cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Marketing Alternatives to Interventionism

More and more U.S. firms tend to look to the government to protect them from foreign competition. This not only poses a threat to free marketing in general but to the firms themselves in particular. The main marketing-related issues involved are identified in this paper, as are the feasible marketing roles such firms can play under these circumstances. Finally, a number of alternative courses of action to protectionism are presented.
Bigheaded carps (Hypophthalmichthys spp.) at the edge of their invaded range: using hydroacoustics to assess population parameters and the efficacy of harvest as a control strategy in a large North American river

The threat posed by bigheaded carps (Hypophthalmichthys spp.) to novel ecosystems has focused efforts on preventing further range expansion; upstream progression in the Illinois River is a major concern due to its connection with the uninvaded Great Lakes. In addition to an electric barrier system, commercial harvest of silver carp (H. molitrix) and bighead carp (H. nobilis) in the upper river is intended to reduce propagule pressure and prevent range expansion. To quantify demographics and evaluate harvest efficacy, the upper river was sampled between 2012 and 2015 using mobile hydroacoustic methods. Reach-specific densities, size structures and species compositions varied interannually but the advancing population was characterized longitudinally as small-bodied, silver carp-dominated at the highest densities downstream, shifting to large-bodied, bighead carp-dominated at the low-density population front. The use of hydroacoustic sampling for harvest evaluation was validated in backwater lakes; there was a significant positive correlation between density estimates and the corresponding harvest catch-per-unit-effort of bigheaded carps. Localized densities of bigheaded carps were reduced by up to 64.4 % immediately post-harvest but generally rebounded within weeks. However, annual sampling of the entire upper river indicated that density of bigheaded carps decreased by over 40 % (between 2012 and 2013) and subsequently remained stable (between 2013 and 2014). The annual harvest of bigheaded carps increased during this period (from 45,192 to 102,453 individuals), in years of contrasting discharge conditions. At this spatiotemporal scale, harvest appears to have contributed to initial reduction, and subsequent maintenance of, bigheaded carps density levels, but discharge likely plays an important role (e.g., through immigration) in determining the extent of its impact. Mobile hydroacoustic sampling enabled robust quantification of the population over varying spatial scales and density gradients, highlighting the potential of this approach as an assessment tool for invasive fishes in riverine environments.
On Saturating Response Curves from the Dual Perspectives of Photosynthesis and Nitrogen Metabolism

Saturation kinetic curves are one of the most well-known relationships in phytoplankton ecology. Classic examples are those of the photosynthesis–irradiance relationship and of nutrient uptake kinetics. With saturation curves, the independent factor is controlling at low concentrations and noncontrolling at high concentrations. This simple, nontrivial, and profound concept is at the heart of nearly all biological and ecological systems models and is commonly the basis for evaluating “limitation” by environmental factors, whether it is at the level of cell physiology or ecosystem response. Here, using examples from both photosynthesis and nutrient uptake, we describe how and why a cell does more than “ride up and down” the response curve; there is strong biological regulation between the demand side of the curve (getting what is needed when supplies are low) and the assimilation of the resource (the maximal rate always set by the biochemical reactions and their constants). We discuss how the biological regulation of the limiting and saturating portion of the curve should be the focus—rather than the curve itself—for understanding biological responses and we describe the importance of energy and amino acid ratios as signals for photosynthetic pigment regulation and nitrogen uptake regulation, respectively. Whereas the use of classic, descriptive curves for building phytoplankton productivity models is traditional, we advocate the development of dynamic, regulatory models that better describe the range of variability in resource acquisition in complex environments.
Postoperative septic arthritis with Eikenella corrodens and Streptococcus mitis following arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in an adolescent: A case report and review of the literature

We present a case of postoperative septic arthritis with Eikenella corrodens and Streptococcus mitis following an arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in an adolescent male with no pertinent medical history. The patient presented to the emergency department nine days after the operation with fever, an elevated white blood cell count, knee pain, and effusion. Arthrocentesis of the knee yielded purulent fluid that tested positive for S. mitis. Repeat intraoperative cultures revealed E. corrodens. In addition to antibiotics, the patient's treatment course included arthroscopic irrigation and debridement in the operating room as well as removal of graft material and fixation devices. To our knowledge, this is the first case of a polymicrobial infection of E. corrodens and S. mitis causing septic arthritis in a teenager following arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.
Mitral Valve Replacement with Melody Valve Prosthesis

Mitral valve repair is the preferred approach for patients with mitral valve disease. However, extremely diseased valves can be difficult to repair, creating a risk of reoperation that is age dependent [1, 2]. Particularly in neonatal patients, the risk of reoperation is significant and contributes to mortality and morbidity, associated with nearly 50 % reoperation at 2 years. An acceptable mitral valve repair is not achievable in some patients, and mitral valve replacement is the only option.
Corrosion protection of silver-based telescope mirrors using evaporated anti-oxidation overlayers and aluminum oxide films by atomic layer deposition

An urgent demand remains in astronomy for high-reflectivity silver mirrors that can withstand years of exposure in observatory environments. The University of California Observatories Astronomical Coatings Lab has undertaken development of protected silver coatings suitable for telescope mirrors that maintain high reflectivity at wavelengths from 340 nm through the mid-infrared spectrum. We present results on superior protective layers of transparent dielectrics produced by evaporation and atomic layer deposition. Several novel coating recipes have been developed with ion-assisted electron beam deposition (IAEBD) of various fluorides, oxides, and nitrides in combination with conformal layers of aluminum oxide (AlOx) deposited by ALD using trimethylaluminum as a metal precursor and water vapor as a reactant. Extending on our previous results demonstrating the superior durability of ALD-based AlOx top barrier layers over conventionally-deposited AlOx, this work investigates the effects on mirror barrier durability comparing different anti-oxidation materials on Ag with an identical AlOx top barrier layer deposited by ALD. Samples of coating recipes with different anti-oxidation layers undergo aggressive environmental testing, including high temperature/high humidity (HTHH), in which samples are exposed to an environment of 80% humidity at 80°C for ten days in a simple test set-up. While most samples show fairly successful endurance after HTHH testing, visible results suggest that MgAl2O4, Al2O3, and AlN anti-oxidation layers offer enhanced robust protection against chemical corrosion and moisture in an accelerated aging environment, which is attributed to superior adhesion and intermolecular bonding between the Al-based anti-oxidation layers and the AlOx top barrier layer. Mirror samples are further characterized by reflectivity/absorption before and after deposition of oxide coatings. We also show that the performance of the ALD-AlOx barrier layer depends in part on the temperature of that process.
Nor-Binaltorphimine Blocks the Adverse Effects of Morphine after Spinal Cord Injury.

Abstract Opioids are frequently used for the treatment of pain following spinal cord injury (SCI). Unfortunately, we have shown that morphine administered in the acute phase of SCI results in significant, adverse secondary consequences including compromised locomotor and sensory recovery. Similarly, we showed that selective activation of the κ-opioid receptor (KOR), even at a dose 32-fold lower than morphine, is sufficient to attenuate recovery of locomotor function. In the current study, we tested whether activation of the KOR is necessary to produce morphine's adverse effects using nor-Binaltorphimine (norBNI), a selective KOR antagonist. Rats received a moderate spinal contusion (T12) and 24 h later, baseline locomotor function and nociceptive reactivity were assessed. Rats were then administered norBNI (0, 0.02, 0.08, or 0.32 μmol) followed by morphine (0 or 0.32 μmol). Nociception was reassessed 30 min after drug treatment, and recovery was evaluated for 21 days. The effects of norBNI on morphine-ind...
Surgical scheduling categorization system (SSCS): A novel classification system to improve coordination and scheduling of operative cases in a tertiary pediatric medical system.

Abstract Objective To describe a surgical categorization system to create a universal nomenclature, delineating patient complexity as a first step toward developing a true risk stratification system. Methods Retrospective database review of all otolaryngology surgical procedures performed in a tertiary pediatric hospital system over one academic year (July 2012–June 2013). All otolaryngology surgical procedures were reviewed, encompassing 8478 procedures on 5711 patients. The attending otolaryngologist assigned surgical scheduling category (SSCS) at the time of case booking based on an institution specific guidelines. The guidelines are as follow: Category I was assigned to American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification (ASA) I/II patients, designating them appropriate for institution's suburban ambulatory surgery centers; Category II was ASA I/II patients with social or transportation issues; Category III was ASA I/II patients who required case coordination with other medical or surgical departments; Category IV was reserved for patients of any ASA class whom the surgeon designated to be of a higher complexity. Results 8478 total procedures analyzed with 7198 having complete records. 48% were Category I, 13.6% were Category II, 1.9% were Category III and 36.5% were Category IV. The ASA were 34.7% ASA I, 50% ASA II, 13.39% ASA III, and 1.9% ASA IV. Although the largest proportion of patients were ASA II (50%), 39.6% of all ASA II were Category IV. Category IV was split into 54.2% ASA II and 34% ASA III and shows that peri-operative surgical concerns were not encompassed by the ASA system. Conclusion This surgical categorization system streamlines surgical scheduling in a tertiary pediatric hospital system, particularly with respect to the designation of cases as ambulatory surgery center or main operating room appropriate. The case mix complexity is also readily apparent, enhancing recognition of the coordination and attention required for the perioperative management of high complexity patients. The SSCS helps convey concerns not addressed by ASA physical status alone.
Epileptic Encephalopathy Due to BRAT1 Pathogenic Variants

Investigators from Institut fur Medizinische Genetik und Humangenetik have highlighted the role of compound heterozygous BRAT1 variants in two German brothers with variable presentations of intractable epilepsy, poor development, postnatal microcephaly, hypertonia, apnea, and infantile/childhood death.
The metabolic syndrome induces early changes in the swine renal medullary mitochondria

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with nutrient surplus and kidney hyperfiltration, accelerating chronic renal failure. Mitochondria can be overwhelmed by substrate excess, leading to inefficient energy production and thereby tissue hypoxia. Mitochondrial dysfunction is emerging as an important determinant of renal damage, but whether it contributes to MetS-induced renal injury remains unknown. We hypothesized that early MetS induces kidney mitochondrial abnormalities and dysfunction, which would be notable in the vulnerable renal medulla. Pigs were studied after 16 weeks of diet-induced MetS, MetS treated for the last 4 weeks with the mitochondria-targeted peptide elamipretide (0.1 mg/kg SC q.d), and Lean controls (n = 7 each). Single-kidney renal blood flow, glomerular filtration rate, and oxygenation were measured in-vivo, whereas cortical and medullary mitochondrial structure and function and renal injurious pathways were studied ex-vivo. Blood pressure was slightly elevated in MetS pigs, and their renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate were elevated. Blood oxygen level–dependent magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated that this was associated with medullary hypoxia, whereas cortical oxygenation remained intact. MetS decreased renal content of the inner mitochondrial membrane cardiolipin, particularly the tetra-linoleoyl (C18:2) cardiolipin species, and altered mitochondrial morphology and function, particularly in the medullary thick ascending limb. MetS also increased renal cytochrome-c-induced apoptosis, oxidative stress, and tubular injury. Chronic mitoprotection restored mitochondrial structure, ATP synthesis, and antioxidant defenses and decreased mitochondrial oxidative stress, medullary hypoxia, and renal injury. These findings implicate medullary mitochondrial damage in renal injury in experimental MetS, and position the mitochondria as a therapeutic target.
The Feeding Latencies of Two Species of Planaria

The Best & Rubenstein study was replicated with a control for handling with the planarian Cura foremanii. There were no signicant differences between the mean feeding latencies of the Control, Handled, and Familiarized groups. Additional studies revealed that food size affected the frequency of C. foremanii eaitng (but not D. tigrina) but not feeding latency and that prior handling decreased the feeding latency for Dugesia tigrina. It was concluded that failure to replicate may indicate that C. foremanii, particularly in light of its normal habitat, may not be as reliable a laboratory animal as D. tigrina.
Sistemática de Dasylirion: taxonomía y filogenia molecular

Se realizo el estudio monografico del genero Dasylirion. En esta revision se reconocen 16 especies, incluyendo cuatro especies nuevas . El analisis de sitios de restriccion del DNA de los cloroplastos (cpDNA) indica que las especies de Dasylirion del sur de Mexico son basales dentro del genero, que Nolina parviflora esta muy cercana a Dasylirion y Beaucarnea, y que Calibanus esta proximo a Beaucarnea. Se estudiaron las filogenias de Dasylirion y de las Agavaceas mediante comparaciones del cpDNA y secuencias de la region ITS del rDNA. Los resultados indican claramente que Dasylirion, Nolina, Beaucamea y Calibanus se encuentran en un grupo que esta mas cercano a Maianthemum, Polygonatum, Liriope, Dracaena y Sansevieria que a Yucca y Agave. De la misma forma, Hasta y Camassia son basales a Yucca y Agave. Los datos moleculares indican que Yucca whipplei esta mas cercana a Hesperaloe que al resto de las especies de Yucca, y que Agave dasylirioides y A. striata del «Grupo Striatae» son basales a las otras especies de Agave. La semejanza entre Aloe y Xanthorrhoea y las Agavaceas parecen deberse a la convergencia evolutiva.
HDR TV output and lighting Gears of War 4

Gears of War 4 is one of the first titles to take full advantage of the High Dynamic Range (HDR) TV output of the Xbox One S. We developed techniques & technologies to do this, including using HDR reference photography, a modified tonemapper, lumen-based lighting, HDR sky materials, camera exposure ranges, post processes and a tuning environment for emissive surfaces and visual effects. We built a strong foundation of physically based materials and other shader techniques to create a wide variety of realistic surfaces that react beautifully to light. Our artists had the challenge of achieving the goals of art direction, while meeting the performance goals of 1080p30 in single player and 1080p60 in multiplayer gameplay. Using available lighting techniques in UE4 + custom tools, we implemented best practices to optimize our artist workflow resulting in stunning visuals.
Streamflow response to potential land use and climate changes in the James River watershed, Upper Midwest United States

Abstract Study region North and South Dakotas, United States Study focus Changes in watershed hydrology are mainly driven by changes in land use and climate. This study evaluated the impacts of climate and land use changes on streamflow in an agricultural watershed in the Upper Midwest. Three projected climate change scenarios (A1B, A2 and B1) of three general circulation models (CGCM3.1, GFDL-CM2.1, and HADCM3) were developed for mid (2046–2065) and end (2080–2099) of the 21st century. Corresponding land use maps for years 2055 and 2090 were obtained from the FOREcasting SCEnarios of Land-Cover (FORE-SCE) model. The scenarios were designed in a way that land use was changed while climate conditions remain constant, land use was then held constant under a changing climate, and finally both land use and climate were changed simultaneously to reflect possible future land use and climate conditions. New hydrological insights for the region Potential land use and climate changes would result in 12–18% % and 17–41% increases in annual streamflow, respectively, by end of the century. The combined effects of land use and climate changes would intensify future streamflow responses with 13–60% increases in the region. This study provides a broad perspective on plausible hydrologic alterations in the region, prompting individual and collective opportunities to engage with this topic for sustainable planning and management of watersheds.
Phase transformation pathways of ultrafast-laser-irradiated Ln 2 O 3 (Ln =Er -Lu )

Ultrafast laser irradiation causes intense electronic excitations in materials, leading to transient high temperatures and pressures. Here, we show that ultrafast laser irradiation drives an irreversible cubic-to-monoclinic phase transformation in ${\mathrm{Ln}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}\phantom{\rule{4pt}{0ex}}(\mathrm{Ln}=\mathrm{Er}--\mathrm{Lu})$, and explore the mechanism by which the phase transformation occurs. A combination of grazing incidence x-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy are used to determine the magnitude and depth-dependence of the phase transformation, respectively. Although all compositions undergo the same transformation, their transformation mechanisms differ. The transformation is pressure-driven for $\mathrm{Ln}=\mathrm{Tm}--\mathrm{Lu}$, consistent with the material's phase behavior under equilibrium conditions. However, the transformation is thermally driven for $\mathrm{Ln}=\mathrm{Er}$, revealing that the nonequilibrium conditions of ultrafast laser irradiation can lead to novel transformation pathways. Ab initio molecular-dynamics simulations are used to examine the atomic-scale effects of electronic excitation, showing the production of oxygen Frenkel pairs and the migration of interstitial oxygen to tetrahedrally coordinated constitutional vacancy sites, the first step in a defect-driven phase transformation.
Correction in Bicinchoninic Acid (BCA) Absorbance Assay to Analyze Protein Concentration

Conducting the bicinchoninic acid (BCA) assay directly after a coupling reaction using (1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide) (EDC) and N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) chemistry produces signi...
First Studies on Outcome

The tools of prognostication in acute neurologic conditions have developed over several decades. This chapter discusses seven outcome studies in major brain injuries.
Drill-Specific Head Impacts in Collegiate Football Practice: Implications for Reducing "Friendly Fire" Exposure

This study investigated drill-specific head impact biomechanics in a Division 1 collegiate football team using the Head Impact Telemetry System (HITS). A total of 32,083 impacts were recorded across 2 years of practices. Precise tracking of instrumented athletes, head impacts, and drill participation allowed quantification of hits sustained per person per minute (H/P/M) for each specific drill. We found significant H/P/M variability between 14 drills and player position, ranging from 0.02 to 0.41 H/P/M for Linemen and 0.01 to 0.15 H/P/M for Non-Linemen. Impact magnitude data are also reported for practice term (Spring, Training Camp, In-Season) and dress-type (Helmets Only, Spyders, Shells, Full Pads). Recommendations for shortening high-risk drills, based on H/P/M drill impact frequencies, suggest possible “friendly fire” reductions of 1000 impacts for Linemen and 300 impacts for Non-Linemen over their collegiate career. Over 80% of potentially avoidable head impacts were attributable to just three drills—“Team Run,” “Move the Field,” and “Team.” Recommending drill-specific modifications based on practical considerations (the drill’s impact frequency, dress-types when performing the drill, and duration) could improve acceptance from coaches and efficiently reduce head impact exposure without drastically altering overall practice structure.
The Structure and Properties of Ion Implanted Ceramics

Ion implantation consists of bombarding a sample’s surface with an electrostatically accelerated beam of ions in a vacuum chamber. Energies of a few tens to several hundred kiloelectron volts are commonly used. Because of their kinetic energy, the ions become embedded to a depth of about one micrometer or less; the depth is determined by the incident ion energy and ion mass for a given substrate material. The ions come to rest by dissipating the kinetic energy through elastic and inelastic (ionizing) collisions with the target atoms (ions). The end result is the production of large numbers of lattice defects and the introduction of an impurity or alloying species. Figure 1 illustrates the distribution of damage energy, i.e., defect production, and distribution of implanted impurity ions for 150 keV Cr implantation into sapphire.
Peripheral Macro- and Microcirculation

The association of profound systemic hypotension with the presence of gram-negative Escherichia coli endotoxin in the blood of mammals has been recognized for more than 35 years (Gilbert 1960; Weil et al. 1956). As early as 1943 Homer Smith reported that sublethal concentrations of bacterial pyrogens in humans produce a delayed peripheral vasodilation in the kidney and rise in cardiac output. Since this early report of Smith many investigators have confirmed that this endotoxin-induced systemic hypotension is linked to an inappropriate decrease in total peripheral vascular resistance (Abel and Beck 1988; Bond 1983; Breslow et al. 1987; Nelson et al. 1991; Rackow et al. 1988). Hinshaw described the occurrence of both hyper-dynamic (high cardiac output and low resistance) and hypodynamic (low cardiac output and high resistance) endotoxic/septic shock (Hinshaw 1985). He suggested that the initial response to endotoxin/sepsis was hyperdynamic and that the patient had a good chance of survival if the condition did not progress into a hypodynamic state. In spite of intensive nursing care, patients who do progress to the hypodynamic state of septic shock have a mortality rate as high as 65% (Shubin et al. 1965). This high mortality figure has not changed significantly over the past 35 years (Rackow et al. 1988; Parrillo 1989). Consequently, the severe loss of peripheral vascular tone during endotoxemia represents a prelude to a major clinical problem that has not yet been solved.
Birth in High Infant Mortality States and Dementia Risk in a Cohort of Elderly African American and White Health Care Members.

Importance Birth in areas with high infant mortality rates (IMRs) has been linked to worse long-term health outcomes, yet it is completely unknown if it impacts dementia risk. Methods In total 6268 health care members were followed for dementia diagnosis from 1996 to 2015. Birth state IMRs from 1928 were ranked into quartile (worst IMRs quartile range, whites: 69 to 129 deaths/1000 live births, Non-whites: 129 to 277 deaths/1000 live births). Cox proportional hazard models estimated the dementia risk associated with birth state IMR quartile adjusting for demographics and lifecourse health indicators. Results Compared with whites born outside of states in the worst IMR quartile, African Americans born in states in the worst IMR quartile had 92% increased dementia risk (HR=1.92; 95% CI: 1.42, 2.59), and African Americans born outside those states had 36% increased risk (HR=1.36; 95% CI: 1.20, 1.53). There was no association between birth state IMR and dementia risk among whites. Conclusions Birth in states with the highest rates of infant mortality was associated with elevated dementia risk among African Americans but not whites. The large absolute difference in IMRs likely reflects harsher early childhood conditions experienced by African Americans. These findings suggest that childhood conditions may play a role in racial disparities in dementia rates.
Abstract PR08: Metabolic adaptations establish immunotherapy resistance in melanoma

Background: Despite the success of T-cell checkpoint blockade antibodies in treating an array of cancers, the majority of patients still fail to respond to these therapies, or respond transiently and then relapse. The molecular mechanisms that drive lack of response to checkpoint blockade, whether pre-existing or evolved on therapy, remain unclear. Materials and Methods: To address this critical gap in clinical knowledge, we established a mouse model of melanoma designed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying immunotherapy resistance. Through multiple in vivo passages, we selected a B16 melanoma tumor line that evolved complete resistance to combination blockade of CTLA-4, PD-1, and PD-L1, which cures ~80% of mice of the parental tumor. Using gene expression analysis, proteomics, and immunogenomics, we determined the adaptations engaged by this melanoma to become completely immunotherapy resistant. NMR spectroscopy, Seahorse XF analysis, flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, and Western blot analysis provided further insight into the mechanisms driving checkpoint blockade resistance. Results: Acquisition of immunotherapy resistance by these melanomas was driven by coordinate upregulation of the glycolytic and aldose reductase pathways to create a metabolically hostile microenvironment in which T-cell function is profoundly suppressed. When reintroduced into the parental tumor, the genes most closely associated with these metabolic adaptations confer enhanced immunotherapy resistance. We have validated upregulation of these pathways in a unique cohort of melanoma patients who failed dual checkpoint blockade. Additionally, we employed MRI imaging to visualize metabolic changes acquired by resistant tumors in live mice. Clinical application of this technique could provide a much-needed noninvasive tool to predict immunotherapeutic sensitivity of patients. Conclusion: Upregulation of glycolytic metabolism and the aldose reductase pathway by melanoma tumor cells cripples T cells in the microenvironment and confers resistance to checkpoint blockade. This abstract is also being presented as PosterA71. Citation Format: Ashvin R. Jaiswal, Shivanand Pudakalakatti, Prasanta Dutta, Arthur Liu, Todd Bartkowiak, Casey Ager, Cristina Ivan, Richard Eric Davis, Michael A. Davies, Jennifer Wargo, James P. Allison, Pratip K. Bhattacharya, David Hong, Michael A. Curran. Metabolic adaptations establish immunotherapy resistance in melanoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy; 2017 Oct 1-4; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2018;6(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PR08.
A bacterial based distributed gradient descent model for mass scale evacuations

Abstract Most current methods for distributed agent coordination rely on large messages, complex computations and unique identifiability of communicating agents. To allow for efficient coordination in constrained environments with limited communication and computational resources, we derived a distributed gradient descent (DGD) algorithm based on how bacteria cells interact when searching for food. The method combines the (static) map of each agent with messages received from other agents. Both messages and computations are restricted to a simple vocabulary and are aggregated so no knowledge of the sender is required. In contrast to most prior DGD methods, where the interaction graph is assumed to be static, we allow for dynamic changes in the neighborhood graph for each agent. We prove that the method still correctly converges to a local optimum in such dynamic settings. We tested the usefulness of the method in simulations of mass-scale emergency evacuations in which obstacles are dynamically added to a given environment. We show that our bacterial based model can drastically reduce evacuation times in complex and realistic environments, when compared to prior models.
Shunned and Admired: Montessori, Self-Determination, and a Case for Radical School Reform

School reform is an important national and international concern. The Montessori alternative school system is unique in that it is well-aligned with the science of healthy development and learning, has strong social–emotional and academic outcomes, is virtually unchanged in over a century, can be applied across all the school years, and still attracts considerable attention and allegiance—yet it remains “on the margins” (Whitescarver and Cossentino Teachers College Record, 110, 2571–2600, 2008) of the bulwark educational system, as often shunned as admired. Why does Montessori persist (and increasingly in the public sector) and why does it elicit such sharply contrasting reactions? This article reviews several reasons why it is admired, such as evidence of Montessori’s effectiveness, its alignment with educational psychology research, and its broad scope. The points of research alignment are presented as natural corollaries of Montessori’s central premise: independence, or self-determination. After discussing these extrinsic and intrinsic reasons why Montessori is admired, the article concludes with speculation as to why it is also shunned—namely its incommensurability with conventional education culture and what might be a consequence: frequent poor implementation. The incommensurability of evidence-based alternatives with the conventional system is also posed as a reason for radical school reform.
A Unified Approach to Multiplying Fractions

What is being overlooked by those that hold this view is the relative difficulty of explaining to students the meanings of addition and multiplication of fractions. Though the words and symbols for addition and multiplication are given many meanings in mathematics, the meaning for addition most used in elementary mathematics textbooks is combining groups. See figure 1. The meanings given for multiplication in elementary school textbooks are more diverse and often seem unrelated. For example, meanings given to multiplication include repeated addition, arrays (area, etc.), comparative size, rates, and Cartesian product. Though they are often treated as distinct meanings, they can easily be interpreted as different manifestations of the repeated-addition meaning of multiplication. Figure 2 offers examples of different meanings given to multiplication according to application.
Investigating the Experience of Diabetes Stigma in Online Forums

Stigma is pervasive and debilitating for people living with diabetes, carrying emotional, physiological, and social influences. Although researchers have investigated the sources and consequences o...
A versatile imaging platform with fluorescence and CT imaging capabilities that detects myeloperoxidase activity and inflammation at different scales.

Aberrant innate immune response drives the pathophysiology of many diseases. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is a highly oxidative enzyme secreted by activated myeloid pro-inflammatory immune cells such as neutrophils and macrophages, and is a key mediator of the damaging innate immune response. Current technologies for detecting MPO activity in living organisms are sparse and suffer from any combination of low specificity, low tissue penetration, or low spatial resolution. We describe a versatile imaging platform to detect MPO activity using an activatable construct conjugated to a biotin moiety (MPO-activatable biotinylated sensor, MABS) that allows monitoring the innate immune response and its modulation at different scales and settings. Methods: We designed and synthesized MABS that contains MPO-specific and biotin moieties, and validated its specificity and sensitivity combining with streptavidin-labeled fluorescent agent and gold nanoparticles imaging in vitro and in vivo in multiple mouse models of inflammation and infection, including Matrigel implant, dermatitis, cellulitis, cerebritis and complete Fraud's adjuvant (CFA)-induced inflammation. Results: MABS MPO imaging non-invasively detected varying MPO concentrations, MPO inhibition, and MPO deficiency in vivo with high sensitivity and specificity. MABS can be used to obtain not only a fluorescence imaging agent, but also a CT imaging agent, conferring molecular activity information to a structural imaging modality. Importantly, using this method on tissue-sections, we found that MPO enzymatic activity does not always co-localize with MPO protein detected with conventional techniques (e.g., immunohistochemistry), underscoring the importance of monitoring enzymatic activity. Conclusion: By choosing from different available secondary probes, MABS can be used to create systems suitable to investigate and image MPO activity at different scales and settings.
Evaluation of Effectiveness of Ultraviolet Emitting Lamps on the Cutaneous Production of Vitamin D3: Relationship of the Lamps Vitamin D3 Producing Potential to the Production of 8-Hydroxy-2'-Deoxyguanosine and Nitric Oxide.

Background/aim To assess the effectiveness of three UV emitting lamps on the cutaneous production of vitamin D3, a marker of DNA damage and nitric oxide production in human skin. Materials and methods Human skin samples (skin types II, III and IV) obtained from surgery were exposed to three different UV emitting lamps for varying times and then extracted and chromatographed to determine the vitamin D3 content. The skin samples exposed to the 3 UV emitting lamps were also evaluated for 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (a marker of DNA damage) and nitric oxide production. Results It was observed that the spectral output of the 3 lamps had different effects on the cutaneous production of vitamin D3, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine and nitric oxide production. One lamp demonstrated optimal production of vitamin D3 with the least amount of DNA damage and intermediate production of nitric oxide suggesting that it could be developed into a device for treating vitamin D deficiency. Conclusion The spectral output of the experimental UVB emitting lamps significantly influenced the cutaneous production of vitamin D3 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine and nitric oxide.
Design of A Simplified Hierarchical Bayesian Network for Residential Energy Storage Degradation

In this paper a simplified hierarchical Bayesian network (BN) is developed to estimate residential energy storage degradation in terms of capacity fade. The BN is trained using experimental results of lithium iron phosphate batteries. Residential energy storage capacity fade was estimated for multiple cases. These cases originated from a smart home energy management system (SHEMS). The cases reflect that capacity fade of the residential energy storage depends on SHEMS architecture, power consumption limits and electric vehicle schedule.
Laboratory studies of fresh and aged biomass burning aerosol emitted from east African biomass fuels – Part 1: Optical properties

Abstract. An accurate measurement of the optical properties of aerosol is critical for quantifying the effect of aerosol on climate. Uncertainties persist and results of measurements vary significantly. Biomass burning (BB) aerosol has been extensively studied through both field and laboratory environments for North American fuels to understand the changes in optical and chemical properties as a function of aging. There is a need for a wider sampling of fuels from different regions of the world for laboratory studies. This work represents the first such study of the optical and chemical properties of wood fuel samples commonly used for domestic purposes in east Africa. In general, combustion temperature or modified combustion efficiency (MCE) plays a major role in the optical properties of the emitted aerosol. For fuels combusted with MCE of 0.974±0.015 , which is referred to as flaming-dominated combustion, the single-scattering albedo (SSA) values were in the range of 0.287 to 0.439, while for fuels combusted with MCE of 0.878±0.008 , which is referred to as smoldering-dominated combustion, the SSA values were in the range of 0.66 to 0.769. There is a clear but very small dependence of SSA on fuel type. A significant increase in the scattering and extinction cross section (with no significant change in absorption cross section) was observed, indicating the occurrence of chemistry, even during dark aging for smoldering-dominated combustion. This fact cannot be explained by heterogeneous oxidation in the particle phase, and we hypothesize that secondary organic aerosol formation is potentially happening during dark aging. After 12 h of photochemical aging, BB aerosol becomes highly scattering with SSA values above 0.9, which can be attributed to oxidation in the chamber. Aging studies of aerosol from flaming-dominated combustion were inconclusive due to the very low aerosol number concentration. We also attempted to simulate polluted urban environments by injecting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and BB aerosol into the chamber, but no distinct difference was observed when compared to photochemical aging in the absence of VOCs.
Bowel Preparation for Colonoscopy in 2020: A Look at the Past, Present, and Future

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the USA. Colonoscopy is considered the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening and can offer both diagnosis and therapy. The bowel preparation remains a significant barrier for patients who need to undergo colonoscopy and is often cited as the most dreaded aspect of the colonoscopy process. Inadequate bowel preparations still occur in 10–25% of colonoscopies, and this in turn can lead to increased procedural times, lower cecal intubation rates, and shorter interval between colonoscopies. From a quality standpoint, it is imperative that we do what we can to decrease the rate of inadequate bowel preparations. This review will focus on recent data regarding bowel preparation and offers a glimpse into what may be coming in the future. Recent advances in the field have been made to improve tolerability of bowel preparations and allow for more adequate colonoscopies. Newer, lower volume, flavored preparations, the use of adjuncts, and using split-dose preparations all can help with tolerability, compliance, and, in turn, preparation quality. Edible bowel preparations may become available in the near future. Early data on the use of artificial intelligence for assessment of preparation quality has been promising. Additionally, utilization of smartphone technology for education prior to the bowel preparation has also been shown to improve the adequacy of bowel preparations. Ongoing efforts to improve the tolerability and palatability of colonoscopy bowel preparations are important from a quality improvement standpoint to ensure the adequacy of colonoscopy. Incorporating patient-specific factors and comorbidities is also an essential aspect of improving the quality of bowel preparation. Leveraging technology to better communicate with and educate patients on the bowel preparation process is likely to play a larger role in the coming years.
Introduction: Special Issue on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Education Abroad

In late 2018, our editorial team set out on a multi-component project to provide a historical reference of established scholarship from Frontiers on diversity, equity, and inclusion in education abroad and to and solicit and present a set of new works in this Special Issue on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion of Frontiers. We began by creating a special “virtual” issue of existing Frontiers articles centered on diversity, equity, and inclusion which accompanied our call for papers for this Special Issue on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. In our introduction to the virtual issue we highlighted three gaps in past scholarship on these topics. We noted (a) limited focus on equity and success, (b) a dramatically changed student demographic, and (c) a need for critical examination of education abroad practice in order to make significant strides toward equity. In our process with this virtual issue we were pleased to see many new initiatives from masters’ and doctoral students and from those we corresponded with during this process. With this January 2020 Special Issue we endeavored to push beyond discussions of access and representation in the field, to critically examine inclusion throughout the education abroad process, and to consider equity in outcomes. We hope that the articles we are presenting as the culmination of our work in this Special Issue on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Frontiers will move theory, practice, and scholarship forward.
Abstract 1740: Transformable amyloid-beta mimetic peptide amphiphiles for lysosomal disruption and cisplatin sensitization in non-small cell lung cancer

In the United States, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the largest contributor to cancer mortality. Traditional chemotherapies are toxic, and drug-resistance development is common. Recently, several drug candidates were shown to selectively induce lysosomal membrane permeabilization in aggressive tumors. One of these agents, chloroquine and its derivatives, has been shown to sensitize NSCLCs to cisplatin in human clinical trials. This has led to the interest in lysosome dysregulation as a cancer therapeutic target. However, approaches are needed to overcome two limitations of current lysosomal inhibitors: low lysosomal specificity and low potency. Here, we report on the development of a transformable nanomaterial which may be triggered to induce the mechanical lysosomal membrane permeabilization in vitro and in mouse xenograft models. The nanomaterial consists of peptide amphiphiles, which self-assemble into nanoparticles, colocalize with the lysosome, and due to lysosomal pH shift switch conformation to nanofibrils, leading to mechanical disruption of the lysosome, cisplatin sensitization and cell death. We show that the nanomaterial is cytotoxic to NSCLC cells in the low-micromolar range, but is able to sensitize NSCLC cells to cisplatin in the nanomolar range. Moreover, we demonstrate promising antitumor effect in mouse xenograft models with limited toxicity. This is the first example of enhanced LMP via transformable peptide nanomaterial and offers a promising new strategy for cancer therapy. Citation Format: Christopher M. Baehr, Lu Zhang, Kit Lam. Transformable amyloid-beta mimetic peptide amphiphiles for lysosomal disruption and cisplatin sensitization in non-small cell lung cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 1740.
COVID and the Evening Rain

In this paper, I share an autoethnographic sketch of everyday life in late September 2020, amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. I hope this paper encourages others to consider the rhythms of daily a...
Telemedicine Practices of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons in the United States: The Effect of Novel Coronavirus-19.

Introduction: The objectives of this study among facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons (FPRS), include (1) quantifying the use of telemedicine, (2) examining the impact of novel coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) on telemedicine practices, (3) highlighting the types of telemedicine employed, (4) anticipating how telemedicine will be utilized in the future, and (5) describing FPRS' attitudes and understanding of telemedicine technologies. Study Type: Cross-sectional survey. Methods: A 6-13 question survey was sent to the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery membership. Descriptive analyses were performed, along with a Fisher's exact test. Results: We received 100 responses from a diverse group of surgeons across the United States. Overall, 91% of responders utilize telemedicine, of which 76.9% began during the COVID-19 pandemic. 33.3% of responders thought that their platforms were not Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act compliant or were unsure. Of those that utilize telemedicine, the two biggest concerns were difficulties with physical examination (69.2%) and lack of human connection (44%). 75.8% of telemedicine utilizers plan to incorporate telemedicine into their practice moving forward. Of all responders, 71% believed that telemedicine will have a positive effect on the field of FPRS, although on univariate analysis those in practice >20 years were more likely to believe that there will be no effect or a negative effect (p = 0.014). Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of telemedicine among FPRS in the United States. The great majority of responders plan to incorporate telemedicine into their practice even after the pandemic subsides and believe that telemedicine will have a net positive effect on the field of FPRS.
The Internet of Things (IoT) upheaval: overcoming management challenges

Products based on the Internet of Things (IoT) concept use a combination of physical devices embedded with sensors, other electronic hardware, software and the Internet to utilize meaningful data. Recently there has been a boom in IoT projects, but many of these projects are failing. One of the major reasons for this failure is a lack of specific project management methodologies that appropriately deal with the complexity and interdisciplinary nature of IoT projects. This article looks at the existing literature to find business, management and technical issues with these projects. In order to find solutions to these issues, various IoT stakeholders were surveyed and asked about which tools, processes and management strategies they find most useful. Ultimately, the goal of this article is to provide detailed knowledge about the existing IoT management philosophies, tools and their challenges, pros and cons, and how to scale these to improve the success rate of such projects.
Fibroids, Endometriosis, and Ovarian Cysts

Patients often present to primary care with symptoms related to benign structural gynecological conditions. Uterine fibroids (also called leiomyomas), endometriosis, and ovarian cysts are among the most common and may present with chief complaints ranging from pelvic pain to vaginal bleeding to infertility. This chapter addresses the relevant history, physical exam, diagnostic work-up, and treatment strategies appropriate for the management of leiomyomas, endometriosis, and ovarian cysts.