cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inositol phosphates and [Ca2+]i signals in a differentiating exocrine cell

Generation of inositol phosphates and changes in intracellular Ca2+ concentration [( Ca2+]i) upon muscarinic receptor activation were studied in isolated cells from the nasal salt gland of Anas platyrhynchos, comparing responses in the poorly differentiated cells from ducks drinking only tap water (naive cells) with the more fully differentiated actively secreting cells from ducks drinking 1% NaCl solution for 48 h before the experiment (stressed cells). On stimulation, naive cells showed a rapid five- to sevenfold increase in inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate [Ins(1,4,5)P3], accompanied by similar changes in Ins(1,3,4,5)P4, whereas both values increased only twofold in stressed cells. [3H]quinuclidinyl benzilate binding experiments revealed that these differences in inositol phosphate production were correlated with differences in the numbers of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. Continuous recordings of [Ca2+]i revealed that Ca2+ release from intracellular stores upon stimulation was similar in both cell types, but the sustained [Ca2+]i signal (dependent on Ca2+ entry) was three times more pronounced in stressed cells. The results suggest that the adaptive differentiation of salt gland cells is associated with the increased expression of the receptor-mediated Ca2+ entry mechanism. In addition, the high rate of phosphoinositide hydrolysis in naive cells upon receptor activation may have a significance in cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation, which are elements of the development of the salt transport capabilities in these cells.
3D Object Recognition using Gabor Feature Extraction and PCA-FLD Projections of Holographically Sensed Data

In this research, a 3D object classification technique using a single hologram has been presented. The PCA-FLD classifier with feature vectors based on Gabor wavelets has been utilized for this purpose. Training and test data of the 3D objects were obtained by computational holographic imaging. We were able to classify 3D objects used in the experiments with a few reconstructed planes of the hologram. The Gabor approach appears to be a good feature extractor for hologram-based 3D classification. The FLD combined with the PCA proved to be a very efficient classifier even with a few training data. Substantial dimensionality reduction was achieved by using the proposed technique for 3D classification problem using holographic imaging. As a consequence, we were able to classify different classes of 3D objects using computer-reconstructed holographic images.
Analysis of epidemic characteristics of sexually transmitted disease in Kashi City from 2004 to 2008.

Objective To know the prevalent trend and characteristics of sexually transmitted diseases(STD)to provide scientific basis for formulating prevention and control measures.Methods There was a tendency of continue increase for syphilis(SYPH) and yearly decrease for nongonococcal urethritis(NGU) and Condyloma acuminatum(CA) and fluctuation for genital herpes GU) and genital herpes(GH) without obvious decrease.The age group of 20 to 39-year-old was in sexually active period,accounting for 67.12% of patients with sexually transmitted diseases.Patients with low education level(under the level of secondary culture) accounted for 77.44%.Married patients with sexually transmitted venereal disease accounted for 77.31%.Conclusions The epidemic trend of STD in Kashi City can not be optimistic.It should reinforce management and health education in important population to advocate safe sexual behavior and control the prevalence of STD.
Factors Affecting Survival, Closure and M&A Exit for Small Businesses

We examine new firms created in 2004 and track their business status in the following four years using the Kauffman Firm Survey data. For firms that exited the sample during the 2004-2008 period, we distinguish between voluntary firm closure in the form of merger or acquisition and compulsory firm closure in the form of failure/permanently closed operations. We apply duration analysis with competing risks to test the effect of owner, business and industry characteristics on firm survival, closure and exit through M&A. The results show that by not taking into account the reason for exit (M&A versus permanently closed operations) we underestimate survival rates. In addition, factors that characterize closed businesses are different from those that characterize businesses that were sold or merged with other businesses.
Immigration, Incorporation, and Generational Cohorts in Historical Contexts

This paper aims to contribute to our understanding of historical and generational influences in the incorporation of immigrants in the United States. The first part addresses the importance of spelling out historical contexts for understanding virtually any aspect of the study of immigration and incorporation. By not doing so, we are left with an elegant but ahistorical positivism. The second section specifies the size and composition - and definition - of what are loosely referred to as the immigrant first and second “generations” in the United States, outlines a typology of distinctive generational cohorts (based on differences in nativity and age at arrival), and analyzes their patterns of acculturation as well as educational and occupational attainment. In particular, I consider the utility and validity of “lumping” vs. “splitting” such generational cohorts in the study of the adaptation of foreign-born immigrant children and the native-born children of immigrants. These distinctions - in a field where the study of intergenerational relations has been criticized as ahistorical - underscore the importance of situating and understanding generational processes in specific historical contexts.
Evaluation of Intradermal and Subcutaneous Infusion Set Performance Under 24-Hour Basal and Bolus Conditions

Background:This study sought to assess the function and delivery reliability of intradermal (ID) infusion sets used with commercial insulin pumps.Method:Healthy subjects (n = 43) were randomized to...
Organizational Response to a University Writing Initiative:Writing in the Disciplines (WID) in an Interdisciplinary Department

Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, along with other “soft” skills, consistently top the list of surveys of employers regarding the skills they seek in new hires and the skills they often find lacking in new graduates (Selingo, 2012). In 2003, a national report was released indicating that content classes outside of English composition were providing a neartotal neglect of writing (National Commission on Writing in American Schools and Colleges, 2003). Although the Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC) and closely associated Writing in the Disciplines (WID) movements had been spreading across campuses in the U.S. since the 1970s (Russell, 2012), at the time of the report it does not appear that the incorporation of writing in specific disciplines or majors outside of the English department had taken off in the U.S., despite the success of WAC and WID programs on campuses across the country and wellattended WAC conferences. Their recommendations included a call for support not just from educators but also from federal and state policymakers to make resources available to support a real, fundamental reformulation of society’s view of learning through writing and communication and not just another educational fad imposed upon overworked educators.
Improving charge-sensitive biomolecule sensors with the right choice of electrolyte

Abstract Biomolecule detectors are crucial to many fields, from medicine to environmental conservation. One type of sensor detects charged biomolecules in solution by flowing an electrolyte over a receptor-functionalized surface (e.g., a transistor) before and after the analyte binds to the surface. This changes the surface charge, and a change in a device property like a conductance is measured. The change in the device property correlates with the concentration of analyte in the solution. While many groups have tested this method, most studies have only used electrolytes with small cations like potassium and calcium. Here, we use density functional theory of electrolytes to calculate how different electrolytes affect the output of these detectors. We determined that the signal of these devices could be improved by using electrolytes with a minimal concentration of large, monovalent cations. Likewise, the sensitivity of these devices can be improved with a moderate-to-low concentration of large, monovalent cations. Therefore, using electrolytes with large (∼0.9 nm diameter), monovalent ions may increase the sensitivity of currently-used sensors.
Induction and Inhibition of Adaptive Enzyme Formation in a Phytoflagellate.

SummaryInduction of adaptive enzyme synthesis is described in a phytoflagellate. The adaptation has been shown to occur in non-proliferating cell suspensions, and it is also shown to be dependent upon an exogenous source of nitrogen. The adaptive enzyme synthesis is selectively inhibited by ultraviolet irradiation without affecting the activity of pre-existing enzymes. At low ultraviolet intensities viability and adaptability have been partially dissociated; adaptation is only slightly inhibited while viability is reduced by 80%.
A Short Signature Scheme Based on Bilinear Pairings in Standard Model

This paper,according to Waters encryption scheme,designs a short signature scheme,and verifies its security under standard model,which is unforgeable under the models of CDH-problem and self-adaptive and chosen message attack.Compared to previous schemes of short signature,this scheme,with the same signature length,has a higher level of security model than random oracle model,and a safer model of CDH-problem than the previous SDH-assumption model.
Transforming Palliative Care in Nursing Homes: The Social Work Role, edited by M. Bern-Klug

As I read this book, I reflected back upon my experiences as a social worker in a nursing home. While omnipresent and inevitable, illness and death were seen as the enemy and we struggled mightily ...
The surveillance results of the mosquitoes in Jiangyin city from 2008 to 2010

Objective To understand the mosquito population and density in Jiangyin,and get basis for controlling mosquito and mosquito-borne disease.Methods Using light trap method to survey mosquitoes in habitats of communities,gardens,hospitals,farm households and livestock barns from 2008 to 2010,and analyzing monitoring data.Results Five species were found,Culex pipiens pallens,C.tritaeniorhynchus,Aedes albopictus,Armigeres subalbatus and Anopheles sinensis.Culex pipiens pallens was the dominant species,accounted for 96.01%.The highest densities of 2008,2009 and 2010 were respectively in September,August and July.They were 3.31,5.14,6.86 pieces per light per hour respectively.The relationship between density and air temperature was y=0.000 4x3-0.014 9x2+0.201 6x-0.946 9.Conclusion C.pipiens pallens should be controlled firstly.Much more attention should be paid to mosquito control when air temperature was higher than 11.0℃ and in the period from May to October.
“So We Have to Teach Them or What?”: Introducing Preservice Teachers to the Figured Worlds of Urban Youth Through Digital Conversation

BackgroundExtant literature contends that it can be difficult for White preservice teachers to develop culturally relevant curriculum for the diverse students whom they will encounter in classrooms...
Synthesis and Reactivity of Low-Coordinate Titanium Synthons Supported by a Reduced Redox-Active Ligand.

To further explore the reactivity and redox capability of the bis-arylimino acenaphthylene ligand (BIAN) in early transition metal complexes, the coordinatively unsaturated titanium synthons, [(dpp-BAAN)Ti(R)2] ([dpp-BAAN]2– = N,N′-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenylamido)acenaphthylene and R = OtBu (2) or CH2C(CH3)3 (3)), in which the BAAN ligand is reduced by two electrons, were isolated in good yields via sterically induced radical elimination reactions. Addition of p-tolyl azide to complex 3 initiated reductive elimination of the neopentyl ligands to generate a putative imido species. The imido species was trapped by a second oxidative addition of chloride ligands to yield the titanium imido complex, [(dpp-BIAN)Ti[═N(4-C6H4Me)]Cl2 (4). These reactions demonstrate that the BAAN ligand can provide redox equivalents for enhanced reactivity that includes oxidative addition and reductive elimination at d0 metal centers.
Embracing tension: using Bakhtinian theory as a means for data analysis

In this article we introduce tension as a means for qualitative data analysis based on Mikhail Bakhtin’s dialogical theory. We first explain the foundations of Bakhtin’s theory and show the inevitability of tension in our lives and qualitative data analysis. We then offer a review of how Bakhtin’s notion of tension has manifested itself in qualitative research, which prompts us to establish a tensional approach to qualitative data analysis. Finally, we outline our framework for a tensional approach to data analysis and illustrate examples of putting this approach into practice in our own study. Our tensional approach (1) explores key moments of tension; (2) seeks out unease and discomfort; (3) involves researcher and research participants in ongoing dialogue; (4) and embraces multiple perspectives on a range of tensions during the data analysis process. It encourages uncertainties and questions instead of pursuing certainty of meaning and fixed conclusions.
Mechanism Governing Human Kappa-Opioid Receptor Expression Under Desferrioxamine-Induced Hypoxic Mimic Condition in Neuronal NMB Cells

Cellular adaptation to hypoxia is a protective mechanism for neurons and relevant to cancer. Treatment with desferrioxamine (DFO) to induce hypoxia reduced the viability of human neuronal NMB cells. Surviving/attached cells exhibited profound increases of expression of the human kappa-opioid receptor (hKOR) and hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α). The functional relationship between hKOR and HIF-1α was investigated using RT-PCR, Western blot, luciferase reporter, mutagenesis, siRNA and receptor-ligand binding assays. In surviving neurons, DFO increased HIF-1α expression and its amount in the nucleus. DFO also dramatically increased hKOR expression. Two (designated as HIFC and D) out of four potential HIF response elements of the hKOR gene (HIFA–D) synergistically mediated the DFO response. Mutation of both elements completely abolished the DFO-induced effect. The CD11 plasmid (containing HIFC and D with an 11 bp spacing) produced greater augmentation than that of the CD17 plasmid (HIFC and D with a 17 bp-spacing), suggesting that a proper topological interaction of these elements synergistically enhanced the promoter activity. HIF-1α siRNA knocked down the increase of endogenous HIF-1α messages and diminished the DFO-induced increase of hKOR expression. Increased hKOR expression resulted in the up-regulation of hKOR protein. In conclusion, the adaptation of neuronal hKOR under hypoxia was governed by HIF-1, revealing a new mechanism of hKOR regulation.
Coupling External Radiation Transport Code Results to the GADRAS Detector Response Function

Simulating gamma spectra is useful for analyzing special nuclear materials. Gamma spectra are influenced not only by the source and the detector, but also by the external, and potentially complex, scattering environment. The scattering environment can make accurate representations of gamma spectra difficult to obtain. By coupling the Monte Carlo Nuclear Particle (MCNP) code with the Gamma Detector Response and Analysis Software (GADRAS) detector response function, gamma spectrum simulations can be computed with a high degree of fidelity even in the presence of a complex scattering environment. Traditionally, GADRAS represents the external scattering environment with empirically derived scattering parameters. By modeling the external scattering environment in MCNP and using the results as input for the GADRAS detector response function, gamma spectra can be obtained with a high degree of fidelity. This method was verified with experimental data obtained in an environment with a significant amount of scattering material. The experiment used both gamma-emitting sources and moderated and bare neutron-emitting sources. The sources were modeled using GADRAS and MCNP in the presence of the external scattering environment, producing accurate representations of the experimental data.
RISK OF FATAL REAR-END COLLISIONS: IS THERE MORE TO IT THAN ATTENTION?

Rear-end collisions predominantly occur in the daytime under clear, unobstructed viewing conditions and usually involve a lead vehicle that is stopped at the time of collision. These facts suggest that driver inattention plays a significant causal role in rear-end collisions, and mitigation efforts have therefore focused largely on development of warning technologies to alert drivers of an impending crash. However, it is noted that this pattern of crash data should not lead to the conclusion that drivers have special difficulty avoiding rear-end collisions in broad daylight. Nor should it be concluded that other "environmental" factors do not influence driving behavior to increase rear-end crash risk. Crash frequency is determined both by the inherent risk in the driving task and by the frequency of driver exposure to conditions in which a crash is possible. When exposure level is equated across conditions which differ in ambient light level, it is found that rear-end collisions appear to be more than twice as likely in darkness than in daylight.
PENGARUH MOTIVASI, KOMPENSASI DAN LINGKUNGAN KERJA, TERHADAP KINERJA KARYAWAN: (STUDI KASUS PT INFIMEDIA SOLUSI PRATAMA)

The purpose of this research is to know the effect of motivation , compensation and working area toward employee’s performance (case study at PT Infimedia Solusi Pratama). The instrument of this analysis is double regression analysis. The population of this analysis is all employees at PT. Infimedia Solusi Pratama and it has 43 people as sample. Analysis model which is used is descriptive model with SPSS V.17. this research using taking sampling technique (total sampling technique or census). Instrument of this research is questioner for about 100 questions. The result of this research shows : 1) there is effect between internal communications towards employee’s performance, 2) there is effect between compensation towards employee’s performance, 3) there is effect between working area towards employee’s performance, 4) there is effect among internal communication, compensation, and working area simultaneously toward employee’s performance, 5) koefisien determination or (R 2 ) is 0,695 or 69,5%. It means that effect of internal communications, compensation, and working area toward employee’s performance simultaneously is 69,5% and for the rest is 30,5% influenced by other factor. Based on the research which has been done, it can be seen that there is effect simultaneously among motivation (X1), compensation (X2), and working area (X3) toward employee’s performance. (Y) .
AgRP Accountants Compute Caloric Cost.

The gut-brain communication underlying energy homeostasis has been a topic of interest for years. In two new papers, Beutler et al. (2017) and Su et al. (2017) delve into the mechanisms by which satiation is represented in a well-studied population of orexigenic neurons.
Random Walk in a Ring [Circuit Intuitions]

Welcome to the 16th article in the "Circuit Intuitions" column series. As the title suggests, each article provides insights and intuitions into circuit design and analysis. These articles are aimed at undergraduate students but may serve the interests of other readers as well. I would appreciate your comments and feedback on this article as well as your requests and suggestions for future articles in this series. Please e-mail me at ali@ece.utoronto.ca.
RECTAL PAIN AS THE INITIAL SYMPTOM IN ACUTE LEUKEMIA: REPORT OF A CASE.

A patient may exhibit severe, disabling, anorectal symptoms which are disproportionate to physical findings. Rarely leukemia may be the cause, and the first signs of blood dyscrasia may appear in the anorectum. The diagnosis may not be suggested by the history, physical examination or routine laboratory data. The case reported herein is of this type. A survey was made of the scant medical literature. Emphasis has been placed on medical management with the exception of a few cases because wounds heal poorly or not at all. After such palliative surgical procedures, morbidity may be worse than that of the original disease. It behooves the physician to be on the alert for systemic disease which initially manifests itself in the anorectum.
A partial contact frictional force model for finger-surface interactions

Touching an object with our fingers yields frictional forces that allow us to perceive and explore its texture, shape, and other features. While the relevance of these frictional forces to sensory and motor function in the hand is well established, the way that they reflect the shape and texture of touched objects is not well understood. This lack of knowledge currently constraints the development of haptic rendering algorithms that rely on reproducing frictional forces to mimic the sensation of touching real surfaces. To address this, we created a low order contact mechanics inspired model that accounted for: disconnection between the finger and high relief features of the surfaces, and differences of pressure applied in the contact regions. The output of our model was compared to experimental frictional force measurements of bare-fingers sliding on structured surfaces. The results show high similarity between the measurements and the model output. The model presented can be used to predict frictional forces if the geometry of a touched surface is known together with the coefficient of friction of the untextured surface.
Quercetin inhibits prostate cancer by attenuating cell survival and inhibiting anti-apoptotic pathways

Despite recent advances in diagnosis and treatment, prostate cancer (PCa) remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men. Current treatments offered in the clinics are often toxic and have severe side effects. Hence, to treat and manage PCa, new agents with fewer side effects or having potential to reduce side effects of conventional therapy are needed. In this study, we show anti-cancer effects of quercetin, an abundant bioflavonoid commonly used to treat prostatitis, and defined quercetin-induced cellular and molecular changes leading to PCa cell death. Cell viability was assessed using MTT. Cell death mode, mitochondrial outer membrane potential, and oxidative stress levels were determined by flow cytometry using Annexin V-7 AAD dual staining kit, JC-1 dye, and ROS detection kit, respectively. Antibody microarray and western blot were used to delineate the molecular changes induced by quercetin. PCa cells treated with various concentrations of quercetin showed time- and dose-dependent decrease in cell viability compared to controls, without affecting normal prostate epithelial cells. Quercetin led to apoptotic and necrotic cell death in PCa cells by affecting the mitochondrial integrity and disturbing the ROS homeostasis depending upon the genetic makeup and oxidative status of the cells. LNCaP and PC-3 cells that have an oxidative cellular environment showed ROS quenching after quercetin treatment while DU-145 showed rise in ROS levels despite having a highly reductive environment. Opposing effects of quercetin were also observed on the pro-survival pathways of PCa cells. PCa cells with mutated p53 (DU-145) and increased ROS showed significant reduction in the activation of pro-survival Akt pathway while Raf/MEK were activated in response to quercetin. PC-3 cells lacking p53 and PTEN with reduced ROS levels showed significant activation of Akt and NF-κB pathway. Although some of these changes are commonly associated with oncogenic response, the cumulative effect of these alterations is PCa cell death. Our results demonstrated quercetin exerts its anti-cancer effects by modulating ROS, Akt, and NF-κB pathways. Quercetin could be used as a chemopreventive option as well as in combination with chemotherapeutic drugs to improve clinical outcomes of PCa patients.
Celebrity Physicist: How the Press Sensationalized Einstein’s Search for a Unified Field Theory

In Einstein’s later years, from the late 1920s onward, his reputation in the physics community as an innovator had faded as he pursued increasingly unrealistic unified field theories. Yet from the perspective of the press, his image and ideas were still marketable. We will see how his various attempts to craft a unified field theory generated numerous headlines, despite their lack of experimental evidence or even realistic solutions. We will examine how Einstein’s “latest theory,” became a much sought-after commodity used to generate interest in books, magazines, and newspapers.
India: From Political Federalism and Fiscal Centralization to Greater Subnational Autonomy

The adoption of a federal system in independent India was essentially a foregone conclusion. The Government of India Act of 1935 created a decentralized system of governance for the units of colonial India that were directly ruled, and the incorporation of the indirectly controlled Princely States would have been much more difficult without the expectation that subnational units would have some political independence. But India’s heterogeneous society and political federalism has obscured the extent to which taxing and spending decisions were controlled by the central government, especially during the nearly four decades of majority Congress rule, and the integrated judicial system adopted at independence also reflects this centralizing tendency. In the last two decades, the adoption of market-friendly economic reforms have opened the door for greater state autonomy in economic decision making, and the shift from majority to coalition governments at the Center have heightened these opportunities. The Supreme Court’s influence has continued to be strong during this transition, but the backlog of cases at every level of the judiciary has led to experiments with alternative systems of dispute resolution, especially at the local levels and in the area of personal law.
Viscous Simulation of Wake Patterns

Vortex sheet motion is regularized by smoothing the initial data and solving the Navier-Stokes equations. The underlying flow is induced by a vortex sheet containing positive and negative circulation. Wake patterns are obtained which closely resemble previous experimental results and vortex blob simulations.
Mental Health Professionals' Perceptions of Women's Experiences of Family Violence

This study explored perceptions of 92 mental health professionals regarding violent families. They were asked to answer the questions on the Family Environment Scale as they thought women who lived in homes where they and their children were physically and/or psychologically abused would respond. Their scores were compared to those of 28 mothers in battered women's shelters. They differed significantly in their perceptions of violent family dynamics with regard to levels of cohesion, expressiveness, independence, intellectual-cultural orientation, active-recreational emphasis, and moral-religious emphasis. They believed the women to have lower levels on these constructs than the women actually reported. Implications suggest that mental health professionals could be more aware of the dynamics of violent families in order to efficiently uncover the violence during therapy sessions and provide appropriate services.
Clostridioides difficile colonization and infection in patients with newly diagnosed acute leukemia: Incidence, risk factors, and patient outcomes

Background The frequency, risk factors, and outcomes for Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) in patients with newly diagnosed acute leukemia (AL) admitted for induction therapy are unclear. Methods We studied 509 consecutive patients with AL admitted between 2006 and 2017 and conducted a prospective C difficile surveillance and ribotyping analysis in a subset of these. Results The incidence of CDI was 2.2/1,000 inpatient days during induction, and CDI was rare after discharge. CDI was highest in patients with acute myelogenous leukemia. A hospitalization shortly before admission and administration of a greater number of antibiotics increased the risk for CDI. No single class of antibiotics conveyed an increased risk. All cases were successfully treated, and CDI was not associated with an increase in length of stay, costs, or mortality. In a subgroup analysis, 16% of patients with acute myelogenous leukemia and 4% with other leukemia types were colonized on admission. Colonization was associated with a higher risk of CDI. Ribotyping of available isolates showed 27 different strain types with 014/020 and 027 being the most frequent. Conclusions The number of antibiotics administered are a major risk factor for CDI in patients with AL. However, CDI appears to have minimal clinical impact in this population.
Recess in the motherboard architectures for small form factor systems

Abstract This paper details an architecture that includes a recess in motherboard (RiMB) to enable increased packaging density of functional components for next generation mobile personal computing...
The processing of input with differential object marking by heritage Spanish speakers

Heritage Spanish speakers and adult immigrant bilinguals listened to wh-questions with the differential object marker a (quien/a quien ‘who/whoACC’) while their eye movements across four referent pictures were tracked. The heritage speakers were less accurate than the adult immigrants in their verbal responses to the questions, leaving objects unmarked for case at a rate of 18%, but eye movement data suggested that the two groups were similar in their comprehension, with both starting to look at the target picture at the same point in the question and identifying the target sooner with a quien ‘whoACC’ than with quien ‘who’ questions.
Suppression of testosterone production using abiraterone acetate (AA) with or without androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).

5049Background: Patients with metastatic prostate cancer (mPC) are treated with lifelong ADT even after progression and every treatment for mPC has been tested only in the setting of androgen depri...
Performance evaluation of statistical methods for forecasting of unemployment rate.

The aim of this article is the accuracy evaluation of suitable models used for prediction of the unemployment rate development in Czech Republic under conditions of economic depression. Models were based on exponential smoothing and training of artificial neural networks. The most suitable models, as it was proved two months ago (see [1]), the exponential eventually damped model with additive seasonality and multilayer perceptron forecasted March’s and April’s unemployment rate as 7.58–7.89 % and 7.63–8.33 % for exponential smoothing respective as 7.3–7.45 % and 6.62–8.22 % for multilayer perceptron. Performance of a models measured by Theil’s U were 0.002–0.022 for exponential smoothing respective 0.016–0.041 for multilayer perceptrons. Recalculation of exponential smoothing model and retraining of artificial neural networks on fresh values of the unemployment rate show that 1) smoothing parameters were little modified; 2) same type of ANNs were suitable for solving this problem – comparison of nets parameters is considered useless. This recalculation/retraining brought new more relevant forecasting regarding to the present and still dynamic economic situation.
Adaptive Neuro-Symbolic Network Agent

This paper describes Adaptive Neuro-Symbolic Network Agent, a new design of a sensorimotor agent that adapts to its environment by building concepts based on Sparse Distributed Representations of sensorimotor sequences. Utilizing Non-Axiomatic Reasoning System theory, it is able to learn directional correlative links between concept activations that were caused by the appearing of observed and derived event sequences. These directed correlations are encoded as predictive links between concepts, and the system uses them for directed concept-driven activation spreading, prediction, anticipatory control, and decision-making, ultimately allowing the system to operate autonomously, driven by current event and concept activity, while working under the Assumption of Insufficient Knowledge and Resources.
Level and Trend of Writing Sequences: A Review and Meta-Analysis of Writing Interventions for Students With Disabilities:

We examined effects of intervention on the level and trend of text-writing sequences of students with disabilities and writing difficulties, in addition to potential moderating effects related to s...
Changes in maximal aerobic capacity, body composition, and running capacity with prolonged training and detraining in Standardbred horses

This study tested the hypothesis that 12 weeks of training would significantly alter maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max), running capacity, and body composition in mature Standardbred horses, and tha...
Localized Bicep Tissue Bioimpedance Alterations Following Eccentric Exercise in Healthy Young Adults

Objective: The localized bicep tissue bioimpedance was measured from participants who completed an eccentric exercise protocol with one arm and no exercise with the other arm to compare changes that occur as a result of the exercise protocol over a 96h observation period. Methods: The localized bicep bioimpedance, bicep circumference, and self-reports of bicep pain were collected from 6 volunteers at pre, post, 24h, 48h, 72h, and 96h timepoints after completing an eccentric exercise protocol of the elbow flexor muscles. Results: The unexercised bicep showed no statistically significant differences between the pre-exercise and post-exercise measures at any timepoints for all impedance measures and circumference. The exercised bicep showed statistically significant decreases ( $p ) for 10 kHz, 50 kHz, and 100 kHz impedance (resistance and reactance) and increases of bicep circumference at the 72h and 96h post-protocol timepoints, compared to the pre-protocol measurements. The self-reports of pain of the exercised bicep also showed statistically significant increases ( $p ) at the 48h and 72h timepoints compared to the baseline reports. Conclusion: Completion of the eccentric protocol resulted in increases of bicep circumference and decreases in the magnitude of resistance and reactance components of the localized tissue bioimpedance; with maximum changes of swelling and impedance occurring at the same post-protocol timepoints. These changes support that localized tissue bioimpedance is sensitive to the changes that occur as a result of the exercise protocol with the potential to quantify tissues for exercise induced changes. Significance: Localized tissue bioimpedance is sensitive to the changes that occur from eccentric exercise and may be a potential method to non-invasively quantify tissues for changes due to exercise, fatigue, injury, and recovery.
Peritoneal Dialysis: Recommendations for Clinical Practice and Research Needs Directed at Reducing Morbidity and Mortality in Peritoneal Dialysis

These presentations highlighted some of the current research needs in peritoneal dialysis. They are not meant to eclipse other important issues, such as adequacy and nutrition. These needs have bec...
Startle response of the invasive Asian shore crab under different environmental conditions

In recent years, researchers have recognized the importance of behavioral factors for invasive species success. There is evidence that an organism’s ability to quickly react to stimuli may be one behavioral factor leading to invasive success. In this study, we analyzed the startle response of the invasive Asian shore crab Hemigrapsus sanguineus (De Haan, 1835), which measured here as a binary response variable of either active or inactive behavior when the rock they were under was suddenly lifted up. The behavior of H. sanguineus was compared to other crab species in the area to determine how species-dependent their responses were. This response was compared across an intertidal gradient with variation in temperature, intertidal elevation, substrate, time of day, and male-to-female ratios to determine if these affected the crabs’ responses. We found that H. sanguineus was more responsive than other species, perhaps indicative of a generally high activity level for this species. Surprisingly, we found that their behavior was not affected by any environmental factors tested. The consistently active behavior of this crab could be one factor contributing to its high level of success as an invasive species.
Ornithine decarboxylase activity in insulin-deficient states.

The activity of ornithine decarboxylase, the rate-controlling enzyme in polyamine biosynthesis, was determined in tissues of normal control rats and rats made diabetic with streptozotocin. In untreated diabetic rats fed ad libitum, ornithine decarboxylase activity was markedly diminished in liver, skeletal muscle, heart and thymus. Ornithine decarboxylase was not diminished in a comparable group of diabetic rats maintained on insulin. Starvation for 48h decreased ornithine decarboxylase activity to very low values in tissues of both normal and diabetic rats. In the normal group, refeeding caused a biphasic increase in liver ornithine decarboxylase; there was a 20-fold increase in activity at 3h followed by a decrease in activity, and a second peak between 9 and 24h. Increases in ornithine decarboxylase in skeletal muscle, heart and thymus were not evident until after 24–48h of refeeding, and only a single increase occurred. The increase in liver ornithine decarboxylase in diabetic rats was greater than in normal rats after 3h of refeeding, but there was no second peak. In peripheral tissues, the increase in ornithine decarboxylase with refeeding was diminished. Skeletal-muscle ornithine decarboxylase is induced more rapidly when meal-fed rats are refed after a period without food. Refeeding these rats after a 48h period without food caused a 5-fold increase in ornithine decarboxylase in skeletal muscle at 3h in control rats but failed to increase activity in diabetic rats. When insulin was administered alone or together with food to the diabetic rats, muscle ornithine decarboxylase increased to activities even higher than in the refed controls. In conclusion, these findings indicate that the regulation of ornithine decarboxylase in many tissues is grossly impaired in diabetes and starvation. They also suggest that polyamine formation in vivo is an integral component of the growth-promoting effect of insulin or some factor dependent on insulin.
Gaps Exist in the Comprehensive Care of Children with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.

Objectives To describe patterns of primary and specialty care delivery in pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), delineate which members of the healthcare team provided services, and identify gaps in care. Study design Cross-sectional survey of parents of children (2-17 years) with IBD and adolescents with IBD (13-17 years) at a free-standing, quaternary children's hospital regarding healthcare receipt. Results There were 161 parents and 84 adolescents who responded to the survey (75% and 60% response, respectively). The mean patient age was 14 ± 3 years, 51% were male, 80% had Crohn's disease, 16% ulcerative colitis, and 4% IBD-unspecified. Most parents were white (94%), living in a suburban setting (57%). Sixty-nine percent of households had ≥1 parent with a bachelor's degree or higher. Most had private insurance (43%) or private primary with public secondary insurance (34%). Most patients received annual check-ups (70%), vaccinations (78%), and care for minor illnesses (74%) from their primary care provider. Check-ups for gastrointestinal symptoms, IBD monitoring, and changes in type/dosing of IBD treatment were provided by their gastroenterology provider (77%, 93%, and 86% of patients, respectively). Discussions about family/peer relationships, school/extracurricular activities, and mood were not addressed in 30%-40% of participants. Adolescents frequently reported that no one had talked to them about substance use (40%), sexual health (50%), or body image (60%); 75% of adolescents and 76% of their parents reported that no one had discussed transitioning to an adult provider. Conclusions There were gaps in the psychosocial care of pediatric patients with IBD. Coordinated, comprehensive care delivery models are needed.
The 20-hydroxyecdysone agonist, halofenozide, primes anti-Plasmodium immunity in Anopheles gambiae via the ecdysone receptor

Mosquito physiology and immunity are integral determinants of malaria vector competence. This includes the principal role of hormonal signaling in Anopheles gambiae initiated shortly after blood-feeding, which stimulates immune priming and promotes vitellogenesis through the function of 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E). Previous studies demonstrated that manipulating 20E signaling through the direct injection of 20E or the application of a 20E agonist can significantly impact Plasmodium infection outcomes, reducing oocyst numbers and the potential for malaria transmission. In support of these findings, we demonstrate that a 20E agonist, halofenozide, is able to prime anti-Plasmodium immune responses that limit Plasmodium ookinete survival. We demonstrate that halofenozide requires the function of ultraspiracle (USP), a component of the canonical heterodimeric ecdysone receptor, to prime malaria parasite killing responses. Additional experiments suggest that the effects of priming are temporal, such that the application of halofenozide post-infection has no effect on malaria parasite infection. Unlike 20E, halofenozide does not influence cellular immune function, AMP production, or influence bacteria survival as in previous experiments. Together, our results further demonstrate the potential of targeting 20E signaling pathways to reduce malaria parasite infection in the mosquito vector and provide new insight into the mechanisms of halofenozide-mediated immune priming that differ from 20E.
A passive and inclusive strategy to impute missing values of a composite categorical variable with an application to determine HIV transmission categories.

Abstract Purpose Multiple imputation (MI) is a widely acceptable approach to missing data problems in epidemiological studies. Composite variables are often used to summarize information from multiple, correlated items. This study aims to assess and compare different MI methods for handling missing categorical composite variables. Methods We investigate the problem in the context of a real application: estimating the prevalence of HIV transmission category, which is a composite variable generated by applying a hierarchical algorithm to a group of binary risk source variables from a national program data set. We use simulation studies to compare and assess the performance of alternative MI strategies. These methods include the active imputation, just another variable, and the passive imputation approaches. Results Our study suggests that the passive imputation approach performs better than the direct imputation approach and the inclusive and general imputation model (i.e. passive imputation with interactions) performs the best. There is no need to embed the information from the variable-combining algorithm in the passive imputation modeling. Conclusion We recommend practitioners adopting an inclusive and general passive imputation modeling strategy.
An Examination of the Internet Newsgroups as a Subculture of Consumption: Implications for Marketers

The Usenet newsgroups on the Internet are examined as a subculture of consumption. Specifically the Internet erotic newsgroups were studied in terms of methods of symbolic communication, social hierarchy, and group roles. Implications are discussed including the need for marketers to understand the impact of communications on the Internet.
Growing Old and Immunity to Bacteria

This chapter discusses immune function and its association with increased susceptibility of the elderly to bacterial infections. It is divided based upon common sites of infection, with an emphasis on pulmonary and gastrointestinal infections. Within each section, the prevalence of infection in the elderly population is discussed, followed by our current understanding of immunity in the elderly. The bacterial pathogens S. pneumoniae, M. tuberculosis, and L. monocytogenes are the primary focus of this chapter. Foodborne pathogens are an important public health concern and include pathogens such as Campylobacter, Listeria, Shigella, and Salmonella. In some individuals, ocular infection can lead to bacterial keratitis, a more debilitating disease. The elderly are at increased risk of developing septicemia following a bacterial infection, with septicemia listed as the 10th leading cause of death in the elderly. Although systemic LPS delivery has been an important model to further our understanding of systemic bacterial infection, it cannot model responses to whole bacteria where the interplay between immune responses and pathogen adds more complexity than one single pathogen-associated virulence factor. The potential for bacterial pathogens to be used a biological weapons has already been realized, and our elderly population is particularly susceptible. Our ability to protect the elderly from bacterial infection is highly dependent on the generation of knowledge about how the elderly respond to infectious disease and additional research is warranted.
Efficacy of a retention pond in treating stormwater nutrients and sediment

Abstract Urban retention ponds are a common stormwater control measure (SCM), particularly in rapidly developing coastal areas due to their physiography. A retention pond can hold a large percentage of its inflow for a period of time and then gradually release it, allowing suspended sediments and attached pollutants to settle out and enabling biological and physicochemical processes (e.g., uptake or adsorption), reducing pollutant concentrations. On the other hand, retention ponds can also become a source of pollutants resuspended or mobilized from bottom sediments. This study instrumented a retention pond located in a mid-Atlantic coastal city to monitor inflows and outflows for a one-year period. The pond was not designed to provide water quality treatment, so no forebay or multiple-outlets are present, thus this pond may represent a baseline condition. The results indicated that during colder months (defined as the average temperature
Peridynamics enabled learning partial differential equations

Abstract This study presents an approach to discover the significant terms in partial differential equations (PDEs) that describe particular phenomena based on the measured data. The relationship between the known field data and its continuous representation of PDEs is achieved through a linear regression model. It specifically employs the peridynamic differential operator (PDDO) and sparse linear regression learning algorithm. The PDEs are approximated by constructing a feature matrix, velocity vector and unknown coefficient vector. Each candidate term (derivatives) appearing in the feature matrix is evaluated numerically by using the PDDO. The solution to the regression model with regularization is achieved through Douglas-Rachford (D-R) algorithm which is based on proximal operators. This coupling performs well due to their robustness to noisy data and the calculation of accurate derivatives. Its effectiveness is demonstrated by considering several fabricated data associated with challenging nonlinear PDEs such as Burgers, Swift-Hohenberg (S-H), Korteweg-de Vries (KdV), Kuramoto-Sivashinsky (K-S), nonlinear Schrodinger (NLS) and Cahn-Hilliard (C-H) equations.
Adult Brachial Plexus Injuries: A Historical Perspective

Background: The history of brachial plexus injury (BPI) reconstruction has evolved over the nineteenth and twentieth centuries and shown a dramatic change in attitude from pessimism to optimism in the twenty-first century.