cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Kaolinite Resuspension Properties

Limited experiments on the initiation of motion of sand grains in the annular channel-ring system showed a reasonable agreement with Shields. curve for incipient motion. The resuspension rates of stratified beds continuously decrease, and may even become zero, as the depth of erosion increases. On the other hand, the erosion rates of uniform beds remain constant. This is in agreement with earlier observations on natural bay deposits. The nondimensional plot of the erosion rate against the bed shear stress for uniform beds agrees with earlier results based on soils with drastically different mineralogical composition.
The Modern French Republic: Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité?

France has recently been host to several high-profile events that seem to contradict the traditions of French Republicanism, like the weeks of riots in 2005 or the rapid rise of the far-right National Front and its xenophobic platform. The goal of this paper is to examine the tension between the rhetoric of Republican ideals and the realities of French politics. It discusses the decline of political universalism, the rise of identity politics, contrasting notions of equality, and issues of immigration. The aspects of French politics and society illustrated here provide a background of knowledge necessary for understanding these high-profile events that were the inspiration for this analysis, and those that are yet to come - for there are certainly more on the way.
Acute Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection presenting with unilateral anterior uveitis and perineuritis

We report a case of confirmed Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in the setting of unilateral anterior uveitis and perineuritis without coexisting systemic manifestations. We hypothesize a causal association between acute M. pneumoniae infection and this patient's ocular presentation. Delay in identification of M. pneumoniae infection in this case prompted treatment with systemic and topical steroids for presumed autoimmune etiology. The rapid resolution of symptoms without concurrent antibiotic treatment suggests a possible postinfectious autoimmune component that may be responsive to steroid treatment.
Antarctic ice-shelf calving triggered by the Honshu (Japan) earthquake and tsunami, March 2011

We use European Space Agency Envisat data to present the first observational evidence that a Northern Hemisphere tsunami triggered Antarctic ice-shelf calving more than 13 000 km away. The Honshu tsunami of 11 March 2011 traversed the Pacific Ocean in 46 years. This event further illustrates the growing evidence of ocean-wave impact on Antarctic calving and emphasizes the teleconnection between the Antarctic ice sheet and events as far away as the Northern Hemisphere.
Tunable and directional plasmonic coupling within semiconductor nanodisk assemblies.

Semiconductor nanocrystals are key materials for achieving localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) excitation in the extended spectral ranges beyond visible light, which are critical wavelengths for chemical sensing, infrared detection, and telecommunications. Unlike metal nanoparticles which are already widely exploited in plasmonics, little is known about the near-field behavior of semiconductor nanocrystals. Near-field interactions are expected to vary greatly with nanocrystal carrier density and mobility, in addition to properties such as nanocrystal size, shape, and composition. Here we demonstrate near-field coupling between anisotropic disk-shaped nanocrystals composed of Cu2–xS, a degenerately doped semiconductor whose electronic properties can be modulated by Cu content. Assembling colloidal nanocrystals into mono- and multilayer films generates dipole–dipole LSPR coupling between neighboring nanodisks. We investigate nanodisks of varying crystal phases (Cu1.96S, Cu7.2S4, and CuS) and find tha...
Differentiation and Risk Assessment of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors

Predicting prognosis and identifying the line of differentiation in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) have been problematic. The first part of this review briefly summarizes ultrastructural studies and then focuses on the many immunohistochemical studies of cellular differentiation in GIST. The second part reviews pathologic evaluation of GIST from the perspective of risk assessment. A scheme is proposed for segregating GIST into groups with low and high risk for aggressive clinical behavior.
Evaluating Policy Implications in Cognitive Radio Networks: An Agent Based Modeling Approach

In the United States, the FCC last year instituted the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS), with the objective of allowing the deployment of new and emerging Dynamic Spectrum Access (DSA) technologies as well as Cognitive Radios (CR). This so called "Innovation Band" is to be a testing ground for these next generation Wireless technologies by allowing relatively easy and rapid deployment of emerging technologies. However, it is unclear how easy it would be for new operators and innovators to gain the required Spectrum necessary in order to first experiment and then deploy "innovations," since the policy rules in the new band seem to favor existing operators. Further, policy decisions made in this new band are such that they do not fully take advantage of current state-of-the-art as far as CR and DSA technologies are concerned. We recognize how difficult policy making can be when it comes to emerging and untested technologies, and provide a rationale for the need for having evaluation mechanisms for understanding the implications of different policies. Driven by the intuition derived from the application of Agent based modeling in other policy making domains, we suggest the use of Agent based Modeling and Simulation (ABMS) for the evaluation of policy proposals. ABMS is a promising methodology for capturing the Engineering, Behavioral and Economical aspect of a system, thereby enabling an objective analysis of policy. We present details of our evaluation methodology using ABMS by studying the specific scenarios viz. multi-tier operation (Band Plan) as well as Spectrum Awareness. We first present in detail the policy questions and associated difficulties in policy making in those two situations. This is followed by a discussion of the results of the modeling done using NetLogo. Our results indicate that an ABMS methodology such as ours can provide intuition regarding the impacts of policy-making and is a viable Policy Evaluation tool. Our results suggest clear conclusions regarding the Band Plan and Spectrum Awareness domains, demonstrating the efficacy of the methodology.Having an effective policy evaluation method paves the way for tackling trickier policy issues in the Dynamic Spectrum Access and Spectrum Sharing domains such as enforcement, and the development of new classes of Exclusion Zones. We present preliminary work in those areas as well.
Numerical Simulation of a Film-Cooling Flow with a Micro-ramp Vortex Generator

A direct numerical simulation of an inclined turbulent jet interacting with a cross-flow in a film-cooling configuration is performed. The effect of including a micro-ramp vortex generator downstream of the film-cooling jet is studied. Specifically, changes in vortex structure and film-cooling effectiveness are evaluated. The coolant jet is inclined at an angle of 35 degrees to the freestream, the blowing ratio is 1.5, and the Reynolds number based on the jet diameter and freestream cross-flow velocity is 8,000. The incompressible NavierStokes equations are solved numerically using a 3D Finite Volume solver implemented on a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU).
Effects of Levothyroxine Therapy on Pregnancy Outcomes in Women with Subclinical Hypothyroidism

Background: Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) has been associated with increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in some, but not all, studies. Uncertainty remains regarding the impact of levothyroxine (LT4) therapy on improving health outcomes in pregnant women with SCH. The objective of this study was to assess the potential benefits of LT4 therapy in pregnant women with SCH. Methods: The medical records were reviewed of pregnant women with SCH, defined as an elevated serum thyrotropin (TSH) of >2.5 mIU/L for the 1st trimester or >3 mIU/L for the 2nd and 3rd trimesters, but ≤10 mIU/L. Pregnant women were divided into two groups depending on whether they received LT4 (group A) or not (group B). Pregnancy loss and other pre-specified adverse outcomes were evaluated during follow-up. Results: There were 82 women in group A and 284 in group B. Group A had a higher body mass index (p = 0.04) and a higher serum TSH level (p < 0.0001) compared with group B. Group A had fewer pregnancies lost (n = 5 [6.1%] vs...
Competence tests of early amphibian gastrula tissue containing nuclei of one species (Rana palustris) and cytoplasm of another (Rana pipiens).

Competence tests of tissue from lethal nucleocytoplasmic hybrids consisting of diploid R. palustris nuclei in R. pipiens cytoplasm were carried out by grafting pieces of early gastrulae to normal R. palustris early gastrula hosts. In the majority of cases, early gastrula ectoderm of the nucleoplasmic hybrids failed to differentiate further than if left in the intact embryo, although the grafts healed nicely and survived for several days. Grafts of the dorsal lip of the blastopore from nucleocytoplasmic hybrids to normal R. palustris hosts induced small secondary embryos with prominent suckers or sucker Anlage, a characteristic of nucleocytoplasmic hybrid development. These results indicate that the abnormal behaviour of the nucleocytoplasmic hybrids is an inherent property of the tissue, in the sense that contact with normal host does not alter its expression. Furthermore, the results with dorsal lip grafts suggest that nucleocytoplasmic hybrid tissue influences the direction in which normal tissue differentiates.
The role of radiotherapy in locally limited prostate cancer

Radiation therapy is a legitimate option of treatment for patients with clinically localized prostate carcinoma. Local control of the primary neoplasm can be improved, since clinical and biopsy evidence of prostate cancer after radiation remains high. Improved megavoltage and interstitial radiation methods are being tested to improve local cure rates, preserve bladder and sexual function, and reduce morbidity. Not all patients respond to radiation therapy, and current investigation may help to distinguish those tumors that will respond versus those better treated by alternative means.
The Flexi-Flate and Flexi-Flate II Penile Prostheses

Our experience with 45 recipients of the Flexi-Flate and Flexi-Flate II prostheses leads us to the following conclusions: 1. The device is readily implantable in approximately 1 hour with techniques familiar to most urologists who have implanted rigid or semirigid rods. 2. With attention to detail, prosthesis sizing is straightforward using intraoperative determination of corporeal girth and total corporeal length. We were unable reliably to predict prosthesis size preoperatively. Hence, as with other inflatable prostheses, we recommend that an entire range of prosthesis sizes be available at implantation. 3. Mechanical reliability is similar to that of more complex inflatable devices. The mechanical malfunction rate has been 11.6 per cent over a 15.1-month follow-up. 4. Patients find the inflation-deflation mechanisms easy to master. 5. Spontaneous deflation does occur during intercourse in some instances, but most patients are able to adjust sexual techniques and position satisfactorily with minimal disruption of enjoyment for themselves and their partners. 6. Among individuals with functional prostheses, a detailed survey of patient and partner response postoperatively revealed a high level of satisfaction for both and a return to premorbid levels of sexual functioning. Concealability was good in the flaccid state, and patients report minimal difficulties or embarassment with everyday functions in public restrooms and shower situations.
Densities, Viscosities, and Correlations for the Ternary System of Ethanol + Methylbenzene + 2-Methyl-2-propanol and Its Binary Subsystems at T = 298.15 and 318.15 K

Densities and viscosities of the ternary system (ethanol + methylbenzene + 2-methyl-2-propanol) and its binary subsystems were measured at T = 298.15 and 318.15 K and atmospheric pressure. Densities were determined using a vibrating-tube densimeter. Viscosities were found with an automatic microviscometer based on the rolling ball principle. From the experimental data, the excess molar volumes (VE) and deviations in viscosity (Δη) were derived. The binary VE and Δη data were correlated with the Redlich–Kister equation. The ternary VE and Δη data were fitted to the equation based on Cibulka and the equation of Singh et al., respectively. The values of VE and Δη were used to discuss the nature of mixing behaviors for the mixtures, and leading to these excess values is perhaps due to the complex formation and/or accommodation between molecules. To describe the ternary system, several mixtures with specially designated concentrations of 2-methyl-2-propanol were considered.
The pain-depression dyad and the association with sleep dysfunction in chronic rhinosinusitis.

Background Depression, pain, and sleep disturbance is a symptom cluster often found in patients with chronic illness, exerting a large impact on quality of life (QOL). A wealth of literature exists demonstrating a significant association between depression, pain, and sleep dysfunction in other chronic diseases. This relationship has not been described in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Methods Sixty-eight adult patients with CRS were prospectively enrolled. Patients at risk for depression were identified using the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2) using a cut-off score of ≥1. Pain experience was measured using the Brief Pain Inventory Short Form (BPI-SF) and the Short Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ). Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Results Forty-seven patients were at risk for depression. Significant positive correlations were found between total PSQI scores and all pain measures (R = 0.38-0.61, p ≤ 0.05) and between total PSQI scores and PHQ-2 scores (R = 0.46, p < 0.05). For patients at risk for depression, significant, positive correlations were found between pain measures, the total PSQI score, and the 3 PSQI subdomains (sleep latency, sleep quality, and daytime dysfunction; R = 0.31-0.61, p < 0.05). The relationship between pain and sleep dysfunction scores was not seen in the absence of depression. Conclusion Depression, pain, and sleep dysfunction are interrelated in patients with CRS. In the absence of depression, significant correlations between pain and sleep are not observed, suggesting that depression plays a key role in this interaction. Further research is needed to investigate the complex relationship between depression, pain, and sleep dysfunction in CRS.
An In Vitro Model That Predicts the Therapeutic Efficacy of Immunomodulatory Antibodies

Immunomodulatory monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have efficacy in patients with advanced cancer and are the focus of intensive research. However, cures are infrequent and responses vary among tumor types and among subjects with the same tumor. An in vitro test would be valuable to determine the most effective mAb combination for a given case and to evaluate novel agents. Toward this goal, we investigated the ability of various mAb combinations to generate a tumor-destructive immune response in vitro in the presence of lymphoid cells from mice with established TC1 lung carcinoma, B16 melanoma, or SW1 melanoma. The data strongly correlate (r=0.9, 0.89, and 0.91, respectively) with the therapeutic efficacy of the respective mAb combinations. Both in vivo and in vitro, tumor destruction was associated with a shift from a Th2 to a Th1 response and included a dramatic increase of long-term memory cells. A combination of mAbs to CD137/PD-1/CTLA4/CD19 was most efficacious.
Explosive enantiospecific decomposition of aspartic acid on Cu surfaces

Aspartic acid adsorbed on Cu surfaces is doubly deprotonated. On chiral Cu(643)R&S its enantiomers undergo enantiospecific decomposition via an autocatalytic explosion. Once initiated, the decomposition mechanism proceeds via sequential cleavage of the C3–C4 and C1–C2 bonds each yielding CO2, followed by conversion of the remaining species into NCCH3.
Effect of Ce 2 O 3 on Structure, Viscosity, and Crystalline Phase of CaO-Al 2 O 3 -Li 2 O-Ce 2 O 3 Slags

Aiming at devising new mold flux for Ce-bearing stainless steel, a fundamental investigation on the effect of Ce2O3 on properties of the CaO-Al2O3-Li2O-Ce2O3 slag was provided by the present work. The results show that adding Ce2O3 could decrease the viscosity of the slag due to its effects on decreasing the polymerization of the slag. The crystalline process was restrained by increasing the content of Ce2O3, and the crystalline phases also can be influenced by the slag structure. The crystalline phases were transferred from LiAlO2 and CaO to LiAlO2 and CaCeAlO4 with the addition of Ce2O3 to the slag, which could be well confirmed by the structure of the unit cell of the crystals.
Morphological and morphometric study of hard palate in Indian population

Aim of study: The hard palate is an essential part of the human skull and plays an important role in the passive articulation of speech. The present study aimed to determine morphometric study of hard palate, location of the position of the greater palatine foramen (GPF) in relation to maxillary molars and number of lesser palatine foramina (LPF). Materials and Methods: 86 dried unsexed adult Indian skulls procured from the Department of Anatomy, University College of Medical Sciences, Delhi, India. The length, breadth, and height of the hard palate were measured and Palatine indices were calculated. Observations were made on the positional relationship of GPF and number of LPF. Results: Palatal length and breadth showed highly significant difference whereas no significant difference was found in palatal height between both sexes. The palatine Index showed that majority of the skulls had narrow palate. The greater palatine foramen was found to be at the level of third molar in 59%, in between second and third molars in 35%, at the level of second molar in 5% and 1% were situated behind third molar. In majority of the skulls (6o %) only one lesser palatine foramen was found and about 34% of the skulls had two lesser palatine foramina and 3% of skulls had 3 lesser palatine foramina. Conclusion: These observations can be utilized for anthropological studies, greater palatine nerve block, and surgical procedures in hard palate.
Long-term regional chemotherapy for patients with epithelial malignant peritoneal mesothelioma results in improved survival.

Abstract Purpose Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare disease with about 300 new cases per year in the USA. Its natural history is described as local progression within the peritoneal space in the absence of liver metastases or systemic disease. Methods Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) is a series of peritonectomy procedures and visceral resections with a goal of complete removal of all visible disease from the abdomen and pelvis. Over 20 years, three protocols investigating increasing efficacy of additional chemotherapy treatments added to CRS have been initiated. Initially, hyperthermic perioperative chemotherapy (HIPEC) with doxorubicin and cisplatin was used in the operating room. Then, early postoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy (EPIC) with paclitaxel was added for the first 5 days after CRS. The third protocol employed HIPEC, then EPIC, and then long-term intraperitoneal (IP) paclitaxel or IP pemetrexed plus intravenous (IV) cisplatin as a adjuvant normothermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (NIPEC). Result The 5-year survival of 42 patients treated with CRS and HIPEC was 44%, for 58 patients treated with EPIC and HIPEC was 52% and 29 patients who received HIPEC, EPIC, and NIPEC was 75% (p = 0.0374). Prognostic variables of age, gender, treatment administered, peritoneal cancer index (PCI) and completeness of cytoreduction were significant by univariate analysis and treatments administered and completeness of cytoreduction significant by multivariate analysis. Conclusions Long-term regional chemotherapy was associated with improved survival in patients with MPM. In this rare disease, additional phase 2 investigations are suggested.
Vulvar Nick and Metzitzah b’peh: Punishment or Harm Reduction?

The vulvar nick, a laceration just long enough to draw a small amount of blood, has been used as a primary ritual in children and has been proposed as a substitute for more extensive ritual female genital alteration. Metzitzah b’peh, or direct oral suction of blood from the penile head, is employed in some Jewish ritual circumcisions, and rarely transmits grave herpes infections. We assume for purposes of argument that neither is ethically justified. Even so, a punitive criminal approach directed at restricting these procedures is not warranted. From a utilitarian standpoint, punishment is likely to cause more harm than good. From a retributive standpoint, punishment is disproportionate to the nature of the offense. In contrast, harm reduction approaches, whether directed toward reducing the frequency of these procedures, to ameliorating their impact, or to substituting a less for a more harmful procedure, are ethically justified.
Retention and promotion of women and underrepresented minority faculty in science and engineering at four large land grant institutions.

The current climate on college campuses has brought new urgency to the need to increase faculty diversity. In STEM fields particularly, the dearth of underrepresented minority (URM) and female faculty is severe. The retention and success of African American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian and female faculty have direct implications for the quality and diversity of the future scientific workforce. Understanding the ways retention patterns differ by discipline and institution is crucial for developing a diverse faculty. This study investigates tenure attainment, retention, and time to promotion to full professor for women and URM faculty. We analyze personnel records for assistant and associate professors hired or appointed from 1992 to 2015 at four large land grant institutions. Representation of women and URM faculty in STEM disciplines increased substantially from 1992 to 2015, but mostly for women and Hispanic faculty and more slowly for black and American Indian faculty. Results by gender In the most recent cohort, 2002–2015, the experiences of men and women differed substantially among STEM disciplines. Female assistant professors were more likely than men to leave the institution and to leave without tenure in engineering, but not in the agricultural, biological and biomedical sciences and natural resources or physical and mathematical sciences. In contrast, the median times to promotion from associate to full professor were similar for women and men in engineering and the physical and mathematical sciences, but one to two years longer for women than men in the agricultural, biological and biomedical sciences and natural resources. Results for underrepresented minority faculty URM faculty hiring is increasing, but is well below the proportions earning doctoral degrees in STEM disciplines. The results are variable and because of the small numbers of URM faculty, the precision and power for comparing URM faculty to other faculty were low. In three of the four institutions, lower fractions of URM faculty than other faculty hired in the 2002–2006 time frame left without tenure. Also, in the biological and biomedical and physical and mathematical sciences no URM faculty left without tenure. On the other hand, at two of the institutions, significantly more URM faculty left before their tenth anniversary than other faculty and in engineering significantly more URM faculty than other faculty left before their tenth anniversary. We did not find significant differences in promotion patterns between URM and other faculty.
RARβ2-dependent signaling represses neuronal differentiation in mouse ES cells.

Abstract Embryonic Stem (ES) cells are pluripotent cells that can be induced to differentiate into cells of all three lineages: mesoderm, endoderm, and ectoderm. In culture, ES cells can be differentiated into mature neurons by treatment with Retinoic Acid (RA) and this effect is mediated mainly through the activation of the RA nuclear receptors (RAR α, β, and γ), and their isoforms. However, little is known about the role played by specific RAR types on ES cell differentiation. Here, we found that treatment of ES cells with AC55649, an RARβ2 agonist, increased endodermal marker gene expression. On the other hand, we found that the inhibition of RARβ with 5 μM LE135, together with RA treatment, increased the efficiency of mouse ES cell differentiation into neurons by more than 4-fold as compared to cells treated with RA only. Finally, we performed proteomic analyses on ES cells treated with RA vs RA plus AC55649 in order to identify the signaling pathways activated by the RARβ agonist. Our proteomic analyses using antibody microarrays indicated that proteins such as p38 and AKT were upregulated in cells treated with RA plus the agonist, as compared to cells treated with RA alone. Our results indicate that RARβ may function as a repressor of neuronal differentiation through the activation of major cell signaling pathways, and that the pharmacological inhibition of this nuclear receptor may constitute a novel method to increase the efficiency of ES to neuronal differentiation in culture.
Should HR managers allow employees to use social media at work? Behavioral and motivational outcomes of employee blogging

AbstractThere is a dilemma for HR executives concerning social media policies: Should HR managers allow employees to use social media while at work? The question has no easy answer because there ar...
Two-Photon Spectroscopy of the 4A2g→4T2g Transition in Mn4+ Impurity Ions in Crystals

Our motivation for studying the 4A2g→4T2g two-photon(TP) spectra of d3 ions is to observe the ground to excited state transitions unblemished by odd parity enabling modes. Then we would see the Jahn-Teller eg and t2g modes which would help to understand the nature of the complicated excited state potentials. In this paper we report our findings on the Mn4+ ion which was incorporated in the tetravalent site in the cubic lattices Cs2MF6, where M is a Si or Ge ion, and a related trigonal host where M is a Ti ion as shown in figure 1.1
The Individual and Self-Identity

As human beings, our identity plays a key role in the way we define and perceive ourselves and how we interact with our social and physical environment. Although psychosocial factors related to identity have been broadly studied in children and adolescents, little is known about how disability influences the development of a positive identity in disabled children and adolescents. This chapter aims to discuss from previous qualitative and quantitative research, the main factors associated with the development of a disability identity. This chapter will also discuss the main clinical implications of disability identity in wellbeing programmes and the factors further research should consider in assessing disability identity in children and adolescents with disabilities.
Vitamin D deficiency and depressive symptoms in pregnancy are associated with adverse perinatal outcomes

Prenatal vitamin D deficiency and prenatal depression are both separately associated with adverse perinatal outcomes; however, to our knowledge no studies have investigated the effects of having both risk factors. Our objective was to determine to what extent vitamin D deficiency predicts adverse perinatal outcomes and whether elevated depressive symptoms in pregnancy places women at additional increased risk. This study was a secondary data analysis of prospective data collected from a cohort of pregnant women (N = 101) in an obstetric clinic of a large medical center. Maternal vitamin D deficiency (serum 25(OH)D ≤ 20 ng/ml) and depressive symptoms (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, EPDS) were assessed in early pregnancy. A composite of four adverse perinatal outcomes (low birth weight, preterm birth, small-for-gestational age, and preeclampsia) were abstracted from medical charts. Nineteen of the 101 women had one or more adverse perinatal outcome and 84% with an adverse outcome (16/19) were not White. Both prenatal and time of delivery vitamin D deficiency were associated with developing an adverse outcome compared to those vitamin D sufficient (prenatal relative risk 3.43; 95% CI 1.60–7.34, p = 0.004; delivery time relative risk 5.14, 95% CI 2.68–9.86, p = 0.004). These both remained significant after adjusting for BMI. A higher rate of adverse outcome was found when women had both prenatal vitamin D deficiency and elevated depressive symptoms (EPDS ≥ 10). Sixty percent with both risk factors had an adverse perinatal outcome versus 17% with only one or neither risk factor (relative risk 3.60; 95% CI 1.55–8.38, p = 0.045), worthy of investigation with larger samples. Together, prenatal vitamin D deficiency and elevated depressive symptoms in pregnancy may increase risk for adverse perinatal outcomes, especially in racial minorities. Obstetric providers should consider routine prenatal depression screening. The impact of vitamin D supplementation to reduce risk for adverse perinatal outcomes should be studied in prospective trials. Our results suggest that supplementation early in pregnancy might be especially beneficial for depressed women.
Options for management of sandhill forest land

A summary of results from trial plantings of 38 species of pine, 4 other conifers and 5 broadleaved species established on sandhill land in NW Florida during the past 50 years. Only Choctawhatchee sand pine (Pinus clausa var. immuginata) and longleaf pine are recommended for reforestation. Sand pine is expected to produce twice as much volume of wood as longleaf pine in 25 years under the same conditions, but has more limbs than most southern pine and is considered difficult to harvest.
Host-Microbe Symbiosis: The Squid-Vibrio Association—A Naturally Occurring, Experimental Model of Animal/Bacterial Partnerships

Many, if not most, animals have specific symbiotic relationships with bacterial partners. Recent studies suggest that vertebrates create alliances with highly complex consortia of hundreds to thousands of prokaryotic phylotypes. In contrast, invertebrates often have binary associations, i.e., relationships with a population of a single bacterial species. In this chapter, the association between the Hawaiian sepiolid squid Euprymna scolopes and the marine luminous bacterium Vibrio fischeri is highlighted. This symbiosis offers a relatively simply, yet naturally occurring, association that can be experimentally manipulated. Studies of this system are providing insight into the precise mechanisms by which a beneficial animal-bacterial symbiosis can be established and maintained.
Experimental study of energy and time constrained task scheduling with irregular speed and power levels

Abstract We consider energy and time constrained scheduling of independent sequential tasks on a multiprocessor computer with bounded and discrete and irregular clock frequency and supply voltage and execution speed and power consumption levels. This is a very realistic power consumption model. However, it is very difficult to find useful information about the optimal solutions which are critical in evaluating the performance of heuristic algorithms. Our approach in this paper has two unique features. First, we develop algorithms that are applicable to all multiprocessor computers with bounded and discrete and irregular clock frequency and supply voltage and execution speed and power consumption levels. Second, we evaluate the performance of these algorithms on multiprocessors with a regular or close-to-regular power consumption model, for which, we have lower bounds for the optimal solutions. By using these lower bounds, we can perform both analytical study and experimental evaluation of the performance of our algorithms. We propose nine pre-power-determination algorithms for energy constrained scheduling; nine post-power-determination algorithms for energy constrained scheduling; nine pre-power-determination algorithms for time constrained scheduling; and nine post-power-determination algorithms for time constrained scheduling. The performance of these algorithms are evaluated analytically and also experimentally by comparing their solutions with optimal solutions, where the optimal solutions are obtained for regular or approximately regular power consumption models. We find that the combination of the largest execution requirement first method for task selection and the longest time first method for list scheduling yields the best performance.
Space radiation triggers persistent stress response, increases senescent signaling, and decreases cell migration in mouse intestine

Proliferative gastrointestinal (GI) tissue is radiation-sensitive, and heavy-ion space radiation with its high-linear energy transfer (high-LET) and higher damaging potential than low-LET γ-rays is predicted to compromise astronauts’ GI function. However, much uncertainty remains in our understanding of how heavy ions affect coordinated epithelial cell migration and extrusion, which are essential for GI homeostasis. Here we show using mouse small intestine as a model and BrdU pulse labeling that cell migration along the crypt–villus axis is persistently decreased after a low dose of heavy-ion 56Fe radiation relative to control and γ-rays. Wnt/β-catenin and its downstream EphrinB/EphB signaling are key to intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) proliferation and positioning during migration, and both are up-regulated after 56Fe radiation. Conversely, factors involved in cell polarity and adhesion and cell–extracellular matrix interactions were persistently down-regulated after 56Fe irradiation—potentially altering cytoskeletal remodeling and cell extrusion. 56Fe radiation triggered a time-dependent increase in γH2AX foci and senescent cells but without a noticeable increase in apoptosis. Some senescent cells acquired the senescence-associated secretory phenotype, and this was accompanied by increased IEC proliferation, implying a role for progrowth inflammatory factors. Collectively, this study demonstrates a unique phenomenon of heavy-ion radiation-induced persistently delayed IEC migration involving chronic sublethal genotoxic and oncogenic stress-induced altered cytoskeletal dynamics, which were seen even a year later. When considered along with changes in barrier function and nutrient absorption factors as well as increased intestinal tumorigenesis, our in vivo data raise a serious concern for long-duration deep-space manned missions.
Ambient Noise Production by High-Frequency Neonatal Ventilators.

Objective To assess sound levels of 4 high-frequency neonatal ventilators to determine whether there is a safety benefit in using modern high-frequency ventilators compared with older models. Study design We performed a bench study comparing noise production of the Sensormedics 3100A Oscillator, Bunnell Life Pulse Jet Ventilators Model 203 and Model 204, and Drager VN500 in high-frequency mode. A wide range of ventilation settings was examined. All measurements were performed in triplicate using a high-fidelity sound meter, with data analyzed using ANOVA and regression analyses. Results The Drager ventilator was quietest overall, with average sound levels of 49.8 ± 0.49 dB across all settings. The average noise from the Sensormedics was 53.6 ± 2.01 dB, for Bunnell Model 203 was 54.1 ± 1.09 dB, and for Bunnell Model 204 was 53.7 ± 1.45 dB. Adjustments made to frequency/rate and mean airway pressure/positive end-expiratory pressure had minimal effect on noise, and increasing amplitude/peak inspiratory pressure resulted in significantly more noise by all ventilators. At all settings, the Sensormedics and Bunnell ventilators were louder than the Drager, and the difference became greater as amplitude/peak inspiratory pressure was increased. Conclusions The Drager VN500 in high-frequency mode produces significantly less noise that both the Sensormedics and Bunnell ventilators. These data suggest that using the Drager VN500 as a high-frequency ventilator may reduce the potential for adverse outcomes created by ventilator noise.
Fruit and Vegetable Intake Is Inversely Associated with Cancer Risk in Mexican-Americans

Objective: There is inconsistent evidence and limited data in the Hispanic population concerning fruit and vegetable intake and cancer risk. This study explored the effect of fruit and vegetable intake on cancer risk in Mexican-Americans. Methods: Participants in this cross-sectional study were drawn from the Cameron County Hispanic Cohort. Consumption of fruits and vegetables were assessed using a validated questionnaire. Cancer was self-reported by the participants based on being told by a health care provider that they had cancer. Results: Among 2,381 participants with available dietary data, 82 reported a diagnosis of cancer. Participants who met recommendations of five or more servings of fruit and vegetable per day had a significantly 86% lower risk for reported cancer compared with those who did not meet recommendations, after adjusting for other covariates. Every portion increment of total fruit and vegetable intake was significantly associated with the reduced cancer risk by 11% with the adjustment of other covariates. Conclusions: Fruit and vegetable intake was inversely associated with cancer risk in Mexican-Americans. Improving the consumption of fruit and vegetable might be an effective area for further research as part of a strategy for cancer prevention and control among Mexican-Americans independent of other factors.
Improving Teacher Quality: A Sociological Presage

This chapter examines what sociology brings to studies of teacher effectiveness, and why it is imperative for sociological perspectives to be a part of the discussions on teacher accountability systems, measures, and remediation. We begin by reflecting on how policy changes of the past decade have dramatically impacted the jurisdictional authority of teachers. Further, we explore how this shift is linked to the recent focus—by both policymakers and researchers—on economics-based quantitative analysis of teacher effectiveness, including value-added analysis, concluding that this approach to measuring effectiveness risks overlooking other aspects of education which cannot be captured in a test-score gain. We contrast the current emphasis on standardized test scores with a more historical picture of student achievement as the shared function and responsibility of students, teachers, and families. Additionally, we highlight sociological perspectives on measuring occupational competence, underscoring the central role of organizational arrangements and the conditions of the school as related to student achievement. After reviewing this evidence, we propose several future directions for research in sociology of education, emphasizing the processes surrounding teacher hiring, teacher career satisfaction, social supports for struggling teachers, and collaborative work that takes advantage of state data systems.
Parallelization of the Synthetic Aperture Focusing Technique for Ultrasonic Testing

A new parallel implementation of the synthetic aperture focusing technique for ultrasonic testing (SAFT-UT) has been developed. This algorithm runs on small, inexpensive workstations, which are easily transported to a testing site. The performance is achieved in realtime, in that data can be processed as fast as it is acquired. The SAFT-UT technique is reviewed, and details of the new implementation are discussed. Performance data are presented for two platforms, a shared-memory parallel processor and a distributed-memory parallel processor.
Plant‐Based Diets Are Associated With a Lower Risk of Incident Cardiovascular Disease, Cardiovascular Disease Mortality, and All‐Cause Mortality in a General Population of Middle‐Aged Adults

Background Previous studies have documented the cardiometabolic health benefits of plant‐based diets; however, these studies were conducted in selected study populations that had narrow generalizab...
Comprehensive, High Throughput Screening of Neuron Behavior on Gradient Micro-Alignment Topographies

Microfabrication techniques have improved the ability to create platforms where neuronal cells can be grown and guided to form connections in vitro and in vivo. In particular, regulating neuronal growth throughout maturation, and constructing effective neural circuitry, will increase understanding of the neuron-microenvironment interaction. In this work, the development and fabrication of a linear, anisotropic gradient microridge/groove array, using a PDMS micromolding technique, will be described. This allows more efficient analysis of neuron cells in variable mircoenvironments. Immunofluorescence staining of hippocampal neurons is implemented to compare the morphological and synaptic network changes induced across the gradient geometry.
DIAGNOSTIC PERFORMANCE OF INTRAORAL AND EXTRAORAL RADIOGRAPHS DISPLAYED ON TABLET COMPUTER AND LED MONITOR RETRIEVED USING VIRTUAL DESKTOP APPLICATION AND CLOUD-BASED PACS

Background Information retrieval and sharing is key for today's multidisciplinary patient care. Radiographic interpretation of conventional 2-D images is the standard protocol for most dental schools across the United States, and it is imperative to assess image quality on various display devices as well as image retrieval systems. Objective(s) The purpose of this study was to investigate whether common dental conditions seen on conventional 2-D intraoral and extraoral radiographs can be diagnosed with the similar accuracy on handheld tablet computer and LED display as on a dedicated radiology diagnostic display. In addition, to investigate the diagnostic and image quality of the radiographs retrieved over a virtual desktop application and a network computer. Study Design A total of 15 intraoral and 5 panoramic deidentified radiographs selected for this study showed a variety of common dental conditions and anatomic landmarks. Assessments were performed on a desktop computer and a tablet computer 10.5-Inch iPad Pro. All radiographs were retrieved on MiPACS and a virtual desktop application, Citrix Receiver. Each radiograph was assigned a case number and only a specific tooth was marked for diagnostic assessment. A total of 240 radiographs were assessed for general dental conditions and anatomic landmarks on panoramic radiographs. Results Cohen's kappa was calculated and the kappa value ranged from 0.79 to 0.89, which indicated good to very good agreement between raters. A Kruskal-Wallis H test was performed, and distributions of identification of caries, caries surfaces, bone loss, and presence of periapical lesions were similar for all groups. Median scores were not statistically significantly different between groups as below (P > .05). Discussion/Conclusions IPad and LED monitor display performed equally on their ability to diagnose common dental conditions. In addition, there were no statistically significant differences between the diagnostic ability of dentists examining images retrieved over a virtual desktop application (Remote electronic health record [EHR]) and a network desktop computer.
Facial Expression Representation Learning by Synthesizing Expression Images.

Representations used for Facial Expression Recognition (FER) usually contain expression information along with identity features. In this paper, we propose a novel Disentangled Expression learning-Generative Adversarial Network (DE-GAN) which combines the concept of disentangled representation learning with residue learning to explicitly disentangle facial expression representation from identity information. In this method the facial expression representation is learned by reconstructing an expression image employing an encoder-decoder based generator. Unlike previous works using only expression residual learning for facial expression recognition, our method learns the disentangled expression representation along with the expressive component recorded by the encoder of DE-GAN. In order to improve the quality of synthesized expression images and the effectiveness of the learned disentangled expression representation, expression and identity classification is performed by the discriminator of DE-GAN. Experiments performed on widely used datasets (CK+, MMI, Oulu-CASIA) show that the proposed technique produces comparable or better results than state-of-the-art methods.
Stopping tyranny

A compromise proposal toward a solution to making it impossible for a would-be tyrant to exceed reasonable authority.
Captive to Commodities

Unfortunately, many of the poorer countries of the world have been unable to escape a continued reliance on producing and exporting commodities, and this dependence is a constraint on economic growth and stability. Sometimes the commodities produced are even the same as those produced during the colonial era. Ghana and the Ivory Coast are still dependent on cocoa. In other instances, countries go from dependence on the export of one commodity to another. For example, El Salvador’s economic history can be summarized as moving from the production of cocoa to indigo to coffee to remittances. It is surprising how many poor countries depend financially on the export of one to two or three commodities.
Pharmacoepidemiology in Cardiorenal Medicine

Cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) describes the phenomenon of joint dysfunction of the heart and kidneys and occurs when the acute or chronic dysfunction of one organ subsequently triggers acute or chronic dysfunction in the other. The majority of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) succumb to cardiovascular complications. Many pharmacologic agents influence the natural history of both CKD and heart disease through a variety of mechanisms. In this chapter, we provide an overview of pharmacological therapies available for patients with heart failure (HF) and adaptations employed for patients with CRS, as well as common themes contributing to the drugs’ underutilization. Therapies utilized for the management of HF may include angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), beta adrenergic receptor blockers, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs), diuretics, statins, digoxin, and sodium-glucose transport protein 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. Many of these classes (or particular drugs within the class) have dosing guidelines specifically based on the degree of renal impairment. Although these drugs have been associated with decreased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, they remain underutilized. Several factors prevent patients from receiving optimal drug therapy, some of which may be attributable to pill burden, poor comprehension and affordability, risk of side effects (which often increase with concomitant kidney dysfunction), and contextual issues faced by the prescribing physician.