cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CONTRACTILE PROPERTIES OF THE MUSCLES OF MASTICATION OF RHESUS MONKEYS (MACACA MULATTA) FOLLOWING INCREASE IN MUSCLE LENGTH

The hypothesis was tested that increasing the resting length of the masseter and temporalis muscles by a bite-opening appliance with or without detachment and re-attachment of the masseter would not affect the contractile properties of these muscles. Appliances opened the bite of 10 adult female monkeys 20 mm. Five received the appliance alone (Group A); five received the appliance and in addition the masseter was detached and re-attached (Group ADR). Comparisons were made 48 weeks later. Small bundles of fibres were excised from the masseter and temporalis muscles of experimental animals and from 8 control animals. Isometric and isotonic contractile properties were measured in vitro and fibre classification and fibre areas were determined histochemically. No significant differences were observed within either masseter or temporalis muscles between animals in Groups A and ADR. In both groups, the bundles of fibres from the masseter had prolonged contraction and relaxation times compared to control masseter muscles but no difference was observed in the percentage of Type II fibres. As detachment and re-attachment had no significant effect on morphological or physiological characteristics, other than those due to lengthening, this procedure may be useful in decreasing the passive tension induced when orthognathic surgery increases muscle length. The significant prolongation of the contractile response of the masseter is similar to the adaptation induced by long-term stimulation at low frequency.
Identification of Bacterial Species in the Hemolymph of Queen Solenopsis invicta (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Evidence that symbiotic microorganisms can impact the development and fitness of insects has been shown in many species. Hemolymph-associated symbiotic bacteria have been identified in larvae of Solenopsis invicta Buren, the red imported fire ant; however, their association with adult red imported fire ants and the mode by which these organisms are transmitted from queens to offspring are not well known. In this study, Bacillus spp. bacteria were routinely recovered in the hemolymph of queen S. invicta. Genetic analysis of the 16S gene confirmed the most common bacteria isolated were Bacillus spp.; several Staphylococcus species were also collected. Ovaries from reproductive and nonreproductive queens, freshly laid eggs, first-instar larvae, and hemolymph were collected from queens and analyzed for the presence of specific Bacillus spp. bacteria. It was indicated that these bacteria may be transmitted vertically from queen to progeny.
Synthesis and properties of poly(1,2–8,9-trans-quinacridono)

The aromatic ladder polymer, poly(1,2–8,9-trans-quinacridono) (PQ) has been synthesized. The intermediate polymer was also characterized. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and conductivity measurements were made on PQ. PQ packs in nematic liquid crystal form. Iodine intercalates and destroys the order during doping, while raising its conductivity by five orders of magnitude.
Identification and Characterization of the DdlB, FtsQ and FtsA Genes Upstream of FtsZ in Bartonella bacilliformis and Bartonella henselae

Homologues of the cell division protein FtsZ were previously identified in Bartonella bacilliformis and Bartonella henselae. We report herein that ftsZ is located at the distal end of an operon that includes ddlB, ftsQ, and ftsA. These genes code for homologues of D-alanine D-alanine ligase, an enzyme involved in cell wall biosynthesis, and FtsQ, and FtsA, which are involved in cell division. The DdlB, FtsQ, and FtsA proteins from Bartonella species are most homologous to proteins in closely related species from the Order Rhizobiales, such as Brucella sp., Agrobacterium tumefaciens, and M. loti. The organization of the genes within the ddlB-ftsZ operon of B. bacilliformis and B. henselae (5'ddlB-ftsQ-ftsA-ftsZ 3') is similar to that of Mesorhizobium loti and Escherichia coli. We report the localization of three promoter regions within the ddlB-ftsA sequence of B. bacilliformis that may enhance the transcription of ftsZ mRNA. A promoter region was also identified upstream of the ddlB gene.
Effect of Corporate Leniency Program on Cartel Dissolution under Market Uncertainty

Cartelists operate in an uncertain environment, facing market demand uncertainty and the possibility of being detected by the antitrust agency. We develop a dynamic model in which an incumbent cartel decides whether or not to voluntarily dissolve the cartel based on the observed profit and the antitrust agency’s cartel deterrence index when there is leniency program available and when there is none. We find that the government does not have to spend equal amount of resources on cartel detection and prosecution across industries. Based on the market structure such as the concentration level, demand elasticity, industry size, and the cost of entry which determine excess profits jointly, the antitrust agency might be able to use appropriate damage multiplier and allocate just a small amount of resources to result in the self-dissolution of the ongoing hard-core cartels if there is no leniency program. With the introduction of a leniency program, even less resources can be enough to deter cartel operation. Our paper sheds light on the effective allocation of current antitrust resources to limit cartel operation in different industries, and how to evaluate the effect of the leniency program on the cartel’s voluntary dissolution decision.
A Critical Evaluation Of Empirical Non-Linear Control System And System Dynamics Modeling Theories For Mitigating Risks Arising From Bullwhip Effect

Bullwhip effect is a threat observed in multi-echelon supply chains, which is one of the prominent indicators of inefficiencies in a supply chain. Primarily, bullwhip effect occurs as a result of disruptions in information and materials flow, lead-time delays, lack of coordination, and panic stocking amidst visibility into local risk factors. When bullwhip effect occurs, the demand variations entering the supply chain from the customer end amplifies gradually as it flows upstream towards the supplier ends. This may cause unused inventory and may later lead to wastage and obsolescence. Bullwhip effect can be curbed through many approaches. This study has focused on control theory approach that promotes small-scale control behaviors throughout the supply chain to dampen the bullwhip tidal waves. The approach investigated in this research is a combination of control system modeling and systems dynamics modeling, which is not researched adequately by bullwhip academics. Based on the investigations, a six-step approach for reducing Bullwhip effect is proposed in this research and illustrated with examples. The six-step approach comprises of first-level multi-echelon survey to derive the initial system dynamics model, second-level survey to collect primary data for all the variables and relationships formed, principal component analysis and Cronbach Alpha / split-half testing for reliability, verification, and validity testing and exploring the best optimal construct using structural equation modeling, and finally, applying controllers to the optimal systems dynamics model through interpretive analysis of the model.
Putting Effective Anti-Corruption Compliance Programs into Practice: Technology and Data Considerations

Global anti-corruption enforcement activity focuses on sanctioning organizations and individuals for violating anti-corruption laws. As part of the sentencing process, regulators have emphasized remediation efforts companies must undertake so that violations are proactively detected before they occur. For these purposes, companies have to institute and maintain effective compliance programs that evolve with changing laws and business conditions globally. Drawing from resolved enforcement actions and guidance provided by regulators, I examine best practices to achieve an effective compliance program. As an overarching point, I believe it is imperative for companies to leverage the most current technology solutions to implement an effective compliance program. I discuss the components and functionality of an integrated technology solution designed for anti-corruption compliance.
From development to implementation—A smartphone and email-based discharge follow-up program for pediatric patients after hospital discharge

The purpose of this case study was to investigate opportunities to electronically enhance the transitions of care for both patients and providers and to describe the process of development and implementation of such tools. We describe the current challenges and fragmentation of care for pediatric patients and families being discharged from inpatient stays, and review barriers to change in practice. Care transitions vary in the complexity of the clinical and social scenarios and no one-size-fits-all approach works for every patient, provider or hospital system. A substantial challenge that providers who are designing and implementing digital tools for patients surrounds the complexity in building such tools to apply to such broad populations. Our case study provides a framework using a multidisciplinary approach, brainstorming and rapid digital prototyping to build an in-house electronic discharge follow-up platform. In describing this process, we review design and implementation measures that may further support digital tool development in other areas.
117 DEVELOPMENT OF A NONINVASIVE, FECAL PROTEIN PREGNANCY TEST FOR POLAR BEARS

Differentiating between pregnancy and nonpregnancy noninvasively is difficult in species that experience pseudopregnancy, including polar bears (Ursus maritimus). These bears usually breed in the spring, undergo delayed implantation until late summer or early fall, and give birth in late fall. In other species, the placental protein transthyretin (TTR) has been shown to be essential for early fetal growth, responsible for transporting thyroid hormone from the mother to the fetus during early pregnancy. Preliminary data obtained via 2D-DIGE indicated that fecal TTR is elevated during polar bear pregnancy, but further research is needed to validate its use as an accurate biomarker of pregnancy. The aim of this study was to develop a bench-side assay to characterize TTR in longitudinal fecal samples from pregnant and nonpregnant polar bears. Specific objectives were to 1) develop an effective method for total fecal protein extraction; 2) identify antibodies that cross-react with polar bear fecal TTR; 3) validate an EIA for measuring fecal TTR; and, for proof of concept, 4) compare fecal TTR concentrations among pregnant, pseudopregnant, and nonpregnant polar bears. Fecal samples (n = 205) were collected from females that produced cubs (pregnant; n = 2), did not breed but exhibited a prolonged increase in progesterone (P4; pseudopregnant; n = 2), or did not breed and did not exhibit an increase in P4 (nonpregnant; n = 2). Total protein of each sample was extracted using a modified ammonium sulfate method. Protein concentrations were quantified using the Bradford assay. Western blot was used to determine commercial antibody compatibility with polar bear fecal TTR. A sandwich EIA was optimized using a standard curve ranging from 12.5 to 400 pg of human TTR/well. A parallelism was performed using two-fold serial dilutions of pooled fecal protein. Fecal TTR concentrations were measured in duplicate and are reported as femtograms of TTR per micrograms of total protein. Mean TTR concentrations in samples collected from July–December were compared among groups. Values are reported as mean ± standard error of the mean. Total fecal protein yield was 459.38 ± 284.38 µg g–1 of feces. Successful binding of 2 polyclonal antibodies to the 15-kDa subunit of the TTR protein was verified via western blot and indicated that fecal proteins can retain antibody-binding capacity. The parallelism exhibited strong correlation with the standard curve (R2 = 0.989). Data suggest that fecal TTR is higher during late summer or early fall in pregnant bears (588.40 ± 116.52) when compared to the pseudopregnant state (111.23 ± 15.98) and the nonpregnant state (250.83 ± 34.34). This is the first EIA developed to measure fecal TTR in any species. Although preliminary, these data suggest that the fecal TTR EIA may be useful in diagnosing pregnancy in polar bears.
Aggregation and Dissolution of 4 nm ZnO Nanoparticles in Aqueous Environments: Influence of pH, Ionic Strength, Size, and Adsorption of Humic Acid

Metal oxide nanoparticles are used in a wide range of commercial products, leading to an increased interest in the behavior of these materials in the aquatic environment. The current study focuses on the stability of some of the smallest ZnO nanomaterials, 4 ± 1 nm in diameter nanoparticles, in aqueous solutions as a function of pH and ionic strength as well as upon the adsorption of humic acid. Measurements of nanoparticle aggregation due to attractive particle−particle interactions show that ionic strength, pH, and adsorption of humic acid affect the aggregation of ZnO nanoparticles in aqueous solutions, which are consistent with the trends expected from Derjaguin−Landau−Verwey−Overbeek (DLVO) theory. Measurements of nanoparticle dissolution at both low and high pH show that zinc ions can be released into the aqueous phase and that humic acid under certain, but not all, conditions can increase Zn2+(aq) concentrations. Comparison of the dissolution of ZnO nanoparticles of different nanoparticle diameters...
Application of CCI bypass control system to supercritical Unit

This paper introduces the control principle and control process of CCI bypass control system,and formulates the application of CCI bypass system to 600MW supercritical Unit.This paper is valuable to unit of using or to be using CCI bypass system.
Monitoring of Subvisible Particles in Therapeutic Proteins

The unintended presence of particulate matter in injectable products is an indicator of the quality of the product. Subvisible particulates have historically been monitored through methods such as light obscuration and membrane microscopy, as outlined in the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) General Chapter or the equivalent Ph Eur 2.9.19 and the Japanese Pharmacopeia General Chapter 20. These methods were designed to protect patients against the risk of capillary occlusion though the infusion of "foreign" particulate matter. With the development and commercialization of protein therapeutics, the application of these methods has to be adapted to the special requirements posed by such products. Apart from the "foreign" particulates, therapeutic protein products may also contain particulates that are inherent to the product, arising as a consequence of protein self-association or aggregation. The nature of these inherent "proteinaceous" particulates is generally different than the traditional "foreign" particulates. Proteinaceous particulates tend to be of an amorphous irregular morphology, soft, with a refractive index resulting in low contrast against an aqueous background, making them more difficult to detect and count compared to the "foreign" particulates. The growing realization of the importance of monitoring all (foreign as well as inherent) particulates in therapeutic protein products has led to a number of developments in this area including techniques of measurement. Here, we summarize a number of the procedures used for subvisible particle measurements, with new techniques as well as refinements to existing techniques.
Health Web: An Internet collaboration

Description du site HealthWeb, site recensant- apres evaluation- les ressources Internet relatives a la sante. Site realise en collaboration entre bibliothecaires de campus differents
A Virtual Reality Curriculum for Pediatric Residents Decreases Rates of Influenza Vaccine Refusal.

Abstract Objective Influenza vaccine hesitancy is common in the primary care setting. Though physicians can affect caregivers' attitudes toward vaccination, physicians report uneasiness discussing vaccine hesitancy. Few studies have targeted physician–patient communication training as a means to decrease vaccination refusal. Methods An immersive virtual reality (VR) curriculum was created to teach pediatric residents communication skills when discussing influenza vaccine hesitancy. This pilot curriculum consisted of 3 VR simulations during which residents counseled graphical character representatives (avatars) who expressed vaccine hesitancy. Participants were randomized to the intervention (n = 24) or control (n = 21) group. Only residents in the intervention group underwent the VR curriculum. Impact of the curriculum was assessed through difference in influenza vaccine refusal rates between the intervention and control groups in the 3 months after the VR curriculum. Results Participants included postgraduate level (PL) 2 and PL3 pediatric residents. All eligible residents (n = 45) participated; the survey response rate was 100%. In patients aged 6 to 59 months, residents in the intervention group had a decreased rate of influenza vaccination refusal in the postcurriculum period compared to the control group (27.8% vs 37.1%; P = .03). Conclusions Immersive VR may be an effective modality to teach communication skills to medical trainees. Next steps include evaluation of the curriculum in a larger, multisite trial.
Conservative management options for morbidly adherent placenta

Background: Morbidly adherent placenta is still a very significant cause of obstetric hemorrhage. Methods: A retrospective, descriptive study was undertaken over a period of one and a half year in a tertiary care hospital of all diagnosed cases of morbidly adherent placenta which were managed conservatively and the maternal and perinatal outcomes were noted. Preparation for conservative management of cases of adherent placenta in the antenatal period included informing interventional radiologists and placement of internal iliac balloon catheters just before classical caesarean section. Post-operative methotrexate was used in a few patients. Results: 11 cases of morbidly adherent placenta diagnosed on Doppler ultrasound scan, and confirmed by MRI were identified. All patients underwent classical caesarean section. 9 patients had internal iliac balloon placement. 5 patients received methotrexate. 3 patients required obstetric hysterectomy. 1 maternal and 2 perinatal mortalities were noted. Conclusions: Interventional radiology and methotrexate can be used to avoid peripartum hysterectomy and to optimize maternal and perinatal outcome.
Adolescent Rampage School Shootings: Responses to Failing Masculinity Performances by Already-Troubled Boys

This research considers the role of failing masculinity in rampage school shootings committed by adolescents. Examined is the thesis that these young shooters experience a discrediting of their enactment of a traditional normative masculinity, wellknown in U.S. culture and particularly salient in boys’ achievement of insider status in middle and high school; viewing their classmates’ rebuffs as undeserved injustices, the boys become increasingly angry and more violent in their gendered practice, culminating in the rampage school shooting. Data from a sample of all identifiable adolescent rampage school shooters in the U.S. from 1995 through 2015 (31 shooters, 29 shootings) who met the definitional criteria were examined for ways in which factors linked to school shooters in the research literature are gendered and reflected in the shooters’ social performances at school. Also explored were personal troubles of school shooters identified in prior research that might contribute to the boys’ gendered failings, and to the rampage itself. Results support the above thesis, as well as the existence of sub-groupings differentiated by type of personal trouble. These sub-groupings also differed in the distribution and intensify of insider masculinity-related behaviors, including the planning and execution of the shooting itself. Based on the findings from this study, interventions for the prevention of adolescent rampage school shootings are suggested.
Quality assurance of online courses

One type wanted to use distance learning technology to increase enrollments, often by reaching out to certain types of people who would not otherwise get an education. Some reviewers charge that these proposals were cheating students of most of the support needed for excellence: laboratories, rich libraries, interactive seminars, and informal interaction on campus. The other type of proposal used computer technology to change what students learned or how they learned. Some reviewers accused such proposals of being tiny bastions of expensive exclusivity, hoarding rich resources for the lucky or the strong, excluding the vast majority of learners who were most in need of excellent teaching. In other words, most technology proposals were designed either to enlarge the number of learners or to improve what some learners could learn, but not both. (Ehrmann, 1999)
Chronic Pulmonary Blastomycosis Mimicking Pulmonary Tuberculosis.

Introduction Blastomyces dermatitidis is a dimorphic fungus endemic to the Mississippi River valley. We describe a rare case of chronic pulmonary blastomycosis complicated by large pulmonary cavitation in a young service member who was misdiagnosed with active pulmonary tuberculosis. Case Presentation A 25-year-old active duty male presented to his primary care provider with complaints of hemoptysis, fatigue, weight loss, and fever. Computed tomography chest with contrast identified a large cavitary lesion in the right upper lobe (RUL). The patient was admitted to an outside hospital and he underwent bronchoscopy with transbronchial biopsies and bronchoalveolar lavage of the RUL. Histology and cultures were unremarkable however; Histoplasma serum antigen was positive. The patient was empirically treated for active pulmonary tuberculosis and soon discharged. He returned for medical evaluation 3 mo later with continued hemoptysis. Repeat bronchoscopy with transbronchial biopsies of the RUL cavity grew Blastomyces dermatitidis. The patient's symptoms resolved and chest imaging significantly improved with initiation of itraconazole. Discussion Chronic pulmonary blastomycosis can present with a constellation of symptoms that may be indistinguishable from chronic pulmonary histoplasmosis, pulmonary tuberculosis, or lung cancer. Knowledge of endemic diseases and a thorough travel history should be an integral part of a military physician's infectious disease evaluation.
Sexo, mentiras y documentos de archivo: un episodio del siglo XVII con una advertencia a todos los historiadores

El 13 de julio de 1672, don Jose de Calatayud y Castillo, capitan de infanteria avecindadoen La Habana, pidio a un escribano que le sacara un poder. Oriundo de Santiago de Guatemala,despues de su llegada en el puerto cubano hacia unos siete anos Calatayud se habia casado conuna mujer de buena familia y para reforzar sus pretensiones de nobleza estaba solicitando ingresocomo caballero de la Orden de Santiago. A primera vista, no habia de existir impedimentoalguno a tal pretension. El padre difunto del capitan, don Antonio de Calatayud y Sandoval,habia servido a la monarquia en muchas capacidades, como lo habian hecho tambien varios desus parientes. Por el lado de su madre, dona Barbara del Castillo, don Jose era descendiente deconquistadores y en particular de Bernal Diaz del Castillo, renombrado veterano e historiador dela conquista de la Nueva Espana. Por lo tanto, Calatayud contaba entre sus parientes algunas delas familias mas influyentes de la provincia de Guatemala.
Intestine farnesoid X receptor agonist and the gut microbiota activate G-protein bile acid receptor-1 signaling to improve metabolism

Bile acids activate farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and G protein-coupled bile acid receptor-1 (aka Takeda G protein-coupled receptor-5 [TGR5]) to regulate bile acid metabolism and glucose and insulin sensitivity. FXR and TGR5 are coexpressed in the enteroendocrine L cells, but their roles in integrated regulation of metabolism are not completely understood. We reported recently that activation of FXR induces TGR5 to stimulate glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretion to improve insulin sensitivity and hepatic metabolism. In this study, we used the intestine-restricted FXR agonist fexaramine (FEX) to study the effect of activation of intestinal FXR on the gut microbiome, bile acid metabolism, and FXR and TGR5 signaling. The current study revealed that FEX markedly increased taurolithocholic acid, increased secretion of fibroblast growth factors 15 and 21 and GLP-1, improved insulin and glucose tolerance, and promoted white adipose tissue browning in mice. Analysis of 16S ribosomal RNA sequences of the gut microbiome identified the FEX-induced and lithocholic acid-producing bacteria Acetatifactor and Bacteroides. Antibiotic treatment completely reversed the FEX-induced metabolic phenotypes and inhibited taurolithocholic acid synthesis, adipose tissue browning, and liver bile acid synthesis gene expression but further increased intestinal FXR target gene expression. FEX treatment effectively improved lipid profiles, increased GLP-1 secretion, improved glucose and insulin tolerance, and promoted adipose tissue browning, while antibiotic treatment reversed the beneficial metabolic effects of FEX in obese and diabetic mice. Conclusion This study uncovered a mechanism in which activation of intestinal FXR shaped the gut microbiota to activate TGR5/GLP-1 signaling to improve hepatic glucose and insulin sensitivity and increase adipose tissue browning; the gut microbiota plays a critical role in bile acid metabolism and signaling to regulate metabolic homeostasis in health and disease. (Hepatology 2018).
Knockout of human arylamine N‐acetyltransferase 1 (NAT1) in MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer cells leads to increased reserve capacity, maximum mitochondrial capacity, and glycolytic reserve capacity

Human arylamine N-acetyltransferase 1 (NAT1) is a phase II xenobiotic metabolizing enzyme found in almost all tissues. NAT1 can also hydrolyze acetyl-coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA) in the absence of an arylamine substrate. Expression of NAT1 varies between individuals and is elevated in several cancers including estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancers. To date, however, the exact mechanism by which NAT1 expression affects mitochondrial bioenergetics in breast cancer cells has not been described. To further evaluate the role of NAT1 in energy metabolism MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells with parental, increased, and knockout levels of NAT1 activity were compared for bioenergetics profile. Basal oxygen consumption rate (OCR) and extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) were measured followed by programmed sequential injection of Oligomycin (ATP synthase inhibitor), FCCP (ETC uncoupler), Antimycin A (Complex III inhibitor), and Rotenone (Complex I inhibitor) to evaluate mitochondrial bioenergetics. Compared to the cell lines with parental NAT1 activity, NAT1 knockout MDA-MB-231 cell lines exhibited significant differences in bioenergetics profile, while those with increased NAT1 did not. Significant increases in reserve capacity, maximum mitochondrial capacity, and glycolytic reserve capacity were observed in NAT1 knockout MDA-MB-231 cell lines compared to those with parental and increased NAT1 activity. These data indicate that NAT1 knockout in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells may enhance adaptation to stress by increasing plasticity in response to energy demand.
Existence Results for Some Stochastic Differential Equations

Chapter 5 is devoted to the study of the existence of p-th mean almost periodic solutions to some classes of nonautonomous stochastic differential equations of type $$dX(t)=A(t)X(t)dt + F(t, X(t))dt + G(t, X(t))d\mathbb{W}(t), \ \ t \in \mathbb{R},$$ where \((A(t))_{t \in \mathbb{R}}\) is a family of densely defined closed linear operators satisfying the wellknown Acquistapace-Terreni conditions, \(F : \mathbb{R} \times L^p (\Omega, \mathbb{H}) \to L^p (\Omega, \mathbb{H}) \ {\rm and} \ G : \mathbb{R} \times L^p (\Omega, \mathbb{H}) \to L^p(\Omega, \mathbb{L}^{0}_{2})\) are jointly continuous satisfying some additional conditions, and \(\mathbb{W}\) is a Q-Wiener process with values in \(\mathbb{K}\). Some sufficient conditions for the existence of p-th mean almost periodic solutions to the autonomous counterpart of the above equation are also obtained. Finally, an analysis of some N-dimensional parabolic stochastic partial differential equations is provided to illustrate the applicability of our abstract results.
Radar-Observed Bulk Microphysics of Midlatitude Leading-Line Trailing-Stratiform Mesoscale Convective Systems

AbstractIn 2013, all NEXRAD WSR-88D units in the United States were upgraded to dual polarization. Dual polarization allows for the identification of precipitation particle shape, size, orientation...
Stitching the Loop with Electronic Textiles: Promoting Equity in High School Students' Competencies and Perceptions of Computer Science

Many efforts of curricula design have concentrated on expanding participation in K-12 CS education by introducing innovative approaches but few have focused on addressing longstanding equity issues through their choices of culturally relevant materials and activities. In this paper, we describe our efforts in using electronic textiles which include Arduino-based microcontrollers that are sewn with conductive thread on fabrics to connect actuators and sensors and create interactive wearables. We report on the implementation of an electronic textiles curricular unit in the Exploring Computer Science introductory computing course in 13 high schools involving 272 high school students largely from underrepresented groups in a major metropolitan school district. We examined two issues relevant to broadening equitable participation in CS: (1) students' changed perceptions of computing, and (2) students' depth of learning of computing, circuitry and crafting in the final project. Pre/post surveys on students' perceptions of computing showed positive, significant gains in students' self-confidence in solving CS problems, fascination with computing and ability to be creative with computing. Teacher evaluations of students' final projects revealed robust learning in the areas of basic programming and computational circuitry as well as strong learning across more challenging computational concepts, with room for growth. We discuss factors that impacted student outcomes and outline steps for further analysis.
Uptake and transformation of ciprofloxacin by vetiver grass (Chrysopogon zizanioides)

Abstract Ciprofloxacin (CIP) is a synthetically produced and widely prescribed antibiotic. Due to incomplete metabolism and gut absorption, a significant portion of the consumed CIP is excreted and released into the environment through wastewater. Vetiver grass has been reported to tolerate many organic and inorganic pollutants. Our objectives were to evaluate the potential of vetiver grass to remove CIP from aquatic media with the ultimate goal of developing a plant-based method for wastewater treatment. We also examined the potential degradation/transformation of CIP in the plant and the metabolic pathways impacted by CIP. Results show that vetiver grass removed more than 80% CIP within 30 days. Ciprofloxacin elicited a stress response by inducing antioxidant enzymes, and metabolic profiling indicated an impact on key metabolic pathways. Transformation products of CIP in vetiver tissue indicate the potential role of root-associated microorganisms as well as plant metabolism in CIP degradation.
Ion-Beam Lithography

Publisher Summary The endeavor to structure to ever smaller dimensions has generated growing interest and investigations in ion-beam lithography (IBL). This chapter evaluates the potential of using ions in the micro-fabrication process, especially in the sub-micrometer and nanometer range of dimensions. The chapter discusses the physics of the various processes and their limitations to obtain an understanding of the present state of the art. IBL cannot be considered a technology at this stage of its development; however, with a very large amount of research and development in the field it can be expected to contribute significantly to the structuring and fabrication of very high resolution experimental devices, an area of investigation that is of fundamental interest. The fabrication of structures with very small dimensions is at the forefront of current research. While there is skepticism about the feasibility of miniaturizing conventional electronic devices into the nanometer range because of the effects of interconnects and cross-talk, the capabilities of focused ion beams to produce well-defined profiles of implantation and detailed structuring could offer new approaches to these problems. An area of development using nanometer structure is the fabrication of very high speed GaAs MESFETs with short gates. The most exciting potential lies in the possibilities of new devices based on the quantization effects that occur when dimensions approach 10 nm.
The Generative Adversarial Brain

The idea that the brain learns generative models of the world has been widely promulgated. Most approaches have assumed that the brain learns an explicit density model that assigns a probability to each possible state of the world. However, explicit density models are difficult to learn, requiring approximate inference techniques that may find poor solutions. An alternative approach is to learn an implicit density model that can sample from the generative model without evaluating the probabilities of those samples. The implicit model can be trained to fool a discriminator into believing that the samples are real. This is the idea behind generative adversarial algorithms, which have proven adept at learning realistic generative models. This paper develops an adversarial framework for probabilistic computation in the brain. It first considers how generative adversarial algorithms overcome some of the problems that vex prior theories based on explicit density models. It then discusses the psychological and neural evidence for this framework, as well as how the breakdown of the generator and discriminator could lead to delusions observed in some mental disorders.
Perforated Peptic Ulcer

Peptic ulcer disease has declined significantly since 1950 in industrialized nations. However, the number of patients with perforated and bleeding ulcers has been constant or has declined only slightly, except for older patients, in whom the frequency has increased. In patients with perforated ulcers, operative management is preferable to nonoperative treatment. The operative choices are simple closure of the perforation or definitive surgery. Patients who have significant risk factors should undergo simple closure. Closure of the ulcer with parietal cell vagotomy is the author’s first choice for definitive operative treatment when this procedure can be performed.
Toward Generational Improvement in Native Elder Health

Older American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) are a diverse, rapidly growing population; there is a paucity of data in the literature specific to this population. AI/AN elders represent a relatively small proportion of the overall AI/AN population, carry a high burden of chronic conditions and disability, and suffer disparate impact of social determinants of health. Most but not all of the burden of illness and disability has its origin earlier in the lifespan. There is a small set of high leverage actions that can be taken in clinical care, public health, and long-term services and supports to improve the health status of current elders. These efforts will build on the strengths and capabilities in tribe and community. Ultimately, the path to healthier AI/AN elders in the future is through investing resources to ensure that the AI/AN population is healthier across the lifespan.
Strain-induced waveguide integrated MoTe2 photodetector at 1550 nm (Conference Presentation)

In this work, we demonstrate a photodetector (PD) based on heterogeneous integration of Few-layer MoTe2 integrated on planarized and non-planarized Si waveguide operating at 1550 nm. Under a strong local tensile strain (4%), the bandgap of few layers MoTe2 shifts from 1 eV to 0.8 eV, enabling higher responsivity as compared to unstrained one.
Characteristics of patients presenting, and not presenting, to the emergency department during the early days of COVID-19

Abstract Objective Societal responses to the COVID-19 pandemic have had a substantial effect upon the number of patients seeking healthcare. An initial step in estimating the impact of these changes is characterizing the patients, visits, and diagnoses for whom care is being delayed or deferred. Methods We conducted an observational study, examining demographics and diagnoses for all patient visits to the ED of an urban Level-1 trauma center before and after the state declaration and compared them to visits from a similar period in 2019. We estimated the ratios of the before and after periods using Poisson regression, calculated the percent change with respect to 2019 for total ED visits, patient characteristics, and diagnoses, and then evaluated the interactions between each factor and the overall change in ED visits. Results There was a significant 35.2% drop in overall ED visits after the state declaration. Disproportionate declines were seen in visits by pediatric and older patients, women, and Medicare recipients as well as for presentations of syncope, cerebrovascular accidents, urolithiasis, abdominal and back pain. Significantly disproportionate increases were seen in ED visits for potential symptoms of COVID-19, including URIs, shortness of breath, and chest pain. Conclusions Patient concerns about health care settings and public health have significantly altered care-seeking during the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall and differential declines in ED visits for certain demographic groups and disease processes should prompt efforts to encourage care-seeking and research to monitor for the morbidity and mortality that is likely to result from delayed or deferred care.
Utilising an Appreciative Inquiry and Context Personalisation Design: A New Model for Library Student Workers

Academic libraries have long employed student workers to assist with routine tasks, creating beneficial outcomes for both the student and the library. Traditionally, these tasks primarily consisted...
Psychosocial stress, sleep quality and interest in mind-body integrative health sleep intervention among urban adolescents in the school-based health setting.

Abstract Background Mind-body integrative health (MBIH) interventions to improve adolescent sleep are lacking. The study characterized sleep quality and bedtime-related psychosocial stressors among urban minority adolescents, explored associations between demographics factors, stressors and sleep quality, and gauged interest in a MBIH sleep intervention. Materials and methods 167 school-based health center (SBHC) patients (mean age = 16.3; 64 % female; 68 % Latino) participated in a needs assessment as part of a quality improvement project. They reported bedtime-related psychosocial stressors using items from the Adolescent Sleep Hygiene Scale (ASHS), sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and interest in a MBIH-based sleep intervention. Chi-square and logistic regression examined associations between demographics, stressors, sleep quality, and interest in the intervention. Results 67 % had poor sleep quality. Females, compared to males, had 2.23 higher odds (95 % Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.12, 4.42) of having poor sleep quality. Nearly 80 % experienced bedtime-related stressors (25 % experienced one stressor, 17 % two stressors and 37 % three or more stressors); relative to those reporting no stressors, those reporting 3+ stressors had 3.15 higher odds (95 % CI: 1.27, 7.84) of having poor sleep quality. Most (77 %) reported they would participate in an SBHC-based intervention that utilized MBIH modalities preferring both one-on-one and group sessions. Conclusions Urban, predominantly Hispanic and Black, SBHC adolescent patients have poor sleep quality and report bedtime-related psychosocial stressors. Their interest in MBIH interventions to address sleep problems represents a unique opportunity for practitioners and complementary therapists to offer MBIH interventions to a population at high-risk for poor sleep quality.
Paleomagnetic secular variation for a 21,000-year sediment sequence from Cascade Lake, north-central Brooks Range, Arctic Alaska

Abstract. Two > 5-m-long sediment cores from Cascade Lake (68.38° N, 154.60° W), Arctic Alaska, were analyzed to quantify their paleomagnetic properties over the past 21,000 years. Alternating-field demagnetization of the natural remanent magnetization, anhysteretic remanent magnetization, isothermal remanent magnetization, and hysteresis experiments reveal a strong, well-defined characteristic remanent magnetization carried by a low coercivity magnetic component that increases up core. Maximum angular deviation values average
Consumers’ willingness to pay for information transparency at casual and fine dining restaurants

Abstract American consumer preference for restaurant food is shifting based on personal health, food quality, and environmental impact. However, data on information related to these preferences are limited. This research uses two national online surveys to examine American consumer preferences and values related to obtaining information about fish entrees served at casual (midscale) and fine dining (upscale) restaurants. Results show that consumer demand for information about fish served in restaurants varies by attribute; however, the price premium is similar for all attributes. The average price premium ranges from 12.2% to 13.4% of the given restaurant price per fish entree. Participants willing to pay higher premiums for information transparency on seafood include those who are young, male, have more children, spend more on food away from home, and have experienced fish fraud. These results help restaurateurs, food suppliers, and policymakers to adjust their food marketing strategies to satisfy consumer preferences and respond to trends.
Fabry Disease: Eighteen Mutations in the α-Galactosidase A Gene Causing the Classic Phenotype. † 599

Fabry Disease: Eighteen Mutations in the α-Galactosidase A Gene Causing the Classic Phenotype. † 599
CONTROL OF ISOLEUCINE, VALINE AND LEUCINE BIOSYNTHESIS. II. ENDPRODUCT INHIBITION BY VALINE OF ACETOHYDROXY ACID SYNTHETASE IN SALMONELLA TYPHIMURIUM.

Acetohydroxy acid synthetase, which catalyzes the synthesis of α-acetolactate and α-acetohydroxybutyrate, the first 5- and 6-carbon precursors of valine and isoleucine, respectively, has been studied in extracts of Salmonella typhimurium. Required for enzyme activity are thiamine pyrophosphate, Mg2+ and an unidentified factor which can be supplied by boiled extracts of Salmonella or yeast. The activity of the enzyme is inhibited by l-valine and a group of related compounds. Valine inhibition is noncompetitive with respect to pyruvate and thiamine pyrophosphate and is rigidly dependent on pH. Inhibition is greatest at pH 8.0, also the optimal pH for activity, and is non-existent at values less than 6.5. The sensitivity of the enzyme to valine can be removed by heat, Hg2+ or urea treatments. Glutathione is effective in restoring valine sensitivity to the Hg2+-treated enzyme. These properties indicate that this enzyme belongs to the class of proteins recently described as “allosteric” in nature.
an evaluation of a continuous tissue pH monitor in the fetal and neonatal goat

The validity of continuous tissue pH measurements was established in the fetal and neonatal goat model. Simultaneous determinations of tissue, arterial, and venous pH were done during alterations in acid-base status. A highly significant correlation was found between tissue and blood pH levels (r = 0.89, p less than 0.001). These data confirm the accuracy of the tissue pH instrumentation in predicting core blood pH status and support the potential usefulness of the instrumentation in perinatal medicine for continuous fetal acid-base monitoring.
Recent developments in endogenous growth theory

Since the late 1980s, much of the attention of macroeconomists has focused on long-term issues, specifically, on the effects of government policies on the long-term rate of economic growth. This emphasis reflects partly the recognition that the difference between prosperity and poverty for a country depends on how fast it grows over the long term. Although traditional fiscal and monetary policies matter in this context, other aspects of macroeconomic policy—broadly interpreted to encompass all aspects of government activity that matter for aggregate economic performance—are even more important.
Hollywood Ambitions: Celebrity in the Movie Age

Hollywood Ambitions is a fascinating study of how the cultural idea of Hollywood transformed notions of success, reputation, and celebrity in the first half of the twentieth-century. Marsha Orgeron...
Locating Archives within the Landscape: Records, Memory and Place

Linking archives, memory and landscape, this article considers a series of questions, and attempts to address some of them: How do archivists and scholars who concern themselves with archives think about place and its relationship to records? Why and how is place archival? How are those archival relationships expressed and what do they signify for the people inhabiting that space? What are the memory implications of the relationship between place, archives and community and how are traditional archives both the products of place as well as influencers themselves upon the landscape?
Special relative permeability functions with analytical solutions for transient flow into unsaturated rock matrix

[1] This paper presents a class of analytical solutions for transient flow into unsaturated rock matrix. These analytical solutions are derived using specially correlated, physically meaningful relative permeability and capillary functions. The transient flow processes in unsaturated rock matrix blocks are generally described by the Richards' equation. The analytical solutions describe the full transient behavior of flow into unsaturated matrix blocks and have proven (through various examples) to be useful for verifying numerical model results.
B-Cell Targeted Therapies in Systemic Sclerosis and Inflammatory Myopathies

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) and idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) are autoimmune diseases with multisystem involvement. Of late, there is a tremendous interest around the role of B-cells in the early inflammation, autoimmunity, and subsequent fibrosis both in animal and human models. There have been promising results from B-cell depletion therapy in clinical trials in both SSc and IIM. This review will concentrate on the role of B-cells in pathogenesis and the potential of B-cell targeted therapy in SSc and IIM.
Acute Pancreatitis: Revised Atlanta Classification and the Role of Cross-Sectional Imaging

OBJECTIVE. The 2012 revision of the Atlanta Classification emphasizes accurate characterization of collections that complicate acute pancreatitis: acute peripancreatic fluid collections, pseudocysts, acute necrotic collections, and walled-off necroses. As a result, the role of imaging in the management of acute pancreatitis has substantially increased. CONCLUSION. This article reviews the imaging findings associated with acute pancreatitis and its complications on cross-sectional imaging and discusses the role of imaging in light of this revision.