cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Improving water‐use efficiency for Ictalurid catfish pond aquaculture in Northwest Mississippi, USA

We used a 50-year (1961–2010) daily record of precipitation and evaporation in a hydrological model to simulate ground water withdrawal for the foodfish grow-out phase of ictalurid catfish culture in northwest Mississippi, USA. The model quantified the effects of seepage, reusing water for multiple years, and managing water levels to capture rainfall (drop-fill water management). Selecting sites with relatively impervious soils and reusing water for multiple years had large impacts on annual water use, and combining those practices with drop-fill water management reduced simulated groundwater withdrawal to less than 60 cm year−1 compared with more than 450 cm year−1 for the least conservative scenario. Water conservation measures reduced estimated costs of pumping ground water from ~$1150 ha−1 year−1 for the least conservative set of water-use variables to less than $110 ha−1 year−1 for the best set of water conservation practices. Efficiency of pumped water use was dramatically improved by intensifying production in the foodfish grow-out phase. Combining water-conservation practices with production intensification improved the water use index from 9.18 m3 kg−1 for foodfish grow-out ponds with the least conservative set of practices to 0.28 m3 kg−1 for ponds built on soils with negligible seepage, managed with a 22.9-cm drop/7.6-cm fill, drained every 10 years, and producing 15 000 kg of catfish ha−1 year−1. When simulated ground water use for the best set of water conservation practices in foodfish grow-out ponds was combined with estimates of ground water used for fingerling production and water used in producing grain-based feedstuffs, total consumptive water use index for catfish culture was estimated at ~2.7 m3 kg−1. This index is competitive with most other types of animal agriculture. Efficient water use in catfish farming is easily achieved under commercial conditions using existing simple technologies.
A Miniaturized Low-Cost 60–1000-MHz PCB Spectrum Analyzer

This paper presents the development of a printedcircuit-board (PCB) spectrum analyzer for analyzing the radio frequency (RF) input power in a spectral range of 60-1000 MHz. The architecture is based on a standard superheterodyne receiver and is implemented on a low-cost, four-layer, FR-4 PCB. The design uses a frequency-hopped superheterodyning technique to prevent strong local-oscillator harmonics from causing spurs in the spectrum output. The system has a minimum detectable signal of -98 dBm and fits on a PCB with a form factor equivalent to a half-size PCI card. The resolution bandwidth is 7 kHz, and the dynamic range varies from 30 dB at 30-kHz offset to >62 dB for over 30-MHz offsets. This RF PCB spectrum analyzer is entirely constructed of commercial off-the-shelf components, enabling the design to be low-cost and low-power (3.66-W dc).
Mixing in a 3D spherical model of present-day mantle convection

Abstract We present the first study of present-day mixing efficiency of the Earth that is based on a 3D spherical model of convection in the Earth's mantle. The stationary model we employ is derived from the present-day slab buoyancy forces using an approximate plate rheology, a weak upper mantle above the transition zone and an increase of viscosity into the lower mantle. The model is quite successful in predicting surface plate velocities and the geoid. We consider this model an appropriate approximation of the present-day internal velocity structure in the Earth's mantle. The mixing efficiency is studied by studying particle traces, evaluating Poincare sections, and quantifying stretching efficiency. This allows for determining regions in the present-day mantle that are characterized by laminar or chaotic mixing and indicate the connection between different mantle regions. The modeling indicates that a variety of mixing scales exist in the present mantle velocity field. Only certain regions exhibit laminar single cell mixing. Convection in most other regions is characterized by corkscrew-like particle tracks that allow for transport of particles far from their source and possibly for chaotic mixing. The key components governing the efficiency of mixing of the present-day mantle are the driving forces of the slabs, in particular those along the Pacific rim, and the vorticity (or toroidal motion) induced by the rotation and resulting strike-slip motion of surface plates. Our approach is a conservative one, as the intrinsic time-dependence of plate tectonics and more vigorous convection in a younger and hotter Earth would cause stronger mixing. Based on this simple model approach, we conclude that the mixing in the present-day Earth is relatively efficient, and that it is not possible for large portions of the Earth mantle to remain isolated over the life time of the Earth.
Effective technology transfer to the undergraduate and graduate classroom as a result of a novel Ph.D. Program

This paper examines a case study that suggests using new research results as the central component of an original course developed by a Ph.D. candidate is an effective way to transfer technology to the undergraduate and graduate classroom. The technology transfer outlined here took place in the form of a course that was built around two years of state-of-the-art research, before the research was completed and published. This method represents a new way of training Ph.D. candidates who aspire to be professors and also results in the development of an innovative course. This work is premised on the need to educate science and engineering students in the latest technology, specifically in micro- and nanotechnologies, which have the added demands of multidisciplinary content and a shortage of qualified graduates for an expanding job market.
Energy requirements of women of reproductive age

Background The energy requirements of women have been based on total energy expenditure (TEE) derived from the factorial approach or as multiples of basal metabolic rate (BMR). Objective This study was designed to reevaluate the energy requirements of healthy, moderately active underweight, normal-weight, and overweight women of reproductive age. Design The energy requirements of 116 women [n = 13 with a low body mass index (BMI), n = 70 with a normal BMI, and n = 33 with a high BMI] were estimated from TEE measured by the doubly labeled water method. Twenty-four-hour EE and BMR were measured by room respiration calorimetry, activity EE was estimated from nonbasal EE as TEE - BMR, and physical activity level was calculated as TEE/BMR. Body composition was derived from a multicomponent model. Fitness, strength, and physical activity level were assessed, and fasting serum indexes were measured. Results Energy requirements differed among the low-BMI (8.9 +/- 0.9 MJ/d), normal-BMI (10.1 +/- 1.4 MJ/d), and high-BMI (11.5 +/- 1.9 MJ/d) groups (P = 0.02-0.001, all pairwise comparisons). Major predictors of BMR, 24-h EE, and TEE were weight, height, and body composition; minor predictors were fasting metabolic profile and fitness. Fat-free mass and fat mass accounted for the differences in EE seen between the BMI groups. The mean physical activity level of 1.86 suggested that the multiples of BMR used to estimate energy requirements have been underestimated. Conclusion Recommended energy intakes for healthy, moderately active women of reproductive age living in industrialized societies should be revised on the basis of TEE.
Modulation of Longevity by Environmental Sensing

Organisms from bacteria to humans have the capacity to gauge the quality of their respective environments. Recent advances in understanding how various types of environmental conditions are sensed and interpreted by cells and by organisms have established a critical role for these systems in the modulation of physiology, health, and aging.
Multipulse degradation of fused silica surfaces at 351 nm

Abstract: We investigate the multipulse degradation of fused silica surfaces exposed at 351 nm for up to 10 9 pulses at pulse fluences greater than 10 J/cm 2 . In vacuum, the transmission loss increases as a function of the number of shots at low pulse intensity. However, as the pulse intensity increases, the transmission loss decreases and is not measureable above a certain intensity. Transmission loss is highest when measured at shorter wavelengths, and decreases towards the IR. Absorption is the primary mechanism that leads to transmission loss and is from photo-reduction of the silica surface. 1 Introduction The effects of multi-pulse degradation on fused silica at sub-damage threshold fluences is important for applications in photolithography, space optics and laser inertial confinement fusion programs 1-6 . To study these long term effects, we performed lifetime testing of fused silica surfaces up to 10 9 pulses at 12 J/cm 2 (or equivalently, 133 MW/cm 2 ). Using a series of experiments, we quantified the effects of transmission loss in vacuum and air as a function of the total fluence and pulse intensity and explored the pro cesses involved in surface degradation.
Binding Hydrated Anions with Hydrophobic Pockets

Using a combination of isothermal titration calorimetry and quantum and molecular dynamics calculations, we demonstrate that relatively soft anions have an affinity for hydrophobic concavity. The results are consistent with the anions remaining partially hydrated upon binding, and suggest a novel strategy for anion recognition.
Stephen Krasner: Subversive Realist

Stephen D. Krasner is conventionally regarded as a Realist student of international political economy. But he is equally an institutional theorist, who has made major contributions to our understanding of international regimes and sovereignty as well as of the difference between control and authority in world politics. Krasner also shares much common ground with Constructivists, due to his emphasis on the role of ideas and identity. His distinguished work on sovereignty emphasizes these themes. Going further, Krasner is an implicit theorist of social norms, who is more aware than some norms theorists that for norms to be consequential in world politics, the agents promoting them have to be effective. The paper concludes by suggesting that Steve Krasner’s insightful perspective on world politics could be usefully focused on the important but under-theorized concept of persuasion. Progress in understanding persuasion is more likely to be made by combining concepts – as Krasner has done in such a distinguished fashion throughout his career – than by using only one perspective, Realist, Institutionalist, or Constructivist. Indeed, Krasner’s work is a refutation of the view that these three approaches to world politics are mutually exclusive.
Optimization of a Dynamic Model of Magnetic Actuation of an Origami Mechanism

Self-folding origami has the potential to be utilized in novel areas such as self-assembling robotics and shape-morphing structures. Important decisions in the development of such applications include the choice of active material and its placement on the origami model. With proper placement, the error between the actual and target shapes can be minimized along with cost, weight, and power requirements. Through the incorporation of dynamic models of self-folding origami mechanisms into an optimization routine, optimal orientations for magnetically-active material are identified that minimize error to specified target shapes. The dynamic models, created using Adams 2014, are refined by improvements to magnetic material simulation and more accurate joint stiffness characterization. Self-folding dynamic models of the waterbomb base and Shafer’s Frog Tongue are optimized, demonstrating the potential use of this process as a design tool for other self-folding origami mechanisms.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Guiding Stem Cell Differentiation Into Neural Lineages With Tunable Collagen Biomaterials

The long-term objective of this research is to develop tunable collagen-based biomaterial scaffolds for directed stem cell differentiation into neural lineages to aid in CNS diseases and trauma. Type I collagen is a ubiquitous protein that provides mechanostructural and ligand-induced biochemical cues to cells that attach to the protein via integrin receptors. Previous studies have demonstrated that the mechanical properties of a substrate or tissue can be an important regulator of stem cell differentiation. For example, the mechanical properties polyacrylamide gels can be tuned to induce neural differentiation from stem cells [1, 2]. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) cultured on ployacrylamide gels with low elastic modulus (0.1–1 kPa) resulted in a neural like population. MSCs on 10-fold stiffer matrices that mimic striated muscle elasticity (Emuscle ∼8–17 kPa) lead to spindle-shaped cells similar in shape to myoblasts. Still stiffer gels (25–40 kPa) resulted in osetoblast differentiation. Based on these observations, collagen gels may provide an ideal material for differentiation into neural lineages because of their low compliance.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Photoluminescence Fatigue In Laterally-Ordered (GaP)2/(InP)2 Short-Period-Superlattices (SPS) Grown By Molecular Beam Epitaxy

Spontaneously laterally ordered (GaP)2/(InP)2 short period superlattices (SPS) grown by Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE) on nominal (100) GaAs substrates have been studied by photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The samples studied included SPS comprising 110 pairs of (GaP)2/(InP)2 (total thickness ~90 nm) and multiquantum well structures in which quantum wells comprising 12 pairs of (GaP)2/(InP)2 SPS layers (thickness ~10 nm) are alternated with lattice-matched GaInP random alloy barrier layers. The 5K PL spectra include a ~1760 meV near-band edge band, and a much broader, lower energy (~1670 meV) luminescence band that exhibits an unusual fatiguing behavior; its intensity diminishes monotonically during continuous illumination by the exciting light. This fatigued PL state is metastable at low temperatures. In the quantum well structure, although the relative intensity of the lower energy band is significantly weaker in comparison to the higher one, the fatiguing behavior still exists. However the fatiguing rate is slower in quantum well structures than that observed in the thick SPS film.
Diagnostic approaches to jaundice.

Traditionally, jaundice had been crudely characterized as either medical or surgical, denoting hepatic and extrahepatic etiology, respectively. Thus, surgery was often the ultimate diagnostic test. A more rational diagnostic approach differentiates intrahepatic from extrahepatic cholestasis by defining the nature and site of the pathologic process without resorting to surgery.
India's Motion Picture Industry

India, at the time of publication, was the second largest producer of full length (feature) films in the world. How did a less developed country like India reach so high a rank in an industry that is relatively modern and somewhat technologically sophisticated? In this paper the author argues that the film industry in India is not the result of comparative advantage or protective tariffs. Rather this results first of all from the unusually high demand in India for films. The relatively negative attitude toward social gatherings, clubs, drinking alcoholic beverages, sports, and sexual activity creates a void that the film industry fills. And there is a huge population.And some relatively unique protective mechanisms are at work: India's culture includes a unique tastes in film. Foreign producers have not been able to reach the Indian market because they are not as able to produce films that Indians enjoy. A key factor is language. Only films produced in the major Indian languages, Hindi, Tamil, Bengali, etc. tend to be watched. There is little capacity for subtitles and not much tolerance of dubbing (of course this is changing over time). Indian films require substantial amounts on Indian style song and dance which is difficult for foreigners to replicate or compete in. And then there is also the factor of censorship.
Food Processing and Lipid Oxidation

Food lipids are principally triacylglycerides, phospholipids and sterols found naturally in most biological materials consumed as food and added as functional ingredients in many processed foods. As nutrients, lipids, especially triglycerides, are a concentrated caloric source, provide essential fatty acids and are a solvent and absorption vehicle for fat-soluble vitamins and other nutrients. The presence of fat significantly enhances the organoleptic perception of foods, which partly explains the strong preference and market advantage of fat-rich foods. As a class, lipids contribute many desirable qualities to foods, including attributes of texture, structure, mouthfeel, flavor and color. However, lipids are also one of the most chemically unstable food components and will readily undergo free-radical chain reactions that not only deteriorate the lipids but also: (a) produce oxidative fragments, some of which are volatile and are perceived as the off-flavors of rancidity, (b) degrade proteins, vitamins and pigments and (c) cross-link lipids and other macromolecules into non-nutritive polymers. Free-radical chain reactions are thermodynamically favorable, and as a result, evolutionary selection has strongly influenced the chemistry, metabolism and structure of biological cells to prevent these reactions kinetically. However, the loss of native structure and the death of cells can dramatically accelerate the deteriorative reactions of lipid oxidation. The effects of all processing steps, including raw product selection, harvesting, storage, refining, manufacturing and distribution, on the quality of lipids in the final commodity are considerable. Certain key variables now known to influence oxidative processes can be targeted to increase food lipid stability during and after processing. Retention of or addition of exogenous antioxidants is a well-known consideration, but the presence and activity of catalysts, the integrity of tissues and cells, the quantity of polyunsaturated lipids and the structural properties of the final food product, including total surface area of lipids, and the nature of surfactant materials all play important roles in final product stability.
An analysis of subthreshold SRAM bitcells for operation in low power RF-only technologies

Current RFID systems rely on the RF transciever to transmit information and convert RF power to DC to operate any integrated digital circuits. Research investigating the application of RF signals directly on digital CMOS circuits without RF-DC conversion is an emerging area for RFID technologies. One crucial digital circuit for most RFID systems is memory, needed for storing operational instructions and sampled data. An in-depth study and comparison of subthreshold SRAM bitcells has been conducted to analyze how such memories will function in a subthreshold RF-only regime without the need for RF-DC conversion. Several SRAM cells were chosen for conversion into the RF-only family and measured against several metrics, including highest performance at lowest operating voltage, power consumption, and static noise margins (SNM). Including RF supply transistors, an 18-T subthreshold RF-only bitcell is proposed, capable of operating at a data rate of 100 kHz at VRF of 200mVRMS.
Toward an understanding of fiction and information behavior

The study of information science and technology has expanded over the years to include more kinds of people, more kinds of behavior, more methods, and a broader inclusion of fields. There is at least one area, however, where very few information studies scholars have tread: entertainment, particularly fiction. Yet many fields indicate that information studies should consider fiction. In this paper, we discuss how fiction is an informative genre and reasons why information studies scholars have mostly ignored fiction. We also identify potential research directions for studying fiction. We provide a summary of works about fiction and information, discuss motivations for expanding (and not expanding) information studies beyond what it is and has been, and we use an exploratory study of one example of a fiction-interaction - reading Young Adult novels - to illustrate how fiction is important to information behavior.
Somatosensory function in old age

Sensory decline is viewed as an inevitable consequence of the ageing process. However, reports of declines have not been a consistent finding across the sensory systems. Reports from psychophysical studies indicate that the most common declines with ageing are in vision and audition and, to a lesser degree, olfaction and gustation. Findings for the somatosensory system (mechanoreception, warming and cooling thermoreception and pain) are less conclusive. Factors that contribute to individual differences in sensory ratings beyond chronological ageing include stimulus factors including stimulus type and body location, response measures and instructions, systemic disease that may affect the peripheral or central nervous system and environmental factors that may affect the skin integrity.
Modeling the monitoring inherent within aviation function allocations

Function allocation designates which agents - humans and automated - will perform which activities during aviation operations. Such function allocations are not absolute - instead, some agents are typically left with responsibility to monitor the outcomes of others activities. This paper describes how such monitoring can be predicted during analysis and design of function allocations. This method applies computational simulation of the collective set of activities, such that a large number of variants and conditions can be analyzed and compared. Such simulations can collect measures of the activities that will be required of each of the agents, each agent's information requirements overall, and conditions where information must be transferred somehow between the agents. Further, monitoring requirements can be automatically detected during run-time and included in the analysis. A case study demonstrates this method in the context of air-ground function allocation in arrival operations.
Cancer Cell Fusion with Myeloid Cells: Implications for Energy Metabolism in Malignant Hybrids

It is abundantly clear that metastasis – the migration of cancer cells from their site of origin to distant organs and tissues – is what makes cancer so deadly. It is therefore surprising that so little is known about its onset. We advocate that the century-old theory of cancer cell fusion with tumor-associated leucocytes such as macrophages is the only complete theory we have – potentially explaining most if not all aspects of metastasis, most notably its initiation. The fusion theory states that acquisition of a metastatic phenotype occurs when a healthy migratory leucocyte fuses with a primary tumor cell. The resultant hybrid adapts the white blood cell natural ability to migrate around the body, all the while continuing to go through the uncontrolled cell division of the original cancer cell. Here we review the evidence supporting these concepts. We further focus on autophagy, a common state of macrophages that is also a signature trait of experimental macrophage-melanoma hybrids in culture. We found autophagy to be widespread in pathology specimens of human malignant melanomas, suggesting that autophagy provides an alternate energy source to these tumors. It is proposed that autophagy in melanoma and other malignancies might be a reflection of fusion with myeloid cells. Thus pathways regulating autophagy as well as the fusion events themselves provide potential new targets for cancer therapy.
The Relationship of Cow Comfort and Flooring to Lameness Disorders in Dairy Cattle

Cow comfort and flooring contribute to lameness incidence in dairy herds. The trigger factors for lameness can all be exacerbated by poor cow comfort. Reduced cow comfort influences lameness incidence by increasing the risk for development of new cases and the time it takes for a cow to recover. Reduction in resting time will increase the cow's exposure to hard flooring surfaces. Many factors are associated with lameness prevalence. Housing and management factors should be optimized to reduce lameness incidence on dairy farms.
Predicting the Temporal and Social Dynamics of Curiosity in Small Group Learning

Curiosity is an intrinsic motivation for learning, but is highly dynamic and changes moment to moment in response to environmental stimuli. In spite of the prevalence of small group learning in and outside of modern classrooms, little is known about the social nature of curiosity. In this paper, we present a model that predicts the temporal and social dynamics of curiosity based on sequences of behaviors exhibited by individuals engaged in group learning. This model reveals distinct sequential behavior patterns that predict increase and decrease of curiosity in individuals, and convergence to high and low curiosity among group members. In particular, convergence of the entire group to a state of high curiosity is highly correlated with sequences of behaviors that involve the most social of group behaviors - such as questions and answers, arguments and sharing findings, as well as scientific reasoning behaviors such as hypothesis generation and justification. The implications of these findings are discussed for educational systems that intend to evoke and scaffold curiosity in group learning contexts.
Co60 vitamin B12 binding capacity of human leukocytes.

1. Mature neutrophilic leukocytes show the highest Co60B12 binding capacity. 2. Less mature granulocytes, "blast" forms and eosinophils have little or no Co60B12 binding capacity. 3. Disintegrated mature leukocytes from chronic myelocytic leukemia and polycythemia vera show higher B12 binding capacity than intact cells. 4. Mature leukocytes from patients with chronic myelocytic leukemia and polycythemia vera show a two-phase B12 curve suggesting specific and nonspecific binding, similar to that observed in human serum. 5. Disintegration products from mature neutrophilic leukocytes probably contribute largely to increased B12 binding capacity of serum in chronic myelocytic leukemia and polycythemia vera.
Lead-like Drugs: A Perspective

Lead-like drugs, or drugs below molecular weight 300, are an important and sometimes overlooked component of the current pharmacopeia and contemporary medicinal chemistry practice. To examine the recent state-of-the-art in lead-like drug discovery, we surveyed recent drug approvals from 2011 to 2017 and top 200 prescribed medications, as well as provide case studies on recently approved lead-like drugs. Many of these recent drugs are close analogs of previously known drugs or natural substrates, with a key focus of their medicinal chemistry optimization being the choice of a low molecular weight starting point and maintaining low molecular weight during the optimization. However, the identification of low molecular weight starting points may be limited by the availability of suitable low molecular weight screening sets. To increase the discovery rate of lead-like drugs, we suggest an increased focus on inclusion and prosecution of lead-like starting points in screening libraries.
High hardness and thermal stability of nanocrystalline Mg–Al alloys synthesized by the high-energy ball milling

Abstract In present study, nanocrystalline Mg-xAl (x= 0, 5, 10 and 20 wt%) alloys were produced via high-energy ball milling (HEBM) followed by compaction under uniaxial pressure of 3 GPa at room temperature. The produced alloys were subjected to heat treatment (HT) for 1 h at various temperatures ranging from room temperature to 425 °C. The microstructure of the milled and subsequently heat treated alloys was studied using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). Lattice parameters changed upon addition of Al and in HT temperature, which have been discussed qualitatively based on electron to atom ratio curve. Hardness measurements, performed at room temperature using Vicker's microindenter, revealed that hardness of the ball milled Mg-xAl alloys was higher than many commercial Mg alloys. Hardness of the alloys was influenced by the Al addition and HT, and it was correlated with the crystallite size and microstructure. High hardness of Mg-xAl alloys was attributed to the grain refinement and Al addition.
Crystal structure of the major quadruplex formed in the promoter region of the human c-MYC oncogene.

The c-MYC oncogene mediates multiple tumor cell survival pathways and is dysregulated or overexpressed in the majority of human cancers. The NHE III1 region of the c-MYC promoter forms a DNA quadruplex. Stabilization of this structure with small molecules has been shown to reduce expression of c-MYC, and targeting the c-MYC quadruplex has become an emerging strategy for development of antitumor compounds. Previous solution NMR studies of the c-MYC quadruplex have assigned the major conformer and topology of this important target, however, regions outside the G-quartet core were not as well-defined. Here, we report a high-resolution crystal structure (2.35 A) of the major quadruplex formed in the NHE III1 region of the c-MYC promoter. The crystal structure is in general agreement with the solution NMR structure, however, key differences are observed in the position of nucleotides outside the G-quartet core. The crystal structure provides an alternative model that, along with comparisons to other reported quadruplex crystal structures, will be important to the rational design of selective compounds. This work will aid in development of ligands to target the c-MYC promoter quadruplex with the goal of creating novel anticancer therapies.
The consumption of 12 eggs per week for 1 year does not alter fasting serum markers of cardiovascular disease in older adults with early macular degeneration.

Abstract Some studies suggest that eating more than one egg daily may increase risk of death from cardiovascular disease. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of consuming eggs on various serum markers associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Forty-five independently living adults diagnosed with early macular degeneration, but healthy otherwise were recruited into the study. Subjects were placed into the Intervention (n = 27) or Control group (n = 18) based on whether or not they would consume eggs. The Intervention group consumed 12 eggs per week while the Control group refrained from consuming any whole egg products for 1 year. Serum concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides (TG), glucose, apolipoprotein (apo) A-1 and apo B, lipoprotein (Lp)a and high-sensitive C reactive protein (hsCRP) were measured at baseline, 6, and 12 months. Serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentration was calculated via the Friedewald equation. Serum TC, TG, HDL-C, LDL-C, apo A-1, apo B, Lpa and hsCRP concentrations did not change at any time in both the Intervention and Control groups compared to baseline nor were there any differences between the two treatment. Serum glucose concentrations did increase significantly in the Intervention group at 6 months compared to baseline (23%, P
Comment on Gomez et. al. "Response to article by Wasserman et. al. (2018) 'Modelling the sustained use of the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine compared to switching to the 10-valent vaccine in Mexico'".

In a recent Letter, Gomez et. al. provided a critique of our original analysis estimating the clinical and economic impact of switching from the 13-valent (PCV13) to the 10-valent (PCV10) pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in Mexico. This comment addresses Gomez et. al.’s comments with additional information and clarifies potential misinterpretations.
Rhythmic abdominal pumping movements in praying Mantises (Insecta: Mantodea)

We analyzed the rhythmic, cyclical dorsal-ventral abdominal pumping movements of nymphal and adult Hierodula patellifera (Audinet- Serville 1839), and adult Stagmomantis carolina (Johansson 1763), Tenodera sinensis (de Saussure 1871), Miomantis paykullii (Stal 1871), and Sphodromantis lineola (Burmeister 1838) using a combination of customized video analysis software and frame-by-frame video analyses. Despite the phylogenetic and ecological diversity of these species, we found fundamental similarities in the overall, intermittent patterns of their abdominal pumping movements. In adults of all species, intermittent bouts of abdominal pumping had median durations of 64-89 sec, and were separated by intervals with median durations of 10-25 sec. Bouts began with rhythmic upward abdominal deflections of progressively increasing amplitude and frequency which were superimposed on an overall, progressive abdominal elevation. Bouts ended with 1-4 very high amplitude, low frequency upward deflections after which the abdomen returned to its horizontal (resting) position. In H. patellifera, the overall adult pattern emerged gradually during larval development. Given the diversity of the species tested, our data suggest that intermittent abdominal pumping (which has been associated with respiratory behavior in insects) may be independent of ecological niche or acute environmental stressors in mantises. Instead, our data support the hypothesis that these apparently respiratory related, intermittent abdominal pumping movements are an emergent property of the mantis central nervous system organization.
Ring transformations by ring‐chain‐transfer. V. Synthesis of amino‐, hydroxy‐ and mercaptoalkylpyrazoles by reaction of 3‐functionalized acrylonitriles with hydrazine hydrate

3-Alkylamino, 3-alkoxy or 3-alkylthioacrylonitriles whose leaving group is incorporated in a saturated heterocyclic ring are 1,3-bifunctional electrophiles. They react with hydrazine hydrate at the cyano group by addition as well as at position 3 by opening the saturated ring. By this ring transformation new 5-aminopyrazoles are formed which are additionally substituted by an ω-functionalized alkyl chain in position 3.
Impact of Gabapentin Adjunct use with Benzodiazepines for the Treatment of Alcohol Withdrawal in a Psychiatric Hospital

Introduction Benzodiazepines are currently the gold standard for treatment of alcohol withdrawal. Gabapentin has growing evidence to support its use in the treatment of alcohol use disorder, however there is limited evidence regarding its role in the treatment of alcohol withdrawal. The purpose of this study was to determine if adjunctive gabapentin reduces the need for benzodiazepine (BZD) administration during alcohol withdrawal. Methods This was a retrospective single-center cohort study. Patients were included if they were 18-89 years old, had an underlying alcohol use disorder, and were initiated on the Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment of Alcohol Scale, Revised (CIWA-Ar) protocol with or without scheduled gabapentin. They were excluded if they had a BZD use disorder, were on concomitant anti-epileptics, as-needed gabapentin, or BZDs outside the CIWA-Ar protocol. Results A total of 129 patients met inclusion criteria (n = 63 gabapentin group and 66 non-gabapentin group). There was a significant difference in as-needed BZD requirements, with the gabapentin group requiring a higher number of as-needed BZDs in the initial 72 hours of treatment (gabapentin 6 [IQR 0.5-10] non-gabapentin 2 [IQR 0-4]; p = 0.01) and overall (gabapentin 6 [IQR 0.5-10] vs. non-gabapentin 2 [IQR 0-5.5]; p = 0.01). The gabapentin group also had higher maximum CIWA-Ar scores in the initial 72 hours of treatment, and higher anxiety item scores in the initial 48 hours. Conclusion Gabapentin was not shown to reduce as-needed BZD requirements in patients with a diagnosis of alcohol use disorder admitted for alcohol withdrawal.
Tensors and Differential Forms

There are a number of vector spaces and algebras naturally associated with the tangent space M m . Suitably smooth assignments of elements of these spaces to the points in M yield tensor fields and differential forms of various types. We shall first develop some of the pertinent facts from multilinear algebra, and then beginning with 2.14 we shall apply these concepts to manifolds.
Endoscopic ultrasound guided fine-needle aspiration vs core needle biopsy for solid pancreatic lesions: Comparison of diagnostic accuracy and procedural efficiency.

Background Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) guided core needle biopsies (CNB) are increasingly being performed to diagnose solid pancreatic lesions. However, studies have been conflicting in terms of CNB improving diagnostic accuracy and procedural efficiency vs fine-needle aspiration (FNA), which this study aims to elucidate. Methods Data were prospectively collected on consecutive patients with solid pancreatic or peripancreatic lesions at a single tertiary care center from November 2015 to November 2016 that underwent either FNA or CNB. Patient demographics, characteristics of lesions, diagnostic accuracy, final and follow-up pathology, use of rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE), complications, and procedure variables were obtained. Results A total of 75 FNA and 48 CNB were performed; of these, 13 patients had both. Mean passes were lower with CNB compared to FNA (2.4 vs 2.9, P = .02). Use of ROSE was higher for FNA (97.3% vs 68.1%, P = .001). Mean procedure time was shorter with CNB (34.1 minutes vs 51.2 minutes, P = .02) and diagnostic accuracy was similar (89.2% vs 89.4%, P = .98). There was no difference in diagnostic accuracy when ROSE was performed for CNB vs not performed (93.5% vs 85.7%, P = .58). Additionally, diagnostic accuracy of combined FNA and CNB procedures was 92.3%, which was comparable to FNA (P = .73) or CNB (P = .52) alone. Conclusion FNA and CNB had comparable safety and diagnostic accuracy. Use of CNB resulted in less number of passes and shorter procedure time as compared to FNA. Moreover, diagnostic accuracy for CNB with or without ROSE was similar.
Effectiveness of a pharmacy teaching certificate program offered to practicing pharmacists.

Abstract Introduction Regardless of the practice setting, pharmacists' roles often expand beyond patient-centered services and into health-related educational roles for patients, healthcare providers, and student pharmacists. Teaching roles of a clinical pharmacist can include providing invited presentations (such as continuing education lectures), teaching colleagues about new clinical initiatives, precepting students during advanced pharmacy practice experiences (APPEs) and introductory pharmacy practice experiences (IPPEs), and precepting residents on rotations. This program was designed to evaluate the effect of a university-affiliated pharmacy teaching certificate program on participant knowledge and perceived confidence in specific areas of academic pharmacy and preceptor development. Methods A 10-month program consisting of four live modules with associated continuing education (CE) credit was offered to pharmacy residents and practicing pharmacists in the surrounding area. The program format utilized didactic and active learning strategies with “at home” assignments to reinforce material presented. Content knowledge was measured with written summative assessments provided at the start and end of each module. Perceived confidence was assessed through online surveys provided at the start and end of the program. All results were evaluated using paired t-tests. Results Data were obtained from 14 participants in the first cohort and 18 participants in the second cohort. For each of the four modules, there was a significant difference in pre- and post-knowledge assessments. Confidence data was also significantly increased regarding topics in each module. Conclusion Knowledge assessments and perception surveys suggest that this university-affiliated teaching certificate program improved both knowledge and perceived confidence for program participants.
A family of tractable graph metrics

Important data mining problems such as nearest-neighbor search and clustering admit theoretical guarantees when restricted to objects embedded in a metric space. Graphs are ubiquitous, and clustering and classification over graphs arise in diverse areas, including, e.g., image processing and social networks. Unfortunately, popular distance scores used in these applications, that scale over large graphs, are not metrics and thus come with no guarantees. Classic graph distances such as, e.g., the chemical distance and the Chartrand-Kubiki-Shultz distance are arguably natural and intuitive, and are indeed also metrics, but they are intractable: as such, their computation does not scale to large graphs. We define a broad family of graph distances, that includes both the chemical and the Chartrand-Kubiki-Shultz distances, and prove that these are all metrics. Crucially, we show that our family includes metrics that are tractable. Moreover, we extend these distances by incorporating auxiliary node attributes, which is important in practice, while maintaining both the metric property and tractability.
Design Using Transform Methods

In this chapter we will discuss digital control system design using transform-based methods. As with continuous controllers, the goal of design is to transform the behavior from unacceptable to acceptable. Specific design specifications are, of course, different from application to application.
Counselor Education Doctoral Students' Experiences With Multiple Roles and Relationships

Interpretive phenomenological analysis was used to explore 10 counselor education doctoral students' lived experiences with multiple roles and relationships. Four superordinate themes were found: power differential, need for education, transformation, and learning from experiences. Findings revealed that multiple roles and relationships offer doctoral students positive and negative experiences, shaping their development as future counselor educators.
Kinetic study of reaction C2H5 + HO2 in a photolysis reactor with time-resolved Faraday rotation spectroscopy

Abstract The rate constant and branching ratios of ethyl reaction with hydroperoxyl radical, C2H5 + HO2 (1), a key radical-radical reaction for intermediate temperature combustion chemistry, were measured in situ for the first time in a photolysis Herriott cell by using mid-IR Faraday rotation spectroscopy (FRS) and UV-IR direct absorption spectroscopy (DAS). The microsecond time-resolved diagnostic technique in this work enabled the direct rate measurements of the target reaction at 40 and 80 mbar and reduced the experimental uncertainty considerably. C2H5 and HO2 radicals were generated by the photolysis of (COCl)2/C2H5I/CH3OH/O2/He mixture at 266 nm. By direct measurements of the transient profiles of C2H5, HO2 and OH concentrations, the overall rate constant for this reaction at 297 K was determined as k1(40 mbar) = (3.8 ± 0.8) × 10 − 11 cm3 molecule − 1 s − 1 and k1(80 mbar) = (4.1 ± 1.0) × 10 − 11 cm3 molecule − 1 s − 1 . The direct observation of hydroxyl radical (OH) indicated that OH formation channel was the major channel with a branching ratio of 0.8 ± 0.1.
The value of Metronidazole in the management of acute radiation proctitis

To the Editor,Pelvic radiotherapy has been used as part of a multidisciplinary treatment strategy for the management of cancers originating from the urogenital, gastrointestinal and the gynaecologi...
Working Conditions and Special Educators’ Reading Instruction for Students With Emotional and Behavioral Disorders:

Working conditions may be an important lever to support special educators’ reading instruction for students with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD). Thus, we explored how working conditions r...
Invited review on ‘maize in the 21st century’ Emerging trends of maize biorefineries in the 21st century: scientific and technological advancements in biofuel and bio-sustainable market

Abstract The United States is the largest global bioethanol producer and maize is the leading crop contributing towards it. Improvement in maize quality and yeast strains have enhanced ethanol production to a great extent. The high-titer ethanol production from maize biorefineries has enabled the maize biorefineries to meet the government set blending limits, which plateaued the demand for ethanol in the United States. On the other hand, growing industrial biotechnology with an emphasis on sustainability has accelerated demand for bio-based products. Therefore, the focus of maize biorefineries is now shifting on branching out the application of maize towards the bio-based markets. Recent scientific and technological advancements in the field of cellular agriculture, polymer development, and process engineering have diversified the usage of maize and inexpensive coproducts of maize biorefineries. The abundant fermentable sugars, vegetable oil, fiber, germ, and coproducts of maize fermentation have become the new platform compounds to produce next-generation high-value bio-based polymers, bulk and specialty chemicals along with biofuels and food. To meet this growing new demand, traditional maize biorefineries are evolving and positioning themselves in bio-based sustainable market sectors. This review analyzes the recent advancements in science and technologies leading to the emerging trends of maize biorefineries.
Prior Injury, Health-Related Quality of Life, Disablement, and Physical Activity in Former Women's Soccer Players.

CONTEXT Former collegiate athletes may be at risk for negative health outcomes like lower health-related quality of life (HRQoL), higher disablement, and lower lifetime physical activity (PA) participation. A history of severe sports injury may play a role in these outcomes. OBJECTIVE To assess the role prior sports injury plays in self-reported HRQoL, levels of disablement, and PA behaviors of former Division I women's soccer players. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING Online Survey. PARTICIPANTS Former NCAA Division I women's soccer players (n = 382, Mage = 36.41 ± 7.76) completed demographics, injury history, the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS; HRQoL), the Disablement for the Physically Active Scale (DPA; disablement), and the Godin Leisure Time Physical Activity Questionnaire (PA). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The dependent variables were physical and mental component summary scores for HRQoL and disablement, and frequency of moderate-to-vigorous PA. Means, standard deviations, and correlations among the main outcome variables were examined for those who reported a severe injury (n = 261) and those who did not (n = 121). To address the primary aim of the study, multiple regression analyses were used to predict PA, disablement, and HRQoL based on history of severe injury, accounting for age. RESULTS Having a severe injury was significantly predictive of having worse physical disablement and worse physical HRQoL, with severe injury predicting a greater than 5-point increase and 2-point decrease on the respective scales. Injury status was not predictive of mental disablement, mental HRQoL, or PA. CONCLUSIONS The majority of participants reported suffering a prior severe soccer-related injury, which may have a negative long-term impact on health outcomes for former women's soccer players. Athletic trainers should be aware of risk for decreased HRQoL and increased disablement with injury and encourage continued monitoring of relevant patient-reported outcomes (PROs).
Measurement of rainfall with the aid of weather radar

The theory of the radar reflectivity factor and how to determine the radar parameters must be clearly known for an accurate measurement of rainfall with the help of a weather radar. Procedures for achieving these ends are presented first. Kinematics and microphysical influences on Z-R relationships and the effect on the rainfall estimates are pointed out. Consideration of radar areal estimates of rainfall utilizing gauges for calibration indicates a significant reduction in percent error when adjustments are made on a storm basis and thus suggesting an improved technique. Factors affecting such measurements are finally outlined.