cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Renal handling of the monobactam azthreonam in healthy subjects

Azthreonam is a new completely synthetic, monocyclic beta-lactam antibiotic with potent activity in vitro against most gram-negative aerobic bacteria. Its renal handling was studied in six healthy men after an intravenous loading dose of 1200 mg over 2 min followed by a continuous infusion of 500 mg/hr for 4 hr with and without oral probenecid (1 gm b.i.d. for 2 days before azthreonam infusion and during the day of infusion). To assess glomerular filtration, each subject also received an intravenous loading dose and continuous infusion of inulin. Azthreonam was excreted in the urine by glomerular filtration and tubular secretion in essentially equal proportions. Probenecid reduced plasma clearance of azthreonam bY suppressing renal tubular secretion, without altering glomerular filtration rate or nonrenal elimination. Probenecid increased total and free azthreonam levels and the azthreonam plasma t1/2 while reducing plasma protein binding and the apparent steady-state volume of distribution.
The Stability of the Interwar Gold Exchange Standard: Did Politics Matter?

Economic historians have devoted enormous attention to the collapse of the interwar gold standard. This article proposes a discrete time duration model (using a panel data set of 24 countries for 1928–1936) to analyze how economic and political indicators affected a country's term on the gold standard. High per capita income, international creditor status, and prior hyperinflation increased the probability of continuation. In contrast, democratic regimes left early. Unemployment, sterling group membership, higher inflation, and the experience of banking crises reduced the time a country remained on the gold standard. This study also predicts sample countries' survival probabilities.
A performance study of UAV-based sensor networks under cyber attack

In UAV-based sensor networks, an emerging area of interest is their performance under cyber attack. This study evaluates the trade-offs from a System-of-Systems (SoS) perspective between various UAV communications architecture options for the purpose of tracking ballistic missiles. An agent-based discrete event simulation is used to model a sensor communication network consisting of UAVs, military communications satellites, ground relay stations, and a mission control center. Network susceptibility to cyber attack is modeled with probabilistic failures and induced data variability, with performance metrics focusing on information availability, latency, and trustworthiness. Results demonstrated that using UAVs as routers increased SoS availability and satellite-based networks were best for long distance operations. Redundancy in the number of links between nodes helped mitigate cyber-caused link failures and add robustness in cases of induced data variability. Sensitivity studies indicated that long cyber-caused downtimes resulted in build-ups of failures, causing significant degradations in SoS performance.
1024-QAM and 256-QAM Coded Modems for Microwave and Cable System Applications

Low redundancy FEC coded 1024-QAM modems, staggered 1024-QAM, and 256-QAM modems for spectrally efficient (up to 8.84 bits/s/Hz) microwave and cable systems applications are described. Such a high spectral efficiency is required for CEPT-1 (2.048 Mbit/s) rate digital transmission in a single analog supergroup (SG` band as well as for other emerging systems applications. Practical constraints of operational analog FDM systems are presented and taken into account in the choice of the low redundancy FEC codec and the coded 1024-QAM modem. Theoretical, computer simulation and experimental results of 256QAM modems have been extended to the feasibility study of 512-QAM, 961-QPRS, and 1024-QAM modems. Our experience with 256-QAM modems which have a T-1 (1.544 Mbit/s) rate in a 240 kHz analog supergroup (SG) band, i.e., an efficiency of 6.66 bits/s/Hz, demonstrates that a regenerative span over 1000 km is feasible over FDM radio systems. A significantly increased spectral efficiency of 8.84 bits/s/Hz is required for CEPT-1/SG system applications. Our R&D results, presented in this paper, demonstrate the feasibility of FEC coded 1024QAM modems, equipped with powerful digital adaptive equalizers, carrier phase noise, and symbol clock jitter cancellation subsystems, for the transmission of CEPT-1 rate signals in a single SG band.
Diagnosis of Paraesophageal Omental Hiatal Hernia by Magnetic Resonance Imaging

We present a case of an enlarging retrocardiac mass lesion in which we observed the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) finding of a fatty tumor with contiguous blood vessels extending from the abdominal portion into the thoracic portion of the tumor. These surgically verified findings provide an MRI indication of the presence of a paraesophageal omental hiatal hernia.
A new paradigm for programming competitions

The annual ACM International Collegiate Programming Contest produces a competitive paradigm that is at odds with the pedagogical goals of modern computer science and software engineering degree programs. This paradigm stresses the fast completion of a programming task and evaluates the results solely with black-box testing specified by the judges. In contrast, the pedagogical goals of contemporary college degree programs in computing emphasize the quality of processes inherent in software development and implementation. In 2007, the College of Charleston student chapter of the ACM hosted its annual high school programming competition by turning the conventional programming paradigm on its head to focus on quality-of-process rather than time-to-complete. The judging criteria included both technical and artistic merit. The implementation of the competition emphasized success by giving students working skeleton solution programs. This paper presents the motivation for the new paradigm, the details of its implementation for the 2007 competition, and the details of the new techniques for judging technical and artistic merit.
The vibrational exciton spectrum of p-nitrotoluene crystal film

Abstract The exciton absorption spectrum of p -nitrotoluene crystal film has been investigated by polarized IR radiation at low temperature. The Raman scattering in the crystalline and the solution state has been studied as an aid in the interpretation of the crystal spectrum. The observed exciton splittings are small and could be measured with certainty for only a few vibrations. The interpretation of the low temperature spectrum conforms to the crystal structure determined at room temperature by Barve and Pant.
The Intraspecific Phylogenetics of Arabidopsis thaliana in Worldwide Populations

Abstract A study was performed to determine intraspecific phylogenetic relationships between Arabidopsis thaliana ecotypes from widely separated areas of the world. Eighteen populations of Arabidopsis were studied using polymorphic DNA and morphologic analyses. Experiments were performed employing 15 microsatellite loci in 10 individuals from each of 18 Arabidopsis populations from four continents. Microsatellite loci were amplified by the Polymerase Chain Reaction, electrophoresed, sized, and the polymorphisms analyzed. Morphological studies were performed comparing 11 physical traits in 10 individuals from each population. It was found that: 1) the commonly held premise that North American Arabidopsis thaliana populations originated in Europe is supported; 2) although Asian populations examined appeared genetically distant from the European populations, the hypothesis that Arabidopsis originated in Asia requires additional examination; 3) the laboratory ecotype Kashmir may have originated in Europe, not...
Hybrid Judicial Career Structures: Reputation v. Legal Tradition

Scholars have distinguished career from recognition judiciaries, largely arguing that they reflect different legal cultures and traditions. We start by noting that the career/recognition distinction does not correspond perfectly to the civil law/common law distinction, but rather that there are pockets of each institutional structure within regimes that are dominated by the other type. We discuss the causes and implications of this phenomenon, arguing that institutional structure is better explained through a theory of judicial reputation/legitimacy than through a theory of legal origin or tradition. We provide some preliminary empirical support for our account.
Population biology of a failed invasion: Paleolimnology of Daphnia exilis in upstate New York

Viable diapausing eggs of Daphnia exilis, a species within the Daphnia similis species complex, occur in sediments of Onondaga Lake, New York. The discovery of this species, which otherwise occurs exclusively in temporary saline ponds in southwestern North America, represents a range extension of 1,000 km. 210 Pb-dating of the sediments containing diapausing eggs indicates that D. exilis was present in Onondaga Lake between the mid-1920s and the early 1980s. The species’ introduction, successful colonization, and subsequent disappearance from the water column correspond temporally with distinct events in the history of industrial activity along the shores of the lake and with the paleoecological record of this activity deposited in Onondaga Lake sediments. Only the most recently deposited diapausing eggs (late 1970s to early 1980s) hatch during laboratory incubation; older eggs may not be viable because of toxic concentrations of mercury pollution in older sediments. The D. exilis eggs that have hatched have had strikingly low genetic (allozyme) variation in comparison with the variation documented for populations in the southwestern United States by Hebert and Finston (1993). Exploration of various invasion scenarios through simulated introduction of genotypes from the southwestern United States suggests that a single genotype established the D. exilis population in Onondaga Lake. These observations document the ecological and microevolutionary patterns associated with an invasion by an exotic crustacean that currently persists only in the sediment egg bank.
A tree-matching chip

Tree matching is an important problem used for three-dimensional object recognition in image understanding and vision systems. The objective of tree matching is to find the set of nodes at which a pattern tree matches a subject tree. In this paper, we describe the design and implementation of a very large scale integration (VLSI) chip for tree pattern matching. The architecture is based on an iterative algorithm that is mapped to a systolic array computational model and takes O(t(n+a)) time to profess a subject of size n using a processors where a is the length of the largest substring in the pattern and t is the number of substrings in the pattern. The variables and nonvariables of the pattern tree are processed separately, which simplifies the hardware in each processing element. The proposed partitioning strategy is independent of the problem size and allows larger strings to be processed based on the array size. A prototype CMOS VLSI chip has been designed using the Cadence design tools and the simulation results indicate that it will operate at 33.3 MHz.
Regeneration of the pancreatic β cell

Type 1 diabetes is the result of an autoimmune attack against the insulin-producing beta cells of the endocrine pancreas. Current treatment for patients with type 1 diabetes typically involves a rigorous and invasive regimen of testing blood glucose levels many times a day along with subcutaneous injections of recombinant DNA-derived insulin. Islet transplantation, even with its substantially improved outcome in recent years, is still not indicated for pediatric patients. However, in light of the fact that some regenerative capabilities of the endocrine pancreas have been documented and recent research has shown that human ES cell lines can be derived in vitro, this review discusses whether it is practical or even possible to combine these lines of research to more effectively treat young diabetic patients.
First Cell Magnet System Tests

The ISABELLE refrigeration system utilizes compressed liquid helium to supply refrigeration to nearly 1100 superconducting bending and focusing magnets. These magnets steer the proton orbits of the accelerator and are arranged into two interlocking rings. The total heat load that the refrigerator must provide is made up of the heat load of the magnets, magnet leads and vessels and the interconnecting piping to the refrigerator. The design and test results of the magnet system during various operating conditions in use on the ISABELLE prototype, the First Cell, are described.
On the Antigenic Determinants of the Lipopolysaccharides of Vibrio cholerae O:1, Serotypes Ogawa and Inaba

Abstract Monoclonal, murine IgG1s S-20-4, A-20-6, and IgA 2D6, directed against Vibrio cholerae O:1 Ogawa-lipopolysaccharide exhibited the same fine specificities and similar affinities for the synthetic methyl α-glycosides of the (oligo)saccharide fragments mimicking the Ogawa O-polysaccharide (O-PS). They did not react with the corresponding synthetic fragments of Inaba O-PS. IgG1s S-20-4 and A-20-6 have absolute affinity constants for synthetic Ogawa mono- to hexasaccharides of from ∼105 to ∼106 m −1. For IgG1s S-20-4, A-20-6, and IgA 2D6, the nonreducing terminal residue of Ogawa O-PS is the dominant determinant, accounting for ∼90% of the maximal binding energy shown by these antibodies. Binding studies of derivatives of the Ogawa monosaccharide and IgGs S-20-4 and A-20-6 revealed that the C-2O-methyl group fits into a somewhat flexible antibody cavity and that hydrogen bonds involving the oxygen and, respectively, the OH at the 2- and 3-position of the sugar moiety as well as the 2′-position in the amide side chain are required. Monoclonal IgA ZAC-3 and IgG3 I-24-2 are specific forV. cholerae O:1 serotypes Ogawa/Inaba-LPS.1 The former did not show binding with members of either series of the synthetic ligands related to the O-antigens of the Ogawa or Inaba serotypes, in agreement with its reported specificity for the lipid/core region (1). Inhibition studies revealed that the binding of purified IgG3 I-24-2 to Ogawa-LPS might be mediated by a region in the junction of the OPS to the lipid-core region of the LPS. cDNA cloning and analysis of the anti-Ogawa antibodies S-20-4, A-20-6, and 2D6 revealed a very high degree of homology among the heavy chains. Among the light chains, no such homology between S-20-4 and A-20-6 on the one hand, and 2D6 on the other hand, exists. For the anti-Inaba/Ogawa antibodies I-24-2 and ZAC-3, their heavy chains are completely different, with some homology among the light chains.
Callosal dysgenesis in fetuses with ventriculomegaly: levels of agreement between imaging modalities and postnatal outcome

Objective To assess neurodevelopmental outcome of fetuses diagnosed with callosal abnormalities after referral for ventriculomegaly. Methods This sub-analysis of a prospective study of 430 fetuses, which were referred for ventriculomegaly and underwent sonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), included those fetuses with a diagnosis of corpus callosal abnormalities after recruitment into the main study. Between three and six radiologists independently reviewed ultrasound and MR images and recorded central nervous system (CNS) abnormalities, with final diagnoses being decided by consensus. Postnatal outcomes of fetuses with callosal abnormalities were compared between those with and those without other abnormalities. Results Callosal abnormalities were detected in 13% (58/430) of the fetuses referred with ventriculomegaly. Callosal dysgenesis was isolated in 24% (14/58) of these cases, with the remainder complicated by CNS, karyotypic or other major abnormalities. Five fetuses diagnosed prenatally as having isolated callosal abnormalities had additional CNS findings on postnatal assessment. Preconference kappa for callosal abnormalities was 0.76 for ultrasound and 0.78 for MRI, indicating that these investigations had a similar level of operator dependence. Neurodevelopmental outcome was normal or showed only mild delay that resolved in 67% (8/12) children with isolated callosal abnormalities compared to 7% (2/27) in those with non-isolated callosal abnormalities (P = 0.003). Conclusion Callosal abnormalities are present in a significant proportion of fetuses with a diagnosis of ventriculomegaly. Isolated callosal abnormalities are associated with normal neurodevelopmental outcome in approximately two-thirds of fetuses.
WEATHER, BEHAVIOUR AND INSECT DISPERSAL

Individual meteorological factors, particularly temperature and wind, directly influence the dispersal of arthropods, as do weather systems — formation and movement of air masses, cold and warm fronts, and air flows associated with topographical features such as mountains, valleys, bodies of water. Models have been recently developed that simulate the effects of many of these systems on airborne dispersal of insects. Also, some attention has recently been directed toward the behaviour of arthropods during weather conducive to dispersal. Clearly, both winged and wingless forms of arthropods respond to certain stimuli for dispersal and behave specifically to enhance the potential for migration. Recent progress toward understanding the interplay between insect movement and mesoscale weather is particularly relevant to pest management.
My approach to patients with heart failure and a normal ejection fraction.

There is as yet no evidence for a reduction in mortality in patients with heart failure (HF) and a preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (HFPEF) with any approach. Epidemiologic data suggest that the risk for and incidence of HFPEF is similar to those associated with HF and a reduced EF (HFREF). However, over the next decade it is anticipated that the incidence of HFPEF will exceed that of HFREF due to the aging of the population and the epidemics of obesity and diabetes mellitus. Thus, despite the lack of convincing class I guideline–based evidence, clinicians are increasingly faced with the dilemma of caring for these patients. Before considering the therapy of a patient with HFPEF, it should be emphasized that the symptoms and signs of HFPEF are nonspecific and that the occurrence of symptoms such as shortness of breath and dyspnea on exertion in conjunction with a normal left ventricular EF does not necessarily identify patients with the cardiovascular risk associated with HFPEF in epidemiologic studies but may be due to obesity and/or other factors. Evidence of structural heart disease such as an enlarged left atrium, an increase in left ventricular mass, diastolic dysfunction, and/or an increase in BNP signifying an increase in cardiovascular risk should be obtained before embarking upon therapy for HFPEF.
Glimpses into the Future of Rabies Research

Much is now known about the chemical composition of the rabies virus but little is known of its pathogenesis. Techniques used commonly in molecular biology research can and should be applied to questions about the behavior of the rabies virus and the responses of the challenged host so that new generations of vaccines may be produced. The vaccinia-rabies glycoprotein recombinant vaccine acts by inducing neutralizing antibody to rabies virus and completely protects various species of vaccinated animals against challenge with rabies virus. The vaccinia-rabies glycoprotein recombinant vaccine is the most promising of the new generation of rabies serums.
Mechanical cardiopulmonary resuscitation choice of patients on chronic peritoneal dialysis.

Fifty-five adult patients (5 women, 50 men) on c hronic peritoneal dialysis, mostly continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), for 2 to 155 mon were asked whether or not they wanted to have mechanical cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in case of sudden death. Thirty-five patients (65%) opted for CPR and 20 (36%) declined. Statistically, sex (although the number of women interviewed was too small for a valid sample) and duration of dialysis had no effect on choice of CPR, whereas older age, the presence of diabetes, advanced medical disability, and advanced socioeconomic disability were associated with a tendency to decline CPR. Among the 10 patients who had CPR, 5 developed flail chest, 4 had multiple rib fractures, and only 1 had no chest wall trauma from CPR. Two patients left the hospital alive. One third of the patients on chronic peritoneal dialysis do not want CPR. Advanced age, diabetes, and poor medical and socioeconomic states predispose peritoneal dialysis patients to decline CPR.
Effect of Doping Concentration Variations in PVT-Grown 4H-SiC Wafers

Synchrotron white beam x-ray topography studies carried out on 4H-SiC wafers characterized by locally varying doping concentrations reveals the presence of overlapping Shockley stacking faults generated from residual surface scratches in regions of higher doping concentrations after the wafers have been subjected to heat treatment. The stacking faults are rhombus-shaped and bound by Shockley partial dislocations. The fault generation process is driven by the fact that in regions of higher doping concentrations, a faulted crystal containing double Shockley faults is more stable␣than a perfect 4H-SiC crystal at the high temperatures (>1000°C) that the wafers are subject to during heat treatment. We have developed a model for the formation mechanism of the rhombus-shaped stacking faults. Our studies show that during heat treatment of the wafer, such double Shockley faults can be generated in regions where dislocation sources are presents (e.g. scratches or low-angle boundaries) and when the nitrogen doping concentration exceeds a certain level.
Bifurcation Trees of Period-1 Motions to Chaos in a Quadratic Nonlinear Oscillator With Time-Delayed Displacement

In this paper, periodic motions in a periodically forced, damped, quadratic nonlinear oscillator with time-delayed displacement are analytically predicted through implicit discrete mappings. The implicit discrete maps are obtained from discretization of differential equation of such a quadratic nonlinear oscillator. From mapping structures, bifurcation trees of periodic motions are achieved analytically, and the corresponding stability and bifurcation analysis are completed through eigenvalue analysis. From the analytical prediction, numerical results of periodic motions are illustrated to verify such an analytical prediction.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Low-temperature spin freezing in the Dy 2 Ti 2 O 7 spin ice

We report a study of the low temperature bulk magnetic properties of the spin ice compound ${\mathrm{Dy}}_{2}{\mathrm{Ti}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{7}$ with particular attention to the $(Tl4\mathrm{K})$ spin freezing transition. While this transition is superficially similar to that in a spin glass, there are important qualitative differences from spin glass behavior: the freezing temperature increases slightly with applied magnetic field, and the distribution of spin relaxation times remains extremely narrow down to the lowest temperatures. Furthermore, the characteristic spin relaxation time increases faster than exponentially down to the lowest temperatures studied. These results indicate that spin-freezing in spin ice materials represents a novel form of magnetic glassiness associated with the unusual nature of geometrical frustration in these materials.
Applying the collective impact approach to address non-native species: a case study of the Great Lakes Phragmites Collaborative

To address the invasion of non-native Phragmites in the Great Lakes, researchers at the U.S. Geological Survey—Great Lakes Science Center partnered with the Great Lakes Commission in 2012 to establish the Great Lakes Phragmites Collaborative (GLPC). The GLPC is a regional-scale partnership established to improve collaboration among stakeholders and increase the effectiveness of non-native Phragmites management and research. Rather than forming a traditional partnership with a narrowly defined goal, the GLPC follows the principles of collective impact to engage stakeholders, guide progress, and align resources to address this complex, regional challenge. In this paper, the concept and tenets of collective impact are described, the GLPC is offered as a model for other natural resource-focused collective impact efforts, and steps for establishing collaboratives are presented. Capitalizing on the interactive collective impact approach, the GLPC is moving toward a broadly accepted common agenda around which agencies and individuals will be able to better align their actions and generate measureable progress in the regional campaign to protect healthy, diverse ecosystems from damage caused by non-native Phragmites.
DSP Implementation of a Direct Adaptive Feedfoward Control Algorithm for Rejecting Repeatable Runout in Hard Disk Drives

A direct adaptive feedforward control method for tracking repeatable runout (RRO) in bit patterned media recording (BPMR) hard disk drives (HDD) is proposed. The technique estimates the system parameters and the residual RRO simultaneously and constructs a feedforward signal based on a known regressor. An improved version of the proposed algorithm to avoid matrix inversion and reduce computation complexity is given. Results for both MATLAB simulation and digital signal processor (DSP) implementation are provided to verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Development of an Interdisciplinary Team Communication Framework and Quality Metrics for Home-Based Medical Care Practices.

Abstract Background The unique needs of homebound adults receiving home-based medical care (HBMC) (ie, home-based primary care and home-based palliative care services) are ideally provided by interdisciplinary care teams (IDTs) that provide coordinated care. The composition of team members from an array of organizations and the unique dimension of providing care in the home present specific challenges to timely access and communication of patient care information. The objective of this work was to develop a conceptual framework and corresponding quality indicators (QIs) that assess how IDT members for HBMC practices access and communicate key patient information with each other. Methods A systematic review of peer-reviewed and gray literature was performed to inform a framework for care coordination in the home and the development of candidate QIs to assess processes by which all IDT members optimally access and use patient information. A technical expert panel (TEP) participated in a modified Delphi process to assess the validity and feasibility of each QI and to identify which would be most suitable for testing in the field. Results Thematic analysis of literature revealed 4 process themes for how HBMC practices might engage in high-quality care coordination: using electronic medical records, conducting interdisciplinary team meetings, sharing standardized patient assessments, and communicating via secure e-messaging. Based on these themes, 9 candidate QIs were developed to reflect these processes. Three candidate QIs were assessed by the TEP as valid and feasible to measure in an HBMC practice setting. These indicators focused on use of IDT meetings, standardized patient assessments, and secure e-messaging. Conclusion Translating the complex issue of care coordination into QIs will improve care delivered to vulnerable home-limited adults who receive HBMC. Guided by the literature, we developed a framework to reflect optimal care coordination in the home setting and identified 3 candidate QIs to field-test in HBMC practices.
Bacteria Can Be Predators, Too

As a reminder of how even carefully laid plans can go awry, I have a small collection of seashells in my office with holes that have been precisely drilled through the hard, calcium carbonate shells. Through a combination of chemical dissolution and a sharp, drill-like tongue, predatory cone snails bored the holes in these shells of fellow mollusks and harvested a lifetime of hard work in the oceans. Life is not fair.
Beyond Fossil Fuels: Assessing Energy Alternatives

Most discussions of the remarkable trajectory of human development in the past few centuries label the phenomenon the Industrial Revolution. This term is apt enough, although it emphasizes the industrious nature of clever humans. An equally important factor—if not more so—has been the abundant supply of cheap surplus energy in the form of fossil fuels. Coal fueled the early stages of the Industrial Revolution, opening the door to accelerated energy-resource discovery and exploitation. Indeed, the first major application of coal was to power steam engines used to pump water out of coal mines in order to gain access to more coal. Perhaps the Coal Revolution would more accurately represent the transformational change marked by the nineteenth century.1
Autoimmune collagen vascular diseases: Kids are not just little people

Morphea, dermatomyositis (DM), and discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) are autoimmune collagen vascular diseases that can present at any age. In all three of these diseases, the tenants of diagnosis and treatment are largely the same in both children and adults, with a few notable differences. Children with morphea are more likely to present with the linear subtype and have a higher incidence of extracutaneous manifestations. Children often need early aggressive systemic treatment to try to prevent long-term sequelae of morphea. In DM, adult disease has a clear association with malignancy that is not seen in children. Adults have a higher rate of pulmonary involvement and increased mortality, whereas calcinosis is more common in juvenile DM. DLE in adults is generally considered to have a low rate of progression from discoid lesions alone to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). DLE is less common in children, but several studies have suggested a higher rate of progression from DLE to SLE in children compared with adults.
“Single-Site” Catalyzed Polyolefin for Fresh-Cut Produce Packaging. A Comparison Between Monoextruded Blends and Coextruded Film

The quality of produce is affected mainly by two factors, the chemical effect of atmospheric oxygen and growth of aerobic spoilage microorganisms. The most important criteria for good produce packaging are the selective permeability to specific gases such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, ethylene, and water vapor at normal storage temperatures. The concept of atmosphere modification inside the package has developed rapidly over the last decade. The artificial atmosphere created inside the package slows down the metabolic processes in the produce and significantly prolongs the shelf-life of the commodity. Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) is a newly developed technique where the shelf life of pre-cut produce is extended by inhibiting chemical, enzymatic, and microbial spoilage. This allows preservation of the fresh state of the produce without the chemical treatments used for other shelf life extension processes. Traditionally, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymers and ultra low-density polyethylene (ULDPE) have been used for these types of applications. However, new single-site catalyzed resins have replaced these resins because of some significant advantages such as excellent optical properties, very high oxygen transmission rate, and outstanding seal performance. A typical product structure used by many film processors is one-component monolayer films; resin blends extruded into monolayer films, or co-extruded films. Linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) and plastomer resins are used extensively in fresh-cut produce packaging applications. This chapter compares the properties of mono-extruded film of LLDPE/plastomer blends with coextruded film from the same materials at the same resin ratio.
Self-awareness of "Gum Disease" Among US Adults.

BACKGROUND To assess the extent of self-awareness of gum disease among adults in the United States. METHODS Data were from the 2009-2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The outcome variable is self-awareness of gum disease. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to examine the relationship between self-awareness and clinically diagnosed periodontitis. The analytical sample included 6876 participants. RESULTS Among those participants (30 years or older) who were classified as having periodontitis, 27% (95% confidence interval [CI], 24.4-29.8) were self-aware of the disease (positive predicted value = 25%). Of those who self-reported having gum disease, 14.1% had a diagnosis of periodontitis (sensitivity = 75%). Older adults were less likely to be aware of gum disease (P < .05). Non-Hispanic blacks (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.67; 95% CI, 0.53-0.85) were less likely to be aware of the disease than non-Hispanic whites. Adults with diabetes (AOR = 1.61; 95% CI, 1.25-2.06), or with lung disease (AOR = 1.61; 95% CI, 1.25-2.08), or current smokers (AOR = 1.72; 95% CI, 1.29-2.31) were more likely to be aware of the disease. CONCLUSION The study showed that self-awareness of gum disease among adults was low. Our study findings suggest that there is a great need to improve oral health knowledge and awareness among the adult population in the United States.
eTEST: Developing a Smart Home HIV Testing Kit that Enables Active, Real-Time Follow-Up and Referral After Testing

Background: Men who have sex with men (MSM) are the group at highest risk for contracting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the United States, but many do not test as frequently as recommended. Home-based self-testing (HBST) for HIV holds promise for promoting regular testing among these individuals, but currently available HBSTs have limited follow-up options, providing only a 1-800 number that participants can call. Failure to actively conduct follow-up counseling and referrals after HBST use could result in delays in seeking confirmatory testing and care among users receiving reactive (preliminary positive) test results. HBST also fails to connect users who test negative with other prevention services that can reduce their future risk for HIV. Objective: The aim of our study was to use qualitative research methods with high-risk MSM to inform development of a “smart” HBST kit. The kit utilizes existing Internet-of-Things (IoT) technologies to monitor HBST use in real-time and enable delivery of timely, active follow-up counseling and referrals over the phone. Methods: In phase 1, individual interviews (n=10) explored how participants might use HBST and their views and preferences for conducting counseling and referral after HBST. Based on these perspectives, we developed a smartphone app (iOS, Android) that uses data from light sensors on Bluetooth low energy (BLE) beacons to monitor when HBST kits are opened, facilitating timely follow-up phone contact with users. In phase 2, a usability study conducted among high-risk MSM (n=10) examined the acceptability and feasibility of this system and provided user perspectives after using the system along with HBST. Results: Phase 1 themes suggested that MSM preferred HBST, that most thought active follow-up after HBST would be valuable, and that doing so over the phone within 24 h after testing was preferable. Phase 2 results showed that the eTEST system successfully detected HBST use in nearly all cases. Participant perspectives also suggested that the timing, method (ie, phone call), and duration of follow-up were appropriate and helpful. Conclusions: Using BLE beacons and a smartphone app to enable follow-up counseling and referral over the phone after HBST use is feasible and acceptable to high-risk MSM. Future research is needed to compare the effects of follow-up counseling on rates of repeat testing and receipt of referral services (eg, testing for sexually transmitted infections and initiation of preexposure prophylaxis) and to explore the acceptability of the eTEST system over longer periods of time. [JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2017;5(5):e62]
Effects of Induced Starvation on Bagrada hilaris (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) Survival

Bagrada hilaris (Burmeister) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) is a serious pest of cruciferous crops, including leafy crucifers grown in enclosed greenhouses in the Central Coast of California. These enclosed greenhouses face season-long risk of feeding injury to plantings of cruciferous crops. Understanding the survival ability of B. hilaris would help develop crop-free periods as a cultural tactic for B. hilaris control. A series of trials was conducted with 2nd–3rd and 4th–5th instar nymphs and male and female adults to determine how well they survive when they had full, partial, or no access to food and water sources. The treatments for the experiment were: (a) soil plus food (a piece of broccoli crown); (b) soil plus water; (c) soil-only; and (d) empty (no soil, water, and food). Bagrada hilaris were individually released into 20-ml ventilated scintillation vials that were deployed outside by burying them in the ground with only the ventilated top exposed for multiple days. Results show that B. hilaris survived between 3 and 6 d after deployment without access to food and water. In all experiments, survival of B. hilaris in the food or water treatments was significantly greater than in the soil-only and empty treatments on final day of the trial. Bagrada hilaris in the soil-only treatment had significantly lower number of live B. hilaris than in the empty treatment on the days before the final day of the experiment. The survival of B. hilaris that had access to food was not significantly different from those that had access to water.
A pilot study on the use of cerebrospinal fluid cell-free DNA in intramedullary spinal ependymoma.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) represents a promising source of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) for tumors of the central nervous system. A CSF-based liquid biopsy may obviate the need for riskier tissue biopsies and serve as a means for monitoring tumor recurrence or response to therapy. Spinal ependymomas most commonly occur in adults, and aggressive resection must be delicately balanced with the risk of injury to adjacent normal tissue. In patients with subtotal resection, recurrence commonly occurs. A CSF-based liquid biopsy matched to the patient’s spinal ependymoma mutation profile has potential to be more sensitive then surveillance MRI, but the utility has not been well characterized for tumors of the spinal cord. In this study, we collected matched blood, tumor, and CSF samples from three adult patients with WHO grade II intramedullary spinal ependymoma. We performed whole exome sequencing on matched tumor and normal DNA to design Droplet Digital™ PCR (ddPCR) probes for tumor and wild-type mutations. We then interrogated CSF samples for tumor-derived cfDNA by performing ddPCR on extracted cfDNA. Tumor cfDNA was not reliably detected in the CSF of our cohort. Anatomic sequestration and low grade of intramedullary spinal cord tumors likely limits the role of CSF liquid biopsy.
Captivity, Displacement and Migration Among Indigenous People on Mining Frontiers

CATIVEIRO, DESLOCAMENTO E MIGRACAO ENTRE INDIGENAS NAS FRONTEIRAS MINERADORAS Resumo: os centros de mineracao foram destinos comuns para a migracao indigena durante o periodo colonial devido a alta demanda de mao de obra indigena que para la se deslocava principalmente pela quase inexistencia de indigenas sedentarios nas regioes mineradoras. Uma revisao da bibliografia recente de varios estudiosos sobre os padroes de migracao indigena em centros de mineracao aborda topicos afins, como migracao forcada, deslocamento e cativeiro, relacionados a violencia. Conhecimentos acerca temas do papel das mulheres nesse tipo de processos tambem constituem problemas das pesquisas relacionadas. As diferentes abordagens adotadas por especialistas neste topico e, portanto, um conjunto de descobertas diferentes, tambem devem ser consideradas. Palavras-chave: Paisagens. Mineracao. Cativeiro. Deslocamento. Migracao. Abstract: mining centers were common places for indigenous migration during the colonial period, because of the high demand on foreign indigenous labor, mainly due to the low sedentary indigenous population in the mining regions. A literature review on the recent work of several borderlands scholars on indigenous migration patterns into mining centers sheds new light on related topics, such as forced migration, displacement and captivity, which relate to violence. It also sheds knowledge on topics such as women’s roles in these type of processes. One thing to consider are the different approaches taken by experts on this topic, and thus, the different set of findings. Keywords: Landscapes. Mining. Captivity. Displacement. Migration.
Zika virus: The transboundary pathogen from mosquito and updates.

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus that was relatively obscure until outbreaks started in 2013. ZIKV is associated with neurological manifestations such as Guillan-Barre Syndrome in adult and microcephaly in the newborn population. Although the majority of disease mechanisms of ZIKV is unclear, some information was updated with new scientific evidence. Currently, there are no approved drugs or vaccine that can be used for therapy during ZIKV infection. Based on the transmission mechanism of ZIKV, vector control and safe sex seem to be the most effective available preventive measures against ZIKV spread. This study summarized the current ZIKV epidemiology, the status of the existing pathogenic mechanism of ZIKV, the development of potential compounds and vaccines against ZIKV, and the control efforts against ZIKV.
Pancreatic beta cells are a sensitive target of embryonic exposure to butylparaben in zebrafish (Danio rerio).

Background Butylparaben (butyl p-hydroxybenzoic acid) is a common cosmetic and pharmaceutical preservative reported to induce oxidative stress and endocrine disruption. Embryonic development is sensitive to oxidative stress, with redox potentials playing critical roles in progenitor cell fate decisions. Because pancreatic beta cells have been reported to have low antioxidant gene expression, they may be sensitive targets of oxidative stress. We tested the hypotheses that butylparaben causes oxidative stress in the developing embryo, and that pancreatic beta cells are a sensitive target of butylparaben embryotoxicity. Methods Transgenic insulin:GFP zebrafish embryos (Danio rerio) were treated daily with 0, 250, 500, 1,000, and 3,000 nM butylparaben. Pancreatic islet and whole embryo development were examined though 7 days postfertilization, and gene expression was measured by quantitative real-time PCR. Glutathione (GSH) and cysteine redox content were measured at 28 hr postfertilization using HPLC. Results Butylparaben exposure caused intestinal effusion, pericardial edema, and accelerated yolk utilization. At 250 nM, beta cell area increased by as much as 55%, and increased incidence of two aberrant morphologies were observed-fragmentation of the islet cluster and ectopic beta cells. Butylparaben concentrations of 500 and 1,000 nM increased GSH by 10 and 40%, respectively. Butylparaben exposure downregulated transcription factor pdx1, as well as genes involved in GSH synthesis, while upregulating GSH-disulfide reductase (gsr). Conclusions The endocrine pancreas is a sensitive target of embryonic exposure to butylparaben, which also causes developmental deformities and perturbs redox conditions in the embryo.
Metaphysics of Quantity and the Limit of Phenomenal Concepts

AbstractQuantities like mass and temperature are properties that come in degrees. And those degrees (e.g. 5 kg) are properties that are called the magnitudes of the quantities. Some philosophers talk about magnitudes of phenomenal qualities as if some of our phenomenal qualities are quantities. The goal of this essay is to explore the anti-physicalist implication of this apparently innocent way of conceptualizing phenomenal quantities. I will first argue for a metaphysical thesis about the nature of magnitudes based on Yablo’s proportionality requirement of causation. Then, I will show that, if some phenomenal qualities are indeed quantities, there can be no demonstrative concepts about some of our phenomenal feelings. That presents a significant restriction on the way physicalists can account for the epistemic gap between the phenomenal and the physical. I’ll illustrate the restriction by showing how that rules out a popular physicalist response to the Knowledge Argument.
Substance Use in Pregnant Women Using the Emergency Department: Undertested And Overlooked?

Author(s): Moyer, C. Leigh; Johnson, Sean; Klug, Marilyn G.; Burd, Larry | Abstract: Introduction: The objective was to determine if pregnant women visiting the emergency department (ED) are tested for substance use as frequently as non-pregnant women. Methods: We captured all ED visits over a six-year period (2010-2016) from a single community hospital and identified women of childbearing age, defined for our study as 11-50 years old. We collected demographic data including age in years, ethnicity, body mass index, marital status, disposition, last encounter department, method of arrival, and day of week. An independent binary variable was created based on whether the woman was tested for alcohol or drugs (amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cannabis, cocaine, opioids) during her visit. We then compared rates of testing for substance use by pregnancy status. Results: We identified 61,222 ED visits by women of childbearing age (range 11-50, mean 30.5, standard deviation 9.6) over a six-year period from 2010-2016. Of the 57,360 non-pregnant women, 4.14% were tested compared to 1.04% of the 3,862 pregnant women tested with a relative risk of 0.25 (pl0.001, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.183-0.341]). The most highly tested chief complaints for all women – psychiatric or substance use concerns – showed pregnant women were still 37% and 54% less likely to be tested, respectively (risk ratio [RR] 0.46, 95% CI [0.19-1.13]; RR 0.63, 95% CI [0.41-0.96]). Beyond pregnancy status, we found no significant interaction between patient demographics and substance use testing. Conclusion: Pregnant women presenting to the ED were 75% less likely to be tested for drug or alcohol use than non-pregnant women. Our study showed only pregnancy status as a statistically significant variable in drug- and alcohol-screening rates when pregnant and non-pregnant patient chief complaints and demographics were compared. Increased attention to the screening of pregnant women for substance use may be necessary to provide adequate care and intervention to this population.
Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection: Cardiac Manifestations of Vascular Disease.

Abstract Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an increasingly recognized cause of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in young women who otherwise do not have traditional risk factors for coronary artery disease. Though previously considered to be a rare occurrence and primarily associated with pregnancy, contemporary series have demonstrated that SCAD may account for 35% of ACS in women under the age of 50 years, and peripartum SCAD accounts for the minority of cases. Importantly, an association between SCAD and arterial abnormalities in non-coronary arterial distributions has been described. The most common of these arterial abnormalities is fibromuscular dysplasia. This manuscript will briefly review the epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of SCAD and provide an overview of how SCAD may be a cardiac manifestation of an underlying vascular disease in the majority of patients.