cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
DDT METABOLISM IN PENNSYLVANIA WHITE-TAIL DEER

ABSTRACT. Technical grade DDT was fed to Pennsylvania white-tail deer in five experiments lasting 100 days at several dose levels to determine the chronic and acute effects on the deer as well as the nature and distribution of DDT metabolites in selected tissues and organs, feces, and urine. The dosage of three experiments was constant at levels of 10-10 4 μg/g DDT in the feed. The dosage of the two remaining experiments was attenuated, beginning at levels of 50, 175, or 350 μg/g and ending at 1 μg/g. Total DDT concentrations found in feces and urine were an order of magnitude below feeding concentrations. Highest concentrations found from constant diets were in bone marrow, fat, and liver tissues; lower amounts in kidney, brain, and muscle; and lowest amounts in blood. For attenuated diets, concentrations found in these tissues were negligible. TDE was the major metabolite found in tissues and organs, ranging from 91-31% ( =56%) of the total DDT type residues in liver, kidney, fat, blood, muscle, brain, and bone marrow. TDE in feces was 65% of the total residue. DDA was the major metabolite in urine, comprising 87% of the total residue .
Effect of flow and peristaltic mixing on bacterial growth in a gut-like channel.

Abstract The ecology of microbes in the gut has been shown to play important roles in the health of the host. To better understand microbial growth and population dynamics in the proximal colon, the primary region of bacterial growth in the gut, we built and applied a fluidic channel that we call the “minigut.” This is a channel with an array of membrane valves along its length, which allows mimicking active contractions of the colonic wall. Repeated contraction is shown to be crucial in maintaining a steady-state bacterial population in the device despite strong flow along the channel that would otherwise cause bacterial washout. Depending on the flow rate and the frequency of contractions, the bacterial density profile exhibits varying spatial dependencies. For a synthetic cross-feeding community, the species abundance ratio is also strongly affected by mixing and flow along the length of the device. Complex mixing dynamics due to contractions is described well by an effective diffusion term. Bacterial dynamics is captured by a simple reaction–diffusion model without adjustable parameters. Our results suggest that flow and mixing play a major role in shaping the microbiota of the colon.
Neutral interlocked assemblies from anionic pseudorotaxanes coordinated to Sn(IV) and Cu(I) metallic centers

Abstract Anionic [2]pseudorotaxanes have been prepared by threading an axle consisting of two dithiophosphonate donor groups attached to a 1,4,5,8-naphthalenediimide (NDI) core through the cavity of the bis-1,5-(dinaphtho)-38-crown-10 ether (15DN38C10). The subsequent coordination of these interlocked, negatively charged species to R 3 SnCl (R = Me, Ph) and (Ph 3 P) 2 CuNO 3 yields neutral (pseudo)rotaxanes of the general formula NDI[(CH 2 CH 2 O) n (An)PS 2 “M”] 2 ⊂ 15DN38C10 (n = 1, 2; An = anisole; “M” = R 3 Sn or (Ph 3 P) 2 Cu). Solution and solid state studies of the rotaxanation process show that there are two factors influencing the interaction between the axles and the wheel: the size of the stopper and the length of the side-arms of the axles. When the axle termini are bulky enough to prevent threading, the length of the side-arms has little influence over the self-assembly process. In contrast, when the size of the stopper does not preclude the threading of the axle through the cavity of the crown, the length of the side-arms is the determining factor in the rotaxanation process. These results presented here provide an alternative method for the synthesis of counter-ion free interlocked species, based on anionic axles with donor capabilities that would produce a neutral interlocked architecture upon threading and coordination to cationic metal-containing centers .
Super-intelligence challenges and lossless visual representation of high-dimensional data

Fundamental challenges and goals of the cognitive algorithms are moving super-intelligent machines and super-intelligent humans from dreams to reality. This paper is devoted to a technical way to reach some specific aspects of super-intelligence that are beyond the current human cognitive abilities. Specifically the proposed technique is to overcome inabilities to analyze a large amount of abstract numeric high-dimensional data and finding complex patterns in these data with a naked eye. Discovering patterns in multidimensional data using visual means is a long-standing problem in multiple fields and Data Science and Modeling in general. The major challenge is that we cannot see n-D data by a naked eye and need visualization tools to represent n-D data in 2-D losslessly. The number of available lossless methods is quite limited. The objective of this paper is expanding the class of such lossless methods, by proposing a new concept of Generalized Shifted Collocated Paired Coordinates. The paper shows the advantages of proposed lossless technique by proving mathematical properties and by demonstration on real data.
Economic Aspects of Diversification of Farm Sector: A study of India

The primary objective of this paper is to analyze the economic aspects of the landless, marginal and small farmers to surmise solutions on how they can able to supplement their income. To investigate this topic we refer to the world’s population and how it was doubled during the beginning of the twentieth century. For instant, in 1950 the population was 2.5 billion and now, in the year of 2016, it stands at 7.4 billion. By 2050 world population is projected to grow up to, approximately, 9 or 10 billion. Most of the growth is expected to occur in rural areas in developing countries, where the income elasticity demand for food remains high (Agricultural statics at a glance, Govt. of India, 2003). One of the top most populated and developing country is India where over two third of the population consist of farmers and their families. The food insecurity and malnutrition among children, women and men are due to the lack of purchasing power. ”
Parallel Computing to Speed up Whole-Genome Bayesian Regression Analyses Using Orthogonal Data Augmentation

Bayesian multiple regression methods are widely used in whole-genome analyses to solve the problem that the number p of marker covariates is usually larger than the number n of observations. Inferences from most Bayesian methods are based on Markov chain Monte Carlo methods, where statistics are computed from a Markov chain constructed to have a stationary distribution equal to the posterior distribution of the unknown parameters. In practice, chains of about fifty thousand steps are typically used in whole-genome Bayesian regression analyses, which is computationally intensive. In this paper, we have shown how the sampling of marker effects can be made independent within each step of the chain. This is done by augmenting the marker covariate matrix by adding p new rows to it such that columns of the augmented marker covariate matrix are orthogonal. The phenotypes corresponding to the augmented rows of marker covariate matrix are considered missing. Ideally, the computations at each step of the MCMC chain, can be speeded up by the number k of computer processors up to the number p of markers. Addressing the heavy computational burden associated with Bayesian methods by parallel computing will lead to greater use of these methods.
Understanding Opportunities and Contradictions in the Grammars of Activism and Schooling

This chapter reflects on the ways that the ‘STEPWISE’ model of linking science education to activism challenges and collaborates in the grammar of traditional education. The chapter suggests a series of socioscientific issues that may challenge the scope of STEPWISE when it is put into practice. This challenge occurs because these SSIs are not necessarily experience-near to the students. The chapter goes on to explore how the grammar of schooling works to curtail authentic engagements like STEPWISE. In response to these institutional challenges, the paper suggests that the model needs to be extended to include a kind of modeling of activism itself on the part of teachers. This activism I argue should probably be over the nature of schooling itself as schools are ‘reformed’ to meet neoliberal capitalist ends. The chapter argues that struggles over schools are extensions of struggles over the meaning and operation of science itself, and thus teacher activism is a natural extension of the socioscientific issues that STEPWISE highlights.
Establishment of lateral organ asymmetries in the invertebrate chordate, Ciona intestinalis

The evolutionary emergence and diversification of the chordates appear to involve dramatic changes in organ morphogenesis along the left/right axis. However, the ancestral chordate mechanism for establishing lateral asymmetry remains ambiguous. Additionally, links between the initial establishment of lateral asymmetry and subsequent asymmetries in organ morphogenesis are poorly characterized. To explore asymmetric organ morphogenesis during chordate evolution, we have begun to characterize left/right patterning of the heart and endodermal organs in an invertebrate chordate, Ciona intestinalis. Here, we show that Ciona has a laterally asymmetric, right-sided heart. Our data indicate that cardiac lateral asymmetry requires H+/K+ ion flux, but is independent of Nodal signaling. Our pharmacological inhibitor studies show that ion flux is required for polarization of epidermal cilia and neurula rotation and suggest that ion flux functions synergistically with chorion contact to drive cardiac laterality. Live imaging analysis revealed that larval heart progenitor cells undergo a lateral shift without displaying any migratory behaviors. Furthermore, we find that this passive shift corresponds with the emergence of lateral asymmetry in the endoderm, which is also ion flux dependent. Our data suggest that ion flux promotes laterally asymmetric morphogenesis of the larval endoderm rudiment leading to a passive, Nodal-independent shift in the position of associated heart progenitor cells. These findings help to refine hypotheses regarding ancestral chordate left/right patterning mechanisms and how they have diverged within invertebrate and vertebrate chordate lineages.
Development and Initial Validation of a Multidimensional Scale Assessing Subjective Well-Being: The Well-Being Scale (WeBS):

Numerous scales currently exist that assess well-being, but research on measures of well-being is still advancing. Conceptualization and measurement of subjective well-being have emphasized intrapsychic over psychosocial domains of optimal functioning, and disparate research on hedonic, eudaimonic, and psychological well-being lacks a unifying theoretical model. Lack of systematic investigations on the impact of culture on subjective well-being has also limited advancement of this field. The goals of this investigation were to (1) develop and validate a self-report measure, the Well-Being Scale (WeBS), that simultaneously assesses overall well-being and physical, financial, social, hedonic, and eudaimonic domains of this construct; (2) evaluate factor structures that underlie subjective well-being; and (3) examine the measure's psychometric properties. Three empirical studies were conducted to develop and validate the 29-item scale. The WeBS demonstrated an adequate five-factor structure in an exploratory structural equation model in Study 1. Confirmatory factor analyses showed that a bifactor structure best fit the WeBS data in Study 2 and Study 3. Overall WeBS scores and five domain-specific subscale scores demonstrated adequate to excellent internal consistency reliability and construct validity. Mean differences in overall well-being and its five subdomains are presented for different ethnic groups. The WeBS is a reliable and valid measure of multiple aspects of well-being that are considered important to different ethnocultural groups.
Cloud Standards in Comparison: Are New Security Frameworks Improving Cloud Security?

The increasing relevance of information assurance in cloud computing has forced governments and stakeholders to turn their attention to Information Technology (IT) security certifications and standards. The introduction of new frameworks such as FedRAMP in the US and C5 in Germany is aimed to raise the level of protection against threats and vulnerabilities unique to cloud computing. However, our in-depth and systematic analyses reveals that these new standards do not bring a radical change in the realm of certifications. Results also shows that the newly developed standards share much of their basis with older, more consolidated standards such as the ISO/IEC 27001 and hence the need for determining the added value. In this study, we provide an overview of ISO/IEC 27001, C5, and FedRAMP while examining their completeness and adequacy in addressing current threats to cloud assurance. We question the level of protection they offer by comparing these three certifications alongside each other. We identify weaknesses in the three frameworks and highlight necessary improvements to meet the security requirements indispensable in relation to the current threat landscape.
A Single-Center Experience with Dynamic Compression Bracing for Children with Pectus Carinatum

Objective Bracing for pectus carinatum (PC) has emerged as an alternative to surgical correction. However, predictive factors for bracing remain poorly understood, as much of the data have been reported from small series. Materials and Methods We reviewed a prospective dataset in patients with PC who underwent dynamic compression bracing (DCB) from July 2011 to July 2016. Bracing was initiated in patients > 10 years of age with a significant PC and desire for bracing. Data were analyzed for those observed two or more times after the brace was fitted to the patient. Results A total of 503 patients were evaluated for PC and 340 (68%) underwent DCB. Eighty-five percent were males with an average age of 14 ± 2 years. There was a positive correlation of age with pressure of initial correction (PIC, r = 0.2). One patient underwent operative correction as the initial therapy. Two hundred seventeen patients had two or more visits after the patient was fitted for the brace. The mean PIC in this cohort was 4 psi (range: 1.5–7.8), and the median duration of bracing in this group was 16 months (IQR: 7–23 months). One hundred three patients (47%) achieved complete correction after an average bracing time of 7.5 months and were then placed in the retainer mode. Thirty patients successfully completed bracing therapy and required an average of 23 months of therapy (2 months–4 years). No patient recurred after bracing was completed, but one failed bracing and required operative correction. Complications included mechanical problems (8%), skin complications (10%), complaints of tightness (3%), and pain (2%). Conclusion DCB has both early and lasting effects in the correction of PC with minimal complications. Predictive factors for successful resolution of the PC include increased duration of DCB and lower initial PIC.
Advanced HVAC Topics

As described in Chap. 4, there are three main categories of HVAC Equipment in EnergyPlus: Plant Loops, Air Loops, and Zone Equipment. This chapter goes into more detail for each of these categories, describing their configuration, sizing, control, and operation. HVAC is a complex topic, and for that reason this chapter only covers the most critical concepts and topics. The authors suggest reading the EnergyPlus Engineering Reference as a supplement to this chapter to learn more.
Predicting parental distress among children newly diagnosed with craniopharyngioma.

BACKGROUND Childhood brain tumor diagnoses are stressful for families. Children diagnosed with craniopharyngioma (Cp) present with particularly challenging medical and cognitive problems due to tumor location and associated biophysiologic comorbidities. This study examined parental distress in a sample of families of patients with Cp treated with proton beam therapy to identify factors for targeting psychological intervention. PROCEDURE Prior to (n = 96) and 1 year after (n = 73) proton therapy, parents of children diagnosed with Cp (9.81 ± 4.42 years at baseline; 49% male) completed a self-report measure of distress, the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI). Children completed cognitive assessment measures at baseline; medical variables were extracted from the study database. RESULTS At baseline, t-tests revealed parents reported higher levels of distress than normative expectations on Anxiety, Depression, Global Severity, and Positive Symptom Distress BSI scales (P < 0.05). Linear mixed effects models revealed parent report measures of child executive dysfunction and behavioral issues were more predictive of parental distress than patients' cognitive performance or medical status (P < 0.05). Models also revealed a significant reduction only in Anxiety over time (t = -2.19, P < 0.05). Extensive hypothalamic involvement at baseline predicted this reduction (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Parents experience significant distress before their child begins adjuvant therapy for Cp, though parental distress appears largely unrelated to medical complications and more related to parent perceptions of child cognitive difficulties (vs. child performance). Importantly, this may be explained by a negative parent reporting style among distressed parents. Knowledge of socio-emotional functioning in parents related to patient characteristics is important for optimization of psychological intervention.
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome and Vitamin D Deficiency (P03.034)

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and Vitamin D deficiency (VDD). BACKGROUND: VDD is common, and has been associated with cardiovascular, autoimmune, and osteopenic disease. There are anecdotal reports of an association between VDD and POTS, but formal investigations are lacking. Because the pathophysiology of POTS remains elusive, such an association if confirmed provides an etiologic hypothesis with treatment implications. DESIGN/METHODS: The electronic medical records of 84 cases of POTS were reviewed, and Vitamin D levels recorded when available. The characteristics of those with and without VDD were compared, and the prevalence of VDD was compared to established population data. RESULTS: Subjects were aged 19 to 56 years, median age 28, including 73 females (87%) and 11 males (13%). Vitamin D levels were available in 60 patients (52 females, 8 males). 14/60 (23%) had VDD, a proportion significantly lower than the reported prevalence of VDD (41-70%). There was no association found between VDD and age, gender, heart rate increment on up-tilt, CASS score, fatigue, or myofascial pain. Males had lower average vitamin D levels than females (p=0.0447), a relationship not seen in population studies. VO2max% was lower among those with VDD, which regressed with VO2max%. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, an association between POTS and VDD is not found. Thefrequency of VDD is lower among POTS patients than among the general population. Several cardinal clinical features of POTS were to be independent from VDD in our sample. While Vitamin D levels are seen to be lower on average among men with POTS than women, this is unlikely of clinical significance since the rate of VDD was not associated with gender. The relationship between Vit D levels and VO2max% suggests that VDD is associated with, but is not necessarily the cause of deconditioning. Disclosure: Dr. Loavenbruck has nothing to disclose. Dr. Singer has received payments from Jacobus Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Low has received personal compensation for activities with Chelsea, Pfizer Inc, and WR Medical Inc. as a consultant. Dr. Low has received personal compensation in an editorial capacity for Autonomic Neuroscience. Dr. Sandroni has nothing to disclose.
Introducing undergraduate students to animal science: a discovery course for non-majors

A discovery course titled "Living with Animals and Biotechnology" was taught to first-year students enrolled in disciplines other than Animal Science during the fall semesters of 1994 and 1995 at the University of Illinois. The course provided freshman students with an overview of how animals and biotechnology interact with our global society. It focused on technological achievements involving animals and how they influence the development of agriculture, medicine, and industry in our world. The course was conducted in a discussion format and met once a week. Upon successful completion of the course, students received one credit towards graduation. A total of 17 and 19 students completed the course for the two semesters that the course was offered. Most of the students (86%) were majors in the College of Liberal Arts and Science. Students rated the course high (4.85 +/- .06 with 5 = exceptionally high) and found the course a valuable learning experience (4.57 +/- .11 with 5 = very valuable). When surveyed 93% of the students said the discovery course gave them a much better impression of the Department of Animal Sciences. Most of the students (86%) said they would consider taking another animal science course. Offering one credit animal science discussion courses by faculty with diverse expertise introduces students to animal science. It also may stimulate student curiosity and excitement about the field of animal science.
A program of school social work

A PRuGRA.M 0!4' ~IJHW.L SOCIAL WORK School social work is in a state of flux. Traditional casework services in the schools, as the only function of the school social worker, is becoming less viable. The study of Assumption school and area points out some problem:· areas, as well as streng~hs. In view of these problems and strengths, a broadened school social work program is discussed. The program centers around prevention, treatment, and research. A basic principle upon which all is based is a team approach of social work, school, and community. The d~scussion leads to the community school concept, which is currently seen as one of the more viable approaches to alleviating social problems. . !
Caloric restriction combined with exercise is effective in reducing adiposity and mitigating bone structural deterioration in obese rats

Weight reduction through caloric restriction (CR) or exercise can have opposite effects on bone. This study investigated the effects of comparable weight reduction through CR and/or exercise on body composition and bone structure in an obese rat model. Male 6-week-old rats were fed either a normal-fat diet for 6 months or a high-fat (HF) diet for 3 months and then started on different CR or exercise regimens for an additional 3 months. Compared to HF conditions, rats given HF diet plus CR at 8% (HF+8CR), HF diet plus CR at 16% (HF+16CR), or HF+8CR plus exercise (HF+Ex+8CR) had lower fat mass. In addition, HF+8CR rats had lower serum tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase and bone volume/total volume at distal femur (P < 0.05), and HF+16CR rats had lower serum insulin growth factor 1, osteocalcin, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase, and bone volume/total volume at distal femur and 2nd lumbar vertebrae, compared to regimens that included exercise. These data indicate that while CR (e.g., HF+8CR) was detrimental to bone structure, combined with exercise CR (e.g., HF+Ex+8CR) was effective in decreasing adiposity and mitigating bone structural deterioration associated with weight reduction in obese rats.
Enhanced mechanical properties of Q-carbon nanocomposites by nanosecond pulsed laser annealing.

Q-carbon is a metastable phase of carbon formed by melting and subsequently quenching amorphous carbon films by a nanosecond laser in a super undercooled state. As Q-carbon is a material harder than diamond, it makes an excellent reinforcing component inside the softer matrix of a composite coating. In this report, we present a single-step strategy to fabricate adherent coatings of hard and lubricating Q-carbon nanocomposites. These nanocomposites consist of densely-packed sp 3-rich Q-carbon (82% sp 3), and sp 2-rich α-carbon (40% sp 3) amorphous phases. The nanoindentation tests show that the Q-carbon nanocomposites exhibit a hardness of 67 GPa (Young's modulus ~ 840 GPa) in contrast to the soft α-carbon (hardness ~ 18 GPa). The high hardness of Q-carbon nanocomposites results in 0.16 energy dispersion coefficient, in comparison with 0.74 for α-carbon. The soft α-carbon phase provides lubrication, resulting in low friction and wear coefficients of 0.09 and 1 × 10−6, respectively, against the diamond tip. The nanoscale dispersion of hard Q-carbon and soft α-carbon phases in the Q-carbon nanocomposites enhances the toughness of the coatings. We present detailed structure-property correlations to understand enhancement in the mechanical properties of Q-carbon nanocomposites. This work provides insights into the characteristics of Q-carbon nanocomposites and advances carbon-based superhard materials for longer lasting protective coatings and related applications.
Does acute heat stress differentially-modulate expression of ionotropic neurotransmitter receptors in the RVLM of young and aged F344 rats?

Abstract The rostral ventral lateral medulla (RVLM) is a brainstem area that plays a role in regulating numerous physiological systems, especially their responsiveness to acute stress. Aging affects the responsiveness of RVLM neural circuits to acute stress. Based on the relationship between ionotropic neurotransmitter receptors in the RVLM and the physiological functions mediated via activation of these receptors, we hypothesized that in response to acute heat stress the expression of ionotropic neurotransmitter receptors in the RVLM of aged rats would be characterized by upregulation of inhibitory subunits and downregulation of excitatory subunits. The goal of the present study was to determine the effect of acute heating on the gene expression profile of RVLM inhibitory (GABAA and Glycine) and excitatory (NMDA and AMPA) ionotropic neurotransmitter receptor subunits in young and aged F344 rats. RVLM tissue punches from young and aged F344 rats were analyzed using TaqMan qPCR and immunoblotting. When compared to age-matched controls, heat stress increased the gene expression of RVLM inhibitory receptor subunits in aged (Gabra1, Gabra2, Gabra5, Glra1) and young (Gabra1) F344 rats at mRNA level, with little change in the expression of RVLM excitatory receptor subunits. Significant age x heat interaction effects were observed with increased expression of Gabra2 and Gabrb1 inhibitory receptor subunits and decreased expression of Gria1 and Gria2 excitatory receptor subunits in the RVLM of aged F344 rats, with the most marked change observed with the Gabra2 subunit, which was validated by immunoblotting. These findings demonstrate that in response to acute heat stress there is enhanced expression of inhibitory ionotropic receptor subunits in aged compared to young rats, supporting the idea that advanced age may alter RVLM responsivity by affecting the molecular substrate of ionotropic receptors.
Age stratified analysis of pre-operative factors impacting unplanned thirty day readmission in geriatric general surgery.

Abstract Background The geriatrics population can no longer be considered as one homogenous group when it comes to patient-centric and value-based care. We aim to determine if there are pre-operative factors which differ between geriatric age strata (65–74, 75–84, 85 + years) that impact unplanned thirty-day readmission. Methods 2015 NSQIP general surgery procedure data was utilized. Chi Square and t-tests were utilized to see if certain pre-operative factors impacted readmission. Regressions with age strata as an interaction term were run to determine if age was an effect-modifier. Significant pre-operative factors were included in a multivariate model with step-wise selection for significant age-stratification interaction terms. Results Gender, inpatient status, wound classification, disseminated cancer, origin status, functional status, and RVU were significantly impacted by age strata in unadjusted models. Gender, inpatient status, emergency, and transfer/origin status were significant in our adjusted model. Conclusions Exogenous variables between age strata significantly impact unplanned thirty-day readmission in comparison to differing co-morbidity and symptomatology.
Translation ambiguity in Mandarin-English bilinguals: Translation production differences in concrete, abstract, and emotion words

Abstract Research focused on the cognitive processes surrounding bilingual language representation has revealed the important role that translation ambiguity plays in how languages are stored in memory (Tokowicz & Kroll, 2007). In addition, translation of emotionally related information has been shown to be challenging because a direct translation does not always exist (Basnight-Brown & Altarriba, 2014). The focus of the current study was to explore the processing of ambiguous words for translations that differ in orthography. In Experiment 1, Chinese-English bilinguals translated concrete and abstract words that differed in the number of translations across languages. In Experiment 2, emotion words were introduced into the context, in order to examine differences in emotion translation across languages. The results revealed that words with a single translation were produced faster and more accurately than words that had multiple translations. Finally, translation of emotional stimuli was faster when translating Chinese words as compared to English words.
Maps and Territories: Global Positioning in the Contemporary French Novel

The rapidity of postwar globalization and the structural changes it has brought to both social and spatial aspects of everyday life has meant, in France as elsewhere, the destabilizing of senses of place, identity, and belonging, as once familiar, local environments are increasingly de-localized and made porous to global trends and planetary preoccupations. Maps and Territories identifies such preoccupations as a fundamental underlying impetus for the contemporary French novel. Indeed, like France itself, the protagonists of its best fiction are constantly called upon to renegotiate their identity in order to maintain any sense of belonging within the troubled territories they call home. Maps and Territories reads today's French novel for how it re-maps such territories, and for how it positions its protagonists vis-a-vis the pressures of globalization, uncovering previously unseen affinities amongst, and offering fresh readings of—and offering exciting new perspectives on—a diverse set of authors: namely, Michel Houellebecq, Chloe Delaume, Lydie Salvayre, Jean-Philippe Toussaint, Virginie Despentes, Philippe Vasset, Jean Rolin, and Marie Darrieussecq. In the process, it sets the literary works into dialogue with a range of today's most influential theorists of postmodernity and globalization, including Paul Virilio, Marc Auge, Peter Sloterdijk, Bruno Latour, Fredric Jameson, Edward Casey, David Harvey, and Ursula K. Heise.
Proselytism and Cultural Integrity

On 12 March 2000, Pope John Paul II issued a historic statement in which the Catholic Church publicly acknowledged for the first time some of the gross human rights violations that it has committed, perpetrated, condoned, or tolerated over its two-thousand-year history. Using the euphemism “sins” to describe such atrocities, Pope John Paul II blundy stated that the church had violated the rights of ethnic groups and peoples, and in particular, shown contempt for their cultures and religions. He asked for forgiveness and called for the authentic purification of memory. While a step in the right direction, the confession and plea for forgiveness failed to address the basic contradictions between proselytizing, universalist faiths and indigenous religions and cultures, and the underlying arrogant and inflexible assumption of the moral, ethical, and racial superiority of the former over the latter. It is this vexed relationship between imperial faiths and the indigenous beliefs and moral universes of non-white, non-European, and non-Arabic peoples of Africa, Asia, the Pacific, and the Americas that is the subject of this inquiry.
Course Retention in Community Colleges: Demographics, Motivation, Learning Style, and Locus of Control

Research on the community college student is lacking a full understanding on all the variables that may impact online course success. Researchers in this study examined the effects of student demog...
Keefektifan Literasi Digital UPT Perpustakaan Universitas Semarang di Masa Pandemi

Perkembangan informasi saat ini memberikan pengaruh besar bagi segala aspek kehidupan masyarakat, salah satunya adalah komunikasi. Kini, banyak komunikasi yang dilakukan secara digital. Internet kini menjadi kebutuhan primer bagi masyarakat di Indonesia, terutama setelah adanya virus covid-19. Masa pandemi Covid-19 mengubah kebiasaan layanan perpustakaan di Universitas Semarang. Perpustakaan digital dirintis sebagai upaya perpustakaan Universitas Semarang dalam memberikan pelayanan maksimal di masa pandemic Covid-19. Berdasarkan hasil pembahasan, perpustakaan digital ini sudah dimanfaatkan dengan baik oleh mahasiswa dan efektif membantu mahasiswa dalam memenuhi kebutuhan informasinya. The current development of information has a major influence on all aspects of people's lives, one of which is communication. Now, a lot of communication is done digitally. The internet is now a primary need for people in Indonesia, especially after the covid-19 virus. The Covid-19 pandemic changed the library service habits at the University of Semarang. The digital library was pioneered as an effort of the Semarang University library in providing maximum service during the Covid-19 pandemic. Based on the results of the discussion, this digital library has been used well by students and has been effective in helping students meet their information needs.
Scepter mini assisted angiographic cure of a Vein of Galen Malformation with n-butyl cyanoacrylate.

BackgroundEven in the modern endovascular era, the treatment of Vein of Galen Malformations (VOGM) is extremely challenging. While their natural history is very poor, endovascular embolization has ...
Ectomycorrhizal fungal communities differ among parental and hybrid Populus cross types within a natural riparian habitat

Abstract Plant hybridization is common and important in ecological and economic contexts, however little is known about the impact of plant hybridization on ectomycorrhizal fungal (EMF) communities in natural habitats. We used a Populus hybrid system (P. angustifolia x P. fremontii) in a heterogeneous riparian landscape to address the hypothesis that EMF communities differ among hybrids and their parental species (cross types). Several key results emerged. (1) Cross type influenced EMF composition, with communities on hybrids being distinct from their parents. (2) Cross type influenced the composition of hyphal exploration types important for soil resource foraging, although contact and short distance exploration types were dominant on all cross types. (3) Cross type had a marginal influence on EMF colonization, with P. angustifolia highest and P. fremontii lowest. These results highlight the potential for tree hybridization to structure belowground communities in heterogeneous natural ecosystems.
Game theory‐based metaheuristics for structural design optimization

Abstract This paper presents game theory‐based strategies incorporated with metaheuristics to improve the computation efficiency and effectiveness in design optimization of civil engineering struct...
Approaches for Implementing App-Based Digital Treatments for Drug Use Disorders Into Primary Care: A Qualitative, User-Centered Design Study of Patient Perspectives.

Background: Digital interventions, such as websites and smartphone apps, can be effective in treating drug use disorders (DUDs). However, their implementation in primary care is hindered, in part, by a lack of knowledge on how patients might like these treatments delivered to them. Objective: This study aims to increase the understanding of how patients with DUDs prefer to receive app-based treatments to inform the implementation of these treatments in primary care. Methods: The methods of user-centered design were combined with qualitative research methods to inform the design of workflows for offering app-based treatments in primary care. Adult patients (n=14) with past-year cannabis, stimulant, or opioid use disorder from 5 primary care clinics of Kaiser Permanente Washington in the Seattle area participated in this study. Semistructured interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using qualitative template analysis. The coding scheme included deductive codes based on interview topics, which primarily focused on workflow design. Inductive codes emerged from the data. Results: Participants wanted to learn about apps during visits where drug use was discussed and felt that app-related conversations should be incorporated into the existing care whenever possible, as opposed to creating new health care visits to facilitate the use of the app. Nearly all participants preferred receiving clinician support for using apps over using them without support. They desired a trusting, supportive relationship with a clinician who could guide them as they used the app. Participants wanted follow-up support via phone calls or secure messaging because these modes of communication were perceived as a convenient and low burden (eg, no copays or appointment travel). Conclusions: A user-centered implementation of treatment apps for DUDs in primary care will require health systems to design workflows that account for patients’ needs for structure, support in and outside of visits, and desire for convenience.
Cytomegalovirus skin disease in a kidney transplant patient

A 44-year-old man with a history of renal transplantation presented with right lower abdominal wall swelling, redness and pain. A bacterial abscess was drained, and he was discharged home with oral antibiotics. After failing to improve, he returned to the hospital, where he was briefly treated with intravenous antibiotics and discharged home again. The patient returned 5 days later, reporting worsening right groin swelling that extended into the ipsilateral scrotum. Imaging revealed a persistent fluid collection in the region, and he was taken for surgical debridement. Tissue immunochemistry and histopathological evaluation identified cytomegalovirus infection. Plasma quantitative PCR for cytomegalovirus demonstrated high viraemia. The patient was successfully treated with intravenous ganciclovir, followed by oral valganciclovir, with resolution of the skin changes. Persistent hydrocele with epididymitis on imaging suggests that this process may have been the source of the cutaneous cytomegalovirus infection.
The effect of carbon concentration on its core-mantle partitioning behavior in inner Solar System rocky bodies

Abstract Partitioning of carbon (C) into the cores of rocky protoplanets and planets is one of the primary causes of its depletion in their bulk silicate reservoirs. Most of the experimental studies that determined the alloy to silicate melt partition coefficient of carbon ( D C alloy / silicate ) have been conducted in graphite-saturated conditions. Because carbon is a minor element in all known protoplanetary and planetary cores, it is not known whether graphite-saturated D C alloy / silicate values are applicable to core-mantle differentiation in rocky bodies which likely occurred in C-poor conditions. In this study we experimentally determined D C alloy / silicate in MgO capsules with variable bulk C contents between oxygen fugacity (fO2) of IW–6.35 and IW–2.59 at a fixed P (3 GPa)-T (1700 °C). A mafic-ultramafic (NBO/T = 1.23-1.72) and mildly hydrous (bulk H = 44-161 ppm) nature of the silicate melts caused anhydrous C species ( CO 3 2 − + CO) to dominate over a wider fO2 range (>IW–4.2) in comparison to previous studies. This resulted in an increase in D C alloy / silicate with decreasing fO2 from IW–2.6 to IW–4.2 followed by a drop at more reduced conditions due to the formation of C-H species. Importantly, D C alloy / silicate increases with increasing bulk C content of the system at a given fO2. Partitioning of C between alloy and silicate melts follows non-Henrian behavior (i.e., it depends on bulk C content) because the activity coefficient of C in the alloy melt ( γ C alloy melt ) varies with C content in the alloy. Therefore, in addition to other intensive (P, T, fO2) and extensive variables (alloy and silicate melt compositions), D C alloy / silicate also depends on the bulk C content available during core-mantle differentiation. Consequently, previously determined D C alloy / silicate for C-rich alloys are not directly applicable for core-mantle differentiation in relatively C-poor magma oceans (MOs). Because the experiments from the present study more realistically simulate C-poor cores and mildly hydrous, mafic-ultramafic silicate MOs, our data can be used to more accurately predict C fractionation between MOs and cores in inner Solar System rocky bodies. Our study suggests that closed system MO-core equilibration should have led to less severe depletion of C in the silicate reservoirs of inner Solar System rocky bodies than previously predicted.
DamAGE cONTrol: A novel tool for predicting outcomes after successful endovascular thrombectomy (P4.227)

Objective: There are numerous tools that predict outcomes of ischemic stroke patients including those given IV tPA, however, there are no published tools for predicting outcomes after Endovascular Thrombectomy (ET). Background: Endovascular Therapy (ET) has become the new standard of care for treating acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with Emergent Large Vessel Occlusion (ELVO). Design/Methods: From January 2015–March 2017, 109 AIS patients received ET. Patients with unsuccessful ET (TICI 0–2a) or with incomplete 90 day follow-up data were excluded, leaving 42 for final analysis. Primary outcome was defined as MRS at 90 days (good outcome MRS 3). Of the variables analyzed, 90 day outcomes correlated with age, diabetes, thrombolytic use, onset to groin time, and NIHSS scores. Numerical values were assigned to each variable based on OR analysis and the resulting score (range 0–8) was plotted against 90 day MRS and ROC analysis defined a cutoff value. Results: The relative score for each non-binary variable was approximated based on the corresponding OR identified during ROC analysis. Using the DamAGE cONTrol scoring tool (figure 1), a cut off of 4 points yielded Sn 0.82, Sp 0.95, p Conclusions: DamAGE cONTrol represents a novel scoring tool which uses pre-intervention characteristics to predict outcome after successful ET. This type of tool may facilitate more informed discussions regarding the value of performing ET, as well as control unnecessary transfers. Study Supported by: NA Disclosure: Dr. Ermak has nothing to disclose. Dr. Niazi has nothing to disclose. Dr. Reichwein has nothing to disclose. Dr. Cockroft has nothing to disclose.
Correlation Between Keratometric and Refractive Astigmatism in Pseudophakes.

Purpose To investigate the relationship between measured anterior, posterior, and total keratometric astigmatism and post-operative refractive astigmatism (RA) after cataract surgery. Patients and methods This was a retrospective analysis of eyes that consecutively underwent pre-operative measurements of keratometric astigmatism with a swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT)-based optical biometer and dual-Scheimpflug/Placido disc corneal topographer, cataract surgery with implantation of a monofocal intraocular lens, and post-operative manifest refraction. The difference between post-operative refractive astigmatism and keratometric astigmatism measured using four different ways [Keratometry (K), Simulated Keratometry (SimK), Total Keratometry (TK), and Total Corneal Power (TCP)] was calculated. Results For all 118 eyes, a smaller mean vector difference between post-operative refractive astigmatism and measured keratometric astigmatism was realized with TK (0.08 @ 151) vs TCP2 (0.30 @ 174; p Conclusion Compared with the other measures of corneal astigmatism, total keratometric astigmatism from the SS-OCT device most closely correlated with post-operative RA. The difference between anterior corneal astigmatism and refractive astigmatism is not completely explained by the contribution from the posterior cornea. Other contributors, such as lens tilt or neuro-adaptation, may be at play.
A technique for digital alignment of cross-articulated casts in a computer-aided design software program for complete-mouth rehabilitation

With the advent of computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM), dental restorations are no longer fabricated in an entirely analog fashion. Successful execution of complete-mouth rehabilitations requires articulation of definitive maxillary and mandibular casts with tooth preparations, as well as cross-articulation with the patient's interim restorations. These cross-articulated records serve as a guide for the dental laboratory technician in fabricating the definitive restorations. In the CAD-CAM workflow, cross-articulation and overlaying of a patient's interim casts over the definitive casts of tooth preparations poses some challenges because of loss of common anatomic data points such as incisive papilla, rugae, and the palate. This article describes a straightforward technique to overcome this common challenge, where a dental laboratory technician can predictably overlay the digitized interim casts to allow for cross-articulation and proceed with designing and fabricating the definitive restorations.
Emerging Infectious Diseases

This chapter is devoted to select emerging and reemerging infectious disease entities and, wherever applicable, typical clinical manifestations and laboratory findings are also described. The majority of cases of human monocytic ehrlichia (HME) and human granulocyte ehrlichia (HGE) are diagnosed by retrospective serologic testing, and the most commonly used serologic test is the indirect fluorescent-antibody test, which is available through commercial laboratories and public health laboratories. The majority of cat scratch disease is caused by Bartonella henselae; the different clinical presentations associated with B. henselae infection appear to predominantly be due to the host immune system although there may be differences in virulence between strains as well. Nucleic acid detection techniques for Bartonella species were first described by Relman based on amplification of the 16S rRNA gene. The hantavirus pulmonary syndrome begins with a prodromal phase consisting of sudden onset of fever, myalgias, headache, and backache. Immunohistochemistry staining of tissue samples can also be used to look for hantavirus antigens. This study is usually done as a confirmatory test in appropriate patients. PCR testing on tissue or blood cells can also be used to detect hantavirus RNA.
The Quaternary Ammonium Compounds and their uses in the Food Industry

Publisher Summary This chapter presents general review of the quaternary ammonium compounds and their application in the food industry. It discusses general chemical structure and properties of the quaternary ammonium compounds. Factors affecting germicidal activity have been provided. The chapter presents a description of some commercially available compounds and methods for evaluating germicidal activity and toxicity and for estimating quaternary ammonium compounds. Information concerning applications that have been studied in detail has been presented. A number of usefulness of the quaternaries, particularly in the food industries have been referred to. Experimental work, some on a large scale, has been carried out to determine the value of these compounds as ingredients of vegetable and fruit washes, tooth powders, etc., with promising results. The use of quaternary ammonium compounds as sanitizers in the food industries, including eating and drinking establishments, has been accepted by many cities and municipal authorities.