cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Childhood: Operational Pathways to Adulthood Participation in Nature-Based Activities

A conceptual and operational model examined relationships among childhood participation in nature-based activities, motivations, constraints, mitigation of constraints, and adult visits to Minnesota State Parks. The results support a model in which (a) higher childhood participation in nature-based activities increased motivation and mitigation strategies, (b) constraints decreased state park visitation and also triggered the use of mitigation strategies that in turn increased state park visits, and (c) higher levels of motivation improved efforts to negotiate constraints and visit more. Consistent with the main hypothesis, the more nature-based activities people participate in during childhood, the more they desire such activities and are able to mitigate constraints to participation, and consequently, the higher the level of participation, as an adult. The results suggest a rather indirect association between childhood participation in nature-based activities and adulthood participation in such activities.
Conjugated linoleic acid promotes human adipocyte insulin resistance through NFκB-dependent cytokine production

We previously demonstrated that trans-10, cis-12 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) reduced the triglyceride content of human adipocytes by activating mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase/extracellular signal-related kinase (MEK/ERK) signaling via interleukins (IL) 6 and 8. However, the upstream mechanism is unknown. Here we show that CLA increased (≥6 h) the secretion of IL-6 and IL-8 in cultures containing both differentiated adipocytes and stromal vascular (SV) cells, non-differentiated SV cells, and adipose tissue explants. CLA isomer-specific induction of IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α was associated with the activation of nuclear factor κB (NFκB) as evidenced by 1) phosphorylation of IκBα, IκBα kinase, and NFκB p65, 2) IκBα degradation, and 3) nuclear translocation of NFκB. Pretreatment with selective NFκB inhibitors and the MEK/ERK inhibitor U0126 blocked CLA-mediated IL-6 gene expression. Trans-10, cis-12 CLA suppression of insulin-stimulated glucose uptake at 24 h was associated with decreased total and plasma membrane glucose transporter 4 proteins. Inhibition of NFκB activation or depletion of NFκB by RNA interference using small interfering NFκB p65 attenuated CLA suppression of glucose transporter 4 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ proteins and glucose uptake. Collectively, these data demonstrate for the first time that trans-10, cis-12 CLA promotes NFκB activation and subsequent induction of IL-6, which are at least in part responsible for trans-10, cis-12 CLA-mediated suppression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ target gene expression and insulin sensitivity in mature human adipocytes.
An upper Echelons perspective on transformational leadership problems in high technology firms

Abstract The progression from an entrepreneurial to a professionally managed firm often produces the situation where the company outgrows the founder CEO. This “executive limit scenario” is theoretically developed by integrating organizational life cycle theory, and Hambrick and Mason's Upper Echelon's Model. Preliminary findings from interviews with twenty-five high technology firms' CEOs indicate that the executive limit results because the qualities of the initial entrepreneur are often not the same qualities which are optimal in later stages of the company's development.
Cauda equina syndrome after in situ arthrodesis for severe spondylolisthesis at the lumbosacral junction

Relative stretching of the cauda equina over the posterosuperior border of the sacrum can be found in all patients who have Grade-III or IV spondylolisthesis at the lumbosacral junction. We identified twelve patients, all less than eighteen years old, who had cauda equina syndrome after in situ arthrodesis for Grade-III or IV lumbosacral spondylolisthesis. In all twelve patients, posterolateral arthrodesis had been done bilaterally through a midline or paraspinal muscle-splitting approach. Nothing in the operative reports suggested that the cauda equina had been directly injured during any of the procedures. Five of the twelve patients eventually recovered completely. The remaining seven patients had a permanent residual neurological deficit, manifested by complete or partial inability to control the bowel and bladder. If dysfunction of the root of the sacral nerve is noted preoperatively in a patient who has lumbosacral spondylolisthesis, decompression of the cauda equina concomitant with the arthrodesis should be considered. An acute cauda equina syndrome that follows a seemingly uneventful in situ arthrodesis for spondylolisthesis is best treated by an immediate decompression that includes resection of the posterosuperior rim of the dome of the sacrum and the adjacent intervertebral disc. In addition, posterior insertion of instrumentation and reduction of the lumbosacral spondylolisthesis should be considered.
Model-based explanation of uncertain observations [marine oil spill tracking]

Given a model for some process, the reliability of predicting the future behavior of the process through the model depends on how the past observations of the process were understood. Typically, the observational data is uncertain and incomplete while the model is crisp in the sense that the input and output of the model are precise. In explaining observations, the authors wish to construct a plausible history of the process that is consistent both with the observations and the model, in this paper, the authors propose a general architecture to explain uncertain observations through a model. The authors illustrate the validity of the approach by applying this architecture to marine oil spill tracking problem. >
Equine Endothelial Cells Support Productive Infection of Equine Infectious Anemia Virus

Previous cell infectivity studies have demonstrated that the lentivirus equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV) infects tissue macrophages in vivo and in vitro. In addition, some strains of EIAV replicate to high titer in vitro in equine fibroblasts and fibroblast cell lines. Here we report a new cell type, macrovascular endothelial cells, that is infectible with EIAV. We tested the ability of EIAV to infect purified endothelial cells isolated from equine umbilical cords and renal arteries. Infectivity was detected by cell supernatant reverse transcriptase positivity, EIAV antigen positivity within individual cells, and the detection of viral RNA by in situ hybridization. Virus could rapidly spread through the endothelial cultures, and the supernatants of infected cultures contained high titers of infectious virus. There was no demonstrable cell killing in infected cultures. Three of four strains of EIAV that were tested replicated in these cultures, including MA-1, a fibroblast-tropic strain, Th.1, a macrophage-tropic strain, and WSU5, a strain that is fibroblast tropic and can cause disease. Finally, upon necropsy of a WSU5-infected horse 4 years postinfection, EIAV-positive endothelial cells were detected in outgrowths of renal artery cultures. These findings identify a new cell type that is infectible with EIAV. The role of endothelial cell infection in the course of equine infectious anemia is currently unknown, but endothelial cell infection may be involved in the edema that can be associated with infection. Furthermore, the ability of EIAV to persistently infect endothelial cultures and the presence of virus in endothelial cells from a long-term carrier suggest that this cell type can serve as a reservoir for the virus during subclinical phases of infection.
The Influence of Social Support on Chronic Illness Self-Management: A Review and Directions for Research

A review of the empirical literature examining the relationship between social support and chronic illness self-management identified 29 articles, of which 22 were quantitative and 7 were qualitative. The majority of research in this area concerns diabetes self-management, with a few studies examining asthma, heart disease, and epilepsy management. Taken together, these studies provide evidence for a modest positive relationship between social support and chronic illness self-management, especially for diabetes. Dietary behavior appears to be particularly susceptible to social influences. In addition, social network members have potentially important negative influences on self-management There is a need to elucidate the underlying mechanisms by which support influences self-management and to examine whether this relationship varies by illness, type of support, and behavior. There is also a need to understand how the social environment may influence self-management in ways other than the provision of social support
Unusual hepta- and octabrominated diphenyl ethers and nonabrominated diphenyl ether profile in California, USA, peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus): More evidence for brominated diphenyl ether-209 debromination

High (maximum of 4.1 ppm lipid weight) levels of BDE-209 and other higher brominated diphenyl ethers (BDEs) found in California, USA, peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) eggs (n = 95) provided an opportunity to examine homolog profiles of nona-, octa-, and hepta-BDEs as possible evidence for biological debromination of BDE-209. We found two congeners in eggs, an unidentified hepta-BDE (BDE-heptaUNK) and BDE-202 (octa-BDE) that are not present in commercial mixtures. In addition, BDE-208 (nona-BDE) was present at much higher (10-fold) proportions in eggs than in commercial mixtures. To examine whether these unusual homolog patterns arose from assimilation of environmentally degraded BDE commercial mixtures, we compared nona-hepta-BDE homolog profiles of peregrine falcon eggs with those of weathered BDEs present in various abiotic matrices (sludge, sediment, and dusts). We found the profiles differed significantly: BDE-207 was the major nona-BDE in eggs, whereas BDE-206 was the major nona-BDE in abiotic matrices. Thus, the evidence for the biological debromination of BDE-209 in peregrine falcons is twofold: Eggs have two congeners (BDE-202 and -heptaUNK) that are not reported for any commercial mixtures nor in the abiotic matrices examined thus far, and eggs have higher-brominated BDE homolog patterns that are different from those found in commercial mixtures or environmental matrices.
Physiologic basis for understanding quantitative dehydration assessment

Dehydration (body water deficit) is a physiologic state that can have profound implications for human health and performance. Unfortunately, dehydration can be difficult to assess, and there is no single, universal gold standard for decision making. In this article, we review the physiologic basis for understanding quantitative dehydration assessment. We highlight how phenomenologic interpretations of dehydration depend critically on the type (dehydration compared with volume depletion) and magnitude (moderate compared with severe) of dehydration, which in turn influence the osmotic (plasma osmolality) and blood volume-dependent compensatory thresholds for antidiuretic and thirst responses. In particular, we review new findings regarding the biological variation in osmotic responses to dehydration and discuss how this variation can help provide a quantitative and clinically relevant link between the physiology and phenomenology of dehydration. Practical measures with empirical thresholds are provided as a starting point for improving the practice of dehydration assessment.
POPULATION GENETIC MODELS OF MALE AND MUTUAL MATE CHOICE

Examples of male mate choice are becoming increasingly common, even in polygynous species. We create a series of population genetic models to examine the evolutionary equilibria and dynamics resulting from male mate choice during polygyny, alone and in the context of mutual mate choice by both sexes. We find that unless males with a preference are able to increase their overall courtship output, male preference will be lost. This loss can be counteracted if males choose females not based on arbitrary traits, but based on a trait that indicates high fertility or viability. We also conclude that if male and female preferences and traits are all controlled by different loci, the male and female mate choice systems are decoupled; the presence of a male preference then has no influence on the equilibria or dynamics of female mate choice. If male and female traits are coupled by pleiotropy, it becomes possible for a male preference to be maintained, regardless of whether preferences between the sexes are pleiotropic or controlled by separate loci.
Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis (PVNS) and Giant-Cell Tumor of Tendon Sheath

Definition: Benign, composed of synovial-like mononuclear cells of the joint, the tendon sheaths, and the mucous bursae.
Microstructure and mechanical properties of electrodeposited Al1-xMnx/Al1-yMny nanostructured multilayers

Nanostructured Al1−xMnx/Al1−yMny multilayers were deposited from room temperature ionic liquid using galvanostatic control at various current densities and electrolyte compositions. By tuning the deposition parameters, multilayers with both micrometer and nanometer layer thicknesses were synthesized, with modulation of the elastic modulus and hardness between Mn-lean and Mn-rich layers. Surface morphology, composition, and microstructure of the films were characterized using x-ray diffraction and electron microanalysis tools. Nanoindentation and nanoscratch tests were performed to evaluate the mechanical and tribological properties of selected multilayers. Finally, the effects of deposition parameters on the microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of the multilayers were discussed.
Selective regional anesthesia options in surgical subspecialties

These two nerves lie in close proximity to one another and are frequently blocked together with the same needle insertion. Dr. Harvey Cushing reported in the Annals of Surgery in 1900 that “almost all cases of hernia, with the possible exception of those in young children, could undoubtedly be subjected to the radical operation under local anesthesia” [1]. Today, because of infrequent use, some authors claim that the block is underutilized for herniorrhaphy [2]. Recently, Yilmazlar and colleagues compared the ilioinguinal/iliohypogastric nerve blocks to spinal anesthesia for inguinal herniorrhaphy. They found that patients receiving the ilioinguinal/iliohypogastric nerve blocks had shorter time-to-home readiness, quicker oral intake postsurgery, and no need for recovery room care [3].
Reconnecting the Family: A Need for Sensible Visitation Schedules for Children of Divorce

Marriages often turn out to be anything but a bed of roses, but divorce should not, and does not, obliterate the family connection. Where children are involved, the fact that one or both spouses would prefer to pretend there is no longer a connection between the children and the noncustodial parent has little to do with reality. Barring conditions warranting a termination of a parent's visitation rights, the children and the noncustodial parent are still as biologically connected as during the marriage, but are just living in different places. It is the fact that we allow ourselves to accept the physical separation as proof of a corresponding emotional separation that begets that exact result: it is a classic case of predetermination.This article does not promote strengthening of the noncustodial parent's role in the children's lives at the expense of the role of the custodial parent, usually the mother; rather, it purports to show the advantages of equalizing the roles of both parents. It is undisputed that mothers, frequently the custodial parent, do have a special bond with their children. We are accustomed to hearing about a woman's "biological clock," not only in terms of physical ability to bear children, but also in terms of her psychological yearning to do so. And while part of the reason we do not think of men in the same light is because of their physical inability to have children, the fact is that men infrequently evince the same psychological longings, either through conditioning or simply prioritizing life differently. Later, in the consequences of a divorce, this different outlook is frequently interpreted by the courts to mean a different kind of role for the divorced father than for the mother, to the detriment of all. This article will use a model of the custodial mother and noncustodial father, as this scenario is not only common, but precipitates and exemplifies much of the problems addressed here. Part II of this article attempts to dissect the reasons for society's and the court's acceptance and even promotion of the minimization of the divorced father's role in his children's life. Part III addresses the negative results of such societal expectations, including the resultant reluctance of many fathers to abide by support and visitation schedules and the effect on the children, the physical and psychological effects of such a different role on the children, and even the mother's unexpected detrimental challenges because of it. Part IV advocates the need for change within the family and the courts, and Parts V and VI propose a new standard for visitation between noncustodial parents and their children.
Branch Girdling and Oviposition Biology of Oncideres pustulatus (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) on Acacia farnesiana

Female Oncideres pustulatus LeConte girdle Acacia farnesiana (L.) Willd. branches to provide a suitable host for their progeny. After girdling a branch, eggs are laid in the girdled section where the hatching larvae feed beneath the bark. Girdled branches were 13-55 mm in diameter and up to 4.01 m in length. Females contained as many as 63 mature eggs, but oviposition averaged 312 eggs per branch; a maximum of 2,898 eggs was laid on a single branch. A multiple regression analysis indicated that branch volume, number of lateral branches, and branch surface area were significant variables accounting for the variation in egg numbers per branch (r2, 0.806). Larvae consumed an average of 9.3 cm3 of wood from the girdled branches, but high oviposition densities within a branch forces larvae to compete for the limited resource. When one female begins girdling a branch, other females oviposit on the branch without assisting in the girdling. Potential reproductive strategies by girdling and nongirdling females are discussed.
Microwave Scattering from a Plasma Produced by REMPI in Argon

This paper explores the properties of signals generated by microwave scattering from a laser generated Resonance Enhanced Multi-Photon Ionization (REMPI) plasma in low density neutral argon. The ionization process occurs through a nanosecond pulsed laser driven three photon resonant absorption to an excited electronic state of argon followed by a single photon ionization from that state. By using time dependent perturbation theory and empirical values of the Einstein coefficients of different levels of neutral argon, the three photon excitation cross section is calculated. The single photon ionization cross section from the excited state is then calculated using quantum defect theory. The time dependence of the ionization and recombination processes are monitored with the microwaves and modeled from the rate equations of electrons, ions and excited atoms, which are solved numerically. Good agreement has been achieved between the results of the theory, the computational model, and the experimental data.
Sub-diffuse optical biomarkers observed during clinical neurosurgery

A model of sub-diffuse reflectance is validated in tissue phantoms and applied to in vivo data obtained during clinical neurosurgeries. Data provide insight into microscopic aspects of normal and malignant tissue structure and function.
Mechanistic Approach to Understanding the Influence of USP Apparatus I and II on Dissolution Kinetics of Tablets with Different Operating Release Mechanisms

This article provides an analysis of dissolution kinetics associated with formulations subjected to different dissolution methods with the purpose of revealing credible direction on selection of apparatus type and hydrodynamics on in vitro drug release profiles using three different formulations. The dissolution kinetics of immediate release (IR) and controlled release (CR) ibuprofen tablets under different hydrodynamic conditions were determined, and potential existence of any correlation between USP apparatus I and II were analyzed using adequate kinetic models. Two types of CR tablets based on PEO (polyethylene oxide-N80) and HPMC (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose- K100M) polymers were prepared. Marketed ibuprofen 200-mg IR tablets were also used. Dissolution studies were carried out using USP 34 apparatuses I and II methods at stirring speed of 100 and 50 rpm in 900 mL phosphate buffer, pH 7.2 at 37°C. The drug release profiles for each formulation was determined and statistically analyzed using model-dependent, model-independent (f 2 ), and ANOVA methods. No significant dissolution differences existed between IR tablets, whereas CR tablets were significantly impacted by apparatus types and hydrodynamics. PEO matrices displayed higher sensitivity to hydrodynamics relative to HPMC matrices, and differences in dissolution profiles were confirmed by ANOVA and boxplot analysis. It is concluded that in the case of CR systems, selection of apparatus type and adherence to the monograph specifications and hydrodynamic conditions is critical, while for IR tablets, both apparatus types and agitation rates had no significant impact on drug release rate, suggesting the possibility of apparatus interchangeability if desired.
Operant control of ambient temperature during sleep deprivation

Rats subjected to total sleep deprivation (TSD) by the disk-over-water method were provided with a continuously available operant by which they could increase ambient temperature (T(amb)). TSD rats progressively increased operant responses for heat to 700% of baseline levels. During the last quarter of sleep deprivation, they maintained mean T(amb) at 9 degrees C above baseline and held T(amb) over 40 degrees C for 35% of the day. In contrast, yoked control rats (TSC) did not change mean T(amb). Although both TSD and TSC rats showed a progressive decline in intraperitoneal temperature (T(ip)), TSD rats maintained an elevated T(amb) even during periods when T(ip) and brain temperatures (T(br)) were above baseline levels. Thus these results confirm and extend earlier findings that rats subjected to TSD show an increase in temperature set point (T(set)). The earlier studies, which utilized short daily trials in a thermal gradient, demonstrated an increase in T(set) early in the deprivation period. The present study, which obtained more extensive data on thermal preference at a range of body temperatures demonstrated an increasing T(amb) for almost all T(ip) and T(br) values, suggesting a progressive increase in T(set) over the course of sleep deprivation. Surprisingly, survival time was shorter than in previous TSD studies. Reduced survival could not be attributed to differences in T(br), T(ip), energy expenditure, or sleep loss from previous studies.
Evidence-based practices to increase hand hygiene compliance in health care facilities: An integrated review.

Background Hand hygiene (HH) in health care facilities is a key component to reduce pathogen transmission and nosocomial infections. However, most HH interventions (HHI) have not been sustainable. Aims This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of recently published evidence-based HHI designed to improve HH compliance (HHC) that will enable health care providers to make informed choices when allocating limited resources to improve HHC and patient safety. Methods The Medline electronic database (using PubMed) was used to identify relevant studies. English language articles that included hand hygiene interventions and related terms combined with health care environments or related terms were included. Results Seventy-three studies that met the inclusion criteria were summarized. Interventions were categorized as improving awareness with education, facility design, and planning, unit-level protocols and procedures, hospital-wide programs, and multimodal interventions. Past successful HHIs may not be as effective when applied to other health care environments. HH education should be interactive and engaging. Electronic monitoring and reminders should be implemented in phases to ensure cost-effectiveness. To create hospitalwide programs that engage end users, policy makers should draw expertise from interdisciplinary fields. Before implementing the various components of multimodal interventions, health care practitioners should identify and examine HH difficulties unique to their organizations. Conclusions Future research should seek to achieve the following: replicate successful HHI in other health care environments, develop reliable HHC monitoring tools, understand caregiver-patient-family interactions, examine ways (eg, hospital leadership, financial support, and strategies from public health and infection prevention initiatives) to sustain HHC, and use simulated lab environments to refine study designs.
Structural and Functional Investigation of FdhC from Acinetobacter nosocomialis: A Sugar N-Acyltransferase Belonging to the GNAT Superfamily.

Enzymes belonging to the GNAT superfamily are widely distributed in nature where they play key roles in the transfer of acyl groups from acyl-CoAs to primary amine acceptors. The amine acceptors run the gamut from histones to aminoglycoside antibiotics to small molecules such as serotonin. Whereas those family members that function on histones have been extensively studied, the GNAT enzymes that employ nucleotide-linked sugars as their substrates have not been well characterized. Indeed, though the structures of two of these “amino sugar” GNAT enzymes have been determined within the past 10 years, details concerning their active site architectures have been limited because of a lack of bound nucleotide-linked sugar substrates. Here we describe a combined structural and biochemical analysis of FdhC from Acinetobacter nosocomialis O2. On the basis of bioinformatics, it was postulated that FdhC catalyzes the transfer of a 3-hydroxybutanoyl group from 3-hydroxylbutanoyl-CoA to dTDP-3-amino-3,6-dideoxy-d-galac...
Pulmonary sequelae and lung repair in survivors of the adult respiratory distress syndrome.

In spite of extensive alveolar damage, most survivors of the adult respiratory distress syndrome return to relatively normal lung function after 1 year. The different types of residual deficits that have been observed are reviewed. The cellular and biochemical events that may be important determinants of repair, and, therefore, prognostic markers or potential sites of therapeutic intervention, are discussed.
Causal Mediation Analysis for the Cox Proportional Hazards Model with a Smooth Baseline Hazard Estimator.

Summary An important problem within the social, behavioural and health sciences is how to partition an exposure effect (e.g. treatment or risk factor) among specific pathway effects and to quantify the importance of each pathway. Mediation analysis based on the potential outcomes framework is an important tool to address this problem and we consider the estimation of mediation effects for the proportional hazards model. We give precise definitions of the total effect, natural indirect effect and natural direct effect in terms of the survival probability, hazard function and restricted mean survival time within the standard two-stage mediation framework. To estimate the mediation effects on different scales, we propose a mediation formula approach in which simple parametric models (fractional polynomials or restricted cubic splines) are utilized to approximate the baseline log-cumulative-hazard function. Simulation study results demonstrate low bias of the mediation effect estimators and close-to-nominal coverage probability of the confidence intervals for a wide range of complex hazard shapes. We apply this method to the Jackson heart study data and conduct a sensitivity analysis to assess the effect on the mediation effects inference when the no unmeasured mediator–outcome confounding assumption is violated.
The Performance of Foreign Venture Capital Firms in Emerging Economies: A Study of U.S. Firms in China

Extant research on the international venture capital (VC) firms largely focuses on cross-country comparison; only a limited number of studies have examined the internationalization of VC firms and their strategies in host countries. This study approaches the research topic mainly from an institutional perspective, and intends to understand the performance of foreign VC firms in emerging economies, a topic that has rarely been examined in previous research. Using a sample of U.S. VC firms investing in China, this study finds that U.S. VC firms with more investment experience at home have weaker investment performance in China. The empirical results also show that U.S. VC firms investing in ventures with larger top management team, staging their investments, and syndicating with other U.S. VC firms are likely to achieve better performance in China. Contrary to what was hypothesized, syndicating with Chinese VC firms decreases U.S. VC firms’ investment performance in China.
Autonomous image localization for visual inspection of civil infrastructure

Low-cost, high-performance vision sensors in conjunction with aerial sensing platforms are providing new possibilities for achieving autonomous visual inspection in civil engineering structures. A large volume of images of a given structure can readily be collected for use in visual inspection, overcoming spatial and temporal limitations associated with human-based inspection. Although researchers have explored several algorithms and techniques for vision-based inspection in recent decades, a major challenge in past implementations lies in dealing with a high volume of images while only a small fraction of them are important for actual inspection. Because processing irrelevant images can generate a significant number of false-positives, automated visual inspection techniques should be used in coordination with methods to localize relevant regions on the images. When combined, automated visual inspection will be able to meet the objectives and quality of human visual inspection. To enable this technology, we develop and validate a novel automated image localization technique to extract regions of interest (ROIs) on each of the images before utilizing vision-based damage detection techniques. ROIs are the portions of an image that contain the physical region of the structure that is targeted for visual interrogation, denoted as the targeted region of interest (TRI). ROIs are computed based on the geometric relationship between the collected images and the TRIs. Analysis of such highly relevant and localized images would enable efficient and reliable visual inspection. We successfully demonstrate the capability of the technique to extract the ROIs using a full-scale highway sign structure in the case where weld connections serve as the TRIs.
Will blockchain emerge as a tool to break the poverty chain in the Global South

AbstractJust like its recent predecessors, blockchain – also known as the distributed ledger technology – is considered to have the potential to cause major economic, political and social transformations in the Global South. The visible effects of this technology are already being noted there. We present early evidence linking the use of blockchain in overcoming some economic, social and political challenges facing the Global South. The article highlights the key applications and uses of blockchain in developing countries. It demonstrates how blockchain can help promote transparency, build trust and reputation, and enhance efficiency in transactions. The article looks at opportunities and key triggers for blockchain diffusion in these countries. It also delves into challenges and obstacles that developing economies are likely to encounter in the use of blockchain.
Early outcomes and impact of a hybrid IC/IS applicator for a new MRI-based cervical brachytherapy program

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study was to report early outcomes and assess the learning curve in a new MRI-based cervical brachytherapy program. Methods We accrued 33 patients prospectively, and only patients with ≥3 months' followup (n = 27) were assessed for disease control and toxicity. Eras were defined as first half and second half for the intracavitary (IC)-only era (n = 13 each), and the intracavitary/interstitial (IC/IS) era was separated by difference in applicator availability (n = 7). Dose to 90% of the high-risk clinical target volume (D90 HR-CTV) and minimum dose to the maximally irradiated 2 cubic centimeters (D2cc) to organs at risk were used to assess dosimetry. Statistics were performed with t tests and Kaplan–Meier method. Results Median followup was 14.7 months. Median treatment duration was 50.5 vs. 57 days for patients treated with external beam radiation therapy at our institution vs. an outside institution (p = 0.03). One-year local control, noncervical pelvic control, distant metastasis–free rate, and overall survival were 84.0%, 96.0%, 78.5%, and 91.3%, respectively. When comparing the first half and second half eras of IC only, there were no differences in median D90 HR-CTV or D2cc of the bladder, rectum, or sigmoid. Comparing the entire IC era to the IC/IS era, median D90 HR-CTV trended higher from 88.0 Gy to 92.9 Gy (p = 0.11). D2cc rectum decreased from 69.3 Gy to 62.6 Gy (p = 0.01), and D2cc bladder trended lower from 87.5 Gy to 83.6 Gy (p = 0.09). Conclusions There was no significant difference between the first half and second half eras with IC-only MRI-based brachytherapy. Incorporation of an IC/IS applicator generated the greatest dosimetric improvement. Early results of the MRI-based brachytherapy program are favorable.
GLOBAL SHAKESPEARE AS A TAUTOLOGICAL MYTH

Shakespeare is one of the most frequently mythologized, translated, and performed secular figures. Shakespeare and its global afterlife have formed a tautology: Shakespeare is believed to be universal, which is why the canon has gone global; on the other hand, global Shakespeare is seen as evidence of Shakespeare’s universality. Having achieved a mythical status, Shakespeare’s plays have generated other myths about contemporary culture. These myths have been jointly created by educators, scholars, practitioners, administrators, funders, artists, spectators, and readers. A large part of this phenomenon is driven by the forces of the market economy. There are self-syndicated authentic venues (the London Globe as a reconstructed historical site and Elsinore as Hamlet’s castle). There are also theatrical spaces where Shakespeare’s aura is manufactured and consumed. Stratford-upon-Avon represents a historically authentic venue baptized by a Shakespearean presence that fuels the fantasy of origin. These localities shape the myths of Shakespeare and Shakespeare’s extensive posthumous encounters with the world, which is why Shakespeare and its myths have occupied an international space for centuries. KEYWORDS: Global Shakespeare. Myth. Market economy. Literary universalism. Bardolatry. Neo-liberalism.
The stalked filter feeder Siphusauctum lloydguntheri n. sp. from the middle Cambrian (Series 3, Stage 5) Spence Shale of Utah: its biological affinities and taphonomy

Abstract. We describe a new species of enigmatic stalked filter feeder, Siphusauctum lloydguntheri, from the middle Cambrian (Series 3, Stage 5) Antimony Canyon locality of the Spence Shale of northern Utah. The described specimen is the only one known from the Spence Shale, represents the first occurrence of Siphusauctum outside the Burgess Shale, and is only the second described species from the genus. Siphusauctum lloydguntheri n. sp. differs from S. gregarium O'Brien and Caron, 2012 in the shape of its calyx and the position of the digestive tract. The new species provides some additional information about the possible affinities of enigmatic stalked Cambrian filter feeders, as well as the taphonomic pathways that lead to preservation of Siphusauctum.
The future of B2B marketing theory: A historical and prospective analysis

Abstract The economic power of B2B transactions hasn't been reflected in the amount of published research in marketing journals, and the relevance for practitioners of the studies issued has been questioned during the last 20 years. How can we bring academicians and practitioners together? After studying the history of B2B marketing, building on configuration theory, and prospecting the future challenges for marketers, the authors argue that the research efforts should be focused on six major areas of inquiry: Innovation, Customer Journey and Relationship Value, Data Analytics, Harnessing Technology, Marketing/Finance Interface and Revenue Growth, and Industry Context or Ecosystem. Specifically, they propose 20 theoretical sub-categories that are compelling for academicians and relevant for B2B marketers. The research conclusions and propositions were established by an expert panel through an exhaustive ranking-type Delphi method and refined using a coding scheme from grounded theory. The authors discuss the implications for theory development and managerial interest.
INFORMATION FLOW SETTINGS IN BUILDING REHABILITATION

Abstract. Apart from the usual field technical survey information for establishing the building configurations and fabric conditions, information flow for a rehabilitation project begins earlier with the need for authenticating the building as a significant heritage item and ends subsequently with validating the rehabilitation of the building. These three genres of the information are recognized under three information settings. This study investigates the first, the setting associated with authenticating the significance of the building. The discussion is structured around the process of evaluating building significance for the purpose of listing the building on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and, accordingly, recognizes the NRHP framework for nominating properties to the Register. With due consideration to the concomitant information and documentation along the nomination process, and with the “historic context” as a core significance assessment strategy, the study aims at: a) explaining the configuration of the historic context; b) clarifying the role of the building itself in developing the historic context; and, c) identifying the attributes of information flow. The study arrived at the following conclusions. Investigating “the information associated with authenticating the significance of the building,” the focus of this study, as an information setting of a spectrum of three helps define the global information flow in building rehabilitation. Steeped in research, the historic context configuration and development steps regulate the information flow of this setting. The knowledge and dexterity of the researcher in configuring and developing the historic context enhances the clarity and characteristics of information flow.
Examination of Factors Relating to Student Performance on the Pharmacy Curriculum Outcomes Assessment

Objective. To examine relationships between students' demographic and academic performance factors and their scores on the Pharmacy Curriculum Outcomes Assessment (PCOA). Methods. Students' PCOA scores and demographics (eg, age, race/ethnicity, sex), preadmission data [eg, cumulative and science grade point average (GPA), Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT)], and academic performance variables (eg, pharmacy GPA, academic standing) were analyzed for one class of third-year pharmacy students (N=159). Independent t-tests and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were used to compare scores by demographic variables. Pearson's r correlations were used to assess relationships between PCOA scores and age, PCAT scores, and GPA. Stepwise linear regression was conducted to determine the predictive ability of variables with significant correlations to PCOA performance. Results. Significant correlations were found between sex and PCOA scores with males scoring higher than females. Significant correlations with PCOA scores were also found for PCAT scores, pre-pharmacy science GPA, and pharmacy didactic GPA. Significant differences were found by academic standing, where students in academic difficulty who were allowed to proceed without repeating curricular content scored significantly lower on the PCOA than those who did not experience academic difficulty. Conversely, there were no statistical differences between those who repeated courses and those who never experienced academic difficulty. PCOA performance predictors in the final regression model included PCAT composite score, pharmacy GPA and sex. Conclusion. New findings included differences in PCOA scores by sex and by academic standing, a variable not previously explored in published studies. Findings have implications for remediation decisions in pharmacy curricula.
Jaundice: Newborn to Age 2 Months

1. Debra H. Pan, MD* 2. Yolanda Rivas, MD* 1. *Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, The Children’s Hospital at Montefiore, Bronx, NY * Abbreviations: AAP: : American Academy of Pediatrics ALT: : alanine aminotransferase AST: : aspartate aminotransferase BA: : biliary atresia BUGT: : bilirubin uridine diphosphate-glucuronosyltransferase GALD: : gestational alloimmune liver disease GGT: : γ-glutamyl transpeptidase G6PD: : glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase Ig: : immunoglobulin IVIg: : intravenous Ig MCT: : medium-chain triglyceride MR: : magnetic resonance MRCP: : MR cholangiopancreatography PFIC: : progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis PN: : parenteral nutrition PT: : prothrombin time TORCH: : toxoplasmosis, other (syphilis, varicella-zoster, parvovirus B19), rubella, cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex Neonatal jaundice is a common clinical sign that indicates hyperbilirubinemia. Clinicians should become familiar with the differential diagnoses of hyperbilirubinemia in newborns and young infants and the importance of early referral of all patients with cholestatic jaundice to a pediatric gastroenterologist or hepatologist. After completing this article, readers should be able to: 1. Recognize jaundice as a sign of hyperbilirubinemia and identify risk factors for neonatal jaundice. 2. Explain bilirubin metabolism. 3. Define hyperbilirubinemia and differentiate between the types of hyperbilirubinemia in newborns and young infants. 4. Explain the broad differential diagnoses of neonatal jaundice. 5. Recognize the importance of screening and postdischarge follow-up to prevent severe unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia. 6. Describe the management of neonatal jaundice, including cholestasis. The term jaundice, derived from the French word jaune , meaning yellow, is a yellowish discoloration of the skin, sclerae, and mucous membranes that is caused by tissue deposition of pigmented bilirubin. Jaundice is also known as icterus, from the ancient Greek word ikteros, signifying jaundice. Jaundice is a common clinical sign in newborns, especially during the first 2 weeks after birth. The first description of neonatal jaundice and bilirubin staining of the newborn brain goes back to the eighteenth century. The finding of jaundice on physical examination is an indicator of hyperbilirubinemia. This differs from carotenemia, which can also manifest as a pale yellow-red skin color and is caused by a high level of carotene in the blood. Older children and adults have a normal total serum bilirubin level less than 1.5 mg/dL (26 μmol/L), with the conjugated fraction accounting for less than 5%. (1) Hyperbilirubinemia is defined as a total serum bilirubin level greater than 1.5 …
Introduction to Microbial Catalysis and Engineering

The development of microbial catalysts has been an integral part of this symposium series since its inception. The first symposium on biotechnology in energy production and conservation, which was held in Gatlinburg, TN, on May 10–12,1978, included presentations on large-scale algal production, improved cellulase-producing strains of Trichoderma reesei, simultaneous cellulose hydrolysis and ethanol production by Clostridium thermocellum, and improved microbial strains for commercial nitrogen fixation. In this most recent symposium, we have seen a continuing interest in biologic hydrogen production, cellulases, and saccharification, but, at the same time, the field has become increasingly diverse as new methodologies and process concepts have emerged.
The effects of participants’ engagement with videos and forums in a MOOC for teachers’ professional development

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) for teachers have emerged as a new wave of MOOCs that provide free professional development for teachers around the globe. These MOOCs for teachers often rely primarily on discussion forums and videos to drive participant engagement. Using logistic regression models this paper presents the degree to which participants’ engagement with videos and forum posts can predict completion in a MOOC designed for statistics teachers’ professional development. It also explores the extent to which participants’ professional background can be considered as a modifier of their achievement in this MOOC. Findings indicated that the number of videos watched by participants is not significant in predicting MOOC completion. However, their participation in forums and their professional background shed light on understanding participants’ engagement. The study makes recommendations for MOOC designers and facilitators regarding the importance of balanced activities to foster participants’ engagement and completion in MOOCs.
Superhydrophobic Microporous Substrates via Photocuring: Coupling Optical Pattern Formation to Phase Separation for Process-Tunable Pore Architectures

We present a new approach to synthesize microporous surfaces through the combination of photopolymerization-induced phase separation and light pattern formation in photopolymer–solvent mixtures. The mixtures are irradiated with a wide-area light pattern consisting of high and low intensity regions. This light pattern undergoes self-focusing and filamentation, thereby preserving its spatial profile through the mixture. Over the course of irradiation, the mixture undergoes phase separation, with the polymer and solvent located in the bright and dark regions of the light profile, respectively, to produce a binary phase morphology with a congruent arrangement as the optical pattern. A congruently arranged microporous structure is attained upon solvent removal. The microporous surface structure can be varied by changing the irradiating light profile via photomask design. The porous architecture can be further tuned through the relative weight fractions of photopolymer and solvent in the mixture, resulting in p...