cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of geogrid reinforced ballast behavior at different levels of degradation through triaxial shear strength test and discrete element modeling

Abstract Recent research efforts at the University of Illinois have aimed at studying geogrid applications in railroad track structures, specifically focusing on ballast and subballast reinforcement. Ballast, typically comprising large sized aggregate particles with uniform gradation, is an essential layer in the railroad track substructure to facilitate load distribution and drainage. The primary mechanism of load transfer within the ballast layer involves inter-particle contact between ballast particles. Similarly, the effectiveness of ballast reinforcement with geogrids is primarily governed by the geogrid-aggregate interlock. Such interaction and the effectiveness thereof can change significantly as the level of grain size and shape degradation or fouling increases in the ballast layer with accumulation of train traffic. Although several studies in the past have investigated the effects of geogrid reinforcement on ballast shear strength and permanent deformation behavior, the effectiveness of geogrid reinforcement at different levels of ballast degradation needs to be further understood. In this study, monotonic triaxial shear strength tests were conducted on both new and degraded ballast materials with and without geogrid reinforcement. Two geogrid types, with square- and triangular-shaped apertures, were used in the laboratory to calibrate an aggregate imaging-based Discrete Element Method (DEM) modeling approach, which is capable of creating actual ballast aggregate particles as three-dimensional polyhedron blocks having the same particle size distributions and imaging quantified average shapes and angularities. The DEM model was observed to adequately capture the shear strength behavior of geogrid-reinforced triaxial ballast specimens prepared using both new and degraded ballast samples.
A network of molecular switches controls the activation of the two-component response regulator NtrC

Recent successes in simulating protein structure and folding dynamics have demonstrated the power of molecular dynamics to predict the long timescale behaviour of proteins. Here, we extend and improve these methods to predict molecular switches that characterize conformational change pathways between the active and inactive state of nitrogen regulatory protein C (NtrC). By employing unbiased Markov state model-based molecular dynamics simulations, we construct a dynamic picture of the activation pathways of this key bacterial signalling protein that is consistent with experimental observations and predicts new mutants that could be used for validation of the mechanism. Moreover, these results suggest a novel mechanistic paradigm for conformational switching.
Physiological Regulation of the Human Growth Hormone (GH)-Insulin-Like Growth Factor Type I (IGF-I) Axis: Predominant Impact of Age, Obesity, Gonadal Function, and Sleep

The growth hormone (GH)-insulin-like growth factor type I (IGF-I) axis is subject to exquisite regulation by multiple internal physiological variables and external cues. This review and update summarizes the impact of age, obesity, gonadal function and sleep on the control of GH secretion by the pituitary gland, as regulated by the dominant hypothalamic regulatory peptides, GH-releasing hormone (GHRH) and somatostatin. Available studies show an exponential decline in the calculated daily GH-secretion rate as a function of age in healthy men, such that every 7 years of advancing age beyond age 18-21 results in an approximately 50% decline. There are also strongly negative correlations between the daily GH-secretion rate and indices of obesity, such as the body mass index (BMI). For each increase in BMI of 1.5 kg/m2, there is a 50% decrease in the amount of GH secreted per day. At puberty, and across a span of adult ages, gonadal steroid-hormone concentrations in blood positively determine GH release. In particular, serum estradiol and testosterone concentrations are proportionate to GH-secretory burst mass and mean serum GH concentrations. Deep sleep (stages 3 and 4) is accompanied by markedly increased pulsatile GH secretion that can be accounted for mechanistically by presumptive somatostatin withdrawal combined with hypothalamic GHRH release. Lastly, body composition (especially visceral adiposity) appears to be a dominant negative determinant of GH production, since the relationships between GH secretion and age, testosterone, or sleep are all attenuated or abolished by adiposity. Recent data using pulsatile GHRH treatment or pharmacological methods to reduce somatostatin secretion point to combined defects in GHRH release and somatostatin excess as the most plausible pathophysiology of hyposomatotropism accompanying obesity.
Robust-Optimal Fuzzy Model-Based Control of Flexible Spacecraft With Actuator Amplitude and Rate Constraints

This paper presents a robust-optimal fuzzy controller for position and attitude stabilization, and vibration suppression of a flexible spacecraft during antenna retargeting maneuver. The fuzzy controller is based on Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) fuzzy model and uses the dynamic parallel distributed compensator (DPDC) technique to quadratically stabilize the closed-loop system. The proposed controller is robust to parameter and unstructured uncertainties of the model. We improve the performance and the efficiency of the controller by minimizing the upper bound of the actuators amplitude and rate, and maximizing the uncertainties terms included in the T-S fuzzy model. In addition to actuator amplitude and rate constraints, a fuzzy model-based observer is considered for estimating unmeasurable states. Using Lyapunov stability theory and linear matrix inequalities (LMIs), we formulate the problem of designing an optimal-robust fuzzy controller/observer with actuator amplitude and rate constraints as a convex optimization problem. Numerical simulation is provided to demonstrate and compare the stability, performance, and robustness of the proposed fuzzy controller with a baseline nonlinear controller.© 2015 ASME
Coupling of propylene oxide and lactide at a porphyrin chromium(III) center.

5,10,15,20-Tetraphenylporphyrin chromium chloride (TPPCrCl) with added [Ph3P═N═PPh3]+Cl– (PPN+Cl–) selectively polymerizes lactide (l and rac) dissolved in neat propylene oxide (PO) to yield polylactide (PLA) terminated by the −OCHMeCH2Cl group. At 0 °C and below, rac-LA yields polymers highly enriched in isotactic tetrads (iii). At 25 °C, some stereoselectivity is lost as transesterification becomes significant, and at 60 °C and above, enchainment of PO leads to the formation of 3,6-dimethyl-1,4-dioxan-2-one by a backbiting mechanism. At 0 °C, after the enchainment of l-(S,S)-LA in neat (R)-(+)-PO, the formation of (3S,6R)-3,6-dimethyl-1,4-dioxan-2-one occurs, while at higher temperatures the ratio of (3S,6R)-3,6-dimethyl-1,4-dioxan-2-one to (3R,6R)-3,6-dimethyl-1,4-dioxan-2-one falls to 3:2.
Hydraulic modeling of clay ceramic water filters for point-of-use water treatment.

The acceptability of ceramic filters for point-of-use water treatment depends not only on the quality of the filtered water, but also on the quantity of water the filters can produce. This paper presents two mathematical models for the hydraulic performance of ceramic water filters under typical usage. A model is developed for two common filter geometries: paraboloid- and frustum-shaped. Both models are calibrated and evaluated by comparison to experimental data. The hydraulic models are able to predict the following parameters as functions of time: water level in the filter (h), instantaneous volumetric flow rate of filtrate (Q), and cumulative volume of water produced (V). The models’ utility is demonstrated by applying them to estimate how the volume of water produced depends on factors such as the filter shape and the frequency of filling. Both models predict that the volume of water produced can be increased by about 45% if users refill the filter three times per day versus only once per day. Also, t...
Treatment of Reactive Black KN-B Simulated Wastewater by Electro-coagulation With a Sacrificial Al Anode

Preliminary experimental study is conducted on the treatment of C.I.reactive black KN-B simulated wastewater by electro-coagulation with a sacrificial Al anode.Some factors are investigated,such as current density,initial pH,sorts,concentration of electrolyte and dye and temperature.The results show that the decoloration rate of the simulated wastewater can reach 88% and it is strongly affected by the strength of the current,initial pH,temperature,concentration of dye and NaCI,but lightly affected by the concentration of Na2SO4;absorption and sweep is predominated in the electro-coagulation process and at the same time the reduction of the dye on the cathode occurs.
Analysis of the epidemiological characteristics and influencing factors of measles among infants from 2005 to 2011 in Wuhu

Objective To study the measles epidemic variation among infants by analyzing the infant measles epidemictrend and influencing factors from 2005 to 2011 in Wuhu,then explore the strategies of prevention and control measles among infants.Methods The epidemic characteristics of 206 cases of infant measles were analyzed,and the influencing factors of measles in infants were investigated and analyzed.Results The average annual incidence rate was 147.1/100 000 from 2005 to 2011,it was the first in measles case of all people.The incidence of measles among infants in urban area was higher than that in rural area.Most measles cases of infants were 5~8 months old,the peak incidence was at March to May.87.86% of the infant measles cases had no vaccination history or immunization history was unknown.Among infants who had measles vaccination history,52.00% of them were ill within two weeks after the measles vaccination,32.00% of them were ill after more than 4 weeks of measles vaccination.The positive rate of measles IgG antibody among pregnant women was 46.58%.71.43% of infant measles cases less than 8 month-old didn't accept timely immunization or vaccination.The average negative rate of measles IgG antibody was 3.57% after first vaccination.The epidemic intensity of measles,the measles supplemental immunization activity(SIA) and the adult measles cases had no effect on the proportion of infant measles cases.Conclusion Infants are the high-risk population of measles,we should strengthen the prevention and control of measles among infants further.
Mobile Agent-based Distributed Intelligent Network

Following an analysis of the intrinsic shortcomings of traditional IN, the paper proposes the network architecture of the new generation of IN, mobile agent-based distributed IN, according to the inosculation of computer and telecommunication technologies. Interworking strategy is then discussed to support phased network evolution. Finally the design and implementation of the integrated personal service (IPS) are presented. It is applicable to the new generation of IN.
Combination of ofloxacin and other antimicrobial agents.

SummaryWe evaluated the combination of ofloxacin with piperacillin, gentamicin, vancomycin, rifampin, clindamycin, and metronidazole by the checkerboard agar dilution method against 165 isolates which included Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter cloacae, Serratia marcescens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Providencia stuartii, Acinetobacter, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacteroides fragilis, and Citrobacter perfringens. Synergy of piperacillin-ofloxacin was demonstrated for 50% and 40% respectively of E. cloacae and P. aeruginosa. Some ofloxacin and piperacillin-resistant isolates were susceptible with the combination. Ofloxacin-gentamicin was indifferent for aerobic gram-negative species. Ofloxacin and vancomycin or gentamicin was indifferent for S. aureus and E. faecalis, but rifampin-ofloxacin showed addition. Combination of ofloxacin and metronidazole or clindamycin or erythromycin was indifferent for aerobic and anaerobic species.Ofloxacin could be combined with piperacillin with benefit against...
A Pilot Trial to Increase Hospice Enrollment in an Inner City, Academic Emergency Department.

Abstract Background Hospice is underutilized, with over 25% of enrolled patients receiving hospice care for 3 days or less. The inner city emergency department (ED) is a highly trafficked area for patients in the last 6 months of life, and is a potential location for identification of hospice-eligible patients and early palliative care (PC) intervention. Objectives We evaluated the feasibility of an ED PC intervention to identify hospice-eligible patients to accelerate PC consultation and hospice enrollment. Methods This prospective, pilot study established a program in the ED via education and a direct line of communication between the ED and PC to identify hospice-eligible patients, with the goal of facilitating disposition to hospice within 24 h. Data were analyzed for time to PC consultation, length of stay, emergency physician (EP) appropriateness of referral, and time from hospitalization to mortality. Results In a 6-month period, EPs identified 88 hospice-eligible patients with 91% accuracy. Of the patients identified, 59% died within 3 months of their visit to the ED. Time to PC consultation was 2.3 days (SD 2.3), and 57% of those seen by PC were discharged to hospice, vs. 30% of those not consulted ( p = 0.038). The potential median hospice length of stay was 31.5 days, better than for the institution as a whole. Conclusions Our pilot study presents a unique approach to early identification and disposition of hospice-appropriate patients, and suggests EPs may have sufficient prognostic accuracy to perform this task.
RTRB-22HYPOFRACTIONATED RADIOTHERAPY VERSUS STANDARD FRACTIONATED RADIOTHERAPY WITH CONCURRENT TEMOZOLOMIDE IN ELDERLY PATIENTS WITH NEWLY DIAGNOSED GLIOBLASTOMA

BACKGROUND: Adjuvant hypofractionated radiotherapy (HRT) for elderly patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma (GBM) is reasonable compared to standard fractionation radiotherapy (SRT). Comparison of HRT in the presence of temozolomide (TMZ) vs SRT with TMZ is unclear. We examined HRT for GBM with TMZ in comparison to SRT with TMZ. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of patients > 60 years-old who received SRT or HRT of newly diagnosed GBM in the post-operative setting from 1994 to 2014. Inclusion criteria included SRT (60 Gy/30 fractions or 59.4 Gy/33 fractions) vs HRT of 40 Gy/15 fractions. RESULTS: 158 patients received SRT vs 26 with HRT. Median survival receiving SRT versus HRT was 430 and 475 days (p = 0.550). 95% of the SRT patients received TMZ vs 100% with HRT. Patients receiving HRT were older (median: 72 vs 66 years). All HRT patients were treated with IMRT technique vs SRT. Multivariate Cox regression showed decreased survival in age > 70 (Hazard ratio [HR] 1.84; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.23-2.75), lower Karnofsky performance status (HR 5.25; 95% CI 1.73-15.99), biopsy vs. surgical resection (HR 4.18; 95% CI 1.49-11.77), RT planning technique 3D- or 2D-planning vs. IMRT (HR 1.91; 95% CI 1.32-2.76 and HR 3.40; 95% CI 1.60-7.22, respectively). IMRT based planning showed no difference between HRT vs SRT. For patients receiving TMZ, there was no survival difference between HRT and SRT. CONCLUSIONS: Elderly GBM patients receiving HRT or SRT had similar overall survival. Subset analysis patients receiving concurrent TMZ showed no difference in survival between HRT and SRT.
Silver acetate exposure: Effects on reproduction and post natal development.

Effects of oral silver acetate exposure were assessed in P generation and F generation post-natal day 26 rats. Male and female Sprague Dawley rats (n = 20 each) were exposed to silver acetate at 0.4, 4.0 or 40.0 mg/kg bw in their drinking water for 10 weeks prior to and during mating. Females were exposed to silver acetate throughout gestation and lactation. Clinical signs, body weight, feed and fluid consumption were recorded regularly. Decreased mean daily fluid consumption was observed in male and female animals during the 10 week pre mating period and during gestation in the 40 mg/kg bw dose group. Decreased fertility was observed in the 40 mg/kg bw dose group. Decreased feed consumption was observed across all dose groups and decreased mean daily fluid consumption was observed in the 4.0 mg/kg dose group during lactation. Decreased implant numbers, mean numbers of pups born/litter and numbers of live pups born/litter was observed in the 40 mg/kg bw dose group. Pup weight was reduced on lactation days 0, 4 and 7 (males) and 4, 7 and 21 (females) in the 4.0 mg/kg bw dose group and in males at lactation day 21 (40 mg/kg bw dose group). Runting was observed in males (Lactation Day; LD 4) and female (LD 4 and 7) animals in the 4.0 mg/kg bw dose group. Reduced postnatal-day 26 pup weight was observed in male pups in the 40 mg/kg bw dose group and female pups in the 4.0 mg/kg bw dose group.
Using Real Case Studies to Teach Ethics Collaboratively to Library Media Teachers

Case studies provide an authentic way to teach ethical behavior through critical analysis and decisionmaking because it reveals nuanced factors in complex situations and stimulates productive discussion. Case studies also address the affective domain of learning. The creation and choice of case studies is key for optimum learning, and can reflect both the instructor’s and students’ knowledge base. Case studies are used successfully in distance education as students share their perspectives and respond to their peers’ comments. As a result of this approach, students support each other as they come to a deeper, co-constructed understanding of ethical behavior, and they link coursework and professional lives. The instructor reviews the writing to determine the degree of understanding and internalization of ethical concepts/applications, and to identify areas that need further instruction.
The Concept of Respite Care.

AIM The aim of this article is to analyze the concept of respite care in the context of caring for a child with special healthcare needs. BACKGROUND Respite care has often been identified as an important resource for caregivers of children with special healthcare needs. It can help provide a break from the constant demands of caregiving. DESIGN A concept analysis was conducted using an evolutionary approach. DATA SOURCE The data source for the concept analysis was a review of literature addressing respite care for caregivers of children with special healthcare needs. REVIEW METHODS A review of the literature was conducted and a concept model was developed using an evolutionary approach. RESULTS A theoretical definition of respite care is provided and the defining attributes, related concepts, antecedents, and consequences of respite care are shown in a diagram of the concept of respite care. CONCLUSIONS The conceptual model provides a framework to help nurses better understand the concept of respite care in order to educate caregivers, provide appropriate referrals, serve as providers of respite care, and advocate for policy changes related to the provision of respite care services for caregivers of children with special healthcare needs.
A historical perspective: Simian AIDS-an accidental windfall.

Background For the past 30 years, Simian AIDS has provided an indispensible animal model for the human disease. This historical perspective highlights the circumstances leading to the creation of this experimental model. Methods Historical information and stored non-human primate (NHP) specimens, including isolates of Simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), were analyzed by molecular epidemiologic methods to trace the lineage and transmission of SIV among NHPs at US primate centers. Results The rhesus and stump-tailed macaque models of Simian AIDS are the result of the accidental transmission of SIV from healthy sooty mangabey carriers to naive macaques during the course of human kuru experimental transmission studies at UC Davis during the 1960s. Conclusions Simian AIDS, first recognized in the 1980s, is the accidental result of experimental kuru transmission experiments carried out in the 1960s, which led to the discovery of infectious prions but inadvertently transmitted SIV, unknown at that time, from sooty mangabeys to macaques.
Summary of Papers in Session 2—Landslide Investigation: Field Investigations, Laboratory TestingOpen image in new window

Session 2—Landslide Investigation: Field Investigations, Laboratory Testing of Volume 2—Advances in Landslide Science in the Fourth World Landslide Forum in Ljubljana, Slovenia had a total of 30 papers accepted for the session. The papers cover a variety of topics related to landslide investigation including the characteristics and triggering factors of landslides, landslide dams, and debris flows around the world, hazard assessment and management, geological and geophysical surveys for model reconstruction, and variation in shear strength due to wetting and drying cycles as well as swelling and desiccation. This document will briefly summarize the highlights of the papers accepted.
Left ventricular-only pacing in heart failure patients with normal atrioventricular conduction improves global function and left ventricular regional mechanics compared with biventricular pacing: an adaptive cardiac resynchronization therapy sub-study.

Aims Right ventricular (RV) pacing can impair left ventricular (LV) function. When timed with native RV activation, LV-only pacing may cause greater improvements in LV function than biventricular pacing. This study compared the chronic effects of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) on LV mechanics between biventricular pacing and LV-only pacing in patients with normal atrioventricular (AV) conduction. Methods and results The Adaptive CRT (aCRT) algorithm provides LV-only pacing timed with native RV activation when the AV interval is normal (≤200 ms during sinus rhythm). We studied patients from the aCRT trial with normal AV conduction at their baseline visit and compared changes in cardiac function after 12 months of treatment with conventional biventricular or mostly (≥80%) LV-only pacing. Speckle tracking echocardiography was used to assess LV myocardial strain before and after treatment. Despite similar improvements in Packer's clinical composite scores and LV volumes, LV-only paced patients (n = 70) had a greater improvement in LV ejection fraction (8.5 ± 11.3% vs. 5.5 ± 10.3%, P = 0.038) and global LV radial strain (6.3 ± 8.6% vs. 4.0 ± 10.1%, P = 0.046) than those randomized to biventricular pacing (n = 91). Strain was improved to a greater extent near the RV pacing lead, in septal and apical regions (P < 0.05 for both regions), in patients receiving LV-only pacing. Conclusion In heart failure patients with normal AV conduction, LV-only pacing timed with native RV activation may result in greater improvements in LV ejection fraction and myocardial strain compared with biventricular pacing due to better apical and septal function.
Polysomnographic phenotypes and their cardiovascular implications in obstructive sleep apnoea

Background Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a heterogeneous disorder, and improved understanding of physiologic phenotypes and their clinical implications is needed. We aimed to determine whether routine polysomnographic data can be used to identify OSA phenotypes (clusters) and to assess the associations between the phenotypes and cardiovascular outcomes. Methods Cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses of a multisite, observational US Veteran (n=1247) cohort were performed. Principal components-based clustering was used to identify polysomnographic features in OSA’s four pathophysiological domains (sleep architecture disturbance, autonomic dysregulation, breathing disturbance and hypoxia). Using these features, OSA phenotypes were identified by cluster analysis (K-means). Cox survival analysis was used to evaluate longitudinal relationships between clusters and the combined outcome of incident transient ischaemic attack, stroke, acute coronary syndrome or death. Results Seven patient clusters were identified based on distinguishing polysomnographic features: ‘mild’, ‘periodic limb movements of sleep (PLMS)’, ‘NREM and arousal’, ‘REM and hypoxia’, ‘hypopnoea and hypoxia’, ‘arousal and poor sleep’ and ‘combined severe’. In adjusted analyses, the risk (compared with ‘mild’) of the combined outcome (HR (95% CI)) was significantly increased for ‘PLMS’, (2.02 (1.32 to 3.08)), ‘hypopnoea and hypoxia’ (1.74 (1.02 to 2.99)) and ‘combined severe’ (1.69 (1.09 to 2.62)). Conventional apnoea–hypopnoea index (AHI) severity categories of moderate (15≤AHI Conclusions Among patients referred for OSA evaluation, routine polysomnographic data can identify physiological phenotypes that capture risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes otherwise missed by conventional OSA severity classification.
Focusing polychromatic light through scattering media

We demonstrate enhanced focusing of polychromatic light through strongly scattering media. The experimental results validate a theoretical relationship among source bandwidth, sample bandwidth, and initial contrast of a far-field speckle. For various combinations of source bandwidth and sample bandwidth, we optimize far-field focal intensity enhancement using a MEMS spatial light modulator to modulate the source beam prior to its propagation through the medium. We achieve focus optimization using a sequential coordinate descent algorithm and Hadamard basis functions to control the spatial phase of the modulator. Enhancement, the ratio of optimized focal intensity to initial speckle mean intensity, is shown to vary monotonically with initial contrast.
The noninvasive simultaneous measurement of tissue oxygenation and microvascular hemodynamics during incremental handgrip exercise.

Invasive measurements of muscle microvascular blood flow during incremental exercise have demonstrated submaximal plateaus. We demonstrate that indices of perfusive and diffusive microvascular oxyg...
5G mm-Wave front-end-module design with advanced SOI process

In this paper, we first introduce the RF performance of Globalfoundries 45RFSOI process. NFET F t > 290GHz and F max >380GHz. Then we present several mm-Wave circuit block designs, i.e., Switch, Power Amplifier, and LNA, based on 45RFSOI process for 5G Front End Module (FEM) applications. For the SPDT switch, insertion loss (IL) 25dBm P max . For the PA, with a 2.9V power supply, the PA achieves 13.1dB power gain and a saturated output power (P sat ) of 16.2dBm with maximum power-added efficiency (PAE) of 41.5% at 24Ghz continuous-wave (CW). With 960Mb/s 64QAM signal, 22.5% average PAE, −29.6dB EVM, and −30.5dBc ACLR are achieved with 9.5dBm average output power.
Inflammasome components caspase-1 and adaptor protein apoptosis-associated speck-like proteins are important in resistance to Cryptosporidium parvum

Abstract Cryptosporidium spp. are opportunistic protozoan parasites that infect epithelial cells in the intestinal tract and cause a flu-like diarrheal illness. Innate immunity is key to limiting the expansion of parasitic stages early in infection. One mechanism in which it does this is through the generation of early cytokines, such as IL-18. The processing and secretion of mature IL-18 (and IL-1β) is mediated by caspase-1 which is activated within an inflammasome following the engagement of inflammasome-initiating sensors. We examined how the absence of caspase-1 and caspase-11, the adapter protein Asc, and other inflammasome components affects susceptibility to cryptosporidial infection by these and other key cytokines in the gut. We found that Casp-11−/−Casp-1−/− knockout mice have increased susceptibility to Cryptosporidium parvum infection as demonstrated by the 35-fold higher oocyst production (at peak infection) compared to wild-type mice. Susceptibility correlated with a lack of IL-18 in caspase-1 and caspase1/11 knockout mice, whereas IL-18 is significantly elevated in wildtype mice. IL-1β was not generated in any significant amount following infection nor was any increased susceptibility observed in IL-1β knockout mice. We also show that the adapter protein Asc is important to susceptibility, and that the caspase-1 canonical inflammasome signaling pathway is the dominant pathway in C. parvum resistance.
Quantifying cultural values associated with deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon.

ABSTRACTThis study analyzes the distribution of cultural values associated with forest and non-forest landscapes among stakeholder groups shaping land use and land cover change (LULCC) in an agricu...
Rotavirus immunity in the mouse.

Naturally attenuated animal rotaviruses have been tested as anti-rotavirus vaccines with moderate success. The development of improved vaccines will rely on our understanding of the immune mechanism that mediate clearance and protection from rotaviral reinfection. The mouse model of rotavirus infection is a versatile tool for studying these mechanisms: mice have a relative low cost and there is a rapidly increasing number of immunological reagents to study rotavirus immunology. This review covers recent data on the mouse model of rotavirus infection. We show that both effector arms of the immune system (CD8 + T cells and B cells) mediate anti-rotavirus effects in vivo.
Alan F. Dixson: Primate Sexuality: Comparative Studies of the Prosimians, Monkeys, Apes, and Humans, 2nd Edition

Primates are unique among mammals and animals in general in several aspects oftheir sexual behavior and other sexually selected traits. Striking features includeemancipation of female activity from reproduction, the display of conspicuous sexualsignals by females in the absence of sex-role reversal, and the combination of maletraits known to be under the control of various mechanisms of sexual selection.Primates also show an impressive range of mating systems, with the most common,the stable multimale–multifemale group, otherwise virtually absent in mammals.Some of these singularities have longed fascinated scientists and inspired Darwinwhen he posited the theory of sexual selection (Darwin 1876). As a result, the historyof captive and free-ranging work addressing questions of sexual behaviors andsexually selected traits is long and rich. And it is far from over: With new advancesin technology and methods, many topics have developed a new life. It is now possibleto address numerous questions that have long been of interest in the field on free-ranging animals.In the second edition of Primate Sexuality, Alan F. Dixson meets the challenge ofaccounting for this literature. While the old edition (Dixson 1998) continued to bevery useful, this updated version is greatly welcome. In this book, an essentialresource for anyone interested in the topic, Dixson provides an exhaustive andcomprehensive report of work that has been conducted on every possible aspect ofprimate sexuality in all taxa, ranging from behavior to organs to physiologicalcontrol. Primate Sexuality goes beyond the mere review and provides the criticalpoint of view of a leading expert in the field. This book is thus relevant to thoseinterested in behavior, morphology, physiology, and development in any primategroup. It efficiently integrates the work conducted in the laboratory and in the field,
Glial Cell Modulators and Associated Anti-Inflammatory Activity: Implications in Reducing Methamphetamine Abuse-Related Behaviors in Rodents

xii Chapter I: INTRODUCTION 1 Background and Significance 1 Methamphetamine abuse 1 Current treatments 4 Methamphetamine’s Neurochemical Effects 5 Monoamines 5 Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP, cyclic AMP or 3'-5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate) 7 Glial Cells 10 Importance of Glia 12 Gliotransmission 12 Regulation of synaptic strength by cytokines 13 Effects of other drugs on glia 14
A method for harmonization of clinical abbreviation and acronym sense inventories.

Abstract Background Previous research has developed methods to construct acronym sense inventories from a single institutional corpus. Although beneficial, a sense inventory constructed from a single institutional corpus is not generalizable, because acronyms from different geographic regions and medical specialties vary greatly. Objective Develop an automated method to harmonize sense inventories from different regions and specialties towards the development of a comprehensive inventory. Methods The method involves integrating multiple source sense inventories into one centralized inventory and cross-mapping redundant entries to establish synonymy. To evaluate our method, we integrated 8 well-known source inventories into one comprehensive inventory (or metathesaurus). For both the metathesaurus and its sources, we evaluated the coverage of acronyms and their senses on a corpus of 1 million clinical notes. The corpus came from a different institution, region, and specialty than the source inventories. Results In the evaluation using clinical notes, the metathesaurus demonstrated an acronym (short form) micro-coverage of 94.3%, representing a substantial increase over the two next largest source inventories, the UMLS LRABR (74.8%) and ADAM (68.0%). The metathesaurus demonstrated a sense (long form) micro-coverage of 99.6%, again a substantial increase compared to the UMLS LRABR (82.5%) and ADAM (55.4%). Conclusions Given the high coverage, harmonizing acronym sense inventories is a promising methodology to improve their comprehensiveness. Our method is automated, leverages the extensive resources already devoted to developing institution-specific inventories in the United States, and may help generalize sense inventories to institutions who lack the resources to develop them. Future work should address quality issues in source inventories and explore additional approaches to establishing synonymy.
Content analysis of internet marketing strategies used to promote flavored electronic cigarettes.

Abstract Introduction Flavored e-cigarette (ECIG) use and Internet marketing have increased in the U.S. This study examined the content used to promote flavored ECIG liquids on retailer websites. Methods Four ECIG liquid retailers from four U.S. geographic regions (n = 16) were randomly selected. Menthol, apple, and tobacco flavored liquids were purchased in April of 2016 (n = 144, 48 unique flavors). Staff analyzed the text and image descriptors displayed on liquid bottles and retailer websites and coded content for presence of specific flavor, taste/smell, chemesthesis (i.e., touch), America/patriotic, and product quality/potentially modified risk content. A follow-up of retailer websites was conducted in March 2018. Results Nearly all (97.9%) ECIG liquids included a description that promoted flavor. Most descriptions including images of something other than an ECIG liquid bottle (e.g., 62% of tobacco ECIG liquid images included dried tobacco leaves, 43% of menthol ECIG liquid images included mint leaves or ice, 62% of apple ECIG liquid images included an apple). Images often promoted product sensations (e.g., cool, ice), sweet tastes of other products (e.g., chocolate, apple pie), or other appeals (e.g., America). Menthol and apple descriptions/images were more likely than tobacco descriptions/images to promote appeals related to chemesthesis (e.g., cool, warm, moist; p Conclusions Flavored ECIG liquid marketing often includes text descriptions and images that appeal to consumer sensations. Studies are needed to examine how access to point-of-sale Internet advertisements influences attitudes, perceptions, and purchasing of ECIG products, especially among at-risk populations such as youth.
Influence of Surflan (Oryzalin) Concentrations in Irrigation Water on Growth and Physiological Processes of Gardenia jasminoides radicans and Pennisetum rupelli

Abstract This study investigated the effect of oryzalin concentrations on growth, CO2 assimilation, stomatal conductance, transpiration and ethylene synthesis in dwarf gardenia and fountain grass (tolerant and sensitive species). The plant species were subjected to irrigation water containing 10 μg/liter, 100 μg/liter and 1000 μg/liter oryzalin. CO2 assimilation, stomatal conductance and transpiration were measured 2 and 4 weeks after treatment initiation, and ethylene evolution was determined at the end of the study. Oryzalin did not affect net CO2 assimilation, stomatal conductance, transpiration or ethylene evolution for dwarf gardenia or fountain grass. Dwarf gardenia shoot and root weights were not affected by oryzalin, but shoot and root weights of fountain grass were reduced by the highest concentration.
Classroom-Based Services in an Urban Middle School: Strategies for Becoming Part of the Solution

Purpose Low-performing middle schools are often urban, culturally and linguistically diverse communities. Classroom-based speech-language service delivery is a best practice in these schools. This ...
Weapons of War, Weapons of Peace: DDR Processes in Peacemaking

Recent trends in international responses to civil war and humanitarian crises highlight the growing importance of multilateral intervention by intergovernmental organizations (IGOs). Academics and ...
Cs2AgBiBr6−xClx solid solutions – band gap engineering with halide double perovskites

The halide double perovskites Cs2AgBiBr6 and Cs2AgBiCl6 form a complete solid solution. The cubic Fmm space group symmetry and near complete rock salt ordering of Ag+ and Bi3+ are retained for all compositions, and the lattice parameter varies linearly between the two end-members. The band gap increases linearly between Cs2AgBiBr6 (Eg = 2.19 eV) and Cs2AgBiBrCl5 (Eg = 2.61 eV), but deviates upward from a Vegard's Law behavior once the chloride content exceeds ∼85%. The Cs2AgBiCl6 end-member has a band gap, Eg = 2.77 eV, that is 0.10 eV larger than the extrapolated value from a Vegard's Law fit. Analysis of the powder X-ray diffraction peak shapes shows that microstrain increases steadily as the Cl− content increases, before dropping precipitously for the Cs2AgBiCl6 end-member. The combined results give no evidence for long range ordering of halide ions.
A Hybrid Algorithm for Modifying and Tracking Connectivity in UAV Teams

Algebraic connectivity is the second-smallest eigenvalue of the Laplacian matrix and can be used as a metric for the robustness and efficiency of a network. This connectivity concept applies to teams of multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) performing cooperative tasks, such as arriving at a consensus. As a UAV team completes its mission, it often needs to control the network connectivity. The algebraic connectivity can be controlled by altering edge weights through movement of individual UAVs in the team, or by adding and deleting edges. The addition and deletion problem for algebraic connectivity, however, is NP-hard and caused multiple heuristic methods to be developed. A leading method, the greedy perturbation heuristic, is efficient but not always effective. An alternative method, the bisection method, is highly effective but less efficient. The primary contributions of this paper are identification of a set of features and a classifier for predicting when the greedy perturbation heuristic is successful, and presentation of a hybrid algorithm which combines these two methods to provide both effectiveness and efficiency.
Boolean Term Orders and the Root System Bn

A Boolean term order is a total order on subsets of [n] ={1,..., n} such that ∅ ≺ α for all α $$ \subseteq$$ [n], α ≠ ∅, and α ≺ β ⇒ α ∪ γ ≺ β ∪ γ for all γ with γ ∩(α ∪ β) = ∅. Boolean term orders arise in several different areas of mathematics, including Grobner basis theory for the exterior algebra, and comparative probability. The main result of this paper is that Boolean term orders correspond to one-element extensions of the oriented matroid M(Bn), where Bn is the root system {ei : 1 ≤ i ≤ n} ∪{ei ± ej : 1 ≤ i < j ≤ n}. This establishes Boolean term orders in the framework of the Baues problem, in the sense of (Reiner, 1998). We also define a notion of coherence for a Boolean term order, and a flip relation between different term orders. Other results include examples of noncoherent term orders, including an example exhibiting flip deficiency, and enumeration of Boolean term orders for small values of n.
Determining the Profitability of Reniform Nematode Control Practices in the Mississippi Cotton Production System

The reniform nematode, Rotylenchulus reniformis, can be damaging in silt loam soils that have predominantly supported cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) production in the Mid-Southern United States. Th...
COVID-19 presenting as stroke.

Abstract Objective Acute stroke remains a medical emergency even during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most patients with COVID-19 infection present with constitutional and respiratory symptoms; while others present with atypical gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, or neurological manifestations. Here we present a series of four patients with COVID-19 that presented with acute stroke. Methods We searched the hospital databases for patients that presented with acute stroke and concomitant features of suspected COVID-19 infection. All patients who had radiographic evidence of stroke and PCR-confirmed COVID-19 infection were included in the study. Patients admitted to the hospital with PCR- confirmed COVID-19 disease whose hospital course was complicated with acute stroke while inpatient were excluded from the study. Retrospective patient data were obtained from electronic medical records. Informed consent was obtained. Results We identified four patients who presented with radiographic confirmation of acute stroke and PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. We elucidate the clinical characteristics, imaging findings, and the clinical course. Conclusions Timely assessment and hyperacute treatment is the key to minimize mortality and morbidity of patients with acute stroke. Stroke teams should be wary of the fact that COVID-19 patients can present with cerebrovascular accidents and should dawn appropriate personal protective equipment in every suspected patient. Further studies are urgently needed to improve current understandings of neurological pathology in the setting of COVID-19 infection.
Time-Series Efficient Factors

We show that factors in prominent asset pricing models are unconditionally minimum-variance inefficient. Factor returns are positively autocorrelated while risk, conditional on past returns, is constant. We derive a transformation that turns an autocorrelated factor into a "time-series efficient" factor. Time-series efficient factors earn 40% higher Sharpe ratios than the original factors and contain all the information found in the original factors. Momentum strategies profit from the inefficiencies in factor returns. An asset pricing model with time-series efficient factors, such as an efficient Fama-French five-factor model, prices momentum. Our results impose novel restrictions on theoretical models of asset returns.
Cultivating trust, producing knowledge: The management of archaeological labour and the making of a discipline:

Like any science, archaeology relies on trust between actors involved in the production of knowledge. In the early history of archaeology, this epistemic trust was complicated by histories of Orien...
15 years of introgression studies: quantifying gene flow across Eukaryotes

ABSTRACT With the rise of affordable next generation sequencing technology, introgression — or the exchange of genetic materials between taxa — is widely perceived to be a ubiquitous phenomenon in nature. Although this claim is supported by several keystone studies, no thorough assessment on the frequency of introgression in nature has been performed to date. In this manuscript, we aim to address this knowledge gap by providing a meta-analysis of the most comprehensive survey of introgression studies in Eukaryotes to date (724 papers with claims of introgression). We first examined the evidence given to support introgression, and if/how the lines of evidence have changed across time. We then collated a single statistic, Patterson’s D, that quantifies the strength of introgression across 123 studies to further assess how taxonomic group, divergence time, and aspects of life history influence introgression. We find three main results. Studies on introgression are much more frequent in plants and mammals than any other taxonomic group. The study of introgression has shifted from a largely qualitative assessment of whether introgression happens, to a focus on when and how much introgression has occurred across taxa. The most often used introgression statistic, Patterson’s D, shows several intriguing patterns suggesting introgression reports may be biased by both differences in reporting criteria and sequencing technology, but may also differ across taxonomic systems and throughout the process of speciation. Together, these results suggest the need for a unified approach to quantifying introgression in natural communities, and highlight important areas of future research that can be better assessed once this unified approach is met.
Mental Health in Patients Undergoing Orthopaedic Surgery: Diagnosis, Management, and Outcomes.

» Mental health and psychosocial factors play a critical role in clinical outcomes in orthopaedic surgery. » The biopsychosocial model of disease defines health as a product of physiology, psychology, and social factors and, traditionally, has not been as emphasized in the care of musculoskeletal disease. » Improvement in postoperative outcomes and patient satisfaction is incumbent upon the screening, recognition, assessment, and possible referral of patients with high-risk psychosocial factors both before and after the surgical procedure.
Interpersonal abuse and alcohol use among African American young women: the mediating role of emotion dysregulation.

African American women experience a high prevalence of alcohol-related consequences, and no studies have explicitly examined the associations among lifetime interpersonal abuse, emotion dysregulati...
Report of an unusually large, surgically excised squamous cell carcinoma successfully treated with porcine transitional epithelium.

Xenograft transplantation, first performed in the early 20th century, has been used successfully in traumatic wounds, burns, chronic ulcers, and surgical defects. Xenografts should be considered when facing not only limited donor skin or multiple patient comorbidities that may preclude successful full thickness skin grafting, but also unusually large surgical defects. Xenografts are commonly used for enhanced granulation in preparation for full-thickness skin graft placement especially over avascular areas such as cartilage or bone. Xenografts reduce the inherent tension of a wound, initiate proper epithelialization, reduce postoperative complications, and allow for acceptable outcomes.1 Traditionally, porcine xenografts are split-thickness skin grafts harvested with a dermatome under aseptic conditions. Newer xenografts, derived from other components besides dermal material, can be used as a biologic dressing to both facilitate and accelerate wound healing with decreased scar contraction. The MatriStem xenograft (ACell, Columbia, MD) is an extracellular matrix derived from porcine urinary bladder. Porcine transitional epithelium, currently the most widely used, provides optimum results in full-thickness wound remodeling because of its resemblance in histologic structure to human skin. We report an unusually large, surgically excised squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) managed successfully with the MatriStem xenograft.