cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Self-healing flexible laminates for resealing of puncture damage

A flexible self-healing system capable of healing puncture damage has been manufactured. Our material consists of three layers: a poly(dimethyl siloxane) (PDMS) composite, embedded with a self-healing microcapsule system, sandwiched between two layers of poly(urethane) coated nylon. The total structure thickness ranges between 0.84 and 1.5 mm. A protocol is established in which samples are damaged using a hypodermic needle or a razor blade, and a successful heal is defined as the ability to reseal the damage to withstand a pressure differential across the laminate of 103 kPa (∼1 atm). Trends in healing success are analyzed as a function of microcapsule size, self-healing layer thickness, and puncture diameter. Healing varied significantly with microcapsule size, with the maximum healing success rate (100% successfully healed) occurring in samples with 220 µm microcapsules and a puncture diameter of 0.49 mm. For this puncture size, an increase in microcapsule diameter corresponds to a decrease in healing efficiency. However, samples with larger microcapsules (up to 500 µm avg.) demonstrate more effective healing for larger puncture diameters, up to 1.61 mm. Additionally, healing increased with composite layer thickness, and decreased with increasing puncture hole size. (Some figures in this article are in colour only in the electronic version)
Outpatient Cataract Surgery

(1986). Outpatient Cataract Surgery. Seminars in Ophthalmology: Vol. 1, No. 2, pp. 130-135.
Continuous subcutaneous glucose monitoring in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus: a single-blind, randomized, controlled trial.

BACKGROUND Tight glycemic control delays the long-term complications of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) but increases the risk for hypoglycemia. The continuous glucose-monitoring system (CGMS) provides blood glucose (BG) readings every 5 min, and its accuracy and reliability has been established in adults. However, there are limited data on its efficacy and safety in children. The purpose of this study was to determine if CGMS use improves metabolic control in children with T1DM. METHODS Twenty-seven children (12 male) with T1DM participated in this single-blind, randomized, controlled trial. Participants (age: 11.4 +/- 3.7 (mean +/- SD) yr, range: 7-17 yr) were randomized to an intervention group (n = 18) or a control group (n = 9). Both groups wore the CGMS for 72-h periods at 0, 2, and 4 months. Adjustments in therapy for the intervention group were based on both CGMS and self-monitoring of BG (SMBG) data, while only SMBG data were used for the control group. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) was determined at 0, 2, 4, and 6 months. The change in HbA1c from 0 to 6 months (HbA1c(Delta1-4)) and mean daily area under the CGMS curve for glucose <70 mg/dL area under the curve (AUC(<70)) were compared between groups. RESULTS At study entry, HbA1c levels were similar in the intervention and control groups (8.4 +/- 0.98 and 8.8 +/- 0.86%, respectively; p = 0.12) but were significantly lower in the intervention group compared with the control group at study completion (7.8 +/- 0.88 and 8.6 +/- 0.95%, respectively; p = 0.02). The decrease in HbA1c of 0.61 +/- 0.68% in the intervention group was statistically significant (p = 0.03), whereas the decrease in HbA1c of 0.28 +/- 0.78% in the control group was not. Nonetheless, the differences in HbA1c(Delta1-4) between groups did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.13). There was no statistically significant difference in AUC(<70) between study groups (p = 0.18). CONCLUSION CGMS use may improve metabolic control in children with T1DM without increasing the risk for hypoglycemia.
Effects of a modified mastery learning strategy on achievement, attitudes, and on‐task behavior of high school chemistry students

The effects of a mastery learning strategy modified to limit diagnosis to two cycles were tested with high school chemistry students. The results indicate that achievement of mastery learning students was significantly greater than that of nonmastery control students. On-task behavior (academic engagement) of mastery learning students increased in a linear fashion during the study (45 instructional days), while on-task behavior of nonmastery students decreased. Attitudes toward science and science instruction were not significantly different but were positive in both mastery and nonmastery conditions.
Factor Analysis and Growth: An Empirical Test

Irma Adelman and Cynthia Taft Morris have been highly imaginative and industrious in applying the new technique of factor analysis to a broad range of economic, social, and political data as a "basis for predicting the future." 1 To critics of their methodology, they have replied, not unreasonably, that the methodological objections "apply with equal validity to all of the methods other than divine revelation currently available for predicting the future." Rather than debating in the abstract the methodological merits of various approaches to predicting the future, one can put the Adelman-Morris method to the test: how powerful is its predictive ability? In a 1968 article 2 they rank the growth potential of 73 countries, based on 29 indicators that generally measure the situation as of 1957-62 or, for dynamic indicators, the improvement between 1950 and 1963-64. Their ranking can be compared with actual growth between 1960 and 1965. One might expect the Adelman-Morris procedure to have a high predictive power, since their analysis begins with a classification into three groups, in large part based on the countries' growth performance during 1950-51 to 1963-64, so that much of "the future" for which the prediction is tested is really part of "the past" on which the prediction is based. Adelman-Morris classify countries into three groups with high, intermediate, and low potential for growth. These groups apparently correspond roughly to per capita increases in GNP of above 2 percent, between 1 percent and 2 percent, and below 1 percent per annum. Comparing actual growth with the Adelman-Morris potential, only 19 countries out of 58 fall into the appropriate category.3
Plasticity in light reactions of photosynthesis for energy production and photoprotection

Plant photosynthesis channels some of the most highly reactive intermediates in biology, in a way that captures a large fraction of their energy to power the plant. A viable photosynthetic apparatus must not only be efficient and robust machinery, but also well integrated into the plant's biochemical and physiological networks. This requires flexibility in its responses to the dramatically changing environmental conditions and biochemical demands. First, the output of the energy-storing light reactions must match the demands of plant metabolism. Second, regulation of the antenna must be flexible to allow responses to diverse challenges that could result in excess light capture and subsequent photoinhibition. Evidence is presented for the interplay of two types of mechanistic flexibility, one that modulates the relative sensitivity of antenna down-regulation to electron flow, and the other, which primarily modulates the output ratio of ATP/NADPH, but also contributes to down-regulation.
Mouse endogenous retroviruses can trigger premature transcriptional termination at a distance

Endogenous retrotransposons have caused extensive genomic variation within mammalian species, but the functional implications of such mobilization are mostly unknown. We mapped thousands of endogenous retrovirus (ERV) germline integrants in highly divergent, previously unsequenced mouse lineages, facilitating a comparison of gene expression in the presence or absence of local insertions. Polymorphic ERVs occur relatively infrequently in gene introns and are particularly depleted from genes involved in embryogenesis or that are highly expressed in embryonic stem cells. Their genomic distribution implies ongoing negative selection due to deleterious effects on gene expression and function. A polymorphic, intronic ERV at Slc15a2 triggers up to 49-fold increases in premature transcriptional termination and up to 39-fold reductions in full-length transcripts in adult mouse tissues, thereby disrupting protein expression and functional activity. Prematurely truncated transcripts also occur at Polr1a, Spon1, and up to ∼5% of other genes when intronic ERV polymorphisms are present. Analysis of expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) in recombinant BxD mouse strains demonstrated very strong genetic associations between the polymorphic ERV in cis and disrupted transcript levels. Premature polyadenylation is triggered at genomic distances up to >12.5 kb upstream of the ERV, both in cis and between alleles. The parent of origin of the ERV is associated with variable expression of nonterminated transcripts and differential DNA methylation at its 5'-long terminal repeat. This study defines an unexpectedly strong functional impact of ERVs in disrupting gene transcription at a distance and demonstrates that ongoing retrotransposition can contribute significantly to natural phenotypic diversity.
Developing Cross-Cultural Competence: Serving Families of Children with Significant Developmental Needs.

The purpose of this article is to assist teachers in understanding the unique needs of families of children with significant developmental delays who are from a diverse cultural background and/or are recent immigrants to the United States. This article provides the reader with an understanding of various cultural interpretations of severe disability conditions and of the role of enculturation in determining family expectations and participation within the special education system. We present research-based techniques and practical ideas designed to facilitate increased competence with families in which English is not the first language.
THE USE OF BIOSYNTHETIC HUMAN INSULIN IN MAN

Publisher Summary Insulin was the first substance to be administered as replacement therapy in a deficiency disorder—diabetes mellitus—the first peptide hormone to be sequenced, and among the first peptide hormones to be produced by recombinant technology. This chapter provides an overview of insulin, which is the first product of recombinant research to be studied extensively in clinical tests. It discusses the difficulties encountered in the radioimmunoassay (RIA) for human and pork insulin in the serum of volunteers who received these two types of insulin. The chapter also presents preliminary information on patients who never received insulin and were treated with biosynthetic human insulin (BHI) for six months. The BHI was all derived from human A and human β chain material produced by recombinant techniques combined and purified by chemical methods.
Structural integrity of panels with multisite fatigue damage

Integrity evaluation of aging structures is extremely important to ensure economic and safe operation of the flight vehicle. A two step analytical approach has been developed to estimate the residual strengthllife of pressurized fuselage stiffened shell panels with widespread fatigue cracking. Global FEA, to obtain the load flow pattern through the damaged panel, is followed by the Schwartz-Neumann Alternating Method to determine the relevant crack tip parameters that govern the growth of cracks & onset of failure. An Elastic-Plastic Alternating Method has been developed and applied to evaluate the residual strength of flat panels with multiple cracks. The computational methodologies presented herein are marked improvements to the present state-of-the-art, and are extremely efficient, both from engineering manpower as well as computational costs point of view.
Anisotropic Absorption in PbSe Nanorods

We present absorption anisotropy measurements in PbSe nanostructures. This is accomplished via a new means of measuring absorption anisotropy in randomly oriented solution ensembles of nanostructur...
Single-Nanowire Raman Microprobe Studies of Doping-, Temperature-, and Voltage-Induced Metal–Insulator Transitions of WxV1–xO2 Nanowires

Considerable recent research interest has focused on mapping the structural phase diagrams of anisotropic VO2 nanobeams as model systems for elucidating single-domain behavior within strongly corre...
An automated procedure for laboratory and shipboard spectrophotometric measurements of seawater alkalinity: Continuously monitored single-step acid additions

Abstract Building on the spectrophotometric procedure of Yao and Byrne (1998), an automated analysis system has been developed for laboratory and shipboard measurements of total alkalinity at a rate of 6 samples per hour. The system is based on single-point hydrochloric acid (HCl) titrations of seawater samples of a known volume with bromocresol purple as an indicator. The titration is continuously monitored using visible spectroscopy to guide the titration rate according to the real-time pH of the samples. Each titration is terminated just below the equivalence point to achieve a precision and accuracy near 1 μmol kg− 1.
Impact of Increased Gastric pH on the Pharmacokinetics of Evacetrapib in Healthy Subjects

STUDY OBJECTIVE To examine the effect of increased gastric pH on exposure to evacetrapib, a cholesteryl ester transfer protein inhibitor evaluated for the treatment of atherosclerotic heart disease. DESIGN Open-label, two-treatment, two-period, fixed-sequence crossover study. SETTING Clinical research unit. SUBJECTS Thirty-four healthy subjects. INTERVENTION In period 1, subjects received a single oral dose of evacetrapib 130 mg on day 1, followed by 7 days of analysis for evacetrapib plasma concentrations. In period 2, subjects received a once/day oral dose of omeprazole 40 mg on days 8-20, with a single oral dose of evacetrapib 130 mg administered 2 hours after the omeprazole dose on day 14, followed by 7 days of pharmacokinetic sampling. Subjects were discharged on day 21 and returned for a follow-up visit at least 14 days after the last dose of evacetrapib in period 2. Gastric pH was measured before subjects received each evacetrapib dose. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Noncompartmental pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated from plasma concentration-time data and compared between periods 1 and 2. Geometric mean ratios with 90% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported. Safety and tolerability were also assessed. The mean age of the 34 subjects was 40.9 years; mean body mass index was 27.2 kg/m(2) . Omeprazole treatment increased mean gastric pH across all subjects by 2.80 and increased evacetrapib area under the concentration versus time curve from time zero extrapolated to infinity (AUC0-∞ ) and maximum observed drug concentration (Cmax ) by 15% (90% CI -2 to 35) and 30% (90% CI 3-63), respectively. For both parameters, the upper bound of the 90% CI of the ratio of geometric least-squares means exceeded 1.25 but was less than 2, indicating a weak interaction. To assess the effect of gastric pH on subjects who responded best to omeprazole treatment, the analyses were repeated to include only the 22 subjects whose predose gastric pH was 3.0 or lower in period 1 and 4.0 or higher in period 2. In this subpopulation, mean gastric pH increased by 4.15 during omeprazole treatment, and evacetrapib AUC0-∞ and Cmax increased by 22% (90% CI 4-42) and 35% (90% CI 1-80), respectively. Despite the small mathematical differences between the analyses, the overall effect in both was a minimal increase in evacetrapib exposure. Of 35 adverse events reported during the study, 4 (11.4%) were considered to be treatment-related, and most were mild in severity. CONCLUSION The impact of increased gastric pH on evacetrapib pharmacokinetics would not be expected to be clinically relevant. The magnitude of change in pH did not affect the degree of the interaction.
What Is a Tiger? Genetics and Phylogeography

Publisher Summary The rapidly changing field of molecular genetics, particularly advances in genome sequence analyses, has provided new tools to reconstruct what defines a tiger and its origins. The evolutionary history framing the tiger into the exquisite predator has ancestral roots and history are depicted in its phylogeography, the genetic patterns of diversification among individuals and populations on both temporal and geographical scales. The subspecies concept provokes both scientific and political controversy because several subspecies are considered to be specific units of conservation, which are protected by international treaties and organizations concerned with the stewardship of wildlife on the species level. The recognition of subspecies has particular relevance because tiger conservation strategies are inextricably tied to subspecific taxonomic divisions. Debates persist over the role of captive tigers in conservation efforts, whether managed captive populations serve as adequate genetic reservoirs for the natural populations, and whether the presumptive “dgeneric” tigers have any conservation value. The most direct way to address the dilemma is through a thorough understanding of the genetic ancestry, the extent of genetic admixture, and the level of genetic diversity of captive tigers in relation to the wild populations.
Using live animal ultrasound measures of ribeye area and fat thickness in yearling Hereford bulls.

Ultrasonic measurements of fat thickness (FAT) and ribeye area (REA) were analyzed together with weight (WT), scrotal circumference (SC) and age data from 385 yearling Hereford bulls representing 45 sires. Additional variables created were 100*REA/WT (REACWT) and 365-d adjusted REA (AREA). Multiplicative age adjustment for AREA was calculated from linear regression of REA on age. Heritabilities were .45 +/- .17 for REACWT, .36 +/- .16 for WT, .12 +/- .13 for REA, .11 +/- .13 for AREA, .04 +/- .13 for FAT and .18 +/- .14 for SC. Phenotypic and genetic correlations were strongly negative for WT with REACWT. Neither AREA nor REACWT alone were considered suitable muscling variables due to their association with age, WT and FAT. Ultrasound REA measurements should be adjusted for the linear effects of age and WT and quadratic effects of FAT before being used for selection. Measurement of SC indicated a strong association with WT (r = .55) and a moderate positive genetic correlation with REA (.49 +/- .58).
At the Confluence of Data Streams: Mapping Paired Social and Biophysical Landscapes on the Puget Sound's Edge

ABSTRACTWe seek to expand interdisciplinary insights into coastal management by pairing survey data from the general public with attendant landscape data in the Puget Sound region. Our social survey gathered information regarding attitudes and perceptions of changing social and environmental conditions in the Puget Sound Basin as well as views regarding possible management interventions. We mapped the survey data to US zip code regions and spatially overlaid the survey response data with existing geospatial data layers of biophysical conditions. Using mixed-effects logistic regression we examine the relationships between urban development trajectories and individual views about both environmental problems and possible policy responses. We found significant relationships between people's responses and the physical conditions within their residence zip code, as well as social variables, which illustrated the importance of developing new analytical approaches that consider the relationships between both biop...
Transcriptional Silencing of Moloney Murine Leukemia Virus in Human Embryonic Carcinoma Cells.

ABSTRACT Embryonic carcinoma (EC) cells are malignant counterparts of embryonic stem (ES) cells and serve as useful models for investigating cellular differentiation and human embryogenesis. Though the susceptibility of murine EC cells to retroviral infection has been extensively analyzed, few studies of retrovirus infection of human EC cells have been performed. We tested the susceptibility of human EC cells to transduction by retroviral vectors derived from three different retroviral genera. We show that human EC cells efficiently express reporter genes delivered by vectors based on human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and Mason-Pfizer monkey virus (M-PMV) but not Moloney murine leukemia virus (MLV). In human EC cells, MLV integration occurs normally, but no viral gene expression is observed. The block to MLV expression of MLV genomes is relieved upon cellular differentiation. The lack of gene expression is correlated with transcriptional silencing of the MLV promoter through the deposition of repressive histone marks as well as DNA methylation. Moreover, depletion of SETDB1, a histone methyltransferase, resulted in a loss of transcriptional silencing and upregulation of MLV gene expression. Finally, we provide evidence showing that the lack of MLV gene expression may be attributed in part to the lack of MLV enhancer function in human EC cells. IMPORTANCE Human embryonic carcinoma (EC) cells are shown to restrict the expression of murine leukemia virus genomes but not retroviral genomes of the lentiviral or betaretroviral families. The block occurs at the level of transcription and is accompanied by the deposition of repressive histone marks and methylation of the integrated proviral DNA. The host machinery required for silencing in human EC cells is distinct from that in murine EC cell lines: the histone methyltransferase SETDB1 is required, but the widely utilized corepressor TRIM28/Kap1 is not. A transcriptional enhancer element from the Mason-Pfizer monkey virus can override the silencing and promote transcription of chimeric proviral DNAs. The findings reveal novel features of human EC gene regulation not present in their murine counterparts.
Survival outcomes of plasma cell leukemia (PCL) in the United States: A SEER analysis.

8609 Background: Plasma cell leukemia (PCL) is an aggressive plasma cell disorder that is associated with poor outcomes. Previous studies have shown improved survival with bortezomib-based regimens...
Medical Comorbidities, Medications, and Sleep

Though there are many potential comorbidities with OB and OV, youth with ASD or ND have specific medical considerations that impact their health and their weight status. Frequency of sleep disturbances and disorders is high in this population. Assessing and treating sleep issues have benefits that extend to multiple areas of a youth’s life including behavioral and emotional functioning and increasing health behaviors. ASD and ND youth also have the potential of being prescribed medications that can cause weight gain. Healthcare providers need to carefully analyze the best option for symptom reduction without negative health impacts. Though there is some promising data to support the use of metformin to offset the weight gain and metabolic changes of psychotropic medications (particularly SGAs), there is not adequate evidence to support this currently.
Modelling ‘Life’ against ‘heat death’

This work is inspired by the discovery of a new class of dynamical system described by ordinary differential equations coupled with their Liouville equation. These systems called self-controlled since the role of actuators is played by the probability produced by the Liouville equation. Following the Madelung equation that belongs to this class, non-Newtonian properties such as randomness, entanglement and probability interference typical for quantum systems have been described. Special attention was paid to the capability to violate the second law of thermodynamics, which makes these systems neither Newtonian, nor quantum. It has been shown that self-controlled dynamical systems can be linked to mathematical models of living systems. The discovery of isolated dynamical systems that can decrease entropy in violation of the second law of thermodynamics, and resemblances of these systems to livings suggests that ‘Life’ can slow down the ‘heat death’ of the Universe and that can be associated with the Purpose of Life.
The Ordeal of Thomas Barton: Anglican Missionary in the PennsylvaniaBackcountry, 1755–1780.By JAMESP.MYERSJR.

James P.Myers Jr.has written an engrossing account integrating biography and exegesis in The Ordeal of Thomas Barton . That said, Myers flirts with hagiography as he argues for a reform of Barton’s image from that of a possibly unprincipled young man, naive plagiarist, and propagandist to that of a well-respected minister and ultimately victim—a martyr, as Myers puts it,to the Revolution. Another key component of Myers’s argument is Barton’s significanceas an agent of church and empire on the frontier. Barton was essentially “a pro-prietary placeman”(37), and the crises of the 1750s to 1770s put such middle-men in extremely uncomfortable, even ethically untenable, positions. As such an establishment agent, Barton appears at times to have been simply a tool. Myers concludes, for instance, that Barton, despite his sympathetic portrayals of Native Americans and stated desire for missionary work among them, may have writtena pro–Paxton Boys screed because pushed to do so by proprietary and Church of England interests. Barton compromised his principals at that time, but according to Myers he redeemed himself in his own eyes—and those of his chronicler—by refusing to compromise his principles during the Revolution.
Developing an Asymmetric Transfer Hydrogenation Process for (S)-5-Fluoro-3-methylisobenzofuran-1(3H)-one, a Key Intermediate to Lorlatinib

Synthesis of (S)-5-fluoro-3-methylisobenzofuran-1(3H)-one (6), a key intermediate to lorlatinib, is described. A few synthetic methodologies, that is, boron reduction, enzymatic reduction, asymmetric hydrogenation, and asymmetric transfer hydrogenation, were evaluated for the chiral reduction of the substituted acetophenone intermediate (8). A manufacturing process, on the basis of the asymmetric transfer hydrogenation, was developed. This process was successfully scaled up to prepare 400 kg of 6.
Insights of biomass recalcitrance in natural Populus trichocarpa variants for biomass conversion

Populus has been investigated as a promising biomass feedstock for alternative fuels and chemicals. Physicochemical characteristics and genomic information of biomass feedstocks are among the essential information that can help not only advance our understanding of biomass recalcitrance but also in its efficient utilization. Herein, the recalcitrance of natural Populus variants was elucidated in three aspects: (1) sugar release, (2) physicochemical properties, and (3) relative variation of gene expression within natural poplar variants. The sugar release performance of natural Populus variants was evaluated with their correlation with biomass recalcitrance-related characteristics. Among the physicochemical properties of poplar, the lignin content, lignin molecular weight, lignin S/G ratio, and cellulose accessibility were found to correlate with sugar release. The results demonstrated that the lignin content was negatively correlated with sugar release, whereas the lignin molecular weight, lignin S/G ratio, and cellulose accessibility were positively associated with poplar sugar release. The trend of differential gene expression of each variant also supports the characterization results and their effects on biomass conversion.
Six-Month Emergency Department Use among Older Adults Following Jail Incarceration.

Although the number of older adults who are arrested and subject to incarceration in jail is rising dramatically, little is known about their emergency department (ED) use or the factors associated with that use. This lack of knowledge impairs the ability to design evidence-based approaches to care that would meet the needs of this population. This 6-month longitudinal study aimed to determine the frequency of 6-month ED use among 101 adults aged 55 or older enrolled while in jail and to identify factors associated with that use. The primary outcome was self-reported emergency department use within 6 months from baseline. Additional measures included baseline socio-demographics, physical and mental health conditions, geriatric factors (e.g., recent falls, incontinence, functional impairment, concern about post-release safety), symptoms (pain and other symptoms), and behavioral and social health risk factors (e.g., substance use disorders, recent homelessness). Chi-square tests were used to identify baseline factors associated with ED use over 6 months. Participants (average age 60) reported high rates of multimorbidity (61%), functional impairment (57%), pain (52%), serious mental illness (44%), recent homelessness (54%), and/or substance use disorders (69%). At 6 months, 46% had visited the ED at least once; 21% visited multiple times. Factors associated with ED use included multimorbidity (p = 0.01), functional impairment (p = 0.02), hepatitis C infection (p = 0.01), a recent fall (p = 0.03), pain (p < 0.001), loneliness (p = 0.04), and safety concerns (p = 0.01). In this population of older adults in a county jail, geriatric conditions and distressing symptoms were common and associated with 6-month community ED use. Jail is an important setting to develop geriatric care paradigms aimed at addressing comorbid medical, functional, and behavioral health needs and symptomatology in an effort to improve care and decrease ED use in the growing population of criminal justice-involved older adults.
The Generation and Propagation of Oscillations in Dispersive Initial Value Problems and Their Limiting Behavior

We review a variety of equations describing physical systems in which dissipative or diffusive mechanisms are absent, but which undergo dispersive processes. We shall investigate the limiting behavior of such a system when the parameter in the dispersive term tends to zero. Numerical experiments reveal, and theory confirms by proof, fascinating patterns: smoothness in some regions coexist with regular oscillations in other regions, and irregular oscillations in yet other parts. The limit exists in the weak, i.e. average sense, and can be described with great precision. No general theory is given — since none exists — but several success stories are presented. Cases where the limiting behavior has been analyzed and understood are completely integrable, which makes them explicitly solvable. The strategy that has been used is to study these explicit solutions, complicated though they are, and to trace within their structure the passage to zero of the small parameter. In this way, not only the weak limit, but the microstructure of the oscillations can be understood. Less is known about nonintegrable cases. While they sometimes share properties exhibited by the integrable cases, new phenomena arise that have yet to be completely understood.
Potentially Prescriptions Inappropriate (PPIs) in elderly patients in polytherapy: structured discussion on the effect of medication therapy review using evaluation criteria listed in literature on the administrative health care database

In the last few years numerous evidences have shown an increased prevalence of “Potential Inappropriate Prescriptions (PPIs)” in the elderly (>/=65 years) and have estimated that more than 10% of all hospitalizations in this population are hospitalized for problems consequent to drugs given. The predictive factors more strongly related to the inappropriate use of drugs are polytherapy (>/= 5 drugs contemporary), uncritical application of guidelines in many cases inadequate and built with data from young subjects-adults affected by a single pathology, recommend drug regimens that do not consider the changes in the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics parameters, exposing to significant risks. Considering that polytherapy is any case necessary (due to the effect of comorbidity and longer life expectancy), is unavoidable not acknowledge the impossibility, as much for clinicians as for any guideline all interactions: in this perspective the application of evaluation scientifically based criteria and information technology tools could represent a resource for to tend to prescriptive appropriateness, still a challenge for researchers, clinicians, manager, third-payers. The application of explicit criteria (ex. Beers and STOPP & START) to the administrative data base of pharmaceutical prescriptions could represent a screening too, not only to qualitatively and quantitatively asses PPIs, given immediate availability of information, but above all to create practical support for the clinician’s work by crating “adaptive database” for interactive research for specific conditions. However, regardless of more or less functional software applications, more multidimensional and multidisciplinary efforts (ex. geriatric counseling) are needed to take on problems related to polypharmacy in elderly patients: the most appropriate therapeutic regimen should combine guidelines, geriatric assessment, social and economic considerations, the patient’s will and should be periodically reviewed, especially as the presence of multiple comorbidities increases the risk of adverse reactions.
Ionotropic and Metabotropic Mechanisms of Allosteric Modulation of α7 Nicotinic Receptor Intracellular Calcium

The pharmacological targeting of the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7) is a promising strategy in the development of new drugs for neurologic diseases. Because α7 receptors regulate cellular calcium, we investigated how the prototypical type II-positive allosteric modulator PNU120596 affects α7-mediated calcium signaling. Live imaging experiments show that PNU120596 augments ryanodine receptor-driven calcium-induced calcium release (CICR), inositol-induced calcium release (IICR), and phospholipase C activation by the α7 receptor. Both influx of calcium through the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) channel as well as the binding of intracellular G proteins were involved in the effect of PNU120596 on intracellular calcium. This is evidenced by the findings that chelation of extracellular calcium, expression of α7D44A or α7345-348A mutant subunits, or blockade of calcium store release compromised the ability of PNU120596 to increase intracellular calcium transients generated by α7 ligand activation. Spatiotemporal stochastic modeling of calcium transient responses corroborates these results and indicates that α7 receptor activation enables calcium microdomains locally and to lesser extent in the distant cytosol. From the model, allosteric modulation of the receptor activates CICR locally via ryanodine receptors and augments IICR through enhanced calcium influx due to prolonged α7 nAChR opening. These findings provide a new mechanistic framework for understanding the effect of α7 receptor allosteric modulation on both local and global calcium dynamics.
A Descriptive Study of the Relationship Between Literacy Quality and Global Quality in Family Child Care Programs Engaged in Quality Rating and Improvement Systems

Family Child Care (FCC) is an important sector of the early care and education system, and is included in most state-wide Quality Rating and Improvement Systems (QRIS). The sparse data on the literacy opportunities available in FCC are concerning from a QRIS perspective. Currently, there are no data on the relationship between global, and literacy specific measures of quality, and how these correspond to QRIS ratings in FCC settings. To provide empirical, descriptive data on the language and literacy opportunities found in FCC programs participating in statewide QRIS, and to explore the relationship between measures of global quality, literacy quality and QRIS ratings. This is a descriptive, cross-sectional study based on 66 FCC programs participating in QRIS in two states. Observational data were collected via the FCC Environmental Rating Scale–Revised and the Child/Home Early Language and Literacy Observation and compared with state administrative data on QRIS Level. It was hypothesized that global quality, literacy quality and QRIS scores will be positively related. The global and domain-specific quality measures were positively correlated with each other, and both were positively correlated with QRIS rating. While the relationship between global quality and literacy quality and QRIS ratings was expected, the level of quality of the literacy environment was modest. While FCC programs were equipped with books, other literacy features, in particular writing opportunities were lacking. Discussion and guidance regarding global and domain specific measurement and the ways these shape QRIS supports for FCC are offered.
Alvimopan, Regardless of Ileus Risk, Significantly Impacts Ileus, Length of Stay, and Readmission After Intestinal Surgery.

Previous analyses evaluating alvimopan included patients at varying risk for ileus after intestinal resection, which may have precluded its widespread adoption. We assess the early and delayed effects of alvimopan in patients stratified by risk for ileus after intestinal and colon resection. From the Premier Perspective database, patients with elective small and large bowel resections from 2012 to 2014 were identified. Multivariable analysis identified 14 perioperative risk factors for postoperative ileus. Within low- (0–4 factors), intermediate- (5 factors), and high-risk (6–12 factors) ileus categories, alvimopan and no-alvimopan patients were propensity-score matched for demographics, morbidities, diagnosis, surgery and approach, postoperative complications, surgeon specialty, and hospital features. In-hospital postoperative ileus, length of stay, discharge destination, and ileus-related readmission were compared. Of 52,948 patients, 15,719 (29.7%) received alvimopan. Risk for ileus in low- (18,784), intermediate- (14,370), and high-risk (19,794) categories was 8.9, 13, and 22% (p ≤ .0001) respectively. After matching, alvimopan was associated with significantly reduced in-hospital postoperative ileus in all (low, 6%; intermediate, 9.4%; and high risk, 16.2%) categories. Hospital stay and 30-, 60-, and 90-day postdischarge ileus were also significantly lower with alvimopan. For low-risk patients, alvimopan increased discharge to home, while 90-day emergency readmission was reduced. Alvimopan, regardless of ileus risk, improves ileus, hospital stay, and ileus-related readmission after intestinal resection and these effects are sustained over the long term. Since fewer than a third of patients currently receive alvimopan, its routine adoption with small and large intestinal resection will significantly impact patients and health systems.
Spatially adaptive unsupervised multispectral nonlocal filtering for improved cerebral blood flow mapping using arterial spin labeling magnetic resonance imaging.

Abstract Background Cerebral blood flow (CBF) is an emerging biomarker for normal aging and neurodegenerative diseases. Arterial spin labeling (ASL) perfusion MRI permits noninvasive quantification of CBF. However, high-quality mapping of CBF from ASL imaging is challenging, largely due to noise. New method We demonstrate the ability of the recently introduced nonlocal estimation of multispectral magnitudes (NESMA) filter to greatly improve determination of CBF estimates from ASL imaging data. We evaluated the results of NESMA-ASL for CBF mapping from data obtained on human brain ( n = 10) across a wide age range (21–74 years) using a standard clinical protocol. Results were compared to those obtained from unfiltered images or filtered images using conventional and advanced filters. Quantitative analyses for different spatial image resolutions and signal-to-noise ratios, SNRs, were also conducted. Results Our results demonstrate the potential of NESMA-ASL to permit high-quality high-resolution CBF mapping. NESMA-ASL substantially reduces random variation in derived CBF estimates while preserving edges and small structures, with minimal bias and dispersion in derived CBF estimates. Comparison with existing methods NESMA-ASL outperforms all evaluated filters in terms of noise reduction and detail preservation. Further, unlike other filters, NESMA-ASL is straightforward to implement requiring only one user-defined parameter, which is relatively insensitive to SNR or local image structure. Conclusions In-vivo estimation of CBF in the human brain from ASL imaging data was markedly improved through use of the NESMA-ASL filter. The use of NESMA-ASL may contribute significantly to the goal of high-quality high-resolution CBF mapping within a clinically feasible acquisition time.
Can Virtual Reality Enhance Learning: A Case Study in Materials Science

This Innovative Practice Work in Progress tests whether virtual reality (VR) can enhance students’ understanding in scientific fields, specifically Materials Science and Engineering (MSE), when compared to more traditional approaches. Of interest is how VR-based learning activities impact the performance of individuals with experience ranging from none to expert level in MSE compared to paper-based learning activities. To test this, an activity related to crystal structures, similar to what students would see in an introductory level MSE course, was administered to a group of students with varying knowledge levels in MSE. Each participant completed the same worksheet in either VR or on paper. The testing group was composed of seven students, which was too small of a sample size to draw definitive conclusions, yet significant observations could be made. On questions that required recall of prior knowledge, participants using paper-based activities generally performed better, whereas on questions requiring more spatial reasoning and critical thinking, VR participants generally performed better. Most of the participants reported enjoying the VR activities and platform, indicating high usability. These results suggest that VR may be beneficial in teaching complex spatial concepts.
Crossover Dynamics of Culex (Diptera: Culicidae) Vector Populations Determine WNV Transmission Intensity

First introduced into the United States in 1999, West Nile virus (WNV) has become endemic and has established itself as the predominant mosquito-borne arbovirus in North America. Transmitted by mosquitoes of the genus Culex, regional landscapes influence local vector species abundance, creating different mosquito ecologies that drive local transmission dynamics. In central Iowa, two mosquito species, Culex restuans Theobald and Culex pipiens Linnaeus, serve as the predominant mosquito vectors. Importantly, these mosquito populations are influenced by seasonal patterns in their abundance, with Cx. restuans preferring cool, early spring temperatures, while Cx. pipiens prefer the warmer, mid- to late-summer months. The point of the season at which Cx. pipiens becomes the dominant species is generally referred to as a 'crossover' period. To better understand the influence of crossover dynamics on WNV transmission, we examined environmental and mosquito abundance data, as well as mosquito infection rates and human disease cases from 2016 to 2018. We demonstrate that temperature influences the timing and duration of the crossover period, influencing mosquito abundance and human disease transmission. Together, these results suggest that Culex species crossover is an important variable of WNV transmission dynamics, which may provide an early warning indicators of increased WNV transmission.
Chordoma of the sacrum of an adult naked mole-rat.

The naked mole-rat (NMR; Heterocephalus glaber)—a small, eusocial, subterranean rodent native to East Africa—is distinguished by its capability to live long and resist changes associated with the a...
Forecast on Failure Characteristics of Transmission Line Galloping Based on Neural Networks Method

This paper conducts analysis and processing on galloping data by utilizing data mining and machine learning technology. Select the BP neural networks algorithm, establish the training model of neural networks, and then conduct forecast and early warning to galloping failure characteristics of the power transmission line. The accurate rate of forecast of the model on testing set is 89.52%. After accessing the forecast model to the galloping early warning platform for application, the line galloping accident in the eastern region of Inner Mongolia on October 26 2018 was forecasted successfully, and the forecast result of failure characteristics was output, which conformed to the actual situation, thus verifying the accuracy of model forecast result. This research achievement enhances the fining degree of galloping forecast and early warning, and the Power Grid Running and Maintenance Department can pre-judge the failure degree of galloping to the line according to galloping failure characteristics , thus adopting differentiated anti-galloping measures for solution, reducing running & maintenance cost, and enhancing the capability of power grid in dealing with galloping disaster.
Gratitude and Lower Suicidal Ideation Among Sexual Minority Individuals: Theoretical Mechanisms of the Protective Role of Attention to the Positive

Gratitude, or attention to and appreciation of the positive, is related to psychological well-being and less psychopathology, including suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs). However, to date, no ...
Plastic Bronchitis in Children with Asthma

Plastic bronchitis (BP) is usually an evolutionary complication of respiratory condi-tions such as asthma and / or pre-existing cardiac, and its occurrence in a patient without chronic respiratory pathology remains exceptional.?We report the observation of a seven-year-old child, followed for asthma, who presented with a pneumatic appearance of commonplace, massive atelectasis of the entire left lung. Endoscopic exploration of the tracheobronchial tree confirmed the extensive obstruction of the left tree by bronchial mussels. The evolution was favorable after the extraction and spontaneous rejection of intrabronchial mussels.
How can I help you? Multiple resource availability promotes generosity with low-value (but not high-value) resources

People commonly possess multiple, differentially-valued resources they can use to benefit those in need: contributing money, volunteering time, donating unwanted possessions, posting on social medi...
The Collision between Comparative Theory and Dialectical Thinking: Response to Benjamin, Schwartz Cooney, and Swartz

The author responds to rich discussions by Benjamin, Schwartz Cooney, and Swartz (this issue). He attempts to understand further the historical context for Mitchell’s developmental tilt paper as he...
On Optimizing a Generic Function in SAT

The goal of this study is to improve the scalability of today's SAT-based solutions for optimization problems and to pave the way towards extending the range of optimization problems solvable with SAT in practice. Let OptSAT be the problem of optimizing a generic Pseudo-Boolean function, given a satisfiable propositional formula F. We introduce an incremental and anytime incomplete algorithm for solving OptSAT, called Polosat. We show that integrating Polosat into a state-of-the-art open-source anytime MaxSAT solver significantly improves the solver's performance. Furthermore, we demonstrate that Polosat substantially improves the solution quality of an industrial placement tool, where placement is a sub-stage of the physical design stage of chip design.