cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of feeding hay and baleage to prepubertal dairy heifers during the grower period1

Ensiled and dry forages are commonly included in growing dairy heifer diets, yet little research has compared the effects of feeding these different types of forages on dairy heifer performance. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of feeding baleage to dairy heifers on growth, feed efficiency, diet digestibility, and rumen parameters when transitioning to higher-forage diets during the growing period. In the 28-d transition period between arrival and the growing period, 60 Holstein heifers (141.9 ± 1.2 kg of BW) were randomly assigned to 1 of 12 pens and fed a 40% forage diet (DM basis) containing either hay or bale-age as the only forage source. Apparent digestibility of the diets was determined using 12 individually fed heifers. In the 56-d growing period, 36 heifers from the transition period remained on previous treatments and were fed a 60% forage diet (DM basis) with the same forages. In the transition period, ADG was greater for hay than for baleage (P < 0.05); however, DMI and G:F were similar between treatments. Plasma urea N was greater for hay on d 14 and 28, and rumen NH3 was greater for hay on d 14 (P < 0.01). Apparent DM, NDF, and CP digestibility were similar among treatments. In the growing period, heifers fed hay were 6.7 kg heavier than were heifers fed baleage at the conclusion of the study (P < 0.01). Heifers fed hay consumed more DM (P < 0.01) and tended to have greater G:F than did heifers fed baleage (P < 0.10). Diets containing hay resulted in greater ADG during both the transition and growing periods.
Important lessons in engineering education learned from seven years of experience in undergraduate academic support programs

A deep understanding of how and why students struggle in core courses in science and math when they enter engineering programs helps us respond to demands for academic support services. The success in applying student centered instructional approaches, in particular, the supplementary instruction (SI) program in the College of Engineering, teaches us important lessons in engineering education: to teach is to engage, and, to engage is to connect. Peer-led SI sessions integrate features of subject- and problem-based learning to foster a supportive learning community. SI has not only facilitated the learning of course material but also promoted a spirit of inquiry and a culture of joyful learning. The learning outcomes show that SI has made a positive impact on studentspsila learning, which in turn has helped to increase engineering retention. Future plans to incorporate technology and advance SI are presented.
Optical coherence tomography characteristics of epi-iridic membrane in a child with recurrent hyphema and presumed juvenile xanthogranuloma

We report a case of spontaneous hyphema in a 6-month-old girl with no history of trauma and no visible iris mass. Subtle green-blue heterochromia was noted in the right eye. The iris crypts in the right eye appeared flattened by a thin, transparent layer on the iris surface. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) disclosed a thin homogenous membrane overlying the entire iris surface in the right eye. Fluorescein angiography revealed diffuse hyperfluorescence without neovascularization. These features were suggestive of diffuse iris juvenile xanthogranuloma. Sub-Tenon's triamcinolone acetate plus topical corticosteroids eyedrops resolved the condition within 1 month.
Abstract 93: Antagonizing pathways leading to differential dynamics in colonic carcinogenesis in azoxymethane (AOM)-treated Sgo1 (Shugoshin1)-haploinsufficient chromosome instability (CIN) model mice

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA (a) Colon cancer is the second most lethal cancer and is predicted to claim 50,830 lives in 2013. Chromosome Instability (CIN) is observed in 80-90% of colon cancers and is thought to contribute to colon cancer progression and recurrence. For drug development, animal models that reflect cancer-specific etiology is necessary. However, animal models focusing on CIN have not been validated for colon cancer development and for drug testing. In this study, we set out to validate a mitotic error-induced CIN model mice, Shugoshin1 (Sgo1) haploinsufficient mice, as a colon cancer study model. (b) We treated control and Sgo1-/+ mice with colonic carcinogen Azoxymethane (AOM), and tracked colon cancer development over 12, 24 and 36 weeks after AOM treatments. The three endpoints provided information regarding the time course for colon cancer development. (c) Although we predicted an increase in colon tumors in Sgo1-/+ mice at a later (24 or 36 weeks) endpoint, precancerous lesions the Aberrant Crypt Foci (ACF) did not develop to larger tumors straightforwardly. Unexpectedly, the numbers of gross colon tumors showed no difference (P>0.05). Immunohistological analyses indicated IL6, Bcl2 and p16INK4A were differentially expressed in Sgo1-/+ mice. (d) We propose that formation of ACF in Sgo1-/+ mice are facilitated by IL6-STAT3-SOCS3 oncogenic pathway and Bcl2-anti-apoptotic pathway, yet further development of the ACF to tumors are inhibited by p16INK4A tumor suppressor pathway. Manipulating these pathways would be beneficial for inhibiting development of colon cancer with CIN. The CIN mice may be useful for investigating carcinogenesis in earlier stage and tumor regression in later stage. Citation Format: Chinthalapally V. Rao, Saira Sanghera, Yuting Zhang, Laura Biddick, Stan Lightfoot, Wei Dai, Hiroshi Y. Yamada. Antagonizing pathways leading to differential dynamics in colonic carcinogenesis in azoxymethane (AOM)-treated Sgo1 (Shugoshin1)-haploinsufficient chromosome instability (CIN) model mice. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 93. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-93
What Does It Mean to Live an “Extraordinary Life?”

What does it mean to live an “extraordinary” life? Dangerous question for a “recovering narcissist.” But this was the question posed to me in November 2008, when I was asked to speak at an event at my home university – Loyola University Chicago. Taking on the task of preparing to give this lecture – to a luncheon crowd composed of students, staff, faculty, and clergy – was an occasion to ponder the ways in which my life of six plus decades might be considered “extraordinary,” and so I spent many a walk with my canine companions Hope and Dharma pondering the question.
Standardizing the specification, verification, and exchange of product geometry: Research, status and trends

The task of international standardization of product geometry specification, verification and exchange is shared largely by two ISO committees. One is ISO TC 213, which is charged with the standardization of dimensioning, tolerancing, surface finish and related metrological principles and practices. The origin of this standardization dates back to pre-information age, and much effort in the last 20 years has gone into bringing greater mathematical rigour to this work to make it suitable for the information age. The other committee is ISO TC 184/SC 4, which is charged with the standardization of product data models suitable for exchange among various information systems. This effort, commonly known as STEP, is relatively new and is a product of the information age. This paper describes the current state of the interplay between the efforts of these two ISO committees, research work that was undertaken to meet the goals of their standards and plans to address future challenges.
Mass transport in the bottom boundary layer of cnoidal waves

This study deals with the mass-transport velocity within the bottom boundary layer of cnoidal waves progressing over a smooth horizontal bed. Mass-transport velocity distributions through the boundary layer are derived and compared with that predicted by Longuet-Higgins (1953) for sinusoidal waves. The mass transport at the outer edge of the boundary layer is compared with various theoretical results for an inviscid fluid based on cnoidal wave theory and also with previous experimental results. The effect of the viscous boundary layer is to establish uniquely the bottom mass transport and this is appreciably greater than the somewhat arbitrary prediction for an inviscid fluid.
Fast and Slow Tracks in Lysozyme Folding Elucidated by the Technique of Disulfide Scrambling

GdmCl (6 M) unfolded lysozyme was previously shown to refold via kinetically partitioned pathways (Kiefhaber in Proc Natl Acad Sci 92:9029–9033, 1995). About 80% of the unfolded lysozyme molecules refold on a slow pathway with well-populated intermediates. The remaining 20% of denatured lysozyme refold on a fast track without detectable intermediate. This kinetic heterogeneity has been proposed to originate from the collapsed state of lysozyme folding. Using the method of disulfide scrambling, we demonstrate in this report that these two populations of unfolded lysozyme can be isolated and analyzed separately. GdmCl (6 M) denatured lysozyme actually comprises two major populations of unfolded isomers, namely X-LYZ-a and X-LYZ-b with molar ratio of about 80:20. X-LYZ-a and X-LYZ-b exist in equilibrium in the unfolded state. Their disulfide structures and CD properties indicate that X-LYZ-a is more extensively unfolded than X-LYZ-b. Refolding experiments using the method of disulfide scrambling also show that folding kinetics of X-LYZ-a is about 8–10 times slower than that of X-LYZ-b and folding intermediates of X-LYZ-a is far more heterogeneous than that of X-LYZ-b. The results highlight the implication of the conformational heterogeneity of 6 M GdmCl denatured proteins for the interpretation of the initial stage of protein folding mechanism.
Candida albicans Rim13p, a protease required for Rim101p processing at acidic and alkaline pHs

Candida albicans is an important commensal of mucosal surfaces that is also an opportunistic pathogen. This organism colonizes a wide range of host sites that differ in pH; thus, it must respond appropriately to this environmental stress to survive. The ability to respond to neutral-to-alkaline pHs is governed in part by the RIM101 signal transduction pathway. Here we describe the analysis of C. albicans Rim13p, a homolog of the Rim13p/PalB calpain-like protease member of the RIM101/pacC pathway from Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Aspergillus nidulans, respectively. RIM13, like other members of the RIM101 pathway, is required for alkaline pH-induced filamentation and growth under extreme alkaline conditions. Further, our studies suggest that the RIM101 pathway promotes pH-independent responses, including resistance to high concentrations of lithium and to the drug hygromycin B. RIM13 encodes a calpain-like protease, and we found that Rim101p undergoes a Rim13p-dependent C-terminal proteolytic processing event at neutral-to-alkaline pHs, similar to that reported for S. cerevisiae Rim101p and A. nidulans PacC. However, we present evidence that suggests that C. albicans Rim101p undergoes a novel processing event at acidic pHs that has not been reported in either S. cerevisiae or A. nidulans. Thus, our results provide a framework to understand how the C. albicans Rim101p processing pathway promotes alkaline pH-independent processes.
Male Gender Role Conflict, Gay Men, and Same-Sex Romantic Relationships

Some theorists have suggested that the traditionally socialized male reluctance to express intimacy is compounded within gay men’s same-sex romantic relationships. In both Study 1 and Study 2, analysis-of-variance comparisons between single gay men and gay men in a same-sex relationship failed to confirm this assertion. At the same time, hierarchical regression results demonstrated a small negative relationship between the traditionally socialized male discomfort for expressing affection for other men and levels of gay men’s relationship satisfaction.
Optimum 4D guidance for long flights

For long flights of commercial aircraft, the minimum cost flight profile produced by a flight management system (FMS) is significantly affected by the cost index used. In a 4D guidance system the FMS seeks to adjust the cost index to achieve a required time of arrival, but the flight time versus cost index relation for long flight contains discontinuities due to changes in the optimum step climb points. This is especially significant if winds are included in the optimization function. Such discontinuities prevent convergence to some RTA values unless special provisions are made to remove them. An example of a flight case shows a 17-min interval to which no cost index corresponds. The author identifies two types of discontinuities and presents methods for removing them. Removal of discontinuities is absolutely necessary to achieve optimum 4D guidance. >
Test case prioritization: an empirical study

Test case prioritization techniques schedule test cases for execution in an order that attempts to maximize some objective function. A variety of objective functions are applicable; one such function involves rate of fault detection-a measure of how quickly faults are detected within the testing process. An improved rate of fault detection during regression testing can provide faster feedback on a system under regression test and let debuggers begin their work earlier than might otherwise be possible. In this paper we describe several techniques for prioritizing test cases and report our empirical results measuring the effectiveness of these techniques for improving rate of fault detection. The results provide insights into the tradeoffs among various techniques for test case prioritization.
Syntheses, thermal reactivities, and computational studies of aryl-fused quinoxalenediynes: effect of extended benzannelation on Bergman cyclization energetics.

A series of [b]-fused 6,7-diethynylquinoxaline derivatives have been synthesized through an imine condensation strategy to examine the effect of extended benzannelation on the thermal reactivity of enediynes. Absorption and emission spectra of the highly conjugated quinoxalenediynes were red-shifted approximately 100–200 nm relative to those of 1,2-diethynylbenzene. Strong exotherms indicative of enediyne cyclization were observed by differential scanning calorimetry, while solution cyclizations in the presence of 1,4-cyclohexadiene confirmed C1–C6 Bergman cyclization. To provide further insight into Bergman cyclization energetics, computational studies were performed to compare changes in the cyclization enthalpy barrier, reaction enthalpy, and barrier of retro-Bergman ring-opening. Extension of benzannelation from 1,2-diethynylbenzene to either 2,3-diethynylnaphthalene or the 6,7-diethynylquinoxalines had a minimal effect on the cyclization barrier. In comparison, the enthalpies of cyclization were incr...
Rethinking HIV exceptionalism: the ethics of opt-out HIV testing in sub-Saharan Africa

Opt-out testing for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) incorporates testing as a routine part of health care for all patients unless they refuse. The ethics of this approach to testing in sub-Saharan Africa is a source of controversy. Opt-out HIV testing is expected to improve survival by increasing case detection and thus linking more HIV-infected people to earlier treatment, provided there is effective patient follow-up and programme sustainability. At the population level, these benefits will likely outweigh the potential negative consequences of individuals experiencing HIV-related stigma. These justifications appeal to consequentialist moral theories that the acceptability of an action depends upon its outcomes. On the other hand, liberal moral theories state that the autonomy of individuals should always be protected unless restricting autonomy is necessary to protect the welfare of others. Opt-out consent may restrict autonomy and it is unclear whether it would benefit people other than those being tested. Yet, the doctrine of libertarian paternalism proposes that it is justifiable and desirable to use unobtrusive mechanisms to help individuals make choices to maximize their own welfare. Central to this idea are the premises featured by supporters of opt-out consent that individuals will not always make the best choices for their own welfare but they may be influenced to do so in ways that will not compromise their freedom of choice. Also important is the premise that all policies inevitably exert some such influence: opt-in consent encourages test refusal just as opt-out consent encourages acceptance. Based on these premises, opt-out testing may be an effective and ethically acceptable policy response to Africa's HIV epidemic.
Investigation of antenna interaction with an FSS radome

The authors investigate the effect of a frequency selective surface (FSS) type of radome on an antenna that is placed in the proximity of the radome. To illustrate the application of the method that models configurations of this type, they study the distortion introduced by an FSS radome on the far-field pattern of a half-wave dipole antenna. The reaction between the radome and the antenna is calculated using a perturbation approach. >
Effect of Salmonella endotoxin administered to the pregnant sheep at 133-142 days gestation on fetal oxygenation, maternal and fetal adrenocorticotropic hormone and cortisol, and maternal plasma tumor necrosis factor alpha concentrations.

We studied the effects of maternal exposure to endotoxin on pregnancy outcome, stimulation of the hypothalamo-hypophyseal-adrenal axes (HHAA) of ewes and their fetuses, and maternal production of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha), a central mediator in the pathogenesis of bacterial endotoxemia. Either endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) from Salmonella typhimurium or saline was administered to pregnant sheep (n = 10) at 137.6 +/- 3.5 days gestational age by slow i.v. infusion at 1 microgram.kg-1 total dose over a 3-h period. Fetuses of ewes treated with LPS became hypoxemic by 2.5 h after initiation of LPS infusion. Maternal ACTH increased and peaked during LPS administration to levels approximately 10-fold greater in treated than in control ewes. In contrast, fetal ACTH levels were maximum at 6-12 h. Maternal and fetal cortisol levels were significantly different from control levels by 1 and 12 h, respectively. Maternal plasma TNF alpha peaked (6-7-fold over baseline) at 1-2 h after initiation of LPS administration and steadily declined over the following 48 h. Four of 5 treated ewes either delivered or their fetuses died within 28 h. In summary, infusion of LPS caused fetal hypoxemia and stimulated both fetal and maternal HHAA followed by preterm labor by 28 h after infusion in 4 of 5 ewes. Three of the fetuses died in utero. Maternal plasma TNF alpha rose rapidly, but the specific role it may play in initiation of preterm labor remains to be elucidated.
TWO ALTERNATE TRANSCRIPTS CODING FOR ALCOHOL DEHYDROGENASE ACCUMULATE WITH DIFFERENT DEVELOPMENTAL SPECIFICITIES IN DIFFERENT SPECIES OF PICTURE-WINGED DROSOPHILA

Two alternate transcripts of the single copy Alcohol dehydrogenase ( Adh ) gene accumulate with developmental specificity in all of 12 species of Hawaiian picture-winged Drosophila which have been examined. Relative to the paradigm species D. affinidisjuncta , the Adh transcript normally restricted to larvae is found to accumulate in both larval and adult tissues in D. formella . The other Adh transcript, which normally accumulates only in adults, accumulates in third-instar D. prostopalpis larvae as well. In species hybrids, the D. formella phenotype shows additive inheritance. These observations document the existence of a novel type of genetic variability. Furthermore, such variants suggest specific properties for the biological systems that regulate ADH expression in Drosophila, and they should facilitate further experimental investigations.
Elucidation of novel nanostructures by time-lapse monitoring of polystyrene-block-polyvinylpyridine under chemical treatment.

Nanoscale micellar structures of polystyrene-block-polyvinylpyridine (PS-b-PVP) diblock copolymers have proven their effectiveness in lithography and biological detection by serving as a choice mat...
Hysteroscopy in the infertile woman.

SUMMARY In summary, hysteroscopy is a useful diagnostic method in the evaluation of the uterine cavity. Hysteroscopy can localize the uterine lesions and determine their extent with more accuracy than the hysterosalpingogram. However, the meaning of some small lesions and their relation to infertility remains to be determined. Hysterosalpingography should be the first step in the evaluation of the uterine cavity and the tuboperitoneal factor in an infertile woman. Hysteroscopy should be combined with laparoscopy when any lesion is suspected on the hysterogram or when no other cause of infertility has been found. The diagnosis of uterine lesions can be followed by surgical treatment under laparoscopic guidance.
A mechanical aspirator for safe transfer of arbovirus-infected mosquitoes within containment chambers.

Description d'un dispositif experimental de prelevement de moustiques adultes contamines par des arbovirus. L'aspect pratique et ergonomique est pris en compte.
Evanescent-Wave Field Imaging: An Introduction to Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence Microscopy

Advancements in technology and computational power in recent years have directly impacted modern microscopy through improvements in light detection, imaging software platforms, as well as integration of complex hardware systems. These successes have allowed for mainstream utilization of previously complex microscopic techniques such as total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy, revealing many aspects of cell biology not previously appreciated. Through the restriction of illumination to areas of cell-coverslip interfaces in combination with modern detectors, TIRF microscopy allows researchers in the life sciences a glimpse of dynamic cellular phenomena with resolutions never before achieved.This chapter provides a basic overview to the concept of TIRF microscopy and some considerations to setting up this technique in the lab.
SU-F-J-55: Feasibility of Supraclavicular Field Treatment by Investigating Variation of Junction Position Between Breast Tangential and Supraclavicular Fields for Deep Inspiration Breath Hold (DIBH) Left Breast Radiation

Purpose: To explore the feasibility of supraclavicular field treatment by investigating the variation of junction position between tangential and supraclavicular fields during left breast radiation using DIBH technique. Methods: Six patients with left breast cancer treated using DIBH technique were included in this study. AlignRT system was used to track patient's breast surface. During daily treatment, when the patient's DIBH reached preset AlignRT tolerance of ±3mm for all principle directions (vertical, longitudinal, and lateral), the remaining longitudinal offset was recorded. The average with standard-deviation and the range of daily longitudinal offset for the entire treatment course were calculated for all six patients (93 fractions totally). The ranges of average ± 1σ and 2σ were calculated, and they represent longitudinal field edge error with the confidence level of 68% and 95%. Based on these longitudinal errors, dose at junction between breast tangential and supraclavicular fields with variable gap/overlap sizes was calculated as a percentage of prescription (on a representative patient treatment plan). Results: The average of longitudinal offset for all patients is 0.16±1.32mm, and the range of longitudinal offset is −2.6 to 2.6mm. The range of longitudinal field edge error at 68% confidence level is −1.48 to 1.16mm, and at 95% confidence level is −2.80 to 2.48mm. With a 5mm and 1mm gap, the junction dose could be as low as 37.5% and 84.9% of prescription dose; with a 5mm and 1mm overlap, the junction dose could be as high as 169.3% and 117.6%. Conclusion: We observed longitudinal field edge error at 95% confidence level is about ±2.5mm, and the junction dose could reach 70% hot/cold between different DIBH. However, over the entire course of treatment, the average junction variation for all patients is within 0.2mm. The results from our study shows it is potentially feasible to treat supraclavicular field with breast tangents.
Obama's Bank: A Bank of Our Own

Prior to his nomination to the post of secretary of energy, Nobel Prize winner Steven Chu, then the director of Lawrence Berkeley National Lab and also professor of physics and molecular and cell biology at the University of California, was a member of the Council on Competitiveness's Energy Security, Innovation and Sustainability Initiative Steering Committee. The Council on Competitiveness is a group of CEOs, university presidents, and labor leaders devoted to America's prosperity. As a committee member, Chu helped to draft A 100-Day Energy Action Plan for the 44th President of the United States . The initiative was launched in July 2007 “with the belief that the crucial role of private sector demand in driving energy system transformation has gone largely unrecognized and unaddressed in prior policy initiatives.” Moreover, in line with the idea of free market statism, the initiative asserted, “The government has the power to greatly strengthen the business case for investment and innovation in sustainable energy solutions.” Among the recommendations put forward for the incoming president was to “jumpstart Energy Infrastructure Investments” by turning the U.S. foreign policy model discussed previously inward to the domestic economy.
Fish Stories (1927)

Unlike the promise of Persia’s northern oil, which had remained unfulfilled, the Caspian fisheries off the Persian coast had been for a long time as good as gold, and Russia had an intimate connection with them. With the advent of steamship traffic between Persian and Russian ports in the latter part of the nineteenth century, traders in Astrakhan became all the more acquainted with the fisheries in the southern Caspian. A Persian named Daryabegi obtained a concession from the Persian government for the sum of 5,000 tomans and began to farm the fisheries off the coast of Gilan and the mouth of the Sefidrud River, exporting caviar and other products to Russia. Shortly thereafter, Daryabegi subleased his farmstead to a Russian subject named Stephan Lionozov, who had extensive investments in the fisheries at Astrakhan. This latter eventually entered into discussions with the Persian government in order to secure a broader fisheries concession on his own account. Consequently, in 1876 Lionozov obtained the concession to exploit the fisheries off the southern Caspian coast, from Astara to the mouth of the Atrak River and at every point in between.
Structured Communication and Behavioural Medicine

Standard language even of educated people is insufficient for understanding diagnoses and treatment of inherited metabolic diseases. Therefore, communication with parents and patients requires teaching skills like explanation by analogy and visualisation. Comprehensive repeated information and counselling is necessary, because treatment has to be executed lifelong by patients and families themselves mostly at home or in their everyday life environment. New questions and demands arise in the course of the disorder or with age, making communication a continuous aspect of treatment and care. All information and counselling of patients and families should be given in close cooperation of all specialists involved.
Human activity detection using sparse representation

Human activity detection from videos is very challenging, and has got numerous applications in sports evalution, video surveillance, elder/child care, etc. In this research, a model using sparse representation is presented for the human activity detection from the video data. This is done using a linear combination of atoms from a dictionary and a sparse coefficient matrix. The dictionary is created using a Spatio Temporal Interest Points (STIP) algorithm. The Spatio temporal features are extracted for the training video data as well as the testing video data. The K-Singular Value Decomposition (KSVD) algorithm is used for learning dictionaries for the training video dataset. Finally, human action is classified using a minimum threshold residual value of the corresponding action class in the testing video dataset. Experiments are conducted on the KTH dataset which contains a number of actions. The current approach performed well in classifying activities with a success rate of 90%.
Tone and style in pharmacy course syllabi

Abstract Objective Syllabi are a part of the teaching and learning experience in pharmacy curricula. Yet, little has been done to understand the effects of these documents. Studies in Psychology and Social Work report important effects of style and tone of syllabi on student perceptions and performance. We sought to describe a cross-sectional pattern in the tone and style of pharmacy course syllabi. Methods We retrieved syllabi via US pharmacy institutions and association website searches. The tone was characterized as “warm” or “cold” based on the publications in Psychology and Social Work higher education. QSR NVivo® software was used to code syllabi. Subsequently, categories of style and tone were quantified in a descriptive manner. Results We retrieved 416 pharmacy course syllabi from 30 public universities (69.8%) and 13 private universities (30.2%) across curricular disciplines. After observing saturation where no new patterns arose, 141 syllabi were analyzed. Conclusions Pharmacy course syllabi were rarely warm in tone and did not fully employ the components of the syllabus as a potential learning tool. This may have important implications on student-teacher interactions, professional development, and student perceptions and academic performance. More work should be done to determine whether and in what manner style and tone may affect pharmacy student learning and engagement.
Motivations and origins of Schwartz Linear Algebra in Quantum Mechanics

We propose, by Schwartz Linear Algebra, a significant development of Laurent Schwartz Distribution Theory. The study is conducted by following the (natu- ral and straightforward) way of Weak Duality among topological vector spaces, aiming at the construction of a feasible, rigorous, quite elementary and manageable frame- work for Quantum Mechanics. It turns out that distribution spaces reveal themselves an environment more capable to help in Quantum Mechanics than previously thought. The goal of the research, introduced here, consists in showing that the most natural state-spaces of a quantum system, in the infinite dimensional case, are indeed dis- tribution spaces. Moreover, we show new, natural and straightforward mathematical structures that reproduce very closely several physical objects and many operational procedures required in Quantum Mechanics, systematizing the algorithms and nota- tions of Dirac Calculus, in such a way that it becomes a more versatile and more powerful tool, than we are used to think of.
Merchandising NFL Brands and Intellectual Property Rights

These recent headlines reflect the magnitude of a business enterprise that is generating over $8 billion annually as a result of the merchandising of the NFL brand and the leveraging of its intellectual property rights. Commissioner Roger Goodell’s ambitious revenue goals reflect a paradigm shift in the business model of the NFL—from a licensing-centric to a media sales-centric enterprise.
A digital thread approach to support manufacturing-influenced conceptual aircraft design

This paper proposes and demonstrates the integration of manufacturing and production considerations with traditional aircraft design metrics to support affordability-based design. To enable the necessary multi-disciplinary trades, a digital thread approach is proposed that integrates detailed models and analyses. The digital thread refers to linking models from various disciplines through common inputs and data flows with the goal of speeding design time and enabling trades across traditionally isolated disciplines. When used within an overarching design process, the production cost, rate, and efficiencies of non-conventional designs in variable demand environments can be quantified and traded early in the design process. In particular, the methodology is demonstrated using a wingbox design problem such that aircraft performance considerations, production rate, manufacturing cost, and financial planning metrics can be traded within a parametric, visual trade-off environment. The environment, combined with a multi-objective optimization routine, facilitates effective affordability-based tradespace exploration during the early stages of the design of non-traditional aircraft (e.g., those utilizing composite structures) under demand variability. An F-86 Sabre redesigned wingbox using three separate manufacturing concepts is used as a proof-of-concept for this research.
SHELL MIDDEN ANALYSIS

This article defines and describes shell midden sites and discusses current research on past human diet, local ecology, climate change, site formation processes, and prehistoric technology at these sites. We note that a major theme in recent shell midden studies is interdisciplinary research that synthesizes geoarchaeological, faunal, technological, and spatial evidence.
A study of solid ramjet fuel containing boron–magnesium mixtures

Abstract Solid fuel ramjets (SFRJ) are known for their operational simplicity and high specific impulse. The performance of the SFRJ propulsion system is directly tied to the energy density and combustion behavior of the fuel. A typical solid fuel used in a ramjet application is a collection of metal particles suspended in a polymeric binder. Boron is the ubiquitous candidate when considering metal additives for fuels due to an impressive 122.5 kJ/cm 3 energy density. However, boron requires long residence times in combustors due to its high melting and boiling points. Magnesium appears to be a natural complement to boron; while possessing a lower energy density (42.1 kJ/cm 3 ), it burns with a high flame temperature and readily reacts in combustion with a low melting point. In this study, several HTPB–boron–magnesium fuels are studied on a small scale to evaluate performance for ramjet application. Holography experiments are conducted, as well as laser ignition tests, to study particle behavior just above the fuel surface. Small, center-perforated fuel grains are examined in a direct-connect SFRJ test stand configuration to measure ignition temperatures and performance parameters. Combustion efficiency of the HTPB–boron–magnesium fuel is found to significantly increase for one of the fuels studied.
Acute cellular rejection and cyclosporine nephrotoxicity monitored by biopsy in a renal allograft recipient: the differentiation of drug nephrotoxicity from rejection by phenotyping of cellular infiltrates

Serial allograft biopsies were performed on a renal transplant patient who experienced recurrent episodes of acute cellular rejection as well as cyclosporine nephrotoxicity. Five biopsies were performed after acute elevations of the serum creatinine level (15, 46, 155, 244, and 324 days after transplant). Each specimen was evaluated by routine histologic techniques as well as by immunofluorescence analysis and by monoclonal antibody labeling for determination of the cell phenotype of the mononuclear cell infiltrates within each specimen. The first and third specimens disclosed significant T-cell infiltrates with an equal number of T-cytotoxic-suppressor (Leu 2a) and T-helper-inducer (Leu 3a) cells in a diffuse cortical pattern, while the second biopsy showed a slightly milder infiltrate with a marked elevation (7:1) in the Leu 3a:Leu 2a ratio in the cortical-diffuse pattern. Clinically, the patient responded dramatically to cyclosporine dosage reduction following the second biopsy, and bolus steroid antirejection therapy following the first and third biopsies. These findings suggest that phenotypic cell marker analysis within the context of histologic pattern is a useful adjunct to the routine histologic evaluation of renal allograft biopsy specimens and may provide a means of differentiating rejection from cyclosporine nephrotoxicity.
Role of Abdominal Imaging in the Diagnosis of IBD Strictures, Fistulas, and Postoperative Complications

Abstract Approximately one-third of Crohn's disease (CD) patients have stricturing or penetrating complications at the time of diagnosis, often underdiagnosed conditions without the aid of radiologic imaging. Cross-sectional imaging techniques are complementary to ileocolonoscopy, as they facilitate evaluation of disease extent and severity in regions inaccessible to endoscopy, detection of disease complications (strictures, fistulas, and/or abscesses), and assessment of response to medical management. This chapter summarizes the current state of CD imaging with computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and abdominal ultrasound. The utilization of these modalities for the diagnosis of strictures, penetrating disease (fistulas and/or abscesses), and postoperative complications of inflammatory bowel disease will also be explored.
Evidence from hunter-gatherer and subsistence agricultural populations for the universality of contagion sensitivity

Abstract The phenomenon of magical contagion – the unobserved passage of properties between entities that come into physical contact – was described by anthropologists over a century ago, yet questions remain about its origin, function, and universality. Contagion sensitivity, along with the emotion of disgust, has been proposed to be part of a biologically-evolved system designed to reduce exposure to pathogens by increasing the avoidance of "contaminated" objects. Yet this phenomenon has not been studied using systematic psychological comparison outside of industrialized populations. Here we document contagion sensitivity in two culturally, geographically, and economically distinct populations with little exposure to Western biomedicine and formal education: the Hadza hunter-gatherers of Tanzania and Tannese subsistence-agriculturalists of Vanuatu. In both populations, a majority of individuals rejected familiar and palatable foods when contaminating items touched the food but were subsequently removed. The Tannese children in our study showed a similar response, consistent with previous research with Western children. Our data support the proposal that contagion sensitivity is universal in human populations.
Effect of the iChoose Kidney decision aid in improving knowledge about treatment options among transplant candidates: A randomized controlled trial.

We previously developed a mobile- and web-based decision aid (iChoose Kidney) that displays individualized risk estimates of survival and mortality, for the treatment modalities of dialysis versus kidney transplantation. We examined the effect of iChoose Kidney on change in transplant knowledge and access to transplant in a randomized controlled trial among patients presenting for evaluation in three transplant centers. A total of 470 patients were randomized to standard transplantation education (control) or standard education plus iChoose Kidney (intervention). Change in transplant knowledge (primary outcome) among intervention versus control patients was assessed using nine items in pre- and postevaluation surveys. Access to transplant (secondary outcome) was defined as a composite of waitlisting, living donor inquiries, or transplantation. Among 443 patients (n = 226 intervention; n = 216 control), the mean knowledge scores were 5.1 ± 2.1 pre- and 5.8 ± 1.9 postevaluation. Change in knowledge was greater among intervention (1.1 ± 2.0) versus control (0.4 ± 1.8) patients (P < .0001). Access to transplantation was similar among intervention (n = 168; 74.3%) versus control patients (n = 153; 70.5%; P = .37). The iChoose Kidney decision aid improved patient knowledge at evaluation, but did not impact transplant access. Future studies should examine whether combining iChoose Kidney with other interventions can increase transplantation. (Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02235571).
Patient satisfaction and cosmetic outcome in a randomized study of cesarean skin closure.

AbstractObjective: To evaluate patient satisfaction and patient and physician assessment of scar appearance after cesarean skin closure with suture versus staples.Methods: Women undergoing cesarean...
Combined Clinical and Laboratory (Lymphoscintigraphic) Staging

Accurate assessment and clinical staging of patients with chronic lymphedema remains the most reliable objective methods of classifying patients for proper treatment and management.
Using teacher-made games to support young children's learning of number concepts: combining hands-on manipulatives and computer software

This is an action research study involving a preschool teacher producing and testing a design called “Combined Activity,” which uses a combination of hands-on manipulatives and computer software. The purpose of the action research was to determine to relative effectiveness of the combined activity (using both computer software and hands-on manipulatives that the author created) and a traditional math activity (using not computer software but commercial hands-on manipulatives) in promoting preschool children's learning of seriation, logical classification, counting, and addition. The participants were a volunteering preschool teacher and 41 three to five year old preschoolers at two preschools in Florida southern urban area, U.S.A. The children who participated in the combined activity worked with the author for three weeks. For the research design, I used a quasi experimental (pretest-post-test) control group design which is commonly used in educational experimentation (Campbell & Stanley, 1963; Cohen & Manion, 1994; Creswell, 2003). Results of this study show that Combined Activity had a more positive effect on the participants’ understanding of number concepts, especially seriation and addition than did the traditional activities. The participants in the combined activity experienced intellectually and socially how to communicate with the teacher and peers in a much more various mathematical learning environments rather than in the traditional activity. The study had the following outcomes: (1) providing early child educators with a description of the various effects of combined activity in a preschool; (2) providing educators and computer designers with some guidelines for the creation of developmentally appropriate, combined activity using hands-on manipulatives and computer software for young children; and (3) providing an example for educators to teach young children number concepts (seriation, classification, counting, and early addition) using the combined activity and activity plans.
Evaluation of Residual Tumor After Neoadjuvant Treatment

The primary benefit of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is reduction of breast tumor size and conversion of positive lymph nodes into negative ones. In 70–90% of cases, clinical tumor response is evident depending on the type of chemotherapy and number of courses [1]. Several randomized clinical trials have established that both long-term overall and, moreover, disease-free survivals are similar after adjuvant and neoadjuvant chemotherapies (NAC) [1]. The reported overall and disease-free survival for patients who achieved a complete pathological response (pCR) were 75% and 85% respectively, at a median follow-up of nine years, compared to 58% and 73% for patients with residual disease [2]. Regular monitoring of tumor response during neoadjuvant therapy is very critical to evaluate the patient’s progress. When the patient’s tumor is progressing despite treatment, neoadjuvant therapy has to be discontinued, and prompt referral to surgery or preoperative radiation therapy is necessary [1]. In clinical trials of patients subjected to neoadjuvant chemotherapy, pCR ranged from 6–26% [3]. In contrast, it appears that pCR infrequently occurs with patients treated with neoadjuvant endocrine therapy [3]. The reported rates of pCR for endocrine treatment (tamoxifen and letrozole) ranges from <1.0% to 6.5% [3]. Clinical response does not seem to be a good surrogate marker for pCR, as only 22% of patients with clinical response achieved pCR [4].
Security design, market risk and round quotes in the treasury bond market

ABSTRACTPrior literature finds that the tendency of price-endings to cluster on rounder fractions increases with price volatility. We estimate the separate influences and relative importance of the...
Radiation From Kidney-Ureter-Bladder Radiographs Is Not Trivial

Objective To estimate effective dose of kidney-ureter-bladder (KUB) radiographs in a contemporary population of patients with urolithiasis. Methods A retrospective review was performed to identify patients visiting a urology clinic for urolithiasis where a KUB was obtained and whom had a recent computed tomography (CT). Effective dose for KUBs was estimated using a Monte Carlo based simulation program and for CT utilizing the reported dose-length-product. Age, gender, body mass index, and abdominal diameter were analyzed for association with effective dose. KUBs performed at outside facilities in referred patient were compared to those obtained locally when available. Results Fifty-four patients were identified meeting criteria. The majority (92.6%) of KUBs contained multiple radiographs. Mean effective dose was 2.15 mSv ± 1.67 mSv. Only 26% of examinations effective dose was under 1 mSv. Body mass index, abdominal thickness, and image count were all associated with an increase in dose (P Conclusion KUB examinations in this contemporary setting are associated with a 2-fold higher effective dose then is often referenced. Increased effective dose is associated with increased patient size and number of images acquired. Nearly 1 in 5 patient's KUB effective dose was similar to a low-dose CT. KUBs role should be re-examined given its limited sensitivity, specificity, associated radiation, and other available imaging options.
The impact of central IRB's on informed consent readability and trial adherence in SPRINT.

Abstract Background Federal agencies have encouraged the use of central institutional review boards (CIRBs) for multi-site clinical trials. There is limited evidence supporting the use of CIRBs. Our aim is to evaluate how SPRINT sites regulated by CIRBs performed regarding informed consent readability and participant trial adherence compared to those regulated by local IRBs. Methods We conducted a cohort study using the SPRINT clinical trial. We collected the IRB of record from the stamped and approved 2012 informed consents from each of the sites. We defined CIRB as an IRB for more than one SPRINT site. Our outcomes were informed consent readability measured using the Flesch-Kincaid readability scale and trial adherence defined as a loss to follow-up, consent withdrawal, and missed last 3-month visit. Results Sixty-one percent of all SPRINT sites used a CIRB as their IRB of record. The adjusted mean grade reading level for CIRB consents was 13.4 (95% CI 12.6–13.8) compared to 12.3 (95% CI 12.1–13.1) for non CIRB consents (p = 0.07). CIRB sites had similar rates of withdrawal of consent and loss to follow-up as non-CIRB sites; subjects missing the last appointment of the study were more likely to come from sites regulated by a CIRB. The Veterans Affairs CIRB had the lowest rate of withdrawal of consent (1.9%) and the lowest rate of missed appointments (1.9%) among CIRBs. Conclusions Niether CIRB-regulated sites nor IRB regulated sites enforce the recommended readability level of the informed consent documents. Sites regulated by both IRBs had similar participant trial adherence.
2019 CHESS Users Meeting and Workshops

On June 4, 2019, exactly one year to the day after the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS) shut down for the CHESS-U upgrade project, the CHESS Users Meeting attracted a record number of...
Assessing Cumulative Disadvantage against Minority Female Defendants in State Courts

Prior sentencing research, especially research on cumulative disadvantage, has mainly focused on the treatment of male defendants. Little attention has been paid to female defendants, particularly ...