cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Virological breakthrough and resistance in patients with chronic hepatitis B receiving nucleos(t)ide analogues in clinical practice

Virological breakthrough (VBT) is the first manifestation of antiviral drug resistance during nucleos(t)ide analogue (NUC) treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB), but not all VBTs are due to drug resistance. This study sought to determine the incidence of VBT and genotypic resistance (GR) in patients with CHB who were receiving NUCs in clinical practice. Records of patients with CHB who were receiving NUCs were reviewed. All patients with VBT were tested for drug resistance mutations. Of 148 patients included, 73% were men and mean age was 44.9 years. During a mean follow-up of 37.5 ± 20.1 months, 39 (26%) patients had at least 1 VBT. Of these 39 patients, 15 (38%) were not confirmed to have VBT on retesting, and 10 of these 15 had no evidence of GR. The cumulative probability of VBT, confirmed VBT, and GR at 5 years was 46.1%, 29.7%, and 33.9%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, failure to achieve undetectable hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA was the only factor significantly associated with VBT. Among the 10 patients who had VBT but no confirmed VBT or GR and who were maintained on the same medications, serum HBV DNA decreased in all 10, and nine had undetectable HBV DNA at a mean of 6.8 months after the VBT. Four patients had persistently undetectable HBV DNA, six had transient increase in HBV DNA during follow-up, and none had GR. Conclusion: VBT was common in patients with CHB receiving NUCs in clinical practice, but nearly 40% of the VBTs were not related to antiviral drug resistance. Counseling of patients with CHB on medication adherence and confirmation of VBT and/or GR can avoid unnecessary changes in antiviral medications. (HEPATOLOGY 2011;)
The thermodynamics of the reaction of pyruvic acid with reduced diphosphopyridine nucleotide.

Abstract An isothermally jacketed calorimeter was constructed in which temperature changes could be measured to within 0.0001° C. The heat of reaction of pyruvate with reduced diphosphopyridine nucleotide catalyzed by lactic acid dehydrogenase to give lactate and oxidized diphosphopyridine nucleotide was measured with this apparatus. The enthalpy change for this reaction was found to be—10.6·10 3 calories per mole of DPN oxidized. This datum, correlated with results of equilibrium measurements, permitted the calculation of the standard enthalpy change, standard free energy change, and standard entropy change for the over-all reaction, and also for the half reactions involved.
Interventions for men who batter: Do we know what works?

This article discusses controversies in the field of offender treatment and reviews what is known about treatment effectiveness. Thus far, very little is known from research findings about effective treatments, as few well-controlled studies have been conducted to date. Some innovative approaches to retaining men in treatment show promising results. The article also focuses on definitions of program success and suggests ways to judge the quality of program evaluations. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Nutrition knowledge and body-image satisfaction of female adolescents

Abstract This study examined the relationship between body-image satisfaction and knowledge of nutrition concepts related to weight control among 138 adolescent females. We administered a questionnaire to females aged 14 to 16, and obtained height and weight measurements. Sixty percent of the participants expressed more satisfaction than dissatisfaction with their bodies. Body aspects that these subjects were most frequently dissatisfied with were weight, hips, thighs, and bottom. Taller girls were more satisfied with their height than shorter girls, and lighter-weight girls were more satisfied with their weight than heavier girls. We used a multiple-choice test to assess nutrition knowledge concepts relevant to weight control. In general, the subjects seemed to know how to lose weight (using principles of energy intake and expenditure) but lacked knowledge of safe and reasonable dieting practices. The participants' nutrition knowledge test scores tended to increase with an increase in the mothers' education and socioeconomic levels. We did not find a significant correlation between body-image satisfaction and nutrition knowledge.
Magnetic resonance tagging and echocardiographic response to dobutamine and functional improvement after reperfused myocardial infarction.

Objective Our objective was to compare the qualitative response to low-dose dobutamine by echocardiography (DSE) with the quantitative response of magnetic resonance myocardial tagging (DMRT) in the prediction and evaluation of functional improvement after reperfused myocardial infarction (MI). Methods Twenty-two patients with a reperfused first MI (aged 51 ± 2 years, 20 male, 13 anterior MI) were studied. On day 3 ± 1 after MI, patients underwent both DSE and DMRT at baseline and during infusion of 5 μg/kg/min and 10 μg/kg/min of dobutamine. The patients returned at week 8 ± 1 for follow-up echocardiogram and MRT at rest. Two experienced observers interpreted the DSE for the presence of contractile reserve and functional improvement in dysfunctional segments. By DMRT, a 5% increase in percent intramyocardial circumferential shortening at peak response to dobutamine was defined as evidence of contractile reserve. Functional improvement by echocardiography was defined as the gold standard. Results Ejection fraction improved from 46% ± 10% at week 1 to 51% ± 12% at week 8 (P <.001) in the patients. Sixty-seven transmural segments with baseline dysfunction matched between imaging modalities by location were studied. For 51 (76%) of the segments, echocardiography and MR tagging were concordant in the assessment of functional improvement (κ value 0.52). Twenty-nine segments (43%) demonstrated improvement by echocardiography, whereas 33 segments (49%) improved by MR tagging. With improvement of function by echocardiography as gold standard, the sensitivity and specificity of DMRT for prediction of functional improvement was 86% and 69%, respectively, with an overall accuracy of 76%. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of DSE was 86%, 87%, and 85%, respectively. Overall accuracy was similar between techniques. Conclusions Both DSMRT and DSE are sensitive and accurate techniques for predicting functional improvement after reperfused MI. (Am Heart J 2002;143:1046-51.)
Comparison of Methods for Analysis of Airborne Endotoxin

Abstract Comparison of endotoxin exposures reported by various authors is problematic since sampling and analytical methods have not been standardized. As part of a study of respiratory hazards in the turkey growing industry, replicate samples from two types of barns (brooder and hen grower) were assayed by two laboratories using different Limulus-based methods. One set of samples was assayed using the kinetic Limulus assay with resistant-parallel-line estimation (KLARE) method, and the other set was assayed using a conventional chromogenic endpoint Limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) method. Possible sources of disagreement included: changes during shipping; different extraction methods; sample dilutions; lysate preparations; response; and data analysis. Use of different control standard endotoxins in the two laboratories resulted in significantly different estimates when computed as nanograms of endotoxin. When results were calculated in endotoxin units relative to U.S. Reference Standard Endotoxin EC-5 the ...
Reservoir characterization of a shallow marine sandstone; the Lower Cretaceous Sandringham Sands (Leziate Beds) and Carstone formations, eastern England

An onshore shallow marine sandbody has been investigated in several extensive quarry outcrops in the Norfolk area of eastern England in terms of its sedimentology (sedimentary structures, geometry and architecture), sequence stratigraphy and reservoir-scale heterogeneity. In addition to conventional sedimentological logging techniques, vertical profiles were analysed using a steady-state electronic probe permeameter to investigate permeability heterogeneity. Permeability analysis was also complemented by spectral gamma ray profiles, which were used to characterize facies associations in terms of their total radioactivity and relative proportions of potassium, uranium and thorium. It was found that lithofacies type and bounding surface have the dominant control on permeability heterogeneity and thus flow unit compartmentalization. This study aims to complement pre-existing outcrop analogue datasets which attempt to model fluid flow more accurately in analogous subsurface reservoirs. It also serves to highlight the difficulty in accurately identifying and modelling subsurface shallow marine/estuarine tidal channel depositional systems for well/drainage and or production strategies.
Targeting Ovarian Tumor Cell Adhesion Mediated by Tissue Transglutaminase

Tissue transglutaminase (TG2) is a transpeptidase involved in protein cross-linking through generation of e-(γ-glutamyl)lysine isopeptide bonds. It also promotes cell adhesion through interaction with fibronectin and facilitates formation of fibronectin–integrin complexes. This interaction is involved in tumor cell adhesion to the matrix and in the process of tumor dissemination. Its inhibition by small molecules may therefore be useful in blocking metastasis. To that end, we screened more than 800,000 compounds following an in silico docking approach targeting two distinct cavities in the vicinity of the fibronectin-binding site on TG2. A total of 120 compounds were acquired and tested in cell culture–based assays for inhibition of ovarian tumor cell adhesion and proliferation. Seven compounds showed more than 50% inhibition of cell adhesion at a concentration of 25 μmol/L. A follow-up fluorescence polarization study revealed that one compound in particular (ITP-79) inhibited binding of a TG2 peptide to a 42-kDa fragment of fibronectin in a dose-dependent manner. This inhibition was confirmed in cancer cells by coimmunoprecipitation. A competition assay with surface plasmon resonance showed that ITP-79 modulated binding of TG2 to fibronectin. Direct binding of compounds that inhibited adhesion to TG2 were examined with differential scanning fluorimetry, which measures the effect of the compound on the melting temperature of the target. Two compounds, including ITP-79, reduced TG2 stabilization, mimicking the effects of GTP, a known negative allosteric regulator of TG2 enzymatic function. This suggests a potential allosteric mechanism for the compound in light of its distal target site. Mol Cancer Ther; 10(4); 626–36. ©2011 AACR .
Spatiotemporal Patterns of Urban Human Mobility

The modeling of human mobility is adopting new directions due to the increasing availability of big data sources from human activity. These sources enclose digital information about daily visited locations of a large number of individuals. Examples of these data include: mobile phone calls, credit card transactions, bank notes dispersal, check-ins in internet applications, among several others. In this study, we consider the data obtained from smart subway fare card transactions to characterize and model urban mobility patterns. We present a simple mobility model for predicting peoples’ visited locations using the popularity of places in the city as an interaction parameter between different individuals. This ingredient is sufficient to reproduce several characteristics of the observed travel behavior such as: the number of trips between different locations in the city, the exploration of new places and the frequency of individual visits of a particular location. Moreover, we indicate the limitations of the proposed model and discuss open questions in the current state of the art statistical models of human mobility.
The Role of Community-Based Scientific Resources in Developing Scientific Talent: A Case Study.

This article explores key components of a science program for gifted learners and provides a two year experimental program as a case study to illustrate the implementation of these components. The findings illustrate the efficiency of science content mastery in the context of scientific inquiry, the relative difficulty of demonstrating growth in scientific inquiry per se over a short period of time, and the affective changes that occur in attitudes toward science as a result of such a program. Implications for implementing such programs in local settings are discussed.
Improving Infection Control Education for Nurses Using Self-Learning Modules: An Infection Control Project

Abstract ISSUE: Beth Israel Medical Center (BIMC)—Petrie Division is an 850-bed tertiary-care hospital located in New York City. The Infection Control Department (IC) has made major efforts to educate all levels of staff on infection control policies and practices. Because the nursing staff has very complicated work schedules, a self-learning module was developed to improve education on infection control topics for this group and to supplement traditional formal education sessions. PROJECT: To measure the effectiveness of the self-learning module and to solicit feedback, a quiz was administered to nurse managers, intensive care unit (ICU) nurses, and floor nurses. A pre- and post-test format was used to assess their knowledge on infection control from the self-learning module. RESULTS: The median score of the pretest was 80%. Knowledge deficits were noted in some of the major areas of infection control such as multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs), bloodborne pathogens, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPEs). The average score for the groups in the area of MDROs was 50%; bloodborne pathogens, 42%; and PPEs, 54%. After the pretest results were reviewed, these areas were targeted and emphasized through the self-learning module and formal interactive teaching sessions. A post-test was given, and improvement was seen for those key areas. In the area of MDROs, the score increased to 57%, to 85% in bloodborne pathogens, and to 75% and in PPEs. LESSONS LEARNED: For education to be effective, strategies must be developed that target specific groups and account for complicated work schedules and provide autonomy and independent learning. Because nursing staff play a key role in preventing and reducing infections, efforts to identify knowledge gaps are important. The self-learning module and quiz identified problem areas, provided education, and decreased some gaps in infection control education for this group. Based on the post-test scores, educational efforts will continue. The nurses approved of the intervention and provided very positive feedback.
Serum Triiodothyronine is Increased in Men With Prostate Cancer and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

ABSTRACTTriiodothyronine is the active thyroid hormone produced by de-iodination of the precursor thyroxine that is necessary for the growth of prostate cancer cells in vitro. For this reason we assessed serum triiodothyronine levels in men with localized prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and controls in the same age group.Materials and Methods: We studied 161 men referred for treatment of localized prostate cancer, 20 with BPH and 27 controls. Serum triiodothyronine was determined by fluorometric immunoassay and a commercially available instrument.Results: Men with BPH had the highest triiodothyronine levels, followed by those with prostate cancer. Controls had the lowest triiodothyronine. There was significant triiodothyronine variation among the 3 groups (1-way ANOVA p = 0.001). In men with BPH serum triiodothyronine was significantly different from that in men with prostate cancer (Tukey’s multiple range test p = 0.013). Men with prostate cancer had serum triiodothyronine that was si...
Establishing climate-growth relationships for yelloweye rockfish (Sebastes ruberrimus) in the northeast Pacific using a dendrochronological approach

We applied dendrochronology (tree-ring) methods to develop multidecadal growth chronologies from the increment widths of yelloweye rockfish (Sebastes ruberrimus) otoliths. Chronologies were developed for the central California coast, a site just north of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, and at Bowie Seamount west of the Queen Charlotte Islands, British Columbia. At each site, synchronous growth patterns were matched among otoliths via the process of crossdating, ensuring that the correct calendar year was assigned to all increments. Each time series of growthincrement measurements was divided by the values predicted by a best-fit negative exponential function, thereby removing age-related trends. These detrended time series were averaged into a master chronology for each site, and chronologies were correlated with monthly averages of sea surface temperatures, upwelling, the Northern Oscillation Index, and the Pacific Decadal Oscillation. The two northern growth chronologies positively correlated with indices of warm ocean conditions, especially from the prior summer through the spring of the current year. During the same period, the California chronology positively correlated with indices of cool ocean conditions, indicating an opposing productivity regime for yelloweye rockfish between the California Current and the Gulf of Alaska. Overall, this study demonstrates how tree-ring techniques can be applied to quickly develop annually resolved chronologies and establish climate‐growth relationships across various temporal and spatial scales.
Transcellular spreading of huntingtin aggregates in the Drosophila brain

A key feature of many neurodegenerative diseases is the accumulation and subsequent aggregation of misfolded proteins. Recent studies have highlighted the transcellular propagation of protein aggregates in several major neurodegenerative diseases, although the precise mechanisms underlying this spreading and how it relates to disease pathology remain unclear. Here we use a polyglutamine-expanded form of human huntingtin (Htt) with a fluorescent tag to monitor the spreading of aggregates in the Drosophila brain in a model of Huntington's disease. Upon expression of this construct in a defined subset of neurons, we demonstrate that protein aggregates accumulate at synaptic terminals and progressively spread throughout the brain. These aggregates are internalized and accumulate within other neurons. We show that Htt aggregates cause non-cell-autonomous pathology, including loss of vulnerable neurons that can be prevented by inhibiting endocytosis in these neurons. Finally we show that the release of aggregates requires N-ethylmalemide-sensitive fusion protein 1, demonstrating that active release and uptake of Htt aggregates are important elements of spreading and disease progression.
New Moves—Preventing Weight-Related Problems in Adolescent Girls: A Group-Randomized Study

Background Weight-related problems are prevalent in adolescent girls. Purpose To evaluate New Moves, a school-based program aimed at preventing weight-related problems in adolescent girls. Design School-based group-randomized controlled design. Setting/participants 356 girls (mean age=15.8±1.2 years) from six intervention and six control high schools. More than 75% of the girls were racial/ethnic minorities and 46% were overweight or obese. Data were collected in 2007–2009 and analyzed in 2009–2010. Intervention An all-girls physical education class, supplemented with nutrition and self-empowerment components, individual sessions using motivational interviewing, lunch meetings, and parent outreach. Main outcome measures Percentage body fat, BMI, physical activity, sedentary activity, dietary intake, eating patterns, unhealthy weight control behaviors, and body/self-image. Results New Moves did not lead to significant changes in the girls' percentage body fat or BMI but improvements were seen for sedentary activity, eating patterns, unhealthy weight control behaviors, and body/self-image. For example, in comparison to control girls, at 9-month follow-up, intervention girls decreased their sedentary behaviors by approximately one 30-minute block a day ( p =0.050); girls increased their portion control behaviors ( p =0.014); the percentage of girls using unhealthy weight control behaviors decreased by 13.7% ( p =0.021); and improvements were seen in body image ( p =0.045) and self-worth ( p =0.031). Additionally, intervention girls reported more support by friends, teachers, and families for healthy eating and physical activity. Conclusions New Moves provides a model for addressing the broad spectrum of weight-related problems among adolescent girls. Further work is needed to enhance the effectiveness of interventions to improve weight status of youth.
Herbivorous Insect Response to Group Selection Cutting in a Southeastern Bottomland Hardwood Forest

Malaise and pitfall traps were used to sample herbivorous insects in canopy gaps created by group-selection cutting in a bottomland hardwood forest in South Carolina. The traps were placed at the centers, edges, and in the forest adjacent to gaps of different sizes (0.13, 0.26, and 0.50 ha) and ages (1 and 7 yr old) during four sampling periods in 2001. Overall, the abundance and species richness of insect herbivores were greater at the centers of young gaps than at the edge of young gaps or in the forest surrounding young gaps. There were no differences in abundance or species richness among old gap locations (i.e., centers, edges, and forest), and we collected significantly more insects in young gaps than old gaps. The insect communities in old gaps were more similar to the forests surrounding them than young gap communities were to their respective forest locations, but the insect communities in the two forests locations (surrounding young and old gaps) had the highest percent similarity of all. Although both abundance and richness increased in the centers of young gaps with increasing gap size, these differences were not significant. We attribute the increased numbers of herbivorous insects to the greater abundance of herbaceous plants available in young gaps.
Vitamin D deficiency, sleep, sleep disruption, and daytime neurocognitive impairment

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble secosteroid that interacts with intranuclear vitamin D receptors (VDRs) to effect changes to DNA transcription. VDRs are located in numerous tissues of the body, including brain, components of the immune system, and skeletal muscle. Worldwide, vitamin D deficiency (VDd) is highly prevalent, with identified risk factors including dark skin pigmentation, obesity, advanced age, limited sun exposure, pregnancy, and chronic use of steroids or anticonvulsant medications. VDd causes diseases of bone demineralization known as rickets (demineralization at epiphyseal growth plates) and osteomalacia (demineralization at areas of increased bone turnover) and a painful myopathy of skeletal muscles (osteomalacic myopathy). Research on VDd and its interaction with sleep is scant, though circumstantial evidence suggests that a complex relationship is likely to exist. VDd-related pain likely promotes sleep disruption directly. VDd is associated with increases in the sleep-regulating substances TNF-α and IL-1, and possibly prostaglandin D2, suggesting that VDd may be a cofactor for the development of daytime neurocognitive impairment. VDd may also increase the risk for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), via promotion of adenotonsillar hypertrophy, airway hypotonia, and chronic rhinitis. Further research is needed to establish the complex relationship between VDd, normal sleep, sleep disruption, and daytime neurocognitive impairment.
Propanediol alters intracellular pH and developmental potential of mouse zygotes independently of volume change

Prior to treatment, mouse zygotes were incubated with acridine orange (AO) a fluorescent dye which fluoresces within a physiological pH range. The zygotes were then perifused with 1,2-propanediol (PROH) at rates of 0.18 mol/min, 0.36 mol/min and 1.0 mol/min and zygote volume and intracellular pH monitored. Zygotes perifused with phosphate-buffered saline maintained their initial volume and AO fluorescence. All of the zygotes exposed to PROH at a rate of 1 mol/min decreased in volume and lost their AO fluorescence by 10 min. The volume of the zygotes perifused at less than or equal to 0.36 mol/min was not altered. However, only 25% of the zygotes perifused at 0.36 mol/min maintained their fluorescence at 10 min and all lost their fluorescence by 15 min. At 0.18 mol/min 95% of the zygotes maintained their fluorescence at 10 min and 49% at 15 min. All of the PROH-exposed zygotes lost their fluorescence by 20 min. Although 2-cell development was not affected by 3.0 M PROH for 2.5 min, blastocyst development was reduced compared with controls (P less than 0.05). Longer exposures resulted in a significant decrease in both 2-cell and blastocyst development. These data demonstrate that a 2-7-min exposure to greater than or equal to 2.5 M PROH alters both the intracellular pH and developmental potential. Since these detrimental effects are independent of volume changes and therefore intracellular PROH concentrations, it is postulated that PROH mediates its toxic action by directly altering the cell membrane.
Advanced practitioner-driven critical care outreach to reduce intensive care unit readmission mortality

Objectives: Intensive care unit (ICU) readmission is associated with poorer outcomes as compared to primary admissions. Recognizing new or recurrent critical care issues on the wards postICU discharge may improve outcomes, especially in those subsequently requiring readmission. Herein, we describe and evaluate a pilot surgical critical care outreach initiative to reduce mortality in patients ultimately requiring ICU readmission. Methods: Each patient discharged from the ICU was visited within 48 h by a Critical Care Advanced practitioner who examined the patient, reviewed the chart, recent laboratory results, and orders, and then communicated any concerns to the primary service. Patient demographics, outreach issues identified, and severity of issues were recorded prospectively. Retrospectively, patient outcomes were assessed including the need and timing of any ICU readmission and mortality both before and after outreach implementation. Results: Pre and postoutreach readmission rates were 2.41% (37/1534) versus 3.54% (54/1524), respectively (P = 0.07). Mortality rates before and after outreach were 5.08% (n = 78) versus 5.64% (n = 86) overall (P = 0.052) and 18.9% (n = 7) versus 9.25% (n = 5) for readmissions (P = 0.21), respectively. Conclusions: Critical care outreach postICU discharge did not decrease readmission mortality in this pilot study. Further studies are required to evaluate its effects on not only readmission mortality but also readmission rates and timing along with the incident of subsequent ICU complications. The following core competencies are addressed in this article: Patient care, Systems based practice, Communication.
Measurement of Velocity-Concentration Covariance

A single-electrode conductivity probe in a bridge circuit and a hot-film sensor and anemometer were used to make the first known measurements of the longitudinal velocity-concentration covariance, uc, along a diffusing plume in the flow. The measurements were made in a 3.87-ft (1.18-m) wide flume over three boundary roughnesses. From these measurements the Boussinesq-type mass transfer coefficient was directly evaluated and compared with the longitudinal-diffusion coefficients obtained from a floating-particle study at the water surface. Within experimental accuracy the results show that the Boussinesq-type transfer coefficient is an adequate model for describing the scalar transport process.
Optimal Control of Air Traffic Networks Using Continuous Flow Models

in the National Airspace System using an Eulerian description of the network with hyperbolic partial dierential equations. Existence and uniqueness (well-posedness) of a solution to the system of partial dierential equations on a network is established. Subsequently, an optimal control problem is studied with the junction coecients as control variables. We use a fully discretised adjoint approach and we implement it on a network with 16 links and 5 junctions created from the enroute high altitude jetways between the Oakland and Salt Lake City air trac control centers. The aircraft flows on the final link of the network with and without control are compared and the results demonstrate the eciency of the method developed in the article.
Laser-induced solution synthesis and deposition: A generic method to make metal chalcogenide nanotubes at high rate with high consistency

This article reports a new processing method for manufacturing nanotubes and possibly other nano entities with consistency at high rate. We show that this method can be applied for a wide range of materials, as demonstrated by a variety of metal chalcogenides. The proposed novel laser-induced solution synthesis and deposition method is a quantum jump for improving the consistency and manufacturing rate of chemical bath deposition and electroless deposition. We demonstrate the generic nature of this method by synthesizing nanocrystals of a number of arbitrarily selected metal chalcogenides, that is, tin oxide, iron oxide, manganese oxide and zinc sulfide, and depositing each of them in an ion-track polymer membrane for making uniform nanotubes. The mechanism of the tube formation is discussed. High consistency, fast growth rate, scalability and the ability of laser patterning are observed. Moreover, high-resolution transmission electron microcopy images indicate that the nanotubes made by this method, as d...
Quantum dots as fluorescent labels for quantitative detection of Salmonella typhimurium in chicken carcass wash water.

Fluorescent semiconductor quantum dots have recently emerged as a novel and promising class of fluorescent labels for biological detection. In this study, quantum dots were used as fluorescent labels in immunoassays for quantitative detection of foodborne pathogenic bacteria. Salmonella Typhimurium cells were separated from chicken carcass wash water using anti-Salmonella antibody coated magnetic beads and reacted to secondary biotin-labeled anti-Salmonella antibody. Quantum dots coated with streptavidin were added to react with biotin on the secondary antibody. Measurement of the intensity of fluorescence produced by quantum dots provided a quantitative method for microbial detection. A linear relationship between Salmonella Typhimurium cell number (log N) in the samples of chicken carcass wash water and the fluorescence intensity (FI) was found for the cell numbers ranging from 10 3 to 10 7 CFU/ml. The regression model can be expressed as FI = 198.6 Log N - 639.03 with R 2 = 0.96. The detection limit of this method was 10 3 CFU/ml.
Complex system contextual framework (cscf): a grounded-theory construction for the articulation of system context in addressing complex systems problems

The complexity of problems facing society continues to grow, and decision-makers and problem-solvers are finding many of today's emerging problems to be beyond their capability to adequately address. There is agreement in the literature that problems of this nature are complex system problems, inextricably linked to some highly complex system of systems. Establishing a clear understanding of the specific complex system context is fundamental to the process of understanding and analyzing complex systems and complex system problems across all of the different systems-based disciplines. While complex system context is widely referred to in systems literature, there is no clear characterization of exactly what system context is, making this foundational system concept ambiguous. This research addressed this gap in the systems body of knowledge by providing the needed detail and clarity to the concept of complex system context. A rigorous research methodology, employing the grounded theory method, was used to analyze data collected through a series of semi-structured interviews conducted with individuals reflecting a wide range of systems education and practical experience. Two research questions were identified as integral to increasing the understanding of context within complex systems. (1) What are the constituent elements of complex system context, and what attributes and dimensions characterize these elements? (2) What systems-based framework can be developed for constructing and articulating complex system context? Using the grounded theory method, a theory of system context was constructed, adding to the systems body of knowledge and substantiating a comprehensive and unambiguous theoretical construct for system context within complex systems. Then, based on this theory, a conceptual model to articulate and capture system-specific complex system context was developed---the Complex System Contextual Framework (CSCF). The CSCF shows significant promise for contribution to systems practitioners by supporting the future development of tools to help practitioners capture system context as a part of complex system problem formulation. The research also made a contribution in the area of research methodologies by furthering the use of the grounded theory method in the engineering management and systems engineering domain, an area where its application has been very limited.
Electron Mobility in Liquid Hydrocarbons

This chapter reviews several experimental techniques for mobility measurement. There are two ways to measure electron mobility: by measuring radiation-induced conductance or by measuring electron drift time over a fixed distance in a cell. In the time-of-flight method, the drift time over a fixed distance is measured directly. There are different experimental designs to measure the drift time. One procedure includes a thin layer of ionization that is created by switching X-rays collimated close to the cathode. The time required for the current to reach its maximum is the drift time to the anode. Alternatively, the entire cell is exposed to a short X-ray pulse. The current decreases linearly with time as the ions are extracted by the field. The drift time is the time at which the current is reduced to insignificance. In another variation, called the Hudson method, X-rays are turned on at a known time, irradiating the cell uniformly. The current rises parabolically with time, and the time to reach the maximum is the electron drift time across the cell. The chapter also discusses the thermodynamics of electron trapping and electron solvation in liquid hydrocarbons. The electron reacts with the solute mostly in the quasi-free state in which the electron has an overwhelmingly high rate of reaction even though it resides mostly in the trapped state.
A Review of "Sexual Dysfunction, Third Edition: A Guide for Assessment and Treatment"

Sexual Dysfunction, Third Edition: A Guide for Assessment and Treatment, by John P. Wincze and Risa B. Weisberg. New York, NY: The Guilford Press, 2015, 230 pages. $35.00 (paperback), $31.59 (Kindl...
Accuracy Assessment of NOAA Coastal Change Analysis Program 2006-2010 Land Cover and Land Cover Change Data

Abstract A new approach to locating accuracy assessment sample units was used to quantify 2010 land cover accuracy, in addition to being able to make statements about 2006-2010 land cover change mapping accuracy for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ( noaa ) Coastal Change Analysis Program ( c-cap ) data. Three customized tiers of sampling strata were created, as discussed, to meet these goals. Stratified random sampling was employed in each stratum with a six out of nine pixel-homogeneity criteria (different from the final minimum mapping unit) required for each sampling unit. Accuracy was assessed for nine regions in the coastal United States with overall accuracy ranging from 82.3 percent to 85.6 percent. Binary change was mapped with 88.7 percent accuracy, with the largest error being errors of commission (71.2 percent user accuracy). This sampling design also allowed for the identification of 137 locations where true change was not mapped, allowing for statements to be made about missed change.
PATH COMPLIANCE IN LANE-CHANGE TESTS DESIGNED TO EVALUATE REARWARD AMPLIFICATION.

An ISO working group is currently developing a proposal for a standard to evaluate the rearward amplification of heavy combination vehicles. The work is being conducted in the wake of recent efforts that established an SAE Recommended Practice on the same subject. The SAE RP identifies a physical lane–change manoeuvre designed to apply a sinusoidal lateral acceleration to a tractor that closely follows the path, and it then defines the manner in which measurements of tractor and trailer lateral accelerations can be used to estimate rearward amplification. The ISO proposal is expected to mirror this SAE manoeuvre very closely. Both the SAE RP and the ISO proposal identify an allowable path tolerance whereby an individual test is deemed successful if the tractor steer–axle follows the prescribed path within ±150 mm. This paper uses a variety of physical test results and computer simulations to demonstrate the degree to which the magnitude of this tolerance affects the uncertainty of the test results, and it shows that consideration should be given to using a path tolerance that is a function of the desired path frequency and amplitude.
Realism under Hegemony: Theorizing the Rise of Brazil

What light can international relations theory shed on how developing countries such as Brazil have achieved regional leadership and international influence? This comprehensive examination of Brazilian foreign policy over the last few decades argues that Realism provides a better account of Brazil’s strategy than Liberalism and Constructivism. Despite changes of government and regime, Brasilia has persistently pursued relative political gain, especially international influence. However, because this rising country has faced an established hegemon in the form of the United States, it has not been able to employ conventionally Realist instruments and tactics. Its subordinate position in the current power constellation has forced Brazil to forego political or military confrontation and instead use economic cooperation, both with the hegemon and its weaker neighbors. Through this collaboration, Brazil hopes to derive disproportionate benefits that will enhance its relative power. By elucidating these complex calculations, the present essay explains the Realist strategy that ambitious nations such as Brazil have pursued and helps design a version of Realism that captures recent power dynamics in the international system.
Byzantine reliable broadcast in sparse networks

Modern large-scale networks require the ability to withstand arbitrary failures (i.e., Byzantine failures). Byzantine reliable broadcast algorithms can be used to reliably disseminate information in the presence of Byzantine failures.
Energy and cost savings potential of oscillating heat pipes for waste heat recovery ventilation

Abstract The feasibility of using finned oscillating heat pipes (OHPs) for heat exchange between counter-flowing air streams in HVAC air systems (i.e., outdoor and exhaust air flows), along with the associated cost savings in typical North American climates, is investigated. For a prescribed temperature difference and volumetric flow rate of air, rudimentary design parameters for a viable OHP Heat Recovery Ventilator (OHP-HRV) were determined using the e -NTU (effectiveness-Number of Transfer Unit) method. The two-phase heat transfer within the OHP-HRV is modeled via effective evaporation/condensation heat transfer coefficients, while the latent heat transfer required to initiate OHP operation via boiling and evaporation is also considered. Results suggest that an OHP-HRV can possess a reasonable pressure drop ( 5 kW. The proposed OHP-HRV can possess an effectiveness near 0.5 and can pre-cool/heat HVAC air by >5°C. Potential energy and cost savings associated with using an OHP-HRV were estimated for commercial building envelopes in various regions of the United States. It is found that the proposed OHP-HRV can save more than $2500 annually in cities that have continental climatic conditions, such as Chicago and Denver, and for the selected locations the average yearly cost savings per building is found to be on-the-order of $700. Overall, the OHP-HRV shows potential in effectively reducing energy consumption and the operational cost of air handling units in buildings.
Designing a multi-faceted SOLO taxonomy to track program design skills through an entire course

This paper explores how to assess students' skills in program design and how those skills evolve across an entire CS1 course. We gathered various data from students, including programming samples and transcripts from interview and think-aloud sessions. As we coded the data, a progression resembling a SOLO taxonomy appeared to emerge bottom-up. As we refined this with top-down perspective from our curricular goals, we ended up with a novel multi-faceted SOLO taxonomy to track students' progress. We also identified data that don't fit a SOLO progression, yet reflect relevant traits and habits about design. In applying our framework, we learned several lessons about defining SOLO taxonomies and study protocols that leverage them. The major contributions of this work are (1) a taxonomy with separate but inter-related progressions for different design skills (that is applied to an entire course rather than a single assignment), along with (2) various methodological lessons about applying and designing assessments around SOLO taxonomies in this context.
Pesquisa clínica, autonomia da vontade e direitos de personalidade: o caso do menino Kauã no Tribunal de Justiça do Rio Grande do Sul

A pesquisa clinica com medicamentos visa ao alcance do bem-estar social e do equilibrio da saude humana, sendo identificado um significado social dos estudos clinicos que remete a discussao sobre a quem se atribui a responsabilidade pela manutencao do fornecimento de medicamentos apos o termino do estudo clinico.
Formularity: Software for Automated Formula Assignment of Natural and Other Organic Matter from Ultrahigh-Resolution Mass Spectra.

Ultrahigh resolution mass spectrometry, such as Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT ICR MS), can resolve thousands of molecular ions in complex organic matrices. A Compound Identification Algorithm (CIA) was previously developed for automated elemental formula assignment for natural organic matter (NOM). In this work, we describe software Formularity with a user-friendly interface for CIA function and newly developed search function Isotopic Pattern Algorithm (IPA). While CIA assigns elemental formulas for compounds containing C, H, O, N, S, and P, IPA is capable of assigning formulas for compounds containing other elements. We used halogenated organic compounds (HOC), a chemical class that is ubiquitous in nature as well as anthropogenic systems, as an example to demonstrate the capability of Formularity with IPA. A HOC standard mix was used to evaluate the identification confidence of IPA. Tap water and HOC spike in Suwannee River NOM were used to assess HOC identification in...
Wine grape cultivar influence on the performance of models that predict the lower threshold canopy temperature of a water stress index

Abstract The calculation of a thermal based Crop Water Stress Index (CWSI) requires an estimate of canopy temperature under non-water stressed conditions (Tnws). The objective of this study was to assess the influence of different wine grape cultivars on the performance of models that predict Tnws. Stationary infrared sensors were used to measure the canopy temperature of the wine grape cultivars Malbec, Syrah, Chardonnay and Cabernet franc under well-watered conditions over multiple years and modeled as a function of climatic parameters – solar radiation, air temperature, relative humidity and wind speed using multiple linear regression and neural network modeling. Despite differences among cultivars in Tnws, both models provided good prediction results when all cultivars were collectively modeled. For all cultivars, prediction error variance was lower in neural network models developed from cultivar-specific datasets than regression models developed from multi-cultivar datasets. Overall, the cultivar-specific models had less prediction error variance than multi-cultivar models. Multi-cultivar models generally resulted in prediction bias whereas cultivar-specific models eliminated the prediction bias. All predictive models had an uncertainty of ±0.1 in calculation of the CWSI despite significantly different prediction error variance between models.
Cervical cancer – State of the science: From angiogenesis blockade to checkpoint inhibition

Abstract Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has emerged as a therapeutic target in several malignancies, including cervical cancer. Chemotherapy doublets combined with the fully humanized monoclonal antibody, bevacizumab, now constitute first-line therapy for women struggling with recurrent/metastatic cervical carcinoma. Regulatory approval for this indication was based on the phase III randomized trial, GOG 240, which demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in overall survival when bevacizumab was added to chemotherapy: 17.0 vs 13.3 months; HR 0.71; 98% CI, 0.54–0.95; p = .004. Incorporation of bevacizumab resulted in significant improvements in progression-free survival and response. These benefits were not accompanied by deterioration in quality of life. GOG 240 identified vaginal fistula as a new adverse event associated with bevacizumab use. All fistulas occurred in women who had received prior pelvic radiotherapy, and none resulted in emergency surgery, sepsis, or death. Final protocol-specified analysis demonstrated continued separation of the survival curves favoring VEGF inhibition: 16.8 vs 13.3 months; HR 0.77; 95% CI, 0.62–9.95; p = .007. Post-progression survival was not significantly different between the arms in GOG 240. Moving forward, immunotherapy has now entered the clinical trial arena to address the high unmet clinical need for effective and tolerable second line therapies in this patient population. Targeting the programmed cell death 1/programmed death ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) pathway using checkpoint inhibitors to break immunologic tolerance is promising. The immunologic landscape involving human papillomavirus-positive head and neck carcinoma and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma can be informative when considering feasibility of checkpoint blockade in advanced cervical cancer. Phase II studies using anti-PD-1 molecules, nivolumab and pembrolizumab are ongoing, and GOG 3016, the first phase III randomized trial of a checkpoint inhibitor (cemiplimab) in cervical cancer, recently activated. Important considerations in attempts to inhibit the inhibitors include pseudoprogression and post-progression survival, abscopal effects, and immune-related adverse events, including endocrinopathies.