cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Refining Prescription Warning Labels Using Patient Feedback: A Qualitative Study

The complexity of written medication information hinders patients’ understanding and leads to patient misuse of prescribed medications. Incorporating patient feedback in designing prescription warning labels (PWLs) is crucial in enhancing patient comprehension of medication warning instructions. This qualitative study explored patient feedback on five newly designed PWLs. In-depth semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted with 21 patients, who were 18 years and older, spoke English, and took a prescription medication. These patients were shown different variations of the five most commonly used PWLs-Take with Food, Do not Drink Alcohol, Take with a Full glass of Water, Do not Chew or Break, and Protect from Sunlight. The 60-minute interviews explored feedback on patient comprehension of the PWL instructions and their suggestions for improving the clarity of the PWLs. At the end of the interview, patient self-reported socio-demographic information was collected with a 3-minute survey and a brief health literacy assessment was completed using the Newest Vital Sign. Twenty-one patients completed the interviews. Most patients were female (n = 15, 71.4%) with ages ranging from 23 to 66 years old (mean: 47.6 ± 13.3). The mean health literacy score was 2.4 on a scale of 0–6. Qualitative content analysis based on the text, pictures, and placement of the PWLs on the pill bottle showed preferences for including ‘WARNING’ on the PWL to create alertness, inclusion of a picture together with the text, yellow color highlighting behind the text, and placement of the PWL on the front of the pill bottle. Although patients had positive opinions of the redesigned PWLs, patients wanted further improvements to the content and design of the PWLs for enhanced clarity and understandability.
Beam Breakup in an Advanced Linear Induction Accelerator

Two linear induction accelerators (LIAs) have been in operation for a number of years at the Los Alamos Dual Axis Radiographic Hydrodynamic Test (DARHT) facility. A new multipulse LIA is being developed. We have computationally investigated the beam breakup (BBU) instability in this advanced LIA. In particular, we have explored the consequences of the choice of beam injector energy and the grouping of LIA cells. We find that within the limited range of options presently under consideration for the LIA architecture, there is little adverse effect on the BBU growth. The computational tool that we used for this investigation was the beam dynamics code linear accelerator model for DARHT (LAMDA). To confirm that LAMDA was appropriate for this task, we first validated it through comparisons with the experimental BBU data acquired on the DARHT accelerators.
Phase Conjugation in Photorefractive Media

Phase conjugation (PC) by degenerate four-wave mixing in photorefractive crystals such as LiNbO3, BSO, BaTiO3 is different in kind than PC in opther media. The effect is non-local and the nonlinearity, say X(3) cannot be obtained from the solution of atomic responses. Strictly speaking, we cannot characterize the medium response by a simple constitutive third order nonlinear constant X(3) since the strength of the grating produced by the interference of two optical beams depends on the period of the gratings, clearly a nonlocal effect.
Channel Incentive Travel Programs: Stakeholders Perceptions and Indicators of Satisfaction and Loyalty Based on the Incentive Travel Experience

Channel Incentive Travel Programs: Stakeholders Perceptions and Indicators of Satisfaction and Loyalty Based on the Incentive Travel Experience Channel incentive travel is a lucrative market for many hospitality suppliers and plays a vital role in meeting many companies’ business objectives. Despite this vital role, many people do not understand what channel incentive travel is and how it can be used to meet business objectives. This study uses qualitative analysis was to determine why channel incentive travel is used by companies and why dealers participate. To gain a holistic perspective of a channel incentive travel program, key stakeholders (dealer participants, the sponsoring company, and suppliers) were interviewed. Quantitative analysis provides empirical support for three success factors (satisfaction, loyalty, and motivation to increase sales). The independent variable “I would recommend other dealers try to reach the goal of earning an incentive travel trip” was significant in all three models contained within this study. The significance of this variable is a strong indication that participants understand the value and benefits of the channel incentive travel program and would recommend that others try to earn the reward.
S-ethyl-N,N-dipropylthiocarbamate (EPTC) exposure and cancer incidence among male pesticide applicators in the Agricultural Health Study, a prospective cohort

B128 EPTC (S-ethyl-N,N-dipropylthiocarbamate) is a member of a major class of herbicides known as thiocarbamates used in the agricultural industry. Little is known about the potential human carcinogenicity associated with routine use of EPTC. In a prospective cohort of licensed pesticide applicators in Iowa and North Carolina enrolled between 1993 and 1997 we examined the association between self-reported EPTC exposure and cancer incidence. Cancers diagnosed from enrollment through December 2004 were identified by linkage to state cancer registries. Among the 9,878 EPTC pesticide applicators, 470 cancer diagnoses were made compared to 1,824 among the 38,500 participants reporting no use. The rate ratio (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated using Poisson regression. EPTC exposure was evaluated using two quantitative metrics: lifetime exposure days and intensity-weighted lifetime exposure days, a measure that takes into account application factors that modify personal exposure likelihood. EPTC was associated with an increased risk for colon cancer (RR=2.09, 95% CI: 1.26, 3.47) in the highest tertile of both lifetime exposure days (p-trend = 0.008) and intensity-weighted lifetime exposure days (RR=2.05, 95% CI: 1.34, 3.14 (p-trend=0.010)). No other cancer site was found to have a statistically significant association between increasing exposure to EPTC and cancer risk using either exposure metric. These analyses are based on a relatively small number of cases in the highest exposure tertile, limiting the statistical power to detect associations. Nevertheless, the potential association between EPTC exposure and an increased risk for developing colon cancer warrants further investigation.
726. Prevention of Muscular Dystrophy by an AAV Vector Encoding a Nonimmunogenic Protein Based on the Evolution of Utrophin and Dystrophin

The majority of mutations causing Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) are multi-exon, frameshifting deletions in the dystrophin gene. Expression of recombinant dystrophin in DMD therefore risks chronic immune recognition of the “non-self” protein. Early developmental expression of the paralogous protein utrophin in the thymus may confer central immunological tolerance to its peptide sequence. Here we address previously unanswered questions about the therapeutic efficacy and immunogenicity of “µutrophins” encoded by synthetic minigenes suitable for use in AAV. First we used a comparative phylogenomic approach to address a deceptively simple question with critical implications for this field: “which came first-dystrophin or the sarcomere”. This analysis provided evidence that the long rod-like domain of utrophin and dystrophin was “coopted” from a higher molecular weight protein in dynein-propelled animals lacking striated muscle. When considered in light of recent crystalographic studies, these results suggest that the full functionality of native dystrophin may be conferred by recombinant mini-utrophins with internally deleted rod domains that preserve inter-repeat folding and hence maximal tensile strength. We maximized recombinant µUtrophin (µU) expression from synthetic open reading frames by using the codon bias of striated myosin. Our blinded studies of mdx mice injected with a µU transgene are the first to show COMPLETE recovery of peripheral myofiber nucleation following a single systemic injection of an AAV vector. Sarcoglycan expression, as measured by western blot in the µU-treated mice, are restored to control levels throughout growth to skeletal maturity. To investigate the correlation between our histological findings and functionality, we validated a novel open field cage and attached running wheel system. Our blinded data show remarkable functional rescue in µU-treated mdx mice using this non-invasive test with relevance to the clinical assessment of disease progression in DMD. These data also strongly correlate with those derived from in vivo force grip and ex vivo force transducer measurements. Remarkably, a majority of mdx mice show complete normalization of serum creatine kinase (CK), a first for single-dose treatment by any clinically translatable modality. In dystrophic puppies, intravenous injection of a 30-fold lower relative dose of AAV9U fully restored sarcoglycan levels and normalized the myofiber size-distribution following a threefold increase in muscle mass. Interferon-gamma ELISpot assays using utrophin-derived peptides revealed no reactivity in injected dogs, consistent with central immunological tolerance. These findings suggest a rationale for neonatal gene therapy using utrophin as an internally deleted “self” protein in DMD to minimize the risk of chronic immunotoxicity. We outline a rigorous translational approach using escalating vector doses in GSHPMD dogs harboring a newly defined 5 megabase deletion encompassing the dystrophin ORF.
The agouti-related peptide binds heparan sulfate through segments critical for its orexigenic effects

Syndecans potently modulate agouti-related peptide (AgRP) signaling in the central melanocortin system. Through heparan sulfate moieties, syndecans are thought to anchor AgRP near its receptor, enhancing its orexigenic effects. Original work proposed that the N-terminal domain of AgRP facilitates this interaction. However, this is not compatible with evidence that this domain is posttranslationally cleaved. Addressing this long-standing incongruity, we used calorimetry and magnetic resonance to probe interactions of AgRP peptides with glycosaminoglycans, including heparan sulfate. We show that mature, cleaved, C-terminal AgRP, not the N-terminal domain, binds heparan sulfate. NMR shows that the binding site consists of regions distinct from the melanocortin receptor-binding site. Using a library of designed AgRP variants, we find that the strength of the syndecan interaction perfectly tracks orexigenic action. Our data provide compelling evidence that AgRP is a heparan sulfate-binding protein and localizes critical regions in the AgRP structure required for this interaction.
A Scalable Low-Power Reconfigurable Accelerator for Action-Dependent Heuristic Dynamic Programming

Adaptive dynamic programming (ADP) is an effective algorithm that has been successfully deployed in various control tasks. For many emerging applications where power consumption is a major design consideration, the conventional way of implementing ADP as software executing on a general-purpose processor is not sufficient. This paper proposes a scalable and low-power hardware architecture for implementing one of the most popular forms of ADP called action-dependent heuristic dynamic programming. Different from most machine-learning accelerators that mainly focus on the inference operation, the proposed architecture is also designed for energy-efficient learning, considering the highly iterative and interactive nature of the ADP algorithm. In addition, a virtual update technique is proposed to speed up the computation and to improve the energy efficiency of the accelerators. Two design examples are presented to demonstrate the proposed algorithm and architecture. Compared with the software approach running on a general-purpose processor, the accelerator operating at 175 MHz achieves 270 times improvement in computational time while consuming merely 25 mW power. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that the proposed virtual update algorithm can effectively boost the energy efficiency of the accelerator. Improvements up to 1.64 times are observed in the benchmark tasks employed.
Active gate current control for non-insulating-gate WBG devices

This paper proposes an Active Gate Current Control (AGCC) strategy for non-insulating gate WBG devices, for example, gallium nitride gate-injection-transistor (GaN-GIT) and silicon carbide super junction transistor (SiC-SJT). It provides a tool for power converter designers to further improve the converter efficiency and to extend the life time of those higher cost power transistors. By continuously adjusting the device gate current, the proposed AGCC strategy can control the device switching speed, switching loss, conduction loss and gate loss together to achieve operation goals, including lower semiconductor loss, lower thermal stress, lower EMI spectrum, or smaller voltage overshoot across the full range.
Facipulation and Elite Formation: Community Resource Management in Southwestern Ghana

Despite their stated commitment to democratic processes, the Government of Ghana and international authorities presume the accountability and ability of NGOs to represent local interests in forest resource management. This article scrutinises elite formation and elite capture through the case of a Community Resource Management Area (CREMA) in western Ghana. NGOs and the forestry department promotes commercial tree planting on farmlands at this CREMA site. This article shows how institutional mandates, technical and managerial priorities are used by higher-level authorities to rationalise the omission of accountability and representation in CREMA activities. Disregard for democratic processes thus centralise decision making and render political processes apolitical at the cost of effective local participation and control over forest resources. Also, the legal and administrative framework of the CREMA tended to empower the traditional elites. In addition, the recognition of a local NGO by state authorities to oversee natural resource management infringed upon the CREMA's mandate and encouraged the formation of new elites. Further, the higher-level authorities' promotion of tree-tenure privatisation reduced public engagement by enclosing and thus discounting the public forest domain. The combination of these factors compromise the accountability and equitable sharing of benefits in CREMAs. Nevertheless, the CREMAs have been endorsed by the government as an innovative institutional structure for implementing REDD+ projects in Ghana.
Teacher???child interaction quality as a function of classroom age diversity and teachers??? beliefs and qualifications

Data from 332 teachers who participated in the National Center for Research on Early Childhood Education study were used to examine the implications of classroom age diversity in preschool programs...
“There Ought to Be a Law!”: Understanding Community Sentiment

Whether it is the results of a national poll, a public demonstration, a Facebook post, or an op-ed article in the newspaper, it is difficult to go through a day and not be exposed to some form of community sentiment. At the very basic level, sentiment is one’s attitude toward or opinion about some attitude object, whether it is sentiment toward the president’s performance, whether laws should be enacted to restrict guns, or what should be included in school curriculum. Most people have opinions about a wide variety of issues, people, and things in their environment. Although the concept of community sentiment is very broad, this book is an attempt at consolidating knowledge about sentiment into one place. To narrow the focus of the book, we have chosen to focus on community sentiment toward laws and policies that affect children and families. The book first tackles some basic issues in this introduction chapter: What is a community? What is sentiment, how is it measured, and what influences it? Does—and should—sentiment affect laws and policies? After this introductory chapter, several chapters discuss how sentiment is measured and how it can change. Next, the book offers perspectives on how legal actions that conform with sentiment promote positive and negative perceptions of justice. Other chapters discuss how laws that have received positive sentiment can sometimes have negative and unintended outcomes. The book closes with a summary of the common themes and directions for future research in community sentiment.
Silk Spinning Behavior and Domicile Construction in Webspinners

Analysis of spinning and of silk domiciles revealed similarities and differences for three species of embiids: Antipaluria urichi (Saussure), Pararhagadochir trinitatis (Saussure), and Oligotoma saundersii (Westwood). Each exhibited similar routines while spinning; they positioned the silk by touching the substrate with either front tarsus and by moving the leg to the next position, with many silk strands issuing forth at each step. Reinforced pathways developed as they spun while traveling from diurnal retreats and nocturnal foraging zones. Frass from the interior of their domiciles was spun into the silk. O. saundersii was unique in that it plastered its silk with gathered materials. Analysis of field colonies of P. trinitatis and O. saundersii showed that, like A. urichi, adult females share their silk with offspring and, often, with other females.
Liquid Urbanity: Re-engineering the City in a Post-Terrestrial World

Perhaps no material distinction is as fundamental to modern society as that between land and water. Land is perceived as solid, boundable, controllable – the space of civilization and development. Water, by contrast, is understood as an element that either threatens or is used by land-based civilizations, but that is fundamentally external to society. The salience of this binary opposition is tacitly acknowledged by cultural theorists who use the meeting point of land and water as a metaphor for exploring new conceptions of culture and by those who see counter-hegemonic potential in water-based social formations. In this paper, these theoretical provocations are explored further through an examination of the social and spatial ramifications of three recent engineering advances that enable social life to span the land-water divide: Maasbommel, a community of floating houses in The Netherlands; The World, a permanent residency condominium cruise ship; and SeaCode, a proposed floating laboratory for computer engineers.
FAST EDDY CURRENT FORWARD MODELS USING ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORKS

Eddy current testing is a widely used nondestructive evaluation (NDE) technique in which flaw information is extracted from the impedance change of a coil placed above a metal testpiece. Typical applications of eddy current NDE are the inspection of heat-exchanger tubes in steam generators of nuclear power plants and detection of hidden corrosion in the lap-splices of aircraft skins. To obtain quantitative information about flaw size and shape, we would like to have a forward model which is able to predict the impedance change of a coil for different flaws in the test geometry. Analytical solutions exist for simple test geometry and flaws with good symmetry properties. However, for flaws with irregular shapes in complex geometry, an analytical solution usually is not available so we must find a numerical solution. There have been several numerical models in the literature, e.g., the finite element method [1], the boundary element method [2], and the volume integral method [3–5]. Those numerical models can be used in a wide range of applications with moderately complex geometry. However, numerical models are inherently computational intensive and thus are not suitable for applications in which modeling speed has the first priority. One application of a fast forward model is to build fast eddy current simulators which can be used for educational purpose. Another application of the fast forward model is in the solution of the nonlinear inverse problem in which a large number of forward solutions must be computed.
Protagorean Practice and the Nature of Antilogic

In The Romance of the Rose, Umberto Eco imagines finding a lost part of Aristotle’s Poetics, a treatise on comedy with momentous implications for what we value in art and culture The recovery of the book that begins with the human-measure fragment would be no less momentous After all, the first sentence alone initiates a radical departure from the canonical notion that truth and knowledge are by nature universal and invariant; while the alternative titles for the full text—Truth and Refutations—pose the intriguing possibility that the former is somehow congruent with the latter (DK 80 Bl) As we actually have them, however, the Protagorean fragments are not much more than epigrams; they suggest rather than define, but they suggest much Early in the 20C, the British pragmatist F C S Schiller argued that the fragments “compress the largest quantum of vital meaning into the most compact form” (1903, 33) Compact, provocative, and open to elaboration.1 Historical reconstruction must, of course, concentrate on what is given in the historical record; but the persistent vitality of the Protagorean fragments also invites us to contemplate what was lost, to fill in the enormous lacunae according to the light of our own time and place (cf Schiappa 64–85) In other words, the extant form of the human-measure doctrine operates as what Rorty calls a philosophy of “edification,” an enabling source whose emergent theory is continually enriched by new contributions (1979, 357–60).
A real-world simulation technique for forming software development teams in a capstone course

There are many techniques used to form teams of students for software development projects in a semester-long software development capstone course. Selecting or creating an appropriate one should be motivated by first defining the objectives to be achieved. Two overarching objectives identified were to make the team formation process itself educational and to help students prepare for the real-world experience of applying for a software development project. Additional objectives are to create teams with a representative set of software development skills needed to accomplish the work, a representative set of personality types that are believed important to a harmonious and productive team, and a sufficient set of "soft" skills (communications, self-initiative, self-directed learner, etc.) for success. Finally, the selection process should be objective while avoiding biases based on prior relationships of the students. The context of the course is given, the objectives are discussed, and the technique developed is described. The results of using the technique are described through instructor experiences and student surveys. Finally, the conclusion section provides suggestions for future use of the technique.
Notes on the Burseraceae in central Amazonia, including four new taxa. Studies in neotropical Burseraceae XXVI

The Burseraceae are known to comprise one of the most important tree families in Amazonia, but examination of Burseraceae diversity indicates that this importance is achieved differently in different parts of the Amazon, generally showing greater relative density compared to relative diversity in the east and greater relative diversity compared to relative density in the west, but both high relative density and diversity in central Amazonia. The patterns of relative density may be explained by current climates and by soils, but those of diversity are more likely a function of historical events. Revision of the Burseraceae for two projects near Manaus, Brazil revealed four new taxa. Protium hebetatum is widespread in western Amazonia, but it is one of the most common trees in central and west-central Amazonia; it resembles P. grandifolium. Protium tonyanum is a distinctive new species in poorly resolved sect. Sarcoprotium. Protium paniculatum var. modestum is known thus far only from the vicinity of Manaus plus several localities in the state of Amazonas, Venezuela; a key to the varieties is provided. Dacryodes hopkinsii is one of a group of four species in that genus from Amazonia and the Venezuelan Guayana with relatively large and fleshy flowers that are functionally bisexual. The discovery of these new taxa underscores the biological importance of Manaus and vicinity as a center of diversity for many taxa and exemplifies the synergy between well-designed floristic projects and systematics.
Evaluation of the Ability of Immune Humanized Mice to Demonstrate CD20‐Specific Cytotoxicity Induced by Ofatumumab

CD20 monoclonal antibodies are well-established therapeutics for the treatment of B-cell malignancies. Several mechanisms of target cell killing occur from anti-CD20 therapy, including complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) cell lysis and antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Human Fc receptors (FcRs) are required to mediate these functions and are either not present or not cross-reactive in mice and most animal species. In contrast, some nonhuman primates have cross-reactive FcR; however, their cellular expression and function may differ from humans. Therefore, we tested bone marrow-liver-thymus (BLT) humanized mice to determine if they could recapitulate the pharmacokinetics (PKs), pharmacodynamics, and potential toxicities of ofatumumab, for which CDC is the predominant mechanism of action. Ofatumumab-treated BLT mice depleted B cells in a dose-dependent manner in all tissues sampled and recapitulated the PKs observed in humans, suggesting that BLT mice can mediate the CDC effector mechanism associated with biological drug products.
Automated Annotation of Satellite Imagery using Model-based Projections

GeoVisipedia is a new and novel approach to annotating satellite imagery. It uses wiki pages to annotate objects rather than simple labels. The use of wiki pages to contain annotations is particularly useful for annotating objects in imagery of complex geospatial configurations such as industrial facilities. GeoVisipedia uses the PRISM algorithm to project annotations applied to one image to other imagery, hence enabling ubiquitous annotation. This paper derives the PRISM algorithm, which uses image metadata and a 3D facility model to create a view matrix unique to each image. The view matrix is used to project model components onto a mask which aligns the components with the objects in the scene that they represent. Wiki pages are linked to model components, which are in turn linked to the image via the component mask. An illustration of the efficacy of the PRISM algorithm is provided, demonstrating the projection of model components onto an effluent stack. We conclude with a discussion of the efficiencies of GeoVisipedia over manual annotation, and the use of PRISM for creating training sets for machine learning algorithms.
High Levels of Interest in Reproductive Genetic Information in Parents of Children and Adults With Hirschsprung Disease.

OBJECTIVES Families affected by Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) have opportunities to learn recurrence risks to their children from statistical genetic and empiric studies and, in some cases, prenatal genetic testing or preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). This study aimed to assess interest in reproductive genetic information for HSCR and factors that predict this interest in 2 groups with elevated risk of having a child with HSCR. METHODS Adult patients with HSCR and parents of children with HSCR were surveyed about their interest in learning reproductive genetic information regarding HSCR through genetic counseling, prenatal testing, and PGD. Covariates assessed in this cross-sectional study included quality of life, illness perceptions, depressive symptoms, and adaptation to the condition. Bivariate analyses assessed differences between affected adults and parents. Logistic modeling was used to identify predictors of interest in reproductive genetic information. RESULTS Study participants (n = 368) reported high interest in reproductive genetic information through genetic counseling (yes = 60%/unsure = 16%), prenatal testing (yes = 59%/unsure = 16%), and PGD (yes = 43%/unsure = 18%). Illness perceptions differed between affected adults and parents, but perceived severity of HSCR was high among all participants (μ = 3.42, SD = 0.67, 4-point scale). Interest in reproductive information was associated with being an affected adult, not having a family history of HSCR, negative emotional representations, and adaptation to the condition. CONCLUSIONS Findings from this study support a desire among the surveyed HSCR patient groups to attend genetic counseling and be offered testing when available. Exploration of perceptions and experiences with the condition should be incorporated into the counseling to insure informed preference-based decision making.
An evaluation of interventions for meeting the information needs of families of critically ill patients.

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of two methods of meeting the information needs of families of critically ill patients: an open visiting hour policy and a family information booklet. Setting Medical intensive care unit of a university medical center. Subjects Family members (N = 147) of patients admitted to the medical intensive care unit. Interventions Implementation of an open visiting hour policy and information booklet. Measurements and main results Questionnaires were distributed to family members 24 to 48 hours after the patient's admission. The questionnaire addressed family satisfaction with having specific information needs met and posed questions that tested their knowledge of unit policies and personnel. The questionnaire was distributed to three groups: families who had restricted visiting hours and no booklet (group 1, n = 48), families who had open visiting hours but no booklet (group 2, n = 50), and families who had open visiting hours and an information booklet (Group 3, n = 49). Implementation of an open visiting hour policy increased family satisfaction. Families exposed to both the open visiting hours and the information booklet were more knowledgeable about specific details than were those exposed to only the open visiting hour policy. Conclusions Flexible visiting hours and information booklets were two practical methods of meeting the information needs of families. Open visiting hours, as a singular intervention, significantly improved family satisfaction. The effectiveness of the booklet in assisting families to recall discrete pieces of information supports the further development and use of preprinted materials to assist in meeting family information needs.
CONCENTRATION DEPENDENCY OF THE PREHYDRATION EFFECT FOR A GEOSYNTHETIC CLAY LINER

ABSTRACT Both prehydrated and non-prehydrated specimens of a geosynthetic clay liner (GCL) are permeated with chemical solutions containing 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 mM calcium chloride (CaCl2) to determine the concentration dependency of the prehydration effect on the hydraulic conductivity (k) of the GCL. The tests for k are not terminated before chemical equilibrium between the influent and effluent solutions has been established, resulting in testing durations ranging from 14 hrs to 502 days, depending on the CaCl2 concentration and whether or not the specimen was prehydrated. The results are presented in terms of the ratio of k for a non-prehydrated specimen (kNP) relative to k for a separate but identical prehydrated specimen (kP) permeated with the same chemical solution. Prehydration is shown to have little, if any, effect on the hydraulic conductivity of the GCL for specimens permeated with solutions containing from 5 to 50 mM CaCl2 (i.e., 0.5 ≤ kNP/kP ≤ 1.1), whereas the effect of prehydration for specimens of the GCL permeated with the 100 mM CaCl2 solution is more significant (i.e., kNP/kP ≈ 3.0). The results provide evidence that the previously reported prehydration effect is concentration dependent, and may be insignificant when the permeant liquid contains relatively low concentrations of inorganic solutes, i.e., provided permeation is continued until chemical equilibrium is achieved.
Spherical Nucleic Acids with Tailored and Active Protein Coronae

Spherical nucleic acids (SNAs) are nanomaterials typically consisting of a nanoparticle core and a functional, dense, and highly oriented oligonucleotide shell with unusual biological properties that make them appealing for many applications, including sequence-specific gene silencing, mRNA quantification, and immunostimulation. When placed in biological fluids, SNAs readily interact with serum proteins, leading to the formation of ill-defined protein coronae on the surface, which can influence the targeting capabilities of the conjugate. In this work, SNAs were designed and synthesized with functional proteins, such as antibodies and serum albumin, deliberately adsorbed onto their surfaces. These particles exhibit increased resistance to protease degradation compared with native SNAs but still remain functional, as they can engage in hybridization with complementary oligonucleotides. SNAs with adsorbed targeting antibodies exhibit improved cellular selectivity within mixed cell populations. Similarly, SN...
Vertical Clipped Gastroplasty: The BariClip

During the last 20 years, morbid obesity has reached epidemic proportions around the world. More than one in two adults and one in six children are overweight or obese. It is estimated that there are 671 million people who are obese (BMI > 30) in the world.
Deriving L-Band Tilting Ocean Surface Roughness From Measurements by Operational Systems

Waves much shorter than those measured by operational systems make significant contribution to the ocean surface roughness. This article describes a method to obtain the L-band tilting ocean surface roughness using wind speed and windsea dominant wave period coupled with a wind–wave spectrum model. Examples are presented with wind and dominant wave data from ocean buoys and hurricane hunters. Several related issues are discussed: high-frequency wave spectrum, integration limit, swell contribution, and measurements in extreme winds: 1) it is well known since the 1970s that with stationary sensors, extending the frequency range in measuring elevation spectrum does not yield useful short-wave information because of the low signal level and large Doppler frequency shift involved in measuring short waves. 2) Low-pass mean square slopes (LPMSSs) integrated to 5 and 11 rad/m are computed to quantify their difference as a function of wind speed and inverse wave age (IWA). The normalized difference decreases with increasing wind speed and decreasing IWA. 3) Swell contribution to the L-band LPMSS is almost negligible for wind speed greater than 5 m/s (less than 5% in 99% of observations). In low-wind conditions (wind speed less than 5 m/s), the swell contribution is difficult to assess because of inaccuracy in identifying the weak windsea system. 4) The coarse resolution in National Data Buoy Center (NDBC) wave spectra causes large data scatter in the computed LPMSS in very high winds (greater than 20 m/s). A mitigating solution is offered.
A Scenario-Based Stochastic Optimization Approach for Non-Intrusive Appliance Load Monitoring

In this paper an energy disaggregation problem, commonly studied as “non-intrusive load monitoring”, is presented. Non-intrusive load monitoring is a procedure for estimating the energy profiles of individual electric home appliances from the aggregated power measurement. We present this problem as an optimization-based problem in which the least-square errors are minimized to find the set of active appliances, using the instantaneous aggregated power. The convex regularization terms are also added, which exploit the information of the probability of individual appliance usage and assume the behavior of the appliances’ power profiles to be constant as piecewise signal over time. The problem is formulated using a scenario-based stochastic optimization approach to consider the underlying uncertainties in power measurements. The expected value of the problem’s objective function is computed by using the sample average approximation method, where normally distributed samples of a random variable are introduced into the problem using the Monte Carlo simulation. Moreover, the appliances’ limits on the power modes are formulated as a chance constraint in the optimization problem. The training and testing of the proposed algorithm are done by using the benchmark data: AMPds and REFIT. The simulation results show that the proposed scenario-based stochastic optimization approach successfully estimates the energy profiles of individual appliances with multiple power modes.
Neuronal Ablation of Alpha/Beta Interferon (IFN-α/β) Signaling Exacerbates Central Nervous System Viral Dissemination and Impairs IFN-γ Responsiveness in Microglia/Macrophages

IFNα/s signaling through the IFNα/s receptor (IFNAR) is essential to limit virus dissemination throughout the central nervous system (CNS) following many neurotropic virus infections. However, the distinct expression pattern of factors associated with the IFNα/s pathway in different CNS resident cell populations implicate complex cooperative pathways in IFNα/s induction and responsiveness. Herein we show that mice devoid of IFNAR1 signaling in calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II alpha (CaMKIIα) expressing neurons (CaMKIIcre:IFNARfl/fl mice) infected with a mildly pathogenic neurotropic coronavirus (MHV-A59) developed severe encephalomyelitis with hind-limb paralysis and succumbed within 7 days. Increased virus spread in CaMKIIcre:IFNARfl/fl mice compared to IFNARfl/fl mice not only affected neurons in the forebrain, but also the mid-hind brain and spinal cords, but excluded the cerebellum. Infection was also increased in glia. The lack of viral control in CaMKIIcre:IFNARfl/fl relative to control mice coincided with sustained Cxcl1 and Ccl2 mRNAs, but a decrease in mRNA levels of IFNα/s pathway genes as well as Il6, Tnf, and Il1s between days 4 and 6 post infection (p.i.). T cell accumulation and IFNI³ production, an essential component of virus control, were not altered. However, IFNI³ responsiveness was impaired in microglia/macrophages irrespective of similar pSTAT1 nuclear translocation as in infected controls. The results reveal how perturbation of IFNα/s signaling in neurons can worsen disease course and disrupt complex interactions between the IFNα/s and IFNI³ pathways in achieving optimal antiviral responses.IMPORTANCE IFNα/s induction limits CNS viral spread by establishing an antiviral state, but also promotes blood brain barrier integrity, adaptive immunity and microglia/macrophage activation. However, the extent to which glial or neuronal signaling contributes to these diverse IFNα/s functions is poorly understood. Using a neurotropic mouse hepatitis virus encephalomyelitis model this report demonstrates an essential role of IFNα/s receptor 1 (IFNAR1) specifically in neurons to control virus spread, regulate IFNI³ signaling, and prevent acute mortality. The results support that effective neuronal IFNAR1 signaling compensates for their low basal expression of genes in the IFNα/s pathway compared to glia. The data further highlight the importance of tightly regulated communication between the IFNα/s and IFNI³ signaling pathways to optimize antiviral IFNI³ activity.
Market Dynamics and Systemic Violence: A Longitudinal Examination of Market Penetration, Entry Deterrence, and Excess Capacity in the Illicit Drug Market:

The nexus between lethal violence in the drug market and drug-selling behavior remains a topic of interest among social scientists. Although the current body of literature demonstrates strong empir...
How Place Matters in Child Maltreatment Disparities: Geographical Context as an Explanatory Factor for Racial Disproportionality and Disparities

Children and parents interact with their environment in important ways that affect the likelihood of child maltreatment. Geographic disparities in social problems such as poverty and criminal activity, can lead to disparities in exposure to child maltreatment. The current chapter investigates the ways in which geographic context affects racial disparities in child maltreatment, the likelihood of maltreatment being reported to child protective services, and child protective services decision-making.
Labor mobility and antitakeover provisions

Abstract How do firms protect their human capital? We test whether firms facing an increased threat of being acquired strengthen their antitakeover provisions (ATPs) in order to bond with their employees. We use the adoption of the Inevitable Disclosure Doctrine (IDD) by US state courts, which exogenously decreases knowledge-worker mobility, thus elevating takeover risk and reducing employee incentives to innovate. Firms respond to the IDD adoption by strengthening ATPs that defend against hostile takeovers, especially when they have greater ex-ante employee mobility and human capital and place greater importance on employee relations. We find no evidence that managers strengthen ATPs for entrenchment or takeover bargaining purposes in this setting. Our findings show that ATPs can be used to credibly commit to employees in order to protect long-term value creation.
Lower disease control rates and survival outcomes among Blacks with pharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas compared with Whites: a retrospective analysis at the University of Florida

Disparate clinical outcomes for pharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (PSCC) of the oropharynx (OPSCC) and hypopharynx (HPSCC) have been observed in Black compared with White patients. Higher tobacco and alcohol use has been associated with decreased survival in Black patients with PSCC. Higher human papilloma virus (HPV) infection rates, associated with specific subsites of the oropharynx, are linked to improved overall survival (OS). Using an institutional cohort of Black and White patients with PSCC, we performed a retrospective analysis using multiple disease endpoints including local control (LC), local–regional control (LRC), freedom from distant metastases (DMFS), OS, cause-specific survival (CSS), and recorded tobacco and alcohol use. 1419 patients [Black (n = 111) and White (n = 1,308)] treated for PSCC from 1973 to 2013 were evaluated. PSCC 5- and 10-year LC, LRC, and DMFS and CSS rates were lower for Blacks. Notably, Black patients with OPSCC had higher stage cancers, higher percentage of soft palate tumors, and lower percentage of base of tongue cancers, were more likely to receive radiotherapy, and had higher tobacco and alcohol use. OS was significantly lower in Black patients at both anatomic sites, with the greatest difference observed for OPSCC. Multivariate analysis showed race and tobacco independently predicted DMFS, OS, and CSS; however, tobacco use had a greater impact on DMFS (HR 2.5, p = 0.021) than race (HR 1.9, p = 0.027). Overall, we propose that the higher burden of tobacco use along with a lower rate of tumors arising from traditional HPV-related subsites were important contributors to disparate disease outcomes seen in our Black patients.
Defiance and Deference in Mexico's Colonial North: Indians under Spanish Rule in Nueva Vizcaya

Acknowledgments Introduction 1. Spanish Entradas and Indigenous Responses in Topia and Tepehuana, 1560-1620 2. Environment and Culture 3. A Counterfeit Peace, 1620-1690 4. Crises of the 1690s: Rebellion, Famine, and Disease 5. Defiance and Deference in Transitional Spaces, 1700-1730s 6. Jesuits Take Stock: Cosmic Intent and Local Coincidence 7. "Stuck Together with Pins": The Unraveling of the Mission Fabric 8. Rendering unto Caesar at the Crossroads of Ethnicity and Identity Conclusions Notes Glossary Archival Abbreviations Bibliography Index
Age, Brain Damage, and Behavioral Recovery

Although there have been numerous anecdotal and experimental reports of diminished memory and learning capacity in aged humans and animals (cf. Birren and Schaie, 1977), the development of animal models to study cognitive changes during aging has not been easy. The detection of performance deficits associated with advanced age depends on the specific sensory, motor, or cognitive requirements of the behavioral task(s) studied (Campbellet al, 1980; Doty, 1966; Goodrick, 1972; Rigteret al., 1980). It also depends on the general conditions under which the subjects are housed and tested (Doty, 1968, 1972). Behavioral tasks that seem to be particularly sensitive to age-related cognitive changes in rats are tests of spatial memory (Barnes and McNaughton, 1980) and tasks that require the withholding of dominant response tendencies (Gold and McGaugh, 1975). Aged rats show a greater tendency than young adult rats to perseverate behavioral responses (Elias and Elias, 1976). This lack of “response flexibility” is particularly striking when the rats are required to avoid a location or to alter a response that previously was reinforced.
Standardized Synoptic Reports for Plasma Cell Neoplasms: Integration of Laboratory and Clinical Data

In the 1990s, a movement toward standardized reporting in pathology grew along with a body of literature demonstrating a lack of consistency in traditional pathology reports, including omission of key findings. In the past decade, standardized synoptic reporting in pathology has become more widely utilized, particularly based on a major effort by the CAP Cancer Committee to develop tumor site-specific checklists for pathologists. This chapter summarizes options and recommendations for reporting plasma cell neoplasms in final pathology diagnostic reports.
Examining Locally Varying Weights for Nearest Neighbor Algorithms

Previous work on feature weighting for case-based learning algorithms has tended to use either global weights or weights that vary over extremely local regions of the case space. This paper examines the use of coarsely local weighting schemes, where feature weights are allowed to vary but are identical for groups or clusters of cases. We present a new technique, called class distribution weighting (CDW), that allows weights to vary at the class level. We further extend CDW into a family of related techniques that exhibit varying degrees of locality, from global to local. The class distribution techniques are then applied to a set of eleven concept learning tasks. We find that one or more of the CDW variants significantly improves classification accuracy for nine of the eleven tasks. In addition, we find that the relative importance of classes, features, and feature values in a particular domain determines which variant is most successful.
Methods to Record Circadian Rhythm Wheel Running Activity in Mice

Forward genetic approaches (phenotype to gene) are powerful methods to identify mouse circadian clock components. The success of these approaches, however, is highly dependent on the quality of the phenotype--specifically, the ability to measure circadian rhythms in individual mice. This article outlines the factors necessary to measure mouse circadian rhythms, including choice of mouse strain, facilities and equipment design and construction, experimental design, high-throughput methods, and finally methods for data analysis.
The Coming of Age of Molecular Systematics

For decades, taxonomists examined the insides and outsides of organisms to gain clues about their evolutionary relationships. Recently, molecular biology has provided a new set of characteristics for examination--gene sequences. But constructing evolutionary trees by comparing the sequences of the most commonly used gene, a gene for ribosomal RNA, is not trivial. In their commentary, Maley and Marshall outline the problems encountered in using this method of studying the ancient origins of animals.