cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hierarchical Structure in Semicrystalline Polymers Tethered to Nanospheres

We report on structural and dynamic transitions of polymers tethered to nanoparticles. In particular, we use X-ray diffraction, vibrational spectroscopy, and thermal measurements to investigate multiscale structure and dynamic transitions of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) chains densely grafted to SiO2 nanoparticles. The approach used for synthesizing these hybrid particles leads to homogeneous SiO2–PEG composites with polymer grafting densities as high as 1.5 chains/nm2, which allows the hybrid materials to exist as self-suspended suspensions with distinct hierarchical structure and thermal properties. On angstrom and nanometer length scales, the tethered PEG chains exhibit more dominant TTG conformations and helix unit cell structure, in comparison to the untethered polymer. The nanoparticle tethered PEG chains are also reported to form extended crystallites on tens of nanometers length scales and to exhibit more stable crystalline structure on small dimensions. On length scales comparable to the size of e...
Implementation of American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines for palivizumab prophylaxis in a pediatric hospital.

Purpose One hospital’s implementation of revised American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines for palivizumab prophylaxis of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is described. Methods Revised AAP guidelines for RSV prophylaxis in infants and young children at increased risk for RSV infection recommend that up to five doses of palivizumab be administered during the RSV season. The guidelines also recommend that inpatients not receive monthly palivizumab prophylaxis and that infants and young children eligible for prophylaxis during the RSV season receive a dose of palivizumab two or three days before discharge or promptly after discharge. To ensure compliance with the revised AAP guidelines, a 296-bed hospital implemented a quality-improvement project including (1) efforts by the antimicrobial stewardship pharmacist and the chief medical officer to notify and educate healthcare providers regarding institutional adoption of the guidelines, (2) reinforcement of guideline adherence by clinical pharmacists during daily bedside rounds and via prospective review of all palivizumab orders, and (3) a medication-use evaluation (MUE) to assess adherence to the guidelines. The MUE results showed that during the 2014–15 RSV season (after implementation of the practice changes), the number of palivizumab doses administered at the hospital declined by 56% from the previous RSV season, with 97% of doses administered for appropriate indications. Conclusion Standardized, comprehensive guidelines with defined criteria for palivizumab prophylaxis of RSV infection resulted in $303,227 of cost savings without a discernible change in nosocomial transmission, or morbidity, or mortality. Hospital infection-control practices controlled nosocomial RSV transmission.
Genetic architecture of lipid traits changes over time and differs by race: Princeton Lipid Follow-up Study

Dyslipidemia is a major risk factor for CVD. Previous studies on lipid heritability have largely focused on white populations assessed after the obesity epidemic. Given secular trends and racial differences in lipid levels, this study explored whether lipid heritability is consistent across time and between races. African American and white nuclear families had fasting lipids measured in the 1970s and 22–30 years later. Heritability was estimated, and bivariate analyses between visits were conducted by race using variance components analysis. A total of 1,454 individuals (age 14.1/40.6 for offspring/parents at baseline; 39.6/66.5 at follow-up) in 373 families (286 white, 87 African American) were included. Lipid trait heritabilities were typically stronger during the 1970s than the 2000s. At baseline, additive genetic variation for LDL was significantly lower in African Americans than whites (P = 0.015). Shared genetic contribution to lipid variability over time was significant in both whites (all P
Carbohydrate-functionalized locked nucleic acids: oligonucleotides with extraordinary binding affinity, target specificity, and enzymatic stability.

Three different C5-carbohydrate-functionalized LNA uridine phosphoramidites were synthesized and incorporated into oligodeoxyribonucleotides. C5-Carbohydrate-functionalized LNA display higher affinity toward complementary DNA/RNA targets (ΔTm/modification up to +11.0 °C), more efficient discrimination of mismatched targets, and superior resistance against 3′-exonucleases compared to conventional LNA. These properties render C5-carbohydrate-functionalized LNAs as promising modifications in antisense technology and other nucleic acid targeting applications.
Creolization and the borderlands

A model of borderland culture is provided and the concept of creolization is placed within a borderland framework. Manipulation of social identities and affiliations is a daily occurrence in border areas and “creolization” can be seen as one possible outcome of such manipulation. Presentation includes: a definition for borderland and how it differs from a frontier, a discussion of why creolization should be treated as a part of culture contact studies, and examples of negotiated culture on the border with emphasis on the Minorcans of Spanish Florida. The final argument is that creole cultures are one variant of the many kinds of fluid, syncretic cultures that typically appear in border areas.
ACUTE ARTERIAL THROMBOSIS DUE TO A HYPERCOAGULABLE STATE MANIFESTING WITH INFERIOR ST-ELEVATION MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION AND CRITICAL LIMB ISCHEMIA

ST-elevation myocardial infarction is usually attributed to acute atherosclerotic plaque rupture. In rare cases, a hypercoagulable state can cause coronary and/or peripheral arterial thrombosis or embolism. Lifelong anticoagulation is necessary in such patients. A 44-year-old woman presented with
Safety Control for UAV Formation Reconfiguration Based on Modified Differential Evolution

Flight formation of multiple UAVs needs to be reconfigured when the environment changes or missions are modified. Based on the analysis of safety problem during reconfiguration,the process is transformed into a series of on-line optimizations using distributed model predictive control( DMPC). After the setup of cost function with safety restriction taken into consideration,a distributed model predictive control algorithm based on modified differential evolution( DE-DMPC) is put forward to deal with the optimization problems at each interval. Simulations show the effectiveness of the DE-DMPC algorithm for reconfiguration safety control. The algorithm is superior to the standard DE algorithm in terms of performance.
7q32-q36 translocations in childhood T cell leukemia: cytogenetic evidence for involvement of the T cell receptor beta-chain gene

Blast cell chromosomal rearrangements involving the long arm of chromosome 7 were identified in eight of 197 cases of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Breakpoints were variable but tended to cluster in either the proximal or the terminal 7q region, depending on the immunophenotype of the cells. The 7q32–q36 region, the locus of the T cell receptor beta-chain gene, was the site of breakpoints in four of 31 cases of T cell ALL but was not involved in any of the 166 cases originating from B cell precursors (P less than .0004). In three of the four T cell cases it was possible to identify the chromosomal segment that had been translocated to the 7q32-q36 region: 1p32, 2p21, and 6p21. The 1p32 and 6p21 bands are particularly interesting, as they contain the sites of two known protooncogenes, c-L-myc and hpim, respectively. Our findings suggest that the locus of the beta-chain gene of the T cell receptor is a preferential site for certain chromosomal rearrangements in leukemic T lymphoblasts, analogous to the T cell receptor alpha-chain gene on human chromosome 14. Translocation of proto-oncogenes to a site near the beta-chain regulatory sequences provides a potential mechanism for oncogene activation.
Neutrophil adhesion on polyurethanes preadsorbed with high molecular weight kininogen.

Interaction of biomaterials with blood components including neutrophils is responsible for some of the clinical complications that have occurred in cardiopulmonary bypass, hemodialysis, and ventricular assist procedures. The possibility of inhibiting the initial adhesion of neutrophils to biomaterials has been studied extensively, but the problem remains unsolved. In this study, we investigated the effect of HK adsorption on polyurethane, a widely used component of extracorporeal and intracorporeal devices. HK and HKa were allowed to adsorb on 4 different charged polyurethanes: noncharged (PU), cationic (NR4), anionic (SO3), and zwitterionic (GPC) polyurethanes. The effect of kininogen adsorption on neutrophil adhesion, the surface density of the adsorbed kininogen, and the exposure of HK domains 3 and 5 (D3 and D5H), which are responsible for the binding of HK to the neutrophil integrin mβ2 or Mac-1, were examined. On PU, NR4, and SO3, kininogen adsorption reached 80% of monolayer coverage when 100 pmol/mL or higher concentration of protein solutions were used. The NR4 surface adsorbed the most kininogen along with a high exposure of D3 and D5H. The availability of D3 and D5Hallowed neutrophils to bind to the surface via the Mac-1 receptor; thus, on the NR4 surface, adsorbed kininogens lost their antiadhesive property, which resulted in a high degree of neutrophil adhesion. Increasing Mac-1 expression by exposure to fMLP increased the neutrophil adhesion on this surface. In contrast, exposure of D3 and D5H on SO3 was significantly less, because HK binds to anionic surfaces with similar protein sequences used for cell binding. This low binding site exposure preserved the antiadhesive property of HK. GPC was resistant to neutrophil adhesion even in the absence of adsorbed kininogens because of its phosphorylcholine moiety. Thus, both SO3 coupled with kininogen (or kininogen peptides) and GPC have the potential to markedly reduce neutrophil adhesion to biomaterial devices.
The syndrome of preeclampsia.

SUMMARY Preeclampsia has traditionally been viewed as one of several forms of hypertension complicating pregnancy. More recently, the multisystem nature of this unique gestational disorder has been emphasized. Pathophysiologic events, including abnormal placentation and heightened vascular reactivity, may occur weeks or months prior to clinical recognition of the disease. Although most frequently presenting as hypertension and proteinuria, hepatic (abdominal pain and elevation of transaminases) and hematologic (intravascular hemolysis and thrombocytopenia) involvement may be important features of the disease. Current theories suggest that multiorgan dysfunction may be caused by widespread vascular endothelial dysfunction, vasospasm, and variable activation of coagulation mechanisms. Pending delivery, which is the only definitive therapy for preeclampsia, maternal complications of intracerebral hemorrhage and eclampsia may be prevented with judicious use of antihypertensive medication (e.g., hydralazine) and magnesium sulfate, respectively. Finally, data from a number of small trials suggest that low-dose aspirin (60–100 mg/d) may reduce the incidence of preeclampsia in patients at high risk without adversely affecting the fetus or newborn; however, it is recommended that aspirin not be used as a routine prophylactic intervention until publication of results of several ongoing large multicenter trials, which will help to more fully clarify the benefits and risks of this approach.16
A three day versus a five day graphing handheld professional development program; and, its attitudinal effect on teachers of mathematics

Professional development for all educators, including mathematics educators, is an important facet of their profession. It helps them to stay current and proficient. Under the aegis of The West Chester University Teachers Teaching with Technology In-service/Pre-service Professional Development Program a study was conducted using two different workshop formats to determine if one format over the other had a more significantly positive attitudinal impact on the educators. In addition, this study also showed that teacher in-service training significantly affects, in a positive direction, teachers' attitudes toward the use of graphing handhelds and other technologies in the mathematics classroom. Both five day and three day graphing calculator institutes were held. The same attitudinal survey was done both before each workshop and again at the conclusion of each workshop. The study was conducted at West Chester University of Pennsylvania and it included 63 educators, mostly mathematics teachers. This study showed that a five day institute is more effective than a three day institute and that graphing calculator institutes have a positive attitudinal affect on teachers of mathematics.
Intracellular staining study of the feline cuneate nucleus. II. Thalamic projecting neurons.

Morphological and physiological features of thalamic projecting neurons in the middle region of the cuneate nucleus of cats (from obex to 4 mm below it) have been studied, using intracellular recording and iontophoresis of horseradish peroxidase. All cuneothalamic neurons in the present sample) responded to movement of hairs on wrist, paw, or digits. However, approximately 50% of the neurons could be activated by other types of stimulation (e.g., light or maintained pressure on the skin, movement of claws, etc.). No clear differences were apparent in the physiological responses correlated with the varied dendritic pattern of stained neurons. Dendritic arborizations of most cuneothalamic neurons were more extensive than assumed previously, from Golgi impregnated material. As a consequence, only a few neurons have dendrites ramifying within a restricted region--i.e., corresponding to a typical cluster of the middle cuneate nucleus. Dendrites extending in various directions and spanning a distance up to 500 microns provide cuneothalamic neurons with the ability to receive input from relatively widespread areas. Collateral branches of axons of cuneothalamic neurons were observed in 50% of the stained neurons. Most of these collaterals terminated ventrally within the cuneate nucleus. Extensive collateral arborizations were observed in the dorsal as well as the ventral cuneate. These results, together with those reported in the previous paper, suggest complex interactions of afferent inputs on cuneothalamic neurons. In particular, such neurons are likely to be influenced by convergent input from different receptor classes and, because of their axonal collaterals, probably affect the excitability of other neurons, projecting or intrinsic, in their immediate vicinity or in other nuclear regions.
The communications course in the college curriculum

The problems presented by the Communications Course are of great consequence. Through sheer weight of superior numbers the program might well be dominated by English‐trained instructors. However, the basic oral nature of communication may give us a powerful voice in the matter.
Effects of Striatal Lesions on Components of Choice: Reward Discrimination, Preference, and Relative Valuation

The striatum is a key structure involved in reward processing and choice. Recently, we have developed a paradigm to explore how components of reward processing work together or independently during choice behavior. These components include reward discrimination, preference and relative valuation, and the goal of the present study was to determine how the striatum is involved in these dissociable components during this novel free choice paradigm. We tested choice utilizing two different outcome series with one being a more straightforward single-option discrimination anchored by a 0 reward outcome, and the other as a multi-option outcome discrimination of greater difficulty. We compared the free choice reward task to a sequential reward task and an extinction task. Striatal lesions impaired responding only in the free choice version with alterations in both appetitive and consummatory measures. Ventral striatal lesions had greater impact altering discrimination, preference and relative valuation in both the single and multi-option week studies. A major factor involved in these deficits was a significant aversion to the multi-option that contained a larger outcome option but with a longer delay to reward. Dorsal striatal lesions caused less impairment even leading to enhanced choice behavior compared to control animals during the more difficult multi-option free choice series. Overall, the results suggest that the context of action is crucial when linking striatal function to choice behavior and its diverse components. The implications include the idea that striatal involvement in decision-making is increased when responses are self-paced and diverse in a more naturalistic environment.
Optimizing Acoustic Activation of Phase Change Contrast Agents With the Activation Pressure Matching Method: A Review

Submicrometer phase-change contrast agents (PCCAs) consist of a liquid perfluorocarbon (PFC) core that can be vaporized by ultrasound (acoustic droplet vaporization) to generate contrast with excellent spatial and temporal control. When these agents, commonly referred to as nanodroplets, are formulated with cores of low boiling-point PFCs such as decafluorobutane and octafluoropropane, they can be activated with low-mechanical-index (MI) imaging pulses for diagnostic applications. Since the utilization of minimum MI is often desirable to avoid unnecessary biological effects, enabling consistent activation of these agents in an acoustic field is a challenge because the energy that must be delivered to achieve the vaporization threshold increases with depth due to attenuation. A novel vaporization approach called activation pressure matching (APM) has been developed to deliver the same pressure throughout a field of view in order to produce uniform nanodroplet vaporization and to limit the amount of energy that is delivered. In this paper, we discuss the application of this method with a Verasonics V1 Research Ultrasound System to modulate the output pressure from an ATL L11-5 transducer. Vaporization-pulse spacing optimization can be used in addition to matching the activation pressure through depth, and we demonstrate the feasibility of this approach both in vivo and in vitro . The use of optimized vaporization parameters increases the amount of time a single bolus of nanodroplets can generate useful contrast and provides consistent image enhancement in vivo . Therefore, APM is a useful technique for maximizing the efficacy of PCCA while minimizing delivered acoustic energy.
New Directions for Foster Care

Since the early 1970s, legislatures and courts have adopted a variety of approaches to address concerns about overuse, instability, and lack of permanence in foster care. There has been progress, but a number of areas still need change. It is unlikely that further changes in legal standards are needed. The foster care system now is used to respond to three different types of problems: protecting children from parental maltreatment; helping children exhibiting severe behavioral problems; and dealing with families experiencing high levels of parent-child conflict. The system should be redesigned to reflect differences in the issues presented by the three populations.
Argentine ant control around homes: efficacy of treatments and urban runoff

ABSTRACTPest management professionals in California receive more customer complaints about Argentine ants than for any other urban ant pest. Fipronil, applied as a 30 × 30 cm band around the house foundation, has become the preferred treatment used to control these ants. Unfortunately, fipronil is now showing up in urban waterways at levels that are toxic to aquatic invertebrates. Our recent studies are aimed at mitigating insecticide runoff while still controlling the ant infestations. A high priority is preventing fipronil runoff from the driveway to the street, where it can flow into drains and from there to urban waterways. In this paper, two related studies address these issues. Not treating driveways with fipronil reduced by two to three orders of magnitude its runoff when compared with earlier studies. However, not treating the driveway can reduce efficacy of treatments. Granular bifenthrin, indoxacarb, botanicals, and a thiamethoxam ant bait were tested as supplemental treatments. The gel bait sho...
Immune consequences of penfluridol treatment associated with inhibition of glioblastoma tumor growth.

// Alok Ranjan 1 , Stephen Wright 1, 2 and Sanjay K. Srivastava 1, 3 1 Department of Biomedical Sciences and Cancer Biology Center, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX 79106, USA 2 Departments of Internal Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX 79106, USA 3 Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Abilene, TX 79106, USA Correspondence to: Sanjay K. Srivastava, email: sanjay.srivastava@ttuhsc.edu Keywords: MDSC, glioblastoma, anti-psychotic drug, Treg, macrophages Abbreviations: PBMC: peripheral blood mononuclear cells; MDSC: myeloid derived suppressor cells; GBM: Glioblastoma multiforme; Treg: regulatory T cells Received: October 20, 2016 Accepted: March 13, 2017 Published: April 26, 2017 ABSTRACT Glioblastoma is the most common and lethal brain tumor associated with only 12% median survival rate of patients. Despite the development of advanced surgical, radiation or use of combinations of anti-cancer drugs, treatment for glioblastoma patients is still a challenge. The major contributing factor in glioblastoma progression and resistive nature is its ability to evade the immune surveillance. Hence, modulating the immune system in glioblastoma tumors could be an important strategy for anticancer therapeutics. Penfluridol, an antipsychotic drug has been shown to have anti-cancer properties in our recently published studies. The present study evaluates the immune response of penfluridol in glioblastoma tumors. Our results demonstrated that penfluridol treatment significantly suppressed glioblastoma tumor growth. Our current results demonstrated about 72% suppression of myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) with penfluridol treatment in mouse bearing U87MG glioblastoma tumors. MDSCs are known to increase regulatory T cells (Treg), which are immunosuppressive in nature and suppresses M1 macrophages that are tumor suppressive in nature. Our results also showed suppression of regulatory T cells as well as elevation of M1 macrophages with penfluridol treatment by 58% and 57% respectively. Decrease in CCL4 as well as IFNγ with penfluridol treatment was also observed indicating decrease in overall tumor inflammation. This is the first report demonstrating immune modulations by penfluridol treatment associated with glioblastoma tumor growth suppression prompting further investigation to establish penfluridol as a treatment option for glioblastoma patients.
Defining pain in newborns: need for a uniform taxonomy?

A scientific rationale for applying pain terms such as acute, persistent, prolonged, or chronic pain to newborns was derived from the scientific literature on neonatal pain assessments, previous attempts to define chronic pain, and the clinical and neurophysiological features of neonatal pain. This novel framework incorporates the temporal features, localizing characteristics, and secondary effects of the pain experienced, as well as the behavioral and physiological response patterns of newborns. Conclusion Although not evidence-based, this framework provides an initial starting point for defining commonly used neonatal pain terms. It will require future revision/refinement based on the accumulating evidence for non-acute pain. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Statement on 'Bringing Justice Closer to the People: Examining Ideas for Restructuring the Ninth Circuit'

Congress is once again considering legislation to divide the largest of the federal judicial circuits, the Ninth. On March 16, 2017, a subcommittee of the House Judiciary Committee held a hearing on “Bringing Justice Closer to the People: Examining Ideas for Restructuring the Ninth Circuit.” This statement was submitted for the record of the hearing. The statement addresses three questions. First, what considerations should Congress take into account in determining whether to restructure the Ninth Circuit? Second, if restructuring is desirable, how should the legislation be drafted? Third, how do pending House bills measure up? The burden is on those who would alter an existing structure to show that the structure is seriously deficient and that their particular proposal would be an improvement on the status quo. On the evidence now available, the proponents of dividing the Ninth Circuit have not met their burden. But the arguments made by opponents of the split are not very compelling either. In considering whether to divide the present Ninth Circuit into two new circuits, Congress may want to look separately at the likely consequences for the circuit that includes California and for the circuit that does not. If circuit division would benefit the legal communities and the citizenry in the states of the proposed new non-California circuit, and the division can be accomplished without disadvantaging the circuit that includes California, that might be enough to justify the reorganization. If Congress follows that approach, the legislation should be carefully drafted to avoid the flaws that made prior proposals so injurious, particularly to the circuit that would include California. In particular, each of the new circuits should be composed of at least three states. And the legislation should allocate to the new Ninth Circuit a sufficient number of judgeships to assure that the per-judge caseload in that circuit would be no greater than it is today, and preferably smaller.
Comparing invasive effects of five foodborne bacterial pathogens in human embryonic intestine 407 cells and human ileocecum HCT-8 cells

Abstract Objective To refine the infectious doses of enteric bacterial pathogens in animal assays and vaccine clinical trials by studying the invasion kinetics of five bacterial pathogens with human intestinal cells. Methods Utilizing in vitro cultured cell invasion assays with gentamicin-killing step, the invasive effects were analyzed in foodborne pathogens including Salmonella, Shigella, Yersinia, Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157 and opportunistic pathogens Citrobacter in human embryonic intestine 407 cells and ileocecum HCT-8 cells at multiplicities of infection (MOIs) of 0.04–4 000.00 E. coli HS served as a noninvasive control. Results The study results showed that the bacterial invasive efficiency and the average number of internalized bacteria per host cell changed with different starting MOIs. Higher starting MOIs did not always produce more bacterial internalization. The bacterial invasion effects varied with different bacterial strains and host cell lines. E. coli O157:H7 did invade human ileocecum HCT-8 cells. Conclusions This study shows that these bacteria possess different invasive patterns at various starting MOIs and also in different cell lines. The results could help to figure out the appropriate infectious doses of the bacteria in animal assays and in vaccine clinical trials. The bacterial invasion kinetics is also valuable in evaluating the safety and efficacy of live attenuated bacterial vaccines.
Continuous-Flow Chemistry in Undergraduate Education: Sustainable Conversion of Reclaimed Vegetable Oil into Biodiesel

This laboratory experiment leverages the pedagogical value and multidisciplinary nature of biodiesel production from vegetable oil to introduce students to continuous-flow chemistry, a modern and rapidly growing approach to chemical synthesis. An interdisciplinary approach exposes students to the practical and conceptual aspects of modern continuous-flow chemistry while simultaneously reinforcing core organic chemistry techniques and investing students in issues of sustainability. Students screen reaction conditions in flow through an inquiry-guided approach and make evidence-based decisions to accomplish the sustainable conversion of waste cooking oil into biofuel. The laboratory experiment is designed to be highly modular and can be completed in two, three, five, or eight laboratory periods. By incorporating the burgeoning field of continuous-flow chemistry into the educational infrastructure, the experiments allow students to develop skills that are highly valued in the modern chemical workforce.
On Random Weights and Unsupervised Feature Learning

Recently two anomalous results in the literature have shown that certain feature learning architectures can yield useful features for object recognition tasks even with untrained, random weights. In this paper we pose the question: why do random weights sometimes do so well? Our answer is that certain convolutional pooling architectures can be inherently frequency selective and translation invariant, even with random weights. Based on this we demonstrate the viability of extremely fast architecture search by using random weights to evaluate candidate architectures, thereby sidestepping the time-consuming learning process. We then show that a surprising fraction of the performance of certain state-of-the-art methods can be attributed to the architecture alone.
Potos flavus (Kinkajou)

The karyotypes shown were prepared from skin cultures of animals from the National Zoological Park, Washington, D.C., USA. They have been arranged in a manner similar to the domestic cat (Vol. 1, Fol. 31). The satellited marker chromosome is the 15th autosome shown here. Three previous karyotypes have been shown of this species which are in essential agreement with those displayed here. However, it appears that there is great variability in the size of the short arms of the submetacentric and subtelocentric elements. Consequently, other authors have suggested the presence of more than one pair of acrocentrics in this species. The Y chromosome is usually so small that its short arm is difficult to recognize.
Other-Sensitive Motivation for Safer Sex Among Gay Men: Expanding Paradigms for HIV Prevention

Self-interest is not the only motivator to sexual safety among sexually active gay men. Indeed, limits to a self-interest prevention paradigm are significant, and growing. Semi-structured qualitative interviews in two cities with an ethnically diverse cohort of mixed-status, sexually active gay men reveal a wide range of other-sensitive motivators beyond self-interest whose roles in men's HIV safety decisions have not been recognized. Other-sensitive motivations fall into several categories: altruistic concern for sex partners, personal ethical/moral values, expressed desire for communal/collective survival, concerns about self-definition, and elaborate concerns over the effects of potential HIV infection on family and friends. Other-focused concerns seem to operate as key motivators among these men, lowering risk. Implications of other-sensitive concerns for a new generation of prevention strategies are discussed.
The Ketogenic Diet: A Practical Guide for Caregivers

Abstract The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that results in ketosis. It has been in use for nearly 70 years. Several modifications of the diet's original form, including the medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) diet, have been made in an attempt to overcome the obstacles of compliance and acceptance, which have been critical factors in determining its success. The practical guide for caregivers that is presented here uses elements of both the original ketogenic diet and the MCT diet, with added ideas. Our modified diet has been in use for more than 3 years at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center Babies and Children's Hospital of New York. The majority of parents and children find our diet more acceptable and/or more user friendly than other types of ketogenic diets. Thus, compliance is better. The variety of foods offered is greater and provides a more normal diet than the other types of ketogenic diets. In addition, the calculations for nutritionists are easier, and parents are able to adjust the diet without the fear that their child will lose ketones. J Am Diet Assoc. 1998;98:316-321.
Fabrication of High Strength Al Nanocomposites with Populous TiB2 Nanoparticles

Abstract High performance lightweight metals offer tremendous potential to improve energy efficiency and system performance for numerous applications. Traditional manufacturing processes such as thermomechanical processing and deformation have reached their limits in further improving the properties of metals. Thus, a new approach is necessary to develop high performance lightweight metals which can offer promising properties. Metal matrix nanocomposite (MMNC) is an excellent approach to produce lightweight metals with improved properties that cannot be achieved by traditional manufacturing. Effective incorporation of a suitable nanoparticles system in a metallic matrix such as aluminum (Al) can improve the performance of the matrix. However, due to the high chemical reactivity and poor wettability of Al with nanoparticles, achieving high volume fraction of nanoparticles incorporation is of a great challenge. Here we show a novel approach to incorporate high volume fraction of titanium diboride (TiB2) nanoparticles in Al matrix. Al-TiB2 nanocomposite microparticles were initially produced via flux assisted solidification processes. Al-TiB2 nanocomposites were produced by cold compaction followed by melting. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) images revealed that the TiB2 nanoparticles are unfirmly dispersed and distributed in Al matrix. Al-TiB2 nanocomposites with as high as 485.9±16.9 Vickers hardness were successfully produced. Furthermore, the effect of melting time was studied on the hardness of the Al-TiB2 nanocomposites.
Joint Prevalence of Sitting Time and Leisure-Time Physical Activity Among US Adults, 2015-2016.

This study uses 2015-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data to assess prevalence of daily sitting time and weekly leisure-time physical activity among US adults.
Warm-Season Grass Monocultures and Mixtures for Sustainable Bioenergy Feedstock Production in the Midwest, USA

Biomass yield and adaptability to a broad range of environments are important characteristics of dedicated energy crops for sustainable bioenergy feedstock production. In addition to yield potential, the role of species diversity on ecosystem services is also growing in importance as we seek to develop sustainable feedstock production systems. The objective of this study was to compare the biomass yield potential of the commercially available germplasm of native warm-season grasses in monocultures and in blends (mixture of different cultivars of the same species) or mixtures of different species across an environmental gradient (temperature and precipitation) in the Midwest, USA. Warm-season grasses including switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.), big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii Vitman), indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans [L.] Nash), sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula [Michx.] Torr.) and Miscanthus × giganteus (Greef and Deu.) were planted in 2009. Biomass was annually harvested from 2010 through 2015 for Urbana, IL and Mead, NE but only in 2010 and 2011 for Ames, IA. The effect of species in monocultures and mixtures (or blends) on biomass yields was significant for all locations. In monocultures, the annual biomass yields averaged over a 6-year period were 11.12 Mg ha−1 and 10.98 Mg ha−1 at Urbana and Mead, respectively, while the annual biomass yield averaged over a 2-year period was 7.99 Mg ha−1 at Ames, IA. Also, the annual biomass yields averaged across the different mixtures and blends at each location were 10.25 Mg ha−1, 9.88 Mg ha−1, and 7.64 Mg ha−1 at Urbana, Mead, and Ames, respectively. At all locations, M. × giganteus and ‘Kanlow N1’ produced the highest biomass yield in monocultures while mixtures containing switchgrass and big bluestem had the greatest mixture yield. The results from this multi-environment study suggest mixtures of different species provided no yield advantage over monocultures for bioenergy feedstocks in Illinois and Nebraska and both systems consistently produced biomass as long as April–July precipitation was near or above the average precipitation (300 mm) of the regions.
Impact of Route of Estrogen Administration on Bone Turnover Markers in Oligoamenorrheic Athletes and Its Mediators.

Objective Transdermal, but not oral, estrogen replacement improves bone mineral density (BMD) in athletes with oligoamenorrhea (OA). Our objective was to determine mechanisms that may explain the impact of route of estrogen administration on bone outcomes. Methods Seventy-three participants with OA between 14 and 25 years old received (i) a 17β-estradiol transdermal patch continuously with cyclic oral micronized progesterone (PATCH), (ii) a combined ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel pill (PILL), or (iii) no estrogen/progesterone (NONE) for 12 months. We evaluated morning fasting levels of a marker of bone formation [N-terminal propeptide of type 1 procollagen (P1NP)], a marker of bone resorption (N-telopeptide), IGF-1, insulinlike growth factor binding protein 3, total testosterone, estradiol, SHBG, sclerostin, preadipocyte factor-1 (Pref-1), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), calcium, 25(OH) vitamin D, and PTH levels at baseline and 12 months. Results Groups did not differ for age, weight, exercise activity, or markers of bone formation at baseline. Over 12 months, P1NP decreased the most in the PILL group (P = 0.03) associated with a decrease in IGF-1 levels (r = 0.37; P = 0.003). Sclerostin, Pref-1, and BDNF decreased in the PATCH group over 12 months. PATCH had the greatest increases in estradiol (P ≤ 0.0001), and estradiol increases were associated with increases in bone density. Conclusion Transdermal 17β-estradiol given over 12 months does not cause the decrease in IGF-1 observed with oral ethinyl estradiol. It also leads to decreases in sclerostin, Pref-1, and BDNF, which may mediate the beneficial effects of estrogen.
Changing the Subject: Quine, Putnam and Waismann on Meaning-Change, Logic, and Analyticity

Hilary Putnam’s views on analyticity, synonymy, and meaning-change loom large in his writing on logic, mathematics, and science. In “The analytic and the synthetic” (Scientific explanation, space, and time, Minnesota studies in the philosophy of science. University of Minnesota Press, Minneapolis, pp. 358–397, 1962), Putnam argues that (i) Quine is wrong in claiming that there just is no analytic-synthetic distinction, but (ii) Quine is right in arguing that analyticity plays no significant role in the philosophy or science (except, perhaps, linguistics). In some interesting ways, Putnam’s views on these matters connect with those developed in Friedrich Waismann’s “Analytic-synthetic”, published serially in Analysis (Analysis 10:25–40, [1949], Analysis 11:25–38, [1950], Analysis 11:49–61, [1951a], Analysis 11:115–124, [1951b], Analysis 13:1–4, [1952], Analysis 13:73–89, [1953]), around the same period as Quine’s “Two dogmas of empiricism” (Philosophical Review 60:20–43, 1951). Waismann provides a rich and subtle conception of analyticity and meaning, and the role that analyticity and synonymy play in linguistic interpretation (see also Waismann in Proceedings of theAristotelian Society, Supplementary 19:119–150, [1945]).
Multiple hepatic abscesses complicating regional enteritis

Six cases of hepatic abscesses occurring in association with regional enteritis have been previously reported. A careful analysis indicates that in each case either recent surgery or corticosteroid therapy preceded the onset of hepatic abscesses. Surgical drainage, frequently on multiple occasions, was employed in all patients who survived, and survival among them was better than that observed generally for pyogenic hepatic abscess. A case is reported of multiple pyogenic hepatic abscesses occurring in a patient with regional enteritis being treated with Prednisone. Long-term antibiotic treatment led to survival with resolution of the hepatic abscesses. It is suggested that when surgical drainage in such cases is not feasible, long-term antibiotic therapy may provide a reasonable alternative treatment.
Right Ventricular Strain as a Predictor of Post-LVAD Early Right Ventricular Failure

Purpose Early right ventricular failure (RVF) occurs in up to 40% of patients following left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation and is associated with increased peri-operative mortality and prolonged hospitalization. We sought to determine the effectiveness of RV longitudinal strain (RVLS) in predicting post-LVAD RVF. Methods We retrospectively analyzed 55 patients who underwent LVAD implantation between 2013-2018 in an academic hospital. Global longitudinal and segmental (septum and free wall) RV strain in the 4-chamber, right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT), and subcostal views were measured on pre-LVAD echocardiograms using 2D strain software (TomTec, Chicago, USA). Early RVF was defined as the requirement of more than two weeks of ionotropic support post LVAD implantation or the need for right ventricular assist device (RVAD). Results 27 patients (49%) suffered from RVF. RV global longitudinal strain (RVLS) was significantly reduced in patients who developed RVF compared to those who did not (Table 1). At a cutoff of -10.0%, RVLS measured in the 4-chamber view had a sensitivity of 88% and specificity of 75% in predicting early RVF, with an AUC of 0.84 and an OR of 1.4. Segmental analysis of free wall and septal strain in the apical 4-chamber and subcostal views were also significantly reduced in patients with RVF. ROC calculations were performed on previously described metrics including pulmonary artery pulsatility index (PAPi), right ventricular stroke work index (RVSWI), and Michigan risk score demonstrating an AUC of 0.46 for PAPi, 0.41 for RVSWi, and 0.58 for Michigan risk score. Conclusion Pre-operative RVLS was a useful predictor of RVF in multiple views. In this cohort study, 2D RVLS outperformed previously used clinical, hemodynamic, and echocardiographic based metrics as a predictive marker for early RVF and may be a useful tool in risk stratification of pre-operative LVAD patients.
Establishment and heteroblasty of Acacia koa in canopy gaps

Abstract Acacia spp. are important tropical forest trees but their commercial value may be limited by expression of poor apical dominance and extensive lateral branching. Multiple-aged and gap silviculture may harness the developmental plasticity of phyllodinous Acacia spp. to improve regeneration establishment, without sacrificing survival rates, by delaying heteroblasty (transition early in development from true leaves to modified petioles called phyllodes). However, successful development of this system is dependent on knowledge of seedling shade tolerance and ability to establish within canopy gaps. We planted Hawaiian Acacia koa (koa) beneath an existing restoration planting with a monospecific overstory canopy of koa on a dry site within koa’s natural range. Seedlings originated from a local putative drought-adapted population and a non-local mesic-adapted population, allowing evaluation of responses to a continuous light availability gradient in two populations. Leaf transition rates and the growth and survival impacts of rust fungus infection introduced from the existing canopy were also assessed. We detected significant and positive responses to light availability. Koa exhibited low shade tolerance and cannot sustain overtopping; both height and basal diameter growth increased exponentially with increasing canopy openness. Transition to high-light, drought-adapted mature foliage occurred more rapidly with increasing light availability. High developmental plasticity occurred in response to shading, but we did not find evidence of the adaptive value in that plasticity because of low survival rates and reduced growth in low-light microsites. We detected evidence for a growth-survival trade-off in which the non-local population grew faster overall, yet had reduced survival. Rust infection reduced survival and growth, limiting the possibility of converting degraded koa plantations into multiple-aged, gap silviculture systems. High rust infection rates and impacts on field performance found in this study reflect potential for pathogen-limited growth and survival in gap silviculture.
Influence of Presentation Handout Completeness on Student Learning in a Physical Therapy Curriculum

Students and faculty have disparate opinions on how complete lecture materials should be to optimize learning. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of lecture handout completeness and content area on Doctor of Physical Therapy student recall/retention in foundation level courses. These findings suggest there may not be a best practice for lecture slide completeness and may be course/content dependent. In this study students performed better with complete handouts in physiology and research courses and with less complete handouts in biomechanics. I. Introduction. There are consistent discrepancies between physical therapy student and faculty attitudes and beliefs regarding the completeness of lecture/presentation material provided to students. Anecdotal evidence gathered through informal surveys of students enrolled in the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at Regis University suggest that students have a preference for access to complete presentation slides/handouts prior to and during the actual teaching sessions. Student comments on course and faculty evaluations also reflect this preference. Informal discussions that provided motivation for this study indicated that some students' rationale for this preference is note taking during a presentation interferes with their ability to listen, and they are afraid of missing critical information. An informal survey of faculty in the School of Physical Therapy indicates a conflicting belief that note taking, rather than interfering with understanding, helps support student learning through the process of encoding information. In addition, some faculty members believe that providing incomplete presentation slides/handouts facilitates student engagement and encourages class participation. These anecdotal findings are in accordance with what has been published in the literature, where survey studies have shown dissonance in faculty/student beliefs surrounding handout completeness (Marsh & Sink, 2010; McClennan & Isaacs, 2008). Many investigators have found the majority of students prefer to have access to course presentation materials prior to classroom sessions (Marsh & Sink, 2010; Murphy, Gray, Straja, & Bogert, 2004; Yilmazel-Sahin & Oxford, 2010); however, few studies have investigated the influence of access to incomplete or complete handouts on learning outcomes (Achterberg, Duquiane, Huebbe, & Williams, 2007; Larson, 2009). Furthermore, few studies in this area have focused on graduate education (Yilmazel-Sahin & Oxford, 2010), and even fewer have been conducted in the area of physical therapy education.
STUDIES ON THE INHIBITION OF TRANSCRIPTION BY THE HEPATOCARCINOGEN N-HYDROXY-2-ACETYIAMINOFLUORENE

The mechanisms of inhibition of hepatic RNA synthesis by the carcinogen N-OH AAF have been examined. The activity of purified RNA polymerases I and II is reduced while template effects do not appear to be important at dosages Commonly employed. Inhibition of protein synthesis may contribute to the reduction in rRNA synthesis.