cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Some hormonal influences on the acetylation of sulfanilamide in vivo.

The previously reported studies on sex differences in per cent acetylation of sulfanilamide by rats were extended in vivo. It was established that immature rats of both ssxes acetylated to the same extent. Castration at, or near birth, and estradiol injections reduced the extent of acetylation by males. Adrenalectomy superimposed on castration had no greater effect than castration alone in either sex. Ovariectomy was without effect, whereas hypopliysec-tomy lowered markedly the extent of acetylation by both males and females. The radioactive urinary acetylsulfanilamide isolated after injection of radio-acetate and sulfanilamide was found to have a markedly greater specific activity in males than in females; the specific activity was also greater in normal males as compared to hypophysectomized males. The results are discussed in light of their possible reflections of two-carbon metabolism in the body.
The Significance of Definitions of Success in Program Evaluation.

In program evaluation, determining whether a program is reaching its goals is key to evaluating program success. Having an understanding of the stated goals of each organization within a system rather than simply knowing the formal system goals can aid in program development and inform policy making. Evaluability assessments were used initially as a means of learning how Philadelphia delinquency prevention programs define success. Subsequent surveys of programs were conducted to ascertain whether any changes in definitions of success had occurred. Examination of programs' definitions of success over time has facilitated program development and policy making.
A robust threshold retracking algorithm for extracting ice-sheet surface elevations from satellite radar altimeters

A threshold retracking algorithm for processing ice-sheet altimeter data is presented. The author performed extensive comparisons between the threshold algorithm and three other ice-sheet retracking algorithms. The algorithm comparisons were made using Seasat and Geosat datasets comprised of over 30,000 crossover points. The author's results show that the threshold retracking algorithm produces ice-sheet surface elevations that are more repeatable than the elevations derived from all the other retracking algorithms. For analysis of long-term change in ice-sheet surface elevations, it is critical that a retracking algorithm produce repeatable elevations. The more consistent an algorithm is in selecting the retracking point the less likely that biases will be introduced by the retracking scheme in the elevation change measurement. For this reason, the robust threshold retracking algorithm has been adopted by NASA/GSFC as an alternative to their existing algorithm for production of ice-sheet altimeter datasets under the NASA Pathfinder program. The threshold algorithm will be used to re-process existing ice-sheet altimeter datasets and to process the datasets from future altimeter missions.
Unifying electron transfer mechanism for addiction involvement by the anesthetic propofol

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The physiological and genetic diversity of bovine Streptococcus bovis strains

Laboratory Streptococcus bovis strains and isolates obtained from a steer fed increasing amounts of grain had similar growth characteristics, but they differed in their sensitivity to 2-deoxyglucose (2DG), a non-metabolizable glucose analog. The addition of 2DG decreased both growth rate (0.92±0.34 h−1) and growth yield (ranging from 25 to 63%), but these differences could not be correlated with diet. However, isolates from a steer fed a 90% grain diet were more prone to 2DG-dependent lysis than those from a hay diet (P 90% Dice similarity). This cluster contained isolates from all three diets, but it did not have any of the laboratory strains. The majority (90%) of the isolates obtained from the hay-fed steer exhibited the same BOX type. Because more BOX types were observed if grain was added to the diet, it appears that ruminal S. bovis diversity may be a diet-dependent phenomenon.
Holographic framework for eternal inflation

In this paper we provide some circumstantial evidence for a holographic duality between bubble nucleation in an eternally inflating universe and a Euclidean conformal field theory (CFT). The holographic correspondence (which is different than Strominger's de Sitter (dS)/CFT duality) relates the decay of (3+1)-dimensional de Sitter space to a two-dimensional CFT. It is not associated with pure de Sitter space, but rather with Coleman-De Luccia bubble nucleation. Alternatively, it can be thought of as a holographic description of the open, infinite, Friedmann-Robertson-Walker (FRW) cosmology that results from such a bubble. The conjectured holographic representation is of a new type that combines holography with the Wheeler-DeWitt formalism to produce a Wheeler-DeWitt theory that lives on the spatial boundary of a k=-1 FRW cosmology. We also argue for a more ambitious interpretation of the Wheeler-DeWitt CFT as a holographic dual of the entire Landscape.
Which came first, people or pollution? Assessing the disparate siting and post-siting demographic change hypotheses of environmental injustice

Although a large body of quantitative environmental justice research exists, only a handful of studies have examined the processes by which racial and socioeconomic disparities in the location of polluting industrial facilities can occur. These studies have had mixed results, we contend, principally because of methodological differences, that is, the use of the unit-hazard coincidence method as compared to distance-based methods. This study is the first national-level environmental justice study to conduct longitudinal analyses using distance-based methods. Our purposes are to: (1) determine whether disparate siting, post-siting demographic change, or a combination of the two created present-day disparities; (2) test related explanations; and (3) determine whether the application of distance-based methods helps resolve the inconsistent findings of previous research. We used a national database of commercial hazardous waste facilities sited from 1966 to 1995 and examined the demographic composition of host neighborhoods around the time of siting and demographic changes that occurred after siting. We found strong evidence of disparate siting for facilities sited in all time periods. Although we found some evidence of post-siting demographic changes, they were mostly a continuation of changes that occurred in the decade or two prior to siting, suggesting that neighborhood transition serves to attract noxious facilities rather than the facilities themselves attracting people of color and low income populations. Our findings help resolve inconsistencies among the longitudinal studies and builds on the evidence from other subnational studies that used distance-based methods. We conclude that racial discrimination and sociopolitical explanations (i.e., the proposition that siting decisions follow the 'path of least resistance') best explain present-day inequities.
Antibody Detection: Principles and Applications

Antibody detection methods by immunoassay have been developed, commonly used, and will be expanded further for rapid and accurate diagnosis of the common or newly emerging infection-causing agents such as viruses in clinical as well as public health laboratories. Since the first competitive radioimmunoassay was developed over 50 years ago for human insulin detection [1], immunoassays have been developed with emphasis on fast and sensitive detection technologies and automation. Due to the demand of large screening for epidemiology, blood bank, prenatal care, and diagnosis of HIV and hepatitis, more immunodiagnostic procedures are performed using instruments and reagents similar to immunochemistry platforms used in clinical chemistry or core laboratory. Immunoassay for detection of host-produced antibodies directed against microorganisms, particularly viruses, has been one of the most widely used analytical techniques in laboratory medicine [2, 3]. Automation and random access application have been implemented for rapid diagnosis of infectious diseases.
Post-episode depression of GABAergic transmission in spinal neurons of the chick embryo.

Whole cell recordings were obtained from ventral horn neurons in spontaneously active spinal cords isolated from the chick embryo [embryonic days 10 to11 (E10–E11)] to examine the post-episode depr...
Book Review: The History of My Shoes and The Evolution of Darwin’s Theory

Author: Kenny Fries Publisher: Caroll and Graf Books, 2007 Paperback , ISBN : 0-78672-007-7, 206 pages Cost: Amazon.com: $10.17 USD Reviewer: Nathan Say
Energy and capacity values for distributed PV in PJM

The correlation between distributed PV generation and the ten year monthly and annual all time system peaks on PJM are quite remarkable. In the over 100 monthly and annual peak demands that have been set, the great majority remain during solar resource hours with significant contributions expected from PV resources. The authors believe that near term capacity and energy benefits of distributed PV generation will persist for decades before penetration rates in the continental US may significantly impact base load levels at minimum load times. The close proximity of distributed PV arrays to the loads they typically serve means a higher value can be placed on the electricity generated when line and transformer losses from the grid are considered. When considering the Locational Marginal Price (LMP) of energy at transmission delivery nodes on the PJM Regional Transmission Organization (RTO), the value of PV energy increases even more. due to its time of generation worth being significantly higher than average LMP. Objective financial analysis places the true value of distributed PV generation to the PJM system in recent years at $77 per MWh.
Mobilizing Meanings: Questions for a Pedagogy of Women’s Writing

There is no question that both academic feminism and feminism at large are now situated in an “after” matrix. Theorists have been writing about the end of the first and second wave of feminism since the 1980’s, albeit with different emphasis and twists. Journalists in the United States have documented the neo-liberal backlash, and scholar-activists have characterized the aftermath of feminism in terms that spell both the exhaustion of a powerful discourse of gender liberation and a no-exit situation for many of the key convictions of gender theory.
A community study of a decade of in-hospital breast-feeding: Implications for breast-feeding promotion

The results of 3 mini-surveys of postpartum women who had delivered well singleton infants in August of 1974 1979 and 1984 in 4 hospitals in Mercer County NJ were analyzed for factors influencing breastfeeding. There were 132 193 and 187 women in the 3 respective groups. Data were analyzed using the SPSSX program for cross-tabulations and multiple classification analysis on an IBM 4341 mainframe computer. The study groups were similar as to parity and sex of the child but tended to be older and more highly educated in later years. Prevalence of breast feeding was 19% 40% and 53% in successive groups (p<0.0001). More highly educated women were significantly more likely to breast feed (p.<0.0001). Multiple classification analysis was done to explore the relationships between independent variables and the feeding method; variables available in all 3 years were hospital parity race maternal age and year of study. 83% of multiparous women chose to feed this infant in the same way as the preceding one. 53% of women who 1st spoke about infant feeding to a female peer friend sister or relative went on to breastfeed. 15% of those reporting physicians spouses books or none as their introduction to breastfeeding eventually did so. Women who knew 2 advantages of breastfeeding were more likely to breast feed even if they were only high school graduates. There was no association between feeding method and length of prenatal care physician initiating discussion of feeding or how the woman was fed as an infant. This study demonstrates that simple inexpensive surveys are useful for indicating trends in local areas and suggests that the young less educated and certain social groups are targets for education about infant feeding.
Expanding outward: libraries broaden their impact

Purpose The purpose of this column is to describe several examples of libraries providing services to their patrons to broaden their impact beyond their four walls. Design/methodology/approach Literature review and commentary on this topic that has been addressed by professionals, researchers and practitioners. Findings Mobility substantiates the claim that library users have certain expectations from their libraries, not the least of which is to maintain a currency with the latest technological advances through its services. Therefore, younger generations brought up on high-tech access to their library materials via an array of services outside the building itself is paramount to a public expecting its links to services anywhere, anytime. Originality/value The value in exploring this topic is to examine several real-world scenarios where libraries have provided exceptional services beyond the building to satisfy the ever-expanding expectations of their users.
Effects of Learner Factors on Academic Performance——An Empirical Study on Learning Strategy

This empirical study takes students in Guangdong University of Foreign Studies International College as subjects and aims to explore effects of learner factors on academic performance.The result suggests that learning strategy is not a determinant factor while other learner factors should also be taken into account when creating a self-learning environment.Some suggestions for teaching in higher education and vocational education are thus proposed based on the study.
African Genetic Ancestry is Associated with Sleep Depth in Older African Americans.

Study objectives The mechanisms that underlie differences in sleep characteristics between European Americans (EA) and African Americans (AA) are not fully known. Although social and psychological processes that differ by race are possible mediators, the substantial heritability of sleep characteristics also suggests genetic underpinnings of race differences. We hypothesized that racial differences in sleep phenotypes would show an association with objectively measured individual genetic ancestry in AAs. Design Cross sectional. Setting Community-based study. Participants Seventy AA adults (mean age 59.5 ± 6.7 y; 62% female) and 101 EAs (mean age 60.5 ± 7 y, 39% female). Measurements and results Multivariate tests were used to compare the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and in-home polysomnographic measures of sleep duration, sleep efficiency, apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), and indices of sleep depth including percent visually scored slow wave sleep (SWS) and delta EEG power of EAs and AAs. Sleep duration, efficiency, and sleep depth differed significantly by race. Individual % African ancestry (%AF) was measured in AA subjects using a panel of 1698 ancestry informative genetic markers and ranged from 10% to 88% (mean 67%). Hierarchical linear regression showed that higher %AF was associated with lower percent SWS in AAs (β (standard error) = -4.6 (1.5); P = 0.002), and explained 11% of the variation in SWS after covariate adjustment. A similar association was observed for delta power. No association was observed for sleep duration and efficiency. Conclusion African genetic ancestry is associated with indices of sleep depth in African Americans. Such an association suggests that part of the racial differences in slow-wave sleep may have genetic underpinnings.
Symmetry-enriched string nets: Exactly solvable models for SET phases

We construct exactly solvable models for a wide class of symmetry-enriched topological (SET) phases. Our construction applies to two-dimensional (2D) bosonic SET phases with finite unitary on-site symmetry group $G$ and we conjecture that our models realize every phase in this class that can be described by a commuting projector Hamiltonian. Our models are designed so that they have a special property: If we couple them to a dynamical lattice gauge field with gauge group $G$, the resulting gauge theories are equivalent to string-net models. This property is what allows us to analyze our models in generality. As an example, we present a model for a phase with the same anyon excitations as the toric code and with a ${\mathbb{Z}}_{2}$ symmetry which exchanges the $e$ and $m$ type anyons. We further illustrate our construction with a number of additional examples.
Gang organization: Slangin’, gang bangin’ and dividin’ by generation

This article explores the relationship between gangs and drug sales in Denver, Colorado and Ogden, Utah. The existing literature argues gangs are organized either for “profit” or they face “obstructions” that prevent the entire group from drug dealing. This research suggests both gang members and non-gang members were equally involved in drug sales; and only a small number of individuals within the gang sold drugs for a year or longer. Drug dealing within a gang is highlighted with a composite study in Ogden (obstruction) and then contrasted with federal law enforcement tactics in Denver (profit and obstruction).
Inhibition of autophagy with bafilomycin and chloroquine decreases mitochondrial quality and bioenergetic function in primary neurons

Autophagy is an important cell recycling program responsible for the clearance of damaged or long-lived proteins and organelles. Pharmacological modulators of this pathway have been extensively utilized in a wide range of basic research and pre-clinical studies. Bafilomycin A1 and chloroquine are commonly used compounds that inhibit autophagy by targeting the lysosomes but through distinct mechanisms. Since it is now clear that mitochondrial quality control, particularly in neurons, is dependent on autophagy, it is important to determine whether these compounds modify cellular bioenergetics. To address this, we cultured primary rat cortical neurons from E18 embryos and used the Seahorse XF96 analyzer and a targeted metabolomics approach to measure the effects of bafilomycin A1 and chloroquine on bioenergetics and metabolism. We found that both bafilomycin and chloroquine could significantly increase the autophagosome marker LC3-II and inhibit key parameters of mitochondrial function, and increase mtDNA damage. Furthermore, we observed significant alterations in TCA cycle intermediates, particularly those downstream of citrate synthase and those linked to glutaminolysis. Taken together, these data demonstrate a significant impact of bafilomycin and chloroquine on cellular bioenergetics and metabolism consistent with decreased mitochondrial quality associated with inhibition of autophagy.
Panniculitis: A summary

The diagnosis of panniculitis is felt to be a confusing topic by some pathologists. This summarical article presents inflammatory diseases of the subcutis in a systematic fashion, based on whether they are centered on fibrovascular septa or the adipose lobules, and whether morphologic vasculitis is present or not. Septocentric, non-vasculitis disorders include erythema nodosum, panniculitis that follows the use of "biological" therapeutic agents, lipodermatosclerosis, post-irradiation panniculitis, morphea profunda, and necrobiosis lipodica profunda. Polyarteritis nodosa and Behcet's disease are the conditions that are based in the subcutaneous septa with vasculitis. Predominantly-lobular panniculitides with no vasculitis include pancreatogenic panniculitis, the panniculitis of alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency, panniculitis associated with lupus erythematosus and dermatomyositis, subcutaneous Sweet syndrome, eosinophilic panniculitis, factitial panniculitis, cold panniculitis, panniculitis following injections of corticosteroids, lipomembranous (ischemic) panniculitis; sclerema neonatorum and subcutaneous fat necrosis of the newborn, and Rosai-Dorfman disease of the subcutis. Erythema induratum and infectious panniculitis are vasculitic and lobulocentric conditions. This article reviews the histological features of these diseases.
Trends and factors associated with radical cytoreductive surgery in the United States: A case for centralized care.

Abstract Objectives To describe the US national trends and factors associated with cytoreductive surgical radicality in women with advanced ovarian cancer (OC). Methods An analysis of the National Inpatient Sample database was performed. All admissions from 1993 to 2011 for advanced OC cytoreductive surgery (CRS) were identified and categorized as simple pelvic (SP), extensive pelvic (EP), and extensive upper abdominal (EUA) surgery. Annual trends in CRS were analyzed. Associations between patient- and hospital-specific factors, with CRS radicality as well as perioperative complications were explored between 2007 and 2011. Results In total, 28,677 un-weighted admissions were analyzed. The rate of EP and EUA resections increased over time (8% to 18.1% and 1.3% to 5.4%, P P =0.01). Specifically, patients treated at high volume hospitals experienced lower rates of hemorrhage, vascular/nerve injury, prolonged hospitalization, and non-routine discharge than at lower ( P Conclusions The US rate of radical cytoreductive surgery for advanced ovarian cancer is increasing. At high-volume hospitals, patients receive more radical surgery with fewer complications, supporting further study of a centralized ovarian cancer care model.
Differences in Repolarization Heterogeneity Among Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction Phenotypic Subgroups

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a highly heterogeneous syndrome associated with multiple medical comorbidities and pathophysiologic pathways or phenotypes. We recently developed a phenomapping method combining deep phenotyping with machine learning analysis to classify HFpEF patients into 3 clinically distinct phenotypic subgroups (phenogroups) with different clinical outcomes. Phenogroup #1 was younger with lower B-type natriuretic peptide levels, phenogroup #2 had the highest prevalence of obesity and diabetes mellitus, and phenogroup #3 was the oldest with the most factors for chronic kidney disease, the most dysfunctional myocardial mechanics, and the highest adverse outcomes. The pathophysiological differences between these phenogroups, however, remain incompletely described. We sought to evaluate whether these 3 groups differ on the basis of repolarization heterogeneity, which has previously been linked to adverse outcomes in HFpEF. The T-peak to T-end (TpTe) interval, a well-validated index of repolarization heterogeneity, was measured by 2 readers blinded to each other and all other clinical data on the electrocardiograms of 201 HFpEF patients enrolled in a systematic observational study. TpTe duration was associated with higher B-type natriuretic peptide level (p = 0.006), increased QRS-T angle (p = 0.008), and lower septal e′ velocity (p = 0.007). TpTe duration was greatest in phenogroup #3 (100.4 ± 24.5 ms) compared with phenogroups #1 (91.2 ± 17.3 ms) and #2 (90.2 ± 17.0 ms) (p = 0.0098). On multivariable analyses, increased TpTe was independently associated with the high-risk phenogroup #3 classification. In conclusion, repolarization heterogeneity is a marker of a specific subset of HFpEF patients identified using unsupervised machine learning analysis and therefore may be a key pathophysiologic marker in this subset of HFpEF patients.
The European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo: An Analysis from the Local Perspective

AbstractThe European Union (EU) has been actively involved in peacebuilding in Kosovo since 1999. This article examines the EU’s post-conflict reconstruction activities in Kosovo in the aftermath of Kosovo’s unilateral declaration of independence, with particular emphasis on the track record of the EU Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) and its involvement in Security Sector Reform. The article focuses on the nexus between the implementation of the local ownership principle and the local perceptions and legitimacy of EULEX. It offers an analysis of the obstacles and challenges faced by the mission.
Stability Analysis of Pulses via the Evans Function: Dissipative Systems

Linear stability analysis of pulses is considered in this review chapter. The Evans function is an analytic tool whose zeros correspond to eigenvalues. Herein, the general manner of its construction shown. Furthermore, the construction is done explicitly for the linearization of the nonlinear Schrodinger equation about the 1-soliton solution. In an explicit calculation, it is shown how the Evans function can be used to track the non-zero eigenvalues arising from a dissipative perturbation of the nonlinear Schrodinger equation which arises in the context of pulse propagation in nonlinear optical fibers.
CD70 turns on NK cells to attack lymphoma

In this issue of Blood , Al Sayed et al demonstrate a critical role for CD70 signaling in natural killer (NK)–cell elimination of lymphoma, providing the pre-clinical groundwork for a new coactivating NK-cell immunotherapy strategy. 1
Modeling long recovery early events (LOREs) produced by lightning-induced ionization of the nighttime upper mesosphere

We present results of a cylindrically symmetric, coupled electrodynamic and photo-chemical model which simulates diffuse ionization of the middle atmosphere induced by strong lightning discharges (peak currents >150 kA). Scattering of sub-ionospherically propagating, very low frequency radio waves is then evaluated using the Long-Wave Propagation Capability code. Some modeled sprite halos exhibit continued electron density growth up to timescales of seconds due to O− detachment, though it is not yet clear how this might relate to the slower onset durations (>20 msec) of some early VLF events. Modeled electron density enhancements in sprite halos, capable of strong VLF scattering, can persist for long periods of time (greater than hundreds of seconds) even at lower altitudes where their recovery is initially controlled by fast attachment processes. Consequently, our modeling results indicate that both typical recovery (20 to 240 seconds) and long recovery (LOREs, >300 second) VLF scattering events can be explained by scattering from conductivity changes associated with sprite halos. In contrast, modeled scattered fields resulting from elve-associated conductivity changes, though exhibiting long recovery times, are too weak to sufficiently explain typical LORE observations. Theoretical scattering from structured ionization events (e.g., sprites columns and gigantic jets) is not considered in this work.
QCD tests using bb̄g events and a new measurement of the B-hadron energy spectrum

Abstract We present new studies of 3-jet final states from hadronic Z 0 decays recorded by the SLD experiment, in which jets are identified as quark, antiquark or gluon. Our gluon energy spectrum, measured over the full kinematic range, is consistent with the predictions of QCD, and we derive a limit on an anomalous chromomagetic bbg coupling. We measure the parity violation in Z 0 decays into bbg to be consistent with the predictions of electroweak theory and QCD, and perform new tests of T- and CP-conservation at the bbg vertex. We also present a new technique for reconstructing the energy of a B hadron using the set of charged tracks attached to a secondary vertex. The B hadron energy spectrum is measured over the full kinematic range, allowing improved tests of predictions for the shape of the spectrum. The average scaled energy is measured to be 〈 χ B 〉 = 0.719 ± 0.005( stat .) (Preliminary).
In Situ Summarization with VTK-m

Summarization and compression at current and future scales requires a framework for developing and benchmarking algorithms. We present a framework created by integrating existing, production-ready projects and provide timings of two particular algorithms that serve as exemplars for summarization: a wavelet-based data reduction filter and a generator for creating image-like databases of extracted features (isocontours in this case). Both support browser-based, post-hoc, interactive visualization of the summary for decision-making. A study of their weak-scaling on a distributed multi-GPU system is included.
Effects of real-time simulation feedback on design for visual comfort

Building performance simulations and models of human visual comfort allow us to predict daylight-caused glare using digital building models and climate data. Unfortunately, the simulation tools cur...
78 – Research Methods in Neurosurgery

This chapter focuses on research strategies that can be used to answer some fundamental questions in neurobiology. These are presented in the context of a working program in the laboratory that has led to the identification of previously unrecognized molecular mediators of stroke. Cerebral ischemia (stroke) is one of the most widely studied neuropathologies, because it is the third leading cause of death and the leading cause of neurologic disability. It is defined as a neurologic deficit that occurs as a result of decreased blood supply to a brain region. This process results in local cell death and the development of neurologic deficits of a varying degree of severity, depending on the size and location of the stroke. Comprehensive research on cerebral ischemic pathogenesis has been critical for the design of novel therapeutics and their implementation into clinical practice. Early investigators presumed that disruption of a continuous supply of glucose and oxygen to neurons caused sudden widespread cell death by an “energy shortage.”
Use of penile corporeal injection to assess coronal hypospadias.

Abstract Coronal hypospadias is a frequent abnormality of the genitalia. It is recommended that patients with coronal hypospadias be assessed with the technique of penile corporeal injection during anesthesia and any patient with coronal hypospadias should be circumcised with the utmost caution and surgical discretion.
Characterization of Diacylglycerylphospholipids by Fast Atom Bombardment Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Fast atom bombardment desorption/ionization combined with collisionally activated dissociation tandem mass spectrometry (FAB-CAD-MS/MS) is a powerful method for directly characterizing underivatized glycerophospholipids, even in mixtures. The FAB mass spectrum in either the positive or negative ion mode contains high-mass ions indicative of the molecular weight of each of the molecular species present in the sample, as well as fragments derived from elimination of the head group and acyl groups. However, it is difficult to directly characterize the structure of any particular molecular species in a mixture from the FAB mass spectrum alone because the molecular ions ([MH]+, [M-H]−, or [M-CH3]− for phosphatidylcholine) of isomeric molecular species overlap and distinguishing fragments may be attributable to more than one molecular species. Only tandem mass spectrometric analysis of specific fragment or molecular ions permits the head group and acyl groups of the individual molecular species to be unambiguously determined. In addition, the relative abundance of specific fragment ions in the product ion spectrum can, in most cases, be used to assign the position of the acyl groups on the glycerol backbone. FAB-CAD-MS/MS of the carboxylate anions found in the low-mass region of the negative FAB spectrum has also been successfully used to localize the positions of double bonds and branch points in the acyl groups by analysis of charge-remote fragmentation patterns. Besides product ion scans, other overlap and distinguishing fragments may be attributable to more than one molecular species. Only tandem mass spectrometric analysis of specific fragment or molecular ions permits the head group and acyl groups of the individual molecular species to be unambiguously determined. In addition, the relative abundance of specific fragment ions in the product ion spectrum can, in most cases, be used to assign the position of the acyl groups on the glycerol backbone. FAB-CAD-MS/MS of the carboxylate anions found in the low-mass region of the negative FAB spectrum has also been successfully used to localize the positions of double bonds and branch points in the acyl groups by analysis of charge-remote fragmentation patterns. Besides product ion scans, other tandem MS scan modes (namely, constant neutral loss scans and precursor ion scans) are useful in identifying, in mixtures, the molecular species of a particular lipid class or those containing a certain acyl group.
The Meaning of Sustainability

In this chapter, I discuss the meaning of the modern concept of sustainability. I argue that sustainability means more than just the ability to maintain or continue something. Rather, the core meaning of the modern concept of sustainability encompasses three aspects: continuance, orientation, and relationships. First, sustainability literally is about the continuance of something. Secondly, sustainability is an orientational concept, i.e. it has a normative and evaluative meaning: Sustainability usually is considered to be something positive, something we should strive for. Third, sustainability is a relational concept as it essentially addresses fundamental relations of the human being: the relation with other contemporaries, future generations, and nature. In other words, sustainability addresses our ability to recognize and realize ourselves as fundamentally relational beings, as beings embedded in the threefold relationship with others, future generations, and nature. It addresses the human being as a timely, socially, and naturally contingent being and the implications of this threefold contingence for human self-identity, life, and actions.
An improved patient safety reporting system increases reports of disruptive behavior in the perioperative setting.

Abstract Background Patient safety event reporting systems are a mainstay in non-punitive reporting of near misses and adverse events. We hypothesized that an upgraded reporting system that included the ability to report positive behaviors would increase behavioral reports in the perioperative environment. Methods We performed a retrospective assessment of prospectively collected reports from the Patient Safety Net (PSN) event reporting system (2/2010–2/2015) and the RL Solutions RL6 system (8/2015–4/2018). Results Under the PSN system, 0.8 behavioral events per quarter were submitted, compared to 7.4 behavioral events per quarter with the RL6 system. The average length of reports increased from 61 to 185 words. Reports were most often submitted by nursing staff (66%), and about attending physicians (36%). 22% of reports under the RL6 system were positive; 46% of these positive reports were about physicians. Conclusion After implementation of an upgraded reporting system that includes an option for positive reporting, the number and length of reports increased. We believe that a robust reporting system has contributed to a culture of safety at our institution.
Lobectomy for patients with marginal pulmonary function: an indication for robotics

We thank Drs. Casiraghi and Spaggiari (1) for their insightful editorial remarks in the March 2019 issue of this Journal concerning our original report on the outcomes of robotic lobectomy in patients with marginal pulmonary function as compared to the traditional open thoracotomy approach (2). The authors provide an excellent summary on our work in the context of the literature. We agree with their conclusion that robotic-assisted thoracoscopic anatomic lung resections should not be avoided, but embraced for patients with compromised pulmonary function.
Adenosine Deaminase Diagnostic Testing in Pericardial Fluid.

A 65-year-old Vietnamese man with hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and chronic hepatitis B with cirrhosis presented with a 2-week history of shortness of breath at rest, orthopnea, and lower extremity edema. He reported a 4-month history of nonproductive cough, 5-kg weight loss, and fatigue. He immigrated to the United States as an adult more than 20 years before presentation. His temperature was 37°C, heart rate was 78/min, respiratory rate was 17/min, and blood pressure was 158/95 mm Hg. A chest radiographic image suggested cardiomegaly and a computed tomographic scan demonstrated a moderate to large pericardial effusion. A pericardial drain was placed and pericardial fluid was sent to the laboratory for evaluation. Initial pericardial fluid study results are presented in the Table. Empirical treatment for tuberculosis was initiated. Three days later, an adenosine deaminase (ADA) level of 118.1 U/L (normal range, 0.0-11.3 U/L) from pericardial fluid was reported from the laboratory.
The Homosexual Male Gaze: Normalizing Homosexuality through the Use of Heteronormative Narrative Techniques in Film

An examination of the use of Mulvey’s “male gaze” by a homosexual character in the 2017 adaptation of Beauty and the Beast . Explores the potential of the use of this heteronormative narrative technique in the normalization of homosexuality in film and society.
Examining educators’ views of classroom management and instructional strategies: school-site capacity for supporting students’ behavioral needs

AbstractSchools are adopting tiered systems to prevent and respond to students’ academic, behavioral, and social needs. Foundational to tiered systems is the capacity of educators to implement high...
Machine Vision System for Orchard Management

This chapter overviews different machine vision systems in agricultural applications. Several different applications are presented, but a machine vision system which estimates fruit yield, an example of an orchard management application, is discussed at length. From the farmer’s perspective, an early yield prediction serves as an early revenue estimate. From this prediction, resources, such as employees and storage space, can more efficiently be allocated, and future seasons can be better planned. The yield estimate is accomplished using a camera with a color filter that isolates the blossoms on a tree when the tree is in its full blossom. The blossoms in the resulting image can be counted and the yield estimated. An estimate during the blossom period, as compared to when the fruit has begun to mature, provides a crop yield prediction several months in advance. Discussed as well, in this chapter, is a machine vision system which navigates a robot through orchard rows. This system can be used in conjunction with the yield estimation system, but it has additional applications such as incorporating a water or pesticide system, which can treat the trees as it passes by. To be effective, this type of system, must consider the operating scene as it can limit or constraint the system effectiveness. Such systems tend to be unique to the operating environment.
The Effect of an Augmented Reality Enhanced Mathematics Lesson on Student Achievement and Motivation.

The purpose of the study was to assess student achievement and motivation during a high school augmented reality mathematics activity focused on dimensional analysis. Included in this article is a review of the literature on the use of augmented reality in mathematics and the combination of print with augmented reality, also known as interactive print. The design and development process of the interactive print document is described in detail. Participants in the quasi-experimental study included 61 students and measures included the IMMS Survey as well as pre, post, and delay post achievement tests. Findings support claims that technology use within a mathematics lesson increases student achievement and augmented reality enhances student motivation to learn mathematics. However, analyzing technologies impact on student conceptual or technical use of mathematics shows variance of degree emphasizing the need for continued exploration to determine technologies impact not only on overall mathematical achievement but also on the specific type of mathematical activity, technical or conceptual.
Use of Cine Loops and Structural Landmarks in Ultrasound Image Processing Improves Reliability and Reduces Error in the Assessment of Foot and Leg Muscles

Objectives Foot and leg muscle strength and size are crucial to proper function. It is important to assess these characteristics reliably. Our primary objective was to compare the measurement of still images to cine loops. The secondary purpose was to determine interoperator and intraoperator reliability between operators of different experience levels using video clips and internal and external landmarks. Methods Twelve healthy volunteers participated in our study. Internal (navicular tuberosity) and external (lateral leg length at 30% and 50% from the knee joint line) landmarks were used. Two operators each captured and later measured still and cine loop images of selected foot and leg muscles. Results The 12 participants included 8 male and 4 female volunteers (mean age ± SD, 23.5 ± 1.9 years). Good to excellent intraoperator and interoperator reliability was seen (intraclass correlation coefficient range of 0.946-0.998). The use of cine loops improved the intraclass correlation coefficients for both intraoperator and interoperator reliability (0.5%-4% increases). The use of cine loops decreased the intraoperator standard error of the measurement and limits of agreement of the novice operator (decreases of 45%-73% and 24%-51%, respectively), and these became comparable to those of experienced operators using still images. The interoperator standard errors of the measurement dropped by 42% to 53%, whereas the limits of agreement dropped by 27% to 40%. No substantial changes were noted in the tibialis anterior across reliability metrics. Conclusions Improved protocols that take advantage of using internal bony landmarks and cine loops during both the image-gathering and measurement processes improve the reliability of research examining muscle size changes in the lower leg or foot associated with muscle changes due to exercise, injury, disuse, or disease.
Incorporating Active Learning Strategies and Instructor Presence into an Online Discrete Mathematics Class

Online education offers an attractive alternative to face-to-face classes by providing flexibility to students and efficiencies for educational institutions. Leveraging online technology has the potential to help computer science departments offer a quality educational experience in the face of burgeoning enrollments. However, effective online course design is critical to student satisfaction and learning outcomes. In this paper, we describe the experience of converting a large face-to-face course in Discrete Mathematics to an online format. Particular care was taken to incorporate active learning strategies, such as clicker questions and interactive discussions, in order to enhance student engagement. We describe ways in which we cultivated an active instructor presence in the course through carefully designed pre-recorded videos, online video conferencing, and participation in Piazza, an online social learning platform. In-class tests were specifically designed to provide a meaningful comparison of learning outcomes between a face-to-face and online offering of the course taught by the same instructor. The results indicate that there is no loss in student performance in the online course, even after accounting for demographic and academic differences between the students enrolled in the two courses. There is also no significant difference in performance for "at-risk" students. End-of-quarter student evaluations show a high level of student satisfaction with the online format, especially in regards to the opportunities to have questions answered and the positive presence of the instructor in the course.
SURGICAL APPROACH TO ANOMALOUS RIGHT PULMONARY ARTERY FROM RIGHT PATENT DUCTUS ARTERIOSUS

Anomalous right pulmonary artery (RPA) is a rare form of congenital heart disease associated with development of pulmonary hypertension (PH). Our patient was born at 36 weeks gestation with an anomalous RPA from a right patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), right aortic arch and left PDA. Prostaglandin
Discovery of Self-Assembling π-Conjugated Peptides by Active Learning-Directed Coarse-Grained Molecular Simulation

Electronically active organic molecules have demonstrated great promise as novel soft materials for energy harvesting and transport. Self-assembled nanoaggregates formed from π-conjugated oligopeptides composed of an aromatic core flanked by oligopeptide wings offer emergent optoelectronic properties within a water-soluble and biocompatible substrate. Nanoaggregate properties can be controlled by tuning core chemistry and peptide composition, but the sequence-structure-function relations remain poorly characterized. In this work, we employ coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations within an active learning protocol employing deep representational learning and Bayesian optimization to efficiently identify molecules capable of assembling pseudo-1D nanoaggregates with good stacking of the electronically active π-cores. We consider the DXXX-OPV3-XXXD oligopeptide family, where D is an Asp residue and OPV3 is an oligophenylenevinylene oligomer (1,4-distyrylbenzene), to identify the top performing XXX tripeptides within all 203 = 8000 possible sequences. By direct simulation of only 2.3% of this space, we identify molecules predicted to exhibit superior assembly relative to those reported in prior work. Spectral clustering of the top candidates reveals new design rules governing assembly. This work establishes new understanding of DXXX-OPV3-XXXD assembly, identifies promising new candidates for experimental testing, and presents a computational design platform that can be generically extended to other peptide-based and peptide-like systems.