cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assessing Assessment Texts: Where Is Planning?

We conducted a content analysis of 27 assessment textbooks to determine how assessment planning was framed in texts for preservice teachers. We identified eight assessment planning themes: alignment, assessment purpose and types, reliability and validity, writing goals and objectives, planning specific assessments, unpacking, overall assessment plan, and other. Themes were used to code the all texts and evaluated the depth of coverage each theme received: mentioning, elaboration, and how to. Findings indicate that classroom assessment textbooks (a) lack a clear focus on assessment planning, (b) demonstrate wide variation in the depth of coverage with little focus on “how to” related to assessment planning, and (c) lack theoretical connections between assessment and instructional practices.
Vesicular Trafficking Systems Impact TORC1-Controlled Transcriptional Programs in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

The Target of Rapamycin Complex I (TORC1) orchestrates global reprogramming of transcriptional programs in response to myriad environmental conditions, yet, despite the commonality of the TORC1 complex components, different TORC1-inhibitory conditions do not elicit a uniform transcriptional response. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, TORC1 regulates the expression of nitrogen catabolite repressed (NCR) genes by controlling the nuclear translocation of the NCR transactivator Gln3. Moreover, Golgi-to-endosome trafficking was shown to be required for nuclear translocation of Gln3 upon a shift from rich medium to the poor nitrogen source proline, but not upon rapamycin treatment. Here, we employed microarray profiling to survey the full impact of the vesicular trafficking system on yeast TORC1-orchestrated transcriptional programs. In addition to the NCR genes, we found that ribosomal protein, ribosome biogenesis, phosphate-responsive, and sulfur-containing amino acid metabolism genes are perturbed by disruption of Golgi-to-endosome trafficking following a nutritional shift from rich to poor nitrogen source medium, but not upon rapamycin treatment. Similar to Gln3, defects in Golgi-to-endosome trafficking significantly delayed cytoplasmic–nuclear translocation of Sfp1, but did not detectably affect the cytoplasmic–nuclear or nuclear–cytoplasmic translocation of Met4, which are the transactivators of these genes. Thus, Golgi-to-endosome trafficking defects perturb TORC1 transcriptional programs via multiple mechanisms. Our findings further delineate the downstream transcriptional responses of TORC1 inhibition by rapamycin compared with a nitrogen quality downshift. Given the conservation of both TORC1 and endomembrane networks throughout eukaryotes, our findings may also have implications for TORC1-mediated responses to nutritional cues in mammals and other eukaryotes.
227 THE EFFECT OF PHOTOTHERAPY ON SERUM IMMUNOREACTIVE PROSTAGLANDIN A LEVELS

Phototherapy (PT) accelerates photo-oxidation and breakdown of unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) in premature infants. Since UFA serve as precursors for prostaglandins (PG), PT may effect PG metabolism. To assess this serum immunoreactive prostaglandin A (iPG-A) levels were measured in 9 prematures prior to PT, after 24 and 48 hours of PT, and 24 hours after PT was discontinued. Three infants had a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Results: Serum iPG-A levels decreased during PT. Pre-PT iPG-A levels were significantly higher in preterm infants with a PDA compared to infants without a PDA (P < .02). However, after 48 hours of PT the levels were not significantly different. The data suggest that phototherapy in premature infants may effect iPG-A levels. This effect of PT could be important in clinical situations where manipulation of PG synthesis is desirable.
Chromatic Stimulation in Partial Achromatopsia

Male patients with blue cone (pi)1 monochromatism from two families exhibiting x-linked recessive inheritance were studied. A two-beam optical stimulator was used to provide high intensity chromatic stimulation in Maxwellian view. Both ERG and psychophysical spectral sensitivities were obtained. Under photopic conditions, the patients showed maximum psychophysical sensitivity in the blue region about 440 nm with sensitivity dropping off rapidly with increasing wavelengths. ERG sensitivity was also maximal in the short wavelengths, although not exactly the same as the visual sensitivity. Under blue adaptation, both visual and ERG sensitivities were a close match to the standard scotopic (rod) curve.
A physical-based simulation for the dynamic behavior of photodoping mechanism in chalcogenide materials used in the lateral programmable metallization cells

Abstract Photodoping of chalcogenide glass (ChG) is an important process that has been used in several technology applications such as submicron lithography, diffraction gratings, and holographic recording. Today, one of the primary uses of photodoping is in the production of nonvolatile cation-based resistive random access memory (RRAM). Cation RRAM operates through electronic control of metal concentration within a ChG film, which alters the material between high resistance (HRS) and low resistance states (LRS). The process of photodoping is performed after the fabrication of ChG-based RRAM in order to introduce active metal into the film and lower switching energy. In spite of recent advances in the control of photodoping in ChG materials during manufacturing, the physical principles governing the dynamics of the process are still not fully understood. In this paper, we present a physical-based simulation for photodoping in ChG materials used in the lateral programmable metallization cells. The analysis structure is a lateral device that uses GeSe binary film as the ChG material with electrically active Ag anode and neutral Ni cathode contacts.
Formation of ultrafine ferrite in low-carbon steels

The thermal simulation tests for low-carbon steels with 0.057%C and 0.18%C were carried out in the conditions including undercooling, deformation temperature, deformation rate and deformation reduction to investigate the effect of carbon content and deformation conditions on the formation of the ultrafine ferrite grain in low-carbon steels and analysis the mechanism of refining grain. The results showed that undercooling before deformation and deformation more than 50% can promote transformation of austenite. The ferrite nucleates at the parallel deformation bands in austenite grains, and the subsequent dynamic recovery and recrystallization process occur in the interior of ferrite grains, resulting in ultrafine ferrite grains. The diffusion of carbon atoms in the steel dorminates the strain-induced transformation process. For the steel of higher carbon content, the small undercooling degree and medium deformation rate are beneficial to the short-distance diffusion of carbon atoms and ferrite transformation. In addition, the carbides precipitated on the grain boundaries can restrain the coarsening of ferrite grains. The finer grains can be obtained in the steel with higher carbon content.
Mutational Studies of Putative Biosynthetic Genes for the Cyanobacterial Sunscreen Scytonemin in Nostoc punctiforme ATCC 29133

The heterocyclic indole-alkaloid scytonemin is a sunscreen found exclusively among cyanobacteria. An 18-gene cluster is responsible for scytonemin production in Nostoc punctiforme ATCC 29133. The upstream genes scyABCDEF in the cluster are proposed to be responsible for scytonemin biosynthesis from aromatic amino acid substrates. In vitro studies of ScyA, ScyB, and ScyC proved that these enzymes indeed catalyze initial pathway reactions. Here we characterize the role of ScyD, ScyE, and ScyF, which were logically predicted to be responsible for late biosynthetic steps, in the biological context of N. punctiforme. In-frame deletion mutants of each were constructed (ΔscyD, ΔscyE, and ΔscyF) and their phenotypes studied. Expectedly, ΔscyE presents a scytoneminless phenotype, but no accumulation of the predicted intermediaries. Surprisingly, ΔscyD retains scytonemin production, implying that it is not required for biosynthesis. Indeed, scyD presents an interesting evolutionary paradox: it likely originated in a duplication event from scyE, and unlike other genes in the operon, it has not been subjected to purifying selection. This would suggest that it is a pseudogene, and yet scyD is highly conserved in the scytonemin operon of cyanobacteria. ΔscyF also retains scytonemin production, albeit exhibiting a reduction of the production yield compared with the wild-type. This indicates that ScyF is not essential but may play an adjuvant role for scytonemin synthesis. Altogether, our findings suggest that these downstream genes are not responsible, as expected, for the late steps of scytonemin synthesis and we must look for those functions elsewhere. These findings are particularly important for biotechnological production of this sunscreen through heterologous expression of its genes in more tractable organisms.
Pediatric multiple sclerosis: Conventional first-line treatment and general management

Many disease-modifying therapies are currently available for adults with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) but none of them has been tested in pediatric MS in randomized placebo-controlled trials. At present, as suggested by observational studies and experts' guidelines, interferon-β and glatiramer acetate continue to be the standard first-line treatments for pediatric MS. Observational studies and some controlled unblinded trials have shown a positive effect of these meditations in reducing relapse rate and delaying disease progression, with an acceptable safety profile. The goal of this article is to provide an overview of current knowledge with regard to safety, tolerability, and efficacy of first-line treatment options for MS in the pediatric age group, with the aim of providing guidance for planning first-line treatment of MS in children and adolescents.
Comment on Menke et al. Metals in Urine and Diabetes in U.S. Adults. Diabetes 2016;65:164–171

It is with great interest that we noted the important work by Menke et al. (1) on the relationship between metal excretion and the incidence of type 2 diabetes. We would like to draw attention to the potential confounders when interpreting data by relying on urinary metal levels as a proxy for environmental …
Accumulation of Ubiquitin and Sequestosome-1 Implicate Protein Damage in Diacetyl-Induced Cytotoxicity.

Inhaled diacetyl vapors are associated with flavorings-related lung disease, a potentially fatal airway disease. The reactive α-dicarbonyl group in diacetyl causes protein damage in vitro . Dicarbonyl/l-xylulose reductase (DCXR) metabolizes diacetyl into acetoin, which lacks this α-dicarbonyl group. To investigate the hypothesis that flavorings-related lung disease is caused by in vivo protein damage, we correlated diacetyl-induced airway damage in mice with immunofluorescence for markers of protein turnover and autophagy. Western immunoblots identified shifts in ubiquitin pools. Diacetyl inhalation caused dose-dependent increases in bronchial epithelial cells with puncta of both total ubiquitin and K63-ubiquitin, central mediators of protein turnover. This response was greater in Dcxr -knockout mice than in wild-type controls inhaling 200 ppm diacetyl, further implicating the α-dicarbonyl group in protein damage. Western immunoblots demonstrated decreased free ubiquitin in airway-enriched fractions. Transmission electron microscopy and colocalization of ubiquitin-positive puncta with lysosomal-associated membrane proteins 1 and 2 and with the multifunctional scaffolding protein sequestosome-1 (SQSTM1/p62) confirmed autophagy. Surprisingly, immunoreactive SQSTM1 also accumulated in the olfactory bulb of the brain. Olfactory bulb SQSTM1 often congregated in activated microglial cells that also contained olfactory marker protein, indicating neuronophagia within the olfactory bulb. This suggests the possibility that SQSTM1 or damaged proteins may be transported from the nose to the brain. Together, these findings strongly implicate widespread protein damage in the etiology of flavorings-related lung disease.
Homing and Engraftment of Bone Marrow Derived Cells in Irradiated Mouse Lungs.

Abstract 4600 To determine the degree to which murine bone marrow migrates to and can repopulate damaged lung, we studied lung stem cell expression of the Clara Cell Specific Protein (CCSP). Several different models have been used to deplete the lung stem cells. We used CCtk mice which expresses the HSV-tk under control of the CCSP promoter. Subcutaneous administration of gancicylovir (50 mg/ml) over a 7 day period using Alzet osmotic pumps results in the reduction of CCSP RNA and CCSP positive cells. To determine if a reduced dose of gancicylovir reduced CCSP cells to a nonfatal degree and opened a stem cell niche for homing of hematopoietic cells, CCtk mice had osmotic pumps placed subcutaneously containing a lower dose of 25 mg/ml of gancicylovir. The lungs were explanted at serial times up to 7 days after pump placement. RNA was extracted and real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using primers specific for CCSP was used to quantitate CCSP expression. CCtk mice treated with gancicylovir showed a 70% reduction of lung CCSP expression. CCtk mice implanted with osmotic pumps containing 25 mg/ml gangcicylovir and injected intravenously with bone marrow from sex-mismatched GFP+ transgenic FVB male mouse 2 days later were followed for thirty days. The mice were sacrificed, lungs removed, single cell suspensions prepared, stained with a PE labeled anti-CD45 monoclonal antibody and analyzed by flow cytometry for GFP positive, CD45 negative cells. No GFP+, CCSP+ cells cells were detected. Injection of FVB mice with naphthalene (which kills differentiated but not stem CCSP+ cells) at 200 mg/kg intraperitoneally resulted in an 87% decrease in CCSP expression. When injected with bone marrow cells from GFP+ transgenic mice at serial times to 7 days and sacrificed at day 30, again no GFP+ CCSP+ cells were identified. In a third attempt to remove additional CCSP cells and prepare sites for homing of marrow cells, FVB mice were treated with naphthalene (200 mg/kg) followed by 20 Gy irradiation to the lungs 48 hr later, then injected with GFP+ bone marrow, 24 hr later. The mice were sacrificed 30 days later, and examined for GFP+, CD45- cells. Low numbers of GFP+ CCSP+ cells were detected. The data indicates a low baseline level of hematopoietic stem cell potential to home and differentiate to CCSP positive lung cells. Supported by NIH-2R01CA119927-08A1. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Interactive Modeling of the Aquifers Near the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway

Abstract An attempt is made to model the flow of groundwater in the aquifers near the divide-cut section of the projected Tennessee-Tombiobee Waterway. The groundwater flow study is done by the application of computer interactive graphics modeling in order to optimize the collaboration between modelers and geologists that are familiar with the area considered. The study is done by gradually refining the computer model in conjunction with a growing understanding of the system considered, resulting from inter-action between model predictions, observations and input from geologists. A two dimensional groundwater model is used to approximate both the present and future groundwater regimes at average steady-state conditions. The system of two aquifers is modeled as being infinite as no closed boundary exists. The boundary conditions are applied along creeks and rivers and are incorporated by the use of a boundary element method. A novel approach is used to model the inter-action between the two aquifers efficiently. The gradual development toward the current view of the aquifer system is shown and has greatly been affected by the use of computer inter-active graphics and the collaboration between modelers and geologists.
Saddle point of attachment in jet–crossflow interaction

Numerical simulation and theoretical analysis were performed to investigate the upstream topology of a jet–crossflow interaction. The numerical results were validated with mathematical theory as well as a juncture flow structure. The upstream critical point satisfies the condition of occurrence for a saddle point of attachment in the horseshoe vortex system. In addition to the classical topology led by a saddle point of separation, a new topology led by a saddle point of attachment was found for the first time in a jet–crossflow interaction. The degeneration of the critical point from separation to attachment is determined by the velocity ratio of the jet over the crossflow, and the boundary layer thickness of the flat plate. When the boundary layer thickness at the upstream edge of the jet is close to one diameter of the jet, the flow topology is led by a saddle point of attachment. Variation of the velocity ratio does not change the topology but the location of the saddle point. When the boundary layer thickness is less than 0.255 of the jet flow diameter, large velocity ratio can generate a saddle point of attachment without spiral horseshoe vortex; continuously decreasing the velocity ratio will change the flow topology to saddle point of the separation. The degeneration of the critical point from attachment to separation was observed.
Characterization of the pyroelectric coefficient of a high-temperature sensor:

Temperature is one of the most important thermodynamic properties measured and controlled in energy generation systems. To operate the energy system at optimum operating conditions for lower emissi...
Instrumentation: Progress and Problems

The electron microscopes currently available are designed to transfer information down to resolutions of 2–3 A or in terms of spatial frequencies, 0.3–0.5 A−1. Our present problems relate to efforts directed toward instrumentation that will provide a better specimen environment, on the one hand, and that will extend the contrast transfer function (CTF) of the instrument to 1 A−1 or better, on the other. The instrumental problems and their importance related to specimen environment in high resolution electron microscopy will be discussed in the later part of this contribution. Basic optical parameters such as electron wavelength and angular aperture of the objectives lens can be changed to enhance the CTF and the necessary means are well known, but their execution is far from routine. The electron wavelength can be decreased to give greater resolving power by going to higher accelerating voltages. Spherical and chromatic aberration coefficients can be minimized by using a system of multipoles and when corrected, larger angular apertures can be used to obtain better resolution. These are basic instrumental approaches to the problem and are bemg tried by different groups [1, 2, 3]. Special imaging modes such as tilt or rotatory cone illumination, and phase plates have also been tried [4, 5, 6] and involve special problems of instrumentation. In principle, computer or analogue processing of the electron microscope image also can be used to enhance the information obtained, but this whole area is a subject that is being considered in another contribution in this volume.
Emergence of Alternative Structures in Amyloid Beta 1-42 Monomeric Landscape by N-terminal Hexapeptide Amyloid Inhibitors

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by deposition of amyloid beta (Aβ) peptides into senile plaques in the brain. While most familial mutations are associated with early-onset AD, recent studies report the AD-protective nature of two genetic human Aβ variants, i.e. A2T and A2V, in the heterozygous state. The mixture of A2V Aβ1-6 (Aβ6) hexapeptide and WT Aβ1–42 (Αβ42) is also found neuroprotective. Motivated by these findings, in this study we investigate the effects of WT, A2V, and A2T Aβ6 hexapeptide binding on the monomeric WT Aβ42 landscape. For this purpose, we have performed extensive atomistic Replica Exchange Molecular Dynamics simulations, elucidating preferential binding of Aβ42 with the A2V and A2T hexapeptides compared to WT Aβ6. A notable reorganization of the Aβ42 landscape is revealed due to hexapeptide association, as manifested by lowering of transient interactions between the central and C-terminal hydrophobic patches. Concurrently, Aβ6-bound Aβ42 monomer exhibits alternative structural features that are strongly dependent on the hexapeptide sequence. For example, a central helix is more frequently populated within the A2T-bound monomer, while A2V-bound Aβ42 is often enhanced in overall disorder. Taken together, the present simulations offer novel molecular insights onto the effect of the N-terminal hexapeptide binding on the Aβ42 monomer structure, which might help in explaining their reported amyloid inhibition properties.
How Spirituality Impacts Consistent Employee Performance in Family Business during Turbulence

Purpose – The paper seeks to draw attention to the impact of leveraging spirituality to enhance the relationship between resilience and employee performance in family business. Design/methodology/a...
Influenza: A broadly protective antibody.

A single antibody uses multiple antiviral mechanisms to block the replication of influenza B viruses in mice and ferrets. The development could inform research into improved flu vaccines.
Architecture and Connections of Cortical Association Areas

The execution of behavior depends on the integration of activity at various levels of the central nervous system. Nevertheless, different regions of the nervous system have been shown to participate in specific functions. Whereas, at the cortical level, the primary and secondary sensory areas are involved in the elementary analysis of incoming information, the other regions of the cerebral cortex contribute to a variety of complex processes (Figs. 1 and 2). These latter regions are designated as association areas and may be conceptualized as being interposed between the external and the internal environments (Figs. 1 and 3). These areas are highly developed in primates and have been subdivided on the basis of architecture, their cortical and subcortical connections, and function, into several different types. For example, cortical areas subjacent to the primary sensory regions are termed first-order parasensory areas (Fig. 3), while those beyond the first-order parasensory areas are designated as second-order or third-order association areas (Jones and Powell, 1970a; Chavis and Pandya, 1976). Other cortical regions, which are situated at the junctions of modality-specificregions in parietal, occipital, and temporal cortices (Fig. 4), are termed multi-modal areas (Jones and Powell, 1970a; Seltzer and Pandya, 1976, 1978, 1980). Within the frontal lobe, beyond the motor cortex, a similar categorization of association areas has been identified (Jones and Powell, 1970a; Chavis and Pandya, 1976). Finally, the medial and ventral portions of the cerebral cortex contain groups of specialized regions (Fig. 5) which are termed paralimbic regions (Locke et al., 1964; Yakovlev et al., 1966; Pandya and Seltzer, 1982b).
Contemporary issues in medical professionalism challenges and opportunities

Physician organizations, academic institutions and accrediting bodies agree that professionalism is important to medicine. A number of them have created codes of conduct and competencies related to professionalism. Yet studies have shown that physicians face challenges as they seek to put the principles of professionalism into practice. This article examines four realities of medicine today-the potential for conflicts of interest, the advent of social media, the lack of professionalism education beyond medical school and residency, and the lack of support from organizations for which physicians work-that challenge medical professionalism.
Erratum to: Bone Metastasis of Breast Cancer

189 Chapter 11, Change in Authors affiliations T. M. Brewer Department of Internal Medicine University of Florida Gainesville, USA R. L. Theriault Department of Breast Medical Oncology The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Houston, USA N. T. Ueno Section Chief of the Translational Breast Cancer Research, Department of Breast Medical Oncology The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Houston, USA
Early Experiences with the OpenMP Accelerator Model

A recent trend in mainstream computer nodes is the combined use of general-purpose multicore processors and specialized accelerators such as GPUs and DSPs in order to achieve better performance and to reduce power consumption. To support this trend, the OpenMP Language Committee has approved a set of extensions to OpenMP (referred to as the OpenMP accelerator model). The initial version is the subject of Technical Report 1 (TR1) while OpenMP 4.0 Release Candidate 2 (RC2) further refines the extensions.
Lobular Carcinoma In Situ of the Breast: Clinical, Radiological, and Pathological Correlation

Rationale and Objectives The purpose of this study was to review the imaging findings associated with lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) of the breast with clinical and pathological correlation. Materials and Methods A database search of patients treated at our institution from 2002 to 2011 identified 26 patients with LCIS associated with an imaging abnormality that had imaging available for review. LCIS was diagnosed by core-needle or excision biopsy. Patients subsequently underwent excisional biopsy, mastectomy, or clinical follow-up. Patients' mammography, ultrasonography (US), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images were reviewed using the American College of Radiology Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System lexicon together with relevant clinical and pathology data. Results The 26 patients had 31 imaging lesions that yielded a histological diagnosis of LCIS by image-guided core-needle biopsy (n = 29) or excision biopsy (n = 2). Twenty-eight of 31 (90%) lesions yielding LCIS had a mammographic abnormality, 3/20 (15%) lesions had a US abnormality, and 6/7 (86%) had an abnormality on contrast-enhanced MRI. Calcifications were the most common mammographic finding, seen in 25/31 (80%) lesions. All three lesions seen on US were masses; the majority was irregular, hypoechoic, avascular, and had posterior shadowing. Non–mass-like enhancement was seen in five (71%) lesions with an MRI abnormality. Two (7%) patients developed subsequent malignancy at follow-up. Conclusion LCIS can have associated imaging abnormalities, most commonly grouped amorphous calcifications on mammography, a shadowing, avascular, irregular, hypoechoic mass on US, or heterogeneous non–mass-like enhancement with persistent enhancement kinetics on MRI.
Perceptions of Fear Among Targets of Radical Animal Rights Extremism

This study explores criminal acts carried out in the name of animals and the environment and assesses the perception of fear they instill within their targets. Acts classified as terrorism are ofte...
End-Stage Liver Disease and Variceal Bleeding

Cirrhosis occurs when damage to the liver results in scar tissue (hepatic fibrosis), affecting liver function. By the time cirrhosis is diagnosed or suspected based on stigmata of chronic liver disease (e.g., spider angiomas, jaundice, pruritis, palmar erythema) and laboratory abnormalities, approximately 30–40% of patients will have varices. Of those without varices at the time of diagnosis, another 10–15% will develop varices each year. Despite its probable safety based on small retrospective series, the decision to place an NGT for aspiration or lavage requires a careful assessment of the potential risks (e.g., bleeding, pain, aspiration, unclear prognostic and outcome value) and benefits (e.g., localization of bleed and assessment of active bleeding) of the procedure. Gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with cirrhosis is common and carries a high mortality rate of approximately 15–30%. Risk factors associated with early re-bleeding and poor outcomes include severe initial bleeding as defined by a hemoglobin less than 8 g/dL, gastric variceal bleeding, thrombocytopenia, encephalopathy, alcohol-related cirrhosis, large varices, and active bleeding during endoscopy. Antibiotics have a proven benefit in variceal bleeding with decreased morbidity and mortality. Vasoactive medications such as terlipressin a synthetic vasopressin not available in the United States, octreotide, and somatostatin have all been studied and found to have varied benefits in the treatment of variceal bleeding.
Healthcare Access, Pregnancy Intention, and Contraceptive Practices Among Reproductive-Aged Women Receiving Opioid Agonist Therapy in Northeast Tennessee.

OBJECTIVES Women with substance use disorders often experience unique challenges to obtaining contraception and adhering to user-dependent methods. As a result, this at-risk population of women tends to have higher than average rates of unintended pregnancy. The objective of this study was to describe contraceptive use, pregnancy intentions, and adequacy of access to reproductive healthcare among women receiving opioid agonist therapy in northeast Tennessee. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was piloted among female patients aged 18 to 55 years from two opioid agonist therapy clinics. Descriptive analyses were conducted using logistic regression to evaluate the statistical significance of bivariate associations. RESULTS Of 91 participants, 84% reported having health insurance, with 70% perceiving having adequate access to health care. More than half had a history of unwanted pregnancy (53%), among whom few (23.1%) reported the consistent use of contraception at time of conception. Although most desired to avoid pregnancy (90%), only 59% of women reported the current use of regular contraception. Most of those not using regular contraception believed that they were not at risk for pregnancy (54.3%). CONCLUSIONS Although most participants reported adequate access to health care and a desire to avoid pregnancy, few reported the consistent use of regular contraception. Furthermore, misperceptions regarding pregnancy risk were common among participants. Research is needed to identify barriers to contraceptive acceptance and causes of pregnancy risk misperceptions in this population of women at increased risk of unintended pregnancy.
Treatment Delays Associated With Prior Authorization for Infusible Medications: A Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE Prior authorizations (PAs) are commonly used by health payers as cost-containment strategies for expensive medications, including infused biologics. There is scarce data about the effect of PA requirements on patient-oriented outcomes. METHODS We included patients for whom an infusible medication was prescribed for a rheumatologic condition. The exposures of interest were a PA requirement and whether or not the PA was denied. The primary outcome was the difference in days from medication request to infusion. Secondary outcomes included the proportion of denied PAs and differences in glucocorticoid exposure following a PA request. RESULTS Of the 225 patients, the infusible medications of 160 (71%) required a PA. PAs were associated with a greater number of days to infusion compared to cases in which no authorization was required (median 31 days [interquartile range (IQR) 15-60 days] versus median 27 days [IQR 13-41 days]; P = 0.045), especially among the 33 patients (21%) whose PA was denied initially (median 50 days [IQR 31-76 days] versus median 27 days [IQR 13-41 days]; P < 0.001). PA denials were associated with greater prednisone-equivalent glucocorticoid exposure in the 3 months following the request than when a PA was not required (median 605 mg [IQR 0-1,575] versus median 160 mg [IQR 0-675]; P = 0.01). Twenty-seven of the 33 PA requests that were initially denied (82%) were eventually approved. Thus, 96% of all PAs were ultimately approved. CONCLUSION PA requirements are associated with treatment delays and denials are associated with greater glucocorticoid exposure. Because the great majority of PA requests are ultimately approved, the value of PA requirements and their impact on patient safety should be reevaluated.
Impact of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolation on Mortality and Outcomes in an Outpatient Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Cohort.

Background Tracheobronchial colonization by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) has been shown to negatively impact outcomes in cystic fibrosis and bronchiectasis. There is uncertainty whether the same association is prevalent in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), especially in the outpatient setting. Our objective was to determine (1) whether PA isolation is associated with mortality and (2) changes in exacerbation and hospitalization rates within a longitudinal cohort of COPD outpatients. Methods Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonization was ascertained in monthly sputum cultures in a prospective cohort of COPD patients from 1994 to 2014. All-cause mortality was compared between patients who were colonized during their follow-up period (PA+ ) and those who remained free of colonization (PA- ); Cox proportional hazards models were used. Exacerbation and hospitalization rates were evaluated by 2-rate χ 2 and segmented regression analysis for 12 months before and 24 months after PA isolation. Results Pseudomonas aeruginosa was isolated from sputum in 73 of 181 (40%) patients. Increased mortality was seen with PA isolation: 56 of 73 (77%) PA+ patients died compared with 73 of 108 (68%) PA- patients (P = .004). In adjusted models, PA+ patients had a 47% higher risk of mortality (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.47; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-2.11; P = .04). Exacerbation rates were higher for the PA+ group during preisolation (15.4 vs 9.0 per 100 person-months, P < .001) and postisolation periods (15.7 vs 7.5, P < .001). Hospitalization rates were higher during the postisolation period among PA+ patients (6.25 vs 2.44, P < .001). Conclusions Tracheobronchial colonization by PA in COPD outpatients was associated with higher morbidity and mortality. This suggests that PA likely contributes to adverse clinical outcomes rather than just a marker of worsening disease.
Imagined communities of fandom: sport, spectatorship, meaning and alienation in late capitalism

This article accounts for the allure of sports spectatorship in late capitalism by theorizing spectatorial communities as imagined communities. Building on the work of Benedict Anderson and others,...
Management of Neuromuscular Blockade in the Elderly and Morbidly Obese Patient: What Does the Data Show?

This review addresses considerations for optimal neuromuscular blockade management in the elderly and obese. The evidence for adjusting dosing for common neuromuscular blocking drugs (NMBDs) and their antagonists are discussed. In the elderly patient, aminosteroidal NMBDs have a slower onset and prolonged duration of action. Aging has minimal effects on the organ-independent metabolism of the benzylisoquinolinium NMBDs. Slower circulatory times and reduced renal function in the elderly also have implications on the clinical effects of NMBD antagonists. Since drug clearance and distribution is not the same in obese and in lean patients, dosing based on the total body weight (TWB) will result in excess NMBD administration. Various dosing scalars such as ideal body weight (IBW), lean body weight (LBW), and fat-free mass (FFM) have been proposed but each has its own limitations. NMBDs should be dosed based on ideal body weight in obese patients. Optimal sugammadex dosing in obese patients remains controversial while neostigmine administration should not exceed 5 mg. Elderly and obese patients have an increased risk of developing complications in the perioperative period, particularly when NMBDs are administered. Vigilance, careful titration, and quantitative monitoring are warranted to care for these challenging patients.
Significance of inhibitory recruitment in aging with preserved cognition: limiting gamma-aminobutyric acid type A α5 function produces memory impairment

Numerous aging studies have identified a shift in the excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) balance with heightened hippocampal neural activity associated with age-related memory impairment across species, including rats, monkeys, and humans. Neurobiological investigations directed at the hippocampal formation have demonstrated that unimpaired aged rats performing on par with young adult rats in a spatial memory task exhibit gene expression profiles, mechanisms for plasticity, and altered circuit/network function, which are distinct from younger rats. Particularly striking is a convergence of observational evidence that aged unimpaired rats augment recruitment of mechanisms associated with neural inhibition, a finding that may represent an adaptive homeostatic adjustment necessary to maintain neural plasticity and memory function in aging. In this study, we test the effect of limiting inhibition via administration of TB21007, a negative allosteric modulator of the alpha 5 subtype of gamma-aminobutyric acid type A α5 receptor, on a radial arm maze assessment of memory function. Impaired memory performance produced by this intervention in otherwise high-performing aged rats supports an adaptive role for gamma-aminobutyric acid in the functional maintenance of intact cognition in aging.
Comparison of the Pharyngeal Airway Volume Between Patients With Ectodermal Dysplasia and Unaffected Controls: A Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Study

Purpose Ectodermal dysplasias (EDs) are a diverse set of hereditary conditions in which 2 or more ectodermal structures develop abnormally. The purpose of this study was to use cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans to measure the pharyngeal airway volume and minimum cross-sectional area (MC) among patients with ED and compare them with healthy controls. Patients and Methods The pretreatment CBCT scans of 9 individuals with ED and 61 controls were analyzed. Lateral cephalograms were created from the CBCT volumes and then traced and compared between the 2 groups. Airway volumes were evaluated by Dolphin 3D software (Dolphin Imaging, Chatsworth, CA) to compare the total pharyngeal volume, nasopharyngeal volume, oropharyngeal volume, hypopharyngeal volume, and MC. The mean airway volumes of the 2 groups were compared, and the odds ratio and relative risk of having an MC of less than 100 mm2 in the ED group were calculated. Results Intraclass correlation analysis showed excellent inter-rater reliability. All cephalometric features of controls were within the norms of patients with ideal skeletal-dental relationships. Patients with ED displayed significantly lower values for SNA (angle between sella-nasion and nasion–A point) (P = .018), ANB (angle between nasion–A point and nasion–B point) (P = .002), L1-MP (angle between long axis of mandibular incisor and gonion-menton plane) (P = .013), and L1-NB (distance between mandibular incisor and perpendicular line between nasion and B point) (P .05). The odds of having an MC of less than 100 mm2 were almost 3 times greater among ED patients, and the relative risk of an MC of less than 100 mm2 among ED patients was double that of controls. Conclusions Although the craniofacial structures of individuals with ED are characterized by maxillary and midface deficiency, the airway volumes among affected individuals may not be significantly different from those of unaffected controls. However, patients with ED displayed a higher risk of having an MC of less than 100 mm2, which may be of clinical significance and warrants further investigations with larger samples.
Homeostatic and Nutrient Drugs

Abstract This book is intended as a guide to help the clinician determine where a visual problem is a drug-induced ocular side effect. We continually review spontaneous case reports from the National Registry of Drug-Induced Ocular Side Effects, the World Health Organization, the Food and Drug Administration, and the world literature. We have attempted to classify a suspected adverse event with our impression to causality (i.e. certain, probable, unlikely, conditional/unclassified). This chapter discusses homeostatic and nutrient drugs including drugs used to treat hyperglycemia.
Conditions that Influence Nanoparticle Size and Yield in Nanoparticle Preparation

In recent years, there is an increased interest in nanoparticles' usage in cancer therapies to facilitate drug delivery. Compared to conventional drug delivery systems, drug delivery that uses nanoparticles as delivery vehicles is more precise at targeting sites and has a higher drug loading. Therefore, when synthesizing nanoparticles for drug delivery, it's important to consider the particles' size and the particles gained after synthesis to ensure the quality and benefits of the nanoparticles. In this research, we have compared the sizes and yield of nanoparticles which are made with variable conditions and investigated if and how different synthesis conditions may cause differences in nanoparticle size and yield. We concluded that PEG-PLGA (polyethylene glycolpoly lactic-co-glycolic acid) polymer results in smaller and less nanoparticles than PLGA2A polymer; with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA, PH=6.8) as the emulsifier, nanoparticles are larger and less compared to those made with phosphate buffered saline (PBS, PH=7.4); when the drug is dissolved in the organic solution ethyl acetate (ETAC), the yielded nanoparticles are much smaller but also has a lighter weight than those with dissolved drug in Dichloromethane (CH2Cl2); with less solution for emulsion, nanoparticles gained more weight and have a smaller size; and for particles made with PEG (25%)-PLA and with Benzyl Alcohol added, the resulting size and yield are both larger.
Carbon Tax with Fiscal Stimulus: Carbon-Based GDP as an Inferior Good

Vector auto-regressions (VARs) are used to simulate US carbon taxes, treating price plus tax as exogenous. These reduce CO2 and GDP. If the fall in GDP is compensated by a fiscal stimulus to leave Disposable Income unchanged, the added income drives further declines in CO2, but also lower GDP. Carbon-heavy GDP is thus seen to be an inferior good for the US, falling as Disposable Income increases. The terms of the trade-off of CO2 for GDP improve, however. CO2 is a concave function of GDP, so its elasticity grows as GDP is reduced.
Stressful life events and electronic cigarette use during pregnancy.

Abstract Rationale Smoking during pregnancy poses a significant health risk for infant well-being. Prior research has linked experiencing stressful life events (SLEs) during pregnancy to prenatal smoking. However, extant research has not assessed whether SLEs experienced during pregnancy are a risk factor for prenatal electronic cigarette use. Objective This study investigates the association between SLEs and electronic cigarette use during the third trimester of pregnancy. Methods We employ data on 70,626 recent mothers from the 2016–2018 Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System. Logistic and multinomial logistic regression models were used to examine the association between SLEs and electronic cigarette use during the third-trimester of pregnancy. Results The prevalence of electronic cigarette use increased alongside an accumulating history of SLEs (0 SLEs = 0.4%; 1–2 SLEs = 0.9%; 3–5 SLEs = 1.9%; 6+ SLEs = 5.0%). Logistic regression models found 6 or more SLEs were associated with 4.7 times higher odds of electronic cigarette use relative to 0 SLEs after adjusting for demographic and socioeconomic characteristics (AOR = 4.705, 95% CI = 2.960, 7.479). Study findings also showed that women who experienced greater levels of SLEs had a higher prevalence of using any nicotine products (i.e., exclusive electronic cigarette user, exclusive cigarette user, dual user), relative to being a non-smoker. Findings from multinomial logistic regression models revealed that a higher number of SLEs was associated with an increased relative risk of all smoking outcomes. Still, these associations were particularly pronounced in the case of exclusive electronic cigarette user (ARR = 8.485, 95% CI = 4.900, 14.692) and dual-use (ARR = 8.348, 95% CI = 4.113, 16.945) when participants experienced 6 or more SLEs (relative to 0 SLEs). Conclusions Considering the potentially harmful ramifications of electronic cigarette use during pregnancy there is a need for interventions that reduce stressful experiences and decrease smoking during pregnancy.
The effect of time outdoors on veterans receiving treatment for PTSD.

Objectives Duration, frequency, and intensity of nature exposure link to different physical and psychological benefits. The present study aimed to determine how time outdoors affected military veterans' posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomology during PTSD treatment. Method Hypotheses regarding time outdoors and the effect of program duration on PTSD symptoms were examined using multilevel models. The authors hypothesized that hours outdoors, both within- and between-persons, would predict reduced PTSD symptomology, program duration would predict reduced PTSD symptomology, and that hours outdoors and program duration would be significant when accounting for the other. Results The present study found that time outdoors correlated with participants' decreased PTSD symptomology: the more time participants spent outdoors, the greater the reduction in their PTSD symptoms. Conclusion The effect of time outdoors was significant within-person, not between persons, suggesting that nature exposure may be used as an adjunct to traditional mental health treatment where exposure or dosage should be person-specific.
Using auxiliary adherends to eliminate need for grain control in fracture testing of adhesively bonded wood

Abstract Proper crack growth in the investigation of adhesive failure in bonded wood joints requires laborious grain control. By adding auxiliary adherends, this paper introduces and evaluates a novel sample geometry that enables fracture energy characterization of wood veneer-adhesive systems. The proposed method was applied to three wood species to test three commonly used wood adhesives. The proposed sample geometry successfully identified differences in fracture energies associated with the use of different adhesives on the same wood species and offered comparable success rate as grain control method. More importantly, for sawn and planed veneers that were without lathe checks common in rotary-peeled veneers, the success rate was even higher than that of rotary peeled veneers, indicating the significance of our proposed method to wood adhesion. We further explored the effects of crack propagation both parallel and perpendicular to wood grain orientation and designed wax strip specimens to understand rising R-curve behavior observed in certain species.