cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adaptive Feedback Control of Flow Separation

An adaptive feedback disturbance rejection algorithm is applied in conjunction with a piezoelectric synthetic jet actuator and surface mounted unsteady pressure transducers to control the separated flow on a NACA 0025 airfoil model at and . The goal of this feedback control scheme is to suppress the pressure fluctuations on the upper surface of the airfoil model, which results in reduced flow separation, increased lift, and reduced drag. A recursive ARMARKOV system identification (ID) algorithm is used to estimate the flow dynamics and does a good job of tracking the unsteady pressure sensor output. The disturbance rejection algorithm is able to reduce the broadband power of the pressure fluctuations by up to ~5 dB. Furthermore, the flow is completely reattached and the lift/drag ratio, measured using an integrated balance, is increased by a factor of ~5 using 1/3 12 α = 5 Re 10 c =
A Mark and Recapture Procedure for Estimating Population Sizes of Adult Stable Flies

A mark and recapture system is described for estimating the population sizes of adult stable flies, Stomoxys calcitrans (L.). Flies are marked with fluorescent powders and recaptured on fiberglass panels treated with adhesive. The theoretical model used for estimating population sizes from recapture data includes adjustments for the mortality and emigration of marked flies and allows for continuous trapping of flies during time periods of unequal length. Results of field tests indicated that general trends in wild populations are adequately measured with the system, but weather changes may affect the trapping efficiency of the fiberglass panels.
The Fundamentals of Political Science Research: Getting to Know Your Data: Evaluating Measurement and Variations

OVERVIEW Although what political scientists care about is discovering whether causal relationships exist between concepts, what we actually examine is statistical associations between variables. Therefore it is critical that we have a clear understanding of the concepts that we care about so we can measure them in a valid and reliable way. In this chapter we focus on two critical tasks in the process of evaluating causal theories: measurement and descriptive statistics. As we discuss the importance of measurement, we use several examples from the political science literature, such as the concept of political tolerance. We know that political tolerance and intolerance is a “real” thing – that it exists to varying degrees in the hearts and minds of people. But how do we go about measuring it? What are the implications of poor measurement? Descriptive statistics and descriptive graphs, which represent the second focus of this chapter, are what they sound like – they are tools that describe variables. These tools are valuable because they can summarize a tremendous amount of information in a succinct fashion. In this chapter we discuss some of the most commonly used descriptive statistics and graphs, how we should interpret them, how we should use them, and their limitations. I know it when I see it. – Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court Potter Stewart, in an attempt to define “obscenity” in a concurring opinion in Jacobellis v. Ohio (1964) These go to eleven. – Nigel Tufnel (played by Christopher Guest), describing the volume knob on his amplifier, in the movie This Is Spinal Tap
Cancer of Unknown Primary in Adolescents and Young Adults: Clinicopathological Features, Prognostic Factors and Survival Outcomes.

Background Cancer in adolescents and young adults (AYAs) (15-39 years) is increasingly recognized as a distinct clinical and biological entity. Cancer of unknown primary (CUP), a disease traditionally presenting in older adults with a median age of 65 years, poses several challenges when diagnosed in AYA patients. This study describes clinicopathological features, outcomes and challenges in caring for AYA-CUP patients. Methods A retrospective review of 47 AYAs diagnosed with CUP at MD Anderson Cancer Center (6/2006-6/2013) was performed. Patients with favorable CUP subsets treated as per site-specific recommendations were excluded. Demographics, imaging, pathology and treatment data was collected using a prospectively maintained CUP database. Kaplan-Meier product limit method and log-rank test were used to estimate and compare overall survival. The cox-proportional model was used for multivariate analyses. Results Median age was 35 years (range 19-39). All patients underwent comprehensive workup. Adenocarcinoma was the predominant histology (70%). A median of 9 immunostains (range 2-29) were performed. The most common putative primary was biliary tract based on clinicopathological parameters as well as gene profiling. Patients presented with a median of 2 metastatic sites [lymph node (60%), lung (47%), liver (38%) and bone (34%)]. Most commonly used systemic chemotherapies included gemcitabine, fluorouracil, taxanes and platinum agents. Median overall survival for the entire cohort was 10.0 (95% confidence interval (CI): 6.7-15.4) months. On multivariate analyses, elevated lactate dehydrogenase (Hazard ratio (HR) 3.66; 95%CI 1.52-8.82; P = 0.004), ≥3 metastatic sites (HR 5.34; 95%CI 1.19-23.9; P = 0.029), and tissue of origin not tested (HR 3.4; 95%CI 1.44-8.06; P = 0.005) were associated with poor overall survival. Culine's CUP prognostic model (lactate dehydrogenase, performance status, liver metastases) was validated in this cohort (median overall survival: good-risk 25.2 months vs. poor-risk 6.1 months). Conclusions AYA-CUP is associated with a poor prognosis. In the current "-omics" era collaborative research efforts towards understanding tumor biology and therapeutic targets in AYA-CUP is an unmet need, necessary for improving outcomes in young CUP patients.
Ecology Development Strategy of Sports Traveling Resources of Zhoushan Islands Newly Developed Area——example for sports traveling and island survival

The ecology sports traveling is the 21st century tourism new tendency.To return nature and with the natural unified whole is many person's life goals.The island survival ecology sports traveling is the collection experience.The exploration,the sightseeing,the environmental protection and the ecology education is a body's emerging sea sports traveling form.The island survival ecology sports traveling is the leisure movement new contem,which promotes the marine economy development.Using the island resources,is for the purpose of some advice sea sports development for the development of Zhoushan islands newly developed area,to propose the ecology development strategy of the island survival and the sports traveling linkage sustainable development.
Counterpoint: The Case Against Adjuvant High-Dose Interferon-α for Melanoma Patients

High dose interferon-alpha (HD IFN) is approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for adjuvant treatment of patients with stage III melanoma after complete surgical resection. Despite this, clinicians and patients around the world and in many parts of the US have failed to embrace this treatment option because of the lack of overall survival benefit and minimal other clinical benefits seen in randomized trials, combined with the therapy's substantial toxicity. This article reviews the data from the randomized trials that lead to this conclusion and discuss why arguments often advanced in favor of using HD IFN are not persuasive. New treatment options are needed for adjuvant therapy of melanoma. In the meantime, the data from the randomized trials make it difficult for many clinicians and patients to have enthusiasm for adjuvant HD IFN.
Glutaraldehyde Cross-Linked Bovine Collagen in Exstrophy/Epispadias Complex

AbstractWe injected endoscopically 0.75 to 2.5cc of cross-linked bovine collagen at the 3, 9 and 12 o’clock positions of the urethra or bladder neck of 9 children with epispadias and 7 with exstrophy. This procedure was performed in 10 children who were still incontinent after a Young-Dees operation. In 6 girls collagen was injected submucosally before bladder neck surgery to increase outlet resistance and to gain bladder capacity. A repeat injection was given to 3 patients after 1 year. Continence improved in 9 of the 10 cases injected after surgery of the bladder neck. Of the 6 children who underwent collagen treatment before reconstruction of the lower urinary tract capacity increased an average of 47% in 2 years in 5 and the procedure failed in 1. Submucosal injection of collagen is helpful in modulating outflow resistance and increasing bladder volume after primary closure of exstrophic bladders. Patients with small bladders following closure, who would otherwise be candidates for augmentation cystop...
e+e− Colliders

The following notes are intended as a review of the main properties of e + e − colliders, divided into 2 categories: storage rings and linear colliders; the basic physics, beam characteristics, limitations on beam current and density and their influence on the luminosity will be discussed.
Enriching preschool classrooms and home visits with evidence-based programming: sustained benefits for low-income children.

Background Growing up in poverty undermines healthy development, producing disparities in the cognitive and social-emotional skills that support early learning and mental health. Preschool and home-visiting interventions for low-income children have the potential to build early cognitive and social-emotional skills, reducing the disparities in school readiness that perpetuate the cycle of poverty. However, longitudinal research suggests that the gains low-income children make during preschool interventions often fade at school entry and disappear by early elementary school. Methods In an effort to improve the benefits for low-income children, the REDI program enriched Head Start preschool classrooms (study one) and home visits (study two) with evidence-based programming, documenting positive intervention effects in two randomized trials. In this study, REDI participants were followed longitudinally, to evaluate the sustained impact of the classroom and home-visiting enrichments 3 years later, when children were in second grade. The combined sample included 556 children (55% European American, 25% African American, 19% Latino; 49% male): 288 children received the classroom intervention, 105 children received the classroom intervention plus the home-visiting intervention, and 173 children received usual practice Head Start. Results The classroom intervention led to sustained benefits in social-emotional skills, improving second grade classroom participation, student–teacher relationships, social competence, and peer relations. The coordinated home-visiting intervention produced additional benefits in child mental health (perceived social competence and peer relations) and cognitive skills (reading skills, academic performance). Significant effects ranged from 25% to 48% of a standard deviation, representing important effects of small to moderate magnitude relative to usual practice Head Start. Conclusions Preschool classroom and home-visiting programs for low-income children can be improved with the use of evidence-based programming, reducing disparities and promoting complementary benefits that sustain in elementary school.
Relationships between restricted residual feed intake of Brahman bulls measured in confinement and under different stocking intensities on Coastal bermudagrass pastures

ABSTRACT Efficiency of animal production is an important component of the beef industry. The research objectives of this 2-yr study were to (1) estimate residual feed intake (RFI) of yearling Brahman (Bos indicus) bulls grazing Coastal bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] using DMI measured with n-alkanes; (2) compare RFI under grazing (RFIg) with RFI determined in confinement under restricted feed intake at 2.8% of BW (RRFIc); and (3) assess the relationships of carcass traits and gastrointestinal tract anatomy to RFIg. Bulls RRFIc-phenotyped as efficient (n-RFI) and inefficient (p-RFI) in both 2009 and 2010 were assigned to 2 replicate pastures at either low or high stocking intensity (STK) for 60 d. In 2009 there was no difference (P > 0.3) between n-RRFIc and p-RRFIc for initial or final BW, ADG, DMI, or feed-to-gain ratio. There was an interaction of RFIg × STK (P = 0.043) for ADG in which p-RFIg bulls on low STK had the greatest gain. The p-RFIg bulls had the greatest DMI regardless of STK (P
Fasting increases the phosphorylation of AMPK and expression of sirtuin1 in muscle of adult male northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris).

Fasting typically suppresses thyroid hormone (TH)-mediated cellular events and increases sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) activity. THs may regulate metabolism through nongenomic pathways and directly through activation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Adult male elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris) are active, hypermetabolic, and normothermic during their annual breeding fast, which is characterized by stable TH levels. However, the contribution of TH to maintenance of their fasting metabolism is unknown. To investigate the fasting effects on cellular TH-mediated events and its potential association with SIRT1 and AMPK, we quantified plasma TH levels, mRNA expressions of muscle SIRT1 and TH-associated genes as well as the phosphorylation of AMPK in adult, male northern elephant seals (n = 10/fasting period) over 8 weeks of fasting (early vs. late). Deiodinase type I (DI1) expression increased twofold with fasting duration suggesting that the potential for TH-mediated cellular signaling is increased. AMPK phosphorylation increased 61 ± 21% with fasting suggesting that cellular metabolism is increased. The mRNA expression of the TH transporter, monocarboxylate transporter 10 (MCT10), increased 2.4-fold and the TH receptor (THrβ-1) decreased 30-fold suggesting that cellular uptake of T4 is increased, but its subsequent cellular effects such as activation of AMPK are likely nongenomic. The up-regulation of SIRT1 mRNA expression (2.6-fold) likely contributes to the nongenomic activation of AMPK by TH, which may be necessary to maintain the expression of PGC-1α These coordinated changes likely contribute to the up-regulation of mitochondrial metabolism to support the energetic demands associated with prolonged fasting in adult seals.
The Disease-Preventative Use of Condoms: Why It Is Not Forbidden According to Catholic Doctrine

This essay argues that contemporary Catholic teaching does not forbid the use of condoms to prevent the transmission of HIV. It begins by making clear that this question is distinct from the main one treated by Humanae vitae n. 14, and from its treatment of “therapeutic means” (n. 15) with a contraceptive effect. It further distinguishes the use of condoms by those engaged in immoral behavior—such as prostitution or fornication—from that of married couples, the most difficult aspect of the question. Regarding the former, it argues that the Church should not articulate norms for how to engage in such immoral behavior but should call such persons to live the virtue of chastity, while noting—with Pope Benedict XVI—that such unchaste persons at least show a sense of responsibility when they try to avoid infecting their partners with a serious disease. Regarding the latter, it argues—in light of the December 22, 2010 CDF note on “The Trivialization of Sexuality”—that this is an open question, depending on whether the physical pattern of semination “into”—not merely inside—the vagina is required for a conjugal act. It argues for the development of a sexual ethic in which the essential truth governing sexual ethics is found not in the absolute inviolability of semination, as in some traditional approaches, but in the full truth of the virtue of conjugal chastity in marriage. The essay also treats related matters, such as the stance the Church should take regarding so-called ABC programs.
Abstract 4110: Combinatory approaches targeting EGFR, HER2 and c-MET in recurrent SCCHN

Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) cells that escape cetuximab inhibition exhibit HER2, HER3, and/or c-Met activation. Simultaneous inhibition of EGFR, HER2, HER3 and c-Met presents an attractive clinical strategy for treating SCCHN that has progresses despite EGFR-targeted therapy. In an effort to develop new combination drug therapy options for recurrent SCCHN, we evaluated three different c-Met inhibitors in combination with a pan-HER inhibitor (afatinib/crizotinib, afatinib/tivantinib, afatinib/cabozantinib) and investigated their anti-tumoral effects. SCCHN cell lines (JHU022 highly expresses c-Met, and SCC1-C is cetuximab resistant) as well as patient derived xenograft (PDX) animal models from patients with recurrent SCCHN were investigated. In our cell line study, western-blot assay indicated that activation of EGFR, HER2, and c-Met was blocked in all three combinations. In addition the downstream PI3K/AKT and ERK signaling pathways were inhibited. Sulforhodamin B colorimetric assay (SRB) revealed SCCHN cell growth was more effectively inhibited by the combinations compared to any of the single inhibitors in vitro. Furthermore, the combination was more potent in inducing apoptosis when compared to each of the single treatments. Finally in the PDX study, all treatment groups had significantly greater efficacy compared to the non-treated control group (p Citation Format: Dongsheng Wang, Kelly R. Magliocca, Sreenivas Nannapaneni, Coner Steuer, Mihir R. Patel, Mark W. El-Deiry, Xu Wang, Zhengjia Chen, Dong M. Shin, Nabil F. Saba, Zhuo G. Chen. Combinatory approaches targeting EGFR, HER2 and c-MET in recurrent SCCHN [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 4110. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-4110
Semen quality and pregnancy loss in a contemporary cohort of couples recruited before conception: data from the Longitudinal Investigation of Fertility and the Environment (LIFE) Study.

Objective To study the relationship between semen quality and pregnancy loss in a cohort of couples attempting to conceive. Design Observational prospective cohort. Setting Not applicable. Patient(s) Three hundred and forty-four couples with a singleton pregnancy observed daily through 7 postconception weeks of gestation. Intervention(s) None. Main Outcome Measure(s) Association between semen quality and pregnancy loss. Result(s) Ninety-eight (28%) of the couples experienced a pregnancy loss after singleton pregnancy. No differences were observed in semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count, sperm viability, or sperm morphology (World Health Organization [WHO] and strict criteria) by couple's pregnancy loss status irrespective of whether they were analyzed continuously or as dichotomous variables per the WHO 5th edition semen criteria. A dichotomous DNA fragmentation measure of ≥30% was statistically significantly associated with pregnancy loss. No association was identified with other sperm morphometric or movement measures. Of the 70 couples who re-enrolled after a pregnancy loss, 14 experienced a second loss. Similar findings were identified when examining semen quality from couples with recurrent pregnancy loss. Conclusion(s) Although a few trends were identified (e.g., DNA fragmentation), general semen parameters seemed to have little relation with risk of pregnancy loss or recurrent pregnancy loss at the population level. However, given that 30% of pregnancies end in miscarriage and half the fetal genome is paternal in origin, the findings await corroboration.
Quantifying sociodemographic and income disparities in medical therapy and lifestyle among symptomatic patients with suspected coronary artery disease: a cross-sectional study in North America.

Objectives To evaluate potential gaps in preventive medical therapy and healthy lifestyle practices among symptomatic patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) seeing primary care physicians and cardiologists and how gaps vary by sociodemographic characteristics and baseline cardiovascular risk. Design Cross-sectional study assessing potential preventive gaps. Participants 10 003 symptomatic outpatients evaluated by primary care physicians, cardiologists or other specialists for suspected CAD. Setting PROspective Multicenter Imaging Study for Evaluation of Chest Painfrom 2010 to 2014. Measures Primary measures were absence of an antihypertensive, statin or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker for renal protection in patients with hypertension, dyslipidaemia or diabetes, respectively, and being sedentary, smoking or being obese. Results Preventive treatment gaps affected 14% of patients with hypertension, 36% of patients with dyslipidaemia and 32% of patients with diabetes. Overall, 49% of patients were sedentary, 18% currently smoked and 48% were obese. Women were significantly more likely to not take a statin for dyslipidaemia and to be sedentary. Patients with lower socioeconomic status were also significantly more likely to not take a statin. Compared with Whites, Blacks were significantly more likely to be obese, while Asians were less likely to smoke or be obese. High-risk patients sometimes experienced larger preventive care gaps than low-risk patients. For patients with dyslipidaemia, the presence of a treatment gap was associated with a higher risk of an adverse event (HR 1.35, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.82). Conclusions Among contemporary, symptomatic patients with suspected CAD, significant gaps exist in preventive care and lifestyle practices, and high-risk patients sometimes had larger gaps. Differences by sex, age, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status and geography are modest but contribute to disparities and have implications for improving opulation health. For patients with dyslipidaemia, the presence of a treatment gap was associated with a higher risk of an adverse event. Clinical trial registration Clinical Trials.gov identifier NCT01174550.
Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallow (FEES) in Intensive Care Unit Patients Post Extubation.

Intensive care unit patients frequently require prolonged intubation and ventilator support. Swallowing dysfunction often occurs in patients who receive prolonged mechanical ventilation. Intubation can cause transient injury to the larynx with a subsequent reduction in protective mechanism and increased incidence of oropharyngeal secretions once patient is extubated. Aim of this study was to evaluate the anatomical damage caused by intubation and the occurrence of aspiration/silent aspiration in patients following extubation, using fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallow (FEES) as diagnostic and therapeutic tool. Participants in the study included all adult ICU patients who were intubated for ≥ 48 h. Head injury patients, patients with abnormal neurological status, completely disoriented patients were excluded. We performed FEES in 41 patients. Duration of intubation was in the range of 2–9 days. We studied 41 patients, among them 19(44%) patients had laryngeal injury and 6 (14%) had aspiration. we noticed that all patients who had aspiration had some laryngeal injury. All 6 patients who had aspiration initially recovered their swallowing function fully as noticed during repeat FEES done after swallow therapy. There is a significant impact of intubation on occurrence of aspiration (14%) and laryngeal abnormality (44%). We found in our study that there is a significant correlation to duration of intubation and occurrence of laryngeal injury.
Joint heterogeneous statistical-QoS/QoE provisionings for edge-computing based WiFi offloading over 5G mobile wireless networks

As one of the critical techniques to support the multimedia services over mobile wireless networks, the statistical quality of service (QoS) technique has been proved to be effective in statistically guaranteeing delay-bounded multimedia data transmissions over the time-varying wireless channels. On the other hand, WiFi offloading technique has been widely cited as one of the 5G promising candidate techniques to improve the QoS/video quality-of-experience (QoE) for mobile users. However, due to the limitations of mobile wireless networks, it is difficult for the joint measurement of the statistical QoS and QoE. As a result, supporting the joint statistical-QoS/QoE provisionings has imposed many new challenges for the 5G mobile wireless networks. To effectively overcome the aforementioned challenges, in this paper we propose the joint heterogeneous statistical QoS/QoE provisioning schemes by applying the edge-computing based WiFi offloading technique over 5G mobile wireless networks. In particular, we build the wireless communication model, the edge-computing based WiFi offloading model, and the joint heterogeneous statistical QoS/QoE model. Under the joint heterogeneous statistical QoS/QoE constraints, we formulate and solve the effective-capacity optimization problem by using the optimal power-allocation policies for our proposed WiFi offloading scheme. Also conducted is a set of simulations which evaluate the system performance and show that our proposed schemes outperform the other existing schemes for efficiently implementing the joint heterogeneous statistical-QoS/QoE provisionings over 5G mobile wireless networks.
Managing complex databases in a schema management framework

Databases in real life are often very complex. A typical business database maintains hundreds of tables, each with tens of attributes. Furthermore, with the adoption of information technology by researchers in scientific fields like astronomy and biology, scientific databases are growing more and more complex as well. This increasing complexity is not surprising because one of the design goals of such databases is comprehensiveness: all information related to potential applications needs to be maintained for future analysis. Similar trends can also be observed in many other fields (e.g., hospital patient management databases). However, while the database research community has achieved reasonable success in efficiently manipulating large amount of data, little progress has been made to address the challenge of effectively manipulating extremely complex databases by ordinary users. This dissertation presents the first set of solutions for managing complex databases based on the central concept of schema summary. A schema summary concisely describes a complex database by presenting representative schema elements from the underlying complex schema. Taking advantage of this succinct representation, we propose models and algorithms that allow ordinary users to more effectively query complex databases. Besides querying, the issue of schema complexity permeates many other schema management tasks. This dissertation proposes and defines a comprehensive set of schema management operators within a schema management framework and implement several such operators with an emphasis on efficient manipulation of complex schemas.
Chemical Requirement for Extracting Energetic Charge Carriers from Plasmonic Metal Nanoparticles to Perform Electron-Transfer Reactions

Performing electron-transfer reactions on metal nanoparticles requires separation of charge carriers at the nanoparticle and their transfer to the reacting molecules. Inducing these reactions using...
Model-free precision control of 808 nm laser pulses

We propose a method for precision control of the temporal pulse shape in 808 nm emission from Er-doped fluoroindate glasses. Previously, authors have reported the model based controller design, in which the controller varies and controls the pump rate in real time through the pump power. In model-based design, the performance of the resultant controller depends on the accuracy of the mathematical model used to represent the device in the design process. In this paper a more robust control scheme using model-free approach is presented. Specifically, the controller design is independent of the mathematical model and hence any modeling error has no effect on the device performance. This robustness against modeling error is critical for control purposes in optical materials where various up-conversion parameters are unknown or hard to determine with certainty.
Subduction-Related Sedimentary Basins of the US Cordillera

Abstract The western United States records a complex Phanerozoic history, which includes several subduction-related orogenies with associated sedimentary basins. Older basins and the history they record are overprinted by younger events, so that much of this history must be inferred. Application of actualistic plate-tectonic models for the origin and evolution of sedimentary basins results in key constraints on interpreting the paleogeography and paleotectonics of the Cordilleran region. The history of subduction-related sedimentary basins should be viewed in the temporal and regional context of Phanerozoic evolution of the western United States, including the following phases: 1. Latest Proterozoic rifting of Rodinia to form the early Paleozoic intraplate margin, along which accumulated the Cordilleran miogeocline; 2. Devonian-Mississippian Antler orogeny and proforeland basin; 3. Mississippian-Pennsylvanian intraplate margin (including Havallah basin), with possible transform and/or extensional tectonics; 4. Pennsylvanian-Permian Ancestral Rockies orogeny, an expression of intracontinental deformation resulting from terminal suturing of Gondwana to Laurasia along the Appalachian-Ouachita-Marathon orogenic belt; 5. Permian-Triassic Sonoma orogeny; 6. Triassic-Jurassic continental-margin magmatic arc and related basins; 7. Late Jurassic Nevadan orogeny formed during closure of a remnant ocean basin between colliding arcs; 8. Latest Jurassic-Late Cretaceous arc-trench system (including forearc basins), with major retroarc shortening and flexural loading to form the Cordilleran retroforeland basin during the Late Cretaceous Sevier orogeny; 9. Latest Cretaceous-Eocene Laramide orogeny, involving shortening of continental basement far inland, as rapid convergence and subduction of buoyant crust resulted in flat-slab subduction; 10. Oligocene ignimbrite flare-up, which resulted from sudden slowing of convergence between North America and the Farallon plate, and consequent collapse of the subducting slab; 11. Miocene-Holocene triple-junction migration, with attendant formation of the Basin and Range Province, Rio Grande rift, and San Andreas transform boundary. An integrated four-dimensional analysis of these diverse basins and associated terranes is necessary for a more complete understanding of the Cordillera.
Geometry processing of conventionally produced mouse brain slice images.

Abstract Background Brain mapping research in most neuroanatomical laboratories relies on conventional processing techniques, which often introduce histological artifacts such as tissue tears and tissue loss. New method In this paper, we present techniques and algorithms for automatic registration and 3D reconstruction of conventionally produced mouse brain slices in a standardized atlas space. This is achieved first by constructing a virtual 3D mouse brain model from annotated slices of Allen Reference Atlas (ARA). Virtual re-slicing of the reconstructed model generates ARA-based slice images corresponding to the microscopic images of histological brain sections. These image pairs are aligned using a geometric approach through contour images. Histological artifacts in the microscopic images are detected and removed using Constrained Delaunay Triangulation before performing global alignment. Finally, non-linear registration is performed by solving Laplace's equation with Dirichlet boundary conditions. Results Our methods provide significant improvements over previously reported registration techniques for the tested slices in 3D space, especially on slices with significant histological artifacts. Further, as one of the application we count the number of neurons in various anatomical regions using a dataset of 51 microscopic slices from a single mouse brain. Comparison with existing method(s) To the best of our knowledge the presented work is the first that automatically registers both clean as well as highly damaged high-resolutions histological slices of mouse brain to a 3D annotated reference atlas space. Conclusions This work represents a significant contribution to this subfield of neuroscience as it provides tools to neuroanatomist for analyzing and processing histological data.
Talahib (Saccharum spontaneum Linn.) as Alternative to Commercial Cotton Yarn

A considerable contributor to the emissions of greenhouse gases is the textile industry’s production of synthetic fibers due to their use of petroleum products (Laitala, Klepp, & Henry, 2018). Thus, there is a need to discover more cellulosic fibers to help lessen the environmental impact of those synthetic fibers (van Dam, 2008; Laitala, et al., 2018). However, there seems to be a lack of cellulosic fibers and natural yarns in the market, only Agave sisalana (Sisal), Ananas comosus (Pineapple) and commercially available (e.g. Cotton) to be able to replace synthetic fibers (Chadramothan & Marimuthu, 2011). Thus, this research aims to study Saccharum spontaneum Linn., locally known in the Philippines as “Talahib” and internationally as “Wild Cane Grass” as an alternative to commercially available synthetic fiber. The researchers produced yarn blends that consist of 30% Saccharum spontaneum (300 g) with 70% pure cotton (700 g) by cutting, drying, blending, and spinning the fibers from the leaves and stalks onto bobbins. In spinning, the fibers passed through four machines — namely: blending machine, draw frame machine, speed frame machine, and ring frame machine. Pure commercial (100%) cotton yarns were obtained from the Philippine Textile Research Institute. Tensile Strength Testing was used in order to determine the strength of the grass prototype yarn compared to pure cotton yarn. The mean breaking strength of the blended yarns were recorded at 3.99 N while the pure cotton yarns were recorded at 2.99 N. Furthermore, using statistical t-test for two sample means assuming unequal variances of the recorded breaking strength of the yarns, a t-critical value of −2.13 and a t stat value of −12.13 were noted. Thus, the researchers concluded that there was probably a significant difference in the strength of the Saccharum spontaneum - cotton blended yarn to the pure cotton yarn. The study tends to suggest that Saccharum spontaneum Linn. may be a likely viable substitute in terms of the strength of the yarn. The researchers recommend that further research should be done to study the feasibility of having a varied percentage blend of Saccharum spontaneum Linn. - Cotton yarns and testing its tensile strength.
Constructing, Troubleshooting, and Using Absorption Colorimeters to Integrate Chemistry and Engineering

Next Generation Science Standards place a significant emphasis on science and engineering practices as part of three-dimensional learning that also includes crosscutting concepts and disciplinary c...
Auditor Going Concern Opinions and Bank Systemic Risk: Evidence from the 2007–2009 Financial Crisis

Following the 2007-2009 financial crisis, regulators and investor groups alleged that auditors were reluctant to issue going concern opinions (GCOs) to distressed banks during the crisis, raising q...
Sex differences in the amplification of responding to an alcohol-predictive cue by an alcohol-associated context

The rats used in the current study were bred in our on-site TH::Cre rat breeding colony, in which 4 heterozygote TH::Cre positive dams were paired with 2 wild type sires (Charles River, St. Hubert, QC). Pups were weaned at twenty-three days post-natal, seprated by sex, and pair-housed in polycarbonate shoebox cages containing beta chip bedding (Aspen Sani chips; Envigo, Indianapolis, IN), a nylabone chew toy (Nylabones, Bio-Serv, Flemington, NJ), a red plastic tunnel (Rat retreats, Bio-Serv, Flemington, NJ), and shredded paper for enrichment, with unrestricted access to standard rat chow (Rodent Diet, Charles River, St. Hubert, QC) and water. Males and females were housed on separate walls within the breeding colony room held at 21 +/- 2 degrees celsius and approximately 40-50% humidity on a 12-hour light-dark cycle (lights on at 0700 hours). One week following weaning, two rounds of pinna samples were collected, and two rounds of genotyping were conducted to verify the genotype of each rat. Those that showed a negative genotype in both rounds (n = 31) were selected for the current study. Rats were transferred into the colony room at ~9 weeks of age and single housed (See Methods).
Effects of brief stress management interventions on distress and leukocyte nuclear factor kappa B expression during primary treatment for breast cancer: A randomized trial.

Abstract Background A randomized controlled trial (RCT) of 5-week stress management interventions teaching cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or relaxation training (RT) techniques showed decreases in stress and serum inflammatory markers over 12 months in women undergoing treatment for breast cancer (BCa). To understand the molecular mechanisms involved, we examined the effects of these interventions on the transcription factor NF-κB DNA binding activity in leukocytes in parallel with circulating inflammatory markers, stress management skill efficacy and multiple distress indicators. Methods This is a secondary analysis using blood samples of 51 BCa patients (Stage 0–III) with high cancer-specific distress selected from a completed RCT (NCT02103387). Women were randomized to one of three conditions, CBT, RT or health education control (HE). Blood samples and self-reported distress measures (Affects Balance Scale-Negative Affect [ABS-NA], Impact of Events Scale-hyperarousal [IES-H] and intrusive thoughts [IES-I]) were collected at baseline (T0) and 12-month follow-up (T2). Self-reported distress measures and perceived stress management skills (PSMS) were also measured immediately post-intervention (baseline + 2 months: T1). Repeated measures analyses compared changes in distress and NF-κB expression among conditions, controlling for age, stage of cancer, days from surgery to baseline, and receipt of chemotherapy and radiation. Regression analyses related T0 to T2 change in NF-κB expression with T0 to T1 changes in self-reported PSMS and distress measures. Exploratory regression analyses also associated change in NF-κB expression with change in serum cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α); and s100A8/A9, a circulating inflammatory marker important in breast cancer progression. Results There was a significant condition (CBT/RT, HE) x time (T0, T2) effect on NF-κB, F(1, 39) = 5.267, p = 0.036, wherein NF-κB expression significantly increased over time for HE but did not change for RT or CBT. Greater increases in PSMS from T0 to T1 were associated with less increase in NF-κB expression over 12 months (β = − 0.426, t(36) = − 2.637, p = 0.048). We found that women assigned to active intervention (CBT/RT) had significant decreases in ABS-NA (F(1, 40) = 6.537, p = 0.028) and IES-I (F(1, 40) = 4.391, p = 0.043) from T0 to T1 compared to women assigned to HE, who showed no change over time (p’s > 0.10). For women assigned to CBT or RT, lower NF-κB expression at T2 was related to less ABS-NA, IES-H, and IES-I, all p’s Conclusions Brief CBT or RT stress management interventions can mitigate increases in pro-inflammatory leukocyte NF-κB binding over 12 months of primary treatment in highly distressed BCa patients. These effects are likely brought about by improved stress management skills.
Implementation of Outpatient Pharmacist-led Hypertension Management for Under-Resourced Patients: A Pilot Study.

Background: The purpose of this study was to implement and evaluate a pharmacist-led hypertension (HTN) program for under-resourced patients discharged from the emergency department (ED) or screened at community health events who are lacking a regular primary care provider (PCP) relationship. Methods: This was a single arm, prospective, pilot study to recruit patients from the Detroit Medical Center (DMC) Sinai Grace Hospital (SGH) ED and community health events. The outpatient pharmacist-led transitional care clinic (TCC) was implemented through a collaborative practice agreement (CPA) with ED physicians. Eligible patients 18 to 60 years with elevated blood pressure (BP) (> 140/90 mmHg) and lacking a PCP relationship were referred to the TCC for HTN management. The primary outcome measure was change in systolic and diastolic BP (SBP and DBP). Difference in BP values was evaluated using Wilcoxon Signed Ranks test and descriptive statistics were used to explain demographic data. Results: There were 116 patients enrolled May 2017 to August 2018; 44 (37.9%) completed visit one [cohort 1], 30 (25.9%) completed at least three visits [cohort 2], and 16 (13.8%) completed five visits [cohort 3]. Most patients were African American (AA) 97.7%, 47.8% were male, and an average of 42.11 (SD 9.70) years. For cohorts 2 and 3, there was significant reduction in BP between TCC visits one and two and the reduction was maintained through five visits for patients that remained in the study. Patients who completed five visits (n=16) showed a significant change from visit one to visit five in SBP of -23 mmHg (p=0.002) and achieved BP goal with an average SBP 139 mmHg (SD 19.33) and DBP 90 mmHg (SD 10.17). Conclusion: The pharmacist-led TCC was successfully implemented. Outpatient pharmacists collaborating with ED physicians increased access to HTN management with a positive impact on BP outcomes in an under-resourced population.
Organophosphate pesticides and progression of chronic kidney disease among children: A prospective cohort study

Abstract Background Growing evidence suggests that exposure to environmental chemicals, such as pesticides, impacts renal function and chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, it is not clear if pesticides may affect CKD progression and no studies exist in children. Objectives The objective of this study was to examine associations between serially measured urinary OP pesticide metabolites and clinical and laboratory measures of kidney function over time among children with CKD. Methods This study used data on 618 participants enrolled in the CKD in Children study (CKiD), a cohort study of pediatric CKD patients from the US and Canada. Children were followed over an average of 3.0 years (standard deviation (SD) = 1.6) between 2005 and 2015. In serially collected urine samples over time, six nonspecific dialkyl phosphate (DAP) metabolites of OP pesticides were measured. Biomarkers of tubular injury (kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL)) and oxidant stress (8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and F2-isoprostane) were determined in the same specimens. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), proteinuria, and blood pressure were assessed annually. Results DAPs were associated with increased KIM-1 and 8-OHdG throughout follow-up. A standard deviation increase in ∑diethyl metabolites was associated with increases of 11.9% (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 4.8%, 19.4%) and 13.2% (95% CI: 9.3%, 17.2%) in KIM-1 and 8-OHdG over time, respectively. DAPs were associated with lower eGFR at baseline and higher eGFR over subsequent years. Conclusions These findings provide preliminary evidence suggesting that urinary DAP metabolites are associated with subclinical kidney injury among children with CKD, which may signal the potential for clinical events to manifest in the future. The results from this study are significant from both a clinical and public health perspective, given that OP pesticide exposure is a modifiable risk factor.
New-Onset Movement Disorders in COVID-19: Much Ado about Nothing?

This is an editorial commenting on the paper by Brandao and colleagues [Brandao PRP, Grippe TC, Pereira DA, Munhoz RP, Cardoso F. New-Onset Movement Disorders Associated with COVID-19. Tremor and Other Hyperkinetic Movements. 2021; 11(1): 26. DOI: http://doi.org/10.5334/tohm.595].
Procedures for Improving Attention in Treatment of Refractory Schizophrenia

Due to the early stage of development of neurocognitive. rehabilitation technology for schizophrenia, guidelines have yet to be established regarding which treatments are appropriate for which patients. Thus, treatments have not necessarily been targeted to specific profiles, or severity levels of neurocognitive deficits. This lack of specificity is most problematic for chronic, severely ill and treatment-refractory patients, such as those who are unable to be discharged from state-hospital settings. This is because these patients are typically characterized by the most severe attentional deficits, and these deficits are related to an inability to participate in many treatments, and thus to particularly poor outcomes. Despite the enormity of this problem, scattered reports throughout the literature suggest that one form of neurocognitive rehabilitation, based on the behavioral principle of shaping, has consistently demonstrated effectiveness in increasing the attention spans of such patients.
Implementation of a Nursing Peer-Review Program in the Hospital Setting.

Purpose/objectives Nursing peer review (NPR), a formal process by which nurses are referred for peer evaluation when patient care problems are identified, has gained acceptance as a method to improve nursing quality and safety. This article describes the development of a formal NPR program for acute care nurses, intended to validate and improve nursing practice. Background Nursing peer review is a systematic process of assessing and evaluating nursing care by peers against professional practice standards. The purpose of an NPR program is to provide a pathway whereby peers hold one another accountable for practice. Rationale Accountability is an important demonstrator of professionalism. Because nursing is a trusted profession, it is imperative that it demonstrate accountability. Description The NPR program was developed and implemented by a clinical nurse specialist. A literature review was conducted to assist program development including the processes of building an NPR committee and nurses for review. To trigger referrals to the NPR system, nursing indicators were identified. To diminish fear among nurses, education for staff members focused on the purpose and importance of the NPR process and the intent to strengthen practice. Nursing peer review committee members were also educated in the use of NPR principles including just culture, appreciative inquiry, and confidentiality. Outcome Upon implementation, nearly 200 referrals were received within the first 14 months; 85% met criteria for review. Nursing practice was identified as appropriate (ie, nursing actions were consistent with good practice) in 66% of the reviews. Trends in individual and system processes were identified for improvement. Conclusion/implications The clinical nurse specialist's role as NPR program coordinator provided an innovative way to impact nursing and organizational spheres of influence through program development and implementation. Future goals include sustaining/improving nursing awareness of the NPR process and identification of additional indicators to trigger review.
8. Noninvasive determination of sound speed and attenuation in liquids

Abstract Swept-Frequency Acoustic Interferometry (SFAI) is a nonintrusive liquid characterization technique developed specifically for detecting and identifying liquids inside sealed munitions. The SFAI technique can rapidly (