cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Novel Activation Mechanism of Avian Influenza Virus H9N2 by Furin

Avian influenza virus H9N2 is prevalent in waterfowl and has become endemic in poultry in Asia and the Middle East. H9N2 influenza viruses have served as a reservoir of internal genes for other avian influenza viruses that infect humans, and several cases of human infection by H9N2 influenza viruses have indicated its pandemic potential. Fortunately, an extensive surveillance program enables close monitoring of H9N2 influenza viruses worldwide and has generated a large repository of virus sequences and phylogenetic information. Despite the large quantity of sequences in different databases, very little is known about specific virus isolates and their pathogenesis. Here, we characterize a low-pathogenicity avian influenza virus, A/chicken/Israel/810/2001 (H9N2) (Israel810), which is representative of influenza virus strains that have caused severe morbidity and mortality in poultry farms. We show that under certain circumstances the Israel810 hemagglutinin (HA) can be activated by furin, a hallmark of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus. We demonstrate that Israel810 HA can be cleaved in cells with high levels of furin expression and that a mutation that eliminates a glycosylation site in HA(1) allows the Israel810 HA to gain universal cleavage in cell culture. Pseudoparticles generated from Israel810 HA, or the glycosylation mutant, transduce cells efficiently. In contrast, introduction of a polybasic cleavage site into Israel810 HA leads to pseudoviruses that are compromised for transduction. Our data indicate a mechanism for an H9N2 evolutionary pathway that may allow it to gain virulence in a distinct manner from H5 and H7 influenza viruses.
Exploiting information access patterns for context-based retrieval

In order for intelligent interfaces to provide proactive assistance, they must customize their behavior based on the user's task context. Existing systems often assess context based on a single snapshot of the user's current activities (e. g., examining the content of the document that the user is currently consulting). However, an accurate picture of the user's context may depend not only on this local information, but also on information about the user's behavior over time. This paper discusses work on a recommender system, Calvin, which learns to identify broader contexts by relating documents that tend to be accessed together. Calvin's text analysis algorithm, WordSieve, develops term vector descriptions of these contexts in real time, without needing to accumulate comprehensive statistics about an entire corpus. Calvin uses these descriptions (1) to index documents to suggest them in similar future contexts and (2) to formulate contextbased queries for search engines. Results of initial experiments are encouraging for the approach's improved ability to associate documents with the research tasks in which they were consulted, compared to methods using only local information. This paper sketches the project goals, the current implementation of the system, and plans for its continued development and evaluati.
Neural network model for wastewater treatment plant control

This paper discusses development aspects of NN model for the model-based control of a wastewater treatment in terms of air flow-rate and aeration volume.
Fault strength and transpressional tectonics along the Castle Mountain strike-slip fault, southern Alaska

Analyses of structures along the Castle Mountain fault reveal the mechanical relations and relative timing of orogen-parallel strike-slip faulting to distributed wrenching and shortening and to plate motion in the southern Alaskan transpressive margin. The Castle Mountain fault is a >200-km- long, orogen-parallel, right-lateral seismogenic fault in the southern Alaskan plate margin. Exposures of the fault in the study area have been exhumed from 3−4 km depth and ∼80 °C. Moment tensor summations and stress inversions of slip data from fault networks within 400 m of the Castle Mountain fault and analyses of structures in forearc deposits 2−4 km from the fault yield maximum incremental shortening and maximum compressive stress (σ 1 ) axes that are subhorizontal and trend ∼325°. This trend is close to the 340° North American–Pacific plate convergence direction. The inferred σ 1 makes a 70°−80° angle with the ∼070°-striking Castle Mountain fault, indicating that the fault slips at a lower shear stress than predicted by laboratory rock friction experiments if hydrostatic pore pressure exists in the fault (i.e., coefficient of friction ∼0.85, Byerlee9s Law). The forearc structures record coaxial strain and apparently remain in their formative orientations, showing that previously documented distributed shearing in the form of vertical-axis block rotations in the forearc ceased prior to formation of the structures in late Oligocene time. The mechanical weakness of the Castle Mountain fault probably results in part from its clay- rich gouge, which averages about 43 wt% clay phases. However, the gouge composition does not account for slip in response to σ 1 at 70°−80° to the fault. Another mechanism, such as elevated pore pressure, further weakens the fault and enables it to slip right laterally in response to the small component of oblique motion across the plate boundary. Upon its inception in early Tertiary time, the fault could not have formed a >200-km-long planar zone of low-friction clay-rich gouge or elevated pore pressure; thus, the mechanisms that weaken it must have developed over time. The distributed shearing in the forearc may have ended in response to the weakening and localization of dextral slip onto the Castle Mountain fault.
The Education-Health Gradient

In this paper, we determine the role played by early cognitive, noncognitive, and health endowments. We identify the causal effect of education on health and health-related behaviors. We develop an empirical model of schooling choice and post-schooling outcomes, where both schooling and the outcomes determined in part by schooling are influenced by measured early family environments and latent capabilities (cognitive, noncognitive and health). We show that family background characteristics, and cognitive, noncognitive, and health endowments developed by age 10, are important determinants of labor market and health disparities at age 30. Not properly accounting for personality traits overestimates the importance of cognitive ability in determining adult health. Selection on factors determined early in life explains more than half of the observed difference by education in poor health, depression, and obesity. Education has an important causal effect in explaining differences in many adult outcomes and healthy behaviors. We uncover significant gender differences. We go beyond the current literature which typically estimates mean effects to compute distributions of treatment effects. We show how the health returns to education can vary among individuals who are similar with respect to their observed characteristics, and how a mean effect can hide gains and losses for different individuals. Our research highlights the important role played by the early years in producing health.
Detection and Quantification of the Red Tide Dinoflagellate Karenia brevis by Real-Time Nucleic Acid Sequence-Based Amplification

Nucleic acid sequence-based amplification (NASBA) is an isothermal method of RNA amplification that has been previously used in clinical diagnostic testing. A real-time NASBA assay has been developed for the detection of rbcL mRNA from the red tide dinoflagellate Karenia brevis. This assay is sensitive to one K. brevis cell and 1.0 fg of in vitro transcript, with occasional detection of lower concentrations of transcript. The assay did not detect rbcL mRNA from a wide range of nontarget organisms and environmental clones, while 10 strains (all tested) of K. brevis were detected. By the use of standard curves based on time to positivity, concentrations of K. brevis in environmental samples were predicted by NASBA and classified into different levels of blooms per the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) system. NASBA classification matched FWC classification (based on cell counts) 72% of the time. Those samples that did not match were off by only one class. NASBA is sensitive, rapid, and effective and may be used as an additional or alternative method to detect and quantify K. brevis in the marine environment.
Restrictions on negative energy density in flat spacetime

In a previous paper, a bound on the negative energy density seen by an arbitrary inertial observer was derived for the free massless, quantized scalar field in four-dimensional Minkowski spacetime. This constraint has the form of an uncertainty-principle-type limitation on the magnitude and duration of the negative energy density. That result was obtained after a somewhat complicated analysis. The goal of the current paper is to present a much simpler method for obtaining such constraints. Similar ``quantum inequality'' bounds on negative energy density are derived for the electromagnetic field, and for the massive scalar field in both two- and four-dimensional Minkowski spacetime.
A path-space search algorithm for motion planning with uncertainties

This paper describes an algorithm for adjusting a robot motion plan in order to make it feasible in spite of control and sensing uncertainties in the robot configuration. The type of motion plan considered consists of a nominal commanded path, augmented by sensing mode specifications. The algorithm uses a bounding-set representation of uncertainties, which is also described. The control uncertainty is history independent, but the sensing uncertainty at one point in a plan depends on the prior sensing actions and the path traversed. The algorithm is a path-space algorithm, because it adjusts the entire plan simultaneously as it carries out the search.
Stability of sieve trays with high overflow weirs

Abstract Sieve tray columns for gas—liquid reactions sometimes operate at liquid depths much greater than in conventional distillation columns. The design of such columns requires knowledge of the conditions for stable, uniform gas distribution. Data are presented from a single 1·8 m diameter tray, operated with water and air. Pressures and weeping rates were measured as functions of air rate, liquid depth, and free hole area. The existence of a critical tray pressure drop was demonstrated, below which the gas distribution was nonuniform and high weeping rates were observed. This critical pressure drop did not depend much on the liquid depth. A 0·6 × 1·2 m rectangular tank was used to determine pressure distributions on a sieve tray under conditions of non-uniform aeration, for liquid depths up to 1·5 m. Observations on velocities and flow patterns of the gas induced liquid circulation were related to the pressure distributions. The relationship between the observed conditions for uniform aeration and the experimental pressure distribution data was investigated. An approximate theoretical concept was developed to explain and predict the limits of stability for sieve trays with high overflow weirs. Under some conditions, abnormal flow patterns can occur on sieve trays, such as oscillation and rotation of the liquid. Descriptions and explanations are given for these phenomena.
Now What Do I Do With Brad And Kerry

As the Great Recession continued, Jason, a project manager for the past six years with a large general contracting firm, NewBuild, pondered the burden of being an effective leader and manager in such trying times. He had to make a choice of which of his two most recently hired engineers, Brad or Kerry, would be assigned to the next big construction project. Both were direct reports to Jason for the past nine months. Unfortunately, there was a strong possibility that if the economy continued downward, the one not chosen to be on the new project team could be terminated due to lack of work. Jason, a project manager at NewBuild a large general contracting firm was faced with a staffing dilemma that confronts many managers in tough economic times. He had to decide whom to promote among his two most recently hired engineers to the next big construction project. Unfortunately, there was a strong possibility that the one not chosen to be on the new project team would be terminated due to lack of work. His charge was to take a comprehensive view of the situation and make a decision that was best for Brad, Kerry and NewBuild. As is always the case, a manager has a finite amount of information from which a decision must be made. Complicating matters was the gloomy economy for NewBuild as well as the prospect of providing a challenging job in a no growth environment. This note focuses on issues such as the psychological contract between NewBuild and the new employees as providing a context that serves either to fully engage new employees or which provides a milieu which only ensures physical presence on the job. Jason also needed to consider the extent to which Brad and Kerry engaged in the important skill of upward management. He wanted to stretch his understanding of Level 3 leadership (Clawson, 2009) by carefully sifting through what he knew about Brad and Kerry in order to identify important values, assumptions, beliefs, and expectations, (VABEs) arising at the unconscious level that nevertheless direct employee behavior. Finally, he needed to assess the significance of written email communication of lessons learned through Tannen's (1995) lens for understanding stylistic communication differences. Performance appraisal data was also available as were observations of both engineers on a negotiation simulation. Jason had to synthesize this information to form a clear picture in his mind about whom to promote to the project team and who by default is left in limbo perhaps awaiting the pink slip to downsize. This decision critical incident which is based on a true incident in a disguised organization, may be used in the following courses: Management, Leadership, Career Development, Organizational Behavior, and Human Resources Management.
Expanded Payer Coverage for Ultrasound Evaluation of Deep Vein Thrombosis With Sonographer-Obtained Clinical History.

INTRODUCTION TO THE PROBLEM Complete clinical histories are important for not only accurate image interpretation, but also appropriate reimbursement [1-6]. Clinical history is used to generate International Classification of Disease (ICD) codes [6], which generally correspond to clinical signs or symptoms (eg, pain or edema), or to established diagnoses (eg, malignant neoplasm of the colon). When they match payer predefined Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes in coverage policies, “medical necessity” is fulfilled, which generally results in both professional and facility payment [7]. Although histories such as “rule out deep vein thrombosis” are not uncommon, they provide no information about signs, symptoms, or established diagnoses, and therefore do not map to any ICD codes [6,8]. Accordingly, they generally result in nonpayment. At our institution, we noted that “rule out” and other incomplete ordering indications were not uncommon. When an imaging study with such incomplete history appeared on a radiologist’s worklist, these indications were typically dictated into the imaging report with the potential for loss of revenue. A prior study [9] demonstrated that
The useful field of view assessment predicts simulated commercial motor vehicle driving safety.

ABSTRACTObjective: The Useful Field of View (UFOV) assessment, a measure of visual speed of processing, has been shown to be a predictive measure of motor vehicle collision (MVC) involvement in an older adult population, but it remains unknown whether UFOV predicts commercial motor vehicle (CMV) driving safety during secondary task engagement. The purpose of this study is to determine whether the UFOV assessment predicts simulated MVCs in long-haul CMV drivers.Method: Fifty licensed CMV drivers (Mage = 39.80, SD = 8.38, 98% male, 56% Caucasian) were administered the 3-subtest version of the UFOV assessment, where lower scores measured in milliseconds indicated better performance. CMV drivers completed 4 simulated drives, each spanning approximately a 22.50-mile distance. Four secondary tasks were presented to participants in a counterbalanced order during the drives: (a) no secondary task, (b) cell phone conversation, (c) text messaging interaction, and (d) e-mailing interaction with an on-board dispatch ...
Why Do Soldiers Give Up on the Battlefield? A Self-Preservation Theory of Surrender

Wars end not when one belligerent eradicates the other but when the soldiers on the losing side decide that surrender is a more attractive choice than continued resistance. This dynamic plays out many times at lower levels during every war. Why do soldiers make this decision? This paper advances a new theory of surrender that, drawing on existing first-image and unit-level explanations, argues human cognitive processes and tendencies toward self-preservation are key to understanding why soldiers capitulate more readily at certain junctures than others. Specifically, it is argued that soldiers are most likely to surrender when they expect to be treated humanely and held captive for a relatively short period of time and least likely to give up when they expect high levels of abuse and lengthy imprisonment. The model is tested through and examination of surrender rates in World War I and findings indicate that it explains more of the observed variation in the historical record than existing theories. Simple statistical analysis employing what little systematic data exist on numbers of prisoners captured during twentieth century interstate wars further corroborates these findings. Implications for scholars and policymakers are briefly considered.
Size, mating success, and courtship pattern in the Meloidae (Coleoptera).

Body size and mating success are analyzed in field collections of three species of Meloidae. Two of these, Lytta vulnerata (LeConte) and Epicauta ochrea (LeConte), mate assortatively for size. The third species, Tegrodera erosa LeConte, does not, although mated individuals are significantly larger than unmated counterparts. Assortative mating is correlated with courtship pattern in these species. Males of L. vulnerata and E. ochrea court from a mounted position on the dorsum of the female. Those of T. erosa court from an unmounted position on the substrate in front of the female. It is proposed that assortative mating occurs in L. vulnerata and E. ochrea because delivery of tactile courtship depends on a reasonably close size match of the sexes. Results of a laboratory mating experiment with Meloe niger Kirby illustrate effect of intersexual size disparity in a species with mounted behavior. A discussion of possible selective advantages of unmounted versus mounted display in the Meloidae is included.
The new sovereigntism and transnational law: Legal utopianism, democratic scepticism and statist realism

This article examines the contemporary debate about the spread of transnational law and its sovereigntist critiques. Sovereigntists argue that the rapid development of international and transnational treaties and the emergence of regional human rights courts such as the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) undermine sovereignty and thus pose a threat to democratic self-determination. I criticise the new sovereigntism and argue that transnational human rights strengthen rather than weaken democratic sovereignty, and name processes through which rights-norms are contextualised in polities ‘democratic iterations’. I develop the ‘authorship model of democratic legitimacy’ in order to show how constitutional rights and international human rights can be understood to be in harmony and dissonance with one another. The challenge is to think beyond the binarisms of the cosmopolitan versus the civic republican; democratic versus the international and transnational; democratic sovereignty versus human rights law. Distinguishing between state sovereignty and popular sovereignty enables us to do so. By constraining certain sovereign powers of the state, international human rights regimes and courts can enhance popular sovereignty in that they strengthen the rights of the marginalised and the excluded. The article also briefly touches upon the significance of the Alien Tort Statute in US courts from the standpoint of the development of international human rights norms and focuses on Hirst v the United Kingdom , recently adjudicated by the ECtHR, to substantiate the distinction between state and popular sovereignty.
Effects of the Insect Growth Regulator Diflubenzuron on Insect Emergence within Littoral Enclosures

Effects of the insect growth regulator diflubenzuron on insect emergence were investigated in littoral enclosures in a pond in northeastern Minnesota. Adult insects were captured with floating emergence traps before and after each of 2 applications with 4 different diflubenzuron rates. Emergence was reduced by up to 87, 96, and 99% relative to controls 4-8 d after the 1st application with 2.5, 7.0, and 30 μg/liter diflubenzuron, respectively. None of the affected populations returned completely to control levels by the time of the 2nd application. Reductions of ≤18% in insect emergence at the 0.7 μg/liter treatment were not statistically significant. Effects of the 2nd diflubenzuron application were similar to those of the 1st. Based on measured maximum exposure concentrations, the no observable and lowest observable effect concentrations for insect emergence were 1.0 and 1.9 μg/liter, respectively. Concentration-response analyses of the data indicated that the field EC 50 for insect emergence inhibition ranged from 1.0 to 1.4 μg/liter, depending on the calculation method and on whether nominal or measured diflubenzuron concentrations were used. The estimated maximum acceptable toxicant concentration for Chironomidae was 0.7-0.8 μg/liter. Overall, significant adverse effects on insect emergence could be expected at diflubenzuron concentrations >1.0 μg/liter with the length and severity of effect being concentration dependent.
Enhanced viral infection in the mouse treated with 6-mercaptopurine.

Abstract Parenteral inoculation of weanling mice with group B Coxsackie viruses and vaccinia virus resulted in essentially nonlethal infection. Simultaneous treatment of weanling mice with 6-mercaptopurine transformed these infections into lethal episodes. High titers of virus were found in the livers of treated mice, whereas no virus was detected in the livers of infected untreated mice. Similar treatment of mice infected with herpes simplex virus did not significantly increase mortality rate, ordinarily 60 to 80 per cent, but treatment with the purine analogue intensified visceral and systemic viral multiplication. Heightened replication of herpes simplex virus in the liver and brain of treated mice was associated with detectable levels of interferon in these tissues. Interferon was not found in the tissues of infected mice which were unexposed to 6-mercaptopurine. Lymphopenia and absolute neutropenia occurred after 6 days of treatment. Neutralizing antibody was variably present in these experimental infections and occasionally absent from the serum of both untreated as well as treated mice at the latter's death. Neither antibody nor interferon may be as crucial in host resistance to viral infections as delayed hypersensitivity. Furthermore, lymphocellular immunity may be more important in resistance to enteroviral infections than suspected in the past.
Acute Pyelonephritis in A Transplant Patient with an Ileal Loop Mimicking Rejection

AbstractThe clinical picture of an enlargement in kidney size, a decrease in renal function and an increase in temperature in a patient with a transplanted kidney into an ileal loop presents a problem in differential diagnosis among rejection, acute tubular necrosis and acute pyelonephritis.
Transfer Function Modeling of Processes With Dynamic Inputs

In industrial process control applications, time series structures often complicate efforts to accurately position control chart limits. Autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) modeling and other control charting methods have been recommended f..
Enterocystoplasty in Renal Transplantation Candidates: Urodynamic Evaluation and Outcome

AbstractIn anticipation of renal transplantation 11 patients with end stage renal disease and small volume, poorly compliant bladders underwent enterocystoplasty. The etiology of bladder dysfunction included myelodysplasia in 4 patients, posterior urethral valves in 4 and vesicoureteral reflux in 3. Mean patient age at the time of bladder augmentation was 16.4 years (range 10 to 28). Detubularized bowel segments were used in all patients and included ileum in 7, ileocecal segment in 3 and sigmoid in 1. Urodynamic evaluation before and after enterocystoplasty demonstrated marked improvement in bladder capacity and compliance.These 11 patients have received 13 renal transplants with an 85% graft survival at a mean followup of 30.1 months. No bladder ruptures or other perioperative complications have occurred. All patients remain continent on clean intermittent catheterization. Our experience suggests that enterocystoplasty is a safe and effective method of restoring lower urinary tract function in the patie...
Restoration and Coho Salmon Carrying Capacity of Chester Creek, an Urban Stream in Anchorage, Alaska

Abstract Urbanization in many coastal communities has severely reduced or eliminated salmon populations once common to these areas. The Pacific Northwest is one region where urbanization has had significant impacts on salmon. Chester Creek, which runs through the center of Anchorage, once supported a large population of coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch). A significant impact on salmon access to Chester Creek occurred in the early 1970s when a weir and associated culverts were constructed at its mouth to create a recreational pond. The construction created a barrier that limited salmon passage. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the replacement of the weir and culverts in 2008 with a daylighted channel to restore natural passage of fish between the marine and freshwater environments. A major goal of restoration was to increase salmon abundance in Chester Creek. Annual monitoring of coho salmon returns from 2008 through 2013 using visual counts during the coho salmon run showed a 300% increase of co...
Testing Program Summary

Exponent, in conjunction with the Project Technical Panel, their advisory groups, and industry sources, identified and procured two (2) Li-ion battery ESSs for full-scale testing. The battery pack utilized in the ESS is a 100 kWh unit manufactured by Tesla Energy (Tesla) meant for commercial applications (Powerpack). The Powerpack consists of a 52-in. long by 38-in. wide by 86-in. tall steel cabinet containing the battery, protection electronics, and thermal management systems. The total weight of the unit is 3970 lb and it mounts directly to a concrete pad. A more detailed description of the ESS tested is provided in Chap. 4.
Kinetics-Driven Crystal Facets Evolution at the Tip of Nanowires: A New Implementation of the Ostwald-Lussac Law

Nanocrystal facets evolution is critical for designing nanomaterial morphology and controlling their properties. In this work, we report a unique high-energy crystal facets evolution phenomenon at the tips of wurtzite zinc oxide nanowires (NWs). As the zinc vapor supersaturation decreased at the NW deposition region, the NW tip facets evolved from the (0001) surface to the {1013} surface and subsequently to the {1122} surface and eventually back to the flat (0001) surface. A series of NW tip morphology was observed in accordance to the different combinations of exposed facets. Exposure of the high-energy facets was attributed to the fluctuation of the energy barriers for the formation of different crystal facets during the layer-by-layer growth of the NW tip. The energy barrier differences between these crystal facets were quantified from the surface area ratios as a function of supersaturation. On the basis of the experimental observation and kinetics analysis, we argue that at appropriate deposition c...
Association of epidemiologic exposures with complete remission after therapy in acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

7092 Background: Complete remission (CR) after induction chemotherapy is a vital prognosticator in AML. Age and comorbidities impact response and tolerance to AML induction chemotherapy however the influence of epidemiologic exposures is unknown. We therefore evaluated relevant exposures in a cohort of 295 consecutive AML patients with confirmed central cytogenetics analysis diagnosed and treated at Mayo Clinic Florida and Arizona since 1995. Methods: Documented patient exposures extracted systematically from a centralized EMR included prior chemotherapy/radiation (therapy AML, tAML) or hematologic malignancy (secondary AML), medications, and prior solid organ transplantation. Patients receiving induction chemotherapy and responses to therapy were identified. The association of epidemiologic exposures with CR after induction chemotherapy was evaluated by multivariable analysis using logistic regression models. Results: 188 patients received induction chemotherapy. Age was not an independent predictor of C...
Piloting breast cancer survivorship care planning in a safety net hospital.

65Background: Survivorship care plans (SCPs) include treatment summaries and follow-up care recommendations intended to improve patient care and well-being after cancer treatment. Limited research ...
ASTER Observations for the Monitoring of Land Surface Fluxes

A recurring eddy which located at the terminal end of the Korean East Warm Current was captured on ocean color and sea surface temperature imagery from satellite in spring and autumn. During late April, 1997 thermal infrared imagery from the NOAA AVHRR sensor and ocean color data from the Japanese ADEOS-I OCTS sensor, revealed this feature. The cold core had elevated chlorophyll concentrations, based on OCTS estimates, of greater than 3 mg/m while the warmer surrounding waters had chlorophyll concentrations of 1 mg/m or less. The elevated cholophyll accociated with this eddy has not been previously described. The eddy is also evident in SST images from autumn, but the SST in the core is warmer than in spring, and the warm jet flowing to the west of the eddy is also warmer is autumn compared to spring. A reccurring eddy and the high chlorophyll_a concentration area which surround around the eddy show on NOAA and SeaWiFS images in March 2, 1998. The eddy forms at the northern extent of the Korean East Warm Current as those waters collide with the cold, south-flowing Liman Current over a topographic shelf about 1500 m deep. This region of the eddy formation appears to have a strong connection with the dynamics of the western part of the polar front eddy field that dominates surface mesoscale structure in the central East (Japan) Sea. Interaction of the eddy with ARGOW tracked drifters, and evidence for its persistence are discussed.
Peritoneal Fluid Lactate Evaluation in Horses With Nonstrangulating Versus Strangulating Small Intestinal Disease

Abstract The purpose of this retrospective study was to report the peritoneal fluid lactate (PFL) levels in horses diagnosed with nonstrangulating small intestinal (NSSI) lesions and to compare those values to horses diagnosed with strangulating small intestinal (SSI) lesions. Medical records between 2005 and 2016 were reviewed. Subject details, presenting clinical findings, and disease category (strangulating/NSSI lesion) were obtained. Comparison of SSI lesions to NSSI lesions revealed no significant difference in PFL values. However, horses with SSI lesions had significantly higher peritoneal fluid lactate:blood lactate ratios and were more likely to have serosanguinous peritoneal fluid color than those with NSSI lesions.
Evaluation and Milestones in Continuity Clinic

Internal medicine residency continuity clinic offers an excellent opportunity to evaluate residents on their progressive achievement of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education subcompetencies. This chapter discusses evaluation methods and evaluation tools useful for continuity clinic.
Deglacial carbon cycle changes observed in a compilation of 127 benthic δ 13 C time series (20–6 ka)

Abstract. We present a compilation of 127 time series δ13C records from Cibicides wuellerstorfi spanning the last deglaciation (20–6 ka) which is well-suited for reconstructing large-scale carbon cycle changes, especially for comparison with isotope-enabled carbon cycle models. The age models for the δ13C records are derived from regional planktic radiocarbon compilations ( Stern and Lisiecki , 2014 ). The δ13C records were stacked in nine different regions and then combined using volume-weighted averages to create intermediate, deep, and global δ13C stacks. These benthic δ13C stacks are used to reconstruct changes in the size of the terrestrial biosphere and deep ocean carbon storage. The timing of change in global mean δ13C is interpreted to indicate terrestrial biosphere expansion from 19–6 ka. The δ13C gradient between the intermediate and deep ocean, which we interpret as a proxy for deep ocean carbon storage, matches the pattern of atmospheric CO2 change observed in ice core records. The presence of signals associated with the terrestrial biosphere and atmospheric CO2 indicates that the compiled δ13C records have sufficient spatial coverage and time resolution to accurately reconstruct large-scale carbon cycle changes during the glacial termination.
Exploration of Digital Competency Requirements within the Fashion Supply Chain with an Anticipation of Industry 4.0

To assess today's fashion employers’ needs for digital competency, this study explored the employee competency requirements per fashion supply chain function. The content analysis results of 649 jo...
Implementation and lessons learned from a mock trial as a teaching-learning and assessment activity.

Abstract Background and Purpose To describe implementation and lessons learned from use of a mock trial as a teaching-learning and assessment activity in a required evidence-based practice course. This innovative self-directed learning strategy reinforced evidence-based skills and affective domain competencies in Center for the Advancement of Pharmaceutical Education (CAPE) 2013 Outcomes and Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) Standards 2016. Educational Activity and Setting During spring semesters 2015 and 2016, first professional year (P1) cohorts were divided into teams and assigned controversial topics to research and debate in mock trials. The activity provided opportunities for teaching-learning and assessment. Statistical analysis included inter-rater reliability (IRR), comparison of faculty-judge and student-juror evaluation of trial performance. Findings Two cohorts were divided into eight teams (four per cohort) to debate four issues. Students within each team were assigned individual scores. Mean individual scores are reported by trial/topic. Faculty-judges and student-jurors rated eight criteria including content/knowledge, critical thinking, application/discussion of federal/state law, citations/references, visual aids, delivery/style, and active listening. Analysis indicated students met competency expectations with overall judges’ and jurors’ mean scores above 54/60 points (90%) in 2015 and above 51/60 points (85%) in 2016. Judges’ scores showed a wider distribution than jurors’ scores. Peer evaluation mean scores were above 55/60 points in all four trials. Intra-class correlation was calculated. Judges’ scores had excellent IRR in two trials, and good IRR in a third trial, whereas jurors had good IRR in one trial. Summary Evaluation scores demonstrated students successfully applied knowledge and skills from this and prior P1 courses, and met competency expectations for the mock trial.
BOUNDARY VALUE PROBLEMS FOR NONLINEAR DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS

This chapter discusses boundary value problems for nonlinear differential equations. It discusses the solutions for small ɛ of the differential system x ' = Ax + f ( t , x , x ', β , ɛ) with boundary conditions B 1 x ( a ) + B 2 x ( b ) = 0; where x = col ( x 1 … x n ), A is an n × n matrix, β is a parameter from a compact subset of the Euclidean space E v , ɛ is a small real parameter, and f is a continuous differentiable function from an open subset of E 2n+v+2 into E with the condition that f ( t , x , x ', β , 0) = 0. On the boundary condition, it is assumed that B 1 and B 2 are m × n matrices such that the m × 2n matrix ( B 1 , B 2 ) has rank m . By using the alternative method of Cesari, these equations can be replaced by a pair of equivalent equation.
Volume-overload cardiac hypertrophy is unaffected by ACE inhibitor treatment in dogs

We tested the hypothesis that angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor therapy prevents volume-overload hypertrophy in dogs with chronic mitral regurgitation (MR). Seven adult mongrel dogs rec...
Does transient hypothyroxinemia cause abnormal neurodevelopment in premature infants

It is now established from large cohort studies that premature infants who experience transient hypothyroxinemia in the newborn period have an increased risk of later neurodevelopmental problems. It is not yet clear, however, whether this increased risk is a direct consequence of the hypothyroxinemia or is due to other factors such as greater illness severity that characterize such infants. It is therefore uncertain whether neonatal treatment with thyroid hormone can reduce this excess risk. A large randomized trial with sufficient power to detect clinically important effects of thyroid supplementation on neurodevelopmental endpoints should be a high priority for neonatal medicine.
Effects of Web-based instruction in high school chemistry

The intent of this study is to identify correlations that might exist between Web-based instruction and higher assessment scores in secondary education. The study framework was held within the confines of a public high school chemistry classroom. Within this population there were students identified as gifted and talented (GT) as well as those without this designation. These two classifications were examined for statistically higher assessment scores using a two-tailed t-test. Results indicated that females outperformed males on pre- and post- instructional unit tests. All subgroups improved their logical-thinking skills and exhibited positive attitudes towards Web-based instruction. In general, Web-based instruction proved beneficial to improving classroom performance of all GT and non-GT groups as compared to traditional classroom instruction.
Estudio cuantitativo comparando NBTL y clases de español tradicionales

During the last decade, studies on the use of technology for communication purposes, or synchronous and asynchronous computer-mediated communication (CMC) technology have proliferated around the globe. CMC technology has allowed native speakers of the target language into the second language (SL) classroom, transforming it into a real-world context environment. The objective of the study, informed by the Information processing approach and the Interaction hypothesis, is to compare traditional SL classes to network-based language teaching (NBLT) classes in order to assess whether the use of synchronous and asynchronous CMC technology in NBLT courses enhances language acquisition in the Spanish language class. It also aims to gather quantitative results in a discipline that is overwhelmingly informed by qualitative data. The researchers used the reading and listening sections of the Minnesota Language Proficiency Assessment (MLPA) as pre and posttest, and analyzed data using a mixed model analysis of variance. From 2008 to 2010, researchers designed the procedures and guidelines to conduct this study. Results from the spring semester 2011show that CMC technology plays an important role in students’ language learning given that reading and listening scores were significantly higher in the posttest in the NBLT classes compared to the traditional classes. The analysis of the results obtained in this study open new possibilities to further investigate the use of CMC technology in SL teaching/learning.
Phloretin cytoprotection and toxicity.

Abstract Phloretin (Phl) is a dihydrochalcone flavonoid with significant cytoprotective properties; e.g., free radical trapping, electrophile scavenging. Based on this, it has been suggested that Phl might be useful in the treatment of pathogenic processes and prevention of drug toxicities. Therefore, we determined the ability of Phl to provide route- and dose-dependent hepatoprotection in a mouse model of acetaminophen (APAP) overdose. Intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of Phl produced a bimodal effect; i.e., the highest dose (2.40 mmol/kg) did not prevent APAP-induced lethality, whereas lower doses (0.2–0.4 mmol/kg) afforded modest hepatoprotection. When given alone, the highest i.p. Phl dose was lethal within 24 h, whereas the lower doses were not toxic. Oral Phl (0.40–2.40 mmol/kg) did not prevent APAP-induced hepatotoxicity. The highest oral dose given alone (2.4 mmol/kg) produced 64% lethality, whereas lower doses were not lethal. This toxicity profile was reflected in a study using APAP-exposed isolated mouse hepatocytes, which showed that the Phl pharmacophores, 1,3,5-trihydroxyacetophenone (PG) and 2′,4′,6′-trihydroxyacetophenone (THA) where protective. Corroborative cell free studies showed that polyphenol protectants prevented glutathione loss mediated by the APAP metabolite, N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI). Thus, in spite of possessing cytoprotective attributes, Phl was generally toxic in our APAP models. These and earlier findings suggest that Phl is not a candidate for drug design. In contrast, we have found that the enol-forming pharmacophores, THA and PG, are potential platforms for pharmacotherapeutic development.
Initial guidelines for the selection of input parameters for cohesion-weakening-friction-strengthening (CWFS) analysis of excavations in brittle rock

Abstract Recent studies on the behaviour of brittle rock under high stress around excavations have found that the use of a cohesion-weakening-friction-strengthening (CWFS) strength criterion in continuum models has provided excellent agreement with observations made in-situ, including fracture zone size, fracture zone shape, and ground displacement magnitudes. Despite continued success in the application of this strength model for brittle rock, the lack of rigorously established guidelines for CWFS model input parameter selection have limited the use of this approach. In this study, a review of published case studies using the CWFS strength models is provided, and parametric relationships are examined based on the most reliable data sets. Each model parameter is considered individually, and guidelines for parameter selection are provided. In addition, the process of numerical back analysis using the CWFS is discussed and a proposed back analysis methodology is outlined. The use of these guidelines, along with the suggested back analysis approach, will allow for an easier and more effective implementation of the CWFS strength model for numerical modelling of future case studies on brittle rock damage around highly stressed excavations.
Relationship of activity and morale levels to institutionalization among aging schizophrenics

99 THE ROLE OF INSTITUTIONALIZATION AMONG NURSING HOME POPULATIONS 100 Theoretical Framework 101 Methodology 104 Discussion 112 References Cited 119
Technical Approaches to Left Main Coronary Intervention: Contemporary Best Practices

Left main percutaneous coronary intervention is an acceptable alternative to coronary artery bypass grafting, and in experienced hands, excellent procedural results can be obtained. A systematic approach to stenting and meticulous attention to detail are required. For most lesions, a single-stent provisional approach is sufficient, but for the more complex lesion, a 2-stent technique is required. Herein, the optimal approach to left main lesion assessment and percutaneous intervention is described.
Pain Control after Intravitreal Injection Using Topical Nepafenac 0.3% or Pressure Patching: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Purpose Pain after an intravitreal injection (IVI) can last up to 7 days and negatively impacts the patient’s experience, potentially reducing treatment compliance. We prospectively evaluated topical nepafenac 0.3% suspension and patching for the reduction of pain after IVI. Design Randomized controlled trial. Participants Sixty patients receiving an IVI of bevacizumab, aflibercept, or triamcinolone acetonide in 1 eye. Methods Participants were randomized equally to receive either a single drop of nepafenac 0.3%, a pressure patch for 2 hours, or a single drop of preservative-free artificial tears (control group). A single-blinded placebo-controlled design was used to mask the topical treatment used. Pain was assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale that ranged from 0 to 10 (horizontal pain scale). Because pain scores were not normally distributed, statistical analysis was performed using a nonparametric randomization-based analysis of covariance. Main Outcome Measure Pain scores. Results Fifty-six and 53 patients of the 60 patients enrolled completed the 6- and 24-hour follow-ups, respectively. Numeric Pain Rating Scale scores at 6 and 24 hours after IVI were lower in the nepafenac group (0.8±0.3 and 0.1±0.1, respectively; n = 18) and the patching group (1.3±0.4 and 0.4±0.2, respectively; n = 19) compared with the control group (2.5±0.6 and 0.9±0.4, respectively; n = 19). After controlling for age, gender, number of prior injections, and physician administering the injection, patients in the nepafenac group reported significantly lower pain scores than those in the control group at 6 hours (1.3±0.6 less; P = 0.047) and 24 hours (0.7±0.3 less; P = 0.047). Although the patching group reported lower pain scores than the control group, this was not statistically significant (6 hours, P = 0.24; 24 hours, P = 0.29). Conclusions Nepafenac 0.3% was effective as a single drop in reducing pain at 6 and 24 hours after IVI compared with placebo. Limited patching was associated with lower pain scores than placebo, but the difference was not statistically significant. Additional studies are needed to determine the most effective method to maximize the patient’s experience after an IVI without sacrificing outcomes.
Parameter exploration for spectral estimation of speckle imagery

Efforts to extend speckle-based focal plane array (FPA) modulation transfer function (MTF) measurements beyond the detector Nyquist frequency have unearthed challenging spectral estimation issues. In an attempt to better understand the task of speckle image spectral estimation, this paper explores the nuances of various estimation techniques, making comparisons using both real speckle imagery and simulated data. Parameters and features of the techniques investigated include number of image realizations, the size of image realizations and applications of windows to speckle imagery spectral estimation. Real-world testing considerations such as laser stability and the challenge of collecting significant numbers of independent image realizations are addressed in the analysis. Results show the advantage increasing the number of realizations has on estimation variance, the robustness of smaller realization segments when battling speckle field imagery spatial non-uniformities and the benefits of windowing image segments with regards to power spectral density (PSD) estimation accuracy.