cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quantitation of the a priori dosimetric capabilities of spatial points in inverse planning and its significant implication in defining IMRT solution space

In inverse planning, the likelihood for the points in a target or sensitive structure to meet their dosimetric goals is generally heterogeneous and represents the a priori knowledge of the system once the patient and beam configuration are chosen. Because of this intrinsic heterogeneity, in some extreme cases, a region in a target may never meet the prescribed dose without seriously deteriorating the doses in other areas. Conversely, the prescription in a region may be easily met without violating the tolerance of any sensitive structure. In this work, we introduce the concept of dosimetric capability to quantify the a priori information and develop a strategy to integrate the data into the inverse planning process. An iterative algorithm is implemented to numerically compute the capability distribution on a case specific basis. A method of incorporating the capability data into inverse planning is developed by heuristically modulating the importance of the individual voxels according to the a priori capability distribution. The formalism is applied to a few specific examples to illustrate the technical details of the new inverse planning technique. Our study indicates that the dosimetric capability is a useful concept to better understand the complex inverse planning problem and an effective use of the information allows us to construct a clinically more meaningful objective function to improve IMRT dose optimization techniques.
Studies on surface preparation and smoothness of nanostructured Bi2Te3-based alloys by electrochemical and mechanical methods

Abstract Significant improvements in the dimensionless thermoelectric figure-of-merit (ZT) for nanostructured bismuth telluride, Bi 2 Te 3 , and its alloys have been demonstrated. In designing high-performance thermoelectric devices, variations in the thermal and electrical contact resistances due to interfacial effects between the nanostructured alloy and the metallic electrodes remain a significant issue. Smooth scratch-free surfaces should provide a baseline for contact resistance studies. In this paper, the root mean square roughness over a 10 μm 2 of nanostructured bismuth tellurium based alloys was reduced from 133 nm to 1.9 nm by a procedure consisting of electrolysis, mechanical polishing, and chemical mechanical polishing (CMP). Post-CMP cleaning was also developed to yield a wettable surface for the subsequent conformable metallization.
The attachment disorders of muscle: failure to carb-load

The dystrophin glycoprotein complex is the major transmembrane linkage in muscle cells that allows the plasma membrane to attach to the surrounding matrix. Disruption of dystrophin, which occurs in Duchenne muscular dystrophy, renders the sarcolemma fragile and susceptible to contraction-induced damage because the intracellular connection to the membrane is disrupted. In a related class of genetic diseases, mutations that disrupt the post-translational modifications on the transmembrane protein dystroglycan also lead to muscular dystrophy (Figure ​(Figure1).1). Dystroglycan is a heavily glycosylated protein that mediates muscle attachment by linking directly to matrix components with laminin globular domains including laminin-α2, agrin, and perlecan. The extra­cellular α-dystroglycan subunit undergoes extensive post-translational modification, including the unusual deposition of carbohydrate sugars onto serine/threonine residues known as O-linked glycosylation. Mutations in seven different genes that encode known or suspected glycosyltrans­ferases lead to congenital muscular dystrophy (1). The congenital muscular dystrophies may be evident at birth, often presenting as floppy infant syndrome with reduced muscle tone (2). Progressive muscle degeneration is variably present in the congenital muscular dystrophies and may be accompanied by extramuscular features including eye and brain defects. Disruption of dystroglycan’s normal post-translational processing targets tissues and cells beyond muscle, and matrix binding to dystroglycan is an important feature in many different cell types, including the brain cells (3). Figure 1 Shown is a schematic of dystroglycan and its position within the muscle cell membrane.
Detection of M Proteins

Monoclonal plasma cell proliferative diseases such as multiple myeloma are characterized by the proliferation of a single clone of plasma cells which may produce and secrete a homogeneous monoclonal immunoglobulin. The monoclonal immunoglobulin is commonly referred to as an M protein. The M protein acts as a serological “tumor” marker that is useful for diagnosis and disease monitoring. The identification and quantitation of M proteins relies predominantly on the ability to differentiate between monoclonal and polyclonal immunoglobulins. This has traditionally been done with electrophoretic assays [1–3]. High-resolution agarose gel protein electrophoresis (PEL) and capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) are relatively simple procedures that are used to detect and quantitate monoclonal proteins [4–6]. Immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE) in agarose and immuno-subtraction electrophoresis (ISE) in CZE are used to identify and characterize the immunoglobulin heavy and/or light chains. In the last few years additional methods have been developed that complement the electrophoretic assays [7, 8]. Quantitation of serum free light chains (FLC) by nephelometric immunoassays support some of the weaknesses of PEL and IFE, and international guidelines now include all three serum assays [9].
‘These boys are wild': constructions and contests of masculinities at two Jordanian high schools

In Jordan, gender equality is often depicted as an important social concern in policy texts, national media, and reports by international development institutions. In these reports, ‘gender' is often synonymous with ‘women’, and efforts are directed to improving parity in social and economic outcomes. This article argues that males are often overlooked or invisible in such accounts, and are more readily visible as obstacles to gender equality or embodiments of masculine crisis. Drawing upon ethnographic work in two government high schools for boys, I analyse everyday practices and social experiences of male students and teachers in schools to argue that they constitute an overlooked site to analyse the construction of gendered subjectivities. Mainstream accounts fail to account for how schooling is constitutive of gender struggle for boys, and how this struggle is connected to the changing nature of social membership in Jordan spurred in part by social and economic pressures.
Development of a Life Cycle Inventory of Water Consumption Associated with the Production of Transportation Fuels

The production of all forms of energy consumes water. To meet increased energy demands, it is essential to quantify the amount of water consumed in the production of different forms of energy. By analyzing the water consumed in different technologies, it is possible to identify areas for improvement in water conservation and reduce water stress in energy-producing regions. The transportation sector is a major consumer of energy in the United States. Because of the relationships between water and energy, the sustainability of transportation is tied to management of water resources. Assessment of water consumption throughout the life cycle of a fuel is necessary to understand its water resource implications. To perform a comparative life cycle assessment of transportation fuels, it is necessary first to develop an inventory of the water consumed in each process in each production supply chain. The Greenhouse Gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy Use in Transportation (GREET) model is an analytical tool that can used to estimate the full life-cycle environmental impacts of various transportation fuel pathways from wells to wheels. GREET is currently being expanded to include water consumption as a sustainability metric. The purpose of this report was to document data sources and methodologies to more » estimate water consumption factors (WCF) for the various transportation fuel pathways in GREET. WCFs reflect the quantity of freshwater directly consumed per unit production for various production processes in GREET. These factors do not include consumption of precipitation or low-quality water (e.g., seawater) and reflect only water that is consumed (i.e., not returned to the source from which it was withdrawn). The data in the report can be combined with GREET to compare the life cycle water consumption for different transportation fuels. « less
Toxic dermatitis caused by ammonium nitrate released by a cold pack.

Keywords: ammonium nitrate; CAS no. 6484-52-2; case report; chemical ice pack; cold pack; toxic contact dermatitis
Challenging instructors to change: a mixed methods investigation on the effects of material development on the pedagogical beliefs of geoscience instructors

STEM educational reform encourages a transition from instructor-centered passive learning environments to student-centered, active learning environments. Instructors adopting these changes incorporate research-validated teaching practices that improve student learning. Professional development that trains faculty to implement instructional reforms plays a key role in supporting this transition. The most effective professional development experiences are those that not only help an instructor redesign a course, but that also result in a permanent realignment of the teaching beliefs of participating instructors. Effective professional development features authentic, rigorous experiences of sufficient duration. We investigated changes in the teaching beliefs of college faculty resulting from their participation in the Interdisciplinary Teaching about the Earth for a Sustainable Future (InTeGrate) project that guided them in the development of reformed instructional materials for introductory college science courses. A convergent parallel mixed methods design was employed using the Teacher Belief Interview, the Beliefs About Reformed Science Teaching and Learning survey, and participants’ reflections on their experience to characterize pedagogical beliefs at different stages of their professional development. Qualitative and quantitative data show a congruent change toward reformed pedagogical beliefs for the majority of participants. The majority of participants’ Teacher Belief Interview (TBI) scores improved toward more student-centered pedagogical beliefs. Instructors who began with the most traditional pedagogical beliefs showed the greatest gains. Interview data and participants’ reflections aligned with the characteristics of effective professional development. Merged results suggest that the most significant changes occurred in areas strongly influenced by situational classroom factors. The process of materials development employed in the InTeGrate project is comprised of rigorous, authentic, and collaborative experiences continued over a sufficient duration. Incorporating these characteristics in to a professional development program on a variety of scales can help promote the long-term adoption of reformed teaching strategies. Collaboration among geoscience professionals was one of the predominant drivers for change. Consequently, this research provides insight for the development of future professional development opportunities seeking to better prepare instructors to implement reformed instructional strategies in their classrooms.
Development of an Injection-Seeded Optical Parametric Generator System with Pulsed Dye Amplification for High-Resolution Laser Spectroscopy

We discuss the development and describe the characteristics of a laser system composed of an injection-seeded optical parametric generator coupled with pulsed dye amplifiers.
Patient Use of Cost and Quality Data When Choosing a Joint Replacement Provider in the Context of Reference Pricing

Health plans are encouraging consumerism among joint replacement patients by reporting information on hospital costs and quality. Little is known about how the proliferation of such initiatives impacts patients' selection of a surgeon and hospital. We performed a qualitative analysis of semistructured interviews with 13 patients who recently received a hip or knee replacement surgery. Patients focused on the choice of a surgeon as opposed to a hospital, and the surgeon choice was primarily made based on reputation. Most patients had long-standing relationships with an orthopedic surgeon and tended to stay with that surgeon for their replacement. Despite growing availability of cost and quality information, patients almost never used such information to make a decision.
Cardiothoracic 3D Printing: Workflow and Applications for Clinical Practice

Recent advances in anatomic rendering software have improved our ability to convert image datasets into file formats that can be used to create highly detailed cardiothoracic models. Parallel improvements in 3D printer technology have decreased the time necessary to produce physical representations of these models. We will describe the use of these models to assist with our cardiothoracic surgical practice.
Effect of simulated sulfuric acid rain on the chemistry of a sulfate-adsorbing forest soil

Simulated H2SO4 rain (pH 3.0, 3.5, 4.0) or control rain (pH 5.6) was applied for 3.5 yr to large lysimeter boxes containing a sulfate-adsorbing forest soil and either red alder (Alnus rubra Bong) or sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) seedlings. After removal of the plants and the litter layer, soil samples were obtained at 15-cm intervals to a total depth of 90 cm. Elevated SO4 concentrations caused by the simulated H2SO4 rain were most pronounced for the top 15 cm, but extended down to 45 cm (maple) or 75 cm (alder). There were no effects on SO4 concentrations at a depth of 75 to 90 em. This confirmed the existence of a sulfate front between 20 cm and 100 cm, as postulated earlier on the basis of extracted soil solutions. Decreases in Mg and Ca concentrations, base saturation, and soil pH were limited to the uppermost 15 cm and, in most cases, to the pH 3.0 treatment. Concentrations of Mg and Ca for the pH 3.0 treatments were greater than control at a depth of 15 to 30 cm, indicating transport of these cations from the soil surface. Concentrations of Na and K, and cation exchange capacity, were not affected by simulated H2SO4 rain. Elevated concentrations of NO3 and extractable Zn throughout the alder systems indicated (1) either increased rates of symbiotic N-fixation or decreased rates of N immobilization; and (2) mobilization of Zn by all acid rain treatments.
A clinical study of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in the treatment of advanced gastric cancer

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of OXA-LV5FU2 regimen as the neoadjuvant chemotherapy in the treatment of patients with advanced/metastatic gastric cancer. Methods: Thirty-two patients were treated with OXA-LV5FU2 chemotherapy before operation. Neoadjvant chemotherapy regimens containing OXA 100mg/m2 iv 2hr d1, LV 200mg/m2 iv 2hr followed by 5-Fu 400mg/m2 iv bolus and 5-Fu 1g/m2 iv 48～72 hr d1,2 were administered every 2 to 3 weeks for 3 to 4 cycles before local treatment. The response in the primary tumor and the chemotherapy toxicity were observed. Results: Twenty-seven patients were treated with surgery. The radical resection was carried out in 16 cases. The response in the primary tumor: clinical efficacy rate was 46.9% (3.1% CR , 43.8% PR, 34.4% SD and 18.8% PD ). Ten of the 32 cases were downstaged. The most common toxicities were nausea/vomiting, peripheral neuropathy, leukocytopenia, alopecia, and hepatosis. The toxicities relieved after symptomatic treatment. There was no any death during treatment. Conclusion: OXA-LV5FU2 is a very effective and well tolerated regimen as neoadjvant chemotherapy for advanced gastric cancer.
Results of prospective randomized controlled trials of transmyocardial laser revascularization

Over 6,000 patients worldwide have undergone transmyocardial laser revascularization (TMR) for the treatment of myocardial ischemia due to end-stage coronary artery disease since 1990. Four prospective randomized controlled trials have reported their results in comparing TMR to maximum medical therapy. All of the trials demonstrated that TMR provided significant relief of angina when compared to medical management. Additional objective data in the form of exercise tolerance and myocardial perfusion scanning was used to support the symptomatic improvement. Recent reports of the failure of percutaneous transmyocardial laser revascularization (PMR) to provide angina relief greater than that seen in a placebo group underscore the need for better understanding of TMR. While all of these trials are similar, they are not identical and this review provides an update and comparison of the results.
A personal revolution in the development of clubfoot correction

This article presents the author's experience of having worked in London, England, under Denis Browne, whose method of treating equinovarus in the newborn involved manipulation of the baby feet until full correction had been achieved at the very first visit. The feet were then strapped to the sole plates of the Denis Browne splint, which ensured that the baby's normal kicking action maintained mobility at the subtalar joints and also a basic plantigrade posture. When he transferred to India, the author found a large population of children who had been born with talipes equinovarus, but who had never had treatment. He worked at obtaining correction without strong manipulation, using serial plaster casting followed by Denis Browne's splints. His personal reactions to the problems and the merits of the two methods forms the subject of this article.
Freedom and Other Robustly Demanding Goods

In this paper I defend three theses. The first is that the ideal of freedom, in its most plausible forms, displays a modally or robustly demanding character. The second is that there is a range of other values, central in moral life, that display the same character. And the third is that this structure has an enormous impact on how we should think about consequentialism, in particular a consequentialism in which robustly demanding values are taken to be parts or aspects of the good. The paper is in three sections, which deal in turn with these three theses.
Hospice Core Professions’ Views on Interdisciplinary Teams: A Qualitative Investigation

The hospice interdisciplinary team (IDT) has been recognized as an ideal model for interprofessional collaboration. To address the manner in which interdisciplinary practices are perceived by team members, this study explored profession-based similarities and differences in perceptions among the four core hospice IDT members (physicians, nurses, social workers, and spiritual care providers) as well as experiences on the IDT. Semistructured interviews with 20 hospice professionals, 5 from each profession, were completed. Findings suggested that while hospice professions share some perceptions and experiences about hospice team membership, strengths of and barriers to teamwork, and individual members' contribution to the team, significant profession-based differences exist largely in the area of hospice team membership beyond the core members, type of language and descriptions used, perceptions of causes and effects of barriers to teamwork, and understandings of how team effectiveness is evaluated. Changes at the team-based, organizational, policy, and educational levels are needed to further maximize strengths of individual hospice IDT member and team qualities.
Development of Model and Model-Predictive Control of an MEA-Based Postcombustion CO2 Capture Process

This work focuses on the development of a dynamic model for an MEA-based CO2 capture process for a 550 MWe postcombustion, supercritical, pulverized coal (PC) plant. The dynamic model also provides the design of controllers for both traditional proportional-integral-derivative (PID) and advanced linear model predictive control (LMPC), using Aspen Plus and Aspen Plus Dynamics. To represent accurately the dynamics of the rigorous rate-based calculations provided in the steady-state simulator, the equilibrium dynamic model was exported from an optimized rate-based, steady-state model. Subsequently, modifications to the Murphree efficiencies in the columns and a rigorous pressure drop calculation method were implemented in the dynamic model to ensure consistency between the design and off-design results from the steady-state and dynamic models. The results from the steady-state model indicate that between three and six parallel trains of CO2 capture processes are required to capture 90% CO2 from a 550 MWe sup...
A male-female mathematical model of human papillomavirus (HPV) in African American population

We introduce mathematical human papillomavirus (HPV) epidemic models (with and without vaccination) for African American females (AAF) and African American males (AAM) with ''fitted'' logistic demographics and use these models to study the HPV disease dynamics. The US Census Bureau data of AAF and AAM of 16 years and older from 2000 to 2014 is used to ''fit'' the logistic demographic models. We compute the basic reproduction number, R0, and use it to show that R0 is less than 1 in the African American (AA) population with or without implementation of HPV vaccination program. Furthermore, we obtain that adopting a HPV vaccination policy in the AAF and AAM populations lower R0 and the number of HPV infections. Sensitivity analysis is used to illustrate the impact of each model parameter on the basic reproduction number.
Free Serum Hemoglobin in Syringe-Drawn and Vacuum Tube-Drawn Specimens

The amount of free serum hemoglobin produced secondary to in vitro hemolysis during the performance of a venipuncture was evaluated. Blood specimens were drawn using both syringe and vacuum tube apparatus for collection. All specimens were subjected to the same clotting, centrifugation, and separation procedures, and free serum hemoglobin was determined by the benzidine spectrophotometric method. The mean serum hemoglobin concentration of 1.41 mg dL for the syringe-drawn specimens slightly exceeded the normal mean of 1.3 mg dL, while the mean of 8.77 mg/dL for the vacuum tube-drawn specimens significantly exceeded the normal mean. The mean of the vacuum tube specimens represented a significant difference from the mean concentration of the syringe-drawn specimens, as determined by Student's t test at the P ≤ 0.001 level. Although hemolysis occurs to a significant extent with the vacuum tube system, the hemoglobin content of such specimens will not interfere with most clinical laboratory tests.
From the Cover: BDE-47 and BDE-49 Inhibit Axonal Growth in Primary Rat Hippocampal Neuron-Glia Co-Cultures via Ryanodine Receptor-Dependent Mechanisms.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are widespread environmental contaminants associated with adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in children and preclinical models; however, the mechanisms by which PBDEs cause developmental neurotoxicity remain speculative. The structural similarity between PBDEs and nondioxin-like (NDL) polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) suggests shared toxicological properties. Consistent with this, both NDL PCBs and PBDEs have been shown to stabilize ryanodine receptors (RyRs) in the open configuration. NDL PCB effects on RyR activity are causally linked to increased dendritic arborization, but whether PBDEs similarly enhance dendritic growth is not known. In this study, we quantified the effects of individual PBDE congeners on not only dendritic but also axonal growth since both are regulated by RyR-dependent mechanisms, and both are critical determinants of neuronal connectivity. Neuronal-glial co-cultures dissociated from the neonatal rat hippocampus were exposed to BDE-47 or BDE-49 in the culture medium. At concentrations ranging from 20 pM to 2 µM, neither PBDE congener altered dendritic arborization. In contrast, at concentrations ≥ 200 pM, both congeners delayed neuronal polarization resulting in significant inhibition of axonal outgrowth during the first few days in vitro. The axon inhibitory effects of these PBDE congeners occurred independent of cytotoxicity, and were blocked by pharmacological antagonism of RyR or siRNA knockdown of RyR2. These results demonstrate that the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which PBDEs interfere with neurodevelopment overlap with but are distinct from those of NDL PCBs, and suggest that altered patterns of neuronal connectivity may contribute to the developmental neurotoxicity of PBDEs.
Reduced step length reduces knee joint contact forces during running following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction but does not alter inter-limb asymmetry.

Abstract Background Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is associated with early onset knee osteoarthritis. Running is a typical activity following this surgery, but elevated knee joint contact forces are thought to contribute to osteoarthritis degenerative processes. It is therefore clinically relevant to identify interventions to reduce contact forces during running among individuals after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of reducing step length during running on patellofemoral and tibiofemoral joint contact forces among people with a history of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Inter limb knee joint contact force differences during running were also examined. Methods 18 individuals at an average of 54.8 months after unilateral anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction ran in 3 step length conditions (preferred, − 5%, − 10%). Bilateral patellofemoral, tibiofemoral, and medial tibiofemoral compartment peak force, loading rate, impulse, and impulse per kilometer were evaluated between step length conditions and limbs using separate 2 factor analyses of variance. Findings Reducing step length 5% decreased patellofemoral, tibiofemoral, and medial tibiofemoral compartment peak force, impulse, and impulse per kilometer bilaterally. A 10% step length reduction further decreased peak forces and force impulses, but did not further reduce force impulses per kilometer. Tibiofemoral joint impulse, impulse per kilometer, and patellofemoral joint loading rate were lower in the previously injured limb compared to the contralateral limb. Interpretation Running with a shorter step length is a feasible clinical intervention to reduce knee joint contact forces during running among people with a history of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.
Endoscopy for Hematochezia in Patients Under 50 Years of Age

The optimal strategy for evaluating rectal bleeding in young persons is unknown. This study examines the prevalence of adenomatous neoplasms identified at endoscopy for rectal bleeding. Retrospective cross-sectional analysis was made of patients under 50 years of age undergoing elective outpatient colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy for hematochezia. In all, 570 patients (309 F/261 M) met our inclusion criteria. The prevalence of neoplasms was 3.8% (95% CI 1.2-8.5%) among persons under 30, 2.8% (95% CI 0.9-6.3%) among persons age 30-39, and 10.9% (95% CI 7.4-15.4%) among persons age 40-49. The prevalence of neoplasms was higher in persons over age 40 (relative risk 3.43, 95% CI 1.70-6.94). Six of seven advanced neoplasms were identified in persons over age 40 (relative risk 7.4, 95% CI 0.89-60.7). In conclusion, the prevalence of colonic neoplasms in patients 40-50 years old with hematochezia is substantial. Among those persons younger than 40 years, the prevalence of colonic neoplasms is significantly lower.
Use of iPads as Assistive Technology for Students with Disabilities

Over the past decades, technology has been considered an essential tool for providing equal accessibility and opportunities for students with disabilities. As technology has evolved, a new type of technology, mobile devices, emerged in the late 2000s. Specifically, iPads have quickly gained attention and popularity in special education settings. The potential benefits of the use of iPads as assistive technology (AT) for supporting students with disabilities has been demonstrated among professionals. This paper is a brief summary of previous literature on the use of iPads as AT for functional skills of individuals with disabilities. In addition, the paper addresses the beneficial features of iPads as AT and introduces example AT apps, as well as online resources for those apps.
Antioxidant-dependent amelioration of brain injury: role of CuZn-superoxide dismutase

Copper-zinc-superoxide dismutase (CuZn-SOD), a cytosolic antioxidant enzyme that is specific for scavenging superoxide radicals, is involved in neuroprotective mechanisms in brain injury following trauma and cerebral ischemia. Liposome-entrapped CuZn-SOD exhibit beneficial effects in vivo on cold-induced vasogenic edema and on blood-brain barrier disruption. The increased levels of edema and infarction following a focal cerebral ischemia also are decreased by the pretreatment of liposome-entrapped CuZn-SOD. The protective role of SOD on brain injury was further extended and confirmed in studies using transgenic mice overexpressing human CuZn-SOD. Our studies so far suggest that increased cerebral levels of SOD, either by means of external pharmacological application or by genetic manipulations, ameliorate brain edema and infarction induced by trauma and focal cerebral ischemia.
An Analysis of California Pharmacy and Medical Students' Dietary and Lifestyle Practices.

Objective. To assess dietary and lifestyle practices of pharmacy and medical students in California and investigate whether they adhered to behaviors consistent with current dietary and exercise guidelines.Methods. The Block Brief 2000 Food Frequency Questionnaire and a supplemental survey assessing demographics, exercise, and dietary behaviors were administered to students across 10 California pharmacy and medical schools.Results. While the majority of students consumed sodium <2300 mg/day (73%) and dietary cholesterol <300 mg/day (84%), only 50% had a saturated fat intake ≤10% total kcal, 13% met fiber intake goals, 10% consumed ≥8 servings/day of fruit and vegetables, and 41% exercised ≥150 minutes/week. The largest barrier to consuming a healthful diet was lack of time.Conclusion. A high proportion of pharmacy and medical students in California did not meet many of the dietary and physical activity recommendations. Health care programs may benefit from implementing nutrition and lifestyle education in...
Do Post-Fire Mulching Treatments Affect Regeneration in Serotinous Lodgepole Pine?

Broadcast mulching is a widely implemented post-fire erosion control method, although it remains uncertain how it affects post-fire regeneration in serotinous conifers. We used field data and unbiased conditional inference trees with random effects to test if mulching affects lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl. ex Loud. var. latifolia Engelm. ex S. Watson) regeneration following a wildfire in northern Colorado, USA. Our results suggest that post-fire application of straw mulch may have modest beneficial effects for regenerating lodgepole pine. However, these effects were minor compared to other spatial predictors of seedling density, including whether or not tree crowns were consumed in the fire and the presence of post-fire needle cast. These results suggest that post-fire mulching treatments in lodgepole pine ecosystems will have minimal effect on tree regeneration, and that managers need not be concerned about hindering regeneration when considering whether to use straw mulch for post-fire erosion mitigation in this forest type.
Innate Immunity against Cryptococcus, from Recognition to Elimination

Cryptococcus species, the etiological agents of cryptococcosis, are encapsulated fungal yeasts that predominantly cause disease in immunocompromised individuals, and are responsible for 15% of AIDS-related deaths worldwide. Exposure follows the inhalation of the yeast into the lung alveoli, making it incumbent upon the pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) of pulmonary phagocytes to recognize highly conserved pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPS) of fungi. The main challenges impeding the ability of pulmonary phagocytes to effectively recognize Cryptococcus include the presence of the yeast’s large polysaccharide capsule, as well as other cryptococcal virulence factors that mask fungal PAMPs and help Cryptococcus evade detection and subsequent activation of the immune system. This review will highlight key phagocyte cell populations and the arsenal of PRRs present on these cells, such as the Toll-like receptors (TLRs), C-type lectin receptors, NOD-like receptors (NLRs), and soluble receptors. Additionally, we will highlight critical cryptococcal PAMPs involved in the recognition of Cryptococcus. The question remains as to which PRR–ligand interaction is necessary for the recognition, phagocytosis, and subsequent killing of Cryptococcus.
PRETREATMENT OF BIOLOGICAL SAMPLE FOR MICROCHIP ANALYSIS

A number of analytical processes have been developed on microchips for genomic and proteomic analysis, but reaching the analytical step often requires significant preprocessing before the sample reaches the microchip. Development of microchips that perform these sample processing steps is now underway to take advantage of the speed and cost benefits that microchips provide the analytical processes. In both the genomic and proteomic arenas, proof of principle has been shown for a number of microchip sample preparation steps, with application to real samples already reported for some of these processes. At present, many of the microchips are being designed for individual processing steps, but integration of multiple sample preparation steps has been shown, along with integration of sample processing and analytical procedures on single microchips.
Regional Environmental Patterns of Diarrheal Disease in Bangladesh: A Spatial Analytical and Multilevel Approach

This study investigates diarrheal disease distributions in Bangladesh using nationally representative household-level survey data integrated with land type maps that characterize flood inundation levels. The spatial distribution of childhood diarrhea is mapped throughout the country and diarrhea rates are stratified by individual, household, and regional-level variables. This study describes national-level trends by integrating spatially-referenced household characteristics and regional-level information on water and sanitation. The world saw dramatic improvements in water availability during the 1980s, designated “International Water Supply and Sanitation Decade” by the UN. Nevertheless, reductions in diarrheal morbidity in much of the developing world have been modest, possibly because of a lack of sufficient parallel improvements in sanitation and hygiene (Levine et al., Lancet 2(7976):86–89, 1976; Esrey et al., Bull World Health Organ 63:757–772, 1985; Hoque et al., Bull World Health Organ 74:431–437, 1996). In a recent meta-analysis of 64 studies, Fewtrell and Colford (Health, Nutrition, Population Discussion Paper, World Bank, Washington DC, http://www1.worldbank.org/hnp/Pubs_Discussion/Fewtrell&ColfordJuly2004.pdf, 2004) found that water supply, water quality, hygiene, and sanitation programs all reduce diarrheal disease mortality and morbidity. However, multiple interventions did not reduce diarrheal disease any more than approaches that involved only one intervention. This suggests that a better fundamental understanding of the relationship between water, sanitation, household characteristics and diarrheal disease is needed to optimize future interventions. This study begins to investigate these relationships using data at different collected at multiple scales.
6 – Blood-Brain Barrier Transport Mechanisms

Publisher Summary This chapter elaborates different blood–brain barrier (BBB) transport mechanisms. There are two major barrier systems in the brain, the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and the blood–cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) barrier. The brain capillary endothelial cell expresses a number of carrier-mediated transport systems for classes of nutrients. Transfer through the BBB is actually transport through two membranes in series, i.e., the luminal and abluminal membranes of the capillary endothelial cell, which are separated by approximately 300 nm of endothelial cytoplasm. Therefore, the BBB nutrient transport systems must be expressed on both luminal and abluminal membranes in the brain capillary endothelial cell if the solute is to undergo transport through the BBB into brain ISF. The BBB neutral amino acid carrier transports phenylalanine and approximately 15 other large and small neutral amino acids. In contrast to peripheral organs, the BBB neutral amino acid transport system has a very high affinity, which corresponds to a low transport Km, where Km is the Michaelis–Menten half-saturation constant. The monocarboxylic acid transport system mediates the transport of lactate, pyruvate, and ketone bodies. The affinity of the system for lactate is much higher at the BBB than is the affinity of the lactate permease in myocardium. Therefore, in anoxia, lactate does not accumulate in heart owing to the very high capacity of the lactate permease in this organ.
Implementing a Standardized Constipation-Management Pathway to Reduce Resource Utilization.

Abstract Objective Constipation is commonly diagnosed in our pediatric emergency department (ED). Care has varied significantly, with a heavy reliance on abdominal radiography (AR) for the diagnosis of and inpatient management for bowel cleanout. We implemented a standardized approach to caring for patients presenting to a pediatric ED with symptoms consistent with constipation, emphasizing clinical history, physical examination, less reliance on AR, and standardized home management. Methods Using quality improvement (QI) methodology, a multidisciplinary group developed an ED constipation management pathway, encouraging less reliance on AR for diagnosis and promoting home management over inpatient bowel cleanout. The pathway included a home management “gift basket” containing over-the-counter medications and educational materials to promote successful bowel cleanout. Outcome measures included pathway utilization, AR rate, ED cost and length of stay, and ED admission rate for constipation. Results Within 3 months, >90% of patients discharged home with an ED disposition diagnosis of constipation left with standardized educational materials and home medications. Staff education and feedback, pathway and gift basket changes, and a higher threshold for inpatient management led to significant decreases in AR rate (73.3%–24.6%, P Conclusions An ED QI project standardizing the care of pediatric constipation was implemented successfully, leading to a sustainable decrease in resource utilization. The next phase of the project will focus on collaborating with community providers to reduce ED utilization.
Language Matters in Combatting the Opioid Epidemic: Safe Consumption Sites Versus Overdose Prevention Sites

The authors discuss the need to find phrases that present safe injection sites as a positive aspect in opioid abuse. They mention the current attitude towards the idea of safe injection sites, the reframing of the concept to overdose prevention sites, and how the wording change increases support.
Description and Analysis of Multi-Fingered Hand Grasping with a New Finger-Object Contact Model

The proper description of finger-object contact state is critical to the analysis and control of multi-fingered hand grasping. At present, most studies assume that the finger-object contact state i...
Leveraging Size: Congressional Simulations in a Large Lecture Course

The large introductory classes at many universities present a particular challenge for instructors wishing to guarantee participation opportunities for their students. Yet, large courses can actual...
We are all art historians now: Teaching media studies and/as cultural studies

This chapter is based on my experience of teaching cultural studies over 30 years, at graduate and/or undergraduate levels in many countries as a visitor, but most of the time in the US, Colombia, and Britain. In disciplinary terms, I’ve taught cultural studies ‘inside’ sociology, cinema studies, American studies, anthropology, women’s studies, English, journalism, social communication, management, film and media studies, and Latin American and Caribbean studies. The chapter does three things, based in part on those experiences. It makes some Olympian claims about cultural studies’ content and location, looks into ways of teaching the media as core components, and concludes that we are all art historians today—but probably shouldn’t be.
Effective Categoricity of Automatic Equivalence and Nested Equivalence Structures

We study automatic equivalence and nested equivalence structures. The goal is to compare and contrast these automatic structures with computable equivalence and nested equivalence structures. Equivalence structures $\mathcal {A}$ may be characterized by their characters $\chi ({\mathcal {A}})$ which encodes the number of equivalence classes of any given size. The characters of computably categorical, ${{\Delta }^{0}_{2}}$ categorical but not computably categorical, or ${{\Delta }^{0}_{3}}$ categorical but not ${{\Delta }^{0}_{2}}$ categorical have been determined. We show that every computably categorical equivalence structure has an automatic copy, but not every ${{\Delta }^{0}_{2}}$ categorical structure has an automatic copy. We construct an automatic equivalence structure which is ${{\Delta }^{0}_{2}}$ categorical but not computably categorical and another automatic equivalence structure which is not ${{\Delta }^{0}_{2}}$ categorical. We observe that the theory of an automatic equivalence structure is decidable and hence the character of any automatic equivalence structure is computable. On the other hand, there is a computable character which is not the character of any automatic equivalence structure. We show that any two automatic equivalence structures which are isomorphic are in fact computably isomorphic. Moreover, we show that for certain characters, there is always a exponential time isomorphism between two automatic equivalence structures with that character. Finally, we briefly consider nested equivalence structures and construct an automatic nested equivalence structure that is not ${{\Delta }^{0}_{3}}$ categorical but ${{\Delta }^{0}_{4}}$ categorical and an automatic nested equivalence structure that is not ${{\Delta }^{0}_{4}}$ categorical.
The impact of sex and gender on immunotherapy outcomes

Immunotherapies are often used for the treatment, remission, and possible cure of autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, and cancers. Empirical evidence illustrates that females and males differ in outcomes following the use of biologics for the treatment of autoimmune diseases, e.g., rheumatoid arthritis (RA), infectious diseases, e.g., influenza, and solid tumor cancers. Females tend to experience more adverse reactions than males following the use of a class of biologics referred to as immunotherapies. For immunotherapies aimed at stimulating an immune response, e.g., influenza vaccines, females develop greater responses and may experience greater efficacy than males. In contrast, for immunotherapies that repress an immune response, e.g., tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors for RA or checkpoint inhibitors for melanoma, the efficacy is reportedly greater for males than females. Despite these differences, discrepancies in reporting differences between females and males exist, with females have been historically excluded from biomedical and clinical studies. There is a critical need for research that addresses the biological (i.e., sex) as well as sociocultural (i.e., gender) causes of male-female disparities in immunotherapy responses, toxicities, and outcomes. One-size-fits-all approaches to immunotherapies will not work, and sex/gender may contribute to variable treatment success, including adherence, in clinical settings.
Chapter 20 – COMPUTATIONAL PROCEDURES

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on computational procedures. The practical application of the finite element method requires the use of a computer and a sizable amount of programming effort. If a potential user of the finite element method is forced to program the entire code from scratch, he would be faced with a long, difficult, and often impractical task. It is, therefore, essential that the programming effort and knowledge of previous workers be utilized as much as possible. A number of large finite element computer codes have been developed. The most desirable types of general purpose finite element codes are those that are designed for comprehension, modification, and updating by the user. It is also desirable for the user to be familiar with the internal functions of the computer code if full advantage is to be taken of its basic potential and if inappropriate applications are to be avoided. These desirable objectives are most easily met if the program consists of several building blocks or modules. Generally, any specific function performed with some degree of is separated into a distinct subroutine with a conscious effort on the part of the original programmer to make obvious the subroutine's function. By applying this concept, one can establish a program library that contains many such building blocks. Then, for a given application, it is possible for the user to assemble the appropriate subroutines from the library plus any that he has written to meet his special needs.