cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The relative strength of job attitudes and job embeddedness in predicting turnover in a U.S. Military academy

This longitudinal study explored the relative strength of job satisfaction, components of organizational commitment, dimensions of job embeddedness and person–organization fit as predictors of volu...
Effects of folic acid antagonist therapy on urinary excretion of formic acid by humans.

SummaryAn enzymatic procedure has been employed to demonstrate the presence of formic acid in small quantity in urine of normal human subjects and of patients with a variety of disease states. The excretion is markedly elevated in patients with acute leukemia receiving the folic acid antagonist, amethopterin.
Thrombomodulin Protects Against Bacterial Keratitis, Is Anti-Inflammatory, but Not Angiogenic.

Purpose Thrombomodulin (TM) is a multidomain, transmembrane protein with anti-inflammatory properties. Thrombomodulin domain (D) 1 is lectin-like, interacting with Lewis Y antigen on lipopolysaccharide, and with HMGB1, while TMD23 is associated with angiogenic and anti-inflammatory functions. Thus, we tested if TM is protective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa keratitis and whether it enhanced corneal vascularity. Methods Eyes of C57BL/6 (B6) mice were injected with recombinant TM (rTM), rTMD1, or PBS subconjunctivally before and intraperitoneally after infection with P. aeruginosa. Clinical scores, photography with a slit lamp, RT-PCR, ELISA, myeloperoxidase (MPO) assay, viable bacterial plate counts, and India ink perfusion were used to assess the disease response and corneal vascularity (rTM only). Results Recombinant TM versus PBS treatment reduced clinical scores and corneal opacity. Corneal mRNA levels for HMGB1 were unchanged, but proinflammatory molecules IL-1β, CXCL2, NF-κB, TLR4, and RAGE were decreased; anti-inflammatory molecules SIGIRR and ST2 were increased. ELISA confirmed the mRNA data for HMGB1, IL-1β, and CXCL2 proteins. Both neutrophil influx and viable bacterial plate counts also were decreased after rTM treatment. Protein levels for angiogenic molecules VEGF, VEGFR-1, and VEGFR-2 were measured at 5 days post infection and were not different or reduced significantly after rTM treatment. Further, perfusion with India ink revealed similar vessel ingrowth between the two groups. Similar studies were performed with rTMD1, but disease severity, mRNA, proteins, MPO, and plate counts were not changed from controls. Conclusions These data provide evidence that rTM treatment is protective against bacterial keratitis, does not reduce HMGB1, and is not angiogenic.
Negative Ion Photoelectron Spectroscopy Confirms the Prediction that 1,2,4,5-Tetraoxatetramethylenebenzene Has a Singlet Ground State.

The negative ion photoelectron (NIPE) spectrum of 1,2,4,5-tetraoxatetramethylenebenzene radical anion (TOTMB•–) shows that, like the hydrocarbon, 1,2,4,5-tetramethylenebenzene (TMB), the TOTMB diradical has a singlet ground state and thus violates Hund’s rule. The NIPE spectrum of TOTMB•– gives a value of −ΔEST = 3.5 ± 0.2 kcal/mol for the energy difference between the singlet and triplet states of TOTMB and a value of EA = 4.025 ± 0.010 eV for the electron affinity of TOTMB. (10/10)CASPT2 calculations are successful in predicting the singlet–triplet energy difference in TOTMB almost exactly, giving a computed value of −ΔEST = 3.6 kcal/mol. The same type of calculations predict −ΔEST = 6.1–6.3 kcal/mol in TMB. Thus, the calculated effect of the substitution of the four oxygens in TOTMB for the four methylene groups in TMB is very unusual, since the singlet state is selectively destabilized relative to the triplet state. The reason why TMB → TOTMB is predicted to result in a decrease in the size of −ΔEST i...
Integrating Stem Cell and Systems Biology

Both stem cell and systems biology are newly prominent approaches to studying cell development. In stem cell biology, the primary method is experimental manipulation of concrete cells and tissues, while systems biology prioritizes mathematical modeling at least as highly as experiment. The two fields are ripe for interaction, but collaborations are just beginning. This chapter builds on results of Part II, examining the significance of integration with systems biology for mechanistic explanations (MEx) of cell development. I argue that both approaches are necessary for such MEx and propose a unifying model that visualizes their interdependent roles: Waddington’s landscape, introduced in Chapter 6. I begin by sketching the main ideas and commitments of systems biology.
Mathematics and Temperature

In the previous chapter, we looked at the preliminary discourse of Fourier’s Analytical Theory of Heat. Herein, he provided an overview of the types of (previously insoluble) problems his theory would address, and how his theory would be formulated: in terms of differential equations. These differential equations govern the flow of heat—and hence the temperature distribution—throughout bodies subjected to sources of heat. In order to arrive at a solution to these differential equations for a given body, one must have knowledge of certain specific qualities of the body. In particular, one must know the body’s (i) specific heat (its power to contain heat), (ii) surface conductivity (its power to receive or transmit heat across its surface), and (iii) thermal conductivity (its power to conduct heat through the interior of its mass). Once these qualities are known—along with the thermal conditions existing at the surface of the body—then finding the temperature distribution within the body is reduced to the mathematical process of solving a differential equation given certain boundary conditions. This is not to say it is easy: Fourier would have to develop a new method—the series solution—to solve many such problems. But the technique which Fourier discovered provided a new way of addressing the problem of heat. In the reading selection that follows, Fourier begins to flesh out the mathematical methods outlined in the preliminary discourse. He begins by way of example—describing the distribution of temperature within bodies subjected to various sources of heat.
Agency and Social Forces in the Life Course: The Case of Gender Transitions in Later Life.

Objectives In order to bolster gerontology's knowledge base about transgender issues and advance conceptualizations of agency and social forces in life course scholarship, this study explores the conditions under which people contemplate or pursue a gender transition in later life. Methods In-depth interviews were conducted with male-to-female identified persons (N = 22) who have seriously contemplated or pursued a gender transition after the age of 50 years. Participant observation was also carried out at three national transgender conferences (N = 170 hours). Interpretive analyses utilized open and focused coding, analytical memo writing, and an iterative process of theory development. Results Participants in this study faced unrelenting social pressures to conform to normative gender expectations throughout their lives, which were often internalized and experienced as part of themselves. Confronting these internalized forces often took the form of a "dam bursting," an intense emotional process through which participants asserted agency in the face of constraining social forces in order to pursue a gender transition in later life. Discussion The findings in this paper are used to extend the life course concept of agency within structure, which has implications for future life course research in aging, especially with respect to socially marginalized and oppressed minority groups.
Burners, Stingers, and Other Brachial Plexus Injuries in the Contact Athlete

Transient brachial plexopathy, or the stinger syndrome, is a transient neurapraxia resulting from a stretch or compression of the upper roots of the brachial plexus. Contact athletes are most commonly affected; symptoms range from a fleeting radicular pain in the upper extremity to weakness and numbness that may last a few weeks. It is critical for the on-field physician to distinguish this entity from cervical spine injury. Stingers are usually treated successfully with supportive care and rehabilitation focused on range of motion, strengthening, and sport-specific therapy. Severe injuries with lasting effects are rare and may be treated with a variety of surgical approaches depending on the degree of disability and chronicity.
Biological Effects of the Fermentation Product of Carica papaya (Bio-Normalizer)

Publisher Summary Despite accumulating data on the beneficial effects of bionormalizer (BN), the biological mechanisms responsible for the therapeutic activity of BN are not well understood. This chapter evaluates its activity under various conditions to gain further insights into the biological mechanisms of BN action and new possibilities for therapeutic applications. BN is a functional health-food supplement sold in Japan, the United States, and in other countries. This product is made from Carica papaya Linn. and other plants by yeast fermentation under strict quality control. Although ingredients of the product are still unknown in detail, carbohydrate (90%), protein, amino acids, and vitamins have been detected as main substances by chemical analysis. BN has been proposed as a free-radical modulating agent. In biological studies, BN has been found to scavenge hydroxyl radicals in vitro, and in animal studies, it has been reported to protect the rat brain against oxidative damage caused by aging, iron treatment, or ischemia-reperfusion. From such reports, it has been proposed that beneficial effects of BN might be due to its free radical scavenging properties. However, it has also been reported to upregulate phorbol ester-induced and zymosan-induced superoxide production in rat-peritoneal macrophages, natural killer-cell activity, and the level of interferon. Such evidence suggests that BN also possesses the ability to modulate immune effector cells in addition to its direct free-radical scavenging activity.
What Does Ego-Depletion Research Reveal About Self-Control? A Conceptual Analysis

This chapter provides a conceptual analysis of the relationship between self-control and ego depletion. We first discuss self-control—the prioritization of larger distal over smaller proximal outcomes—and attempt to compare and contrast it to related terms such as self-regulation, executive function, delay of gratification, and inhibition. We then critically evaluate to what extent acts of self-control represent necessary and/or sufficient conditions to produce states of ego depletion—the apparent lack of willingness or ability to regulate one's thoughts, feelings, and behavior. This analysis leads to the surprising conclusion that acts of self-control are neither necessary nor sufficient to produce states of ego depletion. We discuss the implications of these conclusions for our understanding of self-control and highlight several new directions of research.
Beyond the Primary Tumor: Progression, Invasion, and Metastasis

The cure rate for the majority of cancer patients is >90 % if the diagnosed tumor has not spread beyond the tissue of origin. However, when tumor cells have established colonies elsewhere, the cancer is often incurable. Neoplasms have been diagnosed for approximately four millennia and even the earliest medical practitioners recognized that the most lethal attribute of neoplastic cells is their ability to disseminate and colonize secondary sites. Despite these well-recognized facts, the majority of cancer research funding still focuses on primary tumorigenesis. Relatively few funded grants from the NIH include the word metastasis and significantly fewer actually perform metastasis research. In recognition of the need to study metastasis, a major push has been toward the last frontier of cancer research. This chapter provides a brief overview of what is known regarding the cellular and molecular events of a primary tumor mass progressing to form a distinct secondary macroscopic lesion.
Abstract 4048: HPV16 immunity induced by immune responses to mutations in E6 and E7 proteins

Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes 30% of cancers attributable to infectious pathogens. HPV16 causes most cervical, anal, vaginal, vulvar, and oropharyngeal cancers. Although preventive vaccines targeting HPV16 and 18 are available, rates of vaccination are uneven. The incidence of HPV-associated cancers for which no screening algorithms have been validated continues to increase. Development of squamous cervical cancer and its precursor, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 2/3 is associated with integration of HPV genome into the host genome, and expression of the HPV E6 and E7- gene products, which inactivate p53 and pRb respectively. Since E6 and E7 are constitutively expressed in cervical carcinomas and CIN, they present attractive immunotherapeutic targets. Development of immunotherapies has been limited, in part, by modest immunogenicity of vaccines tested to date. The purpose of this study is to augment the immunogenicity of the E6 and E7 antigens through mutational screening. A subset of CIN2/3 do undergo complete regression. Our lab has carried out a series of prospective clinical studies, including immunotherapeutic interventions, in subjects with CIN2/3. Peripheral blood T cell responses to E6 and E7 are marginal, and do not distinguish regressors in either vaccinated or unvaccinated subjects. However, in vaccinated subjects, the lesion microenvironment is comprised of new tertiary lymphoid structures, evidence of T cell proliferation elicited by cognate antigen, and clonally expanded TCRs. Tissue T cells in vaccinated subjects access dysplastic epithelium, in contrast to T cells in persistent lesions, which were confined to the stromal compartment. These findings suggest that T cells that could mediate regression can be elicited by vaccination. However, strategies to enhance immunogenicity would likely increase therapeutic effect. Here we present an approach designed to determine the effect of mutations in E6 and E7 on antigenicity. Mutations can enhance immune responses to antigens by several mechanisms, including altering antigen processing, trafficking, glycolsylation, and affinity to major histocompatibility complexes. Using error prone PCR, we generated libraries containing random mutations in the coding sequence of E6 and E7. Clones from each library are currently being screened in vitro to identify immunogenic mutants, which could be potentially used for multi-epitope vaccines. Citation Format: Maria Agarwal, Ashley Saint-Fleur, Jie Fu, Hyam Levitsky, Cornelia L. Trimble. HPV16 immunity induced by immune responses to mutations in E6 and E7 proteins. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 4048. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-4048
Motivational Interviewing Training: A Pilot Study in a Master's Level Counseling Program

We examined student outcomes following a semester-length course in Motivational Interviewing (MI) through 2 different pilot studies. Through Study 1 we examined within-group differences, whereas St...
Mechanism of Protein Kinase C-Mediated Signal Transduction

Protein kinase C (PKC) plays a pivotal role in the regulation of numerous cellular functions in response to a variety of external stimuli that cause the increase in [Ca2+], sn-1,2-diacylglycerol (DAG), and cis-unsaturated fatty acids. In vivo, a majority of PKC is believed to be loosely associated with membrane components. Among the various phospholipids tested, the polyphosphoinositides appear to be the best candidate as anchoring sites for PKC., which readily interacts with these phospholipids under the physiological concentrations of Mg2+. PKC anchored to phosphatidylinositol-4, 5-bisphosphate can further interact with Ca2+ and phosphatidylserine to generate a partially active enzyme. In the presence of DAG, the kinase becomes fully active. The activated PKC is susceptible to proteolysis to generate constitutively active PKM, which exhibits a broader substrate specificity than PKC. Phosphorylation of a group of calmodulin (CaM)-binding proteins by PKC provides a link between PKC-mediated responses and other signaling pathways that make use of CaM as activator. Phosphorylation of one of those CaM-binding proteihs, neurogranin (RC3), reduces its affinity for CaM and thus renders CaM available for other enzymes. Activation of PKC in the nucleus is important in controlling gene expression. Phosphorylation of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein at a serine residue within the basic DNA-binding region attenuates the binding of this protein to specific DNA probes. Control of PKC gene expression has been linked to the regulation of cellular growth and differentiation. Structural features of PKCγ gene promoter region have been characterized and potential regulatory elements identified. This article illustrates several possible mechanisms that confer the functional diversity of PKC.
Interactions and Reactions in Microemulsions

A microemulsion is a clear, stable fluid consisting of essentially monodisperse oil in water (o/w) or water in oil (w/o) droplets with diameters generally in the range 10–60 nm. The intermediate size of the microdroplets (between classical emulsion drops and spherical micelles) and the high volume fraction they occupy (20–80%) render micellar emulsions of great potential value for the study of reactions and interactions at microscopic oil-water interfaces. We have conducted a number of physical and chemical investigations in principally ionic systems of the o/w type in order to survey the properties of these media. The studies include acid-base equilibrium in both the continuous and disperse phases, and dye adsorption and reaction. The results are correlated with the physical studies and are discussed in terms of the roles of the continuous phase and the droplet surface (interphase) and interior.
Distributed mirror descent for stochastic learning over rate-limited networks

We present and analyze two algorithms — termed distributed stochastic approximation mirror descent (D-SAMD) and accelerated distributed stochastic approximation mirror descent (AD-SAMD)—for distributed, stochastic optimization from high-rate data streams over rate-limited networks. Devices contend with fast streaming rates by mini-batching samples in the data stream, and they collaborate via distributed consensus to compute variance-reduced averages of distributed subgradients. This induces a trade-off: Mini-batching slows down the effective streaming rate, but may also slow down convergence. We present two theoretical contributions that characterize this trade-off: (i) bounds on the convergence rates of D-SAMD and AD-SAMD, and (ii) sufficient conditions for order-optimum convergence of D-SAMD and AD-SAMD, in terms of the network size/topology and the ratio of the data streaming and communication rates. We find that AD-SAMD achieves order-optimum convergence in a larger regime than D-SAMD. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms using numerical experiments.
Advances in Multimedia Encryption

Rapid advances in embedded systems and mobile communications have flooded the market with a large volume of multimedia data. In this chapter, we present a summary of multimedia compression and encryption schemes, and the way they have evolved over the decades.
Abstract 144: Southern Diet Pattern Increases Risk Of Stroke While Plant-based Pattern Decreases Risk Of Stroke in the REGARDS Study

Background: Diet is one of many potential factors proposed to explain racial and regional differences in stroke. We examined prospectively the association of diet patterns with risk of stroke in the REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) Study. Methods: Between 2003-2007, REGARDS enrolled black and white Americans aged 45 years or older. A two-stage analytic approach was employed. First, principle components analysis was used to assess underlying diet patterns using 56 food groups for 20,480 participants who completed the Block98 food frequency questionnaire. Second, participant scores (divided into quartiles) on these patterns were then considered as predictors of incident stroke using Cox regression. The factor analysis identified five dietary patterns: “Convenience” (Chinese and Mexican foods, pasta, pizza), “Plant-based” (fruits, vegetables, legumes), and “Southern” (fried foods, organ meats, sweetened beverages), “Sweets/Fats” (desserts, added sugars, sweet snacks) and “Alcohol/Salads” (alcohol, fats, vegetables). Results: Participants with a higher adherence to the Southern dietary pattern were more likely to reside in the Southeast (comparing Q4 to Q1: 64% vs 48%) and experienced a 41% increased risk of stroke (comparing Q4 to Q1: HR=1.41; 95% CI = 1.07, 1.85). In contrast, higher adherence to the Plant-based pattern was association with a 29% reduction in stroke risk (comparing Q4 to Q1: HR=0.71; 95% CI = 0.55, 0.91). The trend across quartiles was Discussion: The present study suggests that foods common to Southern cuisine such as fried foods and sweetened beverages may increase the risk of stroke while diets rich in legumes, fruits, vegetables, and fish may reduce stroke risk. Interventions focusing on increasing plant-based foods and fish while reducing fried foods and sweetened beverages are needed.
Stormwater Treatment Processes

Stormwater treatment practices may reduce runoff volumes, contaminant concentrations, and/or the total contaminant mass load carried by runoff into receiving water bodies. Processes used by treatment practices include physical processes such as sedimentation, filtration, and infiltration, along with thermal, biological, and chemical processes. A single treatment practice may use multiple processes.
The cytology of Hansenula. 3. Nuclear segregation and envelopment during ascosporogenesis in Hansenula wingei.

1. Ascosporogenesis of a diploid strain of Hansenula wingei was studied by electron microscopic examination of thin-sectioned cells and freeze-etch replicas. 2. Ascospore morphogenesis starts with proliferation of the endoplasmic reticulum which assumes a prominent position between the nucleus and the cytoplasmic vacuole. 3. Partitioning of the nucleus begins with invagination of the nuclear membrane, first in one plane and then in second plane perpendicular to the first, resulting in nuclear lobulation. Without loss of integrity of the nuclear membrane, the lobate nuclear mass segments into four meiotic products. 4. Endoplasmic reticulum becomes aligned around and between the daughter nuclei, and eventually a double track of endoplasmic reticulum encloses each to form the spore initials. 5. Maturation proceeds with separation of the two tracks of investing membrane and deposition of mucopolysaccharide in the intercisternal space. Deposition begins at the apices of the spore initials, continues toward the central body, and eventually continues around the body as the hat-shaped profile of mature ascospores is assumed. 6. The inner track of investing membrane becomes the plasmalemma of the ascospore, and the outer track becomes the outer limiting layer of the spore wall.
Summarizing Growth Phase

As the AO organization reached the mid-1980s, members could look back on a highly successful period, covering the first 25 years of its formal existence. This section has covered the major events that triggered a growth phase resulting in a formidable, committed, and well-resourced organization on the cusp of having achieved its initial goals of establishing the surgical concept of Osteosynthesis as the medical community’s gold standard, at least in the world’s higher-income countries.
Construct validation of lower limb segmental excursion as a measure of potential risk for lower limb injury in Division I women's basketball players.

Abstract The region of limb stability (ROLS) is an inertial sensor-based measure of static knee joint stability, defined by thigh and shank movements of the supporting limb during single limb stance. Changes in thigh and shank movements and/or symmetry differences between limbs may predict risk of injury to the less stable limb or the need for rehabilitation. In this study, construct validity of the ROLS metrics was examined in twelve Division I women’s basketball players during pre-season in preparation for their exercise training program. The subjects were categorized based on their injury history during the season: (Group 1) No reported injuries throughout the season, (Group 2) lower limb injury that did not result in missing any games, and (Group 3) lower limb injury that resulted in missing both practice and the remainder of their season. Significant differences were found in ROLS metrics at pre-season between Group 3 and other groups in a prospective cohort study (p
Microstructure of hard biocompatible Ti1−xAux alloys

Abstract Ti1−xAux binary alloys are biocompatible materials. We studied the hardness and the microstructures of six casted Ti1−xAux alloys with Au molar fraction x = 0.22, 0.25, 0.335, 0.5, 0.6 and 0.8 by transmission electron microscopy down to atomic level. Ti1−xAux alloys with x from 0.2 to 0.40 have high hardness, in which the β-Ti3Au is the dominating phase. This reveals that intermetallic β-Ti3Au is the hardest of all intermetallic Ti1−xAux alloys. Alloys with x from 0.4 to 0.8 are softer, and their hardness is similar to that of casted pure Ti. Very high density nanotwins are observed in phases, such as fcc Ti, β-TiAu, TiAu2, and Au(Ti). An interesting checker board pattern of defects consisting of orthogonal three dimensional bands of extremely high density nanotwins with a width of 2 to 3 {111} atomic planes is observed in Au(Ti). The high density defects may explain the relatively high hardness comparable to pure casted Ti for samples with high Au content. The hard β-Ti3Au or the nanotwinned Au might be a promising candidate for hard coating.
The Contributions of Individual Muscle-Tendon Units to the Plantarflexor Group Force-Length Properties.

The combined force–length (F–L) properties of a muscle group acting synergistically at a joint are determined by several aspects of the F–L properties of the individual musculotendon units. Namely, misalignment of the optimal lengths of the individual muscles will affect the group F–L properties. This misalignment, which we named $$M_{\text{opt}}^{\text{MT}}$$, arises from the properties of the muscles (i.e., optimum fiber length and pennation angle) and of their tendons (i.e., compliance and slack length). The aim of this study was to measure the F–L properties of kangaroo rat plantarflexors as a group and individually and determine the effects of $$M_{\text{opt}}^{\text{MT}}$$ on the group F–L properties. Specifically, we performed a sensitivity analysis to quantify how $$M_{\text{opt}}^{\text{MT}}$$ influences the tradeoff between maximizing the peak force vs. having a wider group F–L curve. In the kangaroo rat, we found that the optimal lengths of two bi-articular musculotendon units, the plantaris and the gastrocnemius, were misaligned by 1.8 mm, but this amount favored maximal peak force rather than increasing F–L curve width. Because we measured the misalignment in situ, we could directly assess the tradeoff between maximizing peak force vs. a wider F–L curve without making modeling assumptions about the individual muscle or tendon properties.
The Value and Impact of a Brief Study Abroad Experience on Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Counseling Students’ Learning

This was an exploratory study that sought to understand the experiences and benefits of counseling graduate students from a Historically Black College and University (HBCU). These doctoral and master’s students engaged in a brief study abroad experience centered on learning about the historical aspects of counseling in two European locations (Vienna, Austria and London, England). The qualitative methodology used in this study was the naturalist inquiry method, which emphasizes the importance of here-and-now experiences, critical reflections, and dialogues. With a sample size of eight, these tools allowed for a humanistic portrayal while being flexible enough for a creative synthesis in terms of understanding the process as the data portrayed it. Despite the limitations of having a pre-set program type, limited financial resources, and limited sample: this study discovered four themes in the experiences of the counseling students: (1) Self-fulfillment (believing in my own ability to grow), (2) Engaging in painless deep learning, (3) Values and impact, and (4) Study abroad is a “Big Deal”.
“Sharing the Scatter”: Assemblage and Affect in The Scatter Here Is Too Great

The Scatter Here is too Great (2014), the debut novel of Bilal Tanweer, is a compilation of narratives that portrays the chaos, violence, and darkness that inundate the city of Karachi. Drawing on ...
An Augmented-reality-based Warning Interface for Pedestrians: User Interface Design and Evaluation:

Warning pedestrians of oncoming vehicles is very important for improving pedestrian safety. Due to the limitation of the pedestrian’s carrying ability, it is crucial to find an effective solution t...
Pediatric tracheostomies in patients less than 2 years of age: Analysis of complications and long-term follow-up.

Abstract Purpose Identify variables that are predictive of morbidity and mortality in children under the age of two undergoing tracheostomy and to provide longitudinal data on this patient population. Methods Patients were retrospectively identified using Current Procedural Terminology codes 31600, 31601, 31610 from 2009 to 2016. Results Median age at time of tracheostomy was 0.43 years (interquartile range, 0.27–0.61). Patients were followed for a median of 1.39 years (range 0.03–4.25). Overall mortality rate in this cohort was 23.5% with the majority (81.3%) of deaths occurring >30 days following tracheostomy. The most frequently encountered major complication was cardiopulmonary arrest (10.29%) in the short-term follow up period ( 30 days). Peristomal skin breakdown was less likely to develop in patients who did not receive paralytics following tracheostomy. Most patients (54.4%) were discharged to home following initial admission and experienced a mean of 2.10 readmissions for any reason during the follow-up period. 64.4% of patients underwent surveillance direct laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy during the follow-up period and suprastomal granuloma formation was detected in 31.2% of these patients. 9 patients underwent decannulation at a median of 2 years from original tracheostomy placement. Conclusion Pediatric patients under the age of 2 undergoing tracheostomy exhibit high morbidity during both the initial hospital admission and the subsequent months following discharge. However, major complications were low and mortality was not directly related to tracheostomy status in any case.
Nanofibrous TiO2 produced using alternating field electrospinning of titanium alkoxide precursors: crystallization and phase development

High-yield, free-surface alternating field electrospinning (AFES) was effectively used in the fabrication of titanium oxide nanofibrous materials from the precursors based on titanium alkoxide and a blend of polyvinylpyrrolidone and hydroxypropyl cellulose. The alkoxide/polymer mass ratio in the precursor solution has significant effects on the precursor fiber production rate as well as the structure of resulting TiO2 nanofibers after thermal processing of precursor fibers at temperatures from 500 to 1000 °C. Within the range of tested process parameters, the best fiber production rate of ∼5.2 g h−1 was achieved, in terms of the mass of crystallized TiO2 nanofibers, with the precursor that corresponded to 1.5 : 1 TiO2/polymer mass ratio. TiO2 nanofibers produced by calcination at 500 °C for 3 h had 100–500 nm diameters and were composed of anatase (20–25 nm crystallite size) with rutile content 0.1–6.0 mol%, depending on the precursor composition. A considerable amount of anatase phase (up to 80 mol%) can be retained after thermal processing of TiO2 nanofibers at 750 °C for 3 h. A nanofibrous material composed of smooth and long, predominantly monocrystalline rutile, fibrous segments was produced at 1000 °C from the precursor with 2.5 : 1 TiO2/polymer mass ratio.
Best-practices for Student-run Service Learning Organizations: A Case Study from Higher Education

This Innovative Practice full paper presents a series of practices that student-run service learning organizations may use to best ensure their effectiveness and longevity. Service learning has been firmly supported in the engineering disciplines, with a history of faculty support and solid evidence backing the value of service projects to student learning outcomes and preparation for later work. However, student-run groups face several unique difficulties compared withto faculty-led groups. To addressface this issue, this paper analyzes and applies relevant lessons from literature on Communities of Practice and Critical Success Factors to compile a set of best-practices that student-run service learning organizations may use to guarantee their continued positive impact. Throughout the analysis, the Computer Science for Good club at the University of Notre Dame is used to provide examples of the difficulties faced by student-run service learning groups as well as illustrations of potential solutions. The conclusion of the analysis is that there are a number of considerations that are especially pertinent to student-run organizations. By responding to these factors, these groups mitigate their disadvantages, such as frequent leadership changes, while benefiting from their advantages, such as the freedom to create the organizations mission and standards of work quality.
Update to Preparation Design and Clinical Concepts Using the LeSage Veneer Classification System

Historically, preparations for ceramic veneers have varied from extremely aggressive to a minimal reduction or a lack of preparation. The concept of no-preparation or minimal-preparation veneers is nearly 40 years old. The trend in dentistry today is toward minimally invasive dentistry with the philosophy that less is more. It is no longer acceptable to over-prepare teeth for convenience or lack of understanding of alternative treatments. In recent years, laboratory techniques have evolved to produce ultrathin ceramic veneers, which has increased the popularity of “no-prep” veneers. This so-called “no-prep” approach has been described for more than 10 years in the literature and ideologically reiterates the methodologies of when veneers were first introduced as conservative, additive restorative procedures for which slight or no preparations were required. However, these days, it is no longer acceptable to limit veneer descriptions to no-prep or conventional all-ceramic designs.
Temporal Trends in Hypertension Death Rate in Mississippi, 2000-2018.

BACKGROUND In Mississippi, hypertension as a leading cause of death moved from 15th in 2000 to 11th in 2018, but research on temporal trends is limited. We examined temporal trends in hypertension-related mortality among Mississippi adults by age, sex, and race. METHODS We extracted data on the number of deaths due to hypertension among adults aged 45 or older annually from 2000 to 2018 from Mississippi Vital Statistics. We used underlying cause-of-death codes from the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision to identify hypertension deaths. We calculated the annual percentage change (trend segment) and average annual percentage change (AAPC) in age-adjusted hypertension death rates from 2000 to 2018 and examined differences in the AAPC by age, sex, and race. RESULTS From 2000 through 2018, the age-adjusted hypertension death rate increased annually by 3.0% (AAPC 3.0%, 95% confidence interval, 1.9%-4.0%) with 3 distinct time periods. There was an average annual increase in age-adjusted hypertension death rates for all subgroups, i.e., men, women, Blacks, Whites, White females, Black males, and White males. The highest magnitude of increase was among those aged 45-64 years (AAPC 6.0%), men (AAPC 4.5%), Whites (AAPC 3.5%), and White men (AAPC 6.2%) compared with other age groups, women, Blacks, and Black men, respectively. CONCLUSIONS For nearly 2 decades, there was an increase in age-adjusted hypertension death rates among Mississippi adults aged 45 years or older. Blood pressure lowering interventions that target hypertensive adults are needed.
Commentary on “2019 Academic Marketing Climate Survey: motivation, results and recommendations”

This paper reflects on the conclusions of a survey by Galak and Kahn on the climate experienced by faculty of all genders and ethnicities in the marketing departments of US business schools.
Decreased Mortality After Long-Term Treatment With Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitors: A Retrospective Study of U.S. Veterans With Type 2 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the United States is 13% of the general population. Among those with CKD, diabetic nephropathy is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease. This is a retrospective study examining the effect of long-term use of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors on all-cause mortality and progression of renal disease in the veteran population. METHODS Data was extracted using the Veterans Administration Informatics and Computing Infrastructure. A large cohort of veterans diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus were used to identify patients on DPP-4 inhibitors and without DPP-4 inhibitors. Groups were compared to determine the effect of DPP-4 inhibitors on the progression of CKD and all-cause mortality. Data were analyzed using SAS. RESULTS Subjects in the treatment group (n = 40 558) had baseline variables (age, body mass index, race) similar to the control group (n = 40 558). Diabetes control improved in the treatment group (HgbA1c, 8.3% [67 mmol/mol] to 7.8% [62 mmol/mol]; P < .001) but not in the control group (HgbA1c, 7.4% [57 mmol/mol] to 7.3% [56 mmol/mol]). New diagnoses of heart failure and coronary artery bypass grafts were clinically significant (odds ratios = 0.66 and 0.52). No change in progression of CKD was seen in either group. All-cause mortality was reduced by 59%. CONCLUSION We conclude that DPP-4 inhibitors are associated with a significant reduction in all-cause mortality independent of glucose control, albeit with no clear cause, including obtainable cardiovascular outcomes. Our data is consistent with prior trials in that DPP-4 inhibitors did not show a significant change in serum creatinine or microalbuminuria.
Human-Capital-Intensive Firms: Incentives and Capital Structure

I study the incentives of nonmanagement key personnel in human-capital-intensive firms. I show that their compensation structure and hence their incentives depend on the firm's capital structure and top management compensation. The feasible set of renegotiation-proof contracts decreases as debt rises. Debt leads to inferior risk-sharing even if investments are efficient in equilibrium. Therefore, the optimal debt level decreases with the human-capital intensity of the firm. I find strong empirical evidence that there is a negative relation between leverage and human-capital intensity. Moreover, the more specific the firm's assets, the stronger becomes this negative relation.
The rat P450IIE1 gene: complete intron and exon sequence, chromosome mapping, and correlation of developmental expression with specific 5' cytosine demethylation.

The gene coding for the ethanol-inducible, developmentally regulated P450IIE1 was isolated from an lambda EMBL 3 rat genomic library and completely sequenced. The gene spanned 10,373 base pairs and contained nine exons. Upstream and downstream DNA of 1530 and 825 base pairs, respectively, was also sequenced, and the transcription start site was identified by both S1 mapping and primer extension. A typical TATA box was found just upstream of the start site; however, no CCAAT box was apparent. Other repetitive sequences were identified including a partial R.dre.1 sequence upstream of the gene and a long stretch of 160 alternating purines in the second intron. This latter repetitive element is found in many mammalian genes. By use of a panel of mouse-hamster somatic cell hybrids, the P450IIE1 gene was localized to mouse chromosome 7. The hepatic P450IIE1 gene is transcriptionally activated within 1 day after birth and reaches a maximal level of expression at 6 days of age. Using restriction endonuclease sites generated from the gene sequence data and the cytosine methylation-sensitive enzymes HhaI and HpaII, we found that this transcriptional activation during early development is coincident with specific demethylation only at the 5' end of the P450IIE1 gene. Interestingly, other cytosine residues in the middle of the gene became demethylated as rats aged from 1 to 10 weeks, at which time no changes in gene expression occur.
Interplanetary Rapid Transit to Mars

A revolutionary interplanetary rapid transit concept for transporting scientists and explorers between Earth and Mars is presented by Global Aerospace Corporation under funding from the NASA Institute for Advanced Concepts (NIAC) with support from the Colorado School of Mines, and Science Applications International Corporation. We describe an architecture that uses highly autonomous spaceships, dubbed Astrotels; small Taxis for trips between Astrotels and planetary Spaceports; Shuttles that transport crews to and from orbital space stations and planetary surfaces; and lowthrust cargo freighters. In addition we discuss the production of rocket fuels using extraterrestrial materials; aerocapture to slow Taxis at the planets; and finally describe a number of trade studies and their life-cycle cost results.
Orígenes del Malpighiaceae mexicanas

Se identifican y se describen y discuten brevemente los aproximadamente 42 linajes de Malpighiaceae que se conocen hasta ahora para Mexico. Todos los linajes mexicanos tienen sus ultimas raices en Sudamerica, aunque en algunos casos las conexiones se infieren unicamente mediante filogenia y algunos generos mexicanos probablemente se originaron en Mexico. Todos los linajes tienen adaptaciones efectivas para su dispersion excepto el genero Galphimia, pero las distribuciones fuera de Mexico y un arbol filogenetico sugieren que aunque muchas Malpighiaceae llegaron a Mexico mediante el modelo de dispersion de "piedras de paso", algunos linajes probablemente arribaron desde Sudamerica mediante dispersion a larga distancia
Guarianthe, a generic name for the “Cattleya” skinneri complex

Molecular systematics, the comparison of DNA sequences, has brought a continuing revolution to plant taxonomy. In most cases, the results are intu- itively reasonable, even when they demand changing long-known names.
Review of Constructions Hydrauliques by Willi H. Hager and Anton J. Schleiss

This is a new edition of the 15th volume of Traite de Genie Civil de Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne, a series of 25 civil engineering textbooks. Four of the books in the series cover hydraulic engineering subjects, and the companion titles are on hydrodynamics, fluvial hydraulics, and dams. The series has been developed to assist practitioners and engineering students at the B.S. and M.S. levels. The topic of hydraulic constructions is particularly difficult to master since it involves solids, water, and air. The main topics covered in this volume include flow in pipes, open channels, spillways, and energy dissipation. The new edition has been expanded to include recent developments in the field. This book is written in French and comprises five main sections approximately translated as follows. Section 1 reviews the fundamentals, head losses in pipes and open channels as well as backwater curves. Section 2 covers different types of spillways, with and without gates. Section 3 focuses on prismatic and nonprismatic channels as well as air entrainment on spillways. Section 4 covers dissipation of energy through rapid expansions and hydraulic jumps. Section 5 guides the reader through the design of water intakes and sluices. Each section is comprehensive and includes several fully developed chapters with concise text, definition sketches, governing equations, experimental results, design drawings, and numerous photos. Each chapter has a set of solved calculation examples, relevant references, and a notation list. The book is well illustrated to the extent that very few pages do not have sketches, diagrams, and/or photos, and the material can be useful to a broader international audience.
A prototype intelligent control structure using intermittent multiple independent measurements

A theoretical framework is proposed for using a rule-based system model to modify control operations using intermittent sensor measurements. A set of general rules and a control modification operator are presented. The rules are used to make decisions based on the system condition by simply adjusting the control gains, or perhaps by restructuring a Kalman estimator. Preliminary theoretical results in reconfiguration of Kalman estimator equations are shown and have been simulated with image tracking systems. A prototype intelligent controller using the proposed structure and implemented in PROLOG and C is demonstrated for control of a second-order system with simple fusion of two nonindependent sensors. >
Further computational studies on the conformation of 1,5-dihydrolumiflavin.

The optimized geometry of 1,5-dihydrolumiflavin has been calculated using density functional theory (DFT). Reduced lumiflavin was found to be bent along the N5-N10 axis, 25° from planarity, which i...
The Encyclopedia of Mineralogy

This volume is the tenth in the ambitious Encyclopedia of Earth Science series. In addition to the standard short encyclopedia-style articles, it contains an alphabetical list of 3000 mineral species, groups, varieties, and mineraloids (which, following Fleischer, is called a glossary); this glossary presents basic physical and chemical properties for each entry. Editor Keith Frye has made a major effort, detailed in the preface, to assist the reader/user in avoiding many of the pitfalls in mineral nomenclature. For example, the book presents the names of valid mineral species in lower-case italic type, the names of series or groups in boldface italic letters, while varieties (and synonyms) are set in roman typeface. The worthwhile preface also contains a list, with addresses and date of first publication, of the world's 178 most important journals where mineral data are published. Also included are lists of the important mineral reference books and textbooks on mineralogy. The articles include one on museums with a 32-page table of museums with addresses, size of collection, and specialties.
Characterization of disease progression in ovarian cancer by utilizing ‘chemograms’ of ovarian cancer stem cells

AbstractIntroduction: Ovarian cancer is one of the leading causes of death in women with cancer. First-line chemotherapy with platinum compounds and taxane compounds has been effective, but most patients develop a relapse of the disease due to drug resistance. There is growing evidence that this resistance may be due to the presence of ovarian cancer stem cells.Discussion: Cells with properties of cancer stem cells have been isolated from the ascitic fluid of ovarian cancer patients. This subset of cells is highly tumourigenic compared to the rest of the cells in the ascitic fluid. They are known to exude harmful chemicals from their cytoplasm and have been found to be resistant to chemotherapeutic agents. This property has been utilized to purify them by fluorescence assisted cytometry to yield a subset of cells which are called ‘side population’. These cells exhibit the properties of cancer stem cells and their role in disease progression is being currently investigated. The course of the disease can be...