cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Alterations in the Serum Protein Components of Laying Hens on Low Protein Diets

Abstract IT HAS been reported that lowering the level of protein in the diet of laying hens resulted in a significant drop in egg weight (Harms and Waldroup, 1962). The present experiment was designed to compare the serum and egg proteins electrophoretically to determine if the reduced egg weight was causally related to a variation in any of the electrophoretic components. MATERIALS AND METHODS Two diets containing 9 and 17 percent protein (Waldroup and Harms, 1964) were prepared. Each diet was fed to a group of ten egg-production type pullets which had been in production for approximately two months and were laying at a rate of about 80 percent when the experiment began. Blood samples were obtained by cardiac puncture from pullets on the second day of each week over an eight week test period. Samples were obtained at 10:00 a.m. from all pullets that had laid an egg on that…
The current crisis in orthodontic education : the residents' perspective.

THE CURRENT CRISIS IN ORTHODONTIC EDUCATION: THE RESIDENTS' PERSPECTIVE Matthew Kawabori Bruner, D.D.S. 10 February 2003 Purpose. The purpose of this study is to identify orthodontic residents' demographic trends, goals for the future, and perspectives on training. Method. A 26-item survey, conducted at the Graduate Orthodontic Residency Program, in August 2003, was distributed to residents representing 51 of the 58 orthodontic programs in the U.S. Questionnaires were sent to 5 programs not attending GORP. Results. Of the 380 questionnaires distributed at the meeting, 295 were returned, while 35 of 50 mailed questionnaires were returned. Total response rate was 77%. Clinical education was the most important factor when choosing a residency. Residents' future plans were to publish their research, earn American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) certification, and work four days a week. Conclusion. Several trends were identified since last surveyed in 1992. Interest in full time academic orthodontic careers continues to decline. The number of females in orthodontic training is increasing. Residents planning to earn ABO certification increased significantly.
Plant Defenses and Optimal Foraging by Mammalian Herbivores

We examined, using an optimal-foraging model, the conditions under which particular plant defenses (e. g., structural, digestive-inhibiting chemicals, toxic chemicals, and nutritional content) should be effective in reducing intake of plants by mammalian herbivores. We demonstrated that no type of plant defense can guarantee reduced consumption, because defense efficacy depends not only upon other characteristics of the defended plant (e.g., its nutrient content, its passage rate through the herbivore's digestive tract, and its ability to be harvested by the herbivore), but also the characteristics of other plants available to the herbivore in the environment
Methodologic considerations for the use of canine in vivo aged biotinylated erythrocytes to study RBC senescence

Biotinylation of erythrocytes has been developed in rabbits as a tool to retrieve labeled cells following various periods in circulation. This retrieval capability allows biochemical studies to be conducted on red blood cells (RBC) that have aged for desired times in vivo. However, because erythrocyte life span is much shorter in rabbits than in humans, and because cell removal is measurably age-independent in rabbits, we have sought to validate the same protocol in dogs, whose cell life span and age-dependent removal characteristics are similar to humans'. Canine RBC were biotinylated in vivo by infusion of N-hydroxysuccinimidyl biotin dissolved in dimethylacetamide or dimethylsulfoxide. Cell life spans were evaluated using 14C-cyanate labeling followed by scintillation counting or avidin-FITC labeling followed by flow cytometry. Both methods gave identical results. The life span of the biotin-conjugated cells was found to be normal (approximately 110 days), and the stability of the biotin ligand was adequate for efficient retrieval of cells using avidin-coated magnetic beads (magnetic cell sorting [MACS]). From each isolation, approximately 20 microL of packed biotinylated cells of approximately 90% purity (i.e., 10% contamination by unlabeled cells) could be harvested. On average, approximately 60% of the biotinylated cells in any sample could be retrieved. Either multiple isolations or use of larger collection columns will facilitate collection of cell numbers sufficient for biochemical tests. After incorporating several modifications in the previous biotinylation protocol that were required for adaptation to the dog, the methodology can be used to study red cell senescence in an animal that has several pertinent similarities to humans.
Dynamic Changes in Populations of the Activated Sludge Community: Effects of Dissolved Oxygen Variations

A simple dynamic mathematical model was developed to describe a microbial system composed of two populations: filamentous and floc-forming bacteria. Growth rates of both microorganisms depend on the concentration of a single organic substrate and on the dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration. Biokinetic parameters were estimated from the experimental data reported in the literature. Using these parameters population changes were examined under variable DO concentrations. The comparison of the numerical simulations and experimental data indicated a possibility of controlling population composition within a desired range through periodic changes in DO concentration. The existence of a single common trajectory on phase plane guarantees the stability of the designed cycle.
Insular Carcinoid Arising in a Mature Teratoma of the Testis

AbstractWe report a case of an insular carcinoid tumor arising in a mature teratoma. These are rare entities and present as asymptomatic testicular masses in the older age group without signs of a carcinoid syndrome. Treatment consisted of radical orchiectomy and prognosis appears to be benign.
Branching morphogenesis in the avian lung: electron microscopic studies using cationic dyes

The developing chick lung was examined in the electron microscope for intimate cell contacts between epithelium and mesenchyme, discontinuities in the basal lamina and substructure of the basement membrane. Cell filopodia were seen which crossed the basal lamina from both the epithelial and the mesenchymal cells. Ruthenium red and tannic acid staining of the basal lamina of the chick lung showed it to be thin and sometimes discontinuous at the tips compared to the more substantial basal lamina in the interbud areas. The bilaminar distribution of particles seen with ruthenium red is similar to those seen in the cornea and lens. With tannic acid staining, filaments could be seen which crossed the lamina lucida and connected with the lamina densa. Spikes perpendicular to the basal lamina were sometimes seen with a periodicity of approximately 110 nm. Alcian blue staining revealed structure similar to that seen by ruthenium red staining in the salivary and mammary glands, although the interparticle spacing was closer. Collagen was located in areas of morphogenetic stability, as has been seen by other investigators in different tissues. Collagen was coated with granules (probably proteoglycan) at periodic intervals when stained with ruthenium red. The fibrils were oriented circumferentially around the mesobronchus and were assumed to continue into the bud, but the fibres curve laterally at the middle of a bud. This orientation is opposite to that seen by another investigator in the mouse lung. In general, the observations made in the avian lung are similar to those seen in branching mammalian tissue. It is likely, therefore, that the chick lung uses strategies in its morphogenesis that are similar to those that have been elucidated previously in developing mammalian organs.
Signalling the Induction of Tuber Formation

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the factors that affect the initial stages of tuber development and the signal that activates growth on the stolon tip. Tuber formation in potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) is a complex developmental process that requires the interaction of environmental, biochemical and genetic factors. It involves many important biological processes, including carbon partitioning, signal transduction and meristem determination. It also focuses on the specific molecular switches that mediate the activation of the morphological events associated with the tuberizing stolon. Although some excellent molecular work has been done characterizing the process of tuberization, the exact mechanism for inducing tuber formation is unknown. Phytochrome B (PHYB) is known to mediate the photoperiodic control of tuberization in a negative regulatory mechanism. Similar to flower induction, numerous physiological studies have implicated both an inhibitor and a promoter working coordinately to control tuber induction. It examines what evidence exists to support this hypothesis. GAs contributes to the change in orientation of cell growth in the subapical region of the tuberizing stolon but also act in the leaf as a signaling mechanism. As expected, a number of genes involved in the synthesis and processing of starch are activated to very high levels. Based on the microarray results, it is clear that numerous other TFs and signaling molecules, such as micro-RNAs and flowering-time gene products, are likely involved in the pathways that regulate the initial stages of tuber formation.
Epitaxial strained germanium p-MOSFETs with HfO/sub 2/ gate dielectric and TaN gate electrode

Germanium p-MOSFETs with a thin high-k dielectric (EOT/spl sim/1.6 nm) were fabricated on bulk Ge and epitaxial germanium-on-silicon substrates. These devices exhibited sub-90 mV/decade subthreshold swing and low gate leakage. The IV and CV characteristics achieved in this work allow for accurate extraction of important device parameters such as transconductance (Gm) and low-field mobility. Results from n-MOSFETs fabricated on bulk Ge substrates are also presented.
Essential Extensions of a Direct Sum of Simple Modules-II

It is shown that a semi-regular ring R with the property that each essential extension of a direct sum of simple right R-modules is a direct sum of quasi-injective right R-modules is right noetherian.
The Sympathetic Nervous System Regulates Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cell Homing and Engraftment.

The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) controls hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) release from their niches in the bone marrow (BM) by acting on specific niche cells: bone-lining osteoblasts during mobilization (Cell2006;124:407) and CXCL12-secreting BM stromal cells (Nature2008;452:442) in homeostasis. However, it remains unknown whether the SNS controls other processes in HSC physiology. Here, we show that an intact SNS is necessary for bone marrow reconstitution. Transplantation of lethally-irradiated recipient mice, in which the SNS was lesioned using 6-hydroxydopamine (6OHDA), with 105 healthy BM nucleated cells resulted in 65% survival of the sympathectomized mice compared to 100% survival in the control groups (6OHDA, not irradiated; Saline, not irradiated; Saline, irradiated and transplanted; p
Classification of use status for dietary supplements in clinical notes

Clinical notes contain rich information about dietary supplements, which are critical for detecting signals of dietary supplement side effects and interactions between drugs and supplements. One of the important factors of supplement documentation is usage status, such as started and discontinuation. Such information is usually stored in the unstructured clinical notes. We developed a rule-based classifier to identify supplement usage status in clinical notes. The categories referring to the patient's status of supplement use were classified into four classes: Continuing (C), Discontinued (D), Started (S), and Unclassified (U). Clinical notes containing 10 of the most commonly consumed supplements (i.e., alfalfa, echinacea, fish oil, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, ginseng, melatonin, St. John's Wort, and Vitamin E) were retrieved from the University of Minnesota Clinical Data Repository. The gold standard was defined by manually annotating 1000 randomly selected sentences or statements mentioning at least one of these 10 supplements. The rules in the classifier was initially developed on two-thirds of the set of 7 supplements (i.e., alfalfa, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, ginseng, St. John's Wort, and Vitamin E); the performance was evaluated on the remaining one-third of this set. To evaluate the generalizability of rules, we further validated the second testing set on other 3 supplements (i.e., echinacea, fish oil, and melatonin). The performance of the classifier achieved F-measures of 0.95, 0.97, 0.96, and 0.96 for status C, D, S, and U on 7 supplements, respectively. The classifier also showed good generalizability when it was applied to the other 3 supplements with F-measures of 0.96 for C, 0.96 for D, 0.95 for S, and 0.89 for U. This study demonstrated that the classifier can accurately classify supplement usage status, which can be further integrated as a module into the existing natural language processing pipeline for supporting dietary supplement knowledge discovery.
Diversity of cyberinfrastructure: an opportunity for enhanced education and research

The development and rapid expansion of Cyberinfrastructure have produced increasingly data-rich linked networks, which open up new possibilities and challenges for using data in mathematics, science, and engineering education. The objective of this paper is to make educators aware and to appreciate the benefits and challenges of using the newly-emerging Cyberinfrastructure in their courses and other educational activities. It is also to locate potentially-useful large digital databases and to highlight respective strengths, features, and potential educational applications. This paper presents practical Cyberinfrastructure-based projects that can be applied in a variety of educational settings.
Early brain edema is a predictor of in-hospital mortality in traumatic brain injury

Abstract Background Identifying patients who may progress to a poor clinical outcome will encourage earlier appropriate therapeutic interventions. Brain edema may contribute to secondary injury in traumatic brain injury (TBI) and thus, may be a useful prognostic indicator. Objective We determined whether the presence of brain edema on the initial computed tomography (CT) scan of TBI patients would predict poor in-hospital outcome. Methods We performed a retrospective review of all trauma patients with nonpenetrating head trauma at a Level I Trauma Center. International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes indicated the presence of brain edema and we evaluated the validity of this pragmatic assessment quantitatively in a random subset of patients. In-hospital mortality was the primary outcome variable. Univariate analysis and logistic regression identified predictors of mortality in all TBI patients and those with mild TBI. Results Over 7200 patients were included in the study, including 6225 with mild TBI. Measurements of gray and white matter CT density verified radiological assessments of brain edema. Patients with documented brain edema had a mortality rate over 10 times that of the entire study population. With logistic regression accounting for Injury Severity Score, Glasgow Coma Scale score, other CT findings, and clinical variables, brain edema predicted an eightfold greater mortality rate in all patients (odds ratio 8.0, 95% confidence interval 4.6–14.0) and fivefold greater mortality rate for mild TBI patients (odds ratio 4.9, 95% confidence interval 2.0–11.7). Conclusions Brain edema is an independent prognostic variable across all categories of TBI severity. By alerting emergency physicians to patients with poor predicted clinical outcomes, this finding will drive better resource allocation, earlier intervention, and reduced patient mortality.
Predicting In-stream Water Quality from Watershed Characteristics.

In-stream water quality studies are labour intensive and consume a significant amount of time and money. They are usually conducted on larger streams and rive…
The Neuroscience of Intelligence

This book introduces new and provocative neuroscience research that advances our understanding of intelligence and the brain. Compelling evidence shows that genetics plays a more important role than environment as intelligence develops from childhood, and that intelligence test scores correspond strongly to specific features of the brain assessed with neuroimaging. In understandable language, Richard J. Haier explains cutting-edge techniques based on genetics, DNA, and imaging of brain connectivity and function. He dispels common misconceptions, such as the belief that IQ tests are biased or meaningless, and debunks simple interventions alleged to increase intelligence. Readers will learn about the real possibility of dramatically enhancing intelligence based on neuroscience findings and the positive implications this could have for education and social policy. The text also explores potential controversies surrounding neuro-poverty, neuro-socioeconomic status, and the morality of enhancing intelligence for everyone. Online resources, including additional visuals, animations, questions and links, reinforce the material.
Converting bahiagrass pasture land to elephantgrass bioenergy production enhances biomass yield and water quality

Abstract Changing pasture land to the production of bioenergy crops will affect regional water dynamics. Returning by-products of industrial conversion of bioenergy crops like fermentation residual or biochar back to the field could be used to improve sustainable nutrient management, but could also impact water quantity and quality in ways that are poorly understood. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of land-use conversion from low-input bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flugge) pastures to elephantgrass [Pennisetum purpureum (L.) Schum.] for bioenergy production under different nutrient management practices on biomass yield, crop water dynamics and nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N) leaching during growing and dormant seasons. Treatments evaluated were 1) bahiagrass + 50 kg N ha−1; 2) elephantgrass + 50 kg N ha−1; 3) elephantgrass + 50 kg N ha−1 + fermentation residual; 4) elephantgrass + 50 kg N ha−1 + biochar; and 5) elephantgrass + 250 kg N ha−1. Data were collected on crop evapotranspiration (ET), water use efficiency, drainage, NO3-N leaching, and aboveground dry matter accumulation. Dry matter yield of elephantgrass was 4- to 7-fold greater than bahiagrass after the first growing season, but was similar among elephantgrass treatments. Elephantgrass produced with no residual amendments reduced drainage (approx. 43% across all growing seasons) compared to bahiagrass, and this reduction was exacerbated in the residual treatments. Reduced drainage was associated with increased ET. Elephantgrass, regardless of treatment, reduced the amount of NO3-N lost through drainage compared to bahiagrass. Therefore, replacing bahiagrass with elephantgrass will increase cropping system water use and diminish the rate of groundwater replenishment during the growing season, which could have detrimental effects for other ecosystem processes that rely on this water resource. However, elephantgrass increased the efficiency with which water was used to produce biomass and reduced NO3-N leaching to groundwater.
A wavelet threshold denoising procedure for multimodel predictions: An application to economic time series

Noise-affected economic time series, realizations of stochastic processes exhibiting complex and possibly nonlinear dynamics, are dealt with. This is often the case of time series found in economics, which notoriously suffer from problems such as low signal-to-noise ratios, asymmetric cycles and multiregimes patterns. In such a framework, even sophisticated statistical models might generate suboptimal predictions, whose quality can further deteriorate unless time consuming updating or deeper model revision procedures are carried out on a regular basis. However, when the models' outcomes are expected to be disseminated in timeliness manner (as in the case of Central Banks or national statistical offices), their modification might not be a viable solution, due to time constraints. On the other hand, if the application of simpler linear models usually entails relatively easier tuning-up procedures, this would come at the expenses of the quality of the predictions yielded. A mixed, self-tuning forecasting method is therefore proposed. This is an automatic, 2-stage procedure, able to generate predictions by exploiting the denoising capabilities provided by the wavelet theory in conjunction with a compounded forecasting generator. Its out-of-sample performances are evaluated through an empirical study carried out on macroeconomic time series.
Modeling the diffusion of D-2-hydroxyglutarate from IDH1 mutant gliomas in the central nervous system.

Background Among diffusely infiltrative gliomas in adults, 20%-30% contain a point mutation in isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1mut), which increases production of D-2-hydroxyglutarate (D2HG). This is so efficient that D2HG often reaches 30 mM within IDH1mut gliomas. Yet, while up to 100 µM D2HG can be detected in the circulating cerebrospinal fluid of IDH1mut glioma patients, the exposure of nonneoplastic cells within and surrounding an IDH1mut glioma to D2HG is unknown and difficult to measure directly. Methods Conditioned medium from patient-derived wild type IDH1 (IDH1wt) and IDH1mut glioma cells was analyzed for D2HG by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Mathematical models of D2HG release and diffusion around an IDH1mut glioma were independently generated based on fluid dynamics within the brain and on previously reported intratumoral and cerebrospinal D2HG concentrations. Results LC-MS analysis indicates that patient-derived IDH1mut glioma cells release 3.7-97.0 pg D2HG per cell per week. Extrapolating this to an average-sized tumor (30 mL glioma volume and 1 × 108 cells/mL tumor), the rate of D2HG release by an IDH1mut glioma (SA) is estimated at 3.2-83.0 × 10-12 mol/mL/sec. Mathematical models estimate an SA of 2.9-12.9 × 10-12 mol/mL/sec, within the range of the in vitro LC-MS data. In even the most conservative of these models, the extracellular concentration of D2HG exceeds 3 mM within a 2 cm radius from the center of an IDH1mut glioma. Conclusions The microenvironment of an IDH1mut glioma is likely being exposed to high concentrations of D2HG, in the low millimolar range. This has implications for understanding how D2HG affects nonneoplastic cells in an IDH1mut glioma.
Inferring personalized visual satisfaction profiles in daylit offices from comparative preferences using a Bayesian approach

Abstract This paper presents a new method for developing personalized visual satisfaction profiles in private daylit offices using Bayesian inference. Unlike previous studies based on action data, a set of experiments with human subjects and changing visual conditions were conducted to collect comparative preference data. The likelihood function was defined by linking comparative visual preference data with the visual satisfaction utility function using a probit model structure. A parametrized Gaussian bell function was adopted for the latent satisfaction utility model, based on our belief that each person has a specific set of neighboring visual conditions that are most preferred. Distinct visual preference profiles were inferred with a Bayesian approach using the experimental data. The inferred visual satisfaction utility functions and the model performance results reflect the ability of the models to discover different personalized visual satisfaction profiles. The method presented in this paper will serve as a paradigm for developing personalized preference models, for potential use in personalized controls, balancing human satisfaction with indoor environmental conditions and energy use considerations.
The labor of social change: Seasonal labor migration and social change in rural western India

Abstract In this paper, I examine the relation between seasonal labor migration in rural western India and social change in the home communities of the migrants. The phenomenon of seasonal migration has been studied from the lens of remittance flows and net-loss-and-gain-of- labor between regions. However, there remains a paucity of studies that examine how marginalized people employ their personal experiences, ideas, and sensibilities in the process of circulating between their home and destinations to contest their historic, unequal power relations in their home villages. This research is an effort to fill that gap. Based on research conducted in Yavatmal district of Maharashtra in rural western India during summer 2014 and summer through fall 2015 and drawing on Gramscian concepts of counter-hegemony, I claim that in rural Maharashtra, seasonal labor migration has caused ripples in the social lives of the villages, impacting landowning farmers, landless laborers, and relations of production. These changes are visible in quotidian politics: in new farmer and laborer subjectivities, challenges posed to the common sense of social conduct, and migrant politics of resistance visible in the migrants' “war of position” against landowning farmers. While migration and development policy, both in India and globally, has focused on the integration of internal migrants in their destinations, the quotidian political conflicts in the home communities of internal, circular migrants continue to remain largely unexamined. By studying migration as a social process, this paper exhorts policy analysts to situate “home” as an appropriate avenue to understand how communities transform through migration.
Whole Earth Telescope Observations of the DAV EC14012-1446

We report on analysis of 308.3 h of high-speed photometry targeting the pulsating DA white dwarf EC14012-1446. The data were acquired by the Whole Earth Telescope (WET) during XCOV28 in 2008. The Fourier transform of the complete light curve contains 19 independent frequencies distributed in 13 pulsation modes, with dominant peaks at 1,633.9, 1,887.4, and 2,504.9 μHz, as well as numerous combination frequencies. Our analysis reveals that these identified frequencies are consistent with a series of consecutive modes of spherical degree l = 1 with an average period spacing of 41 s. Building on this foundation, we calculate preliminary nonlinear fits to high signal-to-noise light curves with the goal of extracting EC14012-1446’s convective parameters τ0 and N.
Antitussive activity of diphenhydramine in chronic cough

A double-blind crossover study was conducted to evaluate the antitussive effectiveness of diphenhydramine (DPH) in chornic coughs related to bronchitis, at doses of 25 and 50 mg every 4 hr for four doses. Both 25- and 50-mg doses caused a statistically and clinically significant reduction in frequency of coughs, compared to placebo. The most frequently reported side effect was drowsiness, principally at the 50-mg dose level. There was little or no apparent correlation between antitussive effectiveness and incidence of drowsiness, however, suggesting that the two effects were pharmacologically unrelated.
Just Sustainability in the Global South: A Case Study of the Megacity of Dhaka:

Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh, accommodates 18 million people and is one of the largest megacities in the world. A large share of its population is poor and lives in informal settlements wh...
Eleven Ways Demographic and Economic Change Is Reframing American Housing Policy

In this article we identify 11 contemporary housing market and policy trends that will frame the next 10 years of federal housing policy. In each case, we review the relevant numbers before summari...
Championing Women’s Empowerment as a Catalyst for Purchase Intentions: Testing the Mediating Roles of OPRs and Brand Loyalty in the Context of Femvertising

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) research indicates that consumers are skeptical of a company’s support of social causes unless they can determine that the efforts are legitimate and authentic. One way companies can demonstrate legitimacy in their CSR efforts is by supporting causes that are perceived to “fit.” The goal of this study is to explore the effects of company–cause fit within the context of the CSR strategy of femvertising. Femvertising is defined as “advertising that employs pro-female talent, messages, and imagery to empower women and girls.” A survey of U.S. adults (n = 419) was employed to investigate consumer attitude toward femvertising as well as four specific femvertising messages as they related to respondents’ perceptions of company–cause fit, CSR associations, and purchase intentions. This study also examined the mediating roles of two related mechanisms – perceived organization-public relationship quality and company loyalty – in connecting CSR associations and purchase...
Ultra-High Performance Concrete Overlays for Concrete Bridge Decks

With much of the world's infrastructure needing rehabilitation, new and more effective methods of repair are required to ensure that concrete structures can continue to perform adequately. This work investigates the potential for using locally produced ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) as an overlay material to rehabilitate existing normal strength concrete (NSC) bridge decks. Bond strength tests were conducted using NSC substrate with four different textures seven days after casting the UHPC overlay. Depths of the different textures determined in accordance with ASTM E965 were 0.05, 0.90, 1.6, and 2.8 mm. Results from slant shear, split cylinder, and split prism tests indicate good bond even when inadequate texturing was provided. Average shear strengths from slant shear (ASTM C882) specimens increased from 7.1 MPa for the 0.05 mm texture to 19.8 MPa for the 2.8 mm texture. Similarly, bond strengths from split cylinders (ASTM C496) increased from 1.8 MPa for the 0.05 mm texture to 2.4 MPa for the 2.8 mm texture. Bond strength testing of split prisms specimens was conducted using a modified version of ASTM C496 and produced results of 1.5 MPa for the 0.05 mm texture and 3.7 MPa for the rough texture. Direct tensile strength testing was performed in accordance with ASTM C1583 and produced a bond strength of 1.08 MPa for chipped texture with a depth of 1.00 mm. Testing of chloride permeability (ASTM C1202) of the UHPC indicated negligible charge passing through the specimens. Free shrinkage measurements initiated 90 minutes after placement resulted in a total shrinkage of 1800 micro-strain in the UHPC after seven days. Results from these tests indicate the potential of locally produced UHPC to serve as an alternative to traditional overlay materials.
Breaking the Rules: Lectio Brevior Potior and New Testament Textual Criticism

Though the principle regarding a preference for the shorter reading is often still included in descriptions of text-critical method, it has fallen out of use. The maxim lectio brevior potior (“pref...
Improved survival with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers in chronic limb-threatening ischemia

Abstract Objective Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with peripheral artery disease. However, their effect on limb-specific outcomes is unclear. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of ACE inhibitors/ARBs on limb salvage (LS) and survival in patients undergoing peripheral vascular intervention (PVI) for chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI). Methods The Vascular Quality Initiative registry was used to identify patients undergoing PVI for CLTI between April 1, 2010, and June 1, 2017. Patients with complete comorbidity, procedural, and follow-up limb and survival data were included. Propensity score matching was performed to control for baseline differences between the groups. LS, amputation-free survival (AFS), and overall survival (OS) were calculated in matched samples using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results A total of 12,433 limbs (11,331 patients) were included. The ACE inhibitors/ARBs group of patients had significantly higher prevalence of coronary artery disease (31% vs 27%; P Conclusions ACE inhibitors/ARBs are independently associated with improved survival and AFS in patients undergoing PVI for CLTI. LS rates remained unaffected. Further research is required to investigate the use of ACE inhibitors/ARBs in this population of patients, especially CLTI patients with other indications for therapy with ACE inhibitors/ARBs.
The prognostic role of medical comorbidities in surgically treated human papillomavirus-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract Objective Prognostic factors specific to surgically managed human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPV(+)OPSCC) are not fully understood. Medical co-morbidities may have an impact on survival after surgical treatment. We aimed to identify co-morbidities associated with distant metastases-free survival (DMFS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) in HPV(+)OPSCCs. Methods This is a retrospective case series of HPV(+)OPSCC patients at a tertiary referral center from 2007 to 2016. All patients in the study underwent primary intent-to-cure transoral resection with concomitant neck dissection ± adjuvant radiation ± chemotherapy. Exclusion criteria included a history of previous head and neck cancer or distant metastases at diagnosis. Associations with DMFS and CSS were evaluated using univariable and multivariable Cox regression and summarized with hazard ratios (HRs). Results 406 patients were included in the cohort (100% HPV(+), 90% Male). All had tumors of the tonsil (62%) or base of tongue (38%). Median follow-up for the cohort was 4.0 years (IQR: 2.6–6.2). Higher tumor stage and a higher Adult Comorbidity Evaluation-27 score were significantly associated with worse DMFS and CSS (p Conclusion Diabetes mellitus may be associated with worse DMFS and CSS in surgically managed HPV(+)OPSCC.
Structure Basis of Cav1.1 Modulation by Dihydropyridine Compounds

Abstract 1,4-Dihydropyridines (DHP), the most commonly used antihypertensives, function by inhibiting the L-type voltage-gated Ca2+ (Cav) channels. DHP compounds exhibit chirality-specific antagonistic or agonistic effects. Recent structural elucidation of rabbit Cav1.1 bound to an achiral drug nifedipine reveals the general binding mode for DHP drugs, but the molecular basis for chiral specificity remains elusive. Here, we report five cryo-EM structures of nanodisc-embedded Cav1.1 in the presence of the bestselling drug amlodipine, a DHP antagonist (R)-(+)-Bay K8644, and a titration of its agonistic enantiomer (S)-(-)-Bay K8644 at resolutions of 2.9-3.4 A. The amlodipine-bound structure reveals the molecular basis for the high efficacy of the drug. All structures with the addition of the Bay K8644 enantiomers exhibit similar inactivated conformations, suggesting that the agonistic effect of (S)-(-)-Bay K8644 might be transient. The similarity of these structures to that obtained in detergent micelles alleviates the concerns about potential structural perturbation by detergents.
Framing the Intractable: Comprehensive Success Factor Analysis for Grand Challenges

Abstract Complex socio-technical challenges, often referred to as grand challenges or wicked problems, lack a robust method for their holistic framing. Current approaches to framing fall into two primary categories. On one hand, models grounded in reductionist perspectives tend to oversimplify the problems and thus fall short of capturing the true complexity that must be understood to make tangible progress. On the other, notable attempts to achieve holism are more effective at incorporating contextual nuance, but still lack systematicity to identify and drive effective inclusion of critical issues, and also tend to suffer from the inherent bias of select expert input. In this article, we report on an extension of holistic problem framing techniques called comprehensive success factor analysis (CSFA) that makes-sense of web-mined information reflective of both expert and general population perspectives as well as pattern-informed ontological knowledge organization structure, to yield ‘richer pictures’ of grand challenges. This method has been developed and refined over a seven-year period by application to a variety of distinct socio-technical challenges, and emphasizes that framing complex problems requires one to embrace multiple levels of abstraction, a plurality of perspectives, careful contextualization, and an overarching system view. The CSFA method results in ‘success factor trees’ that are more comprehensive than seen otherwise and present a holistic view of the essential factors that need to be considered when engaging in large scale socio-technical problems. The success factor trees provide common grounds for meaningful collaboration and discourse on grand challenges, facilitate more informed resource allocation decisions, and provide guidance for designing solutions through careful consideration of system factors that are not always apparent. The paper illustrates CSFA applied to the challenge of ‘food security for a nation in a low- to middle-income country context’ to ascertain the value of the approach and finds that it results in a robust view of the challenge that greatly exceeds perspectives arrived at in the literature using current framing methods, on dimensions of scope, levels of abstraction, plurality, and context detail.
A mixed methods study exploring methadone treatment disclosure and perceptions of reproductive health care among women ages 18-44 years, Los Angeles, CA.

Abstract Introduction Opioid use disorder (OUD) and methadone treatment are increasing among women ages 18–44 years old, a population with unique healthcare needs. Despite this increase, there is little research on the healthcare experiences of women with OUD, particularly experiences with reproductive healthcare. Methods We designed a sequential, mixed-methods study in three Los Angeles methadone clinics. In the first phase, we conducted in-depth interviews with women in methadone treatment (n = 22) (September–December 2016). After thematic coding and analysis, we designed and administered a survey to understand patterns in women's experiences and reproductive health knowledge, attitudes, and behavior (n = 50) (January–April 2018). We conducted descriptive statistics, then integrated the quantitative and qualitative findings to contextualize and understand perceptions and experiences with healthcare providers among women in methadone treatment. Results We found that women experienced and anticipated that providers would treat them poorly when they disclosed that they were in methadone treatment for OUD. Women's actual experiences with disclosure, shared in in-depth interviews, varied by whether they had disclosed their status intentionally or inadvertently. Approximately one-third (37%) of survey respondents thought a healthcare provider would scold them if they became pregnant; however, all who had been pregnant in the past while on methadone (n = 11) reported disclosing methadone treatment during pregnancy to their provider. Under a quarter of all women (22%) said having a healthy pregnancy while on methadone was likely or very likely. These perceptions were reinforced by negative experiences with providers, or, in many cases, women in the survey reported that they had never discussed the recommendations for a healthy pregnancy while on methadone with a healthcare provider. Discussion Women experience and anticipate experiencing negative interactions with their healthcare providers if and when they disclose their methadone treatment. These perceptions and experiences impact subsequent treatment seeking and disclosure. The majority of women did not discuss pregnancy with healthcare providers. To improve quality of care, healthcare providers can provide a safe space for women to disclose methadone treatment through nonjudgmental communication that intentionally alleviates stigma. Additionally, healthcare providers should understand medical guidelines and laws/policies around methadone during pregnancy and communicate this understanding to all patients who may wish to become pregnant or who are at risk for unintended pregnancy.
Neurosurgical Aspects of Hypothalamic Disease

Lesions within the hypothalamus pose many difficulties for a neurosurgeon – the intricate anatomy and numerous critical structures surrounding it make the hypothalamus a difficult region of the brain to access. When considering neurosurgical management of hypothalamic lesions, there are a number of possible approaches dependent on the type of lesion and the location within the thalamus. Numerous lesions and diseases can involve the hypothalamus, resulting in compromised function of numerous endocrine systems, sleep-wake cycle, vision, memory, and emotional regulation. When these lesions arise and surgical management is indicated, there are five well-reported approaches to these lesions – each with their benefits and associated risks/considerations for surgical approach. A solid foundational knowledge of the anatomy of the region surrounding the hypothalamus, characteristics of the lesion itself, and the specific location of the lesion in question guide the choice of surgical approach when assessing hypothalamic disease.
Chlorine and ozone disinfection and disinfection byproducts in postharvest food processing facilities: A review

The application of chemical disinfectants in postharvest food processing facilities is important for the control of foodborne pathogen outbreaks. Similar to drinking water disinfection, food proces...
Beyond short-duration energy storage

Long-duration energy storage technologies can be a solution to the intermittency problem of wind and solar power but estimating technology costs remains a challenge. New research identifies cost targets for long-duration storage technologies to make them competitive against different firm low-carbon generation technologies.
Accuracy of Landmark-guided Glenohumeral Joint Injections as Assessed by Ultrasound in Anterior Shoulder Dislocations.

Introduction To determine the accuracy of landmark-guided shoulder joint injections (LGI) with point-of-care ultrasound for patients with anterior shoulder dislocations.
SEED ANALYSIS AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR AN INITIAL MIDDLE MISSOURI SITE IN SOUTH DAKOTA

This report contains an analysis of the carbonized seed remains from the Mitchell Site (39DV2), an Over Focus village near Mitchell, South Dakota. The motive for the study is to explore the amount and kinds of nutritional and material resources which the botanical world (of seeds) provided these villagers. Eight proposi tions and goals are outlined to be tested by the analysis. The use of flotation and sieving through #40 (.0165 in.) mesh screen of all materials was found to be the most efficient method for recovering seed remains. Forty-five genera and species of prehistorically-deposited (carbon ized) seeds are identified. Corn appears in nearly all samples, suggesting that this crop, along with bison meat, provided a major source of food. Quantities of the weed seeds Chenopodium sp. and Amaranthus sp. are clearly associated with corn and seeds of the domesti cated sunflower. Tobacco seeds are also identified for the second time on the Plains. A table of associations and specific Chi-square tests are used to interpret the relative significance of the seeds identified here. In addition, ethnographic data on the use of particular seed types is included where no archaeological use can be inferred.
A study of atherosclerosis regression in Macaca mulatta. V. Changes in abdominal aorta and carotid and coronary arteries from animals with atherosclerosis induced for 38 months and then regressed for 24 or 48 months at plasma cholesterol concentrations of 300 or 200 mg/dl.

Abstract Young adult male rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) were fed an atherogenic diet for 38 months. After 38 months of atherosclerosis induction, a baseline group was selected and necropsied to determine the extent and severity of atherosclerosis before regression regimens were begun. The remaining animals were fed diets that varied in cholesterol concentration in order to maintain plasma cholesterol concentrations of approximately 200 or 300 mg/dl for either 24 or 48 months. The progression or regression of atherosclerosis in coronary arteries, abdominal aorta, and carotid arteries was determined by comparing them to the baseline group. Coronary artery atherosclerosis regressed in the majority of amimals after 4 years but not after 2 years when plasma cholesterol concentrations were about 200 mg/dl. Among the animals maintained at plasma cholesterol concentrations of about 300 mg/dl, about half the animals progressed in the extent of coronary artery atherosclerosis while about half regressed. The majority of the animals that progressed in lesion extent were genetic hyperresponders to dietary cholesterol whereas those that regressed were predominantly hyporesponders, even though their plasma lipid concentrations were equivalent during the regression phase. The changes seen in atherosclerosis extent in the abdominal aorta were quite similar to the changes seen in coronary arteries. Changes at this site were not pronounced after 2 years, but after 4 years animals with plasma cholesterol concentrations of about 300 mg/dl progressed while the animals at 200 mg/dl were mostly unchanged. No evidence for atherosclerosis regression was found in the common carotid arteries or in the carotid bifurcations.
Early mucosal and microvascular changes in feline intestinal transplants.

Abstract Background: Bowel transplantation in humans is being performed with increasing success, but little is known about the early physiological alterations occurring in the graft. The objectives of this study were to characterize the mucosal and microvascular alterations that occur in the early stages of reperfusion of small intestinal allografts after varying intervals of hypothermic preservation and to assess the role of reactive oxygen metabolites and leukocyte adhesion glycoproteins in mediating these alterations. Methods: A feline model of small intestinal transplantation was developed in which ileal grafts underwent 0–24 hours of cold ischemia before reperfusion. Some allografts, which underwent 6 hours of cold ischemia, were treated with monoclonal antibodies directed against either leukocyte (CD11/CD18) or endothelial cell (ICAM-1 or P-selectin) adhesion molecules or with a combination of superoxide dismutase and catalase. Results: Cold preservation for 6 hours resulted in significant increases in intestinal microvascular fluid and protein exchange, and mucosal function was compromised. These alterations were not affected by treatment with either superoxide dismutase and catalase or monoclonal antibodies against ICAM-1 or P-selectin; however, the microvascular dysfunction was largely prevented by immunoneutralization of CD11/CD18 on leukocytes. Conclusions: CD11/CD18 antibodies may be useful in preserving microvascular function in allografts after prolonged hypothermic ischemia.