cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tadalafil reduces myeloid derived suppressor cells and regulatory T cells and promotes tumor immunity in patients with Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Purpose: Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) and regulatory T cells (Treg) play a key role in the progression of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). On the basis of our preclinical data demonstrating that phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibition can modulate these cell populations, we evaluated whether the PDE5 inhibitor tadalafil can revert tumor-induced immunosuppression and promote tumor immunity in patients with HNSCC. Experimental Design: First, we functionally and phenotypically characterized MDSCs in HNSCCs and determined, retrospectively, whether their presence at the tumor site correlates with recurrence. Then, we performed a prospective single-center, double-blinded, randomized, three-arm study in which patients with HNSCC undergoing definitive surgical resection of oral and oropharyngeal tumors were treated with tadalafil 10 mg/day, 20 mg/day, or placebo for at least 20 days preoperatively. Blood and tumor MDSC and Treg presence and CD8 + T-cell reactivity to tumor antigens were evaluated before and after treatment. Results: MDSCs were characterized in HNSCC and their intratumoral presence significantly correlates with recurrence. Tadalafil treatment was well tolerated and significantly reduced both MDSCs and Treg concentrations in the blood and in the tumor ( P + T cells reactive to autologous tumor antigens significantly increased after treatment ( P Conclusions: Tadalafil seems to beneficially modulate the tumor micro- and macro-environment in patients with HNSCC by lowering MDSCs and Tregs and increasing tumor-specific CD8 + T cells in a dose-dependent fashion. Clin Cancer Res; 21(1); 39–48. ©2014 AACR .
Exposure In Utero to Di(n-Butyl) Phthalate Alters the Vimentin Cytoskeleton of Fetal Rat Sertoli Cells and Disrupts Sertoli Cell-Gonocyte Contact

Di(n-butyl) phthalate (DBP) is commonly used in personal care products and as a plasticizer to soften consumer plastic products. Male rats exposed to DBP in utero have malformations of the male reproductive tract and testicular atrophy characterized by degeneration of seminiferous epithelium and decreased sperm production. In the fetal testis, in utero exposure to DBP reportedly resulted in reduced testosterone levels, Leydig cell aggregates, and multinucleated gonocytes (MNG). We investigated whether exposure in utero to DBP affects rat fetal Sertoli cells and compromises interactions between Sertoli and germ cells in the developing testis. Histological examination showed that MNG occurred at low frequency in the normal fetal rat testis. Exposure in utero at the dose level of DBP above estimated environmental or occupational human exposure levels significantly increased the number of these abnormal germ cells. Postnatally, MNG exhibited aberrant mitoses and were detected at the basal lamina. MNG were not apoptotic in the fetal and postnatal rat testes, as indicated by TUNEL. Sertoli cells in DBP-exposed fetal testis had retracted apical processes, altered organization of the vimentin cytoskeleton, and abnormal cell-cell contacts with gonocytes. The effect of DBP on Sertoli cell morphology at the level of light microscopy was reversed after birth and cessation of exposure. Our data indicate that fetal Sertoli cells are targeted by exposure in utero to DBP and suggest that abnormal interactions between Sertoli and germ cells during fetal life play a role in the development of MNG.
CATIONIC LIPOSOMES AND POLYMERS FOR GENE TRANSFER

AbstractIn this article we describe our experience in the last five years on the development of cationic liposomes and polylysine polymers for direct gene transfer in vitro and in vivo. Various cationic lipids have been synthesized and tested for their activities for formulation of transfection active liposomes. Some empirical rules on the structure requirement of the lipid have been obtained. The entry mechanism of DNA/liposome complex into the cells has been studied with liposomes containing lipopolylysine. Endocytosis of the complex followed by escaping from an endocytotic compartment into the cytosol appears to be the major mechanism. One of the cationic liposome formulations, DC-chol: DOPE liposomes, is being used in a clinical trial for cancer gene therapy. These liposomes can also increase the transfection activity of an antibody-polylysine conjugate without diminishing the target specificity of the conjugate.
Alcohol expectancies, values, and drinking of Irish and U.S. collegians.

Positive and negative alcohol expectancies, values, and their relationship to amount and severity of drinking were examined for Irish and American college students. All Irish seemed to have softer, more aesthetic values than Americans, especially males. Irish college women appeared especially dissatisfied with the conventional roles thrust upon them, and they used alcohol to relieve inhibitions, especially sexual ones. American women also used alcohol as a tranquilizer and for release of inhibitions. While Irish males also seemed to drink for rebellious reasons, all males had less concern about social censure and rejection because of drinking than did females.Cross-cultural studies have provided an interesting approach to the question of what needs are satisfied by alcohol, especially by studying those cultures where the consumption of alcohol is particularly high or low. In this respect, Ireland has often been singled out for study because, in spite of the fact that Irish overall consumption is not great...
Efficient scheduling of fine grain parallelism in loops

This paper presents a new technique for software pipelining using the Petri nets. Our technique called the Petri Net Pacemaker (PNP) can create near optimal pipelines with less algorithmic effort than other techniques. The pacemaker is a novel idea which exploits the behavior of Petri nets to model the problem of scheduling operations of a loop body for software pipelining. >
Foveal flicker sensitivity in healthy aging eyes. II. Cross-sectional aging trends from 18 through 77 years of age

Foveal flicker contrast sensitivity was measured for healthy adults at temporal frequencies from 2.5 to 50 Hz. The first experiment compared two-interval forced-choice (2IFC) and yes-no detection (Y–N) testing procedures for younger (19–33-year-old) and older (67–73-year-old) observers. The 2IFC technique resulted in higher absolute estimates of sensitivity. However, within a method, relative differences were similar. Therefore the two methods gave similar estimates of temporal contrast-sensitivity change with age. Experiment 2 compared 89 observers from 18 through 77 years of age to explore the effect of the time course of aging on flicker sensitivity. The 2IFC procedure was used, and retinal illuminance changes with age were controlled. Significant overall losses in contrast sensitivity were found for the 45–54, 55–64, and 65–77-year-old age groups. Overall sensitivities for the 35–44-year-old group were comparable with or (not significantly) higher than those for the 18–24- and 25–34-year-old groups. The results suggested that (1) foveal temporal contrast sensitivity does not decline until after 44 years, (2) losses after 44 years are in amplitude but not in temporal resolution of the visual response, and (3) the mean rate of loss is ∼0.78 decilog per decade after 44 years. These results are consistent with the existence of three phases of development of temporal contrast sensitivity over the life span. The results also emphasize the importance of including healthy-eyed age-matched controls in studies of flicker sensitivity in visual dysfunctions that affect mainly older adults.
Nonlinear Robust Sliding Mode Control of Flight Simulator (6-3) Gough-Stewart Type in Task Space

This paper presents a sliding mode control of a flight simulator Gough-Stewart type. The control is based on the inverse dynamic model of the robot in task space. Kinematic analysis is also discussed. High performance tracking control of a 6 DOF Stewart platform normally requires full knowledge of the system dynamics. In this paper, some important properties of the dynamics of the Stewart platform are considered to develop a sliding mode controller which can drive the upper platform angular and translation positions to the desired trajectories. Stability analysis based on Lyapunov theory is performed to ensure that the designed controller is stable. Numerical simulation is completed to show the effectiveness of the control system even in the case of large parameter variations
Local polynomial regression and simulation–extrapolation

Summary. The paper introduces a new local polynomial estimator and develops supporting asymptotic theory for nonparametric regression in the presence of covariate measurement error. We address the measurement error with Cook and Stefanski's simulation–extrapolation (SIMEX) algorithm. Our method improves on previous local polynomial estimators for this problem by using a bandwidth selection procedure that addresses SIMEX's particular estimation method and considers higher degree local polynomial estimators. We illustrate the accuracy of our asymptotic expressions with a Monte Carlo study, compare our method with other estimators with a second set of Monte Carlo simulations and apply our method to a data set from nutritional epidemiology. SIMEX was originally developed for parametric models. Although SIMEX is, in principle, applicable to nonparametric models, a serious problem arises with SIMEX in nonparametric situations. The problem is that smoothing parameter selectors that are developed for data without measurement error are no longer appropriate and can result in considerable undersmoothing. We believe that this is the first paper to address this difficulty.
Error Analysis of an Aircraft-Mounted Backscatter Ultraviolet Experiment

An experiment has been proposed to measure the zenith sky intensity and directly transmitted solar flux density at several wavelengths in the near ultraviolet from an aircraft platform located at about 15 km. From these measurements, the vertical distribution of ozone above the platform is to be inferred, by inversion of the equation of radiative transfer. The present study is an analysis of the errors to be expected in a real experiment, due to atmospheric fluctuations, numerical procedures, and ignorance of various parameters necessary for the calculation of the intensities and fluxes to be expected. These errors are found to vary from 17% at the shorter wavelengths to about 3% at the longer wavelengths used. It is shown elsewhere (Twomey et al., 1977) that unacceptable levels of instability and non-uniqueness of results will be found if the error levels in the measurements upon which we wish to invert exceed 3%. On the basis of this, it is concluded that with the present instrumentation and the present knowledge of necessary ancillary parameters, this experiment will not be feasible.
Transporting Minors for Immoral Purposes: The Case for the Child Custody Protection Act & the Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act

Experience has shown that parental involvement laws related to abortion decrease teen pregnancy and increase the ability of responsible parents to guide and support their minor daughters during this difficult time. Such laws protect the health of minors by ensuring that parents had adequate information to monitor and respond knowledgeably to any post-abortion complications that arise, and assure the ability of parents to intervene in cases where their young daughters are being victimized by adult males who seek to conceal the consequences of their sexual conduct by persuading the girls to obtain secret abortions. Legislators in forty-five states have recognized the value of parental involvement in a minor's decision to obtain an abortion and have passed some form of parental involvement law. This article argues that the Child Custody Protection Act and Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act furthers the ability of states to protect their minor citizens and the rights of parents to be involved in the decisions of their daughters who are facing unplanned pregnancies.
Noble Metal Recovery from Spent Automotive Catalysts

Au cours des annees 1975-80, la production de voitures de tourisme par la General Motors a ete de 28,3 millions d'unites, la plupart equipees d'un convertisseur catalytique contenant 0,036 oz t de platine et 0,014 oz t de palladium, ce qui represente au total 1,0×10 6 oz de Pt et 4,0×10 5 oz de Pd. Le meilleur moyen de recuperation de ces platinoides consiste en une extraction par 1 a 5% (en vol) d'acide nitrique dans HCl 6 M, conduisant a des taux de recuperation de 85-95% du Pt et 89-99% du Pd
Findings from the 2003 Small Employer Retirement Survey (SERS)

This article examines the results of the sixth annual Small Employer Retirement Survey (SERS), regarding retirement plan sponsorship among decision makers in 300 small employers (companies with five to 100 full-time workers) without retirement plans. Revenue uncertainty is the reason most often cited by these employers for not sponsoring plans; other reasons include cost and administration-related issues; lack of employee demand, and insufficient business profitability. The conclusion is reached that unless either small businesses become more profitable or the federal government provides substantial subsidies, it is unlikely that many potential small plans sponsors will be able to overcome the cost hurdle.
Education and Mental Health in Europe

Poor mental health is a major burden of disease in Europe. The cost to society is substantial and is estimated to increase as the population ages. A high level of education is associated with bette...
Enlightenment of the Lingnan Garden Culture to the Construction of Forest Parks Culture

In this paper,based on the analysis on inheritance and development of traditional Lingnan garden culture for morden Lingnan garden culture.Through field visits,taking the garden case as the starting point,the enlightenment of Lingnan garden culture to the construction of forest parks culture was discussed.It will provide some references for constructing of garden culture and forest parks culture.
Ciliary activity and the origin of metachrony in Paramecium: effects of increased viscosity

1. In forward-swimming Paramecium the direction of metachronal wave propagation is turned progressively clockwise from forward-right to backward-left if the viscosity of the medium is increased to more than 100 cP. 2. With increasing viscosity the direction of the power stroke is turned clockwise at a lower rate than the direction of waves. This leads to a gradual transformation of the dexioplectic metachrony toward a symplectic pattern. 3. As viscosity is raised the polarization of the ciliary cycle in time and space is Progressively reduced, so that the beat becomes increasingly helicoidal. 4. Metachronal coordination gradually breaks down at viscosities of more than about 100 cP, but is retained better at the anterior end of the cell than in more posterior regions. 5. At viscosities above 12 cP the left-handed swimming helix of Paramecium is changed into a right-handed helix. This is produced primarily by the viscositydependent clockwise shift in the direction of the power stroke from backward-right to backward-left. 6. The frequency of peristomal cilia (32/s. at 20°C) decreases with rising viscosity. Under constant conditions, a posteriorly directed gradient of decreasing frequency can be observed with the stroboscope. 7. Raising the viscosity leads to an increase of the average wavelength from 10.7 µm at 1 cP to 14.3 µm at 40 cP. In the same range of viscosity the wave velocity, which is the product of frequency and wavelength, is reduced from 340 to 200 µm/s, since the drop in frequency exceeds the increase in wavelength. 8. The wave velocity tends to be stabilized by reciprocal relations between frequency and wavelength, if all other factors are kept constant. However, the wavelength is found to be different in forward-swimming and backward-swimming animals at 40 cP without a change in frequency (14.1 bps; 14.3 compared to 12.7 µm). This is explained if the metachronal wavelength is increased by decreasing polarization of the ciliary cycle. 9. A working hypothesis is put forward which explains the origin of a metachronal system by the distribution of forces parallel to the cell surface produced by polarized or unpolarized cycles of ciliary movement.
The Search for Anasazi Village Origins: Basketmaker II Dwelling Aggregation on Cedar Mesa

ABSTRACTBefore there were villages, there must have been dwelling aggregates with characteristics that served as a basis for later village spatial and social organization. This paper reports survey evidence of an early Anasazi neighborhood containing at least 14 Basketmaker II pit houses, most of which are arranged in clusters of two or three dwellings. These settlements (A D. 200 to A.D. 400) are important to the understanding of local village origins because they may predate the first Anasazi villages. Contemporaneity of dwellings within each of the small clusters offers a good explanation for the similarity in spatial layout of the pit houses, ancillary features, and artifact scatters, including the similar sizes of the habitation areas, the similar cardinal orientation among features, and the absence of overlap among dwelling areas. Each dwelling cluster may have been a hamlet, and if some hamlets were also contemporaneous, then Anasazi villages may have originated in neighborhoods like the one descri...
Characterization of Young Adult Emergency Department Users: Evidence to Guide Policy

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study was to characterize young adult patients aged 19–25 years who are emergency department (ED) frequent users and study factors associated with frequent ED use. Methods ED visits among 19- to 25-year olds were identified from administrative records in California, Florida, Iowa, Massachusetts, and New York, 2010. Patients were analyzed for 12 months to study the frequency of their ED utilization. ED visits were categorized according to primary diagnosis. Patients were stratified by frequency of ED use: one visit (single users), two to four visits (infrequent users), and five or more visits (frequent users) in a 1-year period. Results We identified 1,711,774 young adult patients who made 3,650,966 ED visits. Sixty-six percent of patients were single users, 29% were infrequent users, and 4.6% were frequent users. Frequent users accounted for a disproportionate 28.8% of visits within the population studied. Frequent users had the largest proportion of visits for complications of pregnancy (13.6%) compared to single users (6.1%) and Medicaid (42.6%) compared to private insurance (17.3%). There was an increased risk of frequent ED use associated with females (odds ratio [OR]: 1.77), Medicaid (OR: 3.21), and Medicare insurance (OR: 4.22) compared to private insurance, and diseases of the blood (OR: 3.36) and mental illness (OR: 1.99) compared to injury and poisoning . Conclusions Frequent users comprise a significant portion of the young adult ED population and present with a large proportion of visits for complications of pregnancy . Policies targeting this population might focus on improved access to primary and urgent care, acute obstetric care, and better coordination of care.
Optical fiber loops and helices: tools for integrated photonic device characterization and microfluidic trapping

Tapered optical fibers can deliver guided light into and carry light out of micro/nanoscale systems with low loss and high spatial resolution, which makes them ideal tools in integrated photonics and microfluidics. Special geometries of tapered fibers are desired for probing monolithic devices in plane as well as optical manipulation of micro particles in fluids. However, for many specially shaped tapered fibers, it remains a challenge to fabricate them in a straightforward, controllable, and repeatable way. In this work, we fabricated and characterized two special geometries of tapered optical fibers, namely fiber loops and helices, that could be switched between one and the other. The fiber loops in this work are distinct from previous ones in terms of their superior mechanical stability and high optical quality factors in air, thanks to a post-annealing process. We experimentally measured an intrinsic optical quality factor of 32,500 and a finesse of 137 from a fiber loop. A fiber helix was used to characterize a monolithic cavity optomechanical device. Moreover, a microfluidic "roller coaster" was demonstrated, where microscale particles in water were optically trapped and transported by a fiber helix. Tapered fiber loops and helices can find various applications ranging from on-the-fly characterization of integrated photonic devices to particle manipulation and sorting in microfluidics.
Overview of the Radiation Dosimetry Experiment (RaD-X) flight mission

The NASA Radiation Dosimetry Experiment (RaD-X) stratospheric balloon flight mission addresses the need to reduce the uncertainty in predicting human exposure to cosmic radiation in the aircraft environment. Measurements were taken that characterize the dosimetric properties of cosmic ray primaries, the ultimate source of aviation radiation exposure, and the cosmic ray secondary radiations that are produced and transported to aviation altitudes. In addition, radiation detectors were flown to assess their potential application to long-term, continuous monitoring of the aircraft radiation environment. RaD-X was successfully launched from Fort Sumner, New Mexico (34.5∘ N, 104.2∘ W) on 25 September 2015. Over 18 hours of science data were obtained from a total of four different type dosimeters at altitudes above 20 km. The RaD-X flight mission was supported by laboratory radiation exposure testing of the balloon flight dosimeters and also by coordinated radiation measurements taken on ER-2 and commercial aircraft. This paper provides: the science background and motivation for the RaD-X flight mission, a brief description of the balloon flight profile and the supporting aircraft flights, and a summary of the articles included in the RaD-X special collection and their contributions to the science goals of the RaD-X mission.
Connecting business, inclusion and design

As consultants to a diversity of businesses, our experience is that it is rare that inclusive design is on the agenda from the outset. Inclusion may be part of the design brief, but more often its importance needs to be negotiated during a project — although increasingly inclusion can be introduced into earlier, more strategic discussions. This paper considers each of these three cases and shows that the ways a connection can be made between business and inclusion can be different in each.
Pilot Trial of Rituximab for the Prevention of Epstein Barr Virus B Cell Lymphoproliferative Disorder (EBV-LPD) Following T Cell Depleted (TCD) Unrelated or HLA-Mismatched Related Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation.

The risk of developing an EBV-LPD is highest in recipients of an unrelated or HLA-mismatched related TCD HCT, with a reported incidence of 10–23%. Although treatment with anti-B cell monoclonal antibodies and/or adoptive immunotherapy can be curative, these therapies are not always effective and can cause fatal tumor lysis syndrome. We have previously shown that the risk of developing an EBV-LPD after a TCD HCT is greatest within the first 2 to 6 months post HCT, and in patients whose circulating CD4 cell counts are less than 200/ul. We therefore developed a phase I pilot trial to investigate the feasibility of 6 monthly doses of rituximab for the prevention of EBV-LPD. Eligibility included hepatitis B surface antigen negative recipients of a TCD HCT from an unrelated or HLA mismatched related donor, EBV seropositive donor and/or host, ANC of >1500 cells/ul, documentation of remission, negative EBV viremia at baseline, and lack of ongoing infection at the time of enrollment. Patients received a maximum of 6 consecutive monthly doses of rituximab (375 mg/m2/dose) starting approximately 1 month post HCT. Less than six monthly doses were given if the patient developed a circulating CD4 cell count > 200/ul sooner than 7 months post transplant. To date, 22 patients (4–68 years of age, median 19.5 years) have been enrolled on this IRB approved trial, 20 of whom have completed therapy. Rituximab was well tolerated. The main side effect potentially related to rituximab was reversible neutropenia (n=5), which resulted in cessation of treatment as per protocol after the 2nd (n=1), 3rd (n=1), or 4th (n=1) dose. To date, none of the 22 patients on trial have developed an EBV-LPD compared to 10.1% of patients who received an unrelated or HLA MM-related TCD HCT during the same time interval but did not receive prophylactic rituximab. Although 2 patients had prolonged shedding of parainfluenza virus (n=1) or RSV (n=1) from the upper respiratory tract, there was no significant increase in viral or bacterial infections in patients who received rituximab prophylaxis. No patient on trial developed a fatal infection. Eighteen of 22 patients enrolled on trial are alive at a median of 14.5 months post HCT. One patient died of GVHD and 3 high risk patients succumbed to relapse. In evaluable patients, recovery of normal numbers of circulating B cells occurred between 5 and 12 months after the last dose of rituximab. This trial suggests that monthly rituximab can be safely given during the first 6 months after a TCD HCT, resulting in a decreased incidence of EBV-LPD. Larger trials investigating the optimum number and timing of Rituximab doses required to prevent this complication are needed as are studies evaluating recovery of specific B cell function in recipients of rituximab after allogeneic HCT.
BICUSPID VERSUS TRICUSPID AORTIC VALVE STENOSIS: COMPARATIVE STUDY OF CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND OUTCOMES FOLLOWING AORTIC VALVE REPLACEMENT IN AN AGE-MATCHED COHORT

Background: Structural abnormalities predispose congenitally bicuspid aortic valves (BAV) to early stenosis, but tricuspid aortic valve (TAV) stenosis is associated with cardiovascular risk factors. We hypothesize that TAV aortic stenosis (AS) is associated with more cardiovascular risk factors and
Addressing Regulatory Trade Barriers in Mega-Regional Trade Agreements

Mega-Regional trade agreements are generating a lot of discussion over the future shape and scope of international trade regimes. The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), and the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between Canada and the EU break some new ground with old issues. In particular, regulatory trade barriers have come into focus as an area ripe for cooperation that is predicted to yield great benefits. In this chapter, we examine how these three mega-regionals approach this issue. First, we provide a conceptual framework for understanding regulatory trade barriers, separating them into three core categories: regulatory protectionism, regulatory divergence, and regulatory reform. Next, we examine how regulatory cooperation is envisioned across these mega-regionals, noting, inter alia, where they remain vague on obligations, and where they take innovative steps. Ultimately, the success of regulatory cooperation will depend on how these chapters are implemented in practice. Though they lay a promising groundwork, we remain cautious in predicting how broad an impact they will have.
Leadership rounds to reduce health care-associated infections.

Background Evidence-based guidelines exist to reduce health care–associated infections (HAIs). Leadership rounds are one tool leaders can use to ensure compliance with guidelines, but have not been studied specifically for the reduction of HAIs. This study examines HAI leadership rounds at one facility. Methods We explored unit-based HAI leadership rounds led by 2 hospital leaders at a large academic hospital. Leadership rounds were observed on 19 units, recorded, and coded to identify themes. Themes were linked to the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research and used to guide interviews with frontline staff members. Results Staff members disclosed unit-specific problems and readily engaged in problem-solving with top hospital leaders. These themes appeared over 350 times within 22 rounds. Findings revealed that leaders used words that demonstrated fallibility and modeled curiosity, 2 factors associated with learning climate and psychologic safety. These 2 themes appeared 115 and 142 times, respectively. The flexible nature of the rounds appeared to be conducive for reflection and evaluation, which was coded 161 times. Conclusions Each interaction between leaders and frontline staff can foster psychologic safety, which can lead to open problem-solving to reduce barriers to implementation. Discovering specific communication and structural factors that contribute to psychologic safety may be powerful in reducing HAIs.
Performance Evaluation of an Alternative Underdrain Material for Stormwater Biofiltration Systems

AbstractUnderdrains are commonly used in biofilter stormwater treatment devices in areas having low soil infiltration rates. These usually are required to reduce the duration of standing water to l...
The Mediating Role of Anxiety Sensitivity in Uncontrolled Drinking: A Look at Gender-Specific Parental Influences.

Background Anxiety sensitivity (AS) reflects an individual's belief that experiencing anxiety will cause illness or embarrassment, and may be a reason individuals self-medicate with alcohol. Harsh or indulgent parenting could contribute to the development of AS. We examined the direct and indirect associations between parenting styles and alcohol-related variables through AS and impaired control over drinking (IC; i.e., perceived failure to adhere to limits on alcohol consumption in the future). Methods A multiple-group structural equation model with 614 university students (344 men; 270 women) was examined. Structural invariance tests were conducted to evaluate moderation by gender. We used a bias corrected bootstrap technique to obtain the mediated effects. Results Father authoritarianism and mother permissiveness were directly linked to AS among women, whereas father permissiveness was directly linked to AS among men. This suggests unique parental influences based on gender regarding AS. While AS was directly linked to alcohol-related problems for both men and women, several gender-specific associations were found. AS was directly linked to IC for men but not for women. For men, father permissiveness was directly related to AS, and AS mediated the indirect link between father permissiveness and IC along both the heavy episodic drinking and alcohol-related problems pathways. Similar to other internalizing constructs (e.g., neuroticism and depression), higher AS was directly associated with less heavy episodic drinking but more alcohol-related problems. Conclusions Our findings highlight the dangers of AS for men as an important correlate of under-controlled drinking behaviors. Additionally, permissive parenting of the same-gender parent was associated with AS, which is consistent with the gender-matching hypothesis. Together, these results underscore the importance of measuring the independent influence of both parents.
Application of Calcium-Binding Motif of E-Cadherin for Electrochemical Detection of Pb(II).

We report, for the first time, the use of a 13-amino-acid peptide sequence derived from the calcium-binding site of E-cadherin in the fabrication of an electrochemical peptide-based (E-PB) Pb(II) sensor. The sensing mechanism is analogous to that of previously developed E-PB sensors. Binding of Pb(II) rigidifies the surface-immobilized and methylene blue (MB)-modified peptide probe, thereby limiting the accessibility of the tethered MB to the electrode surface. This change in probe flexibility results in a reduction in the MB current that is dependent on the target concentration. The sensor behaves as a “signal-off” sensor in alternating current voltammetry and cyclic voltammetry, but it can behave as a “signal-on” sensor in differential pulse voltammetry when a longer pulse width is employed. It is capable of specific detection of Pb(II) and is selective enough to be employed in realistically complex samples such as diluted tap water, saliva, and urine samples. The detection is fast; signal saturation ca...
Relighting Forest Ecosystems

Real-time cinematic relighting of large, forest ecosystems remains a challenging problem, in that important global illumination effects, such as leaf transparency and inter-object light scattering, are difficult to capture, given tight timing constraints and scenes that typically contain hundreds of millions of primitives. A solution that is based on a lattice-Boltzmann method is suggested. Reflectance, transmittance, and absorptance parameters are taken from measurements of real plants and integrated into a parameterized, dynamic global illumination model. When the model is combined with fast shadow rays, traced on a GPU, near real-time cinematic relighting is achievable for forest scenes containing hundreds of millions of polygons.
Transport Processes In A Rapidly Changing World

I am very pleased to be with you for the opening of this important ASI. This is the 5th time I have been privileged to participate in an ASI in Turkey, and each one has provided fond memories of good times, renewed acquaintances, and new friendships.
Hazard and risk in the New England fishing fleet

The United States Coast Guard and the Volpe National Transportation Systems Center studied the 102 serious fishing vessel accidents (1993-1997) in Coast Guard District 1 (New England and Long Island, New York), U.S. national fleet accident data, and international fishing vessel safety programs for the purpose of establishing risk factors and formulating options for future action by the Coast Guard to enhance fleet safety. The 102 regional accidents involved total vessel losses and/or death(s), excluding strictly occupational cases. Each accident was studied in detail to determine causality among human and organizational, fishery and operational, and preventive safety factors. Causality in each case was assigned among the factors, summing to 1.0 and weighted according to the outcome of the accident, i.e., numbers of deaths and injuries. The results quantify (1) the aggregate significance of the causal factors; (2) the average weighted outcome of accidents by type (e.g., capsize, collision); and (3) the sensitivity of (1) and (2) to varied relative weightings of vessel losses and deaths.
An Isotropic Self-Consistent Homogenization Scheme For Chemo-Mechanical Healing Driven By Pressure Solution In Halite

Abstract Mechanical healing is the process by which a damaged material recovers mechanical stiffness and strength. Pressure solution is a very effective healing mechanism, common in crystalline media. Chemical reactions initiate at the location of microstructure defects, which would be very difficult to account for in a homogenization scheme that separates the solid and the pore phases, as is classically the case. Here, we propose a novel chemo-mechanical homogenization model in which the inclusion is not a grain, but rather, a space that contains a pore and discontinuities, where chemical processes take place. Mass and energy balance equations are rigorously established to predict the chemical eigenstrain of each inclusion, which, added to the elastic deformation, provides the microstrain of each inclusion. From there, Hill’s inclusion-matrix interaction law is used to upscale strains and stresses at the scale of a Representative Elementary Volume (REV). The model was calibrated against experimental results published in the literature for salt rock. Subsequent sensitivity analyses show that in samples with same porosity but with inclusions that have different initial void sizes, inclusions with larger voids have a negligible healing rate and they are slowing down the overall healing rate of the REV. The highest healing rate is reached in samples with uniformly distributed void sizes. In addition, the healing rate increases with the initial porosity, but the final porosity change does not depend on the initial porosity of the sample. Principal stresses of higher magnitude are noted in the inclusions that are part of REVs of high initial porosity. In specimens with smaller inclusions (i.e., smaller grains), principal stresses are more widely distributed in magnitude and the healing rate is higher. The proposed homogenization method paves the way to many future developments for upscaling chemo-mechanical processes in heterogeneous media, and can be used to design self-healing materials.
Demonstrating the Use of Linked Data to Advance Education Research

Linking K-12 data on students and teachers to Internal Revenue Service (IRS) information allows us to answer questions that are difficult to answer using survey data or educational administrative data alone. We describe two research projects that demonstrate the importance of using linked administrative data to further research on education and inform policy discussions. In the first research project, using linked IRS income tax data to school administrative records for all 8th graders in one California public school district and all K-12th graders in Oregon public schools, we examine how well free and reduced price lunch (FRPL) enrollment captures student disadvantage. We find that FRPL categories capture relatively little variation in household income. However, FRPL captures elements of educational disadvantage that IRS-reported household income data do not. In the second research project, using data on teachers from a large California school district linked to IRS records and the Business Register, we examine what teachers do after they leave teaching. Preliminary findings suggest that many teachers leave the workforce after they leave teaching. Teachers that continue to work after leaving our school district often do so in a nearby school district, and often see a modest increase in their earnings in their new positions.
Current Diabetes Technology: Striving for the Artificial Pancreas

Diabetes technology has continually evolved over the years to improve quality of life and ease of care for affected patients. Frequent blood glucose (BG) checks and multiple daily insulin injections have become standard of care in Type 1 diabetes (T1DM) management. Continuous glucose monitors (CGM) allow patients to observe and discern trends in their glycemic control. These devices improve quality of life for parents and caregivers with preset alerts for hypoglycemia. Insulin pumps have continued to improve and innovate since their emergence into the market. Hybrid closed-loop systems have harnessed the data gathered with CGM use to aid in basal insulin dosing and hypoglycemia prevention. As technology continues to progress, patients will likely have to enter less and less information into their pump system manually. In the future, we will likely see a system that requires no manual patient input and allows users to eat throughout the day without counting carbohydrates or entering in any blood sugars. As technology continues to advance, endocrinologists and diabetes providers need to stay current to better guide their patients in optimal use of emerging management tools.
Folate-targeted pH-sensitive bortezomib conjugates for cancer treatment

In this study, a folate-targeted pH-sensitive bortezomib conjugate was developed for cancer-specific drug delivery and therapy. The conjugate showed improved cellular uptake, penetration, and anticancer activity compared to free bortezomib, a bortezomib-mannitol derivative, and a PEGylated bortezomib conjugate in folate receptor overexpressing cancer cells and their 3D spheroids.
Does Medial-Row Fixation Technique Affect the Retear Rate and Functional Outcomes After Double-Row Transosseous-Equivalent Rotator Cuff Repair?:

Background:Double-row transosseous-equivalent (TOE) rotator cuff repair techniques have been widely accepted because of their superior biomechanical properties when compared with arthroscopic singl...
The Subversion of Traditional Christianity

In this chapter, I elucidate in greater detail the enduring social significance of Descartes’s philosophical program, which I described in Chapter 7. I argue that even if Descartes’s was not an atheist, as some have suggested, his conception of morality is subversive of traditional Christian ethics, both in theory and in practice. Hence, the account of virtuous belief formation that he builds on this conception of morality intends not merely to reform but to subvert traditional Christianity. Thus, rather than providing a way to reconcile traditional religious belief with the new philosophy, Descartes’s account of virtuous belief formation helps to pave the way for subsequent philosophers to attempt to naturalize not only traditional Christianity but religion, in general.
Do Not Change Antidepressant Treatment Early Based on a Lack of Response.

Do not be in a hurry to change treatment in patients with severe depression who do not respond to treatment within the first two weeks. Early response to treatment predicts eventual response or remission, but a lack of early response does not predict treatment failure.
Delving deeper into disparity: The impact of health literacy on the surgical care of breast cancer patients

Abstract Background Breast surgical oncology is a unique field that involves complex cancer management and longstanding patient interactions with the healthcare system, making it potentially challenging for patients with low health literacy. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current knowledge regarding health literacy in breast cancer and identify future directions for research and potential intervention in breast surgical oncology. Data sources A search of relevant literature querying PubMed and Science Direct was performed and included the following keywords: health literacy, breast cancer, breast surgical oncology, surgery, outcomes, prevention, screening, healthcare utilization, chronic disease. Conclusions Limited health literacy may detrimentally affect understanding and outcomes in breast surgical oncology. Identifying ways providers can improve patient understanding and utilization of health information is important, and surgeons may have a pivotal role. Further studies addressing health literacy in breast surgical oncology is needed in order to better optimize care of patients.
Radiotherapy for Prostate Cancer

Radiation therapy works by generating free radicals that result in DNA damage, cell death, and tumor regression. Waves that are produced during therapeutic radiotherapy, most often X-ray or gamma-ray photons, act as sources of energy that disrupt orbital electrons to cause the formation of free radicals, which lead to damage to the cells (Jameson et al., Principles of cancer treatment. In: Harrison’s principles of internal medicine. 20th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2018. Available from http://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?bookid=2129&sectionid=192014984). The dose of radiation therapy, or gray (Gy), is the amount of measured radiation that is absorbed by the tissues of the body (Jameson et al., Principles of cancer treatment. In: Harrison’s principles of internal medicine. 20th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2018. Available from http://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?bookid=2129&sectionid=192014984). Cells that are not in the process of division when the radiotherapy is delivered are not as vulnerable to the effect of the radiation (Jameson et al., Principles of cancer treatment. In: Harrison’s principles of internal medicine. 20th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2018. Available from http://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?bookid=2129&sectionid=192014984). Therefore, giving smaller doses of radiotherapy over periods of time allows for more cells to be exposed to the effects of the radiation and also allows for recovery of normal tissues around the area of the tumor (Jameson et al., Principles of cancer treatment. In: Harrison’s principles of internal medicine. 20th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2018. Available from http://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?bookid=2129&sectionid=192014984).
Can I Get a Witness? Speculative Fiction as Testimony and Counterstory.

Drawing on Black feminist/womanist storytelling and the three-dimensional narrative inquiry space, this article showcases how one Black girl uses speculative fiction as testimony and counterstory, ...
An Exercise for Conveying Equal Employment Opportunity Concepts for Industrial-Organizational Psychology Courses:

Background:Equal employment opportunity guidelines and concepts are important for increasing equity in the workplace. Given the large number of undergraduate students currently in or entering the w...
Mechanical response of composite fiber networks subjected to local contractile deformation

Abstract The extracellular matrix (ECM), forming the cell microenvironment, is a random fiber network whose heterogeneous microstructure serves a vital role in cellular functions such as migration, proliferation, and differentiation. Although prior computational studies used a network of randomly crosslinked fibers for investigating the ECM mechanical response due to the cell contraction, we hereby investigate the cell-induced deformation by considering the interplay between the collagen fibers and soft proteoglycan matrix domain. For this purpose, we represent the complex ECM microstructure by a double network model in which a random network of relatively stiff fibers (representing collagens) is embedded in a homogeneous network (representing the matrix domain). We demonstrate that the interaction between the network of stiff fibers and the network of matrix fibers plays a significant role in the propagation of cell-induced displacements. In particular, as the stiffness of the matrix domain increases, the long-range displacement propagation becomes suppressed. Furthermore, the degree of inhomogeneity in the displacement propagation is controlled by the relative stiffness of fiber and matrix networks. The influence of matrix stiffness becomes prominent for composite networks with random networks having a low average network connectivity and/or composed of fibers with low bending rigidity.
Pre-licensure nursing students' experiences of psychological safety: A qualitative descriptive study.

Abstract Background Organizational learning is essential for consistently providing safe, efficient, high-quality patient care. Psychological safety is foundational for organizational learning. For pre-licensure nursing students psychological safety is crucial for both their learning and patient safety. Understanding pre-licensure nursing students' experiences of psychological safety can guide efforts to cultivate clinical environments conducive to learning and excellent patient care. Objectives The objective of this study was to gain insight into pre-licensure nursing students' first-hand experiences with psychological safety in clinical settings. Design A qualitative, descriptive design was used for this study. Settings Participants were recruited from 12 different nursing programs across eight states. Participants A total of 26 pre-licensure nursing students participated in this study. Included were students who had completed at least one clinical rotation, but had not yet obtained licensure as a registered nurse. Method Semi-structured interviews were conducted via telephone. Interviews were analyzed using a constant comparative approach to thematic analysis. Results Four primary themes emerged from the data, two of which had sub-themes: 1) Feeling Self-Conscious, with the sub-themes Expecting Expectations and Interpreting Feedback; 2) Engaging; 3) Learning and Performing; and 4) Moving Forward, with the sub-themes Using Coping Strategies and Developing Confidence. Conclusions This study reinforces the importance of psychological safety for nursing students' learning and for patient safety. Feeling psychologically safe allowed students to engage in the clinical setting, to learn from their experiences, and to perform their very best. With these insights, faculty and clinical preceptors can cultivate effective learning environments where patients can also receive safe, high-quality patient care.