cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inferential Method for Modeling Insect Phenology and Its Application to the Spruce Budworm (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

A method is proposed for modeling development of an insect population that passes through a series of discrete developmental stages. This model, including a temperature-dependent development rate, can be estimated directly from field data or can be estimated from laboratory data taken at constant or fluctuating temperatures. The temperature-dependent development rate can have a nonlinear form, and effects on development by environmental factors other than temperature can also be estimated and included. In addition, the method allows for variability among individuals of the population in terms of life-stage duration and allows for correlations among various stage durations. Survival is assumed to be a function of time, but need not be estimated. The proposed method for estimating development of an insect population was applied to spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana (Clemens), field data collected from 23 various location/year combinations in New Brunswick and Maine. The estimated phenology model that best fit the field data included effects of region, host species, calendar date, a linear effect of temperature in New Brunswick, and a nonlinear temperature effect in Maine. The nonlinear development rate estimated for the Maine data set was found to be comparable with development rates in the laboratory. On both the regression data set and an independent data set, the selected model performed better than either a model in which time was measured in calendar-days and better than a model in which time was measured in degree-days.
An efficient variable-splitting multiplier method for compressive sensing seismic data reconstruction

We use compressive sensing theory for seismic data reconstruction. Compressive sensing, in part, requires an optimization model. We consider two classes of optimization models that have been presented in the compressive sensing literature: synthesisand analysis-based optimization models. For the analysis-based optimization model, we introduce a novel optimization algorithm, SeisADM. SeisADM adapts the alternating direction method with a variable-splitting technique, taking advantage of the structure intrinsic to the seismic data reconstruction problem to help give an efficient and robust algorithm. We use SeisADM to solve a seismic data reconstruction problem for both synthetic and real data examples. In both cases, we compare the SeisADM results to those obtained from using a synthesis-based optimization model. We use the SPGL1 method to compute the synthesis-based results. We observe, through both examples, that data reconstruction results based on the analysis-based optimization model are more accurate than the results based on the synthesis-based optimization model. In addition, we observe that for seismic data reconstruction, the SeisADM method requires less computation time than the SPGL1 method.
Metaphors in Conceptual Design

A metaphor allows us to understand one concept in terms of another, enriching our mental imagery and imbuing concepts with meaningful attributes. Metaphors are well studied in design, for example, in branding, communication and the design of computer interfaces. Less well appreciated is that our understanding of fundamental design concepts, including design itself, is metaphorical. When we treat design as a process of exploration or when we get together to “bounce ideas off each other” we understand the abstract concepts of design and ideas metaphorically; ideas don’t literally bounce, nor are we literally exploring when we design. Our research is a descriptive study of the metaphors employed in design. It is the first phase in a longer research effort to understand the impact of design metaphors on creativity. We investigated whether design authors employed different metaphors for the overall design process and consequently for core design concepts. To address this hypothesis we analyzed the language used in the concept generation chapters of nine widely used engineering design textbooks. We coded each metaphorical phrase, such as “finding another route to a solution”, and determined the core metaphors in use for common design concepts including, ideas, problems, solutions, concepts, design, the design process, user needs and others. We confirmed that authors with differing views of design do indeed emphasize different metaphors for core design concepts. We close by discussing the implications of some common metaphors, in particular that Ideas Are Physical Objects.© 2007 ASME
Chapter 8 – High-resolution NMR spectroscopy of solid polymers

This chapter discusses the high-resolution NMR spectroscopy of solid polymers. The differences in the NMR spectra measured under Fourier Transform condition with scalar decoupling of the same substance say water and ice. The proton NMR spectrum of the water is sharp and narrow with a bandwidth of 1 Hz, while the proton NMR spectrum of ice is extremely broad with a bandwidth of 20 KHz. In liquids and solutions, sharp NMR lines are obtained because the local interacting fields are averaged to zero by the rapid isotropic motions of nuclei. Generally, there is not sufficient motion in solids to average the anisotropic interactions, and extremely broad lines are present. Because the incoherent averaging (molecular motion) does not narrow the NMR lines, coherent-averaging techniques such as dipolar decoupling and magic-angle spinning must be used to produce narrow line widths. For solids, the low sensitivity of the 13C nucleus is improved by transferring polarization from the magnetization-rich protons to the 13C nuclei by using cross-polarization. By combining high-power decoupling (DD), magic-angle spinning (MAS), and cross-polarization (CP) experiments into one grand experiment, narrow lines and enhanced sensitivity can be obtained for polymers in solid state. As a consequence, high-resolution NMR spectroscopy has become an important tool in the structural investigation of polymers in the solid state.
Advancing Islet Transplantation: From Donor to Engraftment

Over the past few decades, tremendous efforts have been made to establish pancreatic islet transplantation as a standard therapy for the treatment of diabetes. Nevertheless, long-term efficacy has been limited to a marginal number of patients. Outcomes have been restricted, in part, by challenges associated with the transplant site, poor vascularization, and disruption of the native islet architecture during the isolation process. This chapter reviews possible solutions for the challenges encountered in the islet transplantation field, which include islet source limitation, suboptimal engraftment of islets, and lack of oxygen and blood supply for transplanted islets.
Charge-recombination processes in organic solar cells: the impact of charge-transfer states(Conference Presentation)

We study the role of electron-vibration coupling, electronic polarization, molecular packing, system size and electron delocalization on the nature of the charge-transfer states in model donor-acceptor systems. The morphologies we consider range from a bilayer with flat interface to a bilayer with rough interface and bulk heterojunctions with coarse and fine intercalated domains of donor and acceptor molecules. The implications of the charge-transfer states, active material morphology, density of states and charge carrier concentration on non-geminate recombination kinetics is investigated by means of a three-dimensional reaction-diffusion lattice model with the charge carrier hopping rate described by the Miller-Abrahams formalism.
Neurocounseling: A New Section of the Journal of Mental Health Counseling

Despite the growing momentum to infuse neuroscience into counseling, neuroscience-related publications are relatively scant in flagship counseling journals. In response, this January 2017 edition of the Journal of Mental Health Counseling introduces a new section entitled “Neurocounseling” that will remedy this gap in the literature. This article provides a rationale for the creation of the Neurocounseling section that includes a discussion of current trends in research initiatives, the evolution of the term neurocounseling, and the existing neuroscience-related publications in flagship counseling journals. Additionally, this article outlines the vision for the Neurocounseling section that will aid readers as they conceptualize and conduct neurocounseling research as well as prepare manuscripts for publication.
Pathology of aging in NOD scid gamma female mice.

In the past decade, NOD.Cg- Prkdcscid Il2rgtm1Wjl/SzJ (NSG, NOD scid gamma) mice have become a model of choice in several areas of biomedical research; however, comprehensive data on their spontaneous age-related pathology are not currently available in the literature. The prevalence of spontaneous morbidity affecting aged NSG female breeders enrolled in a parasitology study was documented with classification of neoplastic and non-neoplastic (inflammatory, metabolic, degenerative) lesions. Malignant mammary neoplasms were most commonly diagnosed, often accompanied by pulmonary metastases, while a low frequency of lymphoma and histiocytic sarcoma was documented. The major inflammatory conditions were suppurative pleuropneumonia and bronchopneumonia with abscess formation, from which Pasteurella pneumotropica was commonly isolated, followed by otitis media. Both inflammatory and degenerative lesions of the genital tract were identified, along with neoplasms such as endometrial yolk sac carcinomas and granulosa cell tumors. Novel conditions identified included renal tubular degeneration and necrosis associated with 2 concurrent types of intranuclear inclusions, focal or multifocal hyperostosis of the skull, and neuroendocrine tumors of the mesometrium. The majority of degenerative lesions that affected the genital tract, endocrine, and skeletal systems did not represent the actual underlying cause of death but rather were considered incidental findings. This study indicates that both inflammatory and neoplastic conditions contribute to morbidity and mortality in experimentally manipulated aged female NSG mice.
Evaluating a new method for reconstructing forest conditions from General Land Office survey records.

Historical forest conditions are often used to inform contemporary management goals because historical forests are considered to be resilient to ecological disturbances. The General Land Office (GLO) surveys of the late 19th and early 20th centuries provide regionally quasi-contiguous data sets of historical forests across much of the Western United States. Multiple methods exist for estimating tree density from point-based sampling such as the GLO surveys, including distance-based and area-based approaches. Area-based approaches have been applied in California mixed-conifer forests but their estimates have not been validated. To assess the accuracy and precision of plotless density estimators with potential for application to GLO data in this region, we imposed a GLO sampling scheme on six mapped forest stands of known densities (159-784 trees/ha) in the Sierra Nevada in California, USA, and Baja California Norte, Mexico. We compared three distance-based plotless density estimators (Cottam, Pollard, and Morisita) as well as two Voronoi area (VA) estimators, the Delince and mean harmonic Voronoi density (MHVD), to the true densities. We simulated sampling schemes of increasing intensity to assess sampling error. The relative error (RE) of density estimates for the GLO sampling scheme ranged from 0.36 to 4.78. The least biased estimate of tree density in every stand was obtained with the Morisita estimator and the most biased was obtained with the MHVD estimator. The MHVD estimates of tree density were 1.2-3.8 times larger than the true densities and performed best in stands subject to fire exclusion for 100 yr. The Delince approach obtained accurate estimates of density, implying that the Voronoi approach is theoretically sound but that its application in the MHVD was flawed. The misapplication was attributed to two causes: (1) the use of a crown scaling factor that does not correct for the number of trees sampled and (2) the persistent underestimate of the true VA due to a weak relationship between tree size and VA. The magnitude of differences between true densities and MHVD estimates suggest caution in using results based on the MHVD to inform management and restoration practices in the conifer forests of the American West.
Fertility, Cardiac, and Orthopedic Challenges in Survivors of Adult and Childhood Sarcoma

The combination of cisplatin, doxorubicin, and methotrexate was established as the standard backbone of contemporary osteosarcoma therapy in 1986. Since then, however, further improving the survival of patients with osteosarcoma has been challenging-30% to 40% of patients with osteosarcoma still die of this disease. In addition, these patients often experience loss of fertility at a young age, short- and long-term treatment-related cardiotoxicity, and adverse orthopedic effects from surgical resection of the tumor or endoprosthetic reconstructions. Cancer treatment often markedly increases the risk of infertility later in life, causing many patients substantial distress and regret. Sperm banking and oocyte cryopreservation are standard of care and should be available to all at-risk patients. Newer techniques, such as autologous gonadal tissue transplant for prepubertal children, are being developed, and newer systemic agents have infertility risk profiles that remain undefined and warrant further study. Cost and access remain barriers to these options. The late effects of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity are also increasingly a problem for these patients. These effects are often progressive and can be disabling. Adding dexrazoxane to doxorubicin therapy significantly reduces the risk for most adverse cardiac outcomes without compromising the efficacy of induction chemotherapy. Limb salvage surgery remains the standard of care for treatment in the majority of patients with extremity sarcomas. Modular metal prostheses and allograft reconstructions comprised the majority of surgical procedures for limb salvage surgery. The most common mechanism of failure of these implants is infection and mechanical failure of the implant.
Transient Plane and Line Source Methods for Soil Thermal Conductivity

Experiments were conducted to compare two sensing techniques for measuring thermal conductivity of unsaturated soils: (i) a modified transient plane source (MTPS) method for non-destructive measurements using a planar, interfacial heat reflectance sensor, and (ii) a transient line source (TLS-SP) method utilizing an embedded single-probe heat source. Measurement protocols for coarse-grained and fine-grained soils were developed. Thermal conductivity dry-out curves (TCDCs) were measured for five soil types, including poorly graded sand, well-graded sand with silt, silty sand, silt, and clay. The MTPS sensor consistently produced higher thermal conductivity for degrees of saturation greater than about 50 % but lower thermal conductivity for saturations less than 50 %. Saturated thermal conductivity measured using the MTPS sensor ranged from 8 % to 26 % greater than values measured using the TLS-SP sensor. Dry thermal conductivity measurements were comparable (<5 % difference) for fine-grained soils but were consistently and appreciably greater using the TLS-SP for coarse-grained soils. Mechanisms responsible for these differences include thermally induced water migration, latent heat transfer, sensor-soil contact resistance, gravity-induced water migration, and specimen heterogeneity. Secondary experiments indicated that the effects of gravity-induced water migration were insignificant within the short (<5 min) time frame elapsed between sample preparation and measurement.
Abstract P296: Ultrasound Guided Peripheral IV Insertion by Nurses in a Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit

Background: Prevention of hospital acquired infections in the critically ill patient is paramount to improving patient outcomes. A blood stream infection (BSI) prevention bundle (full body drape, chorhexidine prep, and daily line necessity review) was instituted in a medical/surgical cardiovascular intensive care unit (ICU) in mid 2007, but BSI rates remained above target goals. Aim: To identify patients at high risk for BSI and implement a strategy to decrease central line days, thereby decreasing the risk of BSI. Method: An intensive analysis was done on BSI cases that occurred during a 5 month period (July-November 2008, n=7 cases). We determined that medical cardiology patients who acquired BSI were all related to the presence of a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC). Based on this analysis, we performed an education blitz with all staff regarding care and maintenance of central venous catheters, including PICC lines in early 2009. As a parallel course, we embarked on a process to find an alternative to inserting PICC lines in patients previously identified as non-peripheral intravenous (IV) access candidates. This designation was determined by presence of edema, obesity and unsuitable or poor quality veins. A review of literature revealed that ultrasound guided venous access technique has been used with success by physicians in the emergency setting. We then developed and implemented a competency based protocol for nursing insertion of ultrasound guided peripheral IV access. Results: The use of ultrasound guided technology has increased the success rate of obtaining peripheral IV access. (Table) As a result, we have been able to eliminate the need for or at least delay placement of central access. Conclusion: The use of ultrasound guided technique for placing peripheral IVs reduces the need for central IV access and is associated with a decrease in BSI rates.
Design and implementation of a customized encryption algorithm for authentication and secure communication between devices

In the current world, encryption plays a significant role in securing relevant information from attackers. The applications of such protocols fall under numerous categories ranging from internet banking to Internet of Things (IoT). Many standards and developed encryption protocols are available as resources and are used based on the requirements. If the attacker has access to shared keys between devices, it doesn't take long to decrypt the information by using any of the standard encryption algorithms. Therefore, there is a necessity to build strong and complex encryption algorithms. In this paper, we propose a customized encryption algorithm and an authentication scheme to safely transfer information. This algorithm is a variation of Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) and devises a new protocol for key establishment. The implementation of communication protocol between two devices, with a prospect of working with multiple devices using a centralized server is presented. The outcome is to establish a different approach towards encryption and enhance security by providing protection against Man-in-the-Middle attacks. The customized algorithms are implemented using Python.
A model of transport and metabolism in neurons.

A mathematical model of the transport and metabolism of oxygen and glucose was developed for the region inside of a neuron and solved using the method of finite elements. Some of the key reactions important to glycolysis were modeled also, as they pertained to the utilizatin of these species. Although this preliminary investigation was carried out using solutions obtained by the incorporation of finite element techniques, ultimately the system is to be solved by application of the stochastic physical method. The benefit of the stochasitc physical approach is that it allows precise mathematical tracking of one particular species as far down as the molecular level. This powerful approach enables the region inside of a neuron to be viewed not as a homogeneous region, but more realistically as the heterogeneous medium of which it consists. Furthermore this allows the conventionally written lumped equations of transport and reaction inside a neuron to be written as distributed equations, thereby enabling more accurate and realistic description of the system.
Rebreathing of exhaled gases: importance as a mechanism for the causal association between prone sleep and sudden infant death syndrome.

Twenty to 52% of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) victims are found dead with their noses and mouths turned into underlying bedding. Several items of bedding have been shown to increase the risk for SIDS in case-control studies or to he associated with many SIDS deaths in case series. These items of bedding are softer, limit CO 2 dispersal more, and cause more rebreathing of exhaled gases than bedding infrequently associated with SIDS. Rebreathing of exhaled gases may explain some prone deaths, and avoiding rebreathing of these gases is one possible mechanism for the reduction in SIDS when infants avoid prone sleep. Results supporting these statements are reviewed and discussed.
Feasibility of single session high-intensity interval training utilizing speed and active recovery to push beyond standard practice post-stroke.

Background: Improvement in overground walking speed reduces dependency and is a central focus in post-stroke rehabilitation. Previous studies have shown that high-intensity interval training (HIT) ...
A Review of Characterization and Quantification Tools for Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion in the Oil and Gas Industry: Current and Future Trends

This review evaluates the analytical methods used for detecting microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC), which is an aggressive microbiota-facilitated degradation of engineering materials, and discusses their advantages and limitations. The challenges presented by the lack of a comprehensive mechanistic understanding on MIC detection, which include the need to use a combined array of morphological, chemical, electrochemical, and biological characterization for MIC detection, are thoroughly discussed using multiple case studies from the literature. The paradigm shifts and research necessary for the early and real-time monitoring of MIC are presented.
Cystic fibrosis and portal hypertension: Distal splenorenal shunt can prevent the need for future liver transplant.

Abstract Background The management of portal hypertension (PHT) in children with well compensated cirrhosis and cystic fibrosis (CF) is controversial. We present our experience with distal splenorenal shunting (DSRS) for the treatment of PHT as an alternative to liver transplantation (LT). Methods Between 2008 and 2017, 5 CF children underwent a DSRS at a pediatric hepatobiliary and transplantation referral center. LT (n = 9) was reserved for patients with decompensated cirrhosis. Statistical analysis was done using the paired t-test (p Results Mean PELD/MELD score was significantly lower for DSRS patients than LT (3 ± 6 vs 28 ± 4, p Conclusions Patients with cystic fibrosis who have well-compensated cirrhosis and symptomatic portal hypertension can be palliated with distal splenorenal shunting and do not need liver transplants. These patients can undergo shunting with minimal morbidity. Type of study Case series with no comparison group. Level of evidence IV.
Optimization of Education Management Work for Undergraduate Education Based on Big Data

The effectiveness of student education management is related to the development of colleges and universities. With the rapid development of information technology, the arrival of the era of big data has brought opportunities and challenges to the education management of undergraduate college students. As a frontier of exchange of ideas, information and knowledge, colleges and universities, how can college students’ ideological educators understand students through big data, approach students, guide students, and how to deal with the management of college students in the era of big data. The article has studied this and proposed an optimization approach.
Community-Based Food Waste Modeling and Planning Framework for Urban Regions

Food waste management (FWM) is a growing challenge in urban regions. Despite increasing concerns about the ensuing environmental pres­sure, economic inefficiency, and social disparity, quantitative studies of FWM are still limited. This study proposes a scalable model of food waste generation and community-based planning frame­work that aims to provide data references and policy strategies that help transform urban chal­lenges of FWM into opportunities. In contrast to the existing tools and programs that only focus on large generators (e.g., supermarkets), this study proposes an inclusive approach that also includes small generators (e.g., convenience stores and restaurants) and pairs food waste generators with local users for food reuse and recovery. The generic model was implemented in a case study in Chicago, where residents were found to generate nearly twice as much food waste as businesses on an annual basis. The Chicago case study also demonstrates the spatial mismatch between food waste generators and potential users, suggesting the need of system-wide coordination and planning as well as the inventory modeling at the community level.
Effect of acute and chronic ethanol on atrial fibrillation vulnerability in rats.

Background Even though ethanol consumption has been associated with risk of atrial fibrillation (AF), little is known about how ethanol affects atrial electrophysiology. Objective The purpose of this study was to study the electrophysiological effect of ethanol on rat AF. Methods Atrial optical mapping was performed on male Long Evans rat hearts with escalating concentrations of ethanol (0, 1, 2, and 3 mM). In addition, patch-clamp recordings on isolated atrial myocytes were performed. In chronic ethanol study, rats were divided into control and chronic ethanol groups (20% ethanol in drinking water for 6 months). Atrial optical mapping, histology, immunohistochemistry, and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction were performed in chronic rats. Results Acute ethanol perfusion increased AF vulnerability (0% at 0 mM, 0% at 1 mM, 57.1% at 2 mM, and 100% at 3 mM) in a dose-related response. Ethanol infusion decreased conduction velocities (CVs) in both atria and shortened effective refractory periods (ERP) only in the right atria with increased in dispersion of refractoriness. Action potential duration at 50% and 90% repolarization from right atrial myocytes were shortened, with corresponding increase of sustained potassium current. Chronic ethanol consumption increased AF inducibility (10% control vs 95.2% chronic ethanol). CVs in both atria were significantly decreased. ERP of the right atrium was shortened, and dispersion of ERP was increased. Expression (mRNA) of KCNQ1 and connexin40 were increased, but KCNA5 was decreased in the right atrium of rats exposed to chronic ethanol. Conclusion Acute and chronic exposure to ethanol increases AF vulnerability by slowing CV, shortening right atrial ERP, and increasing dispersion of ERP.
Multi-Omics Integration Reveals Short and Long-Term Effects of Gestational Hypoxia on the Heart Development

Antenatal hypoxia caused epigenetic reprogramming of methylome and transcriptome in the developing heart and increased the risk of heart disease later in life. Herein, we investigated the impact of gestational hypoxia in proteome and metabolome in the hearts of fetus and adult offspring. Pregnant rats were treated with normoxia or hypoxia (10.5% O2) from day 15 to 21 of gestation. Hearts were isolated from near-term fetuses and 5 month-old offspring, and proteomics and metabolomics profiling was determined. The data demonstrated that antenatal hypoxia altered proteomics and metabolomics profiling in the heart, impacting energy metabolism, lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammation-related pathways in a developmental and sex dependent manner. Of importance, integrating multi-omics data of transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics profiling revealed reprogramming of the mitochondrion, especially in two clusters: (a) the cluster associated with “mitochondrial translation”/“aminoacyl t-RNA biosynthesis”/“one-carbon pool of folate”/“DNA methylation”; and (b) the cluster with “mitochondrion”/“TCA cycle and respiratory electron transfer”/“acyl-CoA dehydrogenase”/“oxidative phosphorylation”/“complex I”/“troponin myosin cardiac complex”. Our study provides a powerful means of multi-omics data integration and reveals new insights into phenotypic reprogramming of the mitochondrion in the developing heart by fetal hypoxia, contributing to an increase in the heart vulnerability to disease later in life.
Sonication amplitude and processing time influence the cellulose nanocrystals morphology and dispersion

The application of bio-based materials is becoming impellent owing to the increasing demand for alternatives to petroleum-based analogs. In this regard, cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) with unique pr...
Clustering Analysis of Student Learning Outcomes Based on Education Data

This Research to Practice Full Paper extracts knowledge from the education data through clustering student outcomes for application towards refining course design. Changes in the field of technology and other aspects of the work environment calls for continual advancement in the education sector. Analysis of the outcomes of students from the Senior Exit Survey gauges the competence of graduates in their field of study. This survey is routinely conducted on students close to finishing an undergraduate degree and contains information about the various experiences while learning at Cal Poly Pomona. Understanding of these outcomes allows the faculty and the administration to improve the courses in an effective manner. The basis of this study is to cluster student learning outcomes and distinguish those with superior similarity. These outcomes can be fused for a targeted approach towards designing optimized courses.The clusters were developed using one of the most frequently used unsupervised learning techniques, or, the hierarchical clustering algorithm through R statistical analysis software. This algorithm had been proven to be reliable yet easy to interpret in past literature. For the purposes of this study, the hierarchical clustering model is defined by the dissimilarity measure between each pair of observation using the Euclidean distance along with the use of both complete and average linkages. The results from the two linkages were displayed using dendrograms. For additional visualization and verification of the clusters, a heat map was also constructed to illustrate the results using the complete linkage. A comparison of the results from these two linkages demonstrates exceptional similarities amongst the clusters; all but one outcome did not fall within the same clusters. In conclusion, the results show there exist three major clusters and three pairs of closely related outcomes to form out of the Senior Exit Survey data.
Gastrointestinal and Hepatic Complications of Immunotherapy: Current Management and Future Perspectives.

Checkpoint inhibitor (CPI) immunotherapy has transformed the treatment of multiple cancers over the past decade, leading to durable remissions, but also to severe inflammatory toxicities. These toxicities, termed immune-related adverse events (irAEs), can affect any organ system in the body, but commonly induce inflammation in barrier organs. Gastrointestinal (GI) and hepatic irAEs are among the most frequent and most severe from contemporary immunotherapies, with inflammation in the colon and or small intestines (entero)colitis as the single most common GI irAE. The aim of this review is to describe the evidence supporting our current understanding of CPI enterocolitis and hepatitis, as well as the management of these entities. Although most patients who develop enterocolitis recover without long-term GI sequelae, enterocolitis is still an important reason for treatment discontinuation, which, in patients with metastatic cancer, can be a life-threatening outcome. At present, we have almost no prospective, randomized data regarding the management of CPI enterocolitis, and current management algorithms are based on expert opinion and small retrospective studies with a high likelihood of bias. Retrospective studies have defined colonic ulceration as a predictor of colitis responsiveness to corticosteroids, and have defined microscopic colitis as a subtype of CPI enterocolitis with a distinct treatment response. Corticosteroids appear to be effective for 60–70% of patients with CPI enterocolitis, with about a third of patients requiring escalation to a biologic agent such as infliximab or vedolizumab. Yet proper sequencing of these treatments to minimize risk and maximize treatment benefit has not been established, and we do not know how treatment of colitis influences cancer outcomes. CPI enterocolitis and hepatitis are important causes of treatment interruption and discontinue, and significant morbidity in patients undergoing immunotherapy. As guidelines for diagnosis and management rely heavily on expert opinion, we have an urgent need for randomized and prospective trials that use both colitis and cancer outcomes to determine optimal management strategies.
Responses to risk messaging concerning Hurricane Sandy: two studies utilizing the health belief model

During emergencies and disasters, effective communication of risk messages is essential in mitigating loss of life and property. The Health Belief Model (HBM) provides a comprehensive understanding...
How do specific surface area and particle size distribution change when granular media dissolve

Abstract The measured dissolution rate of a granular medium depends on its surface area and how the surface area changes during the course of the measurement. Moreover, the assumption that the specific surface area either remains constant or initially increases during dissolution is not always valid. This paper demonstrates that when the particle size distribution has sufficient variance, the instantaneous change in surface area during dissolution can be negative, even before the smallest particles dissolve away. The concept is explained using spherical particles, extended for use with prismatic particles, and demonstrated experimentally with gypsum powder. For the commercial gypsum powder used, the specific surface area decreases by about 50% during the first 10% of mass loss in water, so this effect may have practical importance and have a significant impact on the uncertainty in reported dissolution rates measured with batch reactors.
Consolidation: a technique for improving permissiveness of human-machine interfaces

Erroneous software systems have led to accidents in the past. To prevent accidents, software must be tested rigorously before deployment. However, the environment that the software operates in can deviate beyond the test cases that developers evaluated the system for. An inflexible system cannot account for environmental deviations, so the goal of our research project is to improve the flexibility of software systems. Our research falls under the umbrella of formal methods. Finite state automata can be used to model the discrete actions and states that a software system can be in. We introduce consolidation, a technique that maximises permissiveness (number of paths a user can use to execute actions) while still keeping the user safe.
Family Medicine Telehealth Clinic With Medical Students

COVID-19 has altered clinical clerkships for medical students, providing an opportunity for telehealth with medical students to take center stage in the age of technology. This research brief demonstrates why and how to incorporate medical students into telehealth. For the purposes of clinical students, telehealth is a better educational alternative to in-person patient care than online modules. We performed a successful outpatient family medicine telehealth pilot program at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) that is currently being scaled up to other clerkships. This pilot was very limited in scope, but serves as a scalable model for future telehealth programs and curricula incorporating medical students.
Open Government Data Licensing: An Analysis of the U.S. State Open Government Data Portals

Licenses are important for open government data (OGD) distribution for the purpose of reducing legal uncertainties and increasing data interoperability, especially in linked open data applications. Many standard licenses and open licenses have been created by national governments and OGD organizations to use with the publication and dissemination of OGD. Using a content analysis method, this study examines the U.S. state-level OGD licensing policies and practices. Results show that most state-level governments have OGD policies in the form of formal legislation, executive order, data policy, or terms of use/legal disclaimer, but only twenty-one states have licensing-related policies. Licenses, including a variety of standard open licenses and local custom licenses (most of which are not open licenses), are adopted by more than half of the state portals. The licensing practices are generally consistent with the licensing policies, but inconsistencies can also be identified. The study calls for the state governments to prioritize their OGD licensing policies and practices.
Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence, Functional Independence, and Falls among People with HIV

Chronic disease management coupled with education may improve outcomes for those with chronic disease. As Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is now a chronic disease, addressing the needs of as peo...
Modeling of the Anaerobic Digestion of Organic Waste for Biogas Production

Abstract Anaerobic digestion is a biological process in which the organic material is converted by microorganisms to methane and carbon dioxide (biogas) in the absence of oxygen. This process is interesting but the control on industrial scale spontaneous biological reactions requires good knowledge of the phenomena involved. The search for appropriate models to be use in control theory is now a high priority to optimize fermentation processes and solve important problems, such as the development of renewable energy from biodegradable organic waste. The aim of this study is modeling of biokinetics of anaerobic digestion on several aspects such as microbial activity, substrate degradation and methane production. For this, we developed a mathematical model based on mass balances on biomass, the organic substrate and biogas. This model is then simulate on Matlab using the experimental data from the literature and comparison between other models and our experimental results. The sensitivity of the model to the process parameters was study by varying the initial concentration of the biomass and the dose of the organic substrate.
Chapter 4 External Triggers of Ion Transport Systems: Fertilization. Growth. and Hormone Systems

Publisher Summary This chapter provides a general description of the ionic changes that accompany fertilization of the oocyte and summarizes the effect of serum, growth factors, phorbol esters, and hormones on the stimulation of ionic fluxes in cultured cells. The interaction of sperm and egg is considered the most appropriate in discussing the triggers of increased ion transport. Fertilization evokes early events, such as plasma membrane depolarization, transient calcium release from intracellular stores, and cortical granular reaction. Upon contacting the egg, a single sperm is capable of inducing changes in the ionic permeability of the egg membrane, resulting in fluxes that may lead directly to various subsequent developmental events. The emergence of cell culture techniques in recent years has provided investigators with useful cell and epithelial model systems that help to study growth factor- and polypeptide-induced alterations in ion transport function. Rapid biochemical changes associated with growth factor action in cultured cells include modulation of ionic fluxes, protein phosphorylation, and cell division as in the fertilization process. The chapter also discusses the peptide hormone induction of ionic transport systems and their relationship to hormone secretion.
Law of the sea and ASW

Abstract The law of the sea has always been open to the charge of being a ‘covenant without a sword’ and its effectiveness when challenged by the perceived national security of a superpower is questionable. Attempts to limit and control antisubmarine warfare (ASW) have demonstrated that neither superpower is prepared to risk its second-strike capability for what may be an illusory legal protection. This article reviews developments relevant to ASW in the law of the sea and describes the significance of ASW to the superpowers' strategic objectives. The authors conclude by stressing the urgent need for effective arms control.
In Retrospect: Science — The Endless Frontier

Vannevar Bush's pivotal report that marked the beginning of modern science policy catapulted the phrase 'basic research' into popular usage, explains Roger Pielke Jr.
Is there evidence for a marginalist demand for labour

This paper presents estimates of the fixed-output elasticity of demand for production worker hours in U.S. manufacturing tha t are unsupportive of the neoclassical theory of labor demand. Evalua ting the elasticity of labor demand from the coefficient on product w ages in an employment function, it is shown that the consensus findin g of significant inverse wage-employment relationship at given output levels is not robust with respect to alternative price and output da ta or a specification of the employment equation which allows for dec lining rates of technical progress. Copyright 1987 by Oxford University Press.
Implicit pension debt: issues, measurement and scope in international perspective

This paper argues that it is important to take into account unfunded public pension liabilities as part of an assessment of the overall fiscal situation, including the fiscal positions of pension schemes pre and post reforms. It examines the concept of the implicit pension debt (IPD) and presents estimates for 35 low and middle income countries based on a consistent methodology and assumptions. The policy conclusions stress the need for standardized international reporting of this indicator.
Technic and results of routine fetal electrocardiography during pregnancy

Abstract The principles on which the routine technic of fetal electrocardiography has been developed are use of the electrocardiographic apparatus without modification, application of electrodes to the extremities only, increase of the amplitude of waves and decrease of the fuzziness of tracings by simple means. The technic of obtaining and interpreting fetal electrocardiograms is described in detail. The difference between the results obtained by use of the usual technic and those obtained by use of special technic is illustrated in Figs. 1 to 3. Seventy fetal electrocardiograms were recorded from 52 patients during the last seventy days of pregnancy. Sixty-one or 87 per cent of the electrocardiograms were positive and 9 or 13 per cent were negative. During the last twenty days of pregnancy 40 out of 44 electrocardiograms or 91 per cent were positive. Between the twenty-first and seventieth day before delivery 21 out of 26 electrocardiograms or 81 per cent were positive. In cases of vertex presentation, during the last twenty days of pregnancy, 94 per cent of the electrocardiograms were positive and, between the twenty-first and seventieth days before delivery, 87 per cent were positive. Besides the usual Leads I, II and III, two more leads were used (right arm—right thigh; left arm—right thigh). The largest number of positive results were obtained in the third lead (46) and in the fifth lead (left arm—right thigh) (45) because they are most favorable in the left vertex position of the fetus which is the most frequent position. Twenty-five per cent of the positive fetal electrocardiograms were positive in only one lead, 31 per cent in two leads, 15 per cent in three leads and 29 per cent in four leads. In the last three weeks before delivery, 38 per cent of the tests were positive in four leads. As an example of the practical value of the fetal electrocardiogram, a case is described and the electrocardiogram is shown in which the fetal heart tones could not be heard through the stethoscope and the electrocardiogram gave evidence of a living fetus fifty-five, forty-three, and thirty-one days before the expected term. Fetal electrocardiography in pregnancy and labor gives objective graphic evidence regarding the viability of the fetus. This is of practical value in doubtful cases in which the older subjective methods, stethoscopic examiantion, and observation of fetal movements fail. By means of the technic presented, the rate, rhythm, and regularity of fetal heart action can be observed in the electrocardiogram. The scientific field of fetal electrocardiography might even be wider. Such a procedure renders possible observation of the fetus objectively under various conditions in pregnancy and labor. The relationship between maternal and fetal heart action can be easily studied.
Mentalidades e estruturas sociais no Brasil colonial: uma resenha coletiva

Este artigo de resenha pretende discutir parte da recente producao historiografica, que busca redefinir e redirecionar o estudo do passado colonial brasileiro. Ate recentemente, a moderna historiografia brasileira tratava preferencialmente de assuntos relativos a economia politica, pacto colonial, questoes concernentes a escravidao e anomalias decorrentes de uma sociedade multiracial. Historiadores de linhas radicalmente diferentes chegaram a um consenso quanto a ideia do Brasil como uma colonia mercantilista cuja economia se estruturava no latifundio escravista orientado para exportacao, liderada por uma aristocracia de fazendeiros que determinava de varias formas sua vida social, mesmo nas regioes nao dedicadas a produtos de exportacao. Se este consenso dominou o pensamento historico brasileiro por meio seculo, ele passa hoje por uma seria revisao. O ataque tem partido tanto de historiadores que ainda veem os tradicionais temas marxistas de estrutura economica e suas relacoes com a organizacao da sociedade como os mais apropriados objetos de analise, como tambem de uma nova geracao de estudiosos mais interessados nas atitudes e ideias que se formaram em meio a estas estruturas e relacoes que no fenomeno propriamente dito.AbstractThis review essay will survey some of the recent historical production seeking to redefine or redirect the study of the Brazilian colonial past. Until recently, modern historiography on Brazil reflected heavy concentration on political economy, the colonial arrangement, the issues related to slavery, and the anomalies of a multiracial society. A consensus view emerged among historians of radically different political and methodological persuasions which envisioned Brazil as a mercantilist colony with an economy structured by its export orientation and slave-based latifundia, headed by a planter aristocracy which determined its social life in many ways, even in nonplantation regions. This consensus dominated historical reflection about Brazil for half a century but is now under serious scrutiny. The attack is being mounted by historians who still view the traditional Marxist themes of economic structure and its relation to social organization as the appropriate subject of analysis but also by a new generation of historians interested more in the attitudes and ideas that have shaped or resulted from those structures and relations than in the these phenomena per se.Key words: Historiography. Brazil – Economic history. Colonial history
CURRENCY AREAS, EXCHANGE RATE SYSTEMS AND INTERNATIONAL MONETARY REFORM

I. Introduction II. The Pre-Eminence of the Dollar III. The Fate of the Gold Standard IV. Currency Areas and Currency Unions V. The Importance of Monetary Rules VI. Monetary Arrangements in Free Trade Areas and Customs Unions VII. Central Banks, Dollarization and the Maastricht Conditions VIII. Exchange Rate Volatility and Internal vs. External Stability IX. Towards a World Currency