cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Finite Element Analysis of Flow Toward Artesian Well

The purpose herein is to present a finite element method for analyzing unsteady flow toward a partially penetrating artesian well. The method can be applied to cases involving either an infinitesimal well or a finite well with either uniform or nonuniform discharge along the well bore.
Thermal stability of self-assembled peptide vaccine materials.

Abstract The majority of current vaccines depend on a continuous “cold chain” of storage and handling between 2 and 8 °C. Vaccines experiencing temperature excursions outside this range can suffer from reduced potency. This thermal sensitivity results in significant losses of vaccine material each year and risks the administration of vaccines with diminished protective ability, issues that are heightened in the developing world. Here, using peptide self-assemblies based on the fibril-forming peptide Q11 and containing the epitopes OVA 323–339 from ovalbumin or ESAT6 51–70 from Mycobacterium tuberculosis , the chemical, conformational, and immunological stability of supramolecular peptide materials were investigated. It was expected that these materials would exhibit advantageous thermal stability owing to their adjuvant-free and fully synthetic construction. Neither chemical nor conformational changes were observed for either peptide when stored at 45 °C for 7 days. ESAT6 51–70 -Q11 was strongly immunogenic whether it was stored as a dry powder or as aqueous nanofibers, showing undiminished immunogenicity even when stored as long as six months at 45 °C. This result was in contrast to ESAT6 51–70 conjugated to a protein carrier and adjuvanted with alum, which demonstrated marked thermal sensitivity in these conditions. Antibody titers and affinities were undiminished in mice for OVA 323–339 -Q11 if it was stored as assembled nanofibers, yet some diminishment was observed for material stored as a dry powder. The OVA study was done in a different mouse strain and with a different prime/boost regimen, and so it should not be compared directly with the study for the ESAT epitope. This work indicates that peptide self-assemblies can possess attractive thermal stability properties in the context of vaccine development. Statement of Significance Almost all current vaccines must be maintained within a tight and refrigerated temperature range, usually between 2 and 8 °C. This presents significant challenges for their distribution, especially in the developing world. Here we report on the surprisingly robust thermal stability of a self-assembled peptide vaccine. In particular a self-assembled peptide vaccine containing a tuberculosis epitope maintained all of its potency in mice when exposed to an extreme thermal treatment of six months at 45 °C. In a different mouse model, we investigated another model epitope and found some storage conditions where potency was diminished. Overall this study illustrates that some self-assembled peptide vaccines can have remarkable thermal stability.
Review of Discovering Structural Equation Modeling Using Stata—Revised Edition,

The publication of Alan C. Acock’s Discovering Structural Equation Modeling Using Stata—Revised Edition is timely, as it coincides with the introduction of the improved sem command in Stata 13 (Sta...
Post-Mass Drug Administration Transmission Assessment Survey for Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis in La Ciénaga, Dominican Republic.

The Dominican Republic is one of four remaining countries in the Americas with lymphatic filariasis (LF). Annual mass drug administration (MDA) with albendazole and diethylcarbamazine was conducted in La Cienaga, an impoverished urban barrio in Santo Domingo, from 2004 to 2006. Eight years after the last MDA, a transmission assessment survey (TAS) was conducted in November-December 2014 to determine if LF transmission remains absent. Of 815 first and second grade primary school students (mean age: 6.51 years; range 5-9) tested by immunochromatographic test (ICT), zero (0.0%) were positive. This is below the TAS critical cutoff of nine, indicating that the area "passed" TAS and that transmission remains interrupted in La Cienaga. Importantly, this also provides evidence that three rounds of effective (> 65% coverage) MDA, likely aided by environmental improvements and periodic school-based albendazole monotherapy MDA, achieved interruption of LF transmission from a relatively low-transmission setting.
Predictors of exercise behavior in patients with rheumatoid arthritis 6 months following a visit with their rheumatologist.

Background and Purpose. When factors that influence exercise behavior are known, health care professionals can more likely design and modify patient education materials targeted to promote exercise behavior. This study aimed to identify predictors of exercise behavior in patients with rheumatoid arthritis 6 months after a visit with their rheumatologist. Subjects and Methods. Twenty-five rheumatologists and 132 patients with rheumatoid arthritis participated. One hundred thirteen patients (85.6%) completed the 6-month follow-up. Rheumatologists and patients completed baseline questionnaires and were audiotaped during a subsequent visit. Physical function and exercise behavior were ascertained via questionnaire 6 months following the visit. Multivariate logistic regression identified predictors of exercise behavior at 6 months. Eighty-nine patients (79%) were female. The average age was 54.8 years (SD=14.4, range=20–94). The mean duration of illness was 9.8 years (SD=8.7, range=<1–35). Patients were moderately impaired (mean Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey [SF-36] function score=49.3, SD=27.5). Thirty-four patients (27%) were exercising 6 months after visiting their rheumatologist. More than 50% of the rheumatologists had 5 or more years of clinical experience, 18 (72%) were male, and 10 (42%) reported they exercised regularly. Results. Predictors of exercise behavior at 6 months were patients' past history of exercise (odds ratio=6.8, 95% confidence interval=3.1–15) and rheumatologists' current exercise behavior (odds ratio=0.26, 95% confidence interval= 0.09–0.77). Discussion and Conclusion. Patients were nearly 7 times more likely to exercise 6 months after visiting their rheumatologist if they participated in exercise in the past. If a patient's rheumatologist was currently performing aerobic exercise, the patient was 26% more likely to be engaged in exercise at follow-up. These data may be useful in understanding patient motivation to participate in exercise.
El ídish en el teatro argentino

Analise de tres instancias de teatro en idish en Buenos Aires. La primera, un teatro hablado en idish que surge de los contextos de la inmigracion, que tiene que ver con la vida milenaria de los judios, de los recuerdos del shetl, de los pogroms. La segunda es el teatro de las vivencias en territorio argentino, en el ambito de la narrativa, ya en idish, ya en castellano. La tercera ejemplifica el comienzo de la desaparicion del idish, con espectadores de otras ascendencias inmigratorias, que no van a entender el idish, con la creciente debilidad del idish en la colectividad, o por efecto de la asimilacion o por el tragico hecho de que el idish habia emprendido la enorme decadencia impuestas por el nazismo, que desembocara eventualmente en la muerte del idioma que, en la Argentina y en muchos otros lugares, mas se identificaba con los judios.
In vivo dermal absorption of pyrethroid pesticides in the rat.

Exposure to pyrethroid pesticides is a potential cause for concern. The objective of this study was to examine the in vivo dermal absorption of bifenthrin, deltamethrin, and permethrin in the rat. Dorsal hair on adult male Long-Evans rats was removed. The next day, the skin was dosed with 1750 nmol (312.5 nmol/cm(2)) of radiolabeled (5 µCi) bifenthrin, deltamethrin, or permethrin in acetone. A nonoccluding plastic cover was glued over the dosing site. The animals were placed in metabolism cages to collect excreta. At 24 h postdosing, the skin was washed with soap and water, and rats in one group were euthanized and their tissues were collected. The skin was removed and tape stripped. The remaining animals were returned to the metabolism cages after the wash for 4 d. These rats were then euthanized and handled as already described. Excreta, wash, tape strips, tissues, and carcass were analyzed for pyrethroid-derived radioactivity. The wash and tape strips removed >50% of the dose and skin retained 9-24%. Cumulative radioactivity in excreta was 0.5-7% at 24 h and 3-26% at 120 h. Radioactivity in tissues was deltamethrin at 24 h and permethrin > deltamethrin > bifenthrin at 120 h. Using the parallelogram approach with published in vitro data, human dermal absorption of these pyrethroids was estimated to be <10% of the dose.
Self-reported financial burden of cancer care and its effect on physical and mental health-related quality of life among US cancer survivors.

BACKGROUND Cancer-related financial burden has been linked to cancer survivors (CS) forgoing/delaying medical care, skipping follow-up visits, and discontinuing medications. To the authors' knowledge, little is known regarding the effect of financial burden on the health-related quality of life of CS. METHODS The authors analyzed 2011 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey data. Financial burden was present if one of the following problems was reported: borrowed money/declared bankruptcy, worried about paying large medical bills, unable to cover the cost of medical care visits, or other financial sacrifices. The following outcomes were evaluated: Physical Component Score (PCS) and Mental Component Score (MCS) of the 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12), depressed mood, psychological distress, and worry related to cancer recurrence. The authors also assessed the effect of the number of financial problems on these outcomes. RESULTS Of the 19.6 million CS analyzed, 28.7% reported financial burden. Among them, the average PCS (42.3 vs 44.9) and MCS (48.1 vs 52.1) were lower for those with financial burden versus those without. In adjusted analyses, CS with financial burden had significantly lower PCS (β = -2.45), and MCS (β = -3.05), had increased odds of depressed mood (odds ratio, 1.95), and were more likely to worry about cancer recurrence (odds ratio, 3.54). Survivors reporting ≥ 3 financial problems reported statistically significant and clinically meaningful differences (≥3 points) in the mean PCS and MCS compared with survivors without financial problems. CONCLUSIONS Cancer-related financial burden was associated with lower health-related quality of life, increased risk of depressed mood, and a higher frequency of worrying about cancer recurrence among CS. Cancer 2016;122:1283–9. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
An in vitro study of the effects of isoflurane on oxygen transfer

A common anesthetic technique utilized during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) includes the use of various inhalation agents, such as isoflurane. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects o...
Digital Elevation Models to Support Desert Warfare

Digital elevation models (DEMs) provide a fundamental resource for terrain analysis and military mission planning. Recent developments have changed the quality of the DEMs available worldwide. The Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) flew in 2000 and created DEMs with resolutions of 1ʺ (~ 30 m) for the US military and 3ʺ (~ 90 m) freely available for the general public. The SRTM covered all the earth except for high latitude regions. For the rest of the world its major limitations are the data voids in regions of high relief. Less publicized are the voids in dry desert sand, which account for a larger fraction of the voids than those in high mountains. In contrast to the active radar used for SRTM, which worked day/night and through clouds, the more recent ASTER GDEM used near infrared energy which only worked in daylight and could not penetrate clouds. Development of the ASTER GDEM required years of data collection for relatively complete coverage. Significant anomalies were present in version 1, in large part due to undetected clouds. Version 2 of GDEM offered improvements, but still has anomalies, and the desert regions have the largest concentration of poorly correlated GDEM and SRTM. SRTM or GDEM can provide terrain data for large area, small scale military operations. For very large scale operations, interferometric synthetic aperture radar (IFSAR) DEMs provide point spacings of 3–5 m and LiDAR provides spacings of about 1 m. These data sets are much less widely and freely available, in part because of the huge volume of data: SRTM 3ʺ requires 35 GB for global coverage, ASTER GDEM about 561 GB, and 1 m LiDAR will require about 1000 TB for full coverage. LiDAR point clouds offer additional visualization and analysis capabilities compared to traditional grids.
A Comparison of Open and Percutaneous Techniques in the Operative Fixation of Spinal Fractures Associated with Ankylosing Spinal Disorders.

Background The operative care of patients with ankylosing spinal conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) after a spine fracture is not well represented in the literature. This work seeks to determine the effect of minimally invasive techniques on patients with spinal fractures and ankylosing spinal conditions through a retrospective case-control analysis. Methods The operative logs from 1996-2013 of seven fellowship-trained spine surgeons from two academic, Level I trauma centers were reviewed for cases of operatively treated thoracic and lumbar spinal fractures in patients with ankylosing spinal disorders. Results A total of 38 patients with an ankylosing spinal condition and a spinal fracture were identified. The minimally invasive group demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in estimated blood loss, operative time, and need for transfusion when compared to either the hybrid or open group. There was no difference between the three subgroups in overall hospital stay or mortality. Conclusions Patients with ankylosing spinal conditions present unique challenges for operative fixation of spinal fractures. Minimally invasive techniques for internal fixation offer less blood loss, operative time, and need for transfusion compared to traditional techniques; however, no difference in hospital stay or mortality was reflected in this series of patients. Level of Evidence: 4. Clinical Relevance Ankylosing spinal disorders are increasingly common in an aging population.
Media Coverage of the 2014 West Virginia Elk River Chemical Spill A Mixed-Methods Study Examining News Coverage of a Public Health Disaster

This study examined how news media framed West Virginia’s 2014 Elk River Chemical Spill, an industrial disaster that began a national discussion about chemical safety. A content analysis of media w...
Very high frequency noise sources in the littoral zone

Recent interest in very high frequency (VHF, here defined as > 300kHz) underwater acoustic communications has motived a study of VHF noise sources in the littoral zone. The Littoral is a special environment for underwater ambient noise. Nearshore bathymetry induces wave breaking and wave-sediment interactions, both of which generate underwater noise, and a variety of marine organisms can radiate noise across a broad acoustic spectrum. Two potential VHF noise sources, breaking waves and snapping shrimp, are considered here. Measurements of the noise radiated by breaking laboratory waves are presented, which show that wave noise can extend to at least 400 kHz. Model calculations of the pulse of sound radiated by a collapsing cavitation bubble generated by a snapping shrimp jet show the potential for significant spectral components up to 1 MHz. The implications for these noise sources on the temporal and spatial distribution of the VHF noise field are discussed.
Average sum-BER analysis of AF two-way relay networks with direct links

Unified average sum-bit error rate (BER) analysis is carried out for amplify-and-forward (AF) two-way relay networks with direct links in Rayleigh fading. Average combined sum-BER bounds are provided in closed-form with a simple expression for different protocols including a novel one using four time slots. High signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) performance is also presented for its simplicity. Finally, all performance is compared using simulations, and it can be seen that the proposed protocol with normalized rate and power outperforms other protocols when average transmit powers from two sources are sufficiently different.
Identification of Novel Peptide Ligands Targeting α4β1 Integrins on Patient Lymphoma Cells

Abstract 4854 Peptides are promising cancer-targeting agents—they are small, chemically stable, easy to synthesize and can be readily conjugated to toxins, radionucleotides, or drugs. The “one-bead one-compound” (OBOC) combinatorial libraries developed in the Lam lab consist of millions of beads, each displaying one unique peptide entity. Through high throughput screening peptide combinatorial libraries against cancer cell lines, peptides can be selected and engineered to recognize some certain receptors on the cell surface. From our previous screen, we observed that the LLP2A peptide sequence bound to the α4β1 integrin on the cell surface of a variety of malignant lymphoid cell lines. We hypothesize that more specific ligands against the α4β1 integrin on human patient lymphoma cells could be identified through screening focused LLP2A libraries. Two OBOC-focused combinatorial libraries based on the LLP2A peptide sequence were designed, synthesized and screened against human patient lymphoma cells to search for ligands with higher binding affinity. We selected the candidate peptide sequences that displayed a higher strength for the patient lymphoma cells using the whole cell binding assay, an in vitro approach for quantitating the strength of peptide interaction with cell surface molecules on the cancer cells. We are currently analyzing the data to determine the specific sequence requirements for higher affinity binding. Further assessment of the affinity and kinetics of integrin-peptide binding will be performed using flow cytometry. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Effect of left ventricular dysfunction on utilization of donor hearts.

Background In this study we investigated modern, non-utilization rates of potential cardiac donors with left ventricular dysfunction (LVD) to clarify this phenomenon’s magnitude and the impact of recent studies suggesting these organs can be safely transplanted. Methods Using the United Network for Organ Sharing transplant database, we reviewed all donors evaluated between January 1, 2007 and June 30, 2014. Exclusion criteria included lack of consent and age 59 years. The number of hearts not transplanted due to non-cardiac causes, structural disease, “other” (previous cardiac surgery, donation after cardiac death, etc.) and isolated LVD was determined and a covariates-adjusted Poisson regression model with robust standard errors was developed to estimate non-utilization relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for LVD. Heart disposition for potential donor hearts was determined separately for 2 previous eras (1990 to 1999 and 2000 to 2006), and trends were evaluated. Results There were 60,789 donors assessed. Of the 44,829 organs meeting the inclusion criteria, 15,654 (34.92%) were transplanted and 29,175 (65.08%) were not. Of the non-utilized hearts, 15,512 (34.60%) were declined for non-cardiac reasons, 1,051 (2.34%) for structural disease, 4,073 (9.09%) for “other” and 8,539 (19.05%) exclusively for LVD. Of this last category, 4,950 (11.04%) lacked documented evidence of LVD. Covariates-adjusted RR for non-utilization showed that, for every 10% increase in LV ejection fraction, the risk of non-utilization decreased by 20% (RR = 0.80, 95% CI 0.79 to 0.81). Analysis of era-effect demonstrated significantly decreased overall utilization of donor hearts, with increases in the number of hearts not transplanted across all categories over time ( p Conclusions Roughly 20% of potential cardiac donors are excluded due to LVD. This figure has not been impacted by recent studies indicating that these hearts may be used safely. More complete data are required to understand why 11.04% of hearts that met inclusion criteria were refused for “poor function” without documented evidence.
A study of the electrical characteristics of an oxy-fuel flame

Abstract Electrical phenomena useful for oxy-fuel process sensing are demonstrated at signal level voltages applied to an oxy-fuel cutting torch. The current-voltage characteristic of the flame between the torch and work is recorded while varying torch-to-plate standoff, fuel-oxygen ratio, total flow rate, and plate temperature. At ±10 V, typical currents are on the order −100 μA to 25 μA, and the I-V characteristic exhibits three regimes. At low currents, the relationship between voltage and current is linear. At positive currents, transition to saturation is heavily curved around 10–20 μA. Negative currents do not totally saturate in this voltage range, but there is an abrupt transition to a new slope, which we describe as “partial” saturation. The properties of these regimes demonstrate strong repeatable links to standoff and fuel-oxygen ratio. Flow rate and plate temperature also demonstrate correlation to these electrical properties despite substantial scatter.
Performance Analysis and Tuning of Coexisting Duty Cycling WiFi and Wireless Sensor Networks

Energy efficiency is of utmost importance for wireless networks due to the prevalent usage of mobile devices in WLAN and wireless sensor networks (WSNs). Consequently, duty cycling MAC protocols are widely employed in both WLAN (i.e., power saving mode - PSM) and WSNs (i.e., low power listening - LPL)). In a coexisting PSM and LPL network, a significant energy efficiency degradation has been observed because of large deviations of MAC protocol parameters from optimal values. To investigate these inefficiencies, analytical models are greatly preferred, when compared to simulation based methods, since they are faster, more scalable and can be used in optimization problems. Thus, this paper presents the first model for throughput and energy consumption analysis of coexisting PSM and LPL. Moreover, this paper presents a performance tuning method that minimizes the total energy consumption while satisfying the throughput requirements. Through extensive simulations, we demonstrate the accuracy of our proposed models and analysis. Finally, the proposed tuning method is evaluated, proving its effectiveness.
Using clinical data text-mining analysis to examine the association between androgen deprivation therapy and depression.

e12595 Background: Androgen deprivation therapy, which is commonly utilized in the treatment of prostate cancer, results in both short- and long-term reductions in testosterone levels. Notably, low...
A Polynomial-Time Algorithm for Detecting Directed Axial Symmetry in Hessian Computational Graphs

We present a polynomial-time algorithm to improve the performance of computing the Hessian of a vector-valued function. The values of the Hessian derivatives are calculated by applying face, edge, or vertex elimination operations on a symmetric computational graph. Our algorithm detects symmetry in the graph by matching the vertices and edges with their corresponding pairs; thereby enabling us to identify duplicate operations. Through the detection of symmetry, the computation costs can potentially be halved by performing only one of each of these operations.
The Unintended Consequences of Email Spam Prevention

To combat Domain Name System (DNS) cache poisoning attacks and exploitation of the DNS as amplifier in denial of service (DoS) attacks, many recursive DNS resolvers are configured as “closed” and refuse to answer queries made by hosts outside of their organization. In this work, we present a technique to induce DNS queries within an organization, using the organization’s email service and the Sender Policy Framework (SPF) spam-checking mechanism. We use our technique to study closed resolvers. Our study reveals that most closed DNS resolvers have deployed common DNS poisoning defense techniques such as source port and transaction ID randomization. However, we also find that SPF is often deployed in a way that allows an external attacker to cause the organization’s resolver to issue numerous DNS queries to a victim IP address by sending a single email to any address within the organization’s domain, thereby providing a potential DoS vector.
Evaluation of noncontrast MR enterography for pediatric inflammatory bowel disease assessment.

BACKGROUND Gadolinium deposition in normal tissues is being increasingly recognized. Children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) undergo frequent imaging with contrast-enhanced MR enterography (MRE). PURPOSE To determine the impact of intravenous (IV) gadolinium in assessment of pediatric IBD by MRE. STUDY TYPE Retrospective, case series. POPULATION Radiology information system was searched to identify all children who underwent MRE and endoscopy within 30 days in 2016. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE 1.5T and 3T. ASSESSMENT Imaging studies were evaluated for bowel inflammation interpreted by two blinded radiologists in two sessions 6 weeks apart (session 1 pre-MRE; session 2 pre/postcontrast-MRE). Endoscopic histology was the reference standard. STATISTICAL TESTS A logistic regression model was evaluated using receiver operating characteristics curves and expressed by c-statistics. Agreement between readers was evaluated using Cohen's or weighted kappa statistic, as appropriate. Two-sided P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Descriptive statistics were used for assessment of IBD complications. RESULTS In all, 52 children (46% female), mean age 13.2 (SD 3.42) years formed the study cohort. 77% (40/52) had inflammation on endoscopic biopsy. Pre/post-MRE showed no significant increase in the c-statistic compared to pre-MRE for assessment of small bowel (Reader 1 P = 0.56, Reader 2 P = 1.00) or large bowel inflammation (Reader 1 P = 0.42, Reader 2 P = 1.00)). Intravenous contrast showed no improvement in interobserver agreement for assessment of inflammation in small (kappa 0.92 pre-MRE, 0.88 pre/post-MRE) or large bowel (kappa 0.83 pre-MRE, 0.73 pre/post-MRE). IV contrast had no meaningful impact on interobserver agreement for length of small bowel inflamed (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.90 pre-MRE, 0.95 pre/post-MRE). Assessment of IBD complications was improved with IV contrast, with 3/5 cases with perianal penetrating disease not recognized on pre-MRE. DATA CONCLUSION Routine administration of IV gadolinium has no impact on the assessment of bowel inflammation. However, there is potential for missing perianal complications using a noncontrast MRE protocol without dedicated pelvic imaging. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3 Technical Efficacy: Stage 2 J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2018;48:341-348.
Recombinant Human Lysyl Oxidase-like 2 Secreted from Human Embryonic Kidney Cells Displays Complex and Acidic Glycans at All Three N-Linked Glycosylation Sites.

Human lysyl oxidase-like 2 (hLOXL2), a glycoprotein implicated in tumor progression and organ fibrosis, is a molecular target for anticancer and antifibrosis treatment. This glycoprotein contains three predicted N-linked glycosylation sites; one is near the protein’s active site, and at least one more is known to facilitate the protein’s secretion. Because the glycosylation impacts the protein’s biology, we sought to characterize the native, mammalian glycosylation profile and to determine how closely this profile is recapitulated when the protein is expressed in insect cells. All three glycosylation sites on the protein, expressed in human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells, were characterized individually using a mass spectrometry-based glycopeptide analysis workflow. These data were compared to the glycosylation profile of the same protein expressed in insect cells. We found that the producer cell type imparts a substantial influence on the glycosylation of this important protein. The more-relevant version, ...
Bluegill sunfish use high power outputs from axial muscles to generate powerful suction-feeding strikes.

ABSTRACT Suction-feeding fish rapidly expand the mouth cavity to generate high-velocity fluid flows that accelerate food into the mouth. Such fast and forceful suction expansion poses a challenge, as muscle power is limited by muscle mass and the muscles in fish heads are relatively small. The largemouth bass powers expansion with its large body muscles, with negligible power produced by the head muscles (including the sternohyoideus). However, bluegill sunfish – with powerful strikes but different morphology and feeding behavior – may use a different balance of cranial and axial musculature to power feeding and different power outputs from these muscles. We estimated the power required for suction expansion in sunfish from measurements of intraoral pressure and rate of volume change, and measured muscle length and velocity. Unlike largemouth bass, the sternohyoideus did shorten to generate power, but it and other head muscles were too small to contribute more than 5–10% of peak expansion power in sunfish. We found no evidence of catapult-style power amplification. Instead, sunfish powered suction feeding by generating high power outputs (up to 438 W kg −1 ) from their axial muscles. These muscles shortened across the cranial half of the body as in bass, but at faster speeds that may be nearer the optimum for power production. Sunfish were able to generate strikes of the same absolute power as bass, but with 30–40% of the axial muscle mass. Thus, species may use the body and head muscles differently to meet the requirements of suction feeding, depending on their morphology and behavior.
Nonlinear parabolic systems

We examine existence, uniqueness, and regularity of solutions to nonlinear parabolic systems. We begin with an approach to strongly parabolic quasilinear equations using techniques very similar to those applied to hyperbolic systems in Chapter 5, moving on to symmetrizable quasilinear parabolic systems in §7.2. It turns out that another approach, making stronger use of techniques of Chapter 3, yields sharper results. We explore this in §7.3, treating there completely nonlinear as well as quasilinear systems. For a class of scalar equations in divergence form, we make contact with the DeGiorgi-Nash-Moser theory and show how some global existence results follow.
Risk of Kaposi sarcoma after solid organ transplantation in the United States

Due to treatment with immunosuppressive medications, solid organ transplant recipients have elevated risk for Kaposi sarcoma (KS), which is caused by human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8). Other risk factors for KS are poorly understood. We linked the United States solid organ transplant registry with 17 population-based cancer registries to ascertain KS incidence among 244,964 transplant recipients from 1987-2014. To compare incidence rates of KS according to patient and transplant characteristics, we calculated incidence rate ratios (IRRs) using Poisson regression. To compare associations of KS with other skin cancers occurring before or within 12 months of KS diagnosis, we computed odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using conditional logistic regression. All statistical tests were two-sided. We identified 163 KS cases during follow-up. Among transplant recipients, we found significantly increased risk of KS associated with male sex (IRR = 1.87; 95%CI:1.32,2.71), nonwhite race (IRR = 2.67; 95%CI:1.92,3.72), non-US citizenship (IRR = 2.10; 95%CI:1.19,3.47), lung transplant (IRR = 2.22; 95%CI:1.03,4.24, vs. kidney), and older age at transplant. KS risk decreased significantly with time since transplant and recent calendar year, however, no specific induction or maintenance medication was associated with KS. KS incidence was not significantly associated with ambient ultraviolet radiation (IRR = 1.32 95%CI:0.87,2.02, tertile 3 vs. 1). KS incidence has decreased in recent calendar years. In a cross-sectional sample, we found cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma was associated with KS (OR = 4.83; 95%CI:1.30,14.69). KS risk factors included those potentially associated with HHV8 infection and increased immunosuppression. Our findings suggest that transplant recipients with a non-KS skin cancer may also be at high KS risk.
Millennial Generation’s Job Search Activity and Job Quality: Findings from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth

Job quality of young adults in the USA has been eroding since the Great Recession of 2007. The intensity of job search activities are a well-established predictor of employment, yet little is known...
The Work Experiences of Social Workers: Factors Impacting Compassion Satisfaction and Workplace Stress

In 2015, over 6,000 licensed social workers in 13 US states responded to an online survey regarding perceptions and feelings about their work, as well as numerous personal and practice issues. Spec...
Problematizing Notions of Leadership for Social Justice: Reclaiming Social Justice through a Discourse of Accountability and a Radical, Prophetic, and Historical Imagination.

In the field of educational leadership, there has been a proliferation of empirical and theoretical research on social justice leadership. However, a diluted and homogenized rendition of social jus...
An Improved Method for Preparation of Uniform and Functional Mitochondria from Fresh Liver.

Background and Aims: As the major energy source for mammalian cells, mitochondria have been the subject of numerous studies. However, the isolation and purification of healthy mitochondria, especially from fresh tissue, remains challenging. The most popular methods and kits involve various centrifugation steps which require substantial time and equipment but do not consistently provide pure preparations of functional mitochondria. The aim of this study was to determine whether methods could be devised to improve the purity and yield of functional mitochondria from fresh tissue. Methods: Fresh mouse liver was homogenized, and cells lysed. Particle size analysis, quantitation of mitochondrial DNA, mitochondrial oxygen consumption, and purity of mitochondria (by electron microscopy) were measured in samples after various purification steps and significant differences determined. Results: A two-step procedure consisting of centrifugation followed by filtration through 1.2μ and 0.8μ filters resulted in uniform mitochondrial preparations with diameters between 520-540 nm, and approximately 5-times more pure samples. The mitochondria thus obtained had oxygen consumption and sensitivities to mitochondrial inhibitors that were indistinguishable from those purified by centrifugation alone. Electron microscopy confirmed the presence of more uniform and 4-5 times greater concentrations of mitochondria compared to centrifugation alone. Conclusions: A two-step procedure consisting of sequential centrifugation followed by filtration is a rapid method for the production of highly purified, uniform and functional mitochondria.
Recruitment strategies in a university institution: a theoretical cost minimization approach

We study faculty recruitment issues in a university. We develop a cost minimization model that considers the decision-making process for the university administration by proposing a new approach of...
Walk a Robot Dog in VR

Realistic locomotion in a virtual environment (VE) can help maximize immersion and decrease simulator sickness. Redirected walking (RDW) allows a user to physically walk in VR by rotating the VE as a function of head rotation such that they walk in an arc that fits in the tracking area. However, this requires significant user rotation, often requiring a “distractor” to cause such rotation in commercial tracking spaces. Previous implementations suddenly spawned a distractor (e.g. butterfly) when the user walks near the safe boundary, with limitations like the user causing distraction accidentally by looking around, the distractor not being acknowledged, or getting “stuck” in a corner. We explore a persistent, robot distractor tethered to the user that provides two-way haptic feedback and natural motion constraints. We design a dynamic robot AI which adapts to randomness in the user’s behavior, as well as trajectory changes caused by tugging on its leash. The robot tries to imperceptibly keep the user safe by replicating a real dog’s behaviors, such as barking or sniffing something. We hypothesize that the naturalness of the dog behavior, its responses to the user, and the haptic tethering will work together to allow the user to explore the entire city, ideally without noticing that the dog is a robot.
Similar Quality of Life After Conventional and Robotic Transhiatal Esophagectomy.

Abstract Background Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) for minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) have demonstrated benefits compared with open transthoracic or 3-hole esophagectomy. PROs, including quality of life (QoL) and fear of recurrence (FoR), comparing open transhiatal esophagectomy (THE) and transhiatal robotic-assisted MIE (Th-RAMIE) have been limited. Methods At a single, high-volume academic center, patients undergoing THE and Th-RAMIE with gastric conduit for clinical stage I to III esophageal cancer from 2013 to 2018 were evaluated. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ-C30), the EORTC Quality of Life Questionnaire in Esophageal Cancer (QLQ-OES18), and the FoR survey were administered preoperatively and at 1, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Linear mixed-effects models were used for QoL and FoR score comparisons. Perioperative outcomes were also compared. Results A total of 309 patients (212 in the group and 97 in the Th-RAMIE group) were included. The Th-RAMIE cohort had a significantly higher number of lymph nodes harvested (14 ± 0.8 vs 11.2 ± 0.4; P = .01), a shorter length of stay (days, 10.0 ± 6.7 vs 12.1 ± 7.0; P = .03), lower rates of postoperative ileus (5% vs 15%; P = .02), and fewer opioids prescribed at discharge (71% vs 85%; P = .03). After adjustment, there were no significant differences in QLQ-C30, QLQ-OES18, and FoR scores between the groups out to 1 year postoperatively. Conclusions There were no clear patient-reported benefits of Th-RAMIE over THE for esophageal cancer. However, Th-RAMIE conferred several perioperative benefits.
Associations of Taste Perception with Tobacco Smoking, Marijuana Use, and Weight Status in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Background Habitual smoking of tobacco and marijuana can lead to weight changes and poor diet quality. These effects may be caused by taste changes related to smoking and marijuana use. Objectives This study examined the associations among taste perceptions of a bitterant (quinine) and salt, tobacco and marijuana use, and weight status. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of adults who responded to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 2013-2014. Participants (n=2808; female=51.7%) were adults ≥ 40 years with an average BMI of 29.6 kg/m 2. Participants completed whole mouth and tongue tip assessments of bitter (quinine) and salty (NaCl) tastes, and questionnaires on demographics, cigarette, tobacco, and drug use. Measured height and weight were used to calculate BMI. Results Compared to never smokers, current smokers reported increased bitter ratings. Smoking status was not associated with salty taste intensity ratings after adjustment for demographic variables. Current marijuana users reported lower tongue tip quine ratings than never users. Among current smokers, current marijuana users had lower whole mouth quinine ratings than never users. Conclusions Taste perception for salt and quinine for current and former smokers as well as marijuana smokers varied in whole mouth and tongue tip assessment. Changes in taste perception among cigarette smokers and marijuana consumers may be clinically relevant to address to improve diet and weight status.
Predictors of eating-related psychopathology in transgender and gender nonbinary individuals.

Abstract Objective Research examining the prevalence and severity of eating-related psychopathology in transgender and gender nonbinary individuals is limited. This study examined how identity development and minority stress relate to the presence of disordered eating behaviors and cognitions in transgender and gender nonbinary individuals, and improvement at one-year follow-up. Methods Data come from a multi-site, longitudinal study of transgender and gender nonbinary individuals (n = 287) and includes assessment of transgender congruence, receipt of gender-affirming care, minority stress, and disordered eating symptoms. Hierarchical multivariable logistic regression was used to test for associations between identity development, minority stress, and eating-related psychopathology. Results Eighty-three participants (28.9%) met criteria for current eating-related psychopathology. Loss of control eating was the most commonly endorsed behavior, followed by laxative, diuretic, or other medication use, and compulsive exercise. Higher transgender congruence was associated with lower odds of disordered eating symptoms (OR = 0.72, 95% CI 0.55–0.94), whereas increased internalized transphobia was associated with greater odds of disordered eating symptoms (OR = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.04–1.91). Participants with eating-related psychopathology had greater odds of having received gender-affirming psychotherapy in the year prior to assessment (OR = 2.33, 95% CI = 1.32–4.14). Conclusions Results suggest that gender identity development and internalized transphobia are associated with eating-related psychopathology in transgender and gender nonbinary individuals. Mental health providers should consider assessing all transgender and gender nonbinary individuals for eating-related psychopathology and unique risk factors associated with disordered eating, including low transgender congruence and internalized transphobia.
The presence of a secondary caregiver differentiates primary cancer caregiver well-being.

BACKGROUND Informal caregivers play a fundamental role in the care of hematological cancer patients, but less is known about how secondary caregivers are involved. We assessed the presence or absence of a secondary caregiver, the types of caregiving activities performed by primary and secondary caregivers, and examined whether the presence of a secondary caregiver was associated with primary caregiver characteristics and well-being over time. METHODS A case series of hematological cancer patient-caregiver dyads (n = 171) were recruited from oncology clinics in Virginia and Pennsylvania and followed for 2 years. Multilevel models were developed to examine the associations between the presence of a secondary caregiver and the primary caregivers' well-being. RESULTS Most (64.9%) primary caregivers reported having secondary caregivers. Multilevel models showed primary caregivers without help had higher baseline mental and physical health, but experienced deteriorating physical health over time, compared to supported primary caregivers. Supported primary caregivers reported improvements in mental health over time that was associated with improvements in physical health. CONCLUSIONS Primary caregivers in good physical and mental health at the beginning of their caregiving journey but who have the least assistance from others may be at greatest risk for detrimental physical health effects long term. Attention to the arrangement of caregiving roles (i.e., who provides what care) over time is needed to ensure that caregivers remain healthy and well supported.
Neonatal septicemia

Neonatal septicemia continues to be a significant cause of increased morbidity and mortality. The deficiencies of host defense mechanisms and the exposure to a variety of virulent organisms make the neonate extremely vulnerable. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate antimicrobial therapy is necessary. When conventional treatment is not successful, alternative immunotherapy may be life saving.
Case of concurrent influenza A and Kawasaki disease

A 15-month-old male with fever, malaise, rash, cracked lips and influenza A in respiratory secretions was noted to have slight edema of his feet and a rising C-reactive protein. Echocardiography revealed dilated coronary arteries, which confirmed concomitant Kawasaki disease. During influenza season, heightened suspicion for Kawasaki disease is warranted, as symptoms shared between these illnesses can cause delayed diagnosis and treatment.
Undermined? Affirmative Action from the Targets' Point of View

Publisher Summary The policy of affirmative action and individual responses to such policies is the focus of this chapter. It opens with a brief discussion on the gender-based differences in acceptance levels of affirmative action policies. The consequences of such actions on the targets have also been discussed, along with the definitions of classical as well as newer forms of affirmative action. Some of the major criticisms against affirmative action and evidence to support them are presented in this regard. Preferential treatment may also have severe stigmatizing effects on individuals and this has been proven by several experiments. Emergence of racial doubts in employment has been deliberated upon in detail. Survey studies regarding the self-esteem of youths and the acceptability of affirmative action among them has been evaluated on the basis of suspicion, support for affirmative action, and categorical variables. The results are then justified with the help of distinct subsamples and the cost/benefit explanation.
Calcium protection against aluminium toxicity.

The occurrence of a slow (three to five year) stunting disorder of blueberry which usually results in plant death or the removal of the plant from the filed due to low productivity has been ascribed to a chronic effect of Al on the root system. This disorder has been observed where blueberries are grown under atypical soil conditions: low organic matter (usually 2% or less) and soil textures heavier than the normal sands and loamy sands. Laboratory tests indicate that the success of gypsum additions, used to alleviate the disorder, will vary depending upon the amount applied and the particular blueberry species under study. Data is presented from field soils, where this disorder is prevalent, that high soil Al reduces root dry mass and top growth and that additional Al aggravates the condition.
Hepatitis C Virus Treatment and Injection Drug Users: It Is Time to Separate Fact From Fiction.

Faced with the high cost of new curative treatments for HCV infection, Medicaid providers in many states limit access for persons who use drugs or alcohol.
Ten-year forecasts of real stock price changes

This paper provides the strongest evidence to-date on the predictability of real stock prices over long horizons. Ex ante forecasts account for over two-thirds of the variation of the growth rate of real stock prices over ten year spans from 1940 through 2001. The paper forecasts negative growth rates of real stock prices over the next ten years. This bearish long-run outlook is buttressed by the long-run relationship between the growth rates of real stock prices, inflation, dividends, and productivity.
The errors of TEX

This paper is a case study of program evolution. The author kept track of all changes made to TEX during a period of ten years, including the changes made when the original program was first debugged in 1978. The log book of these errors, numbering more than 850 items, appears as an appendix to this paper. The errors have been classified into fifteen categories for purposes of analysis, and some of the noteworthy bugs are discussed in detail. The history of the TEX project can teach valuable lessons about the preparation of highly portable software and the maintenance of programs that aspire to high standards of reliability.