cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of Stump Diameter on Sprout Number and Size for Three Oak Species in a Pennsylvania Clearcut

In a 2004 clearcut of a former even-aged oak (Quercus) forest, we examined the number and maximum height of stump sprouts for three oak species in east-central Pennsylvania. The greatest number of sprouts was produced by black oak (Quercus velutina) and chestnut oak (Q. montana) as compared with white oak (Q. alba). Logistic regression showed that diameter of stumps was a significant factor in determining the probability of sprouting for black oak, and an inverse relationship between stump diameter and the number of sprouts per stump was found for all three species. The number of white oak sprouts peaked in the 10‐20-cm diameter class and declined on larger stumps. The number of black oak sprouts peaked in the 20‐50-cm classes, and trees in the 70‐80-cm class produced the fewest sprouts. The mean annual growth of the tallest sprout on each stump was greater for black oak and chestnut oak than white oak.
Assessment of community food resources: A Latino neighborhood study in upstate New York.

This study aims to assess availability, affordability, and accessibility of food items in a low-income Latino neighborhood within a small city using an on-site food store survey. Store locations were identified by on-site Global Positioning System. Results showed the Latino neighborhood had limited availability and above-average cost of high-fiber bread. Fresh vegetables were more expensive compared to the non-Latino neighborhood, and more stores in the Latino neighborhood participated in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Food Program. The lack of supermarkets, fewer stores with disability access, and the lack of public transportation left Latino residents without a vehicle or with physical disabilities with few food shopping options.
The Reconstitution of Risk Objects

This paper examines the relationship of risk and power through a critical analysis of Crew Endurance Management, an initiative directed at enhancing maritime safety and efficiency. The paper argues that the initiative applies rhetorics of choice and self‐discipline to unite morality with risk, thus casting merchant mariners as risk objects in the shipping industry. This objectification relies on differentials in power rooted in differentially‐valued discourses that delegitimize some kinds of expertise. At the same time, deploying alternative rhetorics keyed to the anxieties of other levels of society allows risk objects to resist their objectification by shifting the relevant social scale for considering risk. The paper concludes by suggesting that imperatives for both productivity and safety will expand the workspace by expanding, through emphasis on personal choices, the environment in which workers must be concerned about risk reduction.
Lipoprotein Lipase S447X variant associated with VLDL, LDL and HDL diameter clustering in the MetS

Background Previous analysis clustered 1,238 individuals from the general population Genetics of Lipid Lowering Drugs Network (GOLDN) study by the size of their fasting very low-density, low-density and high-density lipoproteins (VLDL, LDL, HDL) using latent class analysis. From two of the eight identified groups (N = 251), ~75% of individuals met Adult Treatment Panel III criteria for the metabolic syndrome (MetS). Both showed small LDL diameter (mean = 19.9 nm); however, group 1 (N = 200) had medium VLDL diameter (mean = 53.1 nm) while group 2 had very large VLDL diameter (mean = 65.74 nm). Group 2 additionally showed significantly more insulin resistance (IR), and accompanying higher waist circumference and fasting glucose and triglycerides (all P < .01). Since lipoprotein lipase hydrolyzes triglyceride in the VLDL-LDL cascade, we examined whether these two patterns of lipoprotein diameter were associated with differences across two lipoprotein lipase (LPL) gene variants: D9N (rs1801177) and S447X (rs328).
Measurement of synaptic vesicle exocytosis in aortic baroreceptor neurons.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of the fluorescent membrane label FM1–43 as a measure of synaptic terminal exocytosis during stimulation of labeled aortic baroreceptor and unlabel...
Vancomycin dosing and monitoring for patients with end-stage renal disease receiving intermittent hemodialysis.

Purpose Vancomycin dosing and monitoring algorithms for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) receiving intermittent hemodialysis are reviewed. Summary Vancomycin is one of the most commonly administered antimicrobial agents in adult patients with ESRD receiving intermittent hemodialysis. However, despite the availability of many published studies, the single best method of vancomycin administration in this population remains unclear. Many studies evaluating vancomycin dosing in adult patients with ESRD receiving intermittent hemodialysis were limited by a small sample size, inappropriate therapeutic targets, older hemodialysis modalities (e.g., low-flux intermittent hemodialysis), and inconsistencies in the timing of dosing or therapeutic drug monitoring. Pharmacokinetic variables that must be accounted for include a prolonged distribution phase, a redistribution phase and rebound effect after completion of hemodialysis, patient weight, residual renal function, and nonrenal clearance. Optimal vancomycin dosing recommendations are needed, but clinicians should always consider patient-specific variables, the timing of vancomycin administration, the timing of serum vancomycin concentrations, and technical aspects of the dialysis procedure when creating a dosing regimen. Conclusion Individualized vancomycin dosing regimens and therapeutic drug monitoring are necessary for patients with ESRD receiving intermittent hemodialysis to ensure that goal serum vancomycin levels are reached to adequately treat an infection.
The Gaping Holes in Social Science

Gintis and Helbing discuss some of the major holes in the set of phenomena that are addressed in modern theory of social systems, and argue for a unified approach to fill those holes. Their paper is a major contribution. However it overlooks some of the holes in modern theory that are arguably are at least as important as the ones that Gintis and Helbing consider. In this short commentary I present and discuss two such holes in modern theory of social systems, holes that greatly handicap our theoretical understanding of social systems.
Neuro-oncology biotech industry progress report

The Brain Tumor Biotech Center at the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, in collaboration with Voices Against Brain Cancer hosted The Brain Tumor Biotech Summit at in New York City in June 2015. The focus was once again on fostering collaboration between neuro-oncologist, neurosurgeons, scientists, leaders from biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, and members of the financial community. The summit highlighted the recent advances in the treatment of brain tumor, and specifically focused on targeting of stem cells and EGFR, use of prophage and immunostimulatory vaccines, retroviral vectors for drug delivery, biologic prodrug, Cesium brachytherapy, and use of electric field to disrupt tumor cell proliferation. This article summarizes the current progress in brain tumor research as presented at 2015 The Brain Tumor Biotech Summit.
ZnO thin film transistors for more than just displays

We have fabricated ZnO thin film transistors (TFTs) on rigid and flexible substrates with characteristics well suited for displays and more general microelectronic applications. Using weak-reactant plasma enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD) we have fabricated single-gate, double-gate, and trilayer ZnO TFTs with good performance and stability. We have also fabricated TFTs and circuits on thin (few μm thick) solution-cast polymeric substrates that can be flexed to small radius for thousands of cycles.
Nitrogen fertilization interacts with light to increase Rubus spp. cover in a temperate forest

Nitrogen additions have caused species composition changes in many ecosystems by facilitating the growth of nitrophilic species. After 24 years of nitrogen fertilization in a 40 year-old stand at the Fernow Experimental Forest (FEF) in Central Appalachia, USA, the cover of Rubus spp. has increased from 1 to 19 % of total herbaceous-layer cover. While Rubus spp. are generally associated with high-light conditions that are created after a disturbance event, some species are also known to be nitrophilic. We investigated whether the increase in cover in Rubus spp. was due to either nitrogen, light, or an interaction between these two factors. To test for the effect of nitrogen and light on Rubus spp. cover, we compared the relative cover of Rubus spp. among fertilized and unfertilized watersheds and among fertilized and unfertilized experimental plots, using estimates of canopy openness as a covariate. Rubus spp. plants were also grown ex situ in a field experiment using a 2-way factorial design, measuring leaf area, and using two levels of nitrogen and three levels of light. The effect of nitrogen fertilization on relative Rubus spp. cover depended on canopy openness in the watersheds (F = 17.57, p = 0.0002) and experimental plots (F = 25.04, p = 0.0047). A similar effect for leaf area was also observed among plants grown in the field experiment (F = 4.12, p = 0.0247). Our results confirm that, although Rubus spp. at FEF are nitrophilic, they require sufficient light to increase their cover. Furthermore, the dominance of Rubus spp. in the herbaceous layer likely contributes to the observed decline in species diversity.
Delayed Diagnosis, Leprosy Reactions, and Nerve Injury Among Individuals With Hansen's Disease Seen at a United States Clinic

Background. Hansen's disease (HD), or leprosy, is uncommon in the United States. We sought to describe the characteristics of patients with HD in a US clinic, including an assessment of delays in diagnosis and HD reactions, which have both been associated with nerve damage. Methods. A retrospective chart review was conducted on patients seen at an HD clinic in the southern United States between January 1, 2002 and January 31, 2014. Demographic and clinical characteristics were summarized, including delays in diagnosis, frequency of reactions, and other complications including peripheral neuropathy. Results. Thirty patients were seen during the study time period. The majority of patients were male (73%) and had multibacillary disease (70%). Brazil, Mexico, and the United States were the most frequent of the 14 countries of origin. Hansen's disease “reactions”, severe inflammatory complications, were identified among 75% of patients, and nerve damage was present at diagnosis in 36% of patients. The median length of time between symptom onset and diagnosis was long at 12 months (range, 1–96), but no single factor was associated with a delay in diagnosis. Conclusions. The diagnosis of HD was frequently delayed among patients referred to our US clinic. The high frequency of reactions and neuropathy at diagnosis suggests that further efforts at timely diagnosis and management of this often unrecognized disease is needed to prevent the long-term sequelae associated with irreversible nerve damage.
Research on streamline distribution of flow through heterogeneous porous media with complex boundary

Many reservoir engineers have paid close attention to the streamline study.The steady-state flow mathematical model of arbitrary shaped heterogeneous reservoirs with impermeable barrier is constructed in this paper.In order to solve this model,perturbation method is employed and the solution is expanded into a series in powers of perturbation parameter.By using the boundary element method,pressure is obtained.And a streamline generating technique is presented. The advantages of the method are reducing the dimensions of the solving problem and decreasing the calculation workload,being not only more accurate but also having more general applicability.The figures of streamlines are plotted and analyzed considering the effect of complex boundary,heterogeneous and impermeable barriers.Through analyzing,it indicates that the impermeable barriers and heterogeneity have various degree influences on the streamlines.The figures shows that the streamline distributions can visual display the reservoir fluid's movement tracks between the producers and injectors,an optimum pattern and an injection strategy can be also developed.
Live cell imaging to understand monocyte, macrophage, and dendritic cell function in atherosclerosis

Intravital imaging is an invaluable tool for understanding the function of cells in healthy and diseased tissues. It provides a window into dynamic processes that cannot be studied by other techniques. This review will cover the benefits and limitations of various techniques for labeling and imaging myeloid cells, with a special focus on imaging cells in atherosclerotic arteries. Although intravital imaging is a powerful tool for understanding cell function, it alone does not provide a complete picture of the cell. Other techniques, such as flow cytometry and transcriptomics, must be combined with intravital imaging to fully understand a cell's phenotype, lineage, and function.
Social Networks and Unobserved Heterogeneity in Risk for AIDS

As a sexually transmitted disease, AIDS spreads along social networks; consequently,it is reasonable to propose to utilize these networks in teaching people to avoid practices that put them at increased risk of contracting AIDS. Most obviously, homosexual men are both at relatively high risk of contracting AIDS, and in many urban areas have well crystallized community structures and high social connectivity. We present evidence suggesting that using such social networks can have the unanticipated consequence of reaching a set of men who are at relatively low risk. Evidently, there is great unobserved heterogeneity among the population in terms of risk, and while this heterogeneity is not captured by conventional measures of risk behavior, it is closely linked to network processes.
Motivating Students in the 21st Century

Purpose To examine instructors' and students' perspectives on motivation in the classroom and clinical environments and to explore instructional strategies educators can use to motivate college students in the 21st century. Methods Articles selected for this review were from peer-reviewed journals and scholarly sources that emphasized student and educator perspectives on motivation and instructional strategies to increase student motivation. Results Understanding how college students are motivated can help educators engage students in lessons and activities, ultimately improving the students' academic performance. Discussion Students exhibit increased motivation in classes when educators have high expectations, conduct an open-atmosphere classroom, and use multidimensional teaching strategies. Instructional styles such as connecting with students, creating an interactive classroom, and guiding and reminding students improved student motivation. Conclusion Radiologic science educators must be mindful of how college students are motivated and use various instructional strategies to increase students' motivation in the classroom and clinical setting.
Quadratic Optimal Control of Aerodynamic Vectored UAV at High Angle of Attack

Small-scale Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAVs) belong to the class of less than one meter box dimension and are widely used in different civilian and military roles. In this paper, quadratic optimal control synthesis is carried out on a rigid-wing UAV at low speeds with improved aerodynamic performance. The aircraft is equipped with a unique feature of ‘aerodynamic vectoring’ such that the angle of incidence of the wing is dealt as an independent control variable. The aircraft motion is studied in longitudinal plane. More specifically, controller is designed using Linear Quadratic Regulation (LQR) and Linear Quadratic Gaussian (LQG) formulations which are carried out for two configurations – fixed-wing UAV and ‘Aerodynamic Vectored’ UAV. The control architecture shows avoidance of instabilities associated with short period and phugoid modes. Moreover, aerodynamic vectored UAV manifests better performance in terms of stability, control effort, settling time and overshoot.
Hydrogenases, Nitrogenases, Anoxia, and H 2 Production in Water-Oxidizing Phototrophs

The production of H2 for use as a renewable energy carrier using solar energy and electrons derived from water is widely regarded as one of the most environmentally benign and sustainable energy solutions. Several water-oxidizing, phototrophic algae and cyanobacteria have the remarkable ability to use low potential electrons from the photosynthetic electron transport chain, or from sugar oxidation, to reduce protons to H2. major research efforts are aimed at developing a more informed understanding of the physiological parameters dictating H2 production in water-oxidizing, phototrophic microorganisms, with the ultimate goal of improving H2 yields. Currently, the yields of H2 production are far below those required for the economically-viable production of H2 and substantial improvements are required to generate the quantities of H2 necessary to replace a meaningful portion of our current energy portfolio. Nevertheless, recent biological H2 production research efforts are rapidly elucidating (a) the metabolic pathways that supply reductant to H2-producing enzymes, (b) the metabolic and mechanistic requirements for maturation of the metallo-enzyme centers required in H2-producing enzymes, (c) novel hydrogenase enzymes, and (d) the genetic techniques required for manipulating metabolism in H2-producing organisms.
Enhanced stochastic fluctuations to measure steep adhesive energy landscapes

Free-energy landscapes govern the behavior of all interactions in the presence of thermal fluctuations in the fields of physical chemistry, materials sciences, and the biological sciences. From the energy landscape, critical information about an interaction, such as the reaction kinetic rates, bond lifetimes, and the presence of intermediate states, can be determined. Despite the importance of energy landscapes to understanding reaction mechanisms, most experiments do not directly measure energy landscapes, particularly for interactions with steep force gradients that lead to premature jump to contact of the probe and insufficient sampling of transition regions. Here we present an atomic force microscopy (AFM) approach for measuring energy landscapes that increases sampling of strongly adhesive interactions by using white-noise excitation to enhance the cantilever’s thermal fluctuations. The enhanced fluctuations enable the recording of subtle deviations from a harmonic potential to accurately reconstruct interfacial energy landscapes with steep gradients. Comparing the measured energy landscape with adhesive force measurements reveals the existence of an optimal excitation voltage that enables the cantilever fluctuations to fully sample the shape and depth of the energy surface.
Managerial Attention and Organizational Adjustment Costs in Diversified Firms

This paper analyzes managerial attention in diversified firms that undertake spinoffs. While these transactions should improve the focus of managers' attention by reducing firms' diversification le...
Abstract WMP60: Interactive Children's Stroke Program Yields High Profiecency Scores on 6 Month Assessment

Background: Although community stroke recognition has improved slowly over the last 2 decades, currently 1 in 3 Americans cannot recall any stroke signs or symptoms. This has impact beyond an individual level as 66% of stroke cases are identified by someone other than the person experiencing symptoms. Purpose: To implement a 1 hour interactive program emphasizing the FAST acronym for stroke signs and symptoms for school aged children in the Central Ohio area and at 6 months have 80% of students able to recognize signs and symptoms of stroke and call 911. Method: We developed 5 interactive rotating stations each lasting 5-10 minutes (total program of 1 hour). Each station used adaptive equipment to mimic a stroke deficit. To reinforce FAST, other signs and symptoms of stroke and the importance of calling 911, and to start conversations in homes and educate those beyond the classroom, a coloring booklet with a stroke story, facts and activities was given to each child at the end of the program. Grade appropriate baseline knowledge assessments were given 1 week prior to program participation. The same assessments were given 1 week post program to measure knowledge gained based on group9s overall average score and at 6 months measuring knowledge retention defined as 80% of individuals scoring at least 80% or above in recognizing signs and symptoms of stroke. Results: There were 839 children educated across 15 schools (12% 3rd grade, 46% 4th grade, 42% 5th grade). Every class for every grade demonstrated improvements in knowledge from the pre-to post-assessment. The aim for 6-month knowledge retention across participants was met (Figure 1). Conclusion: Addressing gaps in community stroke recognition through a 1 hour interactive children9s stroke program yielded >80% knowledge proficiency after 6 months. Further research is warranted to determine the association between educating with adaptive equipment compared with standard printed materials and/or lecture.
The Internet of Things and new business opportunities

Abstract Since the Internet of Things (IoT) is an emerging phenomenon, there is a lack of holistic understanding of what IoT is and what business opportunities it can offer for entrepreneurs and existing companies. This article has three main parts. First, it introduces IoT as a broad, socio-technical phenomenon. As a part of this goal, the article covers various elements within the technological, physical, and socioeconomic environments that comprise IoT. Second, this article proposes two approaches for creating new business models using IoT: a sustaining approach and a disruptive approach. The article concludes with a brief reflection on the extent to which the future of IoT can be predicted. This discussion brings up the limitations of the approach for creating new business models outlined in this article and provides guidelines on how this approach should be used. The ultimate goal of this article is to stimulate thinking, creativity, and entrepreneurship in relation to the IoT.
Overall survival after resection of retroperitoneal sarcoma at academic cancer centers versus community cancer centers: An analysis of the National Cancer Data Base

Background Operative resection remains the definitive curative therapy for retroperitoneal sarcoma. Data published recently show a correlation between improved outcomes for complex oncologic operations and treatment at academic centers. For large retroperitoneal sarcomas, operative resection can be complex and require multidisciplinary care. We hypothesized that survival rates vary between type of treating center for patients undergoing resection for retroperitoneal sarcoma. Methods Patients with stage I to III nonmetastatic retroperitoneal sarcomas who underwent operative resection were identified from the National Cancer Database during the years 2004–2013. Treating centers were categorized as academic cancer centers or community cancer centers. Overall survival was analyzed by log-rank test and graphed using Kaplan-Meier method. Results A total of 2,762 patients were identified. A majority of patients (59.4%, n = 1,642) underwent resection at an academic cancer centers. Median age at diagnosis was 63 years old. Neoadjuvant radiotherapy was more common at academic cancer centers, while adjuvant radiotherapy was more common at community cancer centers. Improved overall survival was seen at academic cancer centers across all stages compared with community cancer centers ( P = .014) but, after multivariable Cox regression analysis, was not a significant independent predictor of survival (hazard ratio = 0.91, 95% confidence interval, 0.79–1.04, P = .171). Academic cancer centers exhibited a greater rate of R0 resection (55.9% vs 47.0%, P P = .044) after multivariable logistic regression. Conclusion Resection for retroperitoneal sarcoma performed at academic cancer centers was an independent predictor of margin-negative resection but was not a statistically significant factor for survival. This observation suggests that site of care may contribute to some aspect of improved oncologic resection for retroperitoneal sarcoma.
Explaining enkratic asymmetries: knowledge-first style

There are two different kinds of enkratic principles for belief: evidential enkratic principles and normative enkratic principles. It’s frequently taken for granted that there’s not an important difference between them. But evidential enkratic principles are undermined by considerations that gain no traction at all against their normative counterparts. The idea that such an asymmetry exists between evidential and normative enkratic principles is surprising all on its own. It is also something that calls out for explanation. Similarly, the considerations that undermine evidential enkratic principles also undermine certain narrow-scope evidential principles. This too generates explanatory questions. I show how a knowledge-first view of rationality can easily address these (and further) explanatory questions. Thus we have one more reason to put knowledge first in epistemology.
Looking Good and Making It Seem Easy: A Prospective Study of Effortless Perfectionism, Body Image, and BMI in Unhealthy Weight Control Behaviors Among Female Adolescents and Young Adults

Unhealthy weight control behaviors are a significant health concern among adolescents and emerging adults, and perfectionism plays a role in the development/maintenance of these behaviors. Effortle...
A function-blocking CD47 antibody modulates extracellular vesicle-mediated intercellular signaling between breast carcinoma cells and endothelial cells

Tumor cells release extracellular vesicles (EVs) into the tumor microenvironment that may facilitate malignant progression and metastasis. Breast carcinoma EVs express high levels of the thrombospondin-1 and signal regulatory protein-α receptor CD47, which is the target of several experimental therapeutics currently in clinical trials. We analyzed changes in gene expression and function in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) induced by treatment with EVs derived from breast carcinoma cells and the effects of the function-blocking CD47 antibody B6H12 on the resulting intercellular communication. CD47+ EVs exhibited greater uptake by HUVEC compared to CD47− EVs, but the CD47 antibody did not inhibit their uptake. Global and targeted analyses of transcripts demonstrated that treatment of HUVEC with EVs derived from MDA-MB-231 breast carcinomas cells altered pathways associated with tumor necrosis factor-α signaling, angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, endothelial-mesenchymal transition, and extracellular matrix. EVs from triple-negative MDA-MB-231 cells were more active than EVs from less metastatic breast carcinoma cell lines. Treatment with MDA-MB-231 EVs down-regulated VEGFR2 mRNA expression and tyrosine phosphorylation while enhancing phosphorylation of the tyrosine phosphatase SHP2. VEGFR2 expression and phosphorylation in HUVEC was further inhibited by the CD47 antibody. Consistent with the observed changes in endothelial-mesenchymal transition genes and SHP2, treatment with MDA-MB-231-derived EVs decreased Zeb1 protein levels in HUVEC, whereas the CD47 antibody increased Zeb1 levels. The induction of E-selectin and other known targets of tumor necrosis factor-α signaling by EVs was also enhanced by the CD47 antibody, and E-selectin was the most up-regulated transcript following CD47 antibody treatment alone. These studies reveal several mechanisms by which therapeutics targeting CD47 could modulate tumor growth by altering the cross talk between cancer-derived EVs and nonmalignant cells in the tumor stroma.
Taking on the stress-depression link: Meaning as a resource in adolescence

Abstract We investigated how meaning in life affects the link between stress and depression symptoms in adolescents. Adolescents (N = 177; 58.4% female, mean age = 14.75 years) reported on their meaning in life, exposure to stressors, and depression symptomatology. Higher meaning in life predicted lower depression symptoms. Importantly, meaning in life moderated the relationship between stress exposure and depressive symptoms: stress exposure was associated with higher depression when meaning in life was low, when meaning in life was high, there was no association between stressors and depression. These findings indicate the importance of having a sense of meaning in life adolescence. A positive relationship was found between stress exposure and depression symptomatology levels at a time-point seven months earlier. This lends a longitudinal perspective; meaning in life moderated a relationship that had been present for seven months. Therapeutic implications for protecting at-risk youth are discussed.
Carbon nanotube-embedded advanced aerospace composites for early-stage damage sensing

Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites featuring outstanding fatigue performance, high specific stiffness and strength, and low density have evolved as critical structural materials in aerospace applications. Microscale damage such as fiber breakage, matrix cracking, and delamination could occur in layered composites compromising structural integrity, emphasizing the critical need to monitor structural health. Early damage detection would lead to enhanced reliability, lifetime, and performance while minimizing maintenance time, leading to enormous scientific and technical interest in realizing physically stable, quick responding, and cost effective strain sensing materials, devices, and techniques with high sensitivity over a broad range of the practical strain spectrum. Today’s most commonly used strain sensing techniques are metal foil strain gauges and optical fiber sensors. Metal foil gauges offer high stability and cost-effectiveness but can only be surface-mounted and have a low gauge factor. Optical fibers require expensive instrumentation, are mostly insensitive to cracks parallel to the fiber orientation and may lead to crack initiation as the diameter is larger than that of the reinforcement fibers. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have attracted much attention due to high aspect ratio and superior electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties. CNTs embedded in layered composites have improved performance. A variety of CNT architectures and configurations have shown improved piezoresistive behavior and stability for sensing applications. However, scaling up and commercialization remain serious challenges. The current study investigates a simple, cost effective and repeatable technique for highly sensitive, stable, linear and repeatable strain sensing for damage detection by integrating CNT laminates into composites.
The Health and Economic Outcomes of Peanut Allergy Management Practices.

Background Peanut allergy is managed with strict avoidance, epinephrine carriage, and promptly treating reactions. Objective The objective of this study was to assess the health and economic benefits of pre-emptively injecting epinephrine for peanut ingestion in the absence of any symptoms, and to avoid products with peanut precautionary allergen labeling (PAL). Methods We used Markov modeling and simulations, assuming a base-case 10-fold fatality risk increase for less conservative management, with sensitivity analysis investigating 100- to 1000-fold increased fatality risk, incorporating risks of accidental exposures, reactions, fatality, and family costs of food allergy. Low-dose threshold challenges were used to exclude subjects highly reactive to PAL items. Results Based on these assumptions, small reductions in per-patient fatality risk resulted from pre-emptive epinephrine injection without symptoms present ( Conclusions Commonly recommended practices of pre-emptive epinephrine injection in the absence of symptoms, or universal avoidance of PAL, were not cost-effective when compared with administering epinephrine on symptom development or allowing PAL consumption.
Interpretation of AC Impedance Measurements in Solids

In order to use solid materials most effectively in solid electrolyte applications, they need to be characterized as fully as is practical. Here, one useful method of electrical response characterization will be discussed: measurement of the response when a small-signal sinusoidal potential difference is applied across a sample. A great deal more can be learned from the frequency and temperature dependence of the resulting impedance than from ordinary DC or single-frequency AC conductance measurements alone.
Crop Responses to Climate: Time-Series Models

Time series of annual crop production levels, at scales ranging from experimental trials to regional production totals, are widely available and represent a useful opportunity to understand crop responses to weather variations. This chapter discusses the main techniques of building models from time series and the tradeoffs involved in the many decisions required in the process. A worked example using United States maize production is used to illustrate key concepts.
Elasto-Plastic Analysis Using a Stress-Based Finite Element Method and an Endochronic Theory of Plasticity

A stress-based finite element methodology that uses the endochronic theory to model elasto-plastic structural behavior is presented. xhe methodology is implemented through a “tangent” stiffness formulation using a discretization of four-fields consisting of: 1) stress, 2) displacement, 3) magnitude of plastic strain, and 4) hydrostatic stress. The four-field approach allows elastically incompressible materials and materials that become incompressible due to plastic flow to be modeled. The stress-based element has been demonstrated to give more accurate solutions for displacements and stresses than conventional displacement models [1]. The more accurate stress solution obtained with stress-based formulations allow fewer elements to be used. In addition, the more accurate stress solution combined with a reduced number of elements usually leads to faster convergence rates. The magnitude of plastic strain is included as an unknown variable to treat the case of perfect or near perfect plasticity. The hydrostatic stress is retained as a global field variable to ensure that the incompressibi1ity constraint associated with fully plastic flows or with elastically incompressible materials does not “lock” the element.
Radioprotective strategies for interventional echocardiographers during structural heart interventions.

Objective We investigated radioprotective strategies for the interventional echocardiographer (IE) during structural heart interventions in comparison with the interventional cardiologist (IC). Background Structural heart interventions are expanding in complexity with increased reliance on IE. Recent reports have demonstrated concerning exposure and higher radiation to the IE. Methods We monitored 32 structural interventions - 19 transcatheter aortic valve replacements (TAVR), 6 transcatheter mitral valve repairs, 5 paravalvular leak closures, and 2 atrial septal defect closures. Seventeen utilized transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) while 15 used transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). Members of the IC and IE teams wore multiple dosimeters on different sites of the body to measure radiation dose to the total body, lens of the eye, and hand. During each case, IE utilized dedicated radiation shielding. Results Mean doses were higher for the primary IC than the primary IE: IC#1-99, 222, 378; IE#1-48, 52, 416 (body, lens, and hand doses in μSv). IE radioprotective strategies were able to reduce body and lens doses compared to IC during both TTE and TEE-guided procedures. Hand equivalent dose remained higher for the IE driven by exposure during TEE-guided procedures (IC#1 294 vs. IE#1 676 μSv). In a subgroup using radioprotective drapes during TTE-guided TAVR, IC dose was reduced without effect on the IE. Conclusions Radiation exposure during structural heart interventions is concerning. With dedicated shielding, IE received lower doses to the body and lens than IC. Further optimization of structural suite design and shielding is needed.
Psychosocial Interventions for Treatment of Intermittent Explosive Disorder

Abstract Research on psychosocial interventions for Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED) is still in its infancy. Cognitive-behavioral interventions have been shown to be effective in treating anger and aggression; however, little research has been conducted assessing the efficacy of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) (or any psychosocial intervention) in treating the severe anger dysregulation and aggression characteristic of IED. The few published studies that have examined CBT for IED, though all somewhat methodologically limited, have been consistent in showing that CBT can reduce anger and aggressive tendencies and increase anger control. This improvement appears to be in excess of wait-list/self-monitoring controls and early data suggests the improvement from CBT exceeds that of more nondirective, client-centered therapy. However, more well-controlled studies are needed including studies using more rigorous comparison conditions (e.g., treatment as usual) as well as investigations of other treatment modalities both separate from, and in combination with, CBT.
Stress cracking morphology of polyethylene (PE) geomembrane seams

The high crystallinity of polyethylene (PE) geomembranes offers an excellent chemical resistance to harsh chemical leachates, but can be problematic with regard to stress cracking. Particularly vulnerable are field seams due to their overlapping geometry, necessity for surface grinding for removal of oxide layers, and possibility of poor quality. Using laboratory test specimens under constant load (ASTM D 2552 [modified]) it was shown that field seams can be subjected to such stress cracking. This paper presents a fracture surface morphological study of the cracked specimens from those particular tests. Five different seam types were evaluated, compared, and contrasted under different applied stress levels. Qualitatively, the morphology patterns were grouped into five categories: long fibrous, short fibrous, flake, hackle, and lamellar. These morphologies appear to be related to the magnitude of the applied global stress. The short fibers occurred at low stress, the long fibers at moderate stress, and the flake at high stress. Hackle often appears before the plastic failure as the cross-sectional area of the specimen decreases. Lamellar, the least common structure, may be caused by a combination of a low stress cracking with local plastic failure. What remains now is to see if this tentative classification applies to stress-cracked specimens from large laboratory tests and for field situations. If the nature of the field failure can be ascertained by comparison with the laboratory-generated categories (small and large sizes), implications to optimal seam types and/or polymer compound type may become apparent.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Enuresis

Enuresis is a common childhood concern in which children over the developmental age of 4 years continue to pass urine into their bed or their underclothing. Since all children pass urine during infancy, this condition can only be diagnosed after the age of 5. As they age, the enuresis is likely to become more distressing. This chapter addresses the biological and behavioral factors and reviews the evidence-based cognitive behavioral interventions for both nocturnal or nighttime enuresis (NE) and Diurnal Enuresis or daytime Enuresis (DE). The most common biological contributor to enuresis is constipation, which should usually be managed at the outset and throughout the course of treatment for the enuresis, presumably by the referring physician. Behavioral contributors such as awareness training and noncompliance with toileting routines may also need to be addressed in order to achieve full symptom remission. Cognitive factors such as treatment resistance should also be addressed and intervened upon if present. A combined medical and behavioral/psychological treatment approach, which the research suggests is best practice, is recommended.
Heterotopic Pregnancy Diagnosed with Point-of-care Ultrasound in the Emergency Department: A Case Report.

Author(s): Holley, Ian J.; Stickles, Sean P. | Abstract: Introduction: Heterotopic pregnancies are rare. However, they are occurring with increasing frequency. Unfortunately, diagnosis is frequently delayed, with patients presenting in extremis.Case Report: We present a case of a heterotopic pregnancy diagnosed by point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in a woman presenting with lower abdominal pain, who had a documented normal first trimester ultrasound the day prior to presentation.Discussion: Given the increasing rates of heterotopic pregnancies, we can no longer be reassured by the presence of an intra-uterine pregnancy (IUP) in a patient with concerning signs and symptoms of a ruptured ectopic pregnancy. A thorough POCUS evaluation of the uterus and adnexa is essential for the diagnosis of heterotopic pregnancy in the emergency department.Conclusion: This case highlights the value POCUS brings to the emergency department evaluation of patients in early pregnancy.
Chapter 16 – Intelligent Design

The argument from design has two parts. It asserts, first, that organisms evince to have been designed; and second, that only God could account for the design. This argument was advanced in a variety of forms in classical Greece and by Christian authors. In the 1990s the design argument was revived in the United States by several authors. The flagellum used by bacteria for swimming and the immune system of mammals, as well as some improbability calculations, were advanced as evidence of intelligent design (ID), on the grounds that natural processes could not account for the phenomena to be explained. Scientists have refuted these arguments with extensive evidence. ID is not a scientifically acceptable proposal because it cannot be empirically tested, nor has it produced any scientific results. The design of organisms comes about by genetic mutation and natural selection, in a process that is creative through the interaction of chance and necessity.
A systematic review of endovascular stent-electrode arrays, a minimally invasive approach to brain-machine interfaces.

Objective The goal of this study was to systematically review the feasibility and safety of minimally invasive neurovascular approaches to brain-machine interfaces (BMIs). Methods A systematic literature review was performed using the PubMed database for studies published between 1986 and 2019. All studies assessing endovascular neural interfaces were included. Additional studies were selected based on review of references of selected articles and review articles. Results Of the 53 total articles identified in the original literature search, 12 studies were ultimately selected. An additional 10 articles were included from other sources, resulting in a total of 22 studies included in this systematic review. This includes primarily preclinical studies comparing endovascular electrode recordings with subdural and epidural electrodes, as well as studies evaluating stent-electrode gauge and material type. In addition, several clinical studies are also included. Conclusions Endovascular stent-electrode arrays provide a minimally invasive approach to BMIs. Stent-electrode placement has been shown to be both efficacious and safe, although further data are necessary to draw comparisons between subdural and epidural electrode measurements given the heterogeneity of the studies included. Greater access to deep-seated brain regions is now more feasible with stent-electrode arrays; however, further validation is needed in large clinical trials to optimize this neural interface. This includes the determination of ideal electrode material type, venous versus arterial approaches, the feasibility of deep brain stimulation, and more streamlined computational decoding techniques.
Nitrous oxide analgesia for external cephalic version: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract Study objective Our study sought to determine whether or not nitrous oxide analgesia decreases pain compared to oxygen placebo during external cephalic version for breech presentation. Procedural success may be limited by pain and anxiety. Although neuraxial anesthesia has been studied extensively for these procedures, many centers lack resources for routine use. Nitrous oxide is noninvasive, has minimal side effects and requires limited facilities. We hypothesized that its analgesic properties would decrease pain compared to oxygen placebo during external cephalic version. Design Double-blinded randomized placebo-controlled trial. Setting Labor and delivery triage room. Patients Forty-eight patients, ≥18 years of age, 37-weeks' gestation or beyond, singleton pregnancy, breech presentation, and American Society of Anesthesiology physical status I-III, having an external cephalic version. Interventions Patients undergoing external cephalic version were randomized to receive self-administered 50% nitrous oxide/50% oxygen versus 100% oxygen placebo. Measurements The primary outcome measured was intra-procedural pain. Secondary outcomes were intra-procedural anxiety, patient satisfaction, and procedure difficulty. Main results Forty-eight patients were enrolled; 23 received nitrous oxide and 25 received oxygen. No difference was noted in mean pain scores (nitrous oxide 5.5 ± 2.3, placebo 5.4 ± 2.7, [CI95% = −1.40, 1.51]; P = 0.943) or anxiety scores (nitrous oxide 1.6 ± 2.0, placebo 1.2 ± 1.8, [CI95% = −0.74, 1.45]; P = 0.515). Procedural difficulty (1–10 scale, 1 = very easy, 10 = extremely difficult) was not different between groups (nitrous oxide 6.1 ± 2.2, placebo 6.1 ± 3.2, [CI95% = −1.54, 1.66]; P = 0.944). There was a significant increase in the number of version attempts in the nitrous oxide group (nitrous oxide 3.9 ± 1.9, placebo 2.8 ± 1.4, [CI95% = 0.05, 2]; P = 0.046). Patient satisfaction was significantly lower in the nitrous oxide group (nitrous oxide 4.3 ± 4.0, placebo 6.9 ± 3.6, [CI95% = −4.93, −0.34]; P = 0.025). Conclusion Despite the desirable properties of nitrous oxide, there was no analgesic benefit over oxygen for external cephalic version. Its routine use for these procedures was not supported.
Teaching and researching ELLs’ disciplinary literacies: systemic functional linguistics in action in the context of U.S. school reform: edited by M. Gebhard, New York, NY, Routledge, 2019, xvi + 281 pp., $48.07 (hbk), ISBN 9781-138-1-09089-7

Multilingual learners 1 are the fastest-growing student population in the United States. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (2019), 4.9 million public school students in the ...