cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vacuum-mixing significantly changes antibiotic elution characteristics of commercially available antibiotic-impregnated bone cements.

Background: Evidence-based medicine indicates the use of antibiotic-impregnated polymethylmethacrylate bone cement during hip and knee replacement reduces the rate of prosthetic joint infection. In the United States, so-called off-label use of antibiotic-impregnated polymethylmethacrylate for primary joint replacement is increasing and multiple antibiotic-containing polymethylmethacrylate products are commercially available. However, there are sparse published data comparing the antibiotic elution characteristics of these bone cement products and the effect that vacuum-mixing has on antibiotic elution from these products. This study compares the antibiotic elution characteristics of six commercially available antibiotic polymethylmethacrylate formulations mixed under atmospheric pressure and vacuum conditions. Methods: The antibiotic-impregnated polymethylmethacrylate products were mixed with use of a commonly employed intraoperative technique at atmospheric pressure and clinically relevant vacuum conditions. A standard Kirby-Bauer bioassay technique was subsequently used to quantify antibiotic elution from the products. An international infectious disease database was mined to determine antibiotic susceptibility of common bacteria causing prosthetic joint infection and to define the gentamicin concentration above which optimal antibiotic efficacy begins for these organisms. Statistical analyses incorporating the above susceptibility data were performed to compare antibiotic elution (1) among products mixed at atmospheric pressure, (2) among vacuum-mixed products, and (3) between atmospheric and vacuum-mixing for each individual product. Results: Comparisons of antibiotic-loaded polymethylmethacrylate products mixed at atmospheric pressure indicated that significant antibiotic elution differences exist among the products. Comparisons of vacuum-mixed antibiotic-loaded polymethylmethacrylate products indicated that significant antibiotic elution differences exist among the products. When mixing under atmospheric pressure was compared with vacuum-mixing for each individual antibiotic polymethylmethacrylate product, vacuum-mixing significantly increased the clinically relevant cumulative antibiotic elution from three products but significantly decreased antibiotic elution from three other products. Conclusions: The method by which antibiotic-containing polymethylmethacrylate products are prepared significantly affects their antibiotic elution characteristics. The effect of vacuum-mixing on antibiotic elution is product-specific. Clinical Relevance: Antibiotic elution from commercially available antibiotic-impregnated bone cements may be enhanced or adversely affected by vacuum-mixing.
Septic arthritis of the shoulder following elective termination of pregnancy.

Patients undergoing elective termination of pregnancy (ETOP) are at risk for infectious complications. In this setting, Streptococcus agalactiae, or Group B streptococcus (GBS), has been found to be the causative organism for septic sequelae such as endocarditis and meningitis. To our knowledge, there are no previously reported cases of GBS septic arthritis following an ETOP. The goal of this report is to heighten awareness of this clinical scenario while adding to the body of literature describing the risk of morbidity in GBS-colonized females following ETOP procedures.
The miRNA and Extracellular Vesicles in Alcoholic Liver Disease

Abstract MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNA molecules that are involved in various cellular and physiological processes. In this chapter, we describe some of the recent advances on the role of miRNAs in alcoholic liver disease (ALD). We also discuss the utility of extracellular miRNAs as emerging biomarkers in ALD, and potential use of miRNAs as new therapeutic targets to alleviate ALD.
Chronic Villitis of Unknown Etiology in Twin Gestations

Chronic villitis of unknown etiology (CVUE) is a frequently encountered placental lesion associated with poor pregnancy outcome. We examined 22 twin placentas with CVUE to determine its distribution and clinicopathological significance in twin gestations. CVUE affected both twins' placental portions with an approximately equal degree of severity in 12 of 22 cases (9 dichorionic, 3 monochorionic). Only one twin's placental portion was affected in 8 cases (8 dichorionic). In the remaining 2 (1 dichorionic, 1 monochorionic), both placental portions were affected, but the CVUE was significantly more severe in one. The CVUE varied in extent from rare foci to diffuse involvement. Seven of the 22 (32%) pairs of twins had intrapair weight differences of15% or greater, and 14 pairs were premature. The twins with placental involvement by CVUE had a lower mean birthweight than their cotwins with less or no CVUE; however, these results were not statistically significant. CVUE may affect placentas from one or both twi...
Oxide Removal and Selective Etching of In from InSb(100) with TiCl4

The reaction of TiCl4 with a native oxide-covered InSb(100) film grown epitaxially on GaAs(100) was investigated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic for...
Variation in the Trace Mineral Content of Feedstuffs1

Abstract Trace minerals are the most variable of the nutrients commonly determined in feedstuffs. Most feed composition tables give an average value with no indication of the normal variation around the mean. Nutritionists and producers are often uncertain how to interpret feed analysis data that differ significantly from published values. Sources of variation associated with an individual sample include sampling error, soil or other contaminations, method of sample preparation, and lab to lab variation. Agronomic or management factors causing variation include: genus, species, or variety of crop; fertility, type, and mineral concentration of the soil; stage of plant maturity; and climatic or seasonal conditions. Maps describing specific regions of the country that are consistently deficient in one or more of the trace minerals are also included.
[Association between body mass index and ten-year-accumulative-risk of hypertension].

Objective To explore the association between body mass index(BMI) and ten-year accumulative risk of hypertension. Methods A prospective study of relationship between blood pressure and other traditional risk factors was carried out in a cohort with 2115 people aged 35-64 years old involved, in 1992 and 2002. The association between baseline BMI level and a ten-year accumulative risk of hypertension was analyzed. Results The ten-year accumulative incidence rate of hypertension was 34.8%, and increased with the elevated baseline BMI level in both genders (P<0.001). Similar changing trends were observed in both age groups of 45-54 year and 55-64 year olds (P<0.05). Multivariable OR (95%CI) of accumulative incident hypertension in the highest BMI tertile(≥128 kg/m2) was 3.569 higher (2.559 to 4.977) when compared to the lowest (<24 kg/m2). The ten-year accumulative risk of hypertension increased 17.5% with elevation of baseline BMI level by 1 kg/m2. The ten-year accumulative incidence rate of hypertension was 22.0% in the subjects with normal BMI and 56.3% in those with obesity, both in 1992 and 2002. Conclusion BMI appeared to be an independent risk factor for hypertension, and the risk of incident hypertension increased with elevated BMI level. Key words: Hypertension; Cardiovascular disease; Body mass index; Epidemiology
FRI0080 Racial Disparities in Total Ankle Arthroplasty Utilization and Outcomes

Background Studies of racial disparities in total ankle arthroplasty are lacking. Objectives Our objective was to study the racial disparities in total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) utilization and outcomes. Methods We used the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) to study the time-trends. Race was categorized as White and Black. Utilization rates were calculated for the U.S. general population per 100,000. Hospital length of stay, discharge disposition and mortality after TAA were assessed. We used the Cochran Armitage trend test to assess time-trends from 1998 to 2011 and chi-square test to compare TAA utilization. We used analysis of variance or chi-squared test to compare the characteristics of Whites and Blacks undergoing TAA and logistic regression to compare mortality, length of stay and discharge to home vs medical facility. Results The mean ages for Whites undergoing TAA were 62 years and for Blacks was 52 years. Significant racial disparities were noted in TAA utilization rates (/100,000) in 1998, 0.14 in Whites vs. 0.07 in Blacks (p Conclusions This study demonstrated significant racial disparities with lower TAA utilization and suboptimal outcomes in Blacks compared to Whites. Further studies are needed to understand the mediators of these disparities and to assess whether these mediators can be targeted to reduce racial disparities in TAA. Acknowledgements This material is the result of work supported by the resources and use of facilities at the Birmingham VA Medical Center, Alabama, USA. J.A.S. is also supported by grants from the Agency for Health Quality and Research Center for Education and Research on Therapeutics (CERTs), National Institute of Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), National Institute of Aging (NIA) and National Cancer Institute (NCI). Disclosure of Interest J. Singh Grant/research support from: takeda, savient, Consultant for: takeda, Savient, Allergan, Regeneron, R. Ramachandran: None declared
Islet Transplantation for Hypoglycemia Unawareness/Severe Hypoglycemia: Caveat Emptor.

Current estimates are that 1.25 million Americans have type 1 diabetes (T1D) (1) caused by the gradual loss of nearly all pancreatic insulin-producing β-cells via a presumed T cell–mediated autoimmune process (2). Eventually, all with T1D display severely impaired endogenous insulin production (3) and are dependent upon injected insulin for survival. Because subcutaneously administered insulin displays sluggish “on” and delayed “off” kinetics compared with that from pancreatic β-cells, the glycemic control patients achieve using subcutaneous insulin is suboptimal. For too many individuals, chronic episodic hypoglycemia dulls the typical compensatory responses, leading to impaired hypoglycemia awareness. Absent the usual warning symptoms of a blood glucose too low to sustain higher cognitive functions, such individuals are susceptible to severe hypoglycemic events defined as those requiring assistance from others to recover. Some die as a result of severe and prolonged hypoglycemia (4). Severe hypoglycemia occurs with alarming frequency among patients with T1D (5). Scientists have long dreamed of restoring endogenous insulin production for those with T1D. One approach has been allogeneic pancreas transplantation. However, most pancreatic tissue makes digestive enzymes, and any damage to the organ can lead to leakage and potentially serious complications. In the 1970s, investigators reasoned that isolated pancreatic islets (only about 2% of the pancreatic mass) might be transplanted via a percutaneous cannula avoiding surgical and other complications associated with pancreas transplantation (6). Early clinical islet transplantation results, however, were disappointing (7). Then in 2000, Shapiro et al. (8) reported seven consecutive T1D patients achieving 1-year insulin independence following islet transplantation, but serious issues remained. For instance, the only currently viable islet source is cadaveric donors. In 2015, the U.S. had only ∼9,000 such donors, of which ∼1,300 were deemed suitable for pancreas transplantation (9). Also, islets suitable for transplant are successfully isolated from approximately …
Acculturation Dissonance, Acculturation Strategy, Depressive Symptoms, and Delinquency in Latina/o Adolescents

Two risk factors for negative outcomes in Latina/o youth are acculturation dissonance (i.e., discrepant family cultural orientations) and the endorsement of an assimilation strategy of acculturation (i.e., valuing dominant mainstream culture over culture of origin). Though these have been uniquely studied as risk factors for maladaptive behaviors among Latina/o youth, their interaction in relation to both externalizing and internalizing symptoms has yet to be fully examined. The present study examined the unique and interactive effects of acculturation dissonance and assimilation on both depressive symptoms and delinquent behaviors among Latina/o adolescents. Participants were 135 Latina/o adolescents (ages 14–20) recruited from a charter high school. Students responded to a paper-and-pencil survey assessing demographic information, acculturation strategy, acculturation dissonance, depressive symptoms, and delinquency. Acculturation dissonance was uniquely associated with depressive symptoms, but interaction effects suggested this association depended on levels of assimilation. At high levels of assimilation, acculturation dissonance was not associated with depressive symptoms, since depressive symptoms were consistently high. In contrast, at low levels of assimilation, acculturation dissonance was positively associated with depressive symptoms. In contrast, acculturation dissonance was uniquely associated with delinquency, and this association did not depend on the level of assimilation. Dissonant cultural orientations within families of Latina/o youth confer risk for negative outcomes across internalizing and externalizing domains. For youth adopting an assimilation strategy of acculturation, risk for depressive symptoms may be increased. Implications of these findings and future directions are discussed.
Water as probe molecule for midgap states in nanocrystalline strontium titanate by conventional and synchronous luminescence spectroscopy under ambient conditions

Abstract Alkaline earth metal titanates are broad bandgap semiconductors with applications in electronic devices, as catalysts, photocatalysts, sorbents, and sensors. Strontium titanate SrTiO3 is of interest in electronic devices, sensors, in the photocatalytic hydrogen generation, as catalyst and sorbent. Both photocatalysis and operation of electronic devices rely upon the pathways of relaxation of excited charge in the semiconductor, including relaxation through the midgap states. We report characterization of nanocrystalline SrTiO3 at room temperature by “conventional” vs. synchronous luminescence spectroscopy and complementary methods. We determined energies of radiative transitions in the visible range through the two midgap states in the nanocrystalline SrTiO3. Further, adsorption and desorption of vapor of water as “probe molecule” for midgap states in the nanocrystalline SrTiO3 was studied, for the first time, by luminescence spectroscopy under ambient conditions. Emission of visible light from the nanocrystalline SrTiO3 is significantly increased upon desorption of water and decreased (quenched) upon adsorption of water vapor, due to interactions with the surface midgap states.
Drug delivery systems for prolonged duration local anesthesia

Numerous drug delivery systems have been applied to the problem of providing prolonged duration local anesthesia (PDLA). Here we review the rationale for PDLA, the desirable features for and important attributes of such systems, and specific examples that have been developed.
CRT-300.21 Comparison Of Treatment Strategies For Femoro-popliteal Disease: A Network Meta-analysis

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a prevalent morbidity, which is treated with various strategies including bypass surgery, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA), bare-metal stents (BMS), covered stents, drug-eluting stents (DES) and drug-coated balloons (DCB). Our goal was to compare the
Outcome of medical management of intraabdominal abscesses in children with Crohn disease

Abstract Introduction Crohn disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract that is complicated by fistulas, strictures, and intraabdominal abscesses (IAA) in 10%–30% of patients. To avoid surgical resection of the bowel, medical therapy with antibiotics (Ab) with or without percutaneous drainage (PD) is first undertaken. Our objectives are to examine the outcome of IAA in CD patients treated with antibiotics alone vs antibiotics and PD, and to identify risk factors for medical therapy failure. Methods Charts for patient with CD who were diagnosed between 2004 and 2016 at the Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo were retrospectively reviewed. We compared the two modalities of medical therapy (Ab + PD vs Ab alone) in terms of abscess resolution and the need for surgical intervention. Results Twenty-nine patients, ages ranging from 12 to 18years, mean 15.5±2.5, 48% Male with IAA were identified. Overall, 69% of abscesses failed medical therapy including 87% of the drained abscesses and 50% of nondrained abscesses, p=0.04. The abscesses that failed medical therapy were more likely to have been drained ( P =0.03) as they were larger in size ( P = 0.03), patients were more likely to have a known CD on immunosuppression ( P =0.016), and more likely to have an associated upper GI disease ( P =0.002), when compared to those that were successful with medical therapy alone. Conclusion Our results show that the majority of our patients required surgical intervention for abscess treatment and resolution of associated findings despite drainage. Risk factors include big drainable abscesses, developing IAA while on immunosuppression, and a more extensive disease with associated fistulae and strictures. Small undrainable abscesses are likely to resolve with antibiotics alone, therefore early detection and treatment are essential. Type of study Level 2, retrospective study.
Problem-Based Approach to Teaching Advanced Chemistry Laboratories and Developing Students' Critical Thinking Skills

A new method for teaching advanced laboratories at the undergraduate level is presented. The intent of this approach is to get students more engaged in the lab experience and apply critical thinking skills to solve problems. The structure of the lab is problem-based and provides students with a research-like experience. Students read the current literature, develop new experiments for the curriculum, and then present the work in both oral and poster format. From the instructor’s observations, it was found that students take ownership of their experiments and typically apply themselves more than in a traditional lab setting. Student feedback about this approach has been overwhelmingly positive.
Controlling Vertical and Lateral Electron Migration Using a Bifunctional Chromophore Assembly in Dye-Sensitized Photoelectrosynthesis Cells

Integration of photoresponsive chromophores that initiate multistep catalysis is essential in dye-sensitized photoelectrosynthesis cells and related devices. We describe here an approach that incorporates a chromophore assembly surface-bound to metal oxide electrodes for light absorption with an overlayer of catalysts for driving the half-reactions of water splitting. The assembly is a combination of a core-twisted perylene diimide and a ruthenium polypyridyl complex. By altering the connection sequence of the two subunits in the assembly, in their surface-binding to either TiO2 or NiO, the assembly can be tuned to convert visible light into strongly oxidizing equivalents for activation of an electrodeposited water oxidation catalyst (NiCo2Ox) at the photoanode, or reducing equivalents for activation of an electrodeposited water reduction catalyst (NiMo0.05Sx) at the photocathode. A key element in the design of the photoelectrodes comes from the synergistic roles of the vertical (interlayer) charge transf...
LONG TERM VARIATION IN COMPOSITION AND NEUTRON YIELD IN PILE PLUTONIUM

The neutron economy of a thermal reactor or system of reactors using Pu239 as fuel for long time periods is examined. In the first case treated, only the change in neutron absorption and production...
Photochemical degradation of flavins : V. Chromatographic studies of the products of photolysis of riboflavin

Abstract A new solvent system for thin-layer chromatography of flavins has been described which gives improved resolution of some of the products of flavin photolysis. Using this system, two new major products, designated “A” and “C”, and numerous minor products,in addition to previously identified products, have been shown to result from the anaerobic photolysis of riboflavin. A study was made of the occurrence of these compounds under conditions of varying pH, wavelength, and time of irradiation. Employing a combination of chromatography, photolysis, and chemical tests, compounds “A” and “C” have tentatively been identified as flavins with a 5-membered side-chain in which one of the hydroxyl groups has been oxidized to a carbonyl group.
Use of Visual Supports with Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Visual supports are a commonly used intervention strategy for individuals on the autism spectrum. Broadly defined as “tools presented visually that support an individual as he or she moves through the…day” Hume (2008), visual supports take on a number of forms and functions. These include, but are not limited to, photographs, icons, written words, objects, furniture arrangement, schedules, maps, labels, organizational systems, timelines, and scripts Hume (2008) and have proven effective in both increasing prosocial behavior (i.e., task engagement, independent performance) and decreasing maladaptive behavior (i.e., self-injurious behavior) across age ranges and settings. Visual supports are recognized as an evidence-based practice by the National Professional Development Center (NPDC) (Odom et al. 2010) and schedules, one example of a visual support, are deemed an established treatment by the National Autism Center’s National Standards Project (National Autism Center’s National Standards Project (NSP) (2009).
Koorah Coolingah— Children Long Ago: Art from the Stolen Generation of Australia

Recently, artwork of child artists from the Carrolup settlement school in Western Australia was rediscovered in the archives of the Picker Art Gallery at Colgate University. The young artists were among what was then called the half-caste children and now known as the Stolen Generation. Between the late 1800s and mid 1970s the Australian government forcibly removed children from their families with the purpose of not only assimilating them into European culture, but also eliminating Aboriginal culture. With the support of a dedicated new headmaster and teacher Noel White (1946-1951), a group of male children became proficient artists. Through the efforts of Florence Rutter, who later co-authored the book Child Artists of the Australian Bush (Miller & Rutter, 1952), the children became internationally known. Tragically leading short and sometimes violent lives, most of the children went on to menial jobs. Their style, however, has remained an enduring influence on the local artists of southwestern Australia.
Utilization of integrative medicine differs by age among pediatric oncology patients.

PURPOSE Coping with symptoms related to cancer treatment is challenging for pediatric patients with cancer and their caregivers. Additionally, caring for pediatric patients requires specialized expertise to incorporate age-appropriate interventions to improve outcomes. Despite the increase in pediatric inpatient integrative medicine (IM) therapies, there is a paucity of knowledge about whether the utilization of IM therapies differs by patient age. METHODS We conducted a retrospective analysis on IM utilization among pediatric inpatients between 2008 and 2016 in a tertiary urban cancer center using electronic medical records. Multivariable logistic regression models examined the relationship between age and specific type of IM utilization, adjusting for specific demographic factors. RESULTS Between 2008 and 2016, the pediatric inpatient IM service had 20 686 visits and treated 1877 unique patients. A significant age difference (P < 0.001) by modality was noted: dance therapy (mean age ± standard deviation: 5.9 ± 5.3 years), music therapy (8.0±7.0 years), mind-body therapies (13.0 ± 7.7 years), massage (14.5 ± 7.8 years), and acupuncture (20.0 ± 7.9 years). In multivariable analysis, the association between age and use of specific IM therapies remained significant (P < 0.001 for all). CONCLUSION Specific types of inpatient IM therapy usage significantly differed by the age of pediatric patients with cancer; therefore, designing and providing age-appropriate IM interventions with consideration for developmental stage are needed to ensure that the most appropriate and effective therapies are provided to children with cancer.
The Evaluation of Optimization Software for Engineering Design

The design and implementation of two major comparative experiments is reviewed with particular emphasis on testing methodology. These studies took place at Purdue University. The first, an investigation of the merits of general purpose nonlinear programming codes with major funding from the National Science Foundation, was conducted over the period 1973 to 1977. The second, an investigation of the relative merits of various geometric programming strategies and their code implementations with funding from the Office of Naval Research, was conducted over the period 1974 to 1978. The various major decisions associated with such studies are discussed, such as the selection and collection of problems and codes, the nature of data to be collected, evaluation criteria, ranking schemes, presentation and distribution of results, and the technical design of the experiment itself. The statistical implications of the results in light of the experiment design are examined, as are the effects of various experiment parameters Such as number of variables, number of constraints, degree of nonlinearity in the objective and constraints, and starting point placement. Finally, recommendations for future experiments are given.
The Political Influence of Voters’ Interests on SEC Enforcement

I examine whether political influence as a response to voters’ interest in employment levels is reflected in the enforcement actions of the SEC. I find that large employers are less likely to experience SEC enforcement actions. Next, I examine whether variations in politicians’ sensitivity to employment levels result in variations in enforcement against large employers. I find that large employers are less likely to face enforcement actions during presidential elections if they are based in politically important states. Large employers also face fewer enforcement actions if they are based in high‐unemployment states during elections of senators who serve on SEC oversight committees. Large employers based in high‐unemployment districts enjoy lower enforcement if their members of Congress serve on SEC oversight committees. The findings suggest that voters’ interests are reflected in SEC enforcement. L'influence politique des interets des electeurs sur les decisions de la SEC L'auteur se demande si l'influence politique en reponse a l'interet des electeurs pour les niveaux d'emploi se reflete dans les mesures d'execution prises par la Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Il constate que les gros employeurs sont moins susceptibles de faire l'objet de mesures d'execution de la SEC. L'auteur se demande ensuite si les variations dans la sensibilite des politiciens aux niveaux d'emploi se traduit par des variations dans les mesures d'execution prises a l'endroit des gros employeurs. Les gros employeurs, observe‐t‐il, sont moins susceptibles de faire l'objet de mesures d'execution en temps d'elections presidentielles s'ils sont etablis dans des Etats politiquement importants. Les gros employeurs sont egalement soumis moins que les autres a des mesures d'execution s'ils sont etablis dans des Etats ou le taux de chomage est eleve, en temps d'election de senateurs siegeant aux comites de surveillance de la SEC. Les gros employeurs etablis dans des districts ou le taux de chomage est eleve risquent moins d'etre exposes a des mesures d'execution si leurs representants au Congres siegent aux comites de surveillance de la SEC. Ces constatations semblent indiquer que les interets des electeurs se refletent dans les decisions de la SEC.
Multiscale analysis for higher-order tensors

The widespread use of multisensor technology and the emergence of big datasets have created the need to develop tools to reduce, approximate, and classify large and multimodal data such as higher-order tensors. While early approaches focused on matrix- and vector-based methods to represent these higher-order data, more recently it has been shown that tensor decomposition methods are better equipped to capture couplings across their different modes. For these reasons, tensor decomposition methods have found applications in many different signal processing problems including dimensionality reduction, signal separation, linear regression, feature extraction, and classification. However, most of the existing tensor decomposition methods are based on the principle of finding a low-rank approximation in a linear subspace structure, where the definition of rank may change depending on the particular decomposition. Since many datasets are not necessarily low-rank in a linear subspace, this often results in high approximation errors or low compression rates. In this paper, we introduce a new adaptive, multi-scale tensor decomposition method for higher-order data inspired by hybrid linear modeling and subspace clustering techniques. In particular, we develop a multi-scale higher-order singular value decomposition (MS-HoSVD) approach where a given tensor is first permuted and then partitioned into several sub-tensors each of which can be represented as a low-rank tensor with increased representational efficiency. The proposed approach is evaluated for dimensionality reduction and classification for several different real-life tensor signals with promising results.
Airborne microorganisms in a subterranean archaeological area of the basilica of San Lorenzo in Lucina (Rome)

The basilica of San Lorenzo in Lucina in Rome was built in the fifth century on the foundations of a Roman insula used for dwellings and commercial activities, where the first Christian communities had held their meetings. This archaeological area is still rather isolated since it can only be visited by groups for one/two hours once a month. Such a situation is ideal for studying both the quantity of microorganisms in the air under undisturbed conditions and/or conveyed by visitors. The biodeterioration of subterranean remains is determined by the development of bacteria, cyanobacteria, actinomycetes, algae and fungi. On the walls of this underground archaeological area the main form of alteration is the efflorescence.
Why Should Corporations Partner With Social Enterprises and Entrepreneurs

Every business strives to increase its productivity and stay sustainable. In order to maintain existing markets and enter new ones, businesses will collaborate and partner with various stakeholders. Most of the major issues confronting our society, including the environment, require strong partnerships. A growing number of startups support positive social and environmental changes—these startups are comprised of social entrepreneurs or socially responsible companies. This article discusses the opportunity businesses might have in partnering with social enterprises or by making a social enterprise a supply chain member. Some simple examples of social enterprises as a focal firm or an integrated member of a supply chain provide insights into this relationship. This article highlights benefits companies might experience from partnering with social enterprises.
A contextualist approach to emergence

What is exactly the emergence relation? In which sense is irreducibility associated with it besides being assumed by definition? Although in many cases the explanatory role of emergent states does not exceed the explanatory role of more basic states, this does not speak against the fact that, for some relevant explanatory contexts, emergent states are irreducible. On this basis, an epistemic concept of the emergence relation that does not depend strictly on irreducibility is here offered.
Genetic variant burden and adverse outcomes in pediatric cardiomyopathy.

Background Previous genetic research in pediatric cardiomyopathy (CM) has focused on pathogenic variants for diagnostic purposes, with limited data evaluating genotype-outcome correlations. We explored whether greater genetic variant burden (pathogenic or variants of unknown significance, VUS) correlates with worse outcomes. Methods Children with dilated CM (DCM) and hypertrophic CM (HCM) who underwent multigene testing between 2010 and 2018 were included. Composite endpoint was freedom from major adverse cardiac event (MACE). Results Three hundred and thirty-eight subjects were included [49% DCM, median age 5.7 (interquartile range (IQR) 0.2-13.4) years, 51% HCM, median age 3.0 (IQR 0.1-12.5) years]. Pathogenic variants alone were not associated with MACE in either cohort (DCM p = 0.44; HCM p = 0.46). In DCM, VUS alone [odds ratio (OR) 4.0, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.9-8.3] and in addition to pathogenic variants (OR 5.2, 95% CI 1.7-15.9) was associated with MACE. The presence of VUS alone or in addition to pathogenic variants were not associated with MACE in HCM (p = 0.22 and p = 0.33, respectively). Conclusion Increased genetic variant burden (pathogenic variants and VUS) is associated with worse clinical outcomes in DCM but not HCM. Genomic variants that influence DCM onset may be distinct from those driving disease progression, highlighting the potential value of universal genetic testing to improve risk stratification. Impact In pediatric CM, inconsistent findings historically have been shown between genotype and phenotype severity when only pathogenic variants have been considered.Increased genetic variant burden (including both pathogenic variants and VUS) is associated with worse clinical outcomes in DCM but not HCM.Genomic variants that influence CM onset may be distinct from those variants that drive disease progression and influence outcomes in phenotype-positive individuals.Incorporation of both pathogenic variants and VUS may improve risk stratification models in pediatric CM.
Direct evaluation of the phase diagrams of dense multicomponent plasmas by integration of the Clapeyron equations.

Accurate phase diagrams of multicomponent plasmas are required for the modeling of dense stellar plasmas, such as those found in the cores of white dwarf stars and the crusts of neutron stars. Those phase diagrams have been computed using a variety of standard techniques, which suffer from physical and computational limitations. Here we present an efficient and accurate method that overcomes the drawbacks of previously used approaches. In particular, finite-size effects are avoided as each phase is calculated separately; the plasma electrons and volume changes are explicitly taken into account; and arbitrary analytic fits to simulation data as well as particle insertions are avoided. Furthermore, no simulations at ``uninteresting'' state conditions, i.e., away from the phase coexistence curves, are required, which improves the efficiency of the technique. The method consists of an adaptation of the so-called Gibbs-Duhem integration approach to electron-ion plasmas, where the coexistence curve is determined by direct numerical integration of its underlying Clapeyron equation. The thermodynamics properties of the coexisting phases are evaluated separately using Monte Carlo simulations in the isobaric semigrand canonical ensemble ($\mathrm{NPT}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}\ensuremath{\mu}$). We describe this Monte Carlo-based Clapeyron integration method, including its basic physical and numerical principles, our extension to electron-ion plasmas, and our numerical implementation. We illustrate its applicability and benefits with the calculation of the melting curve of dense carbon-oxygen plasmas under conditions relevant for the cores of white dwarf stars and provide analytic fits to implement this new melting curve in white dwarf models. While this work focuses on the liquid-solid phase boundary of dense two-component plasmas, a wider range of physical systems and phase boundaries are within the scope of the Clapeyron integration method, which had until now only been applied to simple model systems of neutral particles.
Increasing Aggression During the COVID-19 Lockdowns.

Abstract Background To combat the spread of COVID-19, many communities implemented restrictions on personal movement, often referred to as “lockdowns.” We hypothesized that continued lockdowns might be associated with increased feelings of aggression. Methods Over the first six months of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ) was administered to a total of 5,928 adults distributed proportionally from across the United States during independent online cross-sectional surveys collected each month. Data across the 6-month period were compared between those under lockdown versus those not under such restrictions. Results BPAQ Total Aggression scores showed a significant main effect for both month and lockdown status as well as a significant interaction effect, with increasing scores evident for those reporting that they were under lockdown relative to those reporting no restrictions. This same pattern was evident for all four subscales of the BPAQ, including Physical Aggression, Verbal Aggression, Anger, and Hostility. Limitations Random sampling of the entire population was not possible, so generalization of the results should be made with caution. Additionally, data were collected cross-sectionally and cannot be considered to reflect longitudinal change within individuals. Finally, the cross-sectional survey design means that it is impossible to infer that the lockdowns caused the increase in aggression. Conclusions Lockdowns were associated with elevated levels of aggression that were higher in later months of the national pandemic response.
The price adjustment hazard function: Evidence from high inflation periods

Abstract The price adjustment hazard function - the probability of a good’s price changing as a function of its price misalignment - enables the examination of the relationship between price stickiness and monetary non-neutrality without specifying a micro-founded model, as discussed by Caballero and Engel (1993a, 2007). Using the micro data underlying the U.S. Consumer Price Index going back to the 1970s, we estimate the hazard function relying on empirical patterns from high and low inflation periods. We find that the relation between inflation and higher moments of the price change distribution is particularly informative for the shape of the hazard function. Our estimated hazard function is relatively flat with positive values at zero. It implies weak price selection and a high degree of monetary non-neutrality: about 60% of the degree implied by the Calvo model, and much higher than what menu cost models imply. In addition, our estimated function is asymmetric: price increases are considerably more likely to occur than price decreases of the same magnitude.
Social media use and systemic inflammation: The moderating role of self-esteem.

Social media use has become an important part of social life. However, little is known about its relation to physical health. Extending prior work on social media use and psychological well-being, the present research investigated how social media use is associated with a key indicator of health, systemic inflammation. Based on research on self-esteem and work on inflammation, the current study examined whether the link between social media use and inflammatory biomarkers would be moderated by self-esteem. A nationally probablistic sample of middle-aged adults (N ​= ​863) completed self-report questionnaires on social media use, self-esteem, socio-demographic information, and health related behaviors. Approximately two years later, they provided a blood sample that was analyzed for C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), biomarkers of systemic inflammation. Consistent with our hypothesis, self-esteem moderated the association between social media use and these markers of inflammation. Specifically, as self-esteem decreased, the positive association of social media use with CRP and IL-6 became stronger. These results held after controlling for socio-demographic information, health status, depressive symptoms, and medication usage. Social media use was not significantly correlated with either CRP or IL-6. The present research demonstrates physical health correlates of social media use and suggests self-esteem as a key variable that can moderate the relation between social media use and health.
Dynamic interface rearrangement in LaFeO 3 / n − SrTiO 3 heterojunctions

Thin-film synthesis methods that have developed over the past decades have unlocked emergent interface properties ranging from conductivity to ferroelectricity. However, our attempts to exercise precise control over interfaces are constrained by a limited understanding of growth pathways and kinetics. Here we demonstrate that shuttered molecular beam epitaxy induces rearrangements of atomic planes at a polar/nonpolar junction of ${\mathrm{LaFeO}}_{3}$ (LFO)/$n\text{\ensuremath{-}}{\mathrm{SrTiO}}_{3}$ (STO) depending on the substrate termination. Surface characterization confirms that substrates with two different $({\mathrm{TiO}}_{2}$ and SrO) terminations were prepared prior to LFO deposition; however, local electron-energy-loss spectroscopy measurements of the final heterojunctions show a predominantly LaO/${\mathrm{TiO}}_{2}$ interfacial junction in both cases. Ab initio simulations suggest that the interfaces can be stabilized by trapping extra oxygen (in LaO/${\mathrm{TiO}}_{2})$ and forming oxygen vacancies (in ${\mathrm{FeO}}_{2}$/SrO), which points to different growth kinetics in each case and may explain the apparent disappearance of the ${\mathrm{FeO}}_{2}$/SrO interface. We conclude that judicious control of deposition time scales can be used to modify growth pathways, opening new avenues to control the structure and properties of interfacial systems.
Lysogeny, Prophage Induction, and Lysogenic Conversion

Temperate phages can carry genes that affect the phenotype and behavior of their bacterial host. These genes can be considered extra genetic material in that they are not necessary for viral lytic growth or for the lysogenic lifestyle. This chapter describes circumstances under which foreign genes can be expressed. It first considers the life cycle of temperate phages. With this background, it then describes how foreign genes can be expressed in the lysogenic state. It then turns to a more detailed description of a particular temperate phage λ, with an emphasis on the regulatory mechanisms that are best understood for this phage. This description will facilitate an understanding of how foreign genes can be expressed during the process of prophage induction, and a particular example will be described. Importantly, for lysogenic conversion to occur, it is not necessary that the prophage remains functional as a virus that is capable of prophage induction or lytic growth. Foreign genes are most commonly expressed from a prophage in the lysogenic state. This pattern of expression is often termed lysogenic conversion, since it can change or convert the phenotype of the bacterial host. The chapter also reviews the gene organization of phage λ and then briefly describes the pattern of expression of these genes during lytic growth. RecA plays a central role in homologous recombination and DNA repair, catalyzing a complex set of DNA strand transfer reactions.
WE-D-207-00: CT Lung Cancer Screening and the Medical Physicist: Moving Forward

In the United States, Lung Cancer is responsible for more cancer deaths than the next four cancers combined. In addition, the 5 year survival rate for lung cancer patients has not improved over the past 40 to 50 years. To combat this deadly disease, in 2002 the National Cancer Institute launched a very large Randomized Control Trial called the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST). This trial would randomize subjects who had substantial risk of lung cancer (due to age and smoking history) into either a Chest X-ray arm or a low dose CT arm. In November 2010, the National Cancer Institute announced that the NLST had demonstrated 20% fewer lung cancer deaths among those who were screened with low-dose CT than with chest X-ray. In December 2013, the US Preventive Services Task Force recommended the use of Lung Cancer Screening using low dose CT and a little over a year later (Feb. 2015), CMS announced that Medicare would also cover Lung Cancer Screening using low dose CT. Thus private and public insurers are required to provide Lung Cancer Screening programs using CT to the appropriate population(s). The purpose of this Symposium is to inform medical physicists and prepare them to support the implementation of Lung Screening programs. This Symposium will focus on the clinical aspects of lung cancer screening, requirements of a screening registry for systematically capturing and tracking screening patients and results (such as required Medicare data elements) as well as the role of the medical physicist in screening programs, including the development of low dose CT screening protocols. Learning Objectives: 1. To understand the clinical basis and clinical components of a lung cancer screening program, including eligibility criteria and other requirements. 2. To understand the data collection requirements, workflow, and informatics infrastructure needed to support the tracking and reporting components of a screening program. 3. To understand the role of the medical physicist in implementing Lung Cancer Screening protocols for CT, including utilizing resources such as the AAPM Protocols and the ACR Designated Lung Screening Center program. UCLA Department of Radiology has an Institutional research agreement with Siemens Healthcare; Dr. McNitt-Gray has been a recipient of Research Support from Siemens Healthcare in the past. Dr. Aberle has been a Member of Advisory Boards for the LUNGevity Foundation (2011-present) and Siemens Medical Solutions. (2013).
Treatment of Adolescent Eating Disorders: Progress and Challenges

OBJECTIVE: Although eating disorders are common psychiatric disorders that usually onset during adolescence, few evidence-based treatments for this age group have been identified. A critical review of treatments used for Anorexia Nervosa (AN) and Bulimia Nervosa (BN) and related conditions (EDNOS) is provided that summarizes the rationale for the treatments, evidence of effectiveness available, and outcomes. METHOD: Critical review of published randomized clinical trials (RCTs). RESULTS: There are only seven published RCTs of psychotherapy for AN in adolescents with a total of 480 subjects. There are only two published RCTs for outpatient psychotherapy for adolescent BN with a total of 165 subjects. There are no published RCTs examining medications for adolescent AN or BN. For adolescent AN, Family-Based Treatment (FBT) is the treatment with the most evidence supporting its use. Three RCTs suggest that FBT is superior to individual therapy at the end of treatment; however, at follow-up differences between individual and family approaches are generally reduced. For adolescent BN, one study found no differences between Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and FBT at the end of treatment or follow-up, while the other found FBT superior to individual therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Although the evidence remains limited, FBT appears to be the first line treatment for adolescent AN. There is little evidence to support a specific treatment for adolescent BN. There is a need for additional studies of treatment of child and adolescent eating disorders. New treatments studies may build on current evidence as well as examine new approaches based on novel findings in the neurosciences about cognitive and emotional processes in eating disorders.