cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The influence of polyethylene glycol passivation on the surface plasmon resonance induced photothermal properties of gold nanorods

Gold nanorods (AuNRs) possess unique photothermal properties due to their strong plasmonic absorption in the near-infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum. They have been explored widely as an alternative or a complement to chemotherapy in cancer treatment. However, the use of AuNRs as an injectable medicine is greatly hindered by their stability in biological media. Therefore, studies have been focused on improving the stability of AuNRs by introducing biocompatible surface functionalizations such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) coatings. However, these coatings can affect heat conduction and alter their photothermal behavior. Herein, we studied how functionalization of AuNRs with PEG chains of different molecular weights determined the temperature distribution of suspensions under near-infrared irradiation, cell uptake in vitro, and hyperthermia-induced cytotoxicity. Thermogravimetric analysis of the PEG-conjugated AuNRs exhibited slightly different PEG mass fractions of 12.0%, 12.7%, and 18.5% for PEG chains with molecular weights of 2, 5, and 10 kDa, respectively, implying distinct structures for PEG brushes. When exposed to near-infrared radiation, we found greater temperatures and temperature gradients for longer PEG chains, while rapid aggregation was observed in unmodified (raw) AuNRs. The effect of the PEG coating on heat transport was investigated using molecular dynamics simulations, which revealed the atomic scale structure of the PEG brushes and demonstrated lower thermal conductivity for PEG-coated AuNRs than for unmodified AuNRs. We also characterized the uptake of the AuNRs into mouse melanoma cells in vitro and determined their ability to kill these cells when subjected to near-infrared radiation. For all PEG-coated AuNRs, exposure to 10 s of near-infrared radiation significantly reduced cell viability relative to unirradiated controls, with this viability further decreasing with increasing AuNR doses, indicating potential phototherapeutic effects. The 5 kDa PEG coating appeared to yield the best performance, yielding significant phototoxicity at even the lowest dose considered (0.5 μg mL-1), while also exhibiting high colloidal stability, which could help in rational design consideration of AuNRs for NIR induced photothermal therapy.
A Laughing matter? Confronting climate change through humor

Abstract Why fuse climate change and comedy? Anthropogenic climate change is one of the most prominent and existential challenges of the 21st century. Consequently, public discourses typically consider climate change as ‘threat’ with doom, gloom and psychological duress sprinkled throughout. Humor and comedy have been increasingly mobilized as culturally-resonant vehicles for effective climate change communications, as everyday forms of resistance and tools of social movements, while providing some levity along the way. Yet, critical assessments see comedy as a distraction from the serious nature of climate change problems. Primarily through conceptions of biopower and through approaches to affect, this paper interrogates how comedy and humor potentially exert power to impact new ways of thinking/acting about anthropogenic climate change. More widely, this paper critically examines ways in which experiential, emotional, and aesthetic learning can inform scientific ways of knowing. These dynamics are explored through the ‘Stand Up for Climate Change’ initiative through the ‘Inside the Greenhouse’ project where efficacy of humor in climate change communication is considered while individuals and groups also build tools of communication through humor. This is a multi-modal experiment in sketch comedy, stand-up and improvisation involving undergraduate students, culminating in a set of performances. In addition, the project ran an international video competition. Through this case, we find that progress is made along key themes of awareness, efficacy, feeling/emotion/affect, engagement/problem solving, learning and new knowledge formation, though many challenges still remain. While science is often privileged as the dominant way by which climate change is articulated, comedic approaches can influence how meanings course through the veins of our social body, shaping our coping and survival practices in contemporary life. However, this is not a given. By tapping into these complementary ways of knowing, ongoing challenges remain regarding how communicators can more effectively develop strategies to ‘meet people where they are’ through creative climate communications.
Emergences: Women's struggles for livelihood in Latin America: Edited by John Friedmann, Rebecca Abers, and Lilian Autler. Los Angeles: UCLA Latin American Center Publications, University of California, 1996, 207 pages

(1997). Emergences: Women's struggles for livelihood in Latin America. The Social Science Journal: Vol. 34, No. 2, pp. 262-263.
The livestock vaccine supply chain: Why it matters and how it can help eradicate peste des petits Ruminants, based on findings in Karamoja, Uganda

Understanding factors that hinder vaccination, including logistical and social constraints, is critical to finding the most effective approach for the global eradication of peste des petits ruminants (PPR). Vaccination projects should analyze the supply chain and take it into consideration when planning and creating a vaccination strategy. Adequate supply chain management of the PPR vaccine could lead to reduced cost, increased availability, and the construction of a data platform for other livestock vaccines. Integrating the supply chain of PPR vaccine with other veterinary or health commodities could reduce cost, as well as increase uptake. The use of a thermostable vaccine could potentially have a positive impact on the eradication of PPR in remote areas, such as the Karamoja subregion in Uganda, as it did with rinderpest across Sub Saharan Africa. In terms of vaccine delivery, the use of community animal health workers (CAHWs) could be beneficial in certain areas, such as the Karamoja subregion of Uganda, by alleviating supply chain constraints in the last-mile delivery, as well as increasing coverage and uptake. A gendered approach to livestock vaccines should also be considered, as decision-making power regarding livestock vaccination is gendered in many various contexts. The PPR eradication strategy-as well as other livestock vaccination programs-would be more effective and efficient if the supply chain management were considered as a key component in the process and efforts tailored, accordingly.
A circadian design assist tool to evaluate daylight access in buildings for human biological lighting needs

Abstract This paper reports on the development of a simulation-based Design Assist Tool capable of assessing the circadian performance of architectural daylighting strategies during the design process. The tool integrates GIS site data, parametric modeling of multi-level building forms and multi-spectral lighting simulation of biological lighting effects into a Climate Based Daylight Modelling (CBDM) workflow capable of automatically performing hourly (or sub-hourly) time-series evaluations over selected days throughout the year. Outputs of the tool can be used to visually and quantitatively assess the extent to which a prospective daylighting design complies with emerging circadian lighting requirements over an annual period using daylight. An example application of the Design Assist Tool is presented to differentiate performance of varying building forms located on an urban site in Downtown Los Angeles.
Telehealth interventions to reduce alcohol use in men with HIV who have sex with men: Protocol for a factorial randomized controlled trial

Abstract Background Heavy alcohol use is prevalent among men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV and is associated with reduced antiretroviral therapy adherence, reduced HIV viral suppression, and reduced survival. We recently found that compared to HIV treatment as usual, three sessions of in-person motivational interviewing (MI) substantially reduced drinking in MSM with HIV. In an effort to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of this intervention, the present study will test whether MI is more effective than brief intervention when delivered by videoconferencing, whether interactive text messaging (ITM) can enhance the effects of alcohol intervention, and whether extended duration of intervention is more effective than brief duration. Methods Using a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design, we will randomly assign 224 heavy-drinking MSM with HIV to: MI or brief intervention (BI); ITM or no ITM; Standard or Extended intervention (EI). All participants will receive intervention immediately after baseline assessment via videoconferencing and at 1-month post baseline via telephone. Participants randomized to EI will receive additional intervention sessions at 3, 6, and 9 months. Participants randomized to ITM will receive daily interactive texts about alcohol use for 1 month, with those randomized to EI receiving weekly interactive texts through 9 months. Alcohol and HIV-related outcomes will be assessed at 6 and 12 months post baseline. Conclusion By testing the combinations of interventions that can most effectively reduce alcohol use among MSM with HIV, this study will set the stage for wider-scale implementation of an optimized intervention combination.
Jupiter's Red Spot in 1965–1966

Abstract The latitude and longitude of Jupiter's Red Spot were measured from photographic plates obtained between 1 July 1965 and 4 June 1966 at the New Mexico State University Observatory. The Red Spot increased irregularly in System II longitude from 24° in July 1965 to 28° in June 1966. The zenographic latitude of the Red Spot remained near its mean value of −22 0 .3. Numerous fluctuations in the position and dimensions of the Red Spot were noted, and evidence for a relationship between the Red Spot and rapidly moving features on the STB is cited. An oscillation in the longitude of the Red Spot with a period of 88 ± 10 days may have been produced by rapidly moving dark spots on the north edge of the STB, which moved 360° in longitude with respect to the Red Spot in 91 days.
The archived web: doing history in the digital age: by Niels Brügger, Cambridge, MA, MIT Press, 2018, 185 pp., $30, Hardcover. ISBN 978-0262039024

Today, the web is all but unavoidable as a significant resource in most fields of study. From the academic databases that curate collections of articles to the news sites that post stories faster t...
Does Preoperative Ostomy Education Decrease Anxiety in the New Ostomy Patient? A Quantitative Comparison Cohort Study.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine if patients undergoing presurgical ostomy education and routine postoperative education experienced less postsurgical anxiety than patients undergoing routine preoperative education. Design Quantitative, prospective, comparison cohort study. Subjects and setting The sample comprised 30 participants divided into 2 groups; one group received preoperative ostomy education and stoma site marking, along with postoperative ostomy education, while the other received only postoperative ostomy education. Each group had an equal number of males (n = 11) and females (n = 4). The mean age for the groups was 65.27 (SD = 9.97) and 61.87 (SD = 17.56) years, respectively; this difference was not statistically significant (P > .05). The intervention group included 9 patients who underwent colostomy, 4 who underwent ileostomy, and 2 who underwent urostomy. The comparison group comprised 10 patients with colostomies, 4 with ileostomies, and 1 with a urostomy. The study setting was a 385-bed tertiary hospital in Northern California. Data collection occurred from November 2, 2018, to February 22, 2019. Methods Postoperative anxiety levels were evaluated in both groups during their postoperative ostomy education session. Anxiety level was measured using the anxiety domain of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Survey (HADS), which was administered during their postoperative educational session. Analysis of variance was used to compare the difference between the HADS anxiety domain scores between the groups. Results Patients who received preoperative ostomy education had statistically significant lower postsurgical anxiety scores than patients who had standard education (P Conclusions Study findings suggest that preoperative ostomy education, when offered in addition to routine preoperative education, significantly lowers anxiety when compared to patients managed by routine preoperative education alone.
Correcting the Edge Effect for Sensor Spatial Response in Evapotranspiration Estimation through Remote Sensing

AbstractRecent advances in remote-sensing technology using multispectral images provide a powerful tool to estimate crop-water evapotranspiration (ET) at the watershed scale with large spatial and ...
Usefulness of Long-Term Anticoagulation After Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation.

Although atrial fibrillation (AF) is strongly associated with stroke, previous studies have shown suboptimal use of anticoagulation (AC). In particular, there is a lack of data on the long-term use of AC after AF catheter ablation. We followed up patients 1 to 5 years out from catheter ablation at the Johns Hopkins Hospital (JHH) to assess their long-term use of AC. We sent a survey to patients from the JHH AF database who underwent an AF catheter ablation between 01/01/2014 and 03/31/2018. Patients were asked whether they were still on AC, if they thought the ablation was successful in controlling AF symptoms and whether they had follow-up rhythm monitoring. Replies were compared with risk scores and demographic data from the electronic medical record. We sent the survey to 628 patients in the database meeting our inclusion criteria, and we received 289 responses. The average age of patients was 67 ± 10 with a median CHA2DS2-VASc of 2 and a median follow-up of 3.6 years. Overall, 81.6% of patients with a CHA2DS2-VASc >2 reported taking AC. Use of AC was positively correlated with a higher CHA2DS2-VASc score (p = 0.012) and older age (p = 0.028), but negatively correlated with a successful ablation (p = 0.040). The most common reason (50.0%) for not being on AC was that doctors were recommending stopping it after a successful ablation. In general, higher risk patients (older, higher CHA2DS2-VASC score) were more likely to remain on AC. However, patients who self-reported a successful ablation were less likely to remain on AC. There may be many patients who can tolerate AC, but are recommended to stop due to a successful ablation. It is still debated how successful AF ablation affects stroke risk. In conclusion, there is considerable variation in the long-term management of AC after an ablation, but for the present, it seems prudent to continue AC based on stroke risk scores until more definite data are available.
Targeting Inflammation to Reduce Residual Cardiovascular Risk.

Patients with established cardiovascular disease are at high risk for recurrent myocardial infarction, stroke, and cardiovascular death. The term residual risk refers to this risk that persists, even after optimal treatment. Considerable progress has been made to understand the biological basis of residual risk and to devise therapies that can safely and effectively reduce risk. The presence of ongoing subclinical vascular inflammation is known to be a marker of elevated residual risk, and reductions in measures of vascular inflammation predict improved outcome in these patients. Recent trials of anti-inflammatory agents have specifically tested the hypothesis that inflammation reduction reduces residual cardiovascular risk. Most prominent among these are the CANTOS, COLCOT, and CIRT trials. CANTOS enrolled patients with prior myocardial infarction (MI) and a high-sensitivity C-reactive protein ≥ 2 mg/L and reported a 15% reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE; HR 0.85, 95% CI 0.74–0.98) with the interleukin-1β inhibitor canakinumab. In COLCOT, colchicine 0.5 mg daily led to a 23% relative risk reduction (HR 0.77, 95% CI 0.61–0.96) in major vascular events in patients with recent acute coronary syndrome. By contrast, CIRT was stopped early for lack of benefit of low-dose methotrexate in preventing MACE in patients with coronary artery disease and either type 2 diabetes or the metabolic syndrome. Ongoing subclinical inflammation is an important marker of risk in patients with established cardiovascular disease, and novel therapies targeted at specific inflammatory pathways now demonstrate efficacy for the prevention of major adverse cardiovascular events.
Diagnostic Overlap Between Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia And Myocarditis

Background Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia (ARVD) is inherited cardiomyopathy with an estimated prevalence of 1 in 5000 people. Case 20 years old male with no PMH had out of hospital cardiac arrest while playing basketball. Bystander CPR was started immediately, and ROSC was achieved after 2 shocks for Vfib. He was intubated immediately on arrival at the nearest ER. A bedside echo showed biventricular failure with LVEF of 5-10%. The patient was taken for an urgent LHC that showed normal coronary arteries. An IABP was placed and he was transferred to our hospital for advanced heart failure therapies. Physical examination was remarkable for intubated and sedated patient with no JVD, and extremities were warm to touch. EKG showed normal sinus rhythm with T wave inversions in V1-V3 lead, normal QTc (Figure 1). He underwent emergent RHC with endomyocardial biopsy which showed RA of 18 mmHg, RV of 36/14 mmHg, PA of 33/18 mmHg, PCWP of 20 mmHg, CO/CI of 2.52/1.24 and PA sat of 48%. Cardiogenic shock conference was initiated, and the decision was made to proceed with VA-ECMO. The biopsy showed inflammatory infiltrate including macrophages, neutrophils, T cells, and focal associated myocyte damage but no giant cells or lymphoid aggregates (Figure 1). This was concerning for acute fulminant myocarditis vs another inflammatory process. He started showing signs of hemodynamic and echocardiographic recovery on day 2 without requiring immunosuppressive medications. VA-ECMO was decannulated on day 3 and extubated on day 4. He was diagnosed as myocarditis and discharged on day 7 with full LVEF recovery but RV remained dilated with reduced function. A cardiac MRI done 1 week later ruled out myocarditis. On follow up visit one month later, he is asymptomatic. His echo shows dyskinetic and dilated RV with PLAX RVOT of 33 mm with normal LV (Figure 1). Genetic testing showed PKP2 mutation. Hence, the diagnosis was ultimately modified to ARVD. He is now referred for an ICD implantation and advised abstinence from competitive sports. Discussion ARVD presents a diagnostic challenge since diseases like myocarditis, sarcoidosis, and dilated cardiomyopathy can act as mimics. Our patient met three major criteria from the 2010 International Task Force Guidelines, including EKG, echo, and genetic mutation; hence meeting requirements for definitive diagnosis of ARVD. ARVD can lead to sudden cardiac death due to ventricular electrical instability. Conclusion ARVD poses diagnostic challenge, a high index of clinical suspicion is required. Initially, ARVD can present similarly to myocarditis on histopathology. VA-ECMO can be utilized as bridge to recovery in critically ill patients with ARVD.
Colostrum supplementation with n-3 fatty acids does not alter calf outcome on a healthy commercial farm.

ABSTRACT Our objective was to supplement colostrum with n-3 fatty acids (FA) to provide anti-inflammatory mediators that may improve the immune response of neonatal calves. Elevated markers of inflammation have been associated with increased occurrence of calf disease in early life, thus decreasing animal productivity. We hypothesized that a colostrum supplement containing 60-mL of a 1:1 ratio fish:flaxseed oil blend with or without 200 mg of α-tocopherol might provide an advantageous start to early life by decreasing oxidative stress and regulating the inflammatory response. Calves were blocked by birth order and randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatments: no supplement added to colostrum (control), 60 mL of 1:1 fish:flaxseed oil blend, and 60 mL of 1:1 fish:flaxseed oil blend with 200 mg of α-tocopherol. In total, 180 heifer calves (n = 60 per treatment) were enrolled on a commercial farm. After colostrum feeding, all calves were housed in individual hutches and fed milk replacer 3 times per day. Health was scored 3 times per week until weaning at 8 wk of age. Weight, wither height, and heart girth were measured after birth, 3 wk, and 8 wk of age to assess preweaning growth. A subgroup of 54 calves (18 blocks or 18 calves per treatment) were sampled 2 d (± 8 h) after birth to evaluate oxidant status, serum total protein, and inflammatory gene and cytokine protein expression in blood after an in vitro lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge as indicators of health and immunity. At 9 wk, calves were transported 18 h to another farm, and medical records were kept as an indicator of disease incidence up to 13 wk of age. Calf mortality was 1.8%, which is below industry average, and exceptional health scores were observed throughout the study. Health scores and growth were similar throughout the preweaning period regardless of treatment. Serum total protein indicated successful passive transfer in all calves, and oxidant status index was not affected by treatments on d 2 of age. Concentrations of tumor necrosis factor α increased with LPS stimulation, but the increase was not altered by treatment. Likewise, leukocyte gene expression of tumor necrosis factor α, IL-8 and IL-10, and cyclooxygenase-2 increased upon LPS stimulation, but the fold change did not differ with treatment. In conclusion, 60 mL of 1:1 ratio fish:flaxseed oil colostrum supplement did not enhance preweaning calf performance. Supplementing n-3 FA in a one-time meal may not provide the anti-inflammatory benefits observed with continuous feeding.
The Surgeon’s Role in Gastric Electrical Stimulation Therapy for Gastroparesis

Gastroparesis, which can be viewed as a syndrome featuring nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, and associated other symptoms and findings, is increasingly seen by surgeons. Gastroparesis is associated with a number of gastrointestinal anatomic and physiologic findings. This article reviews the use of bioelectric therapy of neuromodulation, via gastric electrical stimulation, for patients with drug refractory gastroparesis syndromes including surgical aspects of device placement and subsequent management. In addition to an overall approach to the placement and subsequent management of gastric electrical stimulation devices, several newer concepts are discussed. The role of pyloric dysfunction in gastroparesis is also discussed including how stimulation devices and pyloric therapies may be used in concert. The additions of full-thickness gastrointestinal biopsies along with other physiologic, including GI electrophysiology, as well as some serologic measures, are also discussed. In addition, evolving approaches and emerging technologies for bioelectric neuromodulation of the gastrointestinal tract are introduced. Gastroparesis syndromes can be approached in a systematic manner based on known pathophysiology and when indicated can be helped with surgical therapies including neuromodulation.
CT-based assessment of body composition following neoadjuvant chemohormonal therapy in patients with castration-naïve oligometastatic prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study is to assess the body composition changes in men with recently diagnosed oligometastatic prostate cancer following neoadjuvant chemohormonal therapy. Further, we evaluated whether CT-based body composition parameters are associated with biochemical recurrence or imaging progression. MATERIAL AND METHODS Recently diagnosed castration-naive oligometastatic prostate cancer patients who received neoadjuvant docetaxel chemotherapy and androgen deprivation treatment (ADT) before prostatectomy and consolidation of local and oligometastatic disease (total eradication therapy), as part of a phase-II prospective clinical trial were included. Body composition parameters including cross-sectional areas of the psoas muscle, total, visceral, and subcutaneous adipose tissue were measured on serial CT scans obtained before and following completion of neoadjuvant treatment. RESULTS A total of 22 prostate cancer patients were included (median age 58 years, median Gleason score 8). The median time intervals between commencement of neoadjuvant chemohormonal therapy and first and second follow-up CTs were 3 and 12 months, respectively. Compared to the baseline scan, there were significant declines in psoas muscle cross-sectional areas with estimated percentage declines of -13.9% (IQR: 7.6%-16.5%, p < .001) and -13.2% (IQR: 6%-11.2%, p < .001) on first and second follow-up CTs. There were significant increases in subcutaneous adipose tissue following neoadjuvant chemohormonal therapy with percentage increases of +8.9% (IQR: 5.1%-21.5%, p = .002) and +18.9% (IQR: 6.1%-33.8%, p < .001), respectively. The median follow-up was 34.5 months. The estimated 2-year prostate-specific antigen progression-free and radiologic progression-free survival were 95.5%. No significant association between baseline or percentage change in body composition parameters and disease progression were identified. CONCLUSIONS Our findings showed a significant reduction in muscle mass and an increase in subcutaneous adiposity in men treated with neoadjuvant docetaxel and ADT, more pronounced on the first follow-up scan after completion of neoadjuvant treatment. Body composition parameters were not found to be significant predictors of disease progression in our cohort.
Early Intervention for the Treatment of Acute Laryngeal Injury After Intubation.

Importance Patients with laryngeal injury after endotracheal intubation often present long after initial injury with mature fibrosis compromising cricoarytenoid joint mobility and glottic function. Objective To compare functional outcomes between early and late intervention for intubation-related laryngeal injury. Design, Setting, and Participants This retrospective cohort study involved 29 patients with laryngeal injury resulting from endotracheal intubation who were evaluated at a tertiary care center between May 1, 2014, and June 1, 2018. Ten patients with intubation injury to the posterior glottis who received early treatment were compared with 19 patients presenting with posterior glottic stenosis who received late treatment. Statistical analysis was performed from May 1 to July 1, 2019. Exposures Early intervention, defined as a procedure performed 45 days or less after intubation, and late treatment, defined as an intervention performed greater than 45 days after intubation. Main Outcomes and Measures Patient-specific and intervention-specific covariates were compared between the 2 groups, absolute differences with 95% CIs were calculated, and time to tracheostomy decannulation was compared using log-rank testing. Results The 2 groups had similar demographic characteristics and a similar burden of comorbid disease. Ten patients who received early intervention (7 women [70%]; median age, 59.7 years [range, 31-72 years]; median, 34.7 days to presentation [IQR, 1.5-44.8 days]) were compared with 19 patients who received late intervention (11 women [58%]; median age, 53.8 years [range, 34-73 years]; median, 341.9 days to presentation [IQR, 132.7-376.3 days]). Nine of 10 patients (90%) who received early intervention and 11 of 19 patients (58%) who received late interventions were decannulated at last follow-up (absolute difference, 32%; 95% CI, −3% to 68%). Patients who received early treatment required fewer total interventions than patients with mature lesions (mean, 2.2 vs 11.5; absolute difference, 9.3; 95% CI, 6.4-12.1). In addition, none of the patients who received early treatment required an open procedure, whereas 17 patients (90%) with mature lesions required open procedures to pursue decannulation. Conclusions and Relevance This study suggests that early intervention for patients with postintubation laryngeal injury was associated with a decreased duration of tracheostomy dependence, a higher rate of decannulation, and fewer surgical procedures compared with late intervention. Patients who underwent early intervention also avoided open reconstruction. These findings may bear relevance to the management of patients requiring extended durations of endotracheal intubation during recovery for critical illness related to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection.
Abstract MP24: Pitfalls of Mobile Stroke Treatment Unit - A Single Center Review

Introduction: Although Mobile Stroke Treatment Units (MSTU) can reduce time to intravenous thrombolysis (IVtPA), limitations in MSTU care have not been well described. Methods: We retrospectively r...
PumaPlex100: an expanded tool for puma SNP genotyping with low-yield DNA

The original PumaPlex is a high-throughput assay developed to genotype 25 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in pumas (Puma concolor). Here, we describe the development of PumaPlex100 – an expanded version of the original assay that now genotypes > 100 SNPs. We tested 142 candidate SNPs and developed a panel of 101 polymorphic loci, which are spread across four multiplexes and suitable for genotyping of non-invasive samples. This panel will provide researchers a set of standardized markers, that can be analyzed with minimal bioinformatic skills, for the assessment of population structure and genetic diversity. These SNPs will serve as an important resource for the continued genetic monitoring of this species, especially monitoring through non-invasive sampling.
Dissemination of validated health literacy videos: A tailored approach.

e18505Background: Previously, we showed that chemotherapy and precision medicine terminology are remarkably difficult for patients to understand. Therefore, we developed short, animated videos expl...
The participation role of the researcher as a co-operative achievement

In this paper, I examine my role as a researcher doing video-based fieldwork in mainstream classrooms with deaf youths in Iquitos, Peru through the lens of participation frameworks that emerged within moments of situated interaction. While conducting video-based fieldwork, I attempted to primarily occupy the role of a passive participant-observer in order to capture the deaf students’ everyday interactions with minimal interference from the researcher. As I will develop in the paper, it is evident that my status within the classroom participation frameworks was dynamic. While I often was not attended to in the participation framework and positioned as a ratified overhearer of the unfolding interaction, my status could quickly shift as the students and teacher responded to my presence. Moments when my status in the participation framework changed make visible the various roles that I occupied in the classroom, from an observer, to a confidant, to an authority figure. Through interactional extracts, I illustrate how the roles that I occupy in the classroom social ecology are a moment-by-moment co-operative achievement between members of the class and myself.
Taking the maker movement to school: A systematic review of PreK-12 school-based makerspace research

Abstract In this systematic review, we examined research on school-based makerspaces, emergent but increasingly popular sites for instruction and learning in preK through 12 settings. Through electronic database, hand, and ancestral searches, we identified 22 empirical studies published in peer-reviewed journals and dissertations that reported preK-12 students’ learning outcomes after participating in school-based makerspace interventions. We found that school-based makerspace research is increasing and published internationally, with a majority of studies (n = 13) conducted with middle and high school participants. Outcomes and interventions varied considerably across studies, demonstrating the disparate nature of school-based makerspace research. In the studies we reviewed, the goals, objectives, and scope of makerspace interventions did not conflict with those of schools, but best practices for makerspace teachers were lacking and equity-oriented approaches to designing makerspace activities and materials were still emerging. Implications of our findings for planning makerspace instruction and future research on makerspace interventions are discussed.
Theory, Practice and 'Public Knowledge' in the Helping Professions

This paper takes seriously Mao's epigram to tackle two important and interrelated themes. First, it looks at the extent to which practice in one helping profession (social work) may be said to be informed by theory. Indeed, Mao's statement that 'knowledge begins with practice' turns out to be a useful way of grasping the relationship between ideas and action. Second, knowledge gained from practice is returned to practice. Habermas's process of reconstruction used in the analysis to tie theory to practice is employed in the development of a conception of 'public knowledge' to increase professional accountability. Standard sociological accounts of the helping professions agree that the possession of a body of specialized theory is an important attribute of these occupations (Vollmer and Mills, 1966; Langford, 1978). Indeed, some writers would insist that it is a distinguishing feature of the professions that we may expect of the professiohal some justification for his conduct in terms of a theoretical rationale.' Very little attention has been paid, however, to the details of just how theory is translated into practice. When they have considered the question, neither sociologists nor the professionals themselves have been able to demonstrate the nature of a link--if indeed such a link exists at all--between ideas and action. This is a significant omission. In this paper it is intended to tackle two important, interrelated aspects of the problem. First, it will be argued that in looking at professional activities we should ask whether (and if so, how) the practitioner's actions can be justified in terms of some codified theoretical rationale. Second, following Feyerabend (1975; 1980), it will be argued that we should ask to what extent the professional's action--and any theoretical justification underpinning his activities--is open to critical scrutiny by others (whether peers or the laity). This introduces the dimension of public knowledge into our conceptions of professional accountability.
Thermal Conductivity Measurements and Molecular Association: Ethanol Vapor

Thermal conductivity measurements on ethanol vapor are reported as a function of temperature (329–419K) and pressure (100–1800 torr). The thermal conductivity versus pressure plots at constant temperature exhibit strong upward curvature at the lower temperatures and nearly linear increases at the higher temperatures. This enhancement in the thermal conductivity is indicative of the presence of a dimeric species and one or more larger clusters in the vapor. Analysis of the data gave best fits for monomer-dimer-tetramer and monomer-dimer-hexamer models. The resulting thermodynamic parameters for the association reactions in the monomer-dimer-tetramer model are: -ΔH2 = 3.70 kcal mol−1, -ΔS2 = 16.36 cal mol−1 K−1; -ΔH4 = 22.15 kcal mol−1, -ΔS4−74.65 cal mo1−1 K−1. Quantum mechanical evidence indicates that the tetramer is the most probable associated species larger than the dimer.
Postmarketing surveillance by patient self-monitoring: preliminary data for sertraline versus fluoxetine.

Background : There have been no published postmarketing reports comparing sertraline with another serotonin selective reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) in large-sample, parallel groups. As part of an ongoing postmarketing surveillance study, this paper presents preliminary data for a number of adverse clinical events reported by outpatients being treated with either fluoxetine or sertraline. Method : Using a well-validated method developed to signal possible adverse drug reactions, data were collected on 1577 fluoxetine-treated and 1209 sertraline-treated patients who filled a prescription for either of the two targeted drugs. Pharmacists gave these patients an announcement, part of which served as an entry form, that described the purpose and details of the study. Volunteers (highly selective) were requested to report during the next month via a toll-free telephone interview any new or unusual symptoms or unexpected improvements in their health since starting the designated medication. Results : Almost 1 (31.4%) of every 3 sertraline-treated patients called at least once to report one or more adverse clinical events compared with only about 1 (19.7%) of every 5 fluoxetine-treated patients. Most of the reported adverse clinical events-but not all-are well-known adverse drug reactions that seem common to SSRIs. Adverse clinical events reported more frequently by sertraline-treated patients included urinary, sexual, psychological, neurologic, gastrointestinal, and dermatological complaints. Drug discontinuation was also reported more frequently by sertraline-treated patients. Fluoxetine-treated patients reported an increased frequency of weight gain and anger or aggression. Conclusion : These data indicate that many adverse reactions known to be induced by fluoxetine are being reported with even greater frequency by sertraline-treated patients. Possible interpretations of these differences are discussed.
Acyl-CoA:Cholesterol acyltransferase in chinese hamster ovary cells: Enzyme activity determined after reconstitution in phospholipid/cholesterol liposomes

Acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase from Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells was solubilized by deoxycholate, and then reconstituted in phosphatidylcholine/cholesterol liposomes. This reconstituted activity was totally dependent upon the cholesterol content of the mixture and showed saturation for cholesterol. Analysis of the reconstituted enzyme on linear Ficoll gradients shows that the enzyme has been incorporated into phospholipid/cholesterol liposomes. The CHO cell enzyme activity as measured by conventional assay (using cellular cholesterol as the substrate) was activated approximately 20-fold by low density lipoprotein. This activation process was independent of protein synthesis. When the above cell homogenates were assayed after optimal reconstitution, the activation produced by low density lipoprotein was essentially completely abolished. There was also no change in enzyme activity measured after reconstitution when cells were switched from sterol-containing medium to sterol-free medium, in contrast to a more than 7-fold drop in enzyme activity when assayed without reconstitution. These results suggest that the enzyme activity in intact cells is controlled by the content and composition of cellular lipids associated with the enzyme molecule. Since the intracellular messenger of low density lipoprotein is known to be cholesterol, it is likely that this enzyme activity in intact cells is primarily controlled by the cholesterol content in the vicinity of the enzyme molecule.
Survival of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in Fish Homogenate During Storage at Low Temperatures

Fish homogenate inoculated with Japanese strains of Vibrio parahaemolyticus were either stored at 0.6 C or frozen and stored at −18 and −34 C. Greater survival of the organisms was obtained at 0.6 C than at the lower temperatures.
Defining the Public Health Threat of Dietary Supplement Fraud

Adverse health events resulting from dietary supplement fraud (DSF)-fraud conducted for economic gain using dietary supplements-have received increased recognition from agencies and industry. There is a growing awareness that this issue represents a significant public health threat. With increasing consumption of supplements, there are increasing consequences-good and bad-for food science and food safety. "Dietary supplements" are a special category of food that consists of finished products (for example, a vitamin D tablet) that contain 1 or more dietary ingredients. "Dietary ingredients" are the components of those finished products (for example, vitamin D added to a food product such as breakfast cereal). Due to a number of factors, potentially harmful dietary supplements reach-and often remain-in the market. DSF is a type of product fraud, as is food fraud, which is often classified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as Economically Motivated Adulteration (EMA). Since the adulterants are unconventional, DSF may represent an even greater public health threat than traditional dietary supplement safety issues (though it is important to note that adulteration is only one type of fraud). Criminology concepts such as situational crime prevention and the crime triangle deepen understanding of the relationship of fraud opportunity as it relates to fraudsters and established hurdles to fraud. The purpose of this research is to provide a comprehensive overview on the public health threat of DSF, and to focus on altering current intervention and response-based approaches that are prevention-based.
Temperature- and Conformation-Dependent Luminescence of Benzanilides†

The luminescence of benzanilide, N-methylbenzanilide, and two cyclic analogues has been investigated as a function of temperature both in microcrystals and in the glass-forming solvent methyltetrahydrofuran. Potential energy surfaces for small-amplitude geometric relaxation of the excited states and large amplitude twisting about the amide bond in the ground and excited states have been explored using AM1 and RCIS calculations, respectively. ZINDO calculations have been used to probe the electronic configuration of the planar and twisted singlet and triplet states. Correlation of the spectroscopic and computational results indicates that at 77 K benzanilide phosphorescence occurs from a planar π,π* triplet state whereas fluorescence occurs from a singlet state with partially relaxed geometry. At higher temperatures, large-amplitude geometric relaxation results in the formation of an intramolecular charge-transfer (TICT) state that is twisted about the amide C−N bond. This TICT state is responsible for the...
Halichondrin B: Synthesis of the C1−C22 Subunit

[Reaction: see text]. Two efficient routes to the C1-C22 subunit of halichondrin B are described. The cage ketal 7, which contains 11 asymmetric centers embedded within the ABCDEF-ring framework, was assembled from (+)-conduritol E (27) in 18 steps and 4% overall yield. In a separate route, 7 was also synthesized in 18 steps and 2% overall yield from a derivative of alpha-d-glucoheptonic acid gamma-lactone (62). While the former route installs the fully elaborated C-ring endowed with the correct C12 stereochemistry early in the synthesis, the latter features a late-stage introduction of the C12 stereocenter during the ultimate one-pot Michael addition/ketalization cascade to form the CDE-ring system of the cage. The importance of the C12 stereocenter to the crucial ketalization event is discussed through comparison of these two strategies.
In vitro CT comparisons of dissected phleboliths and retrieved ureteral calculi

Purpose: This project was designed to assess the accuracy of radiologists in distinguishing between pelvic phleboliths and ureteral calculi by CT scanning in vitro. Materials and methods: Twenty-five phleboliths were dissected from autopsy specimens, and 23 ureteral calculi were retrieved intact and all calcifications made available for this study. Calcifications were suspended in ordinary butter and subjected to CT scanning using both bone and soft tissue windows. A panel of three radiologists blinded to the correct diagnoses independently assessed the images. The questions asked were: was the calcification a phlebolith or a stone? was it round or irregular? did it have a central “hole” or not? Confidence levels for each observer and each question were rated on a semicontinuous scale from 0 to 100 and receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves computed. Results: ROC curves for distinguishing between ureteral stones and calculi ranged from .78 to .99. As a subset, ROC curves for roundness alone, assuming phleboliths tended to be round and calculi not, ranged from .85 to .98. These ROC curves for roundness alone correlated closely with overall performance in distinguishing ureteral stones from phleboliths. ROC curves for determining central radiolucencies, however, although the latter were assumed to be hypothetically present in phleboliths, were degenerate for two observers, and only .57 for the third. Conclusions: Under optimal in vitro conditions, pelvic phleboliths and ureteral calculi do possess characteristics, especially shape, that many permit discrimination by CT scanning.
Problems in administrative leadership in the computer field

Since I am going to discuss the problems of leadership in the computer field, it is important that I begin with a few words about myself and the computer installation with which I am associated. Who I am and where I come from has had a great influence on what I have observed. The RAND Corporation classifies me as a mathematician, although thanks to the intervention of Uncle Sam, my degree is in meteorology. I suppose that if careers in computing had been visible at the time I was in school, and if the war hadn't come along, I would have majored in mathematics.
The major limitation to exercise performance in COPD is inadequate energy supply to the respiratory and locomotor muscles vs. lower limb muscle dysfunction vs. dynamic hyperinflation

to the editor: Two comments. 1. It is extremely unlikely that all patients with COPD have the same major limitation ([1][1], [2][2], [4][3]). 2. As regards the three choices, I would choose none of the above. I do not understand the term dynamic hyperinflation. Hyperinflation refers to a large
Urinary reference values for stone risk factors in children.

Purpose: Reference values for stone risk factors in 24-hour urine samples for nonstone forming children are limited. We measured urinary stone risk factors in healthy children 3 to 18 years old, and sought to determine whether the risk factors are affected by age.Materials and Methods: A total of 48 healthy subjects with no history of stone disease, endocrine abnormalities or urological surgery were recruited from the Naval Medical Center in San Diego. Subjects were then further divided into 4 age groups, each separated by 5 years. A single outpatient 24-hour urine sample was obtained and analyzed. Urine chemistries were adjusted for urinary creatinine and body weight.Results: After excluding under collected samples 46 urine samples were analyzed. Urinary pH and volume decreased with increasing age, although the difference in pH did not reach statistical significance. Unadjusted urinary parameters failed to show statistical difference among the age groups. When adjusted for urinary creatinine and body wei...
Privileged Mobility in an Age of Globality

By 2050, the world’s population of international migrants is estimated to top 400 million. A small but growing number of those migrants are leaving well-developed, affluent countries best known for receiving immigrants to settle in less well-developed countries better known for sending migrants. These migrants of relative privilege, many of them retirees, are motivated primarily by a desire to enhance their quality of life. Although this migratory flow receives much less attention than more familiar, and reverse, movements of laborers or refugees, its implications for the destination sites, sites of origin, and study of international migration generally are significant. This article will examine the contemporary border crossing of privileged migrants, the economic, political and cultural stakes for the countries and individuals involved, and the implications of incorporating privileged mobility into the study of global migration and transnationalism.