triceps transosseous cruciate versus suture anchor repair using equal constructs: a biomechanical comparison.

Background/hypothesis Suture anchor–based repair has been advocated for repair of distal triceps avulsion, but previous models have used an unequal number of sutures across the repair site. We hypothesized that there would be no difference in triceps tendon displacement between gold standard repair with transosseous cruciate bone tunnels and suture anchor repair with an equal number of sutures in the constructs. Methods The triceps tendon footprint was measured in 20 cadaveric elbows (10 matched pairs), and a distal triceps tendon rupture was created. The specimens in each pair were randomly assigned to transosseous cruciate repair or knotless, double-row, anatomic footprint, suture anchor repair. Specimens underwent cyclic loading to 1500 cycles and then load to failure. Footprint uncoverage was measured at 1500 cycles. Data for medial and lateral triceps tendon displacement, footprint uncoverage, and failure load were obtained. Results Triceps displacement did not differ significantly between the transosseous cruciate and the suture anchor repair group at 1500 cycles on the medial (3.6 ± 0.9 mm vs. 4.3 ± 1.6 mm [mean ± standard deviation], respectively; P = .27) and lateral side (3.1 ± 1.2 mm vs. 2.0 ± 1.2 mm, respectively; P = .06). No other differences were found between the constructs. Discussion/Conclusion Transosseous cruciate distal triceps repair and knotless double-row suture anchor repair using constructs with an equal number of sutures showed no significant difference in tendon displacement at 1500 loading cycles. These findings suggest that the biomechanical strength of an all-suture construct is not different from that of suture anchors for repair of distal triceps avulsions.
Time- Domain Adaptive Harmonic Control for Sinusoidal Disturbances Rejection

We present two time-domain feedback control algorithms for rejection of known-frequency sinusoidal disturbances that act on an asymptotically stable linear time-invariant (LTI) system. The first algorithm is time-domain harmonic control (TDHC), which is effective for uncertain LTI systems. However, TDHC requires an estimate of the control-to-performance transfer function evaluated at the disturbance frequency. The second algorithm is time-domain adaptive harmonic control (TDAHC), which is effective for completely unknown LTI systems. We analyze the stability and performance of TDHC and TDAHC for the case where there is a single performance measurement. For both TDHC and TDAHC, we show that the controller asymptotically rejects the disturbance. We also present numerical simulations comparing TDHC and TDAHC with higher-harmonic control, which is an existing sinusoidal disturbance rejection method.
A Multi-Sensor Next-Best-View Framework for Geometric Model-Based Robotics Applications

Geometric models are crucial for many robotics applications. Current robotic 3D reconstruction systems only focus on specific reconstruction goals which make them hard to adapt to different tasks. In this paper we present a next-best-view framework which allows robots to construct a geometric model incrementally through consecutive sensing actions. Instead of limiting the type and total number of sensors, in each sensing step we evaluate actions from all available sensors and pick the best to execute. Our framework is more comprehensive since the model building process can be designed to best accomplish different tasks. The system has been demonstrated in two experiments on 3D reconstruction and weld seam inspection, yielding promising results.
Conclusion: The Phoenix of Abolition

By the late 1950s, various African District Councils in Central and Nyanza Province began to pressure the administration to abolish communal labor or to allow commutation of the work with a cash payment. In some areas, the administration officers relented to a degree and agreed to unofficially terminate communal labor but retain the legal framework of communal labor. In other areas the ADCs were able to negotiate trial runs of commutation. Following independence, the newly independent Republic of Kenya temporarily retained communal labor, along with the penalties for noncompliance. Eventually, Kenya state began to champion self-reliance as a means of development. Under the mantra of self-reliance, communal labor was reborn as harambee or pulling together.
Application of Fan-Out Panel Level Packaging Techniques for Flexible Hybrid Electronics Systems

Flexible Hybrid Electronics (FHE) is in the limelight for next generation electronics, it has good potential for further development as the priority areas for focused study, not only can it create new products, but also meet the needs of flexible, bendable, and stretchable characteristics. Furthermore, FHE brings new business opportunities to the semiconductor industry, and it has niche growth potential in the fields of healthcare, aviation, soft robotics and Internet of Things (IoT). Fan-out panel-level packaging (FOPLP) technology have the advantages of thinner packaging, good heat dissipation and high electrical performance. In this paper, the RDL-first FOPLP techniques is adopted to develop the FHE systems with ITRI's core technologies, i.e., FlexUPTM and mechanical de-bonding. With ITRI's FlexUPTM and flexible display technology, the related problems can be overcame such as broken circuit and poor electrical performance, which were caused by bending and stretching the circuit of the RDL substrate. The results showed that ITRI's core technology could meet the demand of FHE systems. It also provide a solution to solve the contradiction between the characteristics of the rigid structure and flexible requirements.
Thyroid Lobectomy for T1b-T2 Papillary Thyroid Cancer with High-Risk Features.

Background Thyroid lobectomy (TL) has been proposed as definitive surgical treatment for papillary thyroid cancers (PTC) up to 4 cm. This study evaluates the use and appropriateness of TL for T1b and T2 PTC. Study Design The National Cancer Database was interrogated for adult patients having TL for T1b-T2 PTC between 2004 and 2014. Patients who should have undergone total thyroidectomy (TT) instead of lobectomy based on high-risk tumor features were identified. The 2 groups were compared for clinical and demographic characteristics, and overall survival. Results Of 8,083 patients undergoing lobectomy, 1,552 patients had high-risk features and should have undergone TT. These included 194 with cN1, 571 with pN1, 307 with lymphovascular invasion (LVI), 645 with extra thyroidal extension (ETE), 567 with positive margins, 42 with poorly differentiated PTC, and 25 with M1 disease. At 10 years of follow-up, 92.4% of appropriate lobectomy (aTL) patients were alive compared with 88.5% of inappropriate lobectomy (iTL) patients (p 2 cm were associated with poorer survival (all p Conclusions A substantial number of patients (19.2%) with tumor size >1 cm and high-risk features undergo thyroid lobectomy for PTC. Exclusion of high-risk features is important when adopting lobectomy as the definitive surgical therapy for T1b and T2 PTC because they have a potential adverse effect on long-term survival.
The Phenomenology of Acute Anosognosia for Hemiplegia.

Objective:After attempting to move a plegic limb, patients with anosognosia for hemiplegia (AHP) may claim that limb movement occurred, even though the limb remained motionless. The authors investi...
The efficacy of a technology-based information and coaching/support program on pain and symptoms in Asian American survivors of breast cancer

Background Pain is a common problem, especially in the first few years of breast cancer survivorship. Asian American survivors of breast cancer reportedly have inadequate cancer pain management, and subsequently report a lower quality of life compared with other racial/ethnic groups. Technology-based programs could improve the cancer pain management process. The purpose of the current study was to examine the efficacy of a technology-based information and coaching/support program on cancer pain and its accompanying symptoms among Asian American survivors of breast cancer. Methods The current study adopted a randomized pretest/posttest group design. The sample included 115 Asian American survivors of breast cancer (49 in the control group and 66 in the intervention group). The participants' background features, pain (frequency and distress), accompanying symptom distress (global, physical, and psychological), and 4 theory-based mediators (attitude, self-efficacy, perceived barriers, and social influence) were measured using multiple instruments at 3 time points (pretest, after 1 month, and after 3 months). The current study used an intent-to-treat approach and conducted linear mixed model growth curve analyses. Results There were significant decreases noted in all outcome variables, including pain and symptoms over time in both groups. There were greater decreases in physical symptom distress scores among the intervention group compared with the control group (P = .0229). The mediators as a whole significantly explained overall decreases in general, physical, and psychological symptom distress scores after 3 months in both groups and the intervention group's greater decreases in general, physical, and psychological symptom distress scores after 1 month. Conclusions The technology-based program described herein could help to reduce cancer pain and its accompanying symptoms among Asian American survivors of breast cancer.
Surfactant dynamics: hidden variables controlling fluid flows

Surfactants - molecules and particles that preferentially adsorb to fluid interfaces - play a ubiquitous role in the fluids of industry, of nature, and of life. Since most surfactants cannot be seen directly, their behavior must be inferred from their impact on observed flows, like the buoyant rise of a bubble, or the thickness of a coating film. In so doing, however, a difficulty arises: physically distinct surfactant processes can affect measurable flows in qualitatively identical ways, raising the specter of confusion or even misinterpretation. This Perspective describes, in one coherent piece, both the equilibrium properties and dynamic processes of surfactants, to better enable the fluid mechanics community to understand, interpret, and design surfactant/fluid systems. Specifically, §2 treats the equilibrium thermodynamics of surfactants at interfaces, including surface pressure, isotherms of soluble and insoluble surfactants, and surface dilatational moduli (Gibbs and Marangoni). §3 describes surfactant dynamics in fluid systems, including surfactant transport and interfacial stress boundary conditions, the competition between surface diffusion, advection, and adsorption/desorption, Marangoni stresses and flows, and surface excess rheology. §4 discusses paradigmatic problems from fluid mechanics that are impacted by surfactants, including translating drops and bubbles, surfactant adsorption to clean and oscillating interfaces; capillary wave damping, thin film dynamics, foam drainage, and the dynamics of particles and probes at surfactant-laden interfaces. Finally, §5 discusses the additional richness and complexity that frequently arise in 'real' surfactants, including phase transitions, phase coexistence, and polycrystalline phases within surfactant monolayers, and their impact on non-Newtonian surface rheology.
Chapter 264 – Vitellogenesis

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the vitellogenesis, the process by which yolk accumulates in the cytoplasm of an ovarian oocyte. It is one of the final stages of egg formation, occurring just prior to deposition of the chorian. Before vitellogenesis can begin, the female fat body must transform from a tissue that supports molting, metamorphosis, and intermolt metabolism to one that can secrete vitellogenin and other yolk precursors. In many insects, juvenile hormone secreted by the corpora allata stimulates the fat body of adult females to initiate the synthesis of vitellogenin. It may also promote patency of the follicle cells, hence making vitellogenin in the hemolymph available to the oocyte for endocytosis. Juvenile hormone, whose power as an inhibitor of metamorphosis requires that its secretion be reduced during pupation and adult development, has thus evolved new kinds of role in adults: it has become an effector of the neuroendocrine networks that synchronize vitellogenesis with feeding, the photoperiod, and mating. Variations occur on this theme. In species such as stick insects, and native and domestic species of silk moths that complete egg formation during adult development, juvenile hormone is not required for vitellogenesis.
Economics for (and by) humans

This essay discusses the nature of, and challenges for, social economics. It begins by exploring how social economics differs from mainstream economics in its goals, definition, and models, and bri...
The Role of Orientation Programs to Prepare Students for Online Learning: A Case Study From an Executive MPH Program:

The coronavirus pandemic has caused many colleges and universities throughout the United States to pivot from in-person teaching to distance-based instruction, and while this form of education offe...
Lost in Translation: The Role of Interpreters on Labor and Delivery

During the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, in-person interpreters have been deemed "nonessential," and thus eliminated to minimize viral exposure and conserve personal protective equipment. Considering alarming patterns of interpreter underuse, we evaluate how substitution for remote modalities (telephone or video) may exacerbate existing inequalities for patients with limited English proficiency. The inherent intimacy, dynamic physicality, and cultural nuances of labor and delivery pose unique communication challenges. Using clinical scenarios, we illustrate the vital role interpreters have in providing accessible obstetric care. We argue that eliminating in-person interpreters in this setting is not justified by COVID-related harms given the potential to exacerbate underlying health disparities.
Addressing the curse of dimensionality in stochastic dynamics: a Wiener path integral variational formulation with free boundaries.

A Wiener path integral variational formulation with free boundaries is developed for determining the stochastic response of high-dimensional nonlinear dynamical systems in a computationally efficie...
Variable Selection for Global Fréchet Regression

Global Frechet regression is an extension of linear regression to cover more general types of responses, such as distributions, networks, and manifolds, which are becoming more prevalent. In such m...
λ Integrase and the λ Int Family

This chapter starts with Allan Campbell’s insightful proposal for the pathway by which the chromosome of bacteriophage λ is integrated into and excised from the chromosome of its Escherichia coli host. The chapter discusses different levels of λ Int family complexity. There are presently four classes of integron integrases, IntI1 to -4, sharing approximately 50% identity. In contrast to the IntI1 integrase, which has not suggested any striking deviations from its cousins, the integron recombination targets, attI1 and attC, present several new variations on λ Int family themes. Recombination between att sites with identical 7-bp spacer regions is not any more efficient than that for two sites differing at five positions. Recent evidence suggests that λ Int may have gone even further in evolving a dependence on arm binding. Whereas full Int binds very poorly to core-type DNA sites, C65 (lacking the N-terminal domain) binds very well. The amino acid and nucleotide residues responsible for distinction have been variously identified by genetic selections, construction of chimeric integrases (via recombination or site-directed mutagenesis), and alteration of core sites. Superimposing the crystal structure of the catalytic domain of vaccinia virus topoisomerase on the coordinates of the previously reported HP1 and Cre recombinase structures, it is apparent that the order and topology of the secondary and tertiary structural elements are strikingly similar. A unified topological mechanism of site-specific recombination by λ integrase family members has remained elusive until fairly recently, in contrast to the well-characterized mechanisms for several enzymes of the resolvase/invertase family.
An analysis of work environments and operations in hot and humid areas.

Crews on tankers traveling and hauling cargo on the lower reaches of the Mississippi River during the hot and humid (H&H) summer season face various occupational safety and ergonomics problems. Evaluation of medical data reveals that a large number of the crewmembers experience job related injuries, diseases, disorders, and exhaustion as a result of adverse environmental conditions (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health [NIOSH], 1993). The accidents and injuries that occurred were characterized and then analysis was used to recommend constructive remedies and solutions. The results were also used to design and develop better work environments on the tankers and in the general industry. In H&H conditions, the body's chemical reactions constantly change in order to maintain the best possible reaction to changing environments. This chemical reaction increases blood flow to the skin through sweating. Body metabolism stabilizes body temperature through muscular work and convection, evaporation and radiation remove heat. Language: en
Common Dental and Periodontal Diseases : Evaluation and Management

Physicians may encounter patients with dental and periodontal diseases in the context of outpatient medical practice. It is important for physicians to be aware of common dental and periodontal conditions and be able to assess for the presence and severity of these diseases. This article reviews common dental and periodontal conditions, their cardinal signs and symptoms, outpatient-setting assessment techniques, as well as common methods of treatment. Physicians detecting gross abnormalities on clinical examination should refer the patient to a dentist for further evaluation and management.
Regularized Single Index Quantile Regression Model

This article proposes a new approach for variable selection in the single index quantile regression model. Compared to existing methods, the new approach produce sparse solutions for the index vector. Performance of the new method is enhanced by a fully adaptive penalty function. Finite sample performance is studied through a simulation study that compares the proposed method with existing work under several criteria. A data analysis is given which highlights the usefulness of the proposed methodology.
Reversible High-Grade Atrioventricular Block Associated With Cocaine Use

A woman in her 50s with a history of intravenous drug use and hepatitis C was admitted with a diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia. Physical examination demonstrated violaceous plaques on her ears, fingertips, hands, elbows, and ankles. She reported recent injection use of cocaine, 2 days prior to admission. Urine toxicologic analysis detected cocaine, opiates, and amphetamines, and extended testing results were positive for levamisole. Antinuclear antibodies were present at a titer of 1:40, and both antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCAs) (antiproteinase 3 at 63.5 chemiluminescence [CU] units [reference, <20 CU]) and antimyeloperoxidase antibodies (31.1 CU [reference, <20 CU]) were present. Punch biopsy of an arm lesion demonstrated a leukocytoclastic vasculitis with small-vessel thrombosis, consistent with levamisole-associated vasculitis. On her second hospital day, she was noted to have an irregular heart rhythm on telemetry, and 12-lead telemetry electrocardiograms (ECGs) were reviewed (Figure 1 and Figure 2). Question:What was the heart rhythm during the episode?
An environmental intervention to reduce dietary fat in school lunches.

Objective. To determine whether making a low-fat entree available as one of two choices in an elementary school lunch program would reduce the fat content of meals selected by children. Design. In this before-after trial, students had a daily choice between two entrees, one of which was sometimes low-fat. For 93% of school days during 14 consecutive school months, daily entree choices were recorded for 619976 student meals. The fat content of entrees was assessed with a computerized nutrient database supplemented by food manufacturer9s data. Setting. Sixteen elementary schools in the Bellevue (Washington) School District. Participants. The number of students eating school lunch averaged 2440 per day, of whom 25% were less than 185% of poverty. Intervention. After a baseline period of 6 months, the intervention increased the number of days per month when one of the two entrees had 30% or fewer calories from fat. Main outcome measures. Data for the entire district were combined to estimate for each month the percent of students who selected low-fat entrees and the percent of calories from fat in the average meal selected by students. Results. During the 6 months before the intervention, a low-fat entree was available on 23% of days; it was selected by 39% of students; and the average meal selected by students had 36% of calories from fat. By the end of the 8-month intervention, a low-fat option was available on 71% of days; it was selected by 29% of students; and the fat content of the average meal dropped from 36% to 30% of calories from fat (P = .02). Conclusions. In this school district, many students, given the choice, selected low-fat entrees. Recommendations for dietary fat were met simply by the environmental intervention of increasing the availability of low-fat foods. Pediatrics 1993;91:1107-1111; child nutrition, food preferences, diet surveys, schools, dietary fat, child, nutrition.
Excess noise in optical pulses in non-Hermitian mode-locked laser systems

Summary form only given. We present a comprehensive fully quantum mechanical model, with self-consistent numerical simulations, for the noise in optical pulses in both linear and non-linear (including dynamic gain/loss saturation) mode-locked laser systems in which the time evolution operator for the pulse fluctuations is not Hermitian. Our results show that the excess noise factor can be quite large. In semiconductor mode-locked lasers this factor can exceed 10 for the mean square timing and frequency noise. We construct quantum mechanical operators for the pulse photon number, phase, frequency and timing fluctuations, and show that in non-Hermitian systems these fluctuation operators have first order contributions from eigen-modes of all order. This is a novel result since in Hermitian mode-locked systems to first order only the first two eigen-modes contribute to these fluctuation operators. We also show that the spectra of the pulse energy and timing fluctuations obtained by measuring the spectrum of the photo-detector current noise are exactly the spectra of the energy and timing fluctuation operators that we construct, and contain significant contributions from higher order eigen-modes.
Quinone induced stimulation of hexose monophosphate shunt activity in the guinea pig lens: role of zeta-crystallin

Abstract The response of the hexose monophosphate shunt (HMS) in organ-cultured guinea pig lens to 1,2-naphthoquinone and 5-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone (juglone)_has been investigated. Both these compounds, which are substrates of guinea pig lens zeta-crystallin (NADPH:quinone oxidoreductase), were found to cause increases in the rate of 14CO2 production from 1-14C-labelled glucose. Exposure of lenses to 15 μM 1,2-naphthoquinone or 20 μM juglone yielded 5.9- and 7-fold stimulation of HMS activity, respectively. Unlike hydrogen peroxide-induced sitmulation of HMS activity, these effects were not abolished by preincubation with the glutathione reductase inhibitor, 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1 nitrosourea (BCNU). While hydrogen peroxide produced substantial decrements in lens glutathione (GSH) levels, incubation with quinones was not associated with a similar reduction in GSH concentration. Protein-bound NADPH content in quinone-exposed guinea pig lenses was decreased, with a concomitant increase in the amounts of free NADP+. This finding supported the involvement of zeta-crystallin bound NADPH in the in vivo enzymic reduction of quinones. Hydrogen peroxide, on the other hand, caused decreases in the level of free NADPH alone, serving to confirm our earlier inference that quinone stimulated increases in the guinea pig lens HMS could be mediated through zeta-crystallin NADPH:quinone oxidoreductase activity.
Langmuir circulation within the oceanic mixed layer

Abstract The three-dimensional flow in the mixed layer associated with Langmuir circulation was studied with a new instrument capable of directly measuring the three components of v velocity. Regions of convergent surface flow were located with surface drifters. In these regions the downward vertical and downwind horizontal components of the flow were comparable in size and, at times, in excess of 20 cm s−1. This downwind, dowmwelling flow was jet-like in structure, with the maximum velocity located below the surface. Away from the downwelling regions and in the lower half of the mixed layer below the convergence zones, the flow associated with the Langmuir cells was an order of magnitude smaller and not well resolved in these experiments. On some occasions, when Langmuir cells appeared suddenly, they were able to mix the weak nearsurface stratification that had formed in response to diurnal heating. They could also maintain large shears in the well-mixed fluid near the surface. They did not, however, penetrate with strength to the base of relict mixed layers observed during summer-like conditions or to the base of deeper, more isothermal, mixed layers observed during stormy conditions.
Sexual self views of women with disabilities: The relationship among age-of-onset, nature of disability and sexual self-esteem

The sexual self-esteen of 43 women with mobility impairments was examined on the basis of age-of-onset and nature (fluctuating versus stable health conditions) of disability. Based on past literature, it was hypothesized that women with earlier age-of-onset disabilities would report lower positive levels of sexual self-esteem compared to women with later age-of-onset disabilities. Subjects were acquired through two computer on-line services, two large urban universities, and nationally based disability-related organizations. A hierarchical multiple regression indicated that as age-of-onset of disability increased (i.e. the disability occurred later in life), positive sexual self-esteem decreased significantly. Future research should acquire participants from residential institutions other than rehabilitation facilities and those who remain at home. The necessity of creating psychological scales and tools applicable to this population is discussed.
Nanoparticles for multimodal in vivo imaging in nanomedicine

While nanoparticles are usually designed for targeted drug delivery, they can also simultaneously provide diagnostic information by a variety of in vivo imaging methods. These diagnostic capabilities make use of specific properties of nanoparticle core materials. Near-infrared fluorescent probes provide optical detection of cells targeted by real-time nanoparticle-distribution studies within the organ compartments of live, anesthetized animals. By combining different imaging modalities, we can start with deep-body imaging by magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography, and by using optical imaging, get down to the resolution required for real-time fluorescence-guided surgery.
Posttransplant diabetes mellitus after kidney transplantation with different immunosuppressive agents.

Posttransplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) is a disturbing side effect of immunosuppression. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different immunosuppressive agents on the development of PTDM in renal transplant recipients (KTx). The incidence of PTDM was evaluated in 538 consecutive KTx. Baseline immunosuppression was azathioprine (AZA), cyclosporine (CSA), or tacrolimus (TAC), or sirolimus in combination with calcineurin inhibitors (SIR). All patients received steroids for both induction and maintenance therapy during the first 6 months posttransplantation. Mean follow-up after KTx was 73 ± 53.5 months (range 6 months to 16 years). PTDM was defined as two consecutive blood glucose determinations above 126 mg/dL. Thirty-six of 538 (6.7%) recipients experienced PTDM, 31 of whom required insulin treatment and five oral antidiabetic medications. PTDM occurred at 25.3 ± 38 months posttransplantation in 4.8% of KTx treated with AZA, 4.8% of CSA, 6.5% of KTx treated with TAC and 12.5% of KTx treated with SIR. The time of onset of PTDM was significantly shorter (P = .003) among TAC (2.1 ± 1.7 months posttransplantation) versus CSA (27.8 ± 34 months). PTDM disappeared in 6 of 36 patients. We conclude that with current levels of immunosuppression, there is no difference in the incidence of PTDM between TAC- and CSA-treated KTx.
Application of the Accurate Mass and Time Tag Approach to the Proteome Analysis of Sub-cellular Fractions Obtained from Rhodobacter sphaeroides 2.4.1. Aerobic and Photosynthetic Cell Cultures

The high-throughput accurate mass and time (AMT) tag proteomic approach was utilized to characterize the proteomes for cytoplasm, cytoplasmic membrane, periplasm, and outer membrane fractions from aerobic and photosynthetic cultures of the gram-nagtive bacterium Rhodobacter sphaeroides 2.4.1. In addition, we analyzed the proteins within purified chromatophore fractions that house the photosynthetic apparatus from photosynthetically grown cells. In total, 8,300 peptides were identified with high confidence from at least one subcellular fraction from either cell culture. These peptides were derived from 1,514 genes or 35% percent of proteins predicted to be encoded by the genome. A significant number of these proteins were detected within a single subcellular fraction and their localization was compared to in silico predictions. However, the majority of proteins were observed in multiple subcellular fractions, and the most likely subcellular localization for these proteins was investigated using a Z-score analysis of estimated protein abundance along with clustering techniques. Good (81%) agreement was observed between the experimental results and in silico predictions. The AMT tag approach provides localization evidence for those proteins that have no predicted localization information, those annotated as putative proteins, and/or for those proteins annotated as hypothetical and conserved hypothetical.