cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modeling and Testing Structured Markets: A Nested Logit Approach

A structured market for a product category is a pair s, As consisting of a set of consumers s who have the same decision tree, As, which reflects the process by which the consumers in s evaluate product features when making choices. Using a nested logit approach: 1 we present methods to test for the existence of hypothesized multiple structured markets, and 2 we present empirically determined insights on how brands compete within each structured market through the inclusion of marketing mix variables in our model. A successful empirical application of our methods using a panel data set of coffee purchases obtained from Selling Area Marketing Inc. confirms the existence of at least two distinct structured markets in the ground coffee market. The type-primary market is a segment of "switchers", highly responsive to changes in market mix variables whereas the brand-primary market is a "loyal" segment, relatively unresponsive to marketing programs.
Religion in Politics How Does Inequality Affect Public Secularization

This study investigates the factors that affect variations in secular attitudes toward politics. The literature suggests that modernization may weaken traditional bonds with religious adherence and...
Two coastal upwelling domains in the northern California Current system

A pair of hydrographic sections, one north and one south of Cape Blanco at 42.9N, was sampled in five summers (1998‐2000 and 2002‐2003). The NH line at 44.6N lies about 130 km south of the Columbia River, and spans a relatively wide shelf off Newport, Oregon. The CR line at 41.9N off Crescent City, California, lies 300 km farther south and spans a narrower shelf. Summer winds are predominantly southward in both locations but the southward winds are stronger on the CR line. Sampling included CTD/rosette casts (to measure temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, nutrients, chlorophyll), zooplankton net tows and continuous operation of an Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler. We summarize and compare July-August observations from the two locations. We find significant summer-season differences in the coastal upwelling domains north and south of Cape Blanco. Compared to the domain off Newport, the domain off Crescent City has a more saline, cooler, denser and thicker surface mixed layer, a wider coastal zone inshore of the upwelling front and jet, higher nutrient concentrations in the photic zone and higher phytoplankton biomass. The southward coastal jet lies near the coast (about 20‐30 km offshore, over the shelf) on the NH line, but far from shore (about 120 km) on the CR line; a weak secondary jet lies near the shelf-break (35 km from shore) off Crescent City. Phytoplankton tend to be light-limited on the CR line and nutrientlimited on the NH line. Copepod biomass is high (15 mg C m 3 ) inshore of the mid-shelf on both NH and CR lines, and is also high in the core of the coastal jet off Crescent City. The CR line shows evidence of deep chlorophyll pockets that have been subducted from the surface layer. We attribute these significant differences to stronger mean southward wind stress over the southern domain, to strong small-scale wind stress curl in the lee of Cape Blanco, and to the reduced influence of the Columbia River discharge in this region.
Toward a One-Party South?:

Most observers now consider the American South a two-party region, with Democrats and Republicans competing vigorously for political office. In this article, we raise the possibility that the South has begun a transformation into a one-party region dominated by the GOP. Three factors tip the scales in the party's favor: the ideological congruence between the Republican Party and the region's electorate, the Republican trend among the region's younger voters, and the incumbency advantage accrued by current Republican officeholders. Using a vast array of longitudinal data from the South, we provide evidence that speaks to the daunting challenges facing the Democratic Party in the South. We also address the results in the South's 2006 midterm elections. The findings suggest that as the United States' most reliably Republican region continues to change, Democrats may have an exceedingly difficult time winning statewide races.
Male breast cancer according to tumor subtype and race: a population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer occurs rarely in men. To the authors' knowledge, no population-based estimates of the incidence of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer or of the distribution of breast cancer subtypes among male breast cancer patients have been published to date. Therefore, the objective of the current study was to explore breast tumor subtype distribution by race/ethnicity among men in the large, ethnically diverse population of California. METHODS: This study included men who were diagnosed with invasive breast cancer between 2005 and 2009 with known estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) (together, hormone receptor [HR]) status and HER2 status reported to the California Cancer Registry. Among the men with HR-positive tumors, survival probabilities between groups were compared using log-rank tests. RESULTS: Six hundred six patients were included. The median age at diagnosis was 68 years. Four hundred ninety-four men (81.5%) had HR-positive tumors (defined as ER-positive and/or PR-positive and HER2-negative). Ninety men (14.9%) had HER2-positive tumors, and 22 (3.6%) had triple receptor-negative (TN) tumors. Among the patients with HR-positive tumors, non-Hispanic black men and Hispanic men were more likely to have PR-negative tumors than non-Hispanic white men. No statistically significant differences in survival were observed according to tumor subtype (P = .08). Differences in survival according to race/ethnicity were observed among all patients (P = .087) and among those with HR-positive tumors (P = .0170), and non-Hispanic black men had poorer outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: In this large, representative cohort of men with breast cancer, the distribution of tumor subtypes was different from that reported for women and varied by patient race/ethnicity. Non-Hispanic black men were more likely to have TN tumors and ER-positive/PR-negative tumors than white men. Cancer 2013. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Phosphorus limitation of lotic periphyton growth rates: An intersite comparison using continuous-flow troughs (Thompson River system, British Columbia)1

Periphyton growth rates and relative degrees of phosphorus deficiency were compared with onsite, continuous-flow troughs in three parts of the Thompson River system. Soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) in the lower Thompson, North Thompson, and South Thompson Rivers averaged 3.4, 1.1, and 0.7 pg liter-‘. Several physiological and chemical composition parameters ranked the degree of P deficiency in the rivers in the same sequence as did SRP. Among these were alkaline phosphatase activity, V,,, for 32P043- uptake, and cellular N:organic P, Chl a:ATP, C:ATP, and C:organic P. Specific growth rates (EL) estimated by biomass accrual and by 14C0, uptake usually, but not always, indicated higher p with greater availability of P. However, relative specific growth rates (p:p,,.J consistently reflected the influence of P limitation. As assessed from N:organic P and by application of the Droop and Goldman-Carpenter equations, p:prnax was 0.8-0.9 at the lower Thompson, 0.3-0.6 at the North Thompson, and 0.0-0.3 at the South Thompson sites. Hence, periphyton growth rates in the lower Thompson River were near the maximum set by temperature and light at ambient SRP of only 3-4 pg liter-l. Evidence of P-limited growth rates in the South Thompson and North Thompson Rivers was found at temperatures approaching 0°C.
Touching from a distance: website fingerprinting attacks and defenses

We present a novel web page fingerprinting attack that is able to defeat several recently proposed defenses against traffic analysis attacks, including the application-level defenses HTTPOS and randomized pipelining over Tor. Regardless of the defense scheme, our attack was able to guess which of 100 web pages a victim was visiting at least 50% of the time and, with some defenses, over 90% of the time. Our attack is based on a simple model of network behavior and out-performs previously proposed ad hoc attacks. We then build a web site fingerprinting attack that is able to identify whether a victim is visiting a particular web site with over 90% accuracy in our experiments.Our results strongly suggest that ad hoc defenses against traffic analysis are not likely to succeed. Consequently, we describe a defense scheme that provides provable security properties, albeit with potentially higher overheads.
A forensic hypothesis for the mystery of al-Hasan’s death in the 7th century: Mercury(I) chloride intoxication:

The puzzle of a mysterious death in the Middle Ages has been hypothesized in terms of contemporary forensic legal and scientific methods. That al-Hasan ibn-‘Ali died in 669 aged just 45 has been forensically analyzed based on written sources that dictate eyewitness accounts of historical events. The report of the contemporaneous poisoning of another individual who resided under the same household as al-Hasan’s and experienced similar, yet non-lethal, symptoms has served as the beginning of the analysis. In light of ancient (medieval) documents and through using mineralogical, medical, and chemical facts, it has been hypothesized that mineral calomel (mercury(I) chloride, Hg2Cl2) from a certain region in the Byzantine Empire (present-day western Turkey) was the substance primarily responsible for the murder of al-Hasan.
Silver Nanoparticle-Induced Autophagic-Lysosomal Disruption and NLRP3-Inflammasome Activation in HepG2 Cells Is Size-Dependent

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are incorporated into medical and consumer products to exploit their excellent antimicrobial properties; however, potential mechanisms of toxicity of AgNPs in mammalian cells are not fully understood. The objective of this study was to determine the mechanism of size- and concentration-dependent cytotoxicity of AgNPs in human liver-derived hepatoma (HepG2) cells. Mechanisms of toxicity were explored at subcytotoxic concentrations (≤10 µg/ml AgNPs) and autophagy induction, lysosomal activity, inflammasome-dependent caspase-1 activation, and apoptosis were examined. Using enhanced dark-field light microscopy, hyperspectral imaging, electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, AgNPs were shown to rapidly accumulate in cytoplasmic vesicles for up to 24 h and 10-nm AgNPs exhibited the highest uptake and accumulation. Autophagy and enhanced lysosomal activity were induced at noncytotoxic concentrations (1 µg/ml; primary particle size:10 > 50 >100 nm), whereas increased caspase-3 activity (associated with apoptosis) was observed at cytotoxic concentrations (10, 25, and 50 µg/ml). Subcytotoxic concentrations of AgNPs enhanced expression of LC3B, a pro-autophagic protein, and CHOP, an apoptosis inducing ER-stress protein, and activation of NLRP3-inflammasome (caspase-1, IL-1β). Disrupting the autophagy-lysosomal pathway through chloroquine or ATG5-siRNA exacerbated AgNPs-induced caspase-1 activation and lactate dehydrogenase release, suggesting that NLRP3-inflammasome plays an important role in AgNPs-induced cytotoxicity. Overall, 10-nm AgNPs showed the highest cellular responses compared with 50- and 100-nm AgNPs based on equal mass dosimetry. The results indicate the potential of vesicle-engulfed 10-nm AgNPs to induce cytotoxicity by a mechanism involving perturbations in the autophagy-lysosomal system and inflammasome activation.
Poly(methyl methacrylate)-block-polyethylene-block-poly(methyl methacrylate) Triblock Copolymers as Compatibilizers for Polyethylene/Poly(methyl methacrylate) Blends

Poly(methyl methacrylate)-block-polyethylene-block-poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA–PE–PMMA) triblock copolymers were prepared by a combination of ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP), hydrogenation, and reversible addition–fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) polymerization. The number-average molar masses of the PMMA end blocks were varied (Mn = 1, 4, 12, and 31 kg mol–1), whereas that of the PE middle block was kept constant at Mn = 13 kg mol–1. The copolymers were evaluated as compatibilizers in PE/PMMA homopolymer blends containing PE in a 4:1 excess by weight. The compatibilized blends displayed significant improvements in elastic modulus, hardness, and scratch resistance as compared to uncompatibilized binary blends. The effects of the PMMA end-block molar mass and compatibilizer concentration on the blend morphology and mechanical properties were investigated. The triblock copolymer with the highest-molar-mass PMMA end blocks was most effective, presumably because of enhanced stress transfe...
Indications for tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy.

Children in whom adenoidal hypertrophy is associated with either prolonged nasal obstruction, secretory otitis media, or suppurative otitis media do benefit from adenoidectomy. The indications for performing tonsillectomy are more controversial: In these children the factors of age, frequency and duration of attacks of tonsillitis are important considerations.
Characteristic Radiographic Appearances

On the recertification examination, there are virtually no histology slides to interpret, but one does need to be able to interpret imaging studies. Certain lesions have a very characteristic appearance. These lesions include: non-ossifying fibroma, osteochondroma, enchondroma, stress fracture, Paget’s disease, fibrous dysplasia, bone infarct, bone island, heterotopic ossification, unicameral bone cyst, and osteoid osteoma.
Basic Model of a New-style Return Filter with Check Valves & Safty Valves

Based on the characteristic of tank top or side mounted return filters,a new filter that is simpler in design and more convenient in use than conventional ones has been presented.
Evidence-Based Guideline: CHEST made 20 strong recommendations about antithrombotic therapy for VTE

Source Citation Kearon C, Akl EA, Ornelas J, et al. Antithrombotic therapy for VTE disease: CHEST guideline and expert panel report. Chest. 2016;149:315-52. 26867832
Visual function in diabetic patients undergoing dialysis: comparison of peritoneal and hemodialysis.

Abstract A prospective, uncontrolled study was designed to evaluate the changes in visual efficiency among insulin-requiring diabetic patients undergoing peritoneal and hemodialysis. Of the 112 patients (63% adult onset and 37% juvenile onset diabetics) studied chronologically, 63% were treated with hemodialysis and 37% with peritoneal dialysis. The mean distribution of sex, age, observation period and initial visual function were the same in the peritoneal and hemodialysis subpopulations, but more juvenile onset diabetics were treated with peritoneal dialysis. Preservation of vision correlated well with overall blood pressure control in all dialysis groups. Loss of vision was independent of the dialysis modality, of glucose control, and of the type of onset of diabetes.
Superimposing Status Epilepticus on Neuron Subset-Specific PTEN Haploinsufficient and Wild Type Mice Results in Long-term Changes in Behavior

We evaluated the effects of superimposing seizures on a genetic mutation with known involvement in both Autism Spectrum Disorder and in epilepsy. Neuron-subset specific (NS)-Pten heterozygous (HT) and wildtype (WT) adult mice received either intraperitoneal injections of kainic acid (20 mg/kg) to induce status epilepticus or the vehicle (saline). Animals then received a battery of behavioral tasks in order to evaluate activity levels, anxiety, repetitive-stereotyped behavior, social behavior, learning and memory. In the open field task, we found that HT mice after seizures showed a significant increase in total activity and total distance in the surround region of the open field. In the elevated plus maze task, we found that HT mice after seizures displayed increased total distance and velocity as compared to HT mice that did not undergo seizures and WT controls. In the social chamber test, we found the HT mice after seizures displayed an impairment in social behavior. These findings demonstrate that superimposing seizures on a genetic mutation can result in long-term alterations in activity and social behavior in mice.
The Parallel Signaling Pathways Of Phosphatidylserine (PS) Exposure Downstream Of Platelet FcγRIIa

Abstract Platelet FcγRIIa is an important component of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and other immune-mediated thrombocytopenia and thrombosis syndromes. Platelet FcγRIIa, an ITAM receptor, signals not only to cause aggregation and secretion, but also to PS exposure in the platelet procoagulant response when platelets are co-stimulated via the GCPR PARs. The molecular mechanisms downstream of FcγRIIa that lead to PS exposure are incompletely understood. Recently, we (WB; Ahmad et al., JTH 2011; 9:2077) demonstrated that downstream of PAR and GPVI/FcRγ, another ITAM receptor, there are CalDAG-GEF I (CDGI)-dependent and CDGI-independent, ADP/P2Y12-dependent parallel signaling pathways to PS exposure. In this study, we investigated the molecular signaling requirements for PS exposure downstream of FcγRIIa + PAR dual stimulation. We studied the exposure of PS in FcγRIIa transgenic (tg) mouse platelets following dual stimulation through FcγRIIa via anti-mouse CD9 and through PAR4 via PAR4 activating peptide (PAR4AP; AYPGKF). Washed platelets from FcγRIIa-tg mice and FcγRIIa-tg/CDG1-/- mice were stimulated with varying concentrations of anti-mouse CD9 and PAR4-AP (200uM) under static conditions and immediately measured for PS exposure by labeled Annexin-V in flow cytometry. We observed that at 0.5ug/ml of anti-mouse CD9 that the PS exposure of the FcγRIIa-tg/CDG1-/- platelets is approximately 70% of the FcγRIIa-tg platelets. However, when the platelets are pre-incubated with P2Y12 inhibitor MesAMP at 100uM, the PS exposure of the FcγRIIa-tg platelets is decreased by approximately 50% (n=3). For the FcγRIIa-tg/CDG1-/- platelets in the presence of MesAMP, PS exposure is completely abolished (n=3). This indicates that CDG1 contributes part of the signal that leads to PS exposure, while ADP/P2Y12 contributes the other CDGI-independent part of PS exposure downstream of FcγRIIa and GPCR dual stimulation. At a lower concentration of anti-mouse CD9 (0.25ug/ml; near threshold), the level of PS exposure of the FcγRIIa-tg/CDG1-/- platelets is approximately 80% of the FcgRIIa-tg platelets. In addition, at 0.25 ug/ml of anti-CD9, FcγRIIa-tg/CDG1-/- platelets pre-incubated with the P2Y12 inhibitor revealed no stimulated PS exposure. This observation indicates that ADP/P2Y12 plays a more significant role in PS exposure as the concentration of FcγRIIa stimulant nears threshold. Eradication of procoagulant PS exposure may require targeting of both the CDGI-dependent and CDGI-independent pathways for optimum therapeutic benefit in HIT and other immune-mediated thrombocytopenia and thrombosis disorders. CDGI inhibitors useful in human platelets will allow translation of these findings. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Cell-cycle dependent organization and dynamics of RNA Polymerase I in live human cells

RNA Polymerase I (Pol I) is responsible for over 60% of transcriptional output in human cells, yet basic questions concerning the spatial and temporal organization of the polymerase remain unanswered. Here we investigate how mammalian cells rely on Pol I organization throughout the cell cycle to balance different needs, from complete transcription shut down to massive increase in protein synthesis (and thus ribosomal RNA synthesis) before cell division. In contrast to our previous reports on RNA Polymerase II, Pol I clusters are stable with active transcription, and the presence of transient Pol I clusters correlates with inactive ribosomal transcription. Our results suggest that both stable and transient populations Pol I clusters co-exist in individual living cells, and their relative fraction may directly reflect the global gene expression need of the cell.
Inactivation of Viruses, Bacteria, Protozoa, and Leukocytes in Labile Blood Components by Using Nucleic Acid Targeted Methods

Substantial increments in the safety of blood transfusion have been achieved through continued improvements in donor testing, yet residual concern about the safety of blood components persists. To further reduce the risk of transfusion-associated infection, additional measures, such as nucleic acid testing for selected pathogens, are being introduced. Transfusion of cellular components has been implicated in transmission of viral, bacterial, and protozoan infections [1]. While it is commonly recognized that hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and the retroviruses, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the human lymphotrophic viruses (HTLV) can be transmitted through cellular components, other pathogens are emerging as potentially significant transfusion-associated infectious agents. For example, transmission of protozoan infections due to trypanosomes [2-4] and babesia have been reported [5]. In addition to viral and protozoal infectious agents, bacterial contamination of platelet and red cell concentrates continues to be reported [6,7], and may be an under reported transfusion complication [8]. More importantly, new infectious agents may periodically enter the donor population before they can be definitively identified and tested for to maintain consistent safety of the blood supply. The paradigm for this possibility is the HIV pandemic, which erupted in 1979. During the past decade a number of methods to inactivate infectious pathogens have been developed and have entered the advanced clinical trial phase.
An examination of extratropical cyclone response to changes in baroclinicity and temperature in an idealized environment

The dynamics and precipitation in extratropical cyclones (ETCs) are known to be sensitive to changes in the cyclone environment, with increases in bulk water vapor and baroclinicity both leading to increases in storm strength and precipitation. Studies that demonstrate this sensitivity have commonly varied either the cyclone moisture or baroclinicity, but seldom both. In a changing climate, in which the near-surface equator to pole temperature gradient may weaken while the bulk water vapor content of the atmosphere increases, it is important to understand the relative response of ETC strength and precipitation to changes in both factors simultaneously. In this study, idealized simulations of ETC development are conducted in a moist environment using a model with a full suite of moist physics parameterizations. The bulk temperature (and water vapor content) and baroclinicity are systematically varied one at a time, then simultaneously, and the effect of these variations on the storm strength and precipitation is assessed. ETC intensity exhibits the well-documented response to changes in baroclinicity, with stronger ETCs forming in higher baroclinicity environments. However, increasing water vapor content produces non-monotonic changes in storm strength, in which storm intensity first increases with increasing environmental water vapor, then decreases above a threshold value. Examination of the storm geographic extent indicates cyclone size also decreases above a threshold value of bulk environmental temperature (and water vapor). Decrease in storm size is concomitant with an increase in the convective fraction of precipitation and a shift in the vertical distribution of latent heating. The results indicate the existence of at least two regimes for ETC development, each of which exhibit significantly different distributions of PV due to differences in timing and location of convective heating.
Strategies for virtual in-situ sensor calibration in building energy systems

Abstract Virtual in-situ sensor calibration (VIC), using Bayesian MCMC with system models, can be applied to large-scale building sensor networks in order to calibrate multiple working sensors including virtual and physical sensors. Using the calibration strategies herein, VIC methods work to overcome various systematic errors (from simple to troublesome) that cannot otherwise be handled by a conventional calibration. Thus, it is important to understand and evaluate the VIC strategies in a whole system with various error conditions to ensure reliable performance of VIC in the operational stage. This study applied individual calibration strategies to a whole building system (a LiBr–H2O refrigeration system), and their effectiveness and limitations in solving the VIC problem were evaluated for the calibration of each type of working sensor under the various error conditions that cause negative effects. The combined strategies are also suggested to improve calibration accuracy by overcoming the individual limitations. This paper (1) explains how to formulate the individual and combined VIC strategies with Bayesian MCMC, (2) shows their capability to handle negative effects and limitations, and (3) demonstrates how combined strategies surmount the individual limitations for a high accuracy in various error conditions.
Structural Variants in Ancient Genomes

The last decade has witnessed a myriad of advancements in the field of genomics, drastically changing our understanding of how genomes evolve; how genetic variation is maintained, gained, and lost; and how this variation affects gene function. In our opinion, the most relevant conceptual development has to be the renewed appreciation of the impact of genomic structural variation within species and across different species. In parallel, our newly gained ability to sequence the genomes collected from ancient populations has revolutionized how we conduct population and evolutionary genetics analyses. Combining these two exciting developments, we argue that studying the structural variation in ancient genomes will open new doors to previously unexplored areas of mammalian genome evolution. In this review, we summarize some of the recent developments in this field, most of which comes from studies in humans, and give an example where we determined the Neanderthal origins of a polymorphic gene deletion in humans combining information from modern and ancient genomes.
Verotoxigenic Escherichia coli in Slaughter Cattle and Ground Beef in South Dakota

Fecal swabs collected from 140 cattle at slaughter and 126 ground beef samples collected from all regions of South Dakota during the summer months of 1993 and 1994 were cultured for Escherichia coli O157:H7 with the U.S. Department of Agriculture methodology using the 3M E. coli Test Kit HEC (USDA Report, 1989). In addition to the screening for E. coli O157:H7, the Petrifilm plates were the source for isolated colonies (10 per enrichment for most samples) which were evaluated for shiga-like toxin (SLT) genes and ability to produce SLT I and/or II. The sampling protocol required that fecal swabs and ground beef be collected in four geographical quadrants of the state (Southeast, Northeast, Southwest and Northwest). The cattle management practices in the diverse areas of the state could be evaluated if patterns of infection or contamination were observed.
NMOS ESD Protection Devices and Process Related Issues

In this chapter, the ESD resistance of a given MOS technology is analyzed in terms of the ESD performance of the most commonly used protection structure, namely the nMOS device itself. Section 2.1 gives an overview of ESD physical phenomena in the nMOS device and the design criteria for ESD protection devices. Section 2.2 reviews the failure modes in nMOS ESD protection devices. Sections 2.3 and 2.4 describe ESD nMOS protection schemes and the impact that advanced processing techniques such as LDD and silicidation have on the nMOS ESD robustness. Finally, Section 2.5 discusses protection concepts for advanced MOS technologies.
A randomized clinical trial evaluating negative pressure therapy to decrease vascular groin incision complications

Abstract Objective Vascular groin incision complications contribute significantly to patients' morbidity and rising health care costs. Negative pressure therapy over the closed incision decreases the infection rate in cardiac and orthopedic procedures. This study prospectively evaluated negative pressure therapy as a means to decrease wound complications and associated health care costs. Methods This was a randomized, prospective, single-institution study of 119 femoral incisions closed primarily after elective vascular surgery including both inflow (eg, aortofemoral) and outflow (eg, femoral-popliteal bypass) procedures. Incisions were categorized as high risk for wound complications on the basis of body mass index >30 kg/m2, pannus, reoperation, prosthetic graft, poor nutrition, immunosuppression, or hemoglobin A1c >8% and randomized 1:1 to standard gauze (n = 60) dressing vs negative pressure therapy (Prevena [Acelity, San Antonio, Tex], n = 59). Wound complication rate, length of stay (LOS), reoperation, readmission, and variable hospital costs were determined during 30 days. Statistical analysis was performed using χ2 test along with a two-sample unpaired t-test for continuous variables. Results There were no significant demographic differences (age, sex, risk factors for wound complication) between the two high-risk groups. In low-risk controls, the major wound complication rate was 4.8% (involving one infection in 21 incisions), resulting in a 3.8-day LOS, 4.8% reoperation, 4.8% readmission rate, and $17,599 in average variable cost. For high-risk controls, there was a significant increase in major wound complications to 25% (including all 12 infections in 60 incisions), LOS (10.6 days), reoperation (18.3%), readmission (16.7%), and costs ($36,537). Finally, negative pressure therapy significantly reduced major wound complications to 8.5% (including five of six infections in 59 incisions; P Conclusions This study suggests that negative pressure therapy significantly reduces the major wound complication, reoperation, and readmission rates for patients at high risk for groin wound complications. Furthermore, this therapy may lead to a reduction in hospital costs. Negative pressure therapy for all groin incisions considered at high risk for wound complications is recommended.
Carbohydrate Background Removal in Metabolomics Samples.

NMR-based metabolomics is a powerful tool to comprehensively monitor chemical processes in biological systems. Key to its success is the accurate and complete metabolite identification and quantifi...
Correlation between risk benefit index and uptake of breast cancer chemoprevention.

1568 Background: Chemoprevention with antiestrogens, tamoxifen and raloxifene, is under-utilized partly due to concerns regarding side effects such as uterine cancer and thromboembolism. Tamoxifen ...
Inter- and Intramolecular Cooperativity Effects in Alkanolamine-Based Acid-Base Heterogeneous Organocatalysts.

Intramolecular cooperativity in heterogeneous organocatalysts is investigated using alkanolamine-functionalized silica acid–base catalysts for the aldol condensation reaction of 4-nitrobenzaldehyde...
Cow-Calf Producers’ Willingness to Pay for Bulls Resistant to Horn Flies (Diptera: Muscidae)

Horn flies (Haematobia irritans (L.)) have long posed animal health and welfare concerns. Economic losses to the cattle and dairy industries from their blood-feeding behavior include decreased weight gain, loss in milk productivity, and transmission of bacteria causing mastitis in cattle. Horn fly management strategies are labor intensive and can become ineffective due to the horn fly's ability to develop insecticide resistance. Research indicates that for some cattle herds, genetically similar animals consistently have fewer flies suggesting those animals are horn fly resistant (HFR) and that the trait is heritable; however, it is currently unknown if cattle producers value this trait. Tennessee and Texas cow-calf producers were surveyed to estimate their willingness to pay for HFR bulls and to identify the factors affecting their decision to adopt a HFR bull in their herds. Results indicate that Tennessee and Texas cow-calf producers were willing to pay a premium of 51% and 59% above the base price, respectively, for a HFR bull with the intent to control horn flies within their herd. Producer perceptions of horn fly intensities and the HFR trait, along with their pest management practices, were factors that affected Tennessee and Texas producer willingness to adopt a HFR bull. In Texas, demographics of the producers and their farms also had a role. Knowing producers are willing to pay a premium for the HFR bull indicates that producers value the HFR trait and warrants additional research on the development, implementation, and assessment of the trait.
Unusual Presentation of Groin Sarcoma Involving the Common Femoral Artery: A Case Report:

Sarcomas are characterized by innumerable clinical presentations. Sarcoma tumors involving peripheral vessels are quite rare and not always easy to identify despite the availability of diagnostic t...
Learning Organizations of Protein Energy Landscapes: An Application on Decoy Selection in Template-Free Protein Structure Prediction

The protein energy landscape, which lifts the protein structure space by associating energies with structures, has been useful in improving our understanding of the relationship between structure, dynamics, and function. Currently, however, it is challenging to automatically extract and utilize the underlying organization of an energy landscape to the link structural states it houses to biological activity. In this chapter, we first report on two computational approaches that extract such an organization, one that ignores energies and operates directly in the structure space and another that operates on the energy landscape associated with the structure space. We then describe two complementary approaches, one based on unsupervised learning and another based on supervised learning. Both approaches utilize the extracted organization to address the problem of decoy selection in template-free protein structure prediction. The presented results make the case that learning organizations of protein energy landscapes advances our ability to link structures to biological activity.
Exploring the motivations for live posting during entertainment television viewing

Rooted in the Uses and Gratification approach, this study investigated the motives of live posting, a media behavior that is fundamental to Social TV/second screening. Focus group interviews with 3...
Radium-223 plus abiraterone in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer: a cautionary tale.

Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) spreads to bone in up to 90% of patients and can be associated with pain, skeletal-related events (SREs), reduced mobility with quality of life impairment, and shortened overall survival (OS) (1-4). Over the past several years, treatment options for mCRPC have expanded, and now include cytotoxic agents (docetaxel, cabazitaxel), oral hormonal therapies targeting the androgen receptor (abiraterone, enzalutamide, apalutamide), targeted alpha-particle therapy (radium-223), immunotherapy (sipuleucel-T), and bone-supportive agents (zoledronate, denosumab) that reduce SREs (5-7). It is not yet clear, however, how to sequence or combine available agents in routine clinical practice. Bone disease remains a leading contributor of morbidity and mortality for patients with metastatic prostate cancer. Researchers thus continue to search for novel combinations of proven therapies to improve survival and quality of life for these patients. This was the intention of the ERA-223 study (NCT02043678), a trial that investigated a novel combination of radium-223 dichloride with abiraterone acetate.
The utility of index case recruitment for establishing couples’ eligibility: An examination of consistency in reporting the drug use of a primary partner among sexual minority male couples.

Sexual minority men are disproportionately impacted by substance use, which is associated with greater HIV transmission behaviors. Novel approaches to drug use prevention and treatment are needed. Couple-based approaches have garnered significant attention. The recruitment of couples into substance use interventions has proven challenging. We evaluate an index-case approach to screening participants in couples' research. Seventy index cases, aged 18-29, and their main partner (140 individuals), were recruited. At screening, index participants reported their drug use and their partners' drug use for the previous 30 days. At baseline, both partners reported their drug use over the past 30 days. Individuals' self-reports and perceptions of their partner's concurrency were compared within couples using the κ (Kappa) coefficient. We found high levels of personal predictive accuracy from screening to baseline for cannabis (κ = .81, p < .01) and cocaine/crack (κ = .70, p < .01). Predictive accuracy of index case reporting of their partner's drug use behavior were moderately high among cocaine/crack use (κ = .68, p < .01) and MDMA/GHB/Ketamine (κ = .56, p < .01). Perceived partner similarity for recent drug use was also high for all drugs, with the highest levels among cocaine/crack (κ =.82) and prescription drugs (κ =.81). This study demonstrates that index partners report drug use with differing levels of agreement between drug types. Index recruitment has advantages in determining drug use-related eligibility requirements. Discrepancies in reporting were more frequently false positives, which reduces the risk of screening out potentially eligible couples.
Experimental investigations on polymer modified pervious concrete

Abstract Pervious concrete, a concrete free of fine aggregates, is a type of porous concrete which has attracted the attention of many researchers recently. Attempts to improve the characteristics of such concrete continue In this study, pervious concrete mixes, containing various proportions of Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) of (0, 5, 8 % wt of cement), with two water/cement (0.30 and 0.35) were produced. The influence of these proportions of SBR on the physical and mechanical properties of the mixes was investigated. These properties are compressive strength, density, water discharge, ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) and modulus of rupture. The results revealed that there is a positive effect of using pervious concrete containing various proportions of the polymer compared to the mixes without polymer. A Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy test (FTIR) was also utilized to demonstrate the effect of the polymer on the mortar structure.
Environmental and Economic Considerations for PV Module End-of-Life Management

With an expected surge in photovoltaic (PV) module waste volumes in the coming decades, best practices must be established for responsible PV end-of-life management, including project decommissioning and module collection, reuse, recycling, and disposal. The paper introduces key factors that may influence asset management decisions and module recycling and disposal practices, including performance, module composition and construction, policy and regulation, emerging recycling technologies, and environmental and economic considerations. The current state of knowledge is presented, based on recent EPRI studies and information collected from module recyclers, waste management companies, landfill operators, and utility and PV industry practitioners.
Clinically Integrated Physical Therapist Practice in Cancer Care: A New Comprehensive Approach

Best practice recommendations in cancer care increasingly call for integrated rehabilitation services to address physical impairments and disability. These recommendations have languished primarily due to a lack of pragmatic, generalizable intervention models. This perspective paper proposes a clinically integrated physical therapist (CI-PT) model that enables flexible and scalable services for screening, triage, and intervention addressing functional mobility. The model is based on (1) a CI-PT embedded in cancer care provider clinics, and (2) rehabilitation across the care continuum determined by the patient's level of functional mobility. The CI-PT model includes regular screening of functional mobility in provider clinics via a patient-reported mobility measure-the Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care, a brief physical therapy evaluation tailored to the specific functional needs of the individual-and a tailored, skilled physical therapist intervention based on functional level. The CI-PT model provides a pragmatic, barrier-free, patient-centric, data-driven approach to integrating rehabilitation as part of standard care for survivors of cancer. The model standardizes CI-PT practice and may be sufficiently agile to provide targeted interventions in widely varying cancer settings and populations. Therefore, it may be ideal for wide implementation among outpatient oncological settings. Implementation of this model requires a shared approach to care that includes physical therapists, rehabilitation administrators, cancer care providers, and cancer center administrators.
Development and Evaluation of a Detailed Mechanism for Gas-Phase Atmospheric Reactions of Furans

Furan and its alkyl derivatives (furans) are emitted to the atmosphere from multiple sources and can exist in sufficient quantities to affect atmospheric oxidant levels and secondary pollutant form...
The charms of an American queen anne: Rediscovered a-Lá COVID-19

This moment, the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, has provided an opportunity—sometimes forced via crisis, or via moments of quiet reflection—to consider the inside, interior time and space, in new ways In America, like other countries, architectural styles have come to us from foreign lands Numerous domestic structures were influenced by British events from the 1700s–1800s These styles—these architectures—were transformed by local/regional/national influences and events—events like this current international pandemic—that push the proverbial pause button, and cause us to re-think design The author, who now resides and works (along with his family) in an 1886 Queen Anne style home, contemplates the various attributes and transformations of domestic architectures and the influences that shape them over time, asking: Why Queen Anne in America? How was it Victorian? And why is it relevant today? Empirical methods include observations and precedents-analysis, design work, the study of technological advances and interior-architecture history of the Victorian era Emphasis on domesticity acknowledges both past and present by recognizing the importance of domestic architecture from the late 1700s through the 1800s, and into the present Thus, we better understand how/why the Queen Anne style became ubiquitous in New England, and how its attributes of innate flexibility may help us today © 2020, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia All rights reserved
Redox-Responsive Hyaluronic Acid-Based Nanogels for the Topical Delivery of the Visual Chromophore to Retinal Photoreceptors

Delivering therapeutics to the posterior segment of the eye is challenging due to various anatomical and physical barriers. While significant improvements have been realized by introducing direct injections to diseased sites, these approaches come with potential side effects that can range from simple inflammation to severe retinal damage. The topical instillation of drugs remains a safer and preferred alternative for patients' compliance. Here, we report the synthesis of penetratin-complexed, redox-responsive hyaluronic acid-based nanogels for the triggered release and delivery of therapeutics to the posterior part of the eye via topical application. The synthesized nanogels were shown to release their load only when exposed to a reducing environment, similar to the cytoplasm. As a model drug, visual chromophore analog, 9-cis-retinal, was loaded into nanogels and efficiently delivered to the mouse retina's photoreceptors when applied topically. Electroretinogram measurements showed a partial recovery of photoreceptor function in all treated eyes versus untreated controls. To the best of our knowledge, this report constitutes the first attempt to use a topically applied triggered-release drug delivery system to target the pigmented layer of the retina, in addition to the first attempt to deliver the visual chromophore topically.
Signal lingers

The story takes place on a deserted planet, where everything is abandoned due to the lack of life. However, there is a CORE(the giant cube) that sits somewhere far from the protagonist. The CORE, in this case, can bring the green plants back to the planet once it's revived (It's in hibernation by default, and can be revived with the key). This project is about showing the journey of our protagonist reaching the CORE, showing him walking through a series of landscapes & city ruins, and finally reaches the CORE(the giant cube) and revives it.
Non‐linear Effects of Inflation on Economic Growth in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

This paper presents one of the first empirical studies that employ the regression kink model with an unknown threshold to estimate the turning point in the relationship between inflation and economic growth. To deal with the asymptotic non‐normality of the regression function, we use a numerical delta bootstrap method and inference methods in the construction of confidence intervals for the regression function. Our estimated threshold suggests that, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, inflation rates lower than 17.2% would drive economic growth, but any inflation rate beyond that threshold will harm the growth. The Congolese policymakers should be aware of this threshold in the implementation of any inflation‐targeting policy instruments or strategies.
Tailoring nutrition and cancer education materials for breast cancer patients

Abstract Objective Many breast cancer patients are vulnerable to poor nutritional status and may benefit from nutrition education, but existing materials are not generally tailored to the needs of low-literacy immigrant and minority patients. Methods With nutritionist guidance, we developed a nutrition presentation for breast cancer patients. English- (n = 29) and Spanish-speaking (n = 19) patients were recruited from 5 safety-net hospitals, an academic cancer center, and a Latina cancer support organization. Materials were tested using multiple rounds of cognitive interviewing (with an adapted USDA interview guide), followed by study team reviews and modifications, until saturation. Results Seven rounds of interviews per language were needed. Approximately 25% of interviewees had less than a high school education. Changes included adapting to regional lexicons and resolving vague/confusing phrasing. Specific food examples needed cultural tailoring. Text color coding (red/bad, green/good) was requested. Labeled images enhanced participants’ understanding of concepts. Spanish speakers expressed a desire to understand nutrition labeling, and this was emphasized in the Spanish slides. Conclusion Cognitive interviews were an important tool for creating a nutrition curriculum tailored to the needs of low-literacy, mostly immigrant patients. Practice implications Cultural and linguistic factors should be considered for nutritional education materials in diverse patient populations.