cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analyzing the Adaptive Mesh Refinement (AMR) Characteristics of a High-Order 2D Cubed-Sphere Shallow-Water Model

AbstractAdaptive mesh refinement (AMR) is a technique that has been featured only sporadically in atmospheric science literature. This paper aims to demonstrate the utility of AMR for simulating atmospheric flows. Several test cases are implemented in a 2D shallow-water model on the sphere using the Chombo-AMR dynamical core. This high-order finite-volume model implements adaptive refinement in both space and time on a cubed-sphere grid using a mapped-multiblock mesh technique. The tests consist of the passive advection of a tracer around moving vortices, a steady-state geostrophic flow, an unsteady solid-body rotation, a gravity wave impinging on a mountain, and the interaction of binary vortices. Both static and dynamic refinements are analyzed to determine the strengths and weaknesses of AMR in both complex flows with small-scale features and large-scale smooth flows. The different test cases required different AMR criteria, such as vorticity or height-gradient based thresholds, in order to achieve the...
Computer-Aided Visualization and Animation of Ocean Wave Dynamics

Ocean waves are the most recognized phenomenon in oceanography. Students majoring in oceanography first encounter the complex mathematical theories of these surface gravity waves in upper-level undergraduate and lower-level graduate courses. Linear wave theory is the simplest theory that mathematically models these waves, yet its complex mathematical equations are often difficult and confusing to students. This difficulty is due to linear wave theory's inherent dependence on time and space along with the mixture of linear, hyperbolic, and trigonometric functions in its equations. As a result, verbal descriptions and twodimensional illustrations are often insufficient for thorough student comprehension. For this reason, computer-aided visualizations and animations, accompanied by concurrent oral narration, are a welcome pedagogical supplement to traditional methods of instruction. We wrote a MATLAB software program to compute, visualize, and animate various ocean-wave dynamics topics for instructional purp...
Thromboembolism in Nonrheumatic Atrial Fibrillation: What Have We Learned?

In the mid-1980s, several groups of investigators initiated clinical trials to assess the value of antithrombotic medications for primary prevention of thromboembolism in patients with nonrheumatic atrial fibrillation (AF) (Table 1) [1–7]. The results of four of these trials are now available.
Test Battery for Language and Speech Assessment

Psychometric tools available for assessing children’s language are reviewed from the perspective of the aspect of language comprehension or production addressed including: phonology; syntax and morphology; the lexicon and semantics; and pragmatics. A framework for speech and language assessment is outlined and assessment batteries appropriate for different ages are suggested. English-based tools will be used to exemplify aspects targeted for assessment.
Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 Polymorphism Confers a Genetic Contribution to the Risk of Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion: An Updated Meta-Analysis:

Various studies have investigated the risk of recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) with plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) 4G/5G polymorphism. However, the results have been somewhat contradictory. Therefore, an updated meta-analysis based on 31 studies (5617 cases and 3952 controls) was undertaken to clarify this relationship. The degree of RSA risk was estimated using the odds ratio (OR) and the 95% confidence interval (CI). Overall, the random effects OR was 1.464 (95% CI: 1.269–1.690) for 4G versus 5G, 2.075 (95% CI: 1.563–2.754) for 4G/4G versus 5G/5G, 1.457 (95% CI: 1.211–1.753) for 4G/5G versus 5G/5G, 1.743 (95% CI: 1.358–2.236) for 4G/4G versus 4G/5G þ 5G/5G, and 1.600 (95% CI: 1.327–1.930) for 4G/4G þ 4G/5G versus 5G/5G, indicating that PAI-1 4G/5G polymorphism could confer an increased risk of RSA. Furthermore, a subgroup analysis showed a significantly elevated susceptibility to RSA in Asians, Caucasians, and Africans. Thus, this study demonstrated that PAI-1 4G/5G polymorphism likely confers a genetic contribution to the development of RSA. The results may aid in developing a theoretical basis for effective strategies to prevent and treat RSA.
Last Words on Anova

Many people like to say the last words in an academic debate, and I am no exception. I have tried to do this on a few occasions, only to discover that when I came to say my piece, everyone had left the room. The analysis of variance is a case in point, and my comments on Tukey’s contributions to anova explain the problem. If – as I believe to be true – people don’t care much these days what Tukey thought about anova, they are going to care even less what I think. This is not said with any sense of bitterness. Indeed I regard myself as something of a student of fads, fashions and trends in statistics, so why should I expect otherwise? Nevertheless, I’m very happy to see these articles reprinted, as their easier availability may kindle the interest of someone, somewhere, sometime in what I still believe to be an important part of (the history of) our subject.
Impacting Nursing Student Learning Outcomes Through Use of a Multimedia Elearning Module

The purpose of this capstone project was to determine if the integration of ATI’s Nurse Logic 2.0 impacted the ATI Fundamentals 2013 proctored exam student learning outcomes of associate degree in nursing (ADN) students taking a Fundamentals course at a community college in Ohio. Mayer’s Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning (CTML) was used as a guiding principle to ensure proper implementation of the ATI Nurse Logic 2.0 multimedia eLearning modules. The results of this capstone project indicated that the integration of ATI’s Nurse Logic 2.0 did not impact the ATI Fundamentals 2013 proctored exam scores and the null hypothesis was accepted. The results of this study were likely impacted by the limitations of the study including the varying medical backgrounds of the Fundamentals students and the distractors student’s experiences when completing the ATI Nurse Logic 2.0 modules outside of class time. Also, there was an uneven distribution of students before and after the implementation of the ATI Nurse Logic 2.0 modules during the retrospective data collection period due to inclusion and exclusion criteria and because enrollment at the college declined. Implications of this capstone project support that the integration of a multimedia eLearning module does not impact student knowledge and retention.
Transactive Control in Smart Cities

One of the important goals of a smart city is to increase the quality of urban mobility. This paper will explore the use of dynamic tariffs for this purpose. Transactive control, the concept of feedback through economic transactions, is a promising concept for accomplishing such dynamic tariffs, and is the focus of this paper. Two specific examples of transactive control are considered in this paper, the first of which is the synthesis of dynamic toll prices with the goal of reducing traffic congestion in highways. We examine how a model-based approach can result in optimal toll pricing schemes. Sociotechnical models that combine behavioral models of drivers and traffic flow models, together with real-time traffic information obtained from on-road sensors are used to determine the transactive control strategies. The overall pricing strategy is evaluated using real traffic data from an existing dynamic toll-pricing framework. The second example of transactive control is in the context of Mobility on Demand (MoD), where new modes of transportation other than private and public are being proposed, providing a smorgasbord of options for passengers. We investigate a dynamic routing concept for multipassenger transport, and propose a transactive control strategy to regulate the achievable performance around desired values. Numerical simulations using actual passenger data are carried out to demonstrate the advantages of the proposed concept.
On the Accuracy and Efficiency of a Finite Element Algorithm for Hydrodynamic Flows

The accurate characterization of hydrodynamic flowfields in channels, streams, and river floodplanes, as well as large confined bodies of water, is an important requirement. Historically, as has occurred in almost every branch of engineering., the hydraulics laboratory served the major purpose by permitting acquisition of pertinent data on scaled models of the physical configuration. In the United States, the U.S. Army Waterways Experiment Station and TVA Norris Engineering Laboratory exemplify the concept. The emergence of the digital computer, and its phenomenal recent rate of maturation, is introducing the near-term capability to conduct numerical experiments on a mathematical model of certain engineering configurations. Aerodynamics is probably foremost in an advanced numerical analysis capability, yet even now only an elementary potential flow computer simulation can be conducted for a completely configured airplane. And while the National Laboratory wind tunnels will probably never be used to store computer output, most importantly, the cost of computer simulation is actually declining, while the physical simulation costs are steadily increasing.
DOE/NREL Wind Farm Monitoring: Annual Report, July 2000-July 2001

The Wind Program and the wind power industry currently do not have the ability to accurately assess ancillary service burdens or benefits of wind-powered electricity. This evaluation can help in determining if efforts should be expended in beginning to examine possible mitigation strategies by including detailed data analysis from two wind farm facilities.
The role of a best practice alert in the electronic medical record in reducing repetitive lab tests.

Background The recommendations of the American Board of Internal Medicine Foundation's "Choosing Wisely®" initiative recognize the importance of improving the appropriateness of testing behavior and reducing the number of duplicate laboratory tests. Objective To assess the effectiveness of an electronic medical record Best Practice Alert (BPA or "pop up") intervention aimed at reducing duplicate laboratory tests and hospital costs. Design Comparison of the number of duplicated laboratory tests performed on inpatients before and after the intervention. Setting University of Florida Health Shands Hospital, Gainesville, FL, USA, during 2014-2017. Intervention The electronic medical record intervention was a BPA pop-up alert that informed the ordering physician if a recent identical order already existed along with the "ordering time", "collecting time", "resulting time", and the result itself. Main outcome measures Percentage change in the number of inpatient duplicate orders of selected clinical biochemistry tests and cost savings from reduction of the duplicates. Student's t-test and beta-binomial models were used to analyze the data. Results Results from the beta-binomial model indicated that the intervention reduced the overall duplicates by 18% (OR=0.82, standard error=0.016, P-value<0.000). Percent reductions in 9 of the 17 tests were statistically significant: serum hemoglobin A1C level, vitamin B12, serum erythrocyte sedimentation rate, serum folate, serum iron, lipid panel, respiratory viral panel, serum thyroid stimulating hormone level, and Vitamin D. Additionally, important cost savings were realized from the reduction of duplicates for each lab test (with the exception of CRP) with an estimated overall savings of $72,543 over 17 months in the post-intervention period. Conclusions The present study included all hospital inpatients and covered 17 clinical laboratory tests. This rather simple and low-cost intervention resulted in significant reductions in percentage duplicates of several tests and resulted in cost savings. The study also highlights the role of hospitalists in quality improvement.
Active Anomaly Detection via Ensembles: Insights, Algorithms, and Interpretability.

Anomaly detection (AD) task corresponds to identifying the true anomalies from a given set of data instances. AD algorithms score the data instances and produce a ranked list of candidate anomalies, which are then analyzed by a human to discover the true anomalies. However, this process can be laborious for the human analyst when the number of false-positives is very high. Therefore, in many real-world AD applications including computer security and fraud prevention, the anomaly detector must be configurable by the human analyst to minimize the effort on false positives. In this paper, we study the problem of active learning to automatically tune ensemble of anomaly detectors to maximize the number of true anomalies discovered. We make four main contributions towards this goal. First, we present an important insight that explains the practical successes of AD ensembles and how ensembles are naturally suited for active learning. Second, we present several algorithms for active learning with tree-based AD ensembles. These algorithms help us to improve the diversity of discovered anomalies, generate rule sets for improved interpretability of anomalous instances, and adapt to streaming data settings in a principled manner. Third, we present a novel algorithm called GLocalized Anomaly Detection (GLAD) for active learning with generic AD ensembles. GLAD allows end-users to retain the use of simple and understandable global anomaly detectors by automatically learning their local relevance to specific data instances using label feedback. Fourth, we present extensive experiments to evaluate our insights and algorithms. Our results show that in addition to discovering significantly more anomalies than state-of-the-art unsupervised baselines, our active learning algorithms under the streaming-data setup are competitive with the batch setup.
Role Shifts and Equalizing Experiences Through Father-Child Outdoor Adventure Programs

AbstractThis study explores father-child relationship development through participation in an Outward Bound (OB) family course, using the lens of identity theory. Data were collected through partic...
Master's at Scale: Five Years in a Scalable Online Graduate Degree

In 2014, Georgia Tech launched the first for-credit MOOC-based graduate degree program. In the five years since, the program has proven generally successful, enrolling over 14,000 unique students, and several other similar programs have followed in its footsteps. Existing research on the program has focused largely on details of individual classes; program-level research, however, has been scarce. In this paper, we delve into the program-level details of an at-scale Master's degree, from the story of its creation through the data generated by the program, including the numbers of applications, admissions, matriculations, and graduations; enrollment details including demographic information and retention patterns; trends in student grades and experience as compared to the on-campus student body; and alumni perceptions. Among our findings, we note that the program has stabilized at a retention rate of around 70%; that the program's growth has not slowed; that the program has not cannibalized its on-campus counterpart; and that the program has seen an upward trend in the number of women enrolled as well as a persistently higher number of underrepresented minorities than the on-campus program. Throughout this analysis, we abstract out distinct lessons that should inform the development and growth of similar programs.
Thermal broadening of bottomonia: Lattice nonrelativistic QCD with extended operators

We present lattice nonrelativistic QCD calculations of bottomonium correlation functions at temperatures $T\ensuremath{\simeq}150--350\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{MeV}$. The correlation functions were computed using extended bottomonium operators and on background gauge-field configurations for $2+1$-flavor QCD having physical kaon and nearly physical pion masses. We analyzed these correlation functions based on simple theoretically motivated parametrizations of the corresponding spectral functions. The results of our analyses are compatible with significant in-medium thermal broadening of the ground state S- and P-wave bottomonia.
SimCCS: An open-source tool for optimizing CO2 capture, transport, and storage infrastructure

Abstract Commercial-scale carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology will involve deploying infrastructure on a massive and costly scale. This effort will require careful and comprehensive planning to ensure that capture locations, storage sites, and the dedicated CO2 distribution pipelines are selected in a robust and cost-effective manner. Introduced in 2009, SimCCS is an optimization model for integrated system design that enables researchers, stakeholders, and policy makers to design CCS infrastructure networks. SimCCS2.0 is a complete, ground-up redesign that is now a portable software package, useable and shareable by the CCS research, industrial, policy, and public communities. SimCCS2.0 integrates multiple new capabilities including a refined optimization model, novel candidate network generation techniques, and optional integration with high-performance computing platforms. Accessing user-provided CO2 source, sink, and transportation data, SimCCS2.0 creates candidate transportation routes and formalizes an optimization problem that determines the most cost-effective CCS system design. This optimization problem is then solved either through a high-performance computing interface, or through third-party software on a local desktop computing platform. Finally, SimCCS2.0 employs an open-access geographic information system framework to enable analysis and visualization capabilities. SimCCS2.0 is written in Java and is publicly available via GitHub to encourage collaboration, modification, and community development.
Computational/experimental evaluation of liver metastasis post hepatic injury: interactions with macrophages and transitional ECM

The complex interactions between subclinical changes to hepatic extracellular matrix (ECM) in response to injury and tumor-associated macrophage microenvironmental cues facilitating metastatic cell seeding remain poorly understood. This study implements a combined computational modeling and experimental approach to evaluate tumor growth following hepatic injury, focusing on ECM remodeling and interactions with local macrophages. Experiments were performed to determine ECM density and macrophage-associated cytokine levels. Effects of ECM remodeling along with macrophage polarization on tumor growth were evaluated via computational modeling. For primary or metastatic cells in co-culture with macrophages, TNF-α levels were 5× higher with M1 vs. M2 macrophages. Metastatic cell co-culture exhibited 10× higher TNF-α induction than with primary tumor cells. Although TGFβ1 induction was similar between both co-cultures, levels were slightly higher with primary cells in the presence of M1. Simulated metastatic tumors exhibited decreased growth compared to primary tumors, due to high local M1-induced cytotoxicity, even in a highly vascularized microenvironment. Experimental analysis combined with computational modeling may provide insight into interactions between ECM remodeling, macrophage polarization, and liver tumor growth.
Is the Business Model a Useful Strategic Concept? Conceptual, Theoretical, and Empirical Insights

Although a widely used managerial concept, the notion of a "business model" has only recently begun to receive serious attention from researchers. While disparate opinions exist regarding its nature, the business model holds promise as a focal point for the development of theory in entrepreneurship. Realizing this promise requires progress not only in how to conceptualize the business model but, also, in how to measure a firm's model and draw comparisons across model types. Utilizing a six-component framework published earlier by the authors, a methodology for measuring the business model is demonstrated with a random sample of high-growth firms. Cluster analysis indicates the existence of four generic models. Suggestions are made and implications drawn for ongoing theory development and entrepreneurial practice.
Methoxyacetic acid inhibits histone deacetylase and impairs axial elongation morphogenesis of mouse gastruloids in a retinoic acid signaling-dependent manner.

Background Teratogenic potential has been linked to various industrial compounds. Methoxyacetic acid (MAA) is a primary metabolite of the widely used organic solvent and plasticizer, methoxyethanol and dimethoxyethyl phthalate, respectively. Studies using model animals have shown that MAA acts as the proximate teratogen that causes various malformations in developing embryos. Nonetheless, the molecular mechanisms by which MAA exerts its teratogenic effects are not fully understood. Methods Gastruloids of mouse P19C5 pluripotent stem cells, which recapitulate axial elongation morphogenesis of gastrulation-stage embryos, were explored as an in vitro model to investigate the teratogenic action of MAA. Morphometric parameters of gastruloids were measured to evaluate the morphogenetic effect, and transcript levels of various developmental regulator genes were examined to assess the impact on gene expression patterns. The effects of MAA on the level of retinoic acid (RA) signaling and histone deacetylase activity were also measured. Results MAA reduced axial elongation of gastruloids at concentrations comparable to the teratogenic plasma level (5 mM) in vivo. MAA at 4 mM significantly altered the expression profiles of developmental regulator genes. In particular, it upregulated the RA signaling target genes. The concomitant suppression of RA signaling using a pharmacological agent alleviated the morphogenetic effect of MAA. MAA at 4 mM also significantly reduced the activity of purified histone deacetylase protein. Conclusions MAA impaired axial elongation morphogenesis in a RA signaling-dependent manner in mouse gastruloids, possibly through the inhibition of histone deacetylase.
MapA, a second large RTX adhesin conserved across the Pseudomonads, contributes to biofilm formation by Pseudomonas fluorescens

ABSTRACT Mechanisms by which cells attach to a surface and form a biofilm are diverse and differ greatly among organisms. The Gram-negative gammaproteobacterium Pseudomonas fluorescens attaches to a surface through the localization of the large type 1-secreted RTX adhesin LapA to the outer surface of the cell. LapA localization to the cell surface is controlled by the activities of a periplasmic protease, LapG, and an inner membrane-spanning cyclic di-GMP-responsive effector protein, LapD. A previous study identified a second, LapA-like protein encoded in the P. fluorescens Pf0-1 genome: Pfl01_1463. Here, we identified specific growth conditions under which Pfl01_1463, here called MapA (medium adhesion protein A) is a functional adhesin contributing to biofilm formation. This adhesin, like LapA, appears to be secreted through a Lap-related type 1 secretion machinery, and its localization is controlled by LapD and LapG. However, differing roles of LapA and MapA in biofilm formation are achieved, at least in part, through the differences in the sequences of the two adhesins and different distributions of the expression of the lapA and mapA genes within a biofilm. LapA-like proteins are broadly distributed throughout the Proteobacteria, and furthermore, LapA and MapA are well conserved among other Pseudomonas species. Together, our data indicate that the mechanisms by which a cell forms a biofilm and the components of a biofilm matrix can differ depending on growth conditions and the matrix protein(s) expressed. IMPORTANCE Adhesins are critical for the formation and maturation of bacterial biofilms. We identify a second adhesin in P. fluorescens, called MapA, which appears to play a role in biofilm maturation and whose regulation is distinct from the previously reported LapA adhesin, which is critical for biofilm initiation. Analysis of bacterial adhesins shows that LapA-like and MapA-like adhesins are found broadly in pseudomonads and related organisms, indicating that the utilization of different suites of adhesins may be broadly important in the Gammaproteobacteria.
Treat to Target, Remission and Low Disease Activity in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Treat to Target (T2T) and disease activity measurements have changed the way rheumatologists treat patients, particularly those with rheumatoid arthritis. The author will address the history behind the development of T2T as well as some practical aspects around the use of T2T and disease activity measurement. The stated targets for disease activity are remission and low disease activity (LDA). However, given that these are “surrogate” measures, each individual measure may, in fact, be measuring a different level of disease activity. Ultimately, no single measure is better than any other. Despite this, recent work has demonstrated that patients in whom the target can be attained, there are better outcomes. How long to wait before making a change in therapy and how deep to push toward the absolute abrogation of disease remains unclear. Treat to Target is an attainable and acceptable goal for treating patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The deeper the response, the better the outcome, but a low level of disease activity may be acceptable. Treating patients to target will require that patients are evaluated, using a metric, and that changes are made in therapies, based on this metric and sound medical judgement.
Deciding without data: clinical decision-making in pediatric orthopedic surgery.

Objective Identifying when and how often decisions are made based on high-quality evidence can inform the development of evidence-based treatment plans and care pathways, which have been shown to improve quality of care and patient safety. Evidence to guide decision-making, national guidelines and clinical pathways for many conditions in pediatric orthopedic surgery are limited. This study investigated decision-making rationale and quantified the evidence supporting decisions made by pediatric orthopedic surgeons in an outpatient clinic. Design/setting/participants/intervention(s)/main outcome measure(s) We recorded decisions made by eight pediatric orthopedic surgeons in an outpatient clinic and the surgeon's reported rationale behind the decisions. Surgeons categorized the rationale for each decision as one or a combination of 12 possibilities (e.g. 'Experience/anecdote,' 'First principles,' 'Trained to do it,' 'Arbitrary/instinct,' 'General study,' 'Specific study'). Results Out of 1150 total decisions, the most frequent decisions were follow-up scheduling, followed by bracing prescription/removal. The most common decision rationales were 'First principles' (n = 310, 27.0%) and 'Experience/anecdote' (n = 253, 22.0%). Only 17.8% of decisions were attributed to scientific studies, with 7.3% based on studies specific to the decision. As high as 34.6% of surgical intervention decisions were based on scientific studies, while only 10.4% of follow-up scheduling decisions were made with studies in mind. Decision category was significantly associated with a basis in scientific studies: surgical intervention and medication prescription decisions were more likely to be based on scientific studies than all other decisions. Conclusions With increasing emphasis on high value, evidence-based care, understanding the rationale behind physician decision-making can educate physicians, identify common decisions without supporting evidence and help create clinical care pathways in pediatric orthopedic surgery. Decisions based on evidence or consensus between surgeons can inform pathways and national guidelines that minimize unwarranted variation in care and waste. Decision support tools and aids could also be implemented to guide these decisions.
Reduced anxiety and changes in amygdala network properties in adolescents with training for awareness, resilience, and action (TARA).

Abstract Mindfulness-based approaches show promise to improve emotional health in youth and may help treat and prevent adolescent depression and anxiety. However, there is a fundamental gap in understanding the neural reorganization that takes place as a result of such interventions. The Training for Awareness, Resilience, and Action (TARA) program, initially developed for depressed adolescents, uses a framework drawn from neuroscience, mindfulness, yoga, and modern psychotherapeutic techniques to promote emotional health. The goal of this study was to assess the effects of the TARA training on emotional health and structural white matter brain networks in healthy youth. We analyzed data from 23 adolescents who underwent the 12-week TARA training in a controlled within-subject study design and whose brain networks were assessed using diffusion MRI connectomics. Compared to the control time period, adolescents showed a significant decrease in anxiety symptoms with TARA (Cohen’s d = -0.961, p = 0.006); moreover, the node strength of the Right Amygdala decreased significantly after TARA (Cohen’s d = -1.026, p = 0.004). Post-hoc analyses indicated that anxiety at baseline before TARA was positively correlated with Right Amygdala node strength (r = 0.672, p = 0.001). While change in Right Amygdala node strength with TARA was not correlated with change in anxiety (r = 0.146, p = 0.51), it was associated with change in depression subscale of Anhedonia / Negative Affect (r = 0.575, p = 0.004, exploratory analysis), possibly due to overlapping constructs captured in our anxiety and depression scales. Our results suggest that increased structural connectivity of Right Amygdala may underlie increased anxiety in adolescents and be lowered through anxiety-reducing training such as TARA. The results of this study contribute to our understanding of the neural mechanisms of TARA and may facilitate neuroscience-based prevention and treatment of adolescent anxiety and depression.
Feasibility and acceptability of a technology-based, rural weight management intervention in older adults with obesity

Older adults with obesity residing in rural areas have reduced access to weight management programs. We determined the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary outcomes of an integrated technology-based health promotion intervention in rural-living, older adults using remote monitoring and synchronous video-based technology. A 6-month, non-randomized, non-blinded, single-arm study was conducted from October 2018 to May 2020 at a community-based aging center of adults aged ≥65 years with a body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m2. Weekly dietitian visits focusing on behavior therapy and caloric restriction and twice-weekly physical therapist-led group strength, flexibility and balance training classes were delivered using video-conferencing to participants in their homes. Participants used a Fitbit Alta HR for remote monitoring with data feedback provided by the interventionists. An aerobic activity prescription was provided and monitored. Mean age was 72.9±3.9 years (82% female). Baseline anthropometric measures of weight, BMI, and waist circumference were 97.8±16.3 kg, 36.5±5.2 kg/m2, and 115.5±13.0 cm, respectively. A total of 142 participants were screened (n=27 ineligible), and 53 consented. There were nine dropouts (17%). Overall satisfaction with the trial (4.7+ 0.6, scale: 1 (low) to 5 (high)) and with Fitbit (4.2+ 0.9) were high. Fitbit was worn an average of 81.7±19.3% of intervention days. In completers, mean weight loss was 4.6±3.5 kg or 4.7±3.5% (p< 0.001). Physical function measures of 30-s sit-to-stand repetitions increased from 13.5±5.7 to 16.7±5.9 (p< 0.001), 6-min walk improved by 42.0±77.3 m (p=0.005) but no differences were observed in gait speed or grip strength. Subjective measures of late-life function improved (3.4±4.7 points, p< 0.001). A technology-based obesity intervention is feasible and acceptable to older adults with obesity and may lead to weight loss and improved physical function. Registered on Clinicaltrials.gov # NCT03104205 . Registered on April 7, 2017. First participant enrolled on October 1st, 2018.
Do African resource rents promote rent-seeking at the expense of entrepreneurship?

This paper examines the relationship between natural resource rents and new business formation (a critical measure of entrepreneurship) using a panel dataset of 28 African countries covering the period 2002–2014. The paper finds robust evidence that nations with high resource rents (i.e., resource rents exceeding 30% of GDP) significantly exhibit less entrepreneurial activity. This result is consistent with the hypothesis that high resource rents significantly promote rent-seeking behavior at the expense of entrepreneurship. Policies that reward productive entrepreneurship and reduce incentives for rent-seeking behavior are therefore important for reversing this negative relationship in African countries with high natural resource-derived income.
Reply to Nagle et al.: The universal stiffening effects of cholesterol on lipid membranes.

Based on neutron spin-echo (NSE), solid-state NMR, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we report clear evidence that cholesterol stiffens 1,2-dioleoyl- sn -glycero-3-phosphocholine (DOPC) membranes (1). Contrary to statements by Nagle et al. (2), the relaxations measured by NSE and NMR directly relate to elastic membrane constants (3, 4). While both NSE and NMR spectroscopy measure the time-averaged 𝜏 -decay, 〈 A ( t ) A ( t + τ ) 〉 , the data analysis methods separate the mean-square amplitude (MSA) from membrane dynamics, providing information about equilibrium and dynamical bilayer properties (4). In the case of isotropic systems (simplest case), the MSA = 〈 A t 2 〉 and the time average 〈 A ( t ) 〉 is zero. However, for ordered systems such as lipid bilayers, the time average is nonzero … [↵][1]1To whom correspondence may be addressed. Email: ashkar{at}vt.edu or mfbrown@u.arizona.edu. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
Privacy, or the Lack Thereof, and Its Implications for Dignity in Mobile COVID-19 Testing

IntroductionChicago’s COVID-19 Rapid Response Team (CRRT) is a decentralized, interprofessional group of nurses, residents, students, and faculty who provide free COVID-19 testing for those living ...
Transpinay: Genealogy of a term:

This article provides a genealogical analysis of the Philippine category “transpinay,” a compound word combining “trans” and “pinay.” It traces the coining of the term by trans activists in the fir...
Carotid Artery Stiffening With Aging: Structural Versus Load-Dependent Mechanisms in MESA (the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis).

Elastic arteries stiffen via 2 main mechanisms: (1) load-dependent stiffening from higher blood pressure and (2) structural stiffening due to changes in the vessel wall. Differentiating these close...
General Considerations in the Diabetic Patient with Peripheral Vascular Disease

The confluence of diabetes and peripheral vascular disease results in a complex relationship in which each contributes to and encourages progression of the other. As the prevalence of each disease increases, the clinician caring for the diabetic patient must be prepared to take several factors into account when assessing and treating vascular disease. The evaluation and diagnosis of peripheral vascular disease is reviewed, as are nonsurgical treatment options. The indications, efficacy, and morbidity of surgical and endovascular revascularization are also discussed, as are the merits of each relative to the other. The benefits of amputation, minor and major, are considered. The frequent phenomenon of the diabetic ulcer with concurrent infection is assessed. Finally, the organization, composition, and benefits of the multidisciplinary care team are considered.
Chapter 2 – Business

Publisher Summary A business firm is an organization that acquires necessary resources and organizes them to produce and sell goods and resources. The purpose of a business firm is to create value for all of its stakeholders. The firm strives to create new wealth for its shareholders, valuable products and services for its customers, and jobs and wages for its employees. At the same time, it must strive to serve its community and create valuable benefits for the environment. The managers of a business firm are persons who allocate the human and material resources, and direct the operations of the organization. The creation of a realistic business organization that is responsive to the environmental needs while being attentive to shareholder interest is challenging to any manager.
Inhibition of In Vitro Salmonella Typhimurium Colonization in Porcine Cecal Bacteria Continuous-Flow Competitive Exclusion Cultures

Continuous-flow (CF) chemostate cultures were used as models to determine the potential usefulness of undefined porcine cecal bacteria as competitive exclusion (CE) cultures against colonization by Salmonella Typhimurium. One culture, pCF1, was derived from cecal bacteria of an animal maintained on antibiotic-free feed, while the other culture, pCF4, was derived from cecal bacteria of an animal maintained on feed containing chlortetracycline. The effectiveness against a chlortetracycline-resistant Salmonella Typhimurium was examined in CF cultures maintained in the absence (pCF1 and pCF4) and presence (cpCFl and cpCF4) of chlortetracycline. CF cultures were inoculated with each of 10(2), 10(4), and 10(6) Salmonella Typhimurium CFU/ml. Chemostat inocula of 10(2) Salmonella CFU/ml resulted in no Salmonella Typhimurium being detected at 2 and 3 days postinoculation in pCF1 and pCF4, respectively, and after 2 days in both cpCF1 and cpCF4. Inoculations of 10(4) Salmonella Typhimurium CFU/ml resulted in clearance from pCF1 and pCF4 within 4 days and within 3 days from cpCF1 and cpCF4. Following inoculation with 10(6) CFU/ml, no Salmonella Typhimurium were detected in all CF cultures by 6 days postinoculation. The results indicated that in vitro CF cultures of porcine cecal bacteria were able to inhibit the growth of Salmonella Typhimurium. The ability to limit Salmonella Typhimurium growth was not restricted by prior exposure of the cecal bacteria to the feed additive chlortetracycline. The present study demonstrates the potential application of CF cultures as models to aid in the identification of CE cultures against salmonellosis in pigs.
Is selective nasopharyngeal brain cooling detrimental to neuroprotection

Clinical outcomes vary depending on the method used to induce therapeutic hypothermia following stroke or cardiac arrest. In swine, we tested the hypothesis that selective nasopharyngeal brain cooling (SNBC), in contrast to systemic hypothermia, adversely impacts cerebral perfusion.
Identification of Vibrio splendidus as a Member of the Planktonic Luminous Bacteria from the Persian Gulf and Kuwait Region with luxA Probes.

Hybridization probes specific for the luxA genes of four groups of luminous bacteria were used to screen luminous isolates obtained from the Persian Gulf, near Al Khiran, Kuwait Nine of these isolates were identified as Vibrio harveyi, a commonly encountered planktonic isolate, while three others showed no hybridization to any of the four probes (V. harveyi, Vibrio fischeri, Photobacterium phosphoreum, or Photobacterium leiognathi) under high-stringency conditions. Polymerase chain reaction amplification was used to prepare a luxA probe against one of these isolates, K-1, and this probe was screened under high-stringency conditions against a collection of DNAs from luminous bacteria; it was found to hybridize specifically to the DNA of the species Vibrio splendidus. A probe prepared against the type strain of V. splendidus (ATCC 33369) was tested against the collection of luminous bacterial DNA preparations and against the Kuwait isolates and was found to hybridize only against the type strain and the three unidentified Kuwait isolates. Extensive taxonomic analysis by standard methods confirmed the identification of the 13 isolates. Images
The interleukin-1 family: 10 years of discovery.

Ten years ago the cloning of two interleukin-1 molecules (IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta) resolved the question of whether a single polypeptide could evoke a wide variety of biological effects. During the past decade, the biology of IL-1 has greatly expanded our understanding of how the host responds to external challenges, such as injury and infection, as well as its role in several diseases. We learned of the remarkable potency of IL-1 in the femtomolar range and of its ability to induce a response by triggering only one or two receptors per cell. Unexpectedly, the IL-1 family of genes, receptors and associated molecules have been linked to those of Drosophila, nematodes, and microorganisms and IL-1 signal transduction is similar to that observed after cellular stress. The cloning of IL-1 opened other avenues of fundamental biological interest. For example, in addition to the two agonist molecules IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta, a third member of the IL-1 gene family is a specific, high affinity receptor antagonist...
Geomagnetic disturbances and their relationship to Interplanetary shock parameters

[1] We identify 107 fast, forward-propagating interplanetary shocks observed by the Wind spacecraft from 1995–2000 to examine the influence of shock parameters on geomagnetic disturbances following the shock arrival at Earth. We find that the angle between the shock front normal and the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) direction might play a useful role in forecasting the severity of geomagnetic storms occurring within 48 hours from the shock passage. Quasi-perpendicular shocks, i.e. those nearly orthogonal to the IMF direction, constrain IMF components in the plane parallel to the shock front, making it more likely to produce southward IMF. We demonstrate that, regardless of the shock driver, about 40% of forward IP shocks result in intense magnetic storms when the shock normal is almost perpendicular to the IMF, compared to about 10–15% of shocks with normals not perpendicular to the IMF direction.
Patient‐provider partnership in a memory disorder center

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to describe the patient-provider relationship that is embraced in a memory disorder center utlizing a nurse practitioner-based model of care delivery. Data sources: A case study approach was used to promote understanding of how this model could be used in practice. Conclusions: Establishing a partnership relationship with patients, families and other healthcare providers gave patients a greater voice in their care. Patients disclosed information to the practitioner that would otherwise have not been shared and practitioners' care management was more effective because it was based upon input from the patient and family as well as the practitioner's expertise. The interdisciplinary staff have learned to value one another's expertise and to call upon each other as the need arises. Implications for practice: Fostering patient-provider partnering increases the effectiveness of care as well as patient and family satisfaction with the care received.
THE EFFECT OF ALUM-PRECIPITATED PYRIDINE RAGWEED EXTRACT ON GUINEA PIGS. I. ARTHUS REACTIVITY INDUCED WITH A SINGLE LOW DOSE.

Abstract The antigenicity of alum-precipitated pyridine (APPR) and aqueous ragweed (ARE) extracts was evaluated in comparable groups of animals totaling 400. A single subcutaneous dose of 0.01, 0.10, 1.00, 10.00, 30.00, 50.00, or 100.00 μg of protein N, was injected. Intradermal tests with ARE were performed 5 to 136 days later. Gross and microscopic observations were made at 20 minutes, 4, 24, and 48 hours. The negative skin reactions at 20 minutes showed that neither APPR nor ARE, in the dosage levels used, caused immediate, that is, wheal and flare type of hyperscnsitivity, at least when dye was not injected concurrently. Neither APPR nor ARE induced delayed hypersensitivity, as evidenced by negative 24 and 48 hour intradermal tests on the immunized animals, irrespective of day tested or test dose used. Only the 4 hour, typically Arthus reactions, grossly and microscopica ly were positive in either APPR or ARE immunized animals. These results indicate that alum-precipitated pyridine ragweed extract is capable of producing a much greater immunological response. Reactions were induced earlier and were maximal in many more animals immunized with minimal single doses of APPR than with those receiving equivalent doese of ARE. Furthermore, this response persisted longer.
Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus: Epidemiology, Virology, and Molecular Biology

Publisher Summary Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is the eighth human herpesvirus (HHVS) and is the subject of considerable interest because of its association with several major acquired immunodeficiency syndromes (AIDS)-related malignancies. Epidemiologic studies now largely agree that this virus is the required infectious cofactor responsible for Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) and related neoplastic disorders. Although the virus is important from a clinical and a public health standpoint, it also promises to provide a surprisingly rich source of basic information on how viruses induce cellular proliferation. As with other tumor viruses, there are also a number of important obstacles to the study of KSHV. Although KSHV can be cultured to high titer in naturally infected lymphoma cell lines, the virus cannot be sustainably cultivated from KS lesions analogous to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV or human herpesvirus 4/HHV4) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
Shall We Dance? The Trade-Offs of Science-Practice Collaborations and Community-Driven Restoration

A few months after launching the Big Experiment, I spent a day working with the other members of the North Kona Dryland Forest Working Group and some volunteers in the narrow band of remnant native forest that ran across the top of the seventy-acre exclosure. We cut and sprayed fountain grass and then outplanted native species along both sides of a trail Don Goo and Alan Urakami had recently constructed with a group of local kids to provide a relatively safe and easy way for our growing number of visitors to experience this otherwise inaccessible area. As always, it had been a lot of hot, hard work, but it was deeply satisfying for me to get a rare chance to just do ecological restoration without having to collect data or formulate and test research questions and hypotheses. After all the pain and suffering fountain grass had caused me, I also derived great pleasure from simply killing it and ridding the land of its pestilence.
Muscle Power Is an Independent Determinant of Pain and Quality of Life in Knee Osteoarthritis.

Objective This study examined the relationships between leg muscle strength, power, and perceived disease severity in subjects with knee osteoarthritis (OA) in order to determine whether dynamic leg extensor muscle power would be associated with pain and quality of life in knee OA. Methods Baseline data on 190 subjects with knee OA (mean ± SD age 60.2 ± 10.4 years, body mass index 32.7 ± 7.2 kg/m2) were obtained from a randomized controlled trial. Knee pain was measured using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, and health-related quality of life was assessed using the Short Form 36 (SF-36). One-repetition maximum (1RM) strength was assessed using the bilateral leg press, and peak muscle power was measured during 5 maximum voluntary velocity repetitions at 40% and 70% of 1RM. Results In univariate analysis, greater muscle power was significantly associated with pain (r = −0.17, P < 0.02) and also significantly and positively associated with SF-36 physical component summary (PCS) scores (r = 0.16, P < 0.05). After adjustment for multiple covariates, muscle power was a significant independent predictor of pain (P ≤ 0.05) and PCS scores (P ≤ 0.04). However, muscle strength was not an independent determinant of pain or quality of life (P ≥ 0.06). Conclusion Muscle power is an independent determinant of pain and quality of life in knee OA. Compared to strength, muscle power may be a more clinically important measure of muscle function within this population. New trials to systematically examine the impact of muscle power training interventions on disease severity in knee OA are particularly warranted.