cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optimization and Expert Systems with Neural Networks

Neural Networks (NN) provide the framework for the optimization of highly complex problems, known as NP-complete. At the same time NN allow in an elegant way for the implementation of forward and backward chaining Expert Systems (ESs) where the knowledge is represented by production rules but non-explicit domain knowledge can also be learnt. The use of fuzzy logic allows for the processing of partial and uncertain information. As a representative example for optimization we discuss the Traveling Salesman problem (TSP) covering also recent progress, and subsequently we focus on the connectionist ESs, some of them using fuzzy logic. We finally point to the possibility of a unified framework.
Comparison of a nonlinear adaptive controller with certainty-equivalence type adaptive controllers

Recently a new class of adaptive controllers for linear time invariant minimum phase plants has been proposed and analysed. The design of these controllers is based on nonlinear tools and appears to be different from that of the more traditional adaptive controllers developed using the certainty-equivalence approach. The purpose of this paper is to compare the two classes of adaptive controllers by analysing their design and stability properties. It is shown that for plants with relative degree 1, the new class of adaptive controllers is a special case of a class of indirect model reference adaptive controllers developed using the certainty-equivalence approach. For relative degree greater that 1, the two classes of controllers are different.
Reformulated gasoline for automotive emissions reduction

Over the past 25 years substantial reductions of air pollutant emissions from automobiles have resulted primarily from engine combustion modification and exhaust treatment control technology. Modifications to gasoline, the removal of lead and reduction of Reid vapor pressure, have assisted emissions reduction. Continuing urban air pollution problems and resulting regulatory pressures require further automotive emissions reductions. Changing the composition of gasoline will be an important part of future controls. The interactions between gasoline properties and engine tailpipe emissions are complex, involving fuel/air mixture preparation, combustion, catalyst effectiveness, and durability. Gasoline properties also are important to evaporative emissions and to the ozone forming potential of the hydrocarbons and oxides of nitrogen which are emitted. The definition of a “clean” reformulated gasoline is progressing rapidly. Important fuel characteristics which affect pollutant emissions and their photochemical reactivity include distillation temperatures, aromatic content, olefin content, sulfur contaminant level, oxygenate additives, and Reid vapor pressure. Recent, extensive data on the relation between fuel composition and emissions establish the surprising result that optimal modifications of these properties can produce a gasoline which reduces the mass emissions of hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen, and toxics from current automobiles each by about 30 to 40%. Further effectiveness in reducing photochemical smog results from lowering the photochemical reactivity of the emitted hydrocarbons. The mechanisms of these reductions, which are not fully understood, are a promising area of combustion and emissions research. Reformulated gasolines will play an important role in reducing automotive emissions during this decade. These petroleum derived fuels will compete in their air pollution reduction with alternative automotive fuels such as natural gas, liquid petroleum gas, and alcohols.
Citizens’ Views About Fault in Property Division

While most American states today exclude or severely limit consideration of marital misconduct in allocating property at divorce, about 15 still allow judges broad discretion to consider it. This study asks whether there is popular support for considering fault in property allocations. We surveyed a representative cross-section of over 600 citizens awaiting jury service, asking for two types of judgments. One type asked respondents how they would allocate marital property in each of two hypothetical cases: a baseline case for which we knew, from prior research, respondents would favor equal division, and a second case that was identical but for claims by one spouse of the other’s adultery. There were 14 variations of the adultery case, differing in selected factual details; each respondent was asked about just one randomly selected variation. The second type of judgment asked respondents to indicate the strength of their agreement or disagreement with each of a series of statements presenting reasons for courts to consider, or not consider, allegations of marital misconduct in allocating property. Only when the adultery was admitted with no excuse or justification offered for the behavior was there any notable departure from equal division of the property, and 65% of respondents preferred equal division even in that case. Analysis of the Likert items suggests respondents’ reluctance to consider fault is based more on process concerns than on a moral indifference to adultery.
Lethal Transposition of Mud Phages in Rec(-) Strains of Salmonella Typhimurium

Under several circumstances, the frequency with which Mud prophages form lysogens is apparently reduced in rec strains of Salmonella typhimurium. Lysogen formation by a MudI genome (37 kb) injected by a Mu virion is unaffected by a host rec mutation. However when the same MudI phage is injected by a phage P22 virion, lysogeny is reduced in a recA or recB mutant host. A host rec mutation reduces the lysogenization of mini-Mu phages injected by either Mu or P22 virions. When lysogen frequency is reduced by a host rec mutation, the surviving lysogens show an increased probability of carrying a deletion adjacent to the Mud insertion site. We propose that the rec effects seen are due to a failure of conservative Mu transposition. Replicative Mud transposition from a linear fragment causes a break in the host chromosome with a Mu prophage at both broken ends. These breaks are lethal unless repaired; repair can be achieved by Rec functions acting on the repeated Mu sequences or by secondary transposition events. In a normal Mu infection, the initial transposition from the injected fragment is conservative and does not break the chromosome. To account for the conditions under which rec effects are seen, we propose that conservative transposition of Mu depends on a protein that must be injected with the DNA. This protein can be injected by Mu but not by P22 virions. Injection or function of the protein may depend on its association with a particular Mu DNA sequence that is present and properly positioned in Mu capsids containing full-sized Mu or MudI genomes; this sequence may be lacking or abnormally positioned in the mini-Mud phages tested.
Ballistic deflection transistors and their application to THz amplification

We present implementation of recently proposed ballistic deflection transistors (BDTs) as THz amplifiers. BDT is a planar device based on InGaAs/InAlAs/InP heterostructure with quasi-ballistic transport obtained in the two-dimensional electron gas layer that facilitates ultra-short transit time and high performance needed for THz-range circuitry. The BDT performance is optimized through its structural modification and the use of high-k dielectrics. Our time-domain, electrical transient measurements demonstrate sub-THz switching performance of a BDT with a ~1-μm-wide channel. Independently, circuit simulations using experimental parameters of BDTs with a channel width of 430 nm and with the BDTs themselves connected as a multi-stage travelling-wave amplifier, designed for 6-dB gain, predict a 2.7- THz bandwidth with a gain flatness of ±0.3 dB.
Investigating the Psychometric Properties of the ACEI Global Guidelines Assessment, Third Edition (GGA) in Nine Countries

The Third Edition of the ACEI Global Guidelines Assessment (GGA) was evaluated for its effectiveness as an international assessment tool for use by early childhood educators to develop, assess, and improve program quality worldwide. This expanded study was conducted in nine countries [People’s Republic of China (2 sites), Guatemala, India, Italy, Mexico (2 sites), Peru (2 sites), Taiwan, Thailand, United States] to continue the investigation of the psychometric properties of the GGA. A total of 346 programs and 678 early care and education professionals participated in this study. Results primarily confirmed the findings of the previous study, (Hardin et al. in Early Child Educ J 41(2): 91–101, 2013), indicating that the GGA showed strong to moderate internal consistency and interrater reliability for subscale ratings across this larger number of countries and programs. The congruence of item ratings and written evidence to support ratings was acceptable, although some programs had lower participation in providing evidence. To test concurrent validity of ratings, external raters also evaluated a subset of programs (n = 44 from Peru and United States) on both the GGA and the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale-Revised that showed moderate positive correlations. Patterns of program practices were also identified within and across the participating sites and countries. Results suggest that the GGA can be used as an onsite evaluation method that can help stakeholder participants (teachers and administrators) increase their awareness of program quality standards and serve as an assessment method for their own programs. In particular, the results suggest the GGA is a reliable and useful instrument that can be used effectively by early childhood stakeholders for assessing and improving program quality worldwide (Bergen and Hardin in Child Educ 91(4): 259–264, 2015).
Serious Mental Illness in USa Nursing Homes: Differences and Similarities Between Nursing Homes with Higher Versus Lower Proportions of Patients with Serious Mental Illness

Nursing homes in USA serve patients with serious mental illness (SMI), such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, but poor quality is common in nursing homes where patients with SMI are treated. The objective of this national study is to support equitable quality in USA nursing homes by providing information that can help target government and industry initiatives aiming to improve quality in nursing homes that serve individuals with SMI. The specific aims of this study are to identify nursing home characteristics, care processes, and quality outcomes that differ across nursing homes with higher versus lower proportions of patients with SMI. National 2010 nursing home data from several government sources and compiled in a single analytic file are examined. Nursing homes are compared by proportion of patients with SMI. Findings show nursing homes with higher versus lower proportions of patients with SMI differ in many ways, such as having a greater likelihood of being for-profit, lower registered nursing hours per patient day, a greater proportion of residents restrained, younger patient populations, fewer female and more black patients, more patients on Medicaid, fewer admissions from acute care hospitals, and higher percentages of long-stay patients reporting daily pain. Findings provide a national view of nursing homes with higher versus lower proportions of patients with SMI. This study can help steer policymakers to focus on key types of nursing homes, and providers to focus on key care processes and outcomes, when aiming to improve the quality of nursing homes that serve individuals with SMI.
The updated AMSA scorecard of conflict-of-interest policies: a survey of U.S. medical schools

Best practices for conflict-of-interest (COI) policies in medical schools have evolved rapidly over the past decade, in part motivated by the American Medical Student Association (AMSA) scorecard that has publicly graded schools since 2007. This report describes the methodological update and impact of revisions to the scorecard in 2014. The original AMSA scorecard (used annually from 2008 to 2013) was revised by a work group to improve its methodology and to increase the stringency of its criteria for scoring COI policies. All U.S. medical schools (both allopathic and osteopathic; n = 160) were invited to submit their COI policies to AMSA for scoring with the new scorecard; web site searches were used to acquire policy information for schools that did not submit. The authors developed a codebook and analyzed 14 distinct categories of COI policies, pertaining to activities such as industry-funded gifts, meals, educational events, site access for sales reps, and conflict-of-interest disclosure requirements. The analysis yielded four possible grades for each school: A, B, C, or I (incomplete). The authors compared 2014 grades with 2013 grades, and compared the distribution of grades of schools by type (allopathic vs. osteopathic) and geographical region. A total of 27 (16.9 %) medical schools scored A grades, indicating that their COI policies were strong, 81 (50.6 %) scored B, 25 (15.6 %) scored C and 26 (16.3 %) policies scored I. As compared to 2013, in 2014 fewer schools qualified for A grades (17.0 % vs. 26.0 %; p = 0.05). The grade distributions of allopathic and osteopathic schools were significantly different (p < 0.0001), with osteopathic schools more likely than allopathic schools to have incomplete policies. There were no significant grade differences by geographical region. The revised 2014 AMSA scorecard, with its more stringent criteria for evaluating COI policies, assigned fewer As and more Bs and Cs than in years past. This was the first study to identify schools with COI policies stronger than those recommended in 2008 by the Association of American Medical Colleges. Developing more stringent COI policies should be helpful in reducing the influence of pharmaceutical and device industry marketing on both trainees and faculty in American medical schools.
A Validation Study of Administrative Claims Data to Measure Ovarian Cancer Recurrence and Secondary Debulking Surgery

Objective: Administrative claims data offer an alternative to chart abstraction to assess ovarian cancer recurrence, treatment and outcomes. Such analyses have been hindered by lack of valid recurrence and treatment algorithms. In this study, we sought to develop claims-based algorithms to identify ovarian cancer recurrence and secondary debulking surgery, and to validate them against the gold-standard of chart abstraction. Methods: We conducted chart validation studies; 2 recurrence algorithms and 1 secondary surgery among 94 ovarian cancer patients treated at one hospital between 2003-2009. A new recurrence algorithm was based on treatment timing (≥6 months after primary treatment) and a previously validated algorithm was based on secondary malignancy codes. A secondary debulking surgery algorithm was based on surgical billing codes. Results: The new recurrence algorithm had: sensitivity=100% (95% confidence interval [CI]=87%-100%), specificity=89% (95%CI=78%-95%), kappa=84% (SE=10%) while the secondary-malignancy-code recurrence algorithm had: sensitivity=84% (95%CI=66%-94%), specificity=44% (95%CI=31%-57%), kappa=23% (SE=8%). The secondary surgery algorithm had: sensitivity=77% (95%CI=50%-92%), specificity= 92% (95%CI=83%-97%), kappa=66% (SE=10%). Conclusions: A recurrence algorithm based on treatment timing accurately identified ovarian cancer recurrence. If validated in other populations, such an algorithm can provide a tool to compare effectiveness of recurrent ovarian cancer treatments.
The times they are a changin': Multi-year surveys reveal exotics replace native carnivores at a Madagascar rainforest site

Abstract Surveys across multiple seasons or years are necessary to evaluate the effects of dynamic processes on long-term persistence of wildlife populations, such as effects of exotic species on native species populations. Unfortunately, multi-year surveys are rare, particularly for rainforest carnivore populations, and managers often rely on single-season/year, ‘snapshot’ surveys that produce static estimates of population parameters. Here we provide results using single-species, multi-year occupancy modeling from a six-year survey (2008–2013) of a rainforest carnivore community at a 15 km 2 area study site within the newly established Makira Natural Park, Madagascar. We demonstrate a precipitous decline in the native carnivore community with four of the six native carnivores (falanouc Eupleres goudotii , ring-tailed vontsira Galidia elegans , broad-striped vontsira Galidictis fasciata , and brown-tailed vontsira Salanoia concolor ) decreasing by at least 60% over this six-year period. In addition, we observed two exotic carnivores (small Indian civet Viverricula indica and feral cat Felis species) colonize this study site with Felis species increasing in occupancy from 0 to 0.68 by the final year. Further, we demonstrate how variables associated with human encroachment (i.e. distance to forest edge and nearest village) are most important for explaining these trends in native carnivore extirpation and exotic carnivore colonization. These findings provide additional evidence on the threat posed to native carnivore populations by the expansion of exotic carnivores worldwide. We highlight the striking increase in extirpation, and the factors influencing such changes, for native carnivores. In this manuscript, we point to the limited number of multi-year surveys to evaluate dynamic processes on long-term persistence of native wildlife populations, as well as the lack of exotic carnivore control programs in threatened ecosystems in many developing nations as factors limiting our ability to effectively conserve biodiversity across the globe.
Fatimid ivories in Ifriqiya: the Madrid and Mantua Caskets between Construction and Decoration

Debates on Fatimid ivory production have traditionally focused on Egypt: many of the artefacts considered as Fatimid have been ascribed to 11-12th century Cairo, while attributions of provenance often oscillate between Egypt and Southern Italy. This paper aims to question and to broaden this geographical and chronological frame, focusing on two ivory caskets which have been often excluded by these narratives. One casket, preserved in the Museo Arqueologico Nacional in Madrid, features an inscription pointing to al-Mansuriyya (current Tunisia) as a place of production and a date to the reign of the caliph al-Mu‘izz li-Dīn Allah (952-975 CE). A second box is preserved in the Museo Diocesano Francesco Gonzaga in Mantua, and its attribution has often been debated by scholars. Previous and recent scholarship on the two caskets are surveyed, while a detailed analysis of their technology of manufacture and decoration brings to light strong similarities, suggesting that they were produced in the same place. Comparisons with a wide range of ivory boxes from and beyond the medieval Mediterranean reveal technical variety, help us to identify interesting parallels, and define the uniqueness of the Madrid and the Mantua caskets, which thus emerge as key-artefacts in the panorama of Fatimid Ifriqiyan artistic production.
“THAT’S HOW THEY TAUGHT US TO DO IT”: Learned Deviance and Inadequate Deterrents in Retail Banking

The recent reports of Wells Fargo and Morgan Stanley being engaged in widespread fraudulent sales practices in the retail banking industry make this field a timely and interesting area of study. Th...
Same As It Ever Was: Ferguson, Two Years Later

In this essay, I take a look at Ferguson two years after the death of Mike Brown and question what if anything has changed? I challenge educators to resists the temptation to reduce the complexity of the social fabric to an individual or to a specific town. It is our responsibility to guide our students to understand that racialized oppression is everywhere, and that to study Ferguson is to study any town, every town.
The Option Value of Mortgage Interest Tax Deductibility

We offer a continuous-time contingent claims valuation framework to quantify the tax shield value of US mortgage interest deduction (MID) under uncertainty. We identify non-linear forms (both convex and concave regions) in the pay-off of MID, and discuss the implications for optimal mortgage purchase decisions. The model provides insights regarding the relationship between the effective MID and a set of underlying variables, including income level, house price, mortgage size, and state and local tax rates. In particular, we show how the tax shield value of a mortgage loan changes with key variables such as the life of the loan and the volatility of underlying processes. We apply the model to the case of optimal choice of adjustable versus fixed rate mortgages and prove that under a mean-preserving interest rate, an adjustable mortgage always offers a bigger tax saving. Our work demonstrates a novel aspect of dynamic analysis in the mortgage market.
Does Yelp Matter? Analyzing (And Guide to Using) Ratings for a Quick Serve Restaurant Chain

In this paper, we perform an analysis of reviews for a national quick serve (fast food) restaurant chain. Results show that the company-owned restaurants consistently perform better than franchised restaurants in numeric rating (1–5 stars) in states which contain both types of operations. Using sales data, correlations are used to evaluate the relationship between the number of guests or sales of a restaurant and the rating of the restaurant. We found positive correlations were present between the number of customers at a location and the numeric rating. No correlation was found between the average ticket size and numeric rating. The study also found that 5-star rated restaurants have frequent comments related to the cleanliness and friendliness of the staff whereas 1-star rated restaurants have comments more closely related to speed of service and temperature of food. Overall, the study found that in contrast to previous research, rating sites like Yelp are relevant in the quick serve restaurant sector and reviews can be used to inform operational decisions, leading to improved performance. Detailed explanations related to the process of extracting this data and relevant code are provided for future researchers interested in analyzing Yelp reviews.
Early posttreatment assessment of MRI perfusion biomarkers can predict long-term response of lung cancer brain metastases to stereotactic radiosurgery.

Background Imaging criteria to evaluate the response of brain metastases to stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) in the early posttreatment period remains a crucial unmet need. The aim of this study is to correlate early (within 12 wk) posttreatment perfusion MRI changes with long-term outcomes after treatment of lung cancer brain metastases with SRS. Methods Pre- and posttreatment perfusion MRI scans were obtained in patients treated with SRS for intact non-small cell lung cancer brain metastases. Time-dependent leakage (Ktrans), blood plasma volume (Vp), and extracellular extravascular volume (Ve) were calculated for each lesion. Patients were followed longitudinally with serial MRI until death, progression, or intervention (whole brain radiation or surgery). Results We included 53 lesions treated with SRS from 41 total patients. Median follow-up after treatment was 11 months. Actuarial local control at one year was 85%. Univariate analysis demonstrated a significant difference (P = 0.032) in posttreatment Ktrans SD between patients with progressive disease (mean = 0.0317) and without progressive disease (mean = 0.0219). A posttreatment Ktrans SD cutoff value of 0.017 was highly sensitive (89%) for predicting progressive disease and no progressive disease. Early posttreatment volume change was not associated with outcome (P = 0.941). Conclusion Posttreatment Ktrans SD may be used as an early posttreatment imaging biomarker to help predict long-term response of lung cancer brain metastases to SRS. This can help identify patients who will ultimately fail SRS and allow for timelier adjustment in treatment approach. These data should be prospectively validated in larger patient cohorts and other histologies.
Online sharing behavior on social networking sites: Examining narcissism and gender effects

Abstract With the rapid emergence of social networking sites, the marketing landscape has changed dramatically. Consumers’ sharing behaviors on social networking sites (SNSs) can be guided by both self and social related motives. This study suggested that narcissism is an important psychological factor that impacts sharing behavioral intentions. To provide deeper insights into the SNS phenomenon in the foodservice industry, the current study proposed a conceptual framework to capture customers’ narcissistic personality traits and online SNS activities. The findings of this study can enhance the restaurant social media marketing literature by filling a gap in the research that has previously been ignored. Such findings provide managerial implications for designing more effective social media marketing campaigns that strategically encourage customers to share their consumption experiences.
Photoconductivity of bulk SrTiO3 single crystals at room temperature

Room temperature photoconductivity measurements have been carried out on various as-grown SrTiO3 single crystals provided from different suppliers. We observed an increase in the conductivity of samples based on photon energy and photon intensity. While low energy photons decreased the conductivity, photons with energy close to the band gap of SrTiO3 enhanced the conductivity. No persistent photoconductivity was observed in these samples. Defects play the main role in inducing the photoconductivity. Positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy and digital coincidence Doppler broadening spectroscopy were used to investigate the presence and nature of defects in the photoconductive samples. The measurements revealed high concentration of defects and the dependence of photoconductivity on defect concentration under 365 and 400 nm illumination.
The decreased adhesion of Y79 retinoblastoma cells to extracellular matrix proteins is due to a deficit of integrin receptors

Purpose. This study was designed to determine whether the Y79 retinoblastoma cell line, a prototype for retinoblastoma cells, exhibits differential adhesive properties toward extracellular matrix (ECM)/bascment membrane (BM) proteins compared to normal human retinal (NHR) cells. A second goal was to determine whether differences in adhesion are related to differences in the expression of integrin subunits. Methods. Y70 cells and NHR cells were tested for their ability to adhere and spread in microtitcr wells adsorbed with the ECM/BM proteins laminin, fibroncctin, and type IV collagen, as well as fragments of these proteins. The presence of cell surface integrins was determined by flow cyiomeiry, using monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against integrin subunits. For inhibition assays, cells were preincubated with mAbs against integrin subunits before the adhesion assays. Results. NHR cells adhered to and spread on laminin, fibronectin, and type IV collagen, whereas Y70 cells only adhered moderately to fibronectin. NHR cells expressed high levels of |81, a\, a2, a'i, «4, «5, ad, and av integrin subunits, and they used these iniegrin subunits to adhere to all three ECM proteins. In contrast, Y79 cells expressed high levels of only (he a4 and j81 integrin subunits, used to adhere to fibroncctin. Conclusions. Y79 cells have decreased adhesive capabilities toward ECM/BM proteins, compared to NHR cells. These differences can be attributed, in part, to their significantly lower levels of «1, «2, «3, and ar> integrin subunits, which serve as receptors for type IV collagen, laminin, and fibronectin. Invest Ophlhalmol Vis Sci. 1904:35:2820-2833. Jxeiinoblasioma cells, thought to be derived from the primitive multipotential neuroectoderm of the optic cup region, may retain cellular characteristics similar to Mtiller glial cells, primitive photoreceptors, or ncuronal-type cells (reviewed in 1). The retinoblastoma gene, RBI, has been termed a suppressor or regulatory gene because the functional loss of both alleles is
Reduced Swimming Performance Repeatedly Evolves on Loss of Migration in Landlocked Populations of Alewife.

AbstractWhole-organism performance tasks are accomplished by the integration of morphological traits and physiological functions. Understanding how evolutionary change in morphology and physiology influences whole-organism performance will yield insight into the factors that shape its own evolution. We demonstrate that nonmigratory populations of alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus) have evolved reduced swimming performance in parallel, compared with their migratory ancestor. In contrast to theoretically and empirically based predictions, poor swimming among nonmigratory populations is unrelated to the evolution of osmoregulation and occurs despite the fact that nonmigratory alewives have a more fusiform (torpedo-like) body shape than their ancestor. Our results suggest that elimination of long-distance migration from the life cycle has shaped performance more than changes in body shape and physiological regulatory capacity.
Discrepancies between the internet and academic literature regarding vitamin use for male infertility.

Background: The accuracy of online medical information is variable. A 2014 Cochrane review did not support a robust improvement in male infertility after antioxidant supplementation. Many subfertile men take vitamins in hopes of improving their fertility. We sought to evaluate the content of online information for male fertility vitamins, and compare this with the published literature. Methods: We searched Google to assess online information regarding vitamins and male infertility. Websites were evaluated for authorship, content, claims and validity. We then reviewed the Recommended Daily Allowance and upper tolerable intake level for each vitamin, and compared this with the supplements actual content. Results: Four websites were posted by an academic source, 7 private clinic, 31 industry, 8 were patient blogs and 50 other sources. Reproductive claims made by websites included: Improved sperm count: 65; improved pregnancy rates: 42; improved live birth rates: 9; healthier offspring: 18. Overall, 76 websites claimed some improvement in semen parameters; 85 claimed some improved reproductive outcome. 26 websites were supported by peer-reviewed literature. None of the supplements had more than the upper tolerable intake level of any of the vitamins, but several were over the RDA, most commonly zinc, vitamin B12 and selenium. Conclusions: Many websites claim improvements in a variety of male reproductive outcomes after vitamin supplementation. These are often not supported by the medical literature. We need to provide evidence-based information to patients so that they can have realistic expectations of the benefits that vitamins may have on male reproductive outcomes.
Pathology and Cytogonetics of Germ Cell Tumours in Children

Publisher Summary This chapter analyzes pathology and cytogenetics of germ cell tumors in children. Germ cell tumors arise from primitive germ cell with a potential for differentiation along several pathways. The primordial germ cells are the progenitors of mature germ cells that appear at the end of the third gestational week and migrate from the yolk sac toward the developing gonads by the fifth week of embryonic life. Germ cell tumors in children can be divided into benign, malignant, and borderline. Mature teratomas—sasrococcygeal in infants and ovary in girls—are the most common benign germ cell tumors. Yolk sac tumors (endodermal sinus) either pure or mixed with other elements are the most common malignant type. The preliminary data from a series of 220 patients entered into the U.K. Children's Cancer Study Group's Germ Cell Tumor Studies I and II suggest that germinomas have the worst (76%) and teratomas the best (91%) survival. However, the survival differences between the various histological categories of malignant germ cell tumors were not statistically significant. The long-term survival for all patients entered onto germ cell study I, with a follow-up of 10 years was 83%.
Case base management systems: providing database support to case-based reasoners

Case-based reasoning offers a new approach for developing knowledge-based systems. Unlike the rule-based paradigm, in which domain knowledge is encoded in the form of production rules, in the case-based approach the problem solving experience of the domain expert is captured by cases. These cases are stored in a knowledge base, called a casebase. Current case-based systems are mostly research prototypes (programming-in-the-small), designed primarily to refine the concepts in case-based reasoning. A number of research issues need to be resolved to facilitate the transition of these prototypes to large application systems (programming-inthe- large). The primary issue that will help the transition is to develop data management support for these prototypes. In this paper, we analyze this data management support and propose a new concept called a casebase management system to perform data management functions for case-based systems. We discuss the research issues that should be addressed to develop casebase management systems.
Corporate Citizenship and Community Stakeholders

In this chapter, we compare and contrast the concepts of corporate citizenship and stakeholder theory.
Evidentiary needs of US public health departments with a mission to advance equity and health: a qualitative analysis.

Objectives We sought the perspectives of lead public health officials working to improve health equity in the USA regarding the drivers of scientific evidence use, the supply of scientific evidence and the gap between their evidentiary needs and the available scientific evidence. Design We conducted 25 semistructured qualitative interviews (April 2017 to June 2017) with lead public health officials and their designees. All interviews were transcribed and thematically analysed. Setting Public health departments from all geographical regions in the USA. Participants Participants included lead public health officials (20) and their designees (5) from public health departments that were either accredited or part of the Big Cities Health Coalition. Results Many respondents were using scientific evidence in the context of grant writing. Professional organisations and government agencies, rather than specific researchers or research journals, were the primary sources of scientific evidence. Respondents wanted to see more locally tailored cost-effectiveness research and often desired to participate in the planning phase of research projects. In addition to the scientific content recommendations, respondents felt the usefulness of scientific evidence could be improved by simplifying it and framing it for diverse audiences including elected officials and community stakeholders. Conclusions Respondents are eager to use scientific evidence but also need to have it designed and packaged in ways that meet their needs.
Airway Exposure to Modified Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes Perturbs Cardiovascular Adenosinergic Signaling in Mice

The broad list of commercial applications for multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) can be further expanded with the addition of various surface chemistry modifications. For example, standard commercial grade MWCNT (C-grade) can be carboxylated (COOH) or nitrogen-doped (N-doped) to suite specific utilities. We previously reported dose-dependent expansions of cardiac ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, 24 h after intratracheal instillation of C-grade, COOH, or N-doped MWCNT in mice. Here, we have tested the hypothesis that airway exposure to MWCNT perturbs cardiovascular adenosinergic signaling, which could contribute to exacerbation of cardiac I/R injury. 100 µL of Vehicle or identical suspension volumes containing 100 µg of C-grade, COOH, or N-doped MWCNT were instilled into the trachea of CD-1 ICR mice. 1 day later, we measured cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) concentrations in cardiac tissue and evaluated arterial adenosinergic smooth muscle signaling mechanisms related to nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX) in isolated aortic tissue. We also verified cardiac I/R injury expansion and examined both lung histology and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cellularity in MWCNT exposed mice. Myocardial cAMP concentrations were reduced (p < 0.05) in the C-grade group by 17.4% and N-doped group by 13.7% compared to the Vehicle group. Curve fits to aortic ring 2-Cl-Adenosine concentration responses were significantly greater in the MWCNT groups vs. the Vehicle group. Aortic constrictor responses were more pronounced with NOS inhibition and were abolished with COX inhibition. These findings indicate that addition of functional chemical moieties on the surface of MWCNT may alter the biological responses to exposure by influencing cardiovascular adenosinergic signaling and promoting cardiac injury.
What Did You Expect? Divergent Perceptions Among Internship Stakeholders:

Background: Research has indicated differences in perceptions among students, employers, and faculty related to internships, but most studies are either discipline-specific or fail to encompass all...
Reduction of Multidrug-Resistant Salmonella enterica Serovar Heidelberg Using a Dairy-Originated Probiotic Bacterium, Propionibacterium freudenreichii freudenreichii B3523, in Growing Turkeys

SUMMARY We investigated the antibacterial efficacy of a dairy-origin probiotic bacterium, Propionibacterium freudenreichii freudenreichii B3523 (PF), on a multidrug-resistant strain of Salmonella enterica serovar Heidelberg (SH) in growing turkeys. In 2 independent experiments, day-old poults (N = 24/experiment) were randomly assigned to 3 treatment groups (8 turkeys/group). The groups were: a negative control (NC; turkeys without PF supplementation or SH challenge), an SH control (SC; turkeys challenged with SH without PF supplementation), and a test group (PFS; turkeys supplemented with PF and challenged with SH) raised until 7 wk of age. Turkeys in the PFS group received PF once in 2 d at 1012 cfu in 5 gallon drinking water from day 0 until 6 wk of age. Turkeys in SC and PFS groups were challenged with SH as crop gavage at 6 wk of age. After SH inoculation, the PFS group received PF daily for 7 d until the end of the study. The colonization of SH and PF in turkey ceca was determined 2 and 7 d post-inoculation of the pathogen. In addition, the effect of PF supplementation on the dissemination of SH to liver and spleen was determined. Results indicated that PF was recoverable at 4 to 4.5 log10 cfu/g at the end of the study. Additionally, PF supplementation significantly reduced SH colonization in the PFS group by 1 to 1.3 log10 cfu/g in the turkey ceca 2 and 7 d after SH inoculation (P ≤ 0.05), compared to the SC group. In addition, PF supplementation reduced dissemination of SH to liver and spleen (P ≤ 0.05), compared to the SC group. Results indicate that PF could be a potential probiotic strategy in turkeys to control SH colonization at a later stage of turkey production.
Climate, Landforms, and Geology Affect Baseflow Sources in a Mountain Catchment

Baseflow is essential for stream ecosystems and human water uses, particularly in areas with Mediterranean climates. Yet the factors controlling the temporal and spatial variability of baseflow and its sources are poorly understood. Measurements of oxygen and hydrogen isotopic composition (δ18O and δ2H) were used to evaluate controls on baseflow in the stream network of a 64‐km2 catchment in western Oregon. A total of 607 water samples were collected to contrast baseflow in a year of near average precipitation (2016) to a year with low winter snowpack and subsequent summer drought conditions (2015). Spatial autocorrelation structures and relationships between surface water isotopic signatures and geologic and topographic metrics throughout the network were determined using Spatial Stream Network models. Isotope values varied widely in space and between years, indicating disparate baseflow water sources. During average flow conditions, the spatial variation in δ18O was primarily related to elevation, reflecting the influence of prior precipitation and input of water from snowmelt at higher elevation. In contrast, during drought conditions, the spatial variation in δ18O was also related to terrain slope and roughness-proxies for local water storage in deep‐seated earthflows and other Quaternary deposits. A prominent spring‐fed tributary with high unit baseflow discharge illustrated the importance of subsurface water storage in porous volcanic bedrock. As drought increases in a warming climate, baseflow in mountain catchments may become more dependent on storage in geologic and geomorphic features.
Performance of Surveillance MR Enterography (MRE) in Asymptomatic Children and Adolescents With Crohn's Disease

Background MR enterography (MRE) is the primary modality for evaluating small bowel disease in pediatric Crohn's patients. Standard clinical practice includes imaging patients at diagnosis and during symptomatic recurrence. The role for MRE in surveillance of asymptomatic Crohn's patients has not yet been established. Purpose To determine whether MRE imaging features are associated with clinical recurrence. Study type Retrospective. Populations Pediatric Crohn's patients who underwent MRE while asymptomatic, defined by pediatric gastroenterologists using a physician global assessment; 35 MREs were identified. Field strength/sequence 1.5T including T2 -weighted single-shot fast spin echo, balanced steady-state free precession, diffusion-weighted, and contrast-enhanced multiphase T1 -weighted gradient recalled echo sequences. Assessment MREs were reviewed by three radiologists independently for mural thickening, T2 -weighted hyperintensity, diffusion restriction, hyperenhancement, vasa recta engorgement, and overall assessment of disease activity. Two pediatric gastroenterologists reviewed patient medical records for 6 months following MRE to evaluate for recurrence, defined as Crohn's-related treatment escalation, surgery, or hospitalization. Statistical tests Fisher's exact test, Wald chi-square test, and model selection by Akaike information criterion minimization were used to assess statistical significance of MRE imaging features. Results Of 35 MREs identified, seven cases demonstrated clinical recurrence at 6 months (20%); 28 cases remained in remission (80%). Imaging features of active disease were present in 86% of patients with recurrence compared to 29% of patients in remission (P = 0.01). Wall thickening, T2 -weighted hyperintensity, hyperenhancement, and diffusion restriction were significantly associated with recurrence. Multivariate regression analysis determined diffusion restriction to be the best predictor of recurrence within 6 months (P = 0.001, area under the curve 0.786). Data conclusion MRE performed on young asymptomatic Crohn's patients can identify patients who have a high probability of developing clinical recurrence in a 6-month period, indicating a potential role for surveillance imaging to assess for subclinical active disease. Level of evidence 3 Technical Efficacy Stage 5 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:1955-1963.
Altered hypothalamic diffusivity in Parkinsonian autonomic dysfunction

The pathophysiological basis of autonomic symptoms in Parkinson9s disease remains incompletely understood. The hypothalamus plays a key regulatory role in autonomic function and has been shown to be affected in Parkinson9s disease. Here, using diffusion magnetic resonance imaging, we investigated whether microstructural properties of the hypothalamus differ in Parkinson9s disease patients with high compared to low autonomic symptom burden. Parkinson9s disease patients with low (n=25) and high (n=25) autonomic symptom burden were identified from a larger pool, based on scores from a questionnaire assessing autonomic symptoms in Parkinson9s disease (SCOPA-AUT). In each patient, we first segmented the hypothalamus manually, based on anatomical landmarks. Diffusivity measures were then extracted from the hypothalamus. Diffusivity measures calculated in the brainstem and the putamen were used to assess the specificity of the results. Relative to patients with low autonomic symptom burden, patients with high burden showed increased mean, axial, and radial diffusivity in the hypothalamus. In contrast, we did not find significant group differences in any of these measures extracted from the brainstem or the putamen. These results reveal consistent differences in the microstructural properties of the hypothalamus between patients with low and high autonomic symptom burden. Hypothalamic diffusivity properties can thus potentially be used as an imaging marker to assist in the identification of therapeutic targets for autonomic dysfunction in Parkinson9s disease.
Correction to: Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy (SABR/SBRT) for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

The article Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy (SABR/SBRT) for Hepatocellular Carcinoma, written by Byung-Han Rhieu, Amol K. Narang and Jeffrey Meyer, was originally published electronically on the publisher’s internet portal (currently SpringerLink) on 16 October 2018 without open access.
Clinical Nurse Preparation and Partnership in Antibiotic Stewardship Programs: National Survey Findings Are a Call to Action for Nurse Leaders.

Objective Describe clinical nurse involvement in antibiotic stewardship programs (ASPs). Background The extent to which clinical nurses are supported and integrated into ASPs is unknown. Methods Electronic survey of infection preventionists (IPs) working in acute care hospitals. Results A total of 207 IPs nationwide reported on clinical nurses' involvement in their hospital's ASP. Among respondents, 42% reported the presence of a designated nurse executive that championed nurses' involvement in ASPs; 33% reported that the hospital provides antibiotic stewardship education and training to clinical nurses, and only 14% believed that clinical nurses have adequate stewardship knowledge to participate in ASP activities. Conclusions Study findings indicate the need for nurse leaders to improve the preparation and integration of clinical nurses in ASPs. While clinical nurses routinely perform activities that contribute to optimal antibiotic use, the knowledge and competency of clinical nurses in these activities and their formal integration in ASPs are minimal.
Advances in leveraging gut microbe-host interactions for performance benefits in poultry : feed science

Microbial exposure during the early days of a chick's life can have a critical effect on the development of GI microbiota, and subsequently on health and performance over the bird's lifespan. The GI tract provides an inviting habitat for a diverse range of inhabitants, and by day one post-hatch, bacterial density can rise to 108 and 1010 cells/g of digesta in the proximal and distal intestine, respectively (Apajalahti et al., 2004).