cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Metal Structural Environment in ZnxNi1–xO Macroscale and Nanoscale Solid Solutions

The metal structural environments in macroscale and nanoscale ZnxNi1–xO solid solutions were examined using X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). XRD demonstrates that solid solutions form for both macroscale (bulk) and nanoscale crystallites, and that the lattice parameter increases linearly as the amount of zinc increases, an indication of a homogeneous solid solution. XAS for both the bulk material and the nanoparticles reveals that the zinc atoms are incorporated into the rocksalt lattice and do not form zinc oxide clusters. The X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy (XANES) of the Zn k-edge region in the solid solution is similar to the Ni k-edge region of NiO, and not the Zn k-edge region of ZnO. XPS confirms that solid solutions are formed; Auger parameters for zinc are consistent with a different geometry than the tetrahedral coordination of wurtzite ZnO. Nanoscaled solid solutions show evidence of a lattice contraction relative ...
Study of quality evaluation of oil and gas pipeline risk analysis

The present paper aims to introduce the authors' analysis of the uncertainly of pipeline accidents and magnitude of the damages caused by the accidents.In our study,we start with the uncertainty analysis by establishing the quality evaluation standpoint of the analysis.We suggest that the quality evaluation be carried out on the whole process of risk evaluation by checking the list of risk factors identified to see if the assessment is effective or not by using the reliability of the risk assessment in parallel parameters.Based on the study of the operating steps of oil and gas pipeline risk,the paper applies the Indexing System Method in the oil and gas pipeline risk analysis,and transforms the main issue into the magnitude of risk subjected to this action,the quality evaluation is performed on whether quasi-quantifying evaluation method is reasonable by using risk function method.The analysis of the practical use of our ideas shows that the quality(evaluation) method given here can not only help to identify the defects caused by human factors in the process of risk analysis,but also contribute to general identification of the results gained from the analysis.
Conductive Properties of Polymer Composites Filled with Two Kinds of Carbon Materials and Calculating Model of Its Percolation Threshold

Conductive properties of polymer composites filled with two kinds of carbon materials(carbon nanotubes and carbon black or graphite) are introduced and the conductive mechanism is expounded.The calculating model of electrical percolation threshold based on linear blending rule and excluded volume theory are separately given and the difference between calculating values and experimental data is discussed.Using the excluded volume theory,a calculating model of percolation threshold of polymer filled with two kinds of carbon materials is derived and compared with that given in a reference.The newly-derived model indicates that the percolation threshold of polymer filled with two kinds of fillers is a weighted average value of those filled with one kind of filler and the arrangement pattern of carbon nanotubes and carbon black particles in the mixed-fillers filled polymer is different from that of carbon nanotubes or carbon black particles filled alone and this difference in arrangement causes the difference between calculating values and experimental data.A train of thought,"equivalent substitution of length of removed carbon nanotubes by carbon black particles",is proposed,from which a new calculating model of percolation threshold of polymer filled with two kinds of carbon material is derived.The calculating values are consistent with experimental data.
Data leakage preventation using homomorphic encryptionin cloud computing

The cloud computing environment enables cloud users to outsource their data into the cloud environment because of its cost efficiency and ease of management. However, by out sourcing the data to the cloud, cloud users lose their control over the data. This situation becomes more critical when using a cell phone and initiating the handoff process. There is a problem when cloud users invalidate some of the data access rights. An existing solution to this problem is symmetric key encryption method. However, this is not secure when a rejected cloud user rejoins the system to capture the confidential data of handoff mobile devices that is much easier to intercept for adversary. In this paper, an efficient and secure data sharing framework has been introduced using homomorphic encryption and proxy re-encryption methods, which prevent data leakage of mobile cloud users when initiating the handoff process. Our proposed method is validated using a JAVA platform and obtained results confirm the suitability of our proposed method.
Effects of growth temperature and carbon dioxide enrichment on soybean seed components at different stages of development

Soybean plants were grown to maturity in controlled environment chambers and at the onset of flowering three temperature treatments were imposed that provided optimum [28/24 °C], low [22/18 °C] or high [36/32 °C] chamber air temperatures. In addition, plants were treated continuously with either 400 or 800 μmol mol-1 CO2. Seeds were harvested at 42, 53, 69 and 95 days after planting (i.e., final maturity). This study quantified 51 metabolites in developing soybean seeds, plus total lipids and proteins were measured at maturity. About 80% of measured soluble carbohydrates, amines and organic acids decreased to low levels in mature seeds, although important exceptions were raffinose, ribose/arabinose, citrate and all eight fatty acids. This suggested that the metabolism of young seeds supported lipid and protein synthesis. A total of 35 and 9 metabolites differed among temperature and CO2 treatments, respectively, and treatment effects were predominately observed on the first and second samplings. However, shikimate, pinitol and oleate were increased by high temperature treatments in mature seeds. The above results indicated that CO2 enrichment primarily altered metabolite levels during the initial stages of seed development and this was likely due to enhanced photosynthate formation in leaves.
Investigating Cognitive Characteristics of Visualization and Insight Environments: A Case Study with WISE

Data interpretation and insights resources are central for real-time decision-making processes. The combination of different representations and visualizations can help users orchestrate their understanding about data and, therefore, provide the conditions and opportunities for insights. Visualization and insights environments provide conditions for users to make real-time decisions by allowing users to “play with data” – interact with different visualizations, perspectives, and level of details. The human-computer interaction (HCI) design strategy for such environments must consider this data “playfulness” necessity, and also other cognitive characteristics related to that kind of environment. HCI inspection methods generate enriched evidences to designers about cognitive characteristics of interaction that are related to usability features and they can also identify usability issues. We selected two well-known usability inspection methods – Cognitive Walkthrough (CW) and Nielsen’s Heuristics (NH) – to perform an evaluation of WISE (Weather InSights Environment). WISE was proposed to improve insightful analysis over weather information, taking full advantage of data. In this work, we discuss the data and knowledge gathered with the comparison of results from CW and NH, and we considered the results from our previous work, which was another HCI evaluation using Cognitive Dimensions of Notations framework (CDNf). Using WISE as a use case, we show and discuss evidences of how a set of specific cognitive characteristics can support HCI evaluation and discussions about the (re)design of visualization and insight environments.
History of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Civilian benefits of military actions are often unpredictable. Beginning after 1945 with “crash” programs to understand and treat lethal radiation exposure, in case nuclear war were ever to recur, it took some 20 years to establish that bone marrow (BM) infusions were safe but did not cure leukemia unless chemotherapy was first administered. Even so, patients were now dying of fatal graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Using outbred animal models, the problems of GVHD and graft rejection were addressed and, in 1968, an eight-month-old boy with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) received BM from an HLA-matched sister, becoming permanently engrafted by donor lymphocytes. The recipient, nearing 50 years of age, lives a normal, healthy life. Advances in immunosuppressive protocols, refined tissue typing, expanded donor registries, and progress in radiation biology and oncology are products of a post-war international community of cooperating scientists. To date, over one million hematopoietic cell transplantations for malignant and non-malignant disorders have been performed worldwide.
Keynote address 1: “Implications for system reliability in future industrial and automotive designs”

There have been significant advances in the Industrial, Automotive and Power Management market segments over the last 5 years and this presentation addresses key developments in these three related areas and its implications to reliability. The promise of Industry 4.0 and Industrial IOT has finally arrived with innovative sensors, analog and embedded semiconductor based system designs that help companies deliver smarter and safer networked systems. Real-time communication in manufacturing and customization of produced goods will increase productivity and efficiency in many industrial and automotive markets. This presentation will cover the key tenets of Industry 4.0 and its implications for systems reliability. Automotive electronic content has steadily grown and have found their way into heavy duty applications like turbo-charging and electronic steering. This talk will cover some of these automotive trends including the 48V power distribution and the new standards required for semiconductor components. Finally, novel wide-band gap power devices to support emerging power management markets will be discussed along with their reliability challenges.
Obstructive Airway Diseases

Health disparities in obstructive airway diseases (asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD]) are both common and multifactorial. Differences in exposure to risk factors for obstructive airway diseases across demographic groups largely determine existing health disparities in airway diseases. Potential or known risk factors for health disparities in asthma or asthma morbidity include ethnic-specific genetic variation, low SES, environmental exposures (indoor pollutants and allergens, secondhand tobacco smoke, psychosocial stress, outdoor air pollution, and dietary habits), and obesity. Similarly, health disparities in COPD or COPD morbidity are or may be caused by differential patterns of exposure to cigarette smoking and secondhand smoke, ethnic-specific genetic variation, and occupational hazards. In patients with established asthma or COPD, barriers to care (including but not limited to lack of health insurance) can worsen disease morbidity. Future research studies should include sufficiently large numbers of well-characterized members of racial or ethnic minorities, while also accounting for the multifactorial nature of health disparities in airway diseases. In parallel with research efforts, culturally sensitive health policies are needed to ensure universal healthcare access, while also addressing other barriers to care (e.g., nonadherence with medications and low health literacy) in underserved and minority populations.
A compact neutron detector for the geology application

A compact neutron detector has been designed and built for a geology experiment. The detector had to fit inside a 1.5-in-diameter borehole in a large block of concrete. A gas-filled, 1-in-diameter /sup 3/He tube was attached to a 1-in-diameter electronics preamplifier package. The electronics package consists of a cylindrically shaped, high-voltage section and a single-channel analyzer with a buffered output. The low-voltage components are mounted on a printed-circuit board. The circuit board and the high-voltage section are attached to a semicylindrical base. The outputs consist of a light-emitting diode for visual observations and a fixed-width, TTL (transistor transistor logic)-compatible pulse for a counter. This internal assembly is equipped with coaxial connectors and slips into a thin-walled tube that serves as the preamplifier housing. Power for the detector is supplied by an external, high-voltage supply and a 5-VDC supply. >
Chapter 28 – General Structure of Knowledge (no*→ vf and vf*→ no)

Chapter Summary In this chapter, we present a matrix approach to the uneven flow of knowledge in social and cultural settings. Based on the fact that knowledge is always in a state of transition and flows from one or more social or a natural source(s) to one or more receptors, the delay and dispersion of knowledge is related to the media characteristics represented as a matrix. The source and receptor characteristics also play a part in the communication of one element of knowledge (symbolized as a kel). These kels being of any size and nature can be integrated in a coherent and cogent fashion to make microscopic or macroscopic bodies of knowledge in organized, structured, and sensible knowledge in the human minds and in addressable segments of knowledge bases in networks and on the Internet. Small and large bodies of knowledge (symbolized as boks) can thus be organized, reorganized; processed and reprocessed; retrieved and stored; adjusted and organized; and optimized and enhanced to suit the reality of most social and scientific settings. When perfect knowledge is being perceived, we present nine basic questions that are logical centered around the active verbs (symbolized as vfs), participating nouns (symbolized as nos), and their interrelations (symbolized as *s or convolutions) that constitute the pursued knowledge. In answering these questions entirely, a framework of perfect knowledge will be gained, if the answers have a scientific basis or explanation. In real life situations, partial answers to a selected subset of these nine questions are generally sufficient to carry on a function or a dialog in a pragmatic sense. Answers to one or two of the nine questions do not present significant, useful, or pertinent knowledge and such answers generally degrade the quality of knowledge. The methodology and framework are presentment in detail to expand and to enhance the pursued knowledge to a targeted goal, even though it may not by an optimum or a perfect goal.
Toward a Predictive Model of Community College Student Success in Blended Classes

ABSTRACTThis retrospective study evaluates early semester predictors of whether or not community college students will successfully complete blended or hybrid courses. These predictors are available to faculty by the fourth week of the semester. Success is defined as receiving a grade of C- or higher. Failure is defined as a grade below a C- or a withdrawal. Method: Seven variables available to faculty are considered: gender, degree sought, students’ academic level, attendance for the first 4 weeks of face-to-face classes, scores on orientation extra credit assignments, grades on the first quiz, and grades on an early semester reflective essay. Logistic regression is used to evaluate the power of seven variables to predict successful course completion in 15 sections of two business courses: Introduction to Marketing and Marketing Research. Three hundred forty-three students were included in this study. Results show that completion of optional extra credit assignments offered during the first 2 weeks of th...
Neuroimmune Axes of the Blood–Brain Barriers and Blood–Brain Interfaces: Bases for Physiological Regulation, Disease States, and Pharmacological Interventions

Central nervous system (CNS) barriers predominantly mediate the immune-privileged status of the brain, and are also important regulators of neuroimmune communication. It is increasingly appreciated that communication between the brain and immune system contributes to physiologic processes, adaptive responses, and disease states. In this review, we discuss the highly specialized features of brain barriers that regulate neuroimmune communication in health and disease. In section I, we discuss the concept of immune privilege, provide working definitions of brain barriers, and outline the historical work that contributed to the understanding of CNS barrier functions. In section II, we discuss the unique anatomic, cellular, and molecular characteristics of the vascular blood-brain barrier (BBB), blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier, and tanycytic barriers that confer their functions as neuroimmune interfaces. In section III, we consider BBB-mediated neuroimmune functions and interactions categorized as five neuroimmune axes: disruption, responses to immune stimuli, uptake and transport of immunoactive substances, immune cell trafficking, and secretions of immunoactive substances. In section IV, we discuss neuroimmune functions of CNS barriers in physiologic and disease states, as well as pharmacological interventions for CNS diseases. Throughout this review, we highlight many recent advances that have contributed to the modern understanding of CNS barriers and their interface functions.
Using Mini-Cases of Real-World Quick Analyses in Analytical Techniques Courses

Master of Public Administration (MPA) programs usually require students to complete one or two analytical techniques courses. Such courses often do not explore the application of specific technique...
Characterization of prenylcysteine methyltransferase in insulin-secreting cells

Prenylcysteine carboxymethyltransferase, an enzyme involved in the post-translational modification of many signalling proteins, was characterized in insulin-secreting INS-1 cells and normal rat pancreatic islets. The activity of this enzyme was monitored by the methylation of an artificial substrate (a prenylated cysteine analogue) with S-adenosy1[methyl-3H]methionine as methyl donor. More than 95% of the methyltransferase activity was associated with the membranes, and high-salt treatment only partially extracted the enzyme from the membranes. The highest specific activity was in the insulin-granule-enriched 25000 g pellet obtained by differential centrifugation. However, a highly purified insulin-enriched fraction obtained by density centrifugation in Percoll did not exhibit methyltransferase activity. The analyses of marker enzymes for cellular organelles revealed that the methyltransferase was co-localized, with the plasma membrane and probably the endoplasmic reticulum, but not with the mitochondria or lysosomes. Guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]-triphosphate failed to increase methyltransferase activity directly, although it promotes the methylation of GTP-binding proteins. Mastoparan, Ca2+, cAMP and the protein kinase C activator phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate did not alter enzyme activity. In addition, methyltransferase activity was not stably modified by stimulation of intact cells using glucose or other agents. However, the carboxymethylation of certain low-molecular-mass G-proteins is increased by glucose stimulation; conversely, treatment of cells with N-acetyl-S-trans,trans-farnesyl-L-cysteine inhibited glucose- and forskolin-induced insulin secretion. These results suggest that the membrane-associated prenylcysteine carboxymethyltransferase may be constitutively active and that the methylation of target proteins in vivo is regulated by the access of these proteins to the methyltransferase, as well as by their active (GTP-liganded) configuration.
Tuning of PCP Pincer Ligand Electronic and Steric Properties

A survey of the electronic and steric characteristics of anionic (RPCP, RPOCOP, RPNCNP) and neutral (RPNP, RPONOP, RPNNNP) phosphine terdentate ligands is presented. A review of the scope of syntheses, particularly in regard to the variation of phosphine PR2 substituents, is followed by a general discussion of pincer steric variation, terdentate ligand conformations, and coordination geometries. Buried volume parameters, %Vbur, provide a measure of overall steric influence, while the concepts of cis and trans ligand void space and PR2 steric influence are used to more completely define asymmetric steric influence. Pincer arm conformations are categorized in terms of C2 twist, Cs “gull wing,” and asymmetric bending, which accommodate a range of non-meridional P–M–P bending geometries. For 5-coordinate metal complexes, geometries can vary between two square pyramidal and two trigonal bipyramidal geometrical extremes and are distinguished using subtending angle parameters α, β, and γ. A key feature to note is that pincer ligands often assume non-meridional geometries with P–M–P angles as small as 107°. DFT studies on P–Ir–P bending energetics for (RPCP)Ir(L) (L = CO, NH3) with a wide range of R substituents show that destabilization from bending is primarily steric in origin and is particularly significant (+12 to 30 kcal mol−1) for tBuPCP systems. Pincer electronic effects are surveyed using comparative IR, electrochemical, and binding affinity data. While R electronic effects are significant, particularly for our R = CF3 systems, DFT calculations of ΔG diss(Ir–CO) for (RPCP)Ir(CO)2 systems show that reduced Ir–CO binding correlates mostly with steric destabilization in non-meridional tBu-substituted pincer systems.
International Symposium on Stiff Differential Systems

During the last decade there has been an extensive development of numerical integration methods designed to be efficient for stiff systems of ordinary differential equations. The purpose of the symposium was to focus attention on this difficult problem class and to bring together for mutual interaction many of the leading experts. The papers in the proceedings together with the unified bibliography should provide an adequate basis of information for persons interested in contributing to this field of research.
Characteristic resonances and the limits to fusion in light heavy-ion systems

Comparison of heavy-ion reaction cross section data on several light systems, which have become available in the past few years, has provided strong evidence for the existance of a “characteristic” resonance.The most striking property of this resonance is the fact that, in each case, it is associated with the saturation of the fusion cross section. Equally intriguing is the fact that the “spin” of the resonance, deduced from the critical angular momentum for fusion, appears to place it on or near the extension of the ground-state band of the compound nucleus. Recent work has also shown that in at least two instances this anomaly appears at the same excitation energy in the compound system when populated by different reactions, thus demonstrating that we are not dealing with an entrance-channel phen omenon. Finally, it is shown that the “characteristic” resonances so described appear most strongly in the inelastic scattering and alpha-transfer channels, and that in the heaviest system studied (A = 36) there is little or no evidence for structure in any reaction channel other than these two.
Race, Racial Disparity, and Culture in Child Welfare

Throughout American history, race, minority issues, and inequity of treatment have affected every area of human life. Child welfare systems and the demographic makeup of the systems’ participants are influenced by these issues and much of our current literature focuses on African-American/Black communities and their disproportionate representation in human services and criminal justice systems. Other minority groups have also experienced both disproportionate representation and disparate treatment in child welfare systems, including Native Americans, Latinos/Hispanics, and Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders (AAPI). The scope of child welfare concerns makes a clear case for cooperative efforts between child welfare providers and researchers to provide additional studies of the dynamics that contribute to disproportionality and unequal policy implementation, as well as practices in child welfare service delivery for minority children as a whole and African Americans in particular.
Dynamic transit lanes for connected and autonomous vehicles

Transit lanes provide dedicated right-of-way to transit vehicles, but reduce the number of lanes available to other vehicles. Several studies have implemented intermittent bus lanes, which are sometimes reserved for transit but otherwise are available for general traffic. However, their efficiency suffers from the difficulties of communicating accessibility to drivers. We extend this concept by proposing dynamic transit lanes for connected autonomous vehicles, in which infrastructure continuously updates vehicles on lane accessibility. We present a cell transmission model of dynamic transit lanes in which the number of lanes available to general traffic changes in space and time in response to the presence or absence of transit vehicles. In order to extend the concept of transit signal priority in the context of connected autonomous vehicles and integrate it with dynamic transit lanes, we also modify the reservation-based intersection control system for autonomous vehicles to prioritize transit. Numerical results from small test cases show that the dynamic transit lanes and transit intersection priority allow transit to move nearly at free flow on the corridor despite congestion. Results from the downtown Austin city network using dynamic traffic assignment show that both transit and general traffic would experience significant benefits in realistic settings.
Pregnancy Outcomes in Women With Multiple Sclerosis

Few studies have assessed the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with multiple sclerosis (MS). We used 2 large US administrative databases, the Truven Health MarketScan Database (2011-2015; Truven Health Analytics Inc., Ann Arbor, Michigan) and the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (2007-2011), to identify delivery cohorts. MS and pregnancy outcomes (infections, cesarean delivery, preterm delivery, poor fetal growth, preeclampsia, chorioamnionitis, postpartum hemorrhage, stillbirth, and infant malformations) were identified during pregnancy and at delivery. We calculated adjusted risk ratios according to MS status and relapse(s) in the year before delivery. Among over 5 million pregnancies, we identified 3,875 pregnancies in women with MS. Women with MS had an increased risk of infections during pregnancy (Truven Health: adjusted risk ratio (aRR) = 1.22, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.16, 1.27) and preterm delivery (Truven Health: aRR = 1.19 (95% CI: 1.04, 1.35); Nationwide Inpatient Sample: aRR = 1.30 (95% CI: 1.16, 1.44)). The risks of other outcomes were similar for women with and without MS. In the Truven Health database, risk ratios for the pregnancy outcomes in women experiencing relapses versus those without relapses were between 0.9 and 1.4, and confidence intervals overlapped the null. Overall, women with MS had an increased risk of infections and preterm delivery; however, their risks for other adverse pregnancy outcomes were not elevated. Disease activity before delivery was not a strong predictor of outcomes.
Sustainable Waste-to-Energy Technologies: Bioelectrochemical Systems

Abstract The food industry produces a large amount of waste and wastewater, of which most of the constituents are carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and organic fibers. Therefore food wastes are highly biodegradable and energy rich. Bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) are systems that use microorganisms to biochemically catalyze complex substrates into useful energy products, in which the catalytic reactions take place on electrodes. Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are a type of bioelectrochemical systems that oxidize substrates and generate electric current. Microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) are another type of bioelectrochemical systems that use an external power source to catalyze the substrate into by-products such as hydrogen gas, methane gas, or hydrogen peroxide. BESs are advantageous due to their ability to achieve a degree of substrate remediation while generating energy. This chapter presents an extensive literature review on the use of MFCs and MECs to remediate and recover energy from food industry waste. These bioelectrochemical systems are still in their infancy state and further research is needed to better understand the systems and optimize their performance. Major challenges and limitations for the use of BESs are summarized and future research needs are identified.
Sequential filtering and linearization for inversion in the Seabed Characterization Experiment

Using particle filtering we can track arrival times at spatially separated phones and identify them as distinct paths. This method is very well suited to data collected during the Seabed Characterization Experiment at 16 vertically separated phones of an MPL vertical line array. The source signals are mid-frequency linear frequency modulated pulses. Several paths can be identified in the received time-series including the bottom bounce and sediment reflection. These provide a plethora of information on the seabed properties. We combine the particle filter with a linearization approach that first allows us to resolve the geometry of the experiment. For that we build a Jacobian matrix with time derivatives with respect to the unknown parameters. We proceed with an exhaustive search for sediment parameters such as sound speed and thickness. Probability density functions of arrival times are propagated backwards through the inverse model, providing estimates of densities for the unknown parameters. [Work supported by ONR.]
MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry distinguishes daratumumab from M-proteins.

Abstract Background Daratumumab, a therapeutic IgG kappa monoclonal antibody, can cause a false positive interference on electrophoretic assays that are routinely used to monitor patients with monoclonal gammopathies. In this study, we evaluate the ability of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) to distinguish daratumumab from disease-related IgG kappa monoclonal proteins (M-protein). Methods Waste clinical samples from 31 patients who were receiving daratumumab and had a history of IgG kappa monoclonal gammopathy were collected. Immunoglobulins were purified from serum and analyzed by MALDI-TOF MS. Mass spectra were assessed for the presence of distinct monoclonal proteins. For samples in which only one monoclonal peak was identified near the expected m/z of daratumumab, the Hydrashift 2/4 Daratumumab Assay was used to confirm the presence of an M-protein. Results Using MALDI-TOF MS, daratumumab could be distinguished from M-proteins in 26 out of 31 samples (84%). Results from 2 samples were inconclusive since the M-protein was not detected by the Hydrashift assay and may also be undetectable by MALDI-TOF MS. Comparatively, daratumumab was distinguishable from M-proteins in 14 out of 31 samples (45%) by immunofixation. Conclusions MALDI-TOF MS offers greater specificity compared to immunofixation for distinguishing daratumumab from M-proteins.
Effect of travel distance and rurality of residence on initial surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma in VA primary care patient with cirrhosis.

Objective To determine the relationship between travel distance and surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma among veterans with cirrhosis. Data sources Veterans Health Administration (VHA) inpatient and outpatient administrative data were linked to geocoded enrollee files. CMS-VHA merged data were used to assess receipt of Medicare-financed non-VA imaging. Study design A retrospective cohort of US veterans diagnosed with cirrhosis between 2009 and 2015 was examined. First available abdominal imaging following the diagnosis of cirrhosis was analyzed separately as a function of travel distance to the nearest VA medical center (VAMC) and to the patient's assigned VA primary care provider. Veterans with dual use of Medicare and VA services were also examined for receipt of imaging outside of the VA. Principal findings Veterans who resided more than 30 miles from the nearest VAMC were less likely to receive any imaging for HCC surveillance. Among dual users, increased travel distance between the patient's residence and nearest VAMC was associated with an increased likelihood of receiving any abdominal imaging at non-VA facilities. Conclusion Increased travel distance to the nearest VA medical center reduces the likelihood of receiving imaging for HCC surveillance in cirrhotic veterans. Future efforts should focus on reducing geographic barriers to HCC surveillance.
The Novel Clostridial Neurotoxin Produced by Strain IBCA10-7060 Is Immunologically Equivalent to BoNT/HA.

Background: Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) comprise seven agreed-on serotypes, A through G. In 2014, a novel chimeric neurotoxin produced by clostridial strain IBCA10-7060 was reported as BoNT/H, with subsequent names of BoNT/FA or BoNT/HA based on sequence homology of the N-terminus to BoNT/F, the C-terminus to BoNT/A and neutralization studies. The purpose of this study was to define the immunologic identity of the novel BoNT. Methods: monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to the novel BoNT/H N-terminus were generated by antibody repertoire cloning and yeast display after immunization with BoNT/H LC-HN or BoNT/F LC-HN. Results: 21 unique BoNT/H LC-HN mAbs were obtained; 15 from the BoNT/H LC-HN immunized library (KD 0.78 nM to 182 nM) and six from the BoNT/F-immunized libraries (KD 20.5 nM to 1490 nM). A total of 15 of 21 mAbs also bound catalytically inactive BoNT/H holotoxin. The mAbs bound nine non-overlapping epitopes on the BoNT/H LC-HN. None of the mAbs showed binding to BoNT serotypes A-G, nor any of the seven subtypes of BoNT/F, except for one mAb that weakly bound BoNT/F5. Conclusions: The results, combined with the chimeric structure and neutralization by anti-A, but not anti-F antitoxin indicate that immunologically the novel BoNT is BoNT/HA. This determination has significant implications for existing countermeasures and potential vulnerabilities.
THROMBUS FORMATION WITH LEFT ATRIAL APPENDAGE OCCLUSION DEVICE

In patients with atrial fibrillation and high risk of bleeding, the left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) device such as the Watchman has become an increasingly popular option for stroke prevention. Although small, the risk of forming a thrombus is still present, and there is no universal guideline
Brunner's Gland Hyperplasia: A Massive Duodenal Lesion.

A 57-year-old male with a history of gastroesophageal reflux disease and esophageal strictures presented with melena and abdominal pain. He underwent an esophagogastroduodenoscopy, which revealed a 5-cm duodenal bulb mass causing partial obstruction of the gastric outlet. Endoscopic ultrasound showed a 5-cm, hypoechoic lesion, arising from the mucosal layer, with a large blood vessel feeding the lesion. Biopsy revealed benign Brunner's gland hyperplasia. The large mass was causing symptomatic obstruction of the pylorus and iron deficiency anemia, and had risk for malignant transformation. Due to its size it was not amenable to endoscopic removal. Subsequently, he underwent exploratory laparotomy with pyloroplasty, duodenotomy and partial duodenal resection. Surgical pathology showed Brunner's gland hyperplasia and was negative for malignancy.
She Screened Positive for Depression at the First Prenatal Visit, What Really Happens Next?

The aim of this mixed-methods study was to evaluate how providers in a busy urban practice with universal depression screening and co-located behavioral health services responded to positive screens and to explore patient expectations and attitudes towards positive screens. Semi-structured interviews of 20 pregnant women were conducted within 10 days of a positive depression screen or endorsement of suicidal ideation on the Edinburgh Perinatal Depression Scale and health record documentation was reviewed. Qualitative data were entered into a meta-matrix and cross-case analysis was used to reduce the data and determine prominent patterns and themes. Most participants reported discussing their mood with their provider, appreciated the discussion and were satisfied with the plan. Most had documentation of a discussion by their provider. Only 4 of 9 participants who endorsed thoughts of self-harm had documentation of a discussion regarding their response. While nearly all women were recommended for psychotherapy, most did not receive it. Participants expected follow-up but few had discussion of mood documented at the second prenatal visit, independent of seeing the same provider. Co-located behavioral health did not guarantee that services were utilized. There is a need to incorporate tested integrated care approaches to improve assessments and linkage to effective depression treatment.
Antimicrobial Resistance Gene Detection and Plasmid Typing Among Multidrug Resistant Enterococci Isolated from Freshwater Environment.

In this study, mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance (AR) as well as the abundance and diversity of plasmids were determined among multidrug resistant (MDR) enterococci from surface water in GA, USA. A total of 51 enterococci isolates were screened for the presence of 27 AR genes conferring resistance to ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, tylosin, kanamycin, streptomycin, lincomycin, Quinupristin/Dalfopristin (Q/D), and tetracycline. A plasmid classification system based on replication genes was used to detect 19 defined Gram-positive plasmid replicon families. Twelve genes were identified as conferring resistance to erythromycin and tylosin (erm(B) and erm(C)), kanamycin (aph(3')-IIIa), streptomycin (ant(6)-Ia), lincomycin (lnu(B)), Q/D (vat(E)), ciprofloxacin (qnrE. faecalis), and tetracycline (tet(K), tet(L), tet(M), tet(O) and tet(S)). Twelve different rep-families were identified in two-thirds of the isolates. While AR genes commonly found in human and animals were detected in this study among environmental enterococci, resistance genes could not be determined for many of the isolates, which indicates that diverse AR mechanisms exist among enterococci, and the understanding of AR mechanisms for environmental enterococci is limited. Diverse rep-families were identified among the enterococci recovered from the aquatic environment, and these rep-families appear to be quite different from those recovered from other sources. This work expands knowledge of AR gene reservoirs and enterococcal plasmids across a wider range of environments.
Reply: Wang et al, “Should growth pattern of hepatocellular carcinoma be constant and homogenous?”

We appreciate the letter from Wang et al regarding our recent publication. We agree that the study of tumor growth patterns is challenging, and the ideal model for determining tumor growth remains debated. We used the Schwartz equation for our analyses, which remains the most widely used model across cancer types. This model assumes that tumors grow at a consistent (exponential, rather than linear) rate and HCCs are relatively homogeneous. Exponential growth models assume that tumor cells continue to divide without constraint, and therefore are good models of early tumor growth.
Comparison of the Effects of Coaching for General and Special Education Teachers in High-Poverty Urban Elementary Schools:

Research that examines coaching approaches for special education teachers is very limited. This study, a secondary analysis of a wait-list controlled, randomized trial (106 teachers, 2,195 students, 18 schools), investigated the effects of a data-driven coaching that integrated observational assessment and performance feedback on general education (GE) versus special education (SE) teacher practices and student outcomes in high-poverty urban elementary schools. Coaches used observational data via the Classroom Strategies Assessment System to identify practice needs, set goals, create plans, and monitor progress toward goals. Prior to coaching, GE and SE teachers were observed using evidence-based instructional and behavior management practices; however, some practices were at rates lower than recommended by the research literature. Results suggest that goal selection and frequency and quality of practices were generally comparable between GE and SE teachers. However, SE teachers used 30% fewer behavior corrective feedback statements, on average, than GE teachers (p = .04). Overall, the effect of the coaching intervention did not differ across GE and SE teachers; both had significantly improved instructional and behavior management practices and student outcomes when compared with teachers in the control condition. Limitations and future directions for research and practice are discussed.
COMMENTS ON HOWITT'S "BEYOND SEARCH: FIAT MONEY IN ORGANIZED EXCHANGE" ∗

Studying efficient ways to organize exchange is one of the objectives of monetary theory. Shapley and Shubik (1977) were among the first to pose a static model that organized multilateral exchange at trading posts between agents who have endowments of goods that may differ from what they prefer to consume. In this issue, Howitt (2005) studies a dynamic environment with some of the explicit spatial, information, and enforcement frictions employed in search models of money (e.g., Kiyotaki and Wright, 1993), but which allows directed matching to trading posts or shops. Howitt studies the conditions under which a fiat medium of exchange dominates an alternative method of exchange, barter, at shops. Trading posts, which are restricted to exchange in only two goods, mitigate search costs between households, but are themselves costly to operate. There are n nonstorable goods in his economy and n(n − 1) household types (i.e., each household is endowed with one of the n goods, but desires one of the other (n − 1) goods). In any active symmetric equilibrium, the minimum number of barter shops that must open is n(n − 1)/2, whereas only n monetary shops are necessary. Since a merchant incurs a fixed cost σ to run a shop, it is then clear that monetary exchange economizes on such costs. On the other hand, for monetary exchange to take place in this spatial setting, consumption this period must be paid for with money earned last period (which is not necessary for barter). Howitt shows (Proposition 4) that if a monetary equilibrium exists, then it is Pareto efficient since it minimizes the fixed costs associated with multilateral exchange and bilateral exchange is ruled out by assumptions in the environment. Conditions for the existence of a monetary equilibrium in the presence of barter alternatives, which depend on the size of the fixed costs and the household’s discount factor, are provided in Proposition 3.
What makes a helpful online review? a study of customer reviews on amazon.com

Customer reviews are increasingly available online for a wide range of products and services. They supplement other information provided by electronic storefronts such as product descriptions, reviews from experts, and personalized advice generated by automated recommendation systems. While researchers have demonstrated the benefits of the presence of customer reviews to an online retailer, a largely uninvestigated issue is what makes customer reviews helpful to a consumer in the process of making a purchase decision. Drawing on the paradigm of search and experience goods from information economics, we develop and test a model of customer review helpfulness. An analysis of 1,587 reviews from Amazon.com across six products indicated that review extremity, review depth, and product type affect the perceived helpfulness of the review. Product type moderates the effect of review extremity on the helpfulness of the review. For experience goods, reviews with extreme ratings are less helpful than reviews with moderate ratings. For both product types, review depth has a positive effect on the helpfulness of the review, but the product type moderates the effect of review depth on the helpfulness of the review. Review depth has a greater positive effect on the helpfulness of the review for search goods than for experience goods. We discuss the implications of our findings for both theory and practice.
THE EFFECT OF YOUTH DIABETES SELF-EFFICACY ON THE RELATION AMONG FAMILY CONFLICT, DISEASE CARE AND GLYCEMIC CONTROL

THE EFFECT OF YOUTH DIABETES SELF-EFFICACY ON THE RELATION AMONG FAMILY CONFLICT, DISEASE CARE AND GLYCEMIC CONTROL By Kathryn E Maher, M.S. A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2014. Major Director: Clarissa S. Holmes, Ph.D. Professor of Psychology Department of Psychology The aim of the current study was to examine the associations among youth diabetes selfefficacy, family conflict, disease care and glycemic control via a comprehensive path model. Data were from a baseline assessment of a longitudinal RCT of 257 adolescent/parent dyads (adolescents aged 11–14). Each member of the dyad separately completed the Self-efficacy for Diabetes Self-Management Scale, Family Environment Conflict subscale, Diabetes Family Conflict Scale, Diabetes Behavior Rating Scale, and 24-hr Diabetes Interview Blood Glucose Frequency subscale. Additionally, a biological marker of glycemic control, or HbA1c, and relevant demographic variables were collected. A mediation model found higher youth diabetes self-efficacy mediated the link between lower family conflict and better disease care (β = -.08, p <.01) to glycemic control (β = .05, p <.05.). Further, the relation of higher self-efficacy to better glycemic control was mediated by better disease care (β = -.06, p <.05). Higher youth diabetes self-efficacy (β = -.16, p <.05), lower family conflict (β = .19, p <.001), and better disease care (β = -.17, p <.01) each were directly related to better glycemic control. The overall model with relevant demographic factors fit the data well [χ2 (2) = .50, p = .78, CFI = 1.00, RMSEA= .00] and accounted for 13% of the variance in self-efficacy, 32% of the variance for disease care, and 25% of the variance in glycemic control. Interventions that target better youth diabetes selfefficacy and lower family conflict concurrently may promote better disease care and glycemic control.
Maximal and Dominated Ergodic Theorems

Let (X, B) be a measurable semigroup, N a linearly ordered set and {v n , n ∈ B} a net of probability measures on B.
Diffraction from Bilayers

X-ray diffraction provided a direct proof for the hypothesis that the basic structural element of biological membranes is a bimolecular layer of phospholipid molecules. Diffraction from peptide–lipid mixtures can be used to study a great variety of membrane problems. Keywords: lamellar diffraction; in-plane scattering; phospholipid bilayers; peptide lipid interactions; hydrophobic matching
Variable iron status among twins and triplets at birth (636.3)

Iron (Fe) uptake and transfer to the fetus is mediated by the placenta. The objectives of this study were to examine the degree of variability in neonatal Fe status between siblings born to women c...
Node-link mapping principles for visualizing knowledge and information

This chapter describes the Texas Christian University Node-Link Mapping (TCU-NLM) system, and traces its empirical and applied history from 1972 to the present. TCU-NLM, which consists of information, guide, and freestyle maps, has been explored in the areas of education, counseling, and business. Principles derived from experiences with this system are presented in four categories: goal specification, node-link infrastructure, spatial organization, and map processing. Implications of these principles for both knowledge and information visualization are discussed.
Professional Development Schools and Student Learning and Achievement

It's a bright and sunny day at this particular elementary school, and a quick peek into classrooms reveals students busily at work, mindful of the teachers leading the day's instruction. But the ty...