cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of dietary soybean meal on the microscopic anatomy of the small intestine in the early-weaned pig

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effect of soybean meal in postweaning diets on villus height (VH), villus shape and lamina propria depth (LPD) in the small intestine. Intestinal samples were taken at 25, 50 and 75% of the small intestine's length. The first experiment determined the normal effects of age on these structures in nursing pigs from 9 to 36 d of age. Villus height decreased (P less than .01 at the 50 and 75% locations) and LPD increased (P less than .01 at the 25% location) in a quadratic fashion with increasing age. In the second experiment, pigs were weaned at 21 d of age and fed one of three 20% protein diets: 1) protein from hydrolyzed casein (CAS), 2) soybean meal (SBM) or 3) a conventional corn-soybean meal diet (CSBM). Intestinal samples were taken 0, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 d post-weaning. Villus height decreased dramatically the first 3 d postweaning, with a continuing decline until 12 d post-weaning. Averaged over the d 3 to 15 interval, VH were generally greater for pigs fed CAS than for pigs fed CSBM or SBM. Pigs fed SBM or CSBM had deformed villi, and pigs fed SBM had greater (P less than .05) LPD at all intestinal locations, suggesting less mature enterocytes on the villi. These data suggest that feeding high concentrations of soybean meal to the pig post-weaning has a detrimental effect on the small intestine, but this effect was minimized when soybean meal was fed as part of a corn-based diet.
Improving the Performance of a DBD Plasma Actuator Model through Modification of Boundary Condition Parameters

Over the past dozen years, a substantial number of analytical, experimental, and computational research efforts have investigated the potential of plasma actuators in aerodynamics. Several phenomenological plasma actuator models have been successful at modeling certain aspects of flow in the vicinity of a DBD plasma actuator; however, achieving broad applicability of these models remains a challenge. In light of this, a numerical approach based on the Suzen-Huang (S-H) actuator model is being developed and applied over a range DBD plasma actuators with different specifications, materials, and electrical inputs. Rather than testing the model at one particular set of circumstances, it is expected that simulating across a variety of conditions and a variety of outputs will better reveal the strengths and limitations of the modeling approach, and provide guideposts for improving the modeling techniques. For example, while recent empirical findings show that the forcing from a plasma actuator follows a PUSH-push forcing, where the forward stoke adds significantly more momentum to the flow than the backwards stroke, many phenomenological plasma actuator models, including the S-H model, do not incorporate this when determining the body force. An objective of this study is to better account for the PUSH-push body forcing into the S-H model along with better representing other aspects of the plasma induced flow.
Movement and distribution of house flies (Diptera: Muscidae) between habitats in two livestock farms.

House fly, Musca domestica L., movement between breeding sites (dairies and poultry houses) and into surrounding habitats (buildings, fields, and pastures) was measured by releasing marked flies in poultry houses and dairies at two farms. Relative density of wild and marked flies was greater in the dairy and poultry houses than in other habitats at similar distances from the release areas. Calculated proportions of wild flies in each habitat were greatest in the dairies and poultry houses; averages of 25 and 36% of the wild populations were estimated to be in the other habitats. After 5 days, an average of 60 and 53% of marked flies released in the poultry houses remained there, 13% moved to the dairies at both farms, and 27 and 34% moved from the poultry houses to the non breeding habitats. An average of 56 and 73% of the marked flies released in the dairies remained there after 5 days, while 8 and 10% moved into the poultry houses, and 34 and 19% moved from the dairies into the nonbreeding habitats at both farms.
Evaluation of Insecticides for the Control of Lepidopteran Larvae in Sweet Corn, 2015

The objective of this experiment was to assess the efficacy of insecticides for the control of lepidopteran pests of sweet corn in eastern Virginia. The experiment consisted of eight treatments arranged in an RCB design with four replicates. “Merit” sweet corn was planted on 12 Jul 2015 at the Virginia Tech Eastern Shore Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Painter, VA. Plots were two rows wide and 20-ft (6.1 m) long with no guard rows. Rows were planted on a …
Kelvin probe study on the perfluoropolyether film on metals

The effect of mineral oil on surface potentials of copper and aluminum coated with a perfluoropolyether (PFPE) film is studied with a non-vibrating Kelvin probe. The probe measures the contact potential difference (CPD) between the probe surface and the coated copper and aluminum surfaces. The PFPE film was applied to the Cu and Al surfaces by a dip-coating technique. The Kelvin probe signals are especially sensitive to the interface between the coated and uncoated regions of the metal surfaces. It is found that the PFPE film causes the surface potentials of Cu and Al to drop by 150 and 98 mV, respectively. Immersion of the PFPE-coated surfaces in mineral oil causes the surface potential difference of the PFPE/Cu and PFPE/Al to increase, and removing the mineral oil re-establishes the surface potential.
Establishing a high yielding streptomyces-based cell-free protein synthesis system.

Cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) has emerged as a powerful platform for applied biotechnology and synthetic biology, with a range of applications in synthesizing proteins, evolving proteins, and prototyping genetic circuits. To expand the current CFPS repertoire, we report here the development and optimization of a Streptomyces-based CFPS system for the expression of GC-rich genes. By developing a streamlined crude extract preparation protocol and optimizing reaction conditions, we were able to achieve active enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) yields of greater than 50 μg/mL with batch reactions lasting up to 3 h. By adopting a semi-continuous reaction format, the EGFP yield could be increased to 282 ± 8 μg/mL and the reaction time was extended to 48 h. Notably, our extract preparation procedures were robust to multiple Streptomyces lividans and Streptomyces coelicolor strains, although expression yields varied. We show that our optimized Streptomyces lividans system provides benefits when compared to an Escherichia coli-based CFPS system for increasing percent soluble protein expression for four Streptomyces-originated high GC-content genes that are involved in biosynthesis of the nonribosomal peptides tambromycin and valinomycin. Looking forward, we believe that our Streptomyces-based CFPS system will contribute significantly towards efforts to express complex natural product gene clusters (e.g., nonribosomal peptides and polyketides), providing a new avenue for obtaining and studying natural product biosynthesis pathways. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2017;114: 1343-1353. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Rural community disaster preparedness and risk perception in Trujillo, Peru

Introduction Disasters will continue to occur throughout the world and it is the responsibility of the government, health care systems, and communities to adequately prepare for potential catastrophic scenarios. Unfortunately, low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs) are especially vulnerable following a disaster. By understanding disaster preparedness and risk perception, interventions can be developed to improve community preparedness and avoid unnecessary mortality and morbidity following a natural disaster. Problem The purpose of this study was to assess disaster preparedness and risk perception in communities surrounding Trujillo, Peru. Methods After designing a novel disaster preparedness and risk perception survey based on guidelines from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC; Geneva, Switzerland), investigators performed a cross-sectional survey of potentially vulnerable communities surrounding Trujillo, Peru. Data were entered and analyzed utilizing the Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap; Harvard Catalyst; Boston, Massachusetts USA) database. Results A total of 230 study participants were surveyed, composed of 37% males, 63% females, with ages ranging from 18-85 years old. Those surveyed who had previously experienced a disaster (41%) had a higher perception of future disaster occurrence and potential disaster impact on their community. Overall, the study participants consistently perceived that earthquakes and infection had the highest potential impact of all disasters. Twenty-six percent of participants had an emergency supply of food, 24% had an emergency water plan, 24% had a first aid kit at home, and only 20% of the study participants had an established family evacuation plan. Conclusion Natural and man-made disasters will remain a threat to the safety and health of communities in all parts of the world, especially within vulnerable communities in LMICs; however, little research has been done to identify disaster perception, vulnerability, and preparedness in LMIC communities. The current study established that selected communities near Trujillo, Peru recognize a high disaster impact from earthquakes and infection, but are not adequately prepared for potential future disasters. By identifying high-risk demographics, targeted public health interventions are needed to prepare vulnerable communities in the following areas: emergency food supplies, emergency water plan, medical supplies at home, and establishing evacuation plans. Stewart M , Grahmann B , Fillmore A , Benson LS . Rural Community Disaster Preparedness and Risk Perception in Trujillo, Peru. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2017;32(4):387–392.
Validation and description of Symbiodinium microadriaticum, the type species of Symbiodinium (Dinophyta)

It has been 55 years since Hugo Freudenthal described Symbiodinium microadriaticum (Dinophyceae), the type species of this large and important dinoflagellate genus found commonly in mutualistic symbiosis with cnidarians, other invertebrates, and certain protists. However, no type specimen was designated by Freudenthal, thus S. microadriaticum was invalid, as was Symbiodinium and every species subsequently assigned to the genus. The original culture was lost, but since 1979, a different culture, CCMP2464/rt-061, had been considered to represent S. microadriaticum. From this culture, a preserved specimen is herein designated the holotype of S. microadriaticum, validating the binomial and Symbiodinium. All binary designations previously considered to belong in Symbiodinium also are validated herein.
Highly efficient GaN-based single-phase transformer-less PV grid-tied inverter

Photovoltaic (PV) systems have been the focus of many scientific researches recently. The interest in grid-tied PV transformer-less inverters has increased rapidly, because of their higher efficiency and lower cost compared to traditional line transformer inverters. In this paper, a new modified transformer-less topology derived from H5 inverter is proposed. The proposed topology is equipped with GaN HEMTs to fully benefits from the superior performance of WBG devices. Detailed operation modes, inverter structure and switching strategy of the proposed topology are investigated and compared to conventional H5 topology. Furthermore, a comparison of the performance of the proposed inverter with Si IGBT and GaN HEMTs was presented to analyze the benefits of using WBG devices. The simulation results validate the theoretical that the proposed topology reduces the conduction losses of the system. The simulation results show that GaN HEMTs based inverter provides lower power losses and more than 5% increase in the efficiency when compared to Si IGBTs based inverter. Thus, prove the effectiveness of the proposed inverter for grid-tied PV applications.
What Do Students Have to Do with Educational Leadership? Making a Case for Centering Student Voice.

The purpose of this article is to illustrate the value of educational leaders intentionally including students in shaping the policies and practices that affect young people’s schooling experiences...
An Analysis of how Self-Efficacy Relates to the Driver’s of the Active Sport Tourist

An Analysis of How Self-Efficacy relates to the Driver’s of the Active Sport Tourist by Debey Grimes Dr. Kurt Stahura, Examination Committee Chair Associate Professor Hotel Management Department, College of Hotel Administration University of Nevada, Las Vegas The active sport tourist is a subset within the tourism industry that can be further analyzed to understand this type of traveler. The driver’s of such a tourist include Risk Theory, Individual’s view, Geographical Approach, Role Theory, Consumer Behavior and Group Based Nostalgia. These drivers are compared and analyzed to self-efficacy and how a sport decision or destination relates to self-efficacy. The sources of self-efficacy are defined and an analysis of the active sport tourist’s relationship through the cognitive, motivational, affective and selection processes are explored.
Mapping soil moisture with the OPtical TRApezoid Model (OPTRAM) based on long-term MODIS observations

Abstract The OPtical TRApezoid Model (OPTRAM) has recently been proposed for estimation of soil moisture using only optical remote sensing data. The model relies on a physical linear relationship between the soil moisture content and shortwave infrared transformed reflectance (STR) and can be parameterized universally (i.e., a single calibration for a given area) based on the pixel distribution within the STR-Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) trapezoidal space. The main motivation for this study was to evaluate how the universal parameterization of OPTRAM works for long periods of time (e.g., several decades). This is especially relevant for uncovering the soil moisture and agricultural drought history in response to climate change in different regions. In this study, MODIS satellite observations from 2001 to 2017 were acquired and used for the analysis. Cosmic-ray neutron (CRN) soil moisture data, collected with the COsmic-ray Soil Moisture Observing System (COSMOS) at five different sites in the U.S. covering diverse climates, soil types, and land covers, were applied for evaluation of the MODIS-OPTRAM-based soil moisture estimates. The OPTRAM soil moisture estimates were further compared to the Soil Moisture Active and Passive (SMAP) (L-band), the Soil Moisture Ocean Salinity (SMOS) (L-band), and the Advanced AScatterometer (ASCAT) (C-band) soil moisture retrievals. OPTRAM soil moisture data were also analyzed for potential monitoring of agricultural drought through comparison of the OPTRAM-based Soil Water Deficit Index (OPTRAM-SWDI) with the widely-applied Crop Moisture Index (CMI). Evaluation results indicate that OPTRAM-based soil moisture estimates provide overall unbiased RMSE and R between 0.050 and 0.085 cm3 cm−3 and 0.10 to 0.70, respectively, for all investigated sites. The performance of OPTRAM is comparable with the ASCAT retrievals, but slightly less accurate than SMAP and SMOS. OPTRAM and the three microvave satellites captured CRN soil moisture temporal dynamics very well for all five investigated sites. A close agreement was observed between the OPTRAM-SWDI and CMI drought indices for most selected sites. In conclusion, OPTRAM can estimate temporal soil moisture dynamics with reasonable accuracy for a range of climatic conditions (semi-arid to humid), soil types, and land covers, and can potentially be applied for agricultural drought monitoring.
Romance, Diaspora, and Black Atlantic Literature: From nativism to nationalism: Joseph Casely Hayford, Chinua Achebe, and colonial modernity

The African in America is in a worse plight than the Hebrew in Egypt. The one preserved his language, his manners and customs, his religion and household gods; the other has committed national suicide. Joseph Casely Hayford Joseph Ephraim Casely Hayford's Ethiopia Unbound: Studies in Race Emancipation (1911) begins expansively, with an epigraph addressed to “the sons of Ethiopia the world wide over,” employing the term “Ethiopian” as a synonym for all African-descended peoples. The novel presents the life of its protagonist, Kwamankra, a thinly veiled alter-ego of the author, as an allegory for the hoped-for nation of Ghana, prophesying the rise of a glorious African civilization. But this pan-African project quickly turns into a vicious attack on black writers from the diaspora, as Hayford argues that “the African in America” is deracinated, culturally adrift, and prone to a crippling self-doubt. Singling out W. E. B. Du Bois for particular censure, Hayford challenges his paradigm of double consciousness, offering his own prescriptions for the emancipation of the race as an authentic alternative. Though he admits the value of The Souls of Black Folk to the cause of black uplift, he takes issue with its central formulation of a divided self, claiming that Du Bois's revelation of the psychic trauma of post-slavery populations has no meaning for colonized Africans. Indeed, he paints both Du Bois and his rival, Booker T. Washington, with the same brush, calling them “provincial” and “exclusive” in their prescriptions for the race, insensitive to the specificity of colonial rule in Africa (163).
Embryo Donation: Ethical Issues

This chapter explores the novel ethical and legal questions resulting from the ability to cryopreserve embryos for future use. Individuals or couples may discard the embryos, donate the embryos to another couple for reproduction, donate the embryos to research, or freeze the embryos indefinitely. Occasionally, couples cannot agree and may face legal battles regarding embryo disposition or parentage. In other cases, clinic negligence results in embryo destruction, loss, mix-up, or misuse. We discuss these issues, as well as the growing concern over access to the technology, long-term storage, and the impact on future-born children, including commercialization and the creation of designer babies.
Presentation of scientific poster information: Lessons learned from evaluating the impact of content arrangement and use of infographics.

Abstract Background Scientific poster content and delivery methodology have evolved in recent years. The objective of this observational cross-sectional survey-based study was to evaluate pharmacists’ preferences of two different scientific poster formats conducted at a conference in May 2017. Two posters on the same topic were developed and presented utilizing different formatting; one in the traditional, text-based format and the other in an infographic-based format. Study participants (n = 61) included 23 (38%) preceptors and 37 (61%) residents. Preceptors and residents scored clarity and comprehensibility similarly for both poster formats respectively, but rated aesthetic appeal higher for the infographic format. Both groups found more detailed information to be missing from the infographic poster format. Overall, residents did not prefer one poster format to another, while preceptors overwhelmingly preferred the infographic poster format over the traditional poster format. Impact Several key confounders limit the interpretations of the study results. These confounders include lack of large and well-distributed sample size, inability to control for the effect of preference on comprehension scores, and differences between resident and preceptor experience that may ultimately influence preferences and results. Recommendations In repeating this study, investigators should consider capturing a national and larger sample size to increase applicability of results, design questions to assess comprehension, and collect participant baseline characteristics. Discussion Variations in preferences and perceptions for optimal scientific poster content and design among pharmacists exist. The findings of this study suggest infographic poster formats are more aesthetically appealing, but demonstrate similar clarity and comprehensibility as a traditional poster format.
Receptor selectivity from minimal backbone modification of a polypeptide agonist

Human parathyroid hormone (PTH) and N-terminal fragments thereof activate two receptors, hPTHR1 and hPTHR2, which share ∼51% sequence similarity. A peptide comprising the first 34 residues of PTH is fully active at both receptors and is used to treat osteoporosis. We have used this system to explore the hypothesis that backbone modification of a promiscuous peptidic agonist can provide novel receptor-selective agonists. We tested this hypothesis by preparing a set of variants of PTH(1–34)-NH2 that contained a single β-amino-acid residue replacement at each of the first eight positions. These homologs, each containing one additional backbone methylene unit relative to PTH(1–34)-NH2 itself, displayed a wide range of potencies in cell-based assays for PTHR1 or PTHR2 activation. The β-scan series allowed us to identify two homologs, each containing two α→β replacements, that were highly selective, one for PTHR1 and the other for PTHR2. These findings suggest that backbone modification of peptides may provide a general strategy for achieving activation selectivity among polypeptide-modulated receptors, and that success requires consideration of both β2- and β3-residues, which differ in terms of side-chain location.
Nostalgic Cartography: Performances of Hometown by Pittsburgh’s Squonk Opera and San Francisco’s Magic Bus

Klein considers how theater and performance help us recognize the politics of how we dream of home and, in doing so, illuminate the attendant economic and social precarities, issues of labor, and relationships between safety, community, and belonging that govern those dreams. Her study uses the work of Michel de Certeau, Martin Heidegger, and Josephine Machon to examine two immersive, psychedelic performances of local sightseeing, which locate hometown via the cartography of memory and nostalgia. San Francisco’s Antenna Theatre and Pittsburgh’s Squonk Opera both use urban performances of place to remake notions of hometown in cities experiencing rapid growth and dramatically shifting demographics and dominant industries. By treating tourism as an intimate performance-in-motion, these pieces make forgotten city history legible by putting spectators (back) in touch with their own local communities.
Integrated PET-MRI for Glioma Surveillance: Perfusion-Metabolism Discordance Rate and Association With Molecular Profiling.

OBJECTIVE. Both 18F-FDG PET and perfusion MRI are commonly used techniques for posttreatment glioma surveillance. Using integrated PET-MRI, we assessed the rate of discordance between simultaneousl...
Processed human amniotic fluid retains its antibacterial activity.

Human amniotic fluid (AF) contains numerous nutrients, trophic factors and defense proteins that provide a nurturing and protective environment for fetal development. Based on reports that AF has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties, we designed a novel method to process AF for use in clinical care. Six randomly selected lots of processed AF (pAF) were examined to determine whether they retained their antibacterial activity against a panel of wound-associated pathogens E. faecium, S. aureus, K. pneumoniae, A. baumannii, P. aeruginosa, and E. aerogenes (ESKAPE). To identify proteins in pAF that might be responsible for its antibacterial activity, three different lots of pAF were analyzed with quantitative cytokine arrays that consisted of 400 unique human proteins. One protein identified by microarrays, lactoferrin, and a second prominent antibacterial protein that was not identified by microarrays, lysozyme, were examined by depletion experiments to determine their contribution to the antibacterial activity of pAF. All six lots of pAF exhibited antibacterial activity against ESKAPE microorganisms, especially against the pathogens predominately found in chronic wounds (i.e. S. aureus and P. aeruginosa). Thirty-one of the peptides on the microarray were annotated as having antibacterial activity and 26 of these were detected in pAF. Cystatin C and lactoferrin were among the most highly expressed antibacterial proteins in pAF. Cystatin C and lactoferrin were confirmed by ELISA to be present in pAF along with lysozyme. Immunoprecipitation of lactoferrin and lysozyme reduced, but did not abolish the antibacterial activities of pAF. Our data demonstrate that pAF maintains antibacterial activity via the preservation of antibacterial proteins against a broad spectrum of wound-associated pathogens.
Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty Provides Significantly Greater Improvement in Function than Total Knee Arthroplasty Despite Equivalent Satisfaction for Isolated Medial Compartment Osteoarthritis

Abstract Background While some advocate for unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) for isolated medial compartment osteoarthritis (OA), others favor total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of this study was to compare the functional outcomes of UKA and TKA performed for patients with unicompartmental arthritis (OA). Methods A study was performed on 133 patients that met strict criteria for UKA, but who underwent either medial UKA or TKA for isolated medial compartment OA based upon physician equipoise. The primary outcome—New Knee Society Score (KSS)—was assessed preoperatively and at 2 years postoperatively. A propensity score weighted regression was used to balance the groups on several key covariates, including age, gender, body mass index, and baseline KSS. Results After propensity weighting, there were no significant differences between UKA and TKA in overall baseline KSS or KSS after 2 years postoperatively. While TKA patients had demonstrated a significantly greater improvement in the symptoms KSS subscale, UKA patients had a significantly greater improvement in the function subscale. Expectations were significantly more likely to be met after UKA, but there were no differences in patient satisfaction. Conclusion UKA and TKA are both highly successful options for treating patients with medial compartment OA, although functionality increased more, and expectations were more likely to be met, after UKA in this study. Given equivalent patient satisfaction after both TKA and UKA, surgeons should consider factors such as clinical experience, individual preference, cost of care, surgical risk, and recovery needs, when making treatment decisions regarding this clinical entity.
Using external reference pricing in medicare part D to reduce drug price differentials with other countries

Many countries use external reference pricing to help determine drug prices. However, external reference pricing has received little attention in the US—perhaps because the US is often the first ad...
Five Shades of Grey: Phase Transitions in High-dimensional Multiple Testing

We are motivated by marginal screenings of categorical variables, and study high-dimensional multiple testing problems where test statistics have approximate chi-square distributions. We characterize four new phase transitions in high-dimensional chi-square models, and derive the signal sizes necessary and sufficient for statistical procedures to simultaneously control false discovery (in terms of family-wise error rate or false discovery rate) and missed detection (in terms of family-wise non-discovery rate or false non-discovery rate) in large dimensions. Remarkably, degrees of freedom in the chi-square distributions do not affect the boundaries in all four phase transitions. Several well-known procedures are shown to attain these boundaries. Two new phase transitions are also identified in the Gaussian location model under one-sided alternatives. We then elucidate on the nature of signal sizes in association tests by characterizing its relationship with marginal frequencies, odds ratio, and sample sizes in $2\times2$ contingency tables. This allows us to illustrate an interesting manifestation of the phase transition phenomena in genome-wide association studies (GWAS). We also show, perhaps surprisingly, that given total sample sizes, balanced designs in such association studies rarely deliver optimal power.
Climate Change Impacts on Campus Buildings Energy Use: An AI-based Scenario Analysis

Almost 50% of global energy consumption is associated with buildings, among which buildings operational energy account for a major share. Buildings operational energy needs are highly dependent on the envelope and space functionality characteristics, as well as climate properties, which is expected to change over time. While managing buildings energy performance, climate change can be a threat as it can cause significant changes in energy use patterns. This paper discusses the use of artificial intelligence techniques to assess the impact of climate change on campus buildings energy use under various future envelope and climate scenarios. We have relied on hourly energy use data of buildings situated in the University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, as well as their thermo-physical and space functionality properties. To study the impact of climate change, we have used climate properties of three future climate scenarios developed by North American Regional Climate Change Assessment Program (NARCCAP) for Gainesville, FL, represented based on their impact within a 40-year prospect: median (year 2063), hottest (2057), and coldest (2041). In order to conduct the scenario analysis, we refer to the Technology Roadmap, Energy Efficient Building Envelopes, that is used to assess and present the development of technology products in building sector. According to the roadmap, we have assessed campus energy use for five envelope scenarios for each of the future climate scenarios.
Prevalence and factors associated with potentially inappropriate medication use in older medicare beneficiaries with cancer.

Abstract Objective To assess the factors related to potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) use in elderly patients with cancer, as well as to compare the PIM prevalence in older adults with and without cancer. Methods Data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare-linked base (2009–2011) were accessed to conduct a retrospective study comparing patients with cancers of the breast, colon/rectum, and prostate against a matched population of subjects without cancer. PIM use was defined based on the 2015 Beers Criteria and was quantified using prescription claims. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess the associations between the patients’ characteristics, clinical factors, and PIM use in patients with cancer based on Beers criteria. Propensity score matching was applied to compare use of PIM in patients with versus without cancer. Results PIM usage rates in patients with colorectal and breast cancers were significantly higher than non-cancer-bearing adults; the difference in PIM usage rate was not significantly different in the prostate cancer-matched cohort. The prevalence of inappropriate medication use in the three types of cancers evaluated was directly correlated with number of medications prescribed, treatment with chemotherapy, and co-morbid medical problems. Conclusion Patients diagnosed with cancer were more likely to use PIM compared with their non-cancer counterparts. The updated Beers criteria has the potential to serve as an important tool in geriatric oncology practice but it may still need to take into consideration different cancer types and their respective treatments.
Effect of titanium dioxide nanoparticles on DNA methylation in multiple human cell lines.

Nanoscale titanium dioxide (TiO2) is manufactured in wide scale, with a range of applications in consumer products. Significant toxicity of TiO2 nanoparticles has, however, been recognized, suggest...
Spatiotemporal Manipulation of Optical Fields with Metasurfaces

We will explain how optical metasurfaces, planar arrays of subwavelength electromagnetic structures that collectively mimic the functionality of thicker conventional optical elements, can be employed for shaping light in both spatial and temporal domains.
Controllers and Detectors

So far, we have been discussing pre-timed signals which is a non-traffic responsive control system, while in many cases traffic responsive control is desirable. That is, the right-of-way and duration of GREEN time is dynamically allocated depending on traffic demand. A signal system of this kind is called actuated signal system. In preparation for the topic, this chapter introduces hardware equipment and devices that are used for intersection signalization. The difference of pre-timed and actuated control will be contrasted, and the architecture of controller cabinet will be highlighted. This is followed by an in-depth discussion on various components in the cabinet—their functionalities and working principles. Particular attention is directed to the mechanism of how to ensure safety of signalized intersection.
Trauma-informed Care in the Context of Intellectual and Developmental Disability Services: Perceptions of Service Providers

Traumatic life events have pervasive impacts on health and well-being. A growing body of literature shows that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are disproportionately impacted by trauma. Trauma-informed care (TIC) is a philosophy of service provision that is committed to preventing traumatization and re-traumatization and promoting healing. This study explores the perceptions of 130 leaders in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities services on the adoption and practice of TIC through the analysis of quantitative data. Results indicated a disconnect between the level of TIC integration and perceptions detailing how well organizations are currently performing in aspects of TIC. Barriers to TIC included high staff turnover, lack of accessible mental health providers, lack of affordable training, stigma, and restrictive funding structures. Implications and recommendations for service organizations and educators are provided.
Population pharmacokinetics of clinafloxacin in healthy volunteers and patients with infections: experience with heterogeneous pharmacokinetic data.

Objective: Clinafloxacin is a new fluoroquinolone antibacterial with inhibitory activity against aerobic, anaerobic and atypical bacterial pathogens. The objectives of this study are to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of clinafloxacin in healthy volunteers and patients with infections and to describe our experience with mixed-effects modelling using heterogeneous pharmacokinetic data. Design and setting: Retrospective analysis of data from phase I to III trials. Patients and participants: 204 healthy volunteers and 221 patients with infections. Methods: Nonlinear mixed-effects modelling (MEM) was used to evaluate 3437 clinafloxacin plasma concentrations collected in 15 phase I to III trials. Models were developed separately for the healthy volunteers and patients, and then for the combined study population. Results: The phase I data were best described with a 2-compartment linear model with first-order absorption. The absorption lag-time and absorption rate constant were 0.24h and 1.17h−1, respectively. The volumes of distribution were found to be nonlinear functions of body surface area. Estimated creatinine clearance was the most important covariate for systemic clearance (CL). Interoccasion variability (IOV) in CL was observed in the patients in the phase II trial. In the combined study population, the variability in CL was best described by a model including IOV and distinct variabilities for healthy volunteers and patients. Conclusion: MEM was useful for evaluating data collected during different phases of drug development for this new fluoroquinolone agent.
Calling Wells Fargo’s CEO: Drive Widespread Cultural Change via Implementation of the Dynamic Organizational Model and Permeation of Servant Leadership throughout the Financial Institution

During 2016, Wells Fargo was under intense scrutiny for creating false customer accounts, a scandal stemming from an organizational culture heavily focused on revenue generation and a lack of focus on customer loyalty and satisfaction. The Dynamic Organization Model (DOM) provides leaders with a holistic view of an organization, a context for understanding the importance of a customer-focused strategy, and the foundation for communicating that strategy to associates, while creating a shared sense of purpose and ownership in customer satisfaction and pride in their work. This article explores the core tenants and principles embedded within a DOM, using U.S. Cellular as an exemplar in the implementation of the model and its influence on corporate culture. During the exploration of the DOM, particular emphasis is placed on the inherent role of servant leadership in achieving the status of a dynamic organization and its success. This article illustrates the methods, benefits, and challenges of adopting and infusing a DOM in an organization. Substantial similarities become evident between the cultural and operational environment of U.S. Cellular, prior to implementation of the DOM, and the current culture and operational environment of Wells Fargo, making a strong case for implementation of the DOM and permeation of servant leadership throughout Wells Fargo in a widespread effort to restore trust with employees, customers, investors, and the public.
THYROID HORMONE AND BRAIN FUNCTION. II. CHANGES IN PHOTICALLY ELICITED EEG RESPONSES FOLLOWING THE ADMINISTRATION OF TRIIODOTHYRONINE TO NORMAL SUBJECTS.

Abstract Electroencephalograms were made in nine normal male and two normal female subjects before and after the ingestion of 300 μg of triiodothyronine daily for 3 days. Following the administration of the hormone, the duration of the EEG arousal response was shortened in all subjects, and responsiveness to photic stimulation was increased in five of the eleven subjects. Eight of the eleven subjects reported perceptual distortion. No change in alpha frequency was observed.
Dimensions of antigen recognition and levels of immunological specificity.

Abstract Although recognition and specificity are among the most fundamental concepts in immunology, there is a common tendency to equate these notions with the fit, especially in terms of molecular shape, between interacting molecules. Even in the case of monovalent recognition, there are factors that contribute to the energetics of the interaction that are not readily accounted for by detailed structural analysis of the interacting (epitopic and paratopic) molecular surfaces. Consequently, recognition involves more than just the three spatial dimensions and time. Factors such as solute-solvent interactions, molecular crowding, and confinement, not directly related to the details of the intermolecular interface, can play crucial roles in determining both intrinsic affinity and differential intrinsic affinity. Furthermore, stating that a given structural subunit (e.g., amino acid) is recognized in a given noncovalent interaction does not clarify whether the structural subunit in question participates in the interaction through van der Waals contact, contribution to intrinsic affinity, or differential contribution to relative intrinsic affinities for two or more different ligands. Additional factors become relevant in considering the specificity exhibited in multivalent interactions, cell activation, and activation of the whole immune system. Therefore, specificity as defined for a monovalent binding event can diverge from specificity as it is defined for higher-order interactions. A corollary of this conclusion is that the composition of epitopes and paratopes, defined in terms of the structural elements for which substitutions have an effect on the specificity-defining measurement, can differ in different contexts despite complete conservation of the structures that physically make direct contact. An analysis of specificity at the organismal level suggests that the immune system does not recognize or respond to substances that correspond precisely to either nonself substance or to dangerous substances. An alternative notion for the molecular origins of immunological discrimination does not require that there be any single reason for immune responsiveness. This concept of what the immune system recognizes and responds to derives from the recognition that the ultimate function of the immune system is to contribute to survival and reproductive success through any available means.
When Suburbs Collide

Sprawl . A Compact History. By Robert Bruegmann . University of Chicago Press, Chicago, 2005. 307 pp. $27.50, €17.50. ISBN 0-226-07690-3. Taking a contrarian position, the author argues that sprawl is a logical consequence of economic growth and democracy and that it offers people many benefits.
Soft tissue sarcomas of the popliteal fossa

BACKGROUND: Soft tissue sarcomas (STSs) arising from the popliteal fossa present a challenge with regard to local control of primary tumors. Due to concerns of functional morbidity and neurovascular compromise, there is debate about what represents the best therapy for these patients. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective medical record review of patients treated at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center for STS of the popliteal fossa from 1990 to 2008. RESULTS: There were 47 eligible patients, 28 of whom were male and 19 of whom were female. Synovial sarcoma was the most common diagnosis, with 12 cases. Most patients had T2b tumors (31 patients; 66%). The median duration of follow-up was 3.8 years (range, 0.6-17.9 years). The 5- and 10-year overall survival rates were 63% and 51%, respectively. Metastasis at diagnosis was associated with poorer overall survival (5-year overall survival, 74% versus 13%; P<.001) and poorer recurrence-free survival (5-year recurrence-free survival, 51% versus 0%; P<.001) on univariate analysis. Radiation therapy improved local recurrence-free survival (5-year local recurrence-free survival, 56% versus 17%; P = .004), whereas a trend was observed for surgical margin status (P = .07). Tumor size and neurovascular involvement did not influence outcome. Twenty-two patients had recurrent disease, with 15 patients having local recurrence, and 16 patients died from progressive disease. CONCLUSIONS: Radiation therapy may play an important role in the treatment of popliteal fossa STS, but further study is needed to better define the best clinical application. Additional study is needed to re-evaluate association of surgical margin status and outcome. Cancer 2011; © 2010 American Cancer Society.
A Model Project for Identifying Rural Gifted and Talented Students in the Visual Arts.

The following article describes a program that was designed to identify gifted and talented Hispanic and Native American children in the visual arts in two rural schools. The multidimensional ident...
How Fuel Composition Affects On-Board Reforming for Fuel Cell Vehicles

Different blends of gasoline range hydrocarbons were investigated to determine the effect of aromatic, naphthenic, and paraffinic content on performance in an autothermal reformer. In addition, we investigated the effects of detergent, antioxidant, and oxygenate additives. These tests indicate that composition effects are minimal at temperatures of 800C and above, but at lower temperatures or at high gas hourly space velocities (GHSV approaching 100,000 h{sup -1} ) composition can have a large effect on catalyst performance. Fuels high in aromatic and naphthenic components were more difficult to reform. In addition, additives, such as detergents and oxygenates were shown to decrease reformer performance at lower temperatures.
Adolescent males involved in pregnancy:: Associations of forced sexual contact and risk behaviors

Abstract Purpose: To determine whether sexually active adolescent males who report being the victim of forced sexual contact and engaging in health risk and problem behaviors are more likely to report getting someone pregnant. Methods: In 1995, 4159 students in Grades 9–12 in 59 randomly selected public high schools in Massachusetts were anonymously surveyed using the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS). Data were analyzed for 824 sexually active males. Demographic variables and indicators of sexual behavior, pregnancy, violence, and suicide were assessed. Data were analyzed with multiple logistic regression. Results: A total of 12.0% of sexually active males reported having been involved in a pregnancy. The proportion of males who reported getting a partner pregnant increased with age. Of the sample, 8.1% gave a history of having had sexual contact against their will. Of those who reported forced sexual contact, 36.4% reported having been involved in a pregnancy; of the males who did not report a history of forced sexual contact, 9.4% were involved in a pregnancy (CV = 0.23; p Conclusion: This study highlights the association between health-risk and problem behaviors, forced sexual contact, and involvement in pregnancy among sexually active male high school students. In our analysis, a history of forced sexual contact was associated with a higher risk of high school males' involvement in pregnancy. These results strongly suggest the importance of screening sexually active males for a history of forced sexual intercourse and health risk and problem behaviors in the effort to prevent teenage pregnancy and childbearing.
Polyamines in Fungi

This chapter emphasizes new developments in our knowledge of polyamine biochemistry and regulation in fungi, some of which have contributed significantly to the polyamine field in general. Prior to the last edition of The Mycota, the last major review of polyamines in fungi was that of Stevens and Winther (1979). The phenomenological character of their review reflected the poor knowledge of polyamine biochemistry and function at the time. Nevertheless, it is a useful source of information, some of which remains to be interpreted adequately. Other significant reviews of polyamine biosynthesis in microorganisms have appeared since that time, in particular those of Tabor and Tabor (1985) and of Davis et al. (1992). Space limitations here exclude consideration of polyamine oxidase systems (Smith and Barker 1988; Large 1992) and polyamines in phytopathogenic fungi (Galston and Weinstein 1988).
A pulse arrival-time recording module for analyzing neutron multiplicities

A CAMAC module that is an integral part of a new technique for analyzing neutron multiplicities has been developed. The technique involves sequentially recording the arrival time of pulses from neutron detectors, and then applying correlation algorithms to determine neutron multiplicities. This provides a flexible and more thorough data analysis compared with current methods. The dead-time contribution of this module is virtually zero for the intended applications. By using user-programmable gate arrays and fast static-memory modules, one can fit the entire design into one CAMAC module. >
A generalized control heuristic and simplified model predictive control strategy for direct-expansion air-conditioning systems

This article presents a generalized control heuristic to reset supply air temperature set-points for direct-expansion units with capacity modulation and variable airflow and integrates the heuristic into a simplified model predictive control framework that precools building thermal mass through zone temperature set-point adjustments. The resulting control methodology is appropriate for control of medium-sized commercial buildings that employ variable air volume air distribution with direct-expansion units for primary cooling. The heuristic is shown to work well for different direct-expansion systems with different compressor types and fan–duct combinations. To assess the integrated energy savings potential of the heuristic strategy and simplified model predictive control, a simulation platform was developed for a medium-sized commercial building. Simulations were carried out for a 100-day cooling season in different U.S. locations and under different control strategies. The heuristic control provided ener...