cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bringing theory into practice: seeking constitutive utopian potential in Astana

Contemporary architectural and urban theorists have called for resurrecting a utopian spirit as a means of imbuing urban design with social imagination, which they argue is currently lacking and badly needed (cf. Harvey 2000, Pinder 2002, Coleman 2005, 2011, 2013, Hatuka and D’Hooghe 2007, Picon 2013). Toward this end, this essay poses the city of Astana, capital of Kazakhstan and host of Expo 2017, as a site to begin examining how utopian analytical frameworks might inform certain readings of the city, which could in turn guide practical design decisions. Western journalists to Kazakhstan’s new capital city frequently label it ‘utopian’, in the popular, disparaging sense. And allusions are often made to capital-relocation and nation-building projects from the modern era, with Astana representing a postmodernist or late capitalist variation on a theme ostensibly bound for social disaster. But if utopianism is deserving of reconsideration, as recent scholarship maintains, so is Astana. Recent academic literature and experiential accounts of Astana’s urban growth, when considered alongside contemporary utopian theory, challenge hasty classifications. Indeed, Kurokawa’s ‘flexible’ development plan for Astana initially sought to avoid the totalizing tendency of modernist master plans. Moreover, despite the garish character, as seen through foreign eyes, the genuine hopefulness Astana evokes in its residents should not be cynically disregarded. For designers contributing to the Astana project, utopian praxis means taking seriously the city’s ‘constitutive’ utopian potential and developing designs that aim to foster inchoate opportunities for social development.
Desorption Kinetics of Indium at the InAs/GaAs(001) Heterointerface

Desorption Mass Spectrometry (DMS) is used to monitor In desorption kinetics at the InAs/GaAs (001) heterointerface. In incorporation is determined to be significantly affected by temperature, surface reconstruction, and the V/III flux ratio. It is shown that the onset of the As-stabilized (2x4)-to-In-stabilized (4x2) surface phase transition is surface stoichiometry dependent, and that both the As-stabilized and the In-stabilized surface exhibit first order desorption behavior. Desorption activation energy of In from the (2x4) and the (4x2) surface is measured. In addition to an In-stabilized regime, an In-accumulated regime is identified by its deviation from first order desorption behavior.
182 PULMONARY FUNCTION AND WEIGHT GAIN IN VERY LOW BIRTH WEIGHT INFANTS

Background Lung disease in very low borth weight (VLBW) infants is known to affect weight gain. We consider whether the results of a pulmonary function test (PFT) in the first weeks of life are associated with infants9 weight at 36 weeks post-menstrual age (Wt36). Methods We studied conventionally ventilated infants Results 55 infants with mean GA of 25.4 wks (range 23-38) and BW of 737g (range 500-1105) had a PFT performed on a mean age of 15 days (range 7-21). Mean Cdyn was 0.39 cc/cmH2O (range 0.20-0.66), and Rexp 226 cm H20/L/sec (range 53-348). One infant died before reaching 36 weeks adjusted age and was excluded from further analysis. Mean Wt36 was 1847g (range 1267-2350). In univariate analysis, Cdyn was significantly (p≤0.001) associated with Wt36. When weight at the time of PFT was added to this model, the effect size on Cdyn dropped by 29%, but Cdyn remained significant (p=0.027). In contrast, Rexp, duration of parenteral nutrition, days until enteral feedings of 100kcal/kg were achieved, days on the ventilator, and ventilation status at 36 weeks were not significantly associated with Wt36 in univariate models. In a multivariate linear regression model (R2=0.55), Cdyn remained significant (coefficient 583 g/cc/cmH20, p=0.035) after controlling for weight at the time of PFT, GA, and duration of parenteral nutrition. GA and weight at the time of the PFT were significant in this model, but duration of parenteral nutrition was not. Conclusion In VLBW infants, Cdyn is associated with Wt36. These results highlight the effect of lung disease on growth in VLBW infants, and may reflect work of breathing or overall severity of illness. Furthermore, they emphasize the relationship between early pulmonary status and outcome.
427 RACIAL DIFFERENCES IN SURVIVAL AFTER ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION ACCORDING TO KIDNEY FUNCTION

Purpose Blacks have as much as a four-fold incidence of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) when compared to whites. It is not known if the higher incidence of ESRD among blacks represents more rapid progression of kidney disease or better survival of black patients. We evaluated racial differences in survival among patients with kidney disease after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Methods The Cooperative Cardiovascular Project (CCP) linked administrative and medical record review data for a proportional sample of Medicare AMI admissions from 6,684 hospitals (March 4, 1994-June 30, 1995). Using the abbreviated Modified Diet in Renal Disease study equation to estimate glomerular filtration rate (GFR), we classified kidney function into 5 categories, GFR > 60, GFR 46-60, GFR 31-45, GFR 16-30 and GFR ≤ 15. We selected nondialysis, non-Hispanic black and white patients with incident AMI. Using logistic regression with generalized estimating equations to account for clustering within hospitals, we studied the association of race with 2-year mortality within each category of GFR after adjusting for illness severity, comorbidities, demographics, and treatment characteristics. Results Among the 54,150 patients remaining after exclusions, blacks, compared to whites, were younger, more frequently female, and had more comorbidities. Blacks had higher mean APACHE II score and more frequently experienced a cardiac arrest. Blacks also had higher mean estimated GFR, 56.1 (SD 21.3), compared to whites, 53.5 (SD 25.1). The percent of patients dead 2 years after AMI did not differ significantly between blacks (38.1%) and whites (38.6%, p = .6). The odds of death 2 years after AMI for blacks vs. whites were lower within each successive category of kidney function (Table 1). Conclusions Among patients with more severe kidney disease, black patients were less likely than whites to be dead 2 years after AMI, suggesting that the higher incidence of black patients with ESRD may result in part from better survival. Longitudinal studies are required to confirm this observation and to help alleviate racial disparities in kidney disease.
Patient Perceived Benefit in Facial Aesthetic Procedures: FACE-Q as a Tool to Study Botulinum Toxin Injection Outcomes

Background There are numerous methods of assessing patient satisfaction with botulinum toxin type A neuromodulation of the glabellar rhytids. As the use of aesthetic neuromodulation increases both in breadth and number of procedures, there is a need for more comprehensive tools to evaluate patient-reported outcomes. The FACE-Q is a recently validated patient-reported outcome instrument that can be used to measure patient perceptions of botulinum toxin type A neuromodulation. Objectives This study used the FACE-Q to assess patient satisfaction following botulinum toxin type A neuromodulation of the glabellar rhytids. Methods 57 female patients completed the FACE-Q, a survey that evaluates patients' satisfaction with their facial appearance. After this baseline survey, the patients received injections of one of onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox, Allergan, Dublin, Ireland), abobotulinumtoxinA (Dysport, Galderma, Lausanne, Switzerland), or incobotulinumtoxinA (Xeomin, Merz Pharmaceuticals, Frankfurt am Main, Germany) in the glabella. Two weeks post-injection, the patients completed the FACE-Q again. The percentage changes in patient responses were tabulated to determine how neuromodulation affects patient satisfaction with their facial appearance. The percentage changes for each of the neurotoxin groups were compared to determine if patient satisfaction with neuromodulation varies with the type of neurotoxin. Results Patient satisfaction with their overall facial appearance increased by 28% following neuromodulation. Patients stated that they believe they look an average of 5.6 years younger post-neuromodulation. There were no significant differences among the treatment groups. Conclusions The FACE-Q demonstrates that patients are more satisfied by their overall facial appearance and age appearance following neuromodulation of their glabellar rhytids. Patients are equally satisfied with the improvement of their facial appearance regardless of which neurotoxin they received. Level of Evidence 2![Graphic][1] Therapeutic [1]: /embed/inline-graphic-1.gif
Economy and Environment Rationality and Ritual

The Delaware River Basin Commission mounted a massive attack on pollution in their estuary,1 “hailed by many as representing one of the few triumphs of American environmental policy.”2 The effort was (and is) the largest aimed to clean up our rivers. The work involves five states, hundreds of millions of dollars, and extensive attempts at the most modern technical analyses of costs and benefits. In its economic rationale and political procedures this large-scale attack on water pollution is typical of environmental policy-making. It is also a failure. Of course, the river will be cleaned up somewhat, except that, for the most part, the Delaware will remain unswimmable, unboatable, unsightly, and only slightly more fishable, smellable, and spotable. That is not much gain for approximately three quarters of a billion dollars, not much, that is, if you value results. But if the cleaning is what you value, if your aim is the ritual of purification, then the whole thing is a rip-roaring success.
Interactive Visualization of Multivariate Time Series Data

Organizing multivariate time series data for presentation to an analyst is a challenging task. Typically, a dataset contains hundreds or thousands of datapoints, and each datapoint consists of dozens of time series measurements. Analysts are interested in how the datapoints are related, which measurements drive trends and/or produce clusters, and how the clusters are related to available metadata. In addition, interest in particular time series measurements will change depending on what the analyst is trying to understand about the dataset. Rather than providing a monolithic single use machine learning solution, we have developed a system that encourages analyst interaction. This system, Dial-A-Cluster DAC, uses multidimensional scaling to provide a visualization of the datapoints depending on distance measures provided for each time series. The analyst can interactively adjust dial the relative influence of each time series to change the visualization and resulting clusters. Additional computations are provided which optimize the visualization according to metadata of interest and rank time series measurements according to their influence on analyst selected clusters. The DAC system is a plug-in for Slycat slycat.readthedocs.org, a framework which provides a web server, database, and Python infrastructure. The DAC web application allows an analyst to keep track of multiple datasets and interact with each as described above. It requires no installation, runs on any platform, and enables analyst collaboration. We anticipate an open source release in the near future.
Delayed Effects of Obese and Overweight Population Conditions on All-Cause Adult Mortality Rate in the USA

Currently, there are few studies separating the linkage of pathological obese and overweight body mass indices (BMI) to the all-cause mortality rate in adults. Consequently, this paper, using annual Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data of the 50 US states and the District of Columbia (DC) estimates empirical regression models linking the US adult population overweight and obesity rates separately to the all-cause mortality rate. The biochemistry of multi-period cumulative adiposity (saturated fatty acid) from unexpended caloric intakes (net energy storage) provides the natural theoretical foundation for tracing unhealthy BMI to all-cause mortality. Cross-sectional and panel data regression models are separately estimated for the delayed effects of obese and overweight BMIs on the all-cause mortality rate. Controlling for the independent effects of economic, socio-demographic and other factors on the all-cause mortality rate, our findings confirm that the estimated panel data models are more appropriate. The panel data regression results reveal that the obesity-mortality link strengthens significantly after multiple years in the condition. The faster mortality response to obesity detected here is conjectured to arise from the significantly more obese. Compared with past studies postulating a static (rather than delayed) effects, the statistically significant lagged effects of adult population BMI pathology in this study are novel and insightful. And, as expected, these lagged effects are more severe in the obese than overweight population segment. Public health policy implications of this social science study findings agree with those of the clinical sciences literature advocating timely lifestyle modification interventions (e.g., smoking cessation) to slow premature mortality linked to unhealthy BMIs.
Mass imprisonment and the family: A legal perspective

ABSTRACT The new phenomena of mass imprisonment in American life has brought about the incarceration of millions of people, the imposition of draconian prison terms, and the creation of an increasingly harsh prison regime. An examination of case law, as well as legal rules and regulations, shows how these changes have affected prisoner-family relationships as expressed in law. Two issues are addressed: prisoners' rights to marry and divorce and prisoners' rights of visitation with partners, spouses, and children. The analysis of case law involving these issues provide access to the dominant forms of legal discourse shaping the relationship between prisoners and their families. The evidence shows that despite the symbolic deference given by the law to the importance of prison-family relationships in the ultimate rehabilitation of prisoners, there has been widespread deterioration of prisoner access to families. The increasingly harsh prison regimes regard families as potentially criminal and subversive and...
Application of a Commercial Nonvolatile Residue Monitor to Measure Purity of Solvents and Surface Cleanliness

A nonvolatile residue monitor was used to determine the cleanliness levels of deionized water, pure solvents, and solutios used to measure surface cleanliness by extraction. The measurement is rapid, repeatable, and simple to perform. With the use of calibration curves, it provides a quantitative measure of nonvolatile residue (NVR). This method can be used to replace other procedures that require evaporation of large volumes of solvent, saving time and reducing solvent emissions. The detection limit is in the nanogram range for many common nonvolatile residues.
Lengthening and deformity correction about the knee using a magnetic internal lengthening nail

Introduction : The introduction of the internal lengthening nail (ILN) has changed the treatment of complex malalignment and shortening about the knee. Acute correction of the deformity and gradual lengthening through this osteotomy site has greatly simplified postoperative recovery. This manuscript is a review of the techniques that are currently being used in surgery. Methods : The article is broken into two sections: distal femur osteotomy and tibia osteotomy. Each is addressed separately since they have different personalities. Also included are topics of particular interest that surface in ongoing conferences regarding the ILN. This work is a mix of expert opinion and best practice supported by peer reviewed publications on the topic. Results : Most published series demonstrate excellent results with the ILN. Certain precautions are reiterated including avoiding mechanical failure, need for a percutaneous osteotomy, need for over-reaming, and the need for blocking screws. Discussion : Current controversies will be brought to light and discussed. The reader should find this aspect particularly helpful in navigating this rapidly evolving field.
Application of machine learning to pyrolysis reaction networks: Reducing model solution time to enable process optimization

Abstract Comprehensive models of biomass pyrolysis are needed to develop renewable fuels and chemicals from biomass. Unfortunately, the detailed kinetic schemes required to optimize industrial biomass pyrolysis processes are too computationally expensive to include in models that account for both kinetics and transport within reacting particles. Here we present a machine learning approach using artificial neural networks and decision trees to reduce the computational expense of detailed kinetic models by four orders of magnitude, enabling their use in comprehensive models. The trained neural networks generalize very well, predicting the outputs of the detailed kinetic model with over 99.9% accuracy on new data. The machine learning approach we outline is not specific to kinetic modeling and can be applied to any set of input and output data, even if the underlying relationship between inputs and outputs is unknown.
Study of para-Quinone Methide Precursors toward the Realkylation of Aged Acetylcholinesterase.

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is an essential enzyme that can be targeted by organophosphorus (OP) compounds, including nerve agents. Following exposure to OPs, AChE becomes phosphylated (inhibited) and undergoes a subsequent aging process where the OP–AChE adduct is dealkylated. The aged AChE is unable to hydrolyze acetylcholine, resulting in accumulation of the neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS) and elsewhere. Current therapeutics are only capable of reactivating inhibited AChE. There are no known therapeutic agents to reverse the aging process or treat aged AChE. Quinone methides (QMs) have been shown to alkylate phosphates under physiological conditions. In this study, a small library of novel quinone methide precursors (QMPs) has been synthesized and examined as potential alkylating agents against model nucleophiles, including a model phosphonate. Computational studies have been performed to evaluate the affinity of QMPs for the aged AChE active site, and preliminary testing with elec...
Notes on the Fauna of the Chipola Formation--I A New Species of Eomiltha (Mollusca: Bivalvia)

While engaged in the study of the species of Miltha s.s. from the Neogene deposits of Florida I noted the presence in collections from the Chipola Formation of an undescribed species of the genus Eomiltha.
Electron Transfer Pathways Facilitating U(VI) Reduction by Fe(II) on Al- vs Fe-Oxides

This study continues mechanistic development of heterogeneous electron transfer (ET) pathways at mineral surfaces in aquatic environments that enable the reduction U(VI) by surface-associated Fe(II). Using computational molecular simulation within the framework of Marcus theory, our findings highlight the importance of the configurations and interaction of the electron donor and acceptor species with the substrate, with respect to influencing its electronic structure and thereby the ability of semiconducting minerals to facilitate ET. U(VI) reduction by surface-associated Fe(II) (adsorbed or structurally incorporated into the lattice) on an insulating, corundum (001) surface (α-Al2O3) occurs when proximal inner-sphere (IS) surface complexes are formed, such that ET occurs through a combination of direct exchange (i.e., Fe d- and U f-orbitals overlap through space) and superexchange via intervening surface oxygen atoms. U(VI) reduction by coadsorbed Fe(II) on the isostructural semiconducting hematite (α-Fe...
Developing a Mathematical Modelling Task for All Students

This chapter describes an authentic mathematical modelling task designed by a learning support teacher for a Year 7 pre-algebra class co-taught with a regular Year 7 grade mathematics teacher. The task integrated two parts of the Year 7 mathematics curriculum: area and percent. Students were asked to calculate the cost of decorating (flooring and painting) the inside of their dream house. Using prices from a local building supply store, students had to decide what type of flooring and wall covering they could afford. Using a constructivist framework, this chapter provides an overview of authentic task development and the role such tasks play for students who struggle with mathematics, particularly students with special needs.
Promoting and Protecting Positive Mental Health: Early and Often Throughout the Lifespan

This chapter summarizes the conception and diagnosis of the mental health continuum, findings supporting the two-continua model of mental health and illness, and the benefits of flourishing to society and individuals, with a focus on youth. Youth who are flourishing report the lowest level of depression, conduct and behavioral problems, and the highest levels of prosocial engagement and school integration. Moreover, evidence from the study of adults shows that increases in level of positive mental health are associated with decreased risk of future mental illness, while the loss of level of positive mental health is associated with increased risk of future mental illness over a 10-year period. This body of evidence, with the finding that the prevalence of flourishing is less than half of all youth in middle school and drops nearly 10 % in high school youth, indicates the need for the promotion and protection of positive mental health throughout the lifespan but starting early with youth.
Rapid embryonic accretion of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the brain of an altricial bird with an aquatic-based maternal diet.

ABSTRACT Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an important and abundant fatty acid moiety in vertebrate brains. We measured brain phospholipid composition during development in red-winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus), an altricial species that breeds in aquatic habitats. We also manipulated diet by feeding nestlings fish oil or sunflower oil. Finally, we assessed selective uptake of yolk by comparing the yolk fatty acid composition of freshly laid eggs and day-old hatchlings. Relative to other altricial species, blackbirds achieved high DHA in brain phospholipids (20% of phospholipid fatty acids in day-old hatchlings). This was not a result of selective uptake from the yolk, but rather a consequence of a high proportion of DHA in the yolk (2.5% of total lipids) at laying. Our dietary study confirmed that nestling brains are sensitive to fatty acid supply. Red-winged blackbirds may be able to advance cognitive development relative to other altricial species owing to their aquatic maternal diet.
A First Look at General Public License 3.0

Richard Stallman created the initial version of the GNU General Public License (GPL) as a license that could be used by any software project to preserve the freedoms that he believes are fundamental to software users. Stallman released version 2 of the GPL (GPL 2.0) in 1991. The GPL remained unchanged for 15 years although many flaws in the license were apparent.In 2006 the Free Software Foundation (FSF) launched a campaign to update GPL 2.0. The GPL 3.0 process produced four discussion drafts including a "last call" draft on May 31, 2007. At the time of the "last call" draft Richard Stallman published an article titled "Why Upgrade to GPL Version 3." This Why Upgrade piece notes that "upgrading is a choice" and that "GPL version 2 will remain a valid license." However, GPL 2.0 and GPL 3.0 are "incompatible" because "there is no legal way to combine code under GPLv2 with code under GPLv3 in a single program." According to Stallman, the reason to use GPL 3.0 is "because of the existing problems which GPLv3 will address." This article examines GPL 3.0 in depth, focusing on the key issues that Stallman points to such as dealing with Tivoization; DRM; patents; compatibility with the Apache license.
Determination of Time Behavior of Neutron Density and of Reactivity on the Argonaut Reactor

Theoretical and experimental results of the time bebavior of neutron density as a function of both positive and negative step changes in reactivity are presented. The theoretical results are obtained from solutions of the space- independent kinetic equations of a bare thermal reactor based and the Fermi continuous slowing down model and using six groups of delayed neutrons. Theoretical results are given as a function of both positive and negative step changes in reactivity. Experimental results of reactivty worth and of rod calibrations based on pedagogical experiments with the Argonaut Reactor and verifying the theoretical data are presented together with the details of the pedagogical experiment. An analytically constructed thermal flux function obtained from results of reactivity measurements in the reactor is compared with the actual recorded flux from the reactor. Experimental results obtained with the Argonaut Reactor indicate that the theoretical kinetic behavior predicted are applicable to the actual Argonaut Reactor. (auth)
National Urban Policy: Stage I

If we are now more appreciative of the severity of our urban problems than we were in the past, we are still far from agreement on the need for a basic national urban policy. One difficulty is that it is hard to distinguish between a miscellany of federal, state, and local policies and what might appropriately be called a basic national policy for a given area of concern. Historically, we have arrived at a relatively coherent set of policies on various matters of national interest by trial and error over a fairly long period of time. Unfortunately, under current conditions in our cities, we would pay a high price for a leisurely movement toward effective national urban policy. The process must be compressed if at all possible.
Developmental regulation of an ABA- and stress-induced protein in barley

Abscisic acid is known to play a crucial role in seed development and germination as well as in the responses of plants to environmental stress conditions (Zeevaart and Creelman, 1988). In recent years, many ABA/stress-induced proteins and their genes have been isolated and characterized (Skriver and Mundy, 1990). However, little is known about the potential function of these ABA/stress induced proteins. We have previously isolated a cDNA clone (pHv Al) representing an ABA-induced protein in barley aleurone layers. The deduced amino acid sequence of Hv Al protein contains nine repeats each with an 11-amino acid consensus sequence of T-E-A-A-K-Q-K-A-A-E-T (Hong et al. 1988). Computer modelling of this protein indicates that it most likely contains amphipathic a-helical structures with most of the hydrophobic amino acids lined on one side and most of the hydrophilic acids lined on the other side of the a-helix (Dure et al. 1989). Proteins similar to Hv Al have been found in several other plants and these proteins have been named late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) proteins. As part of our effort to elucidate the potential function of the Hv Al protein, we have systematically analyzed the expression pattern of this protein in various organs of barley plants at different developmental stages. We have determined the level of Hv Al expression at both the transcript (Northern blot analysis) and protein (Western blot analysis) levels.
On 2-powerfully Perfect Numbers in Three Quadratic Rings

Using an extension of the abundancy index to imaginary quadratic rings with unique factorization, we define what we call n-powerfully perfect numbers in these rings. This definition serves to extend the concept of perfect numbers that have been defined and studied in the integers. We investigate the properties of 2-powerfully perfect numbers in the rings O Q( p 1) , O Q( p 2) , and O Q( p 7) , the three imaginary quadratic rings with unique factorization in which 2 is not a prime.
Nanomaterials-Enhanced Electrically Switched Ion Exchange Process for Water Treatment

The objective of our work is to develop an electrically switched ion exchange (ESIX) system based on conducting polymer/carbon nanotube (CNT) nanocomposites as a new and cost-effective approach for removal of radioactive cesium, chromate, and perchlorate from contaminated groundwater. The ESIX technology combines ion exchange and electrochemistry to provide a selective, reversible method for the removal of target species from wastewater. In this technique, an electroactive ion exchange layer is deposited on a conducting substrate, and ion uptake and elution are controlled directly by modulation of the potential of the layer. ESIX offers the advantages of highly-efficient use of electrical energy combined with no secondary waste generation. Recently, we have improved upon the ESIX process by modifying the conducting substrate with carbon nanotubes prior to the deposition of the electroactive ion exchanger. The nanomaterial-based electroactive ion exchange technology will remove cesium-137, chromate, and perchlorate rapidly from wastewater. The high porosity and high surface area of the electroactive ion exchange nanocomposites results in high loading capacity and minimize interferences for non-target species. Since the ion adsorption/desorption is controlled electrically without generating a secondary waste, this electrically active ion exchange process is a green process technology that will greatly reduce operating costs.
Empowering Families of Adolescents and Adults with Developmental Disabilities

Social work interventions with persons with developmental disabilities and their families often take a pathological approach by labeling children and parents. Although families with a child or youn...
Data Mining and Automated Prediction: A Pedagogical Primer for Classroom Discussion.

The authors present a pedagogical primer on the highly controversial business strategies of data mining and automated prediction. They provide a summary that allows business professors and students...
The use of social marketing campaigns to increase HIV testing uptake: a systematic review.

Social marketing campaigns have been increasingly used in HIV prevention efforts to address barriers to HIV testing. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the social marketing campaigns in the ...
Video Classification of Farming Activities with Motion-Adaptive Feature Sampling

Recently, video has been applied in different industrial applications including autonomous driving vehicles. However, to develop autonomous farming vehicles, the video analysis must be targeted for specific farming activities. So an important first step is to classify the videos into their specific farming activity. In this paper, we propose a video classification framework that includes two branches that process videos differently based on their motions. A gradient-based method is proposed for separating videos into two subsets which are then processed by different feature sampling strategies. The result shows that two motion-based feature sampling strategies provide more efficient features; thus better classification performances are achieved. We also discuss how the feature sampling strategy influences the classification accuracy and the computational efficiency. In addition to farming videos, this proposed system can also be applied to classify videos captured from various camera movements, such as hand-held or first-person cameras.
The influence of age and ASD on verbal fluency networks.

Abstract Background The integrity and connectivity of the frontal lobe, which subserves fluency, may be compromised by both ASD and aging. Alternate networks often integrate to help compensate for compromised functions during aging. We used network analyses to study how compensation may overcome age-related compromised in individuals with ASD. Method Participants consisted of middle-aged (40–60; n = 24) or young (18–25; n = 18) right-handed males who have a diagnosis of ASD, and age- and IQ-matched control participants (n = 20, 14, respectively). All performed tests of language and executive functioning and a fluency functional MRI task. We first used group individual component analysis (ICA) for each of the 4 groups to determine whether different networks were engaged. An SPM analysis was used to compare activity detected in the network nodes from the ICA analyses. Results The individuals with ASD performed more slowly on two cognitive tasks (Stroop word reading and Trailmaking Part A). The 4 groups engaged different networks during the fluency fMRI task despite equivalent performance. Comparisons of specific regions within these networks indicated younger individuals had greater engagement of the thalamus and supplementary speech area, while older adults engaged the superior temporal gyrus. Individuals with ASD did not disengage from the Default Mode Network during word generation. Conclusion Interactions between diagnosis and aging were not found in this study of young and middle-aged men, but evidence for differential engagement of compensatory networks was observed.
Clinical Scenario: Management of Side Effects from Bacillus Calmette-Guérin Bladder Instillation

Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) immunotherapy currently remains the most effective treatment for intermediate- and high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer, but has side effects that range from bothersome to life-threatening. Side effects are best prevented by reducing the dose of BCG, postponing the treatment, and prescribing a fluoroquinolone antibiotic 6 and 18 h after instillation for patients who begin to have increasing symptoms. Side effects are caused by both BCG infection and BCG hypersensitivity. Serious, life-threatening reactions require treatment with triple antitubercular antibiotics and steroids. Moderate reactions can be treated with fluoroquinolone and isoniazid, but with established infection it often takes many weeks for symptoms to improve and 3 or more months of treatment are required. Infectious complications of BCG may be avoided in BCG-intolerant patients by using heat-killed BCG.
Niche cell wrapping ensures primordial germ cell quiescence and protection from intercellular cannibalism

Summary Niche cells often wrap membrane extensions around stem cell surfaces. Niche wrapping has been proposed to retain stem cells in defined positions and affect signaling [e.g., 1 , 2 ]. To test these hypotheses and uncover additional functions of wrapping, we investigated niche wrapping of primordial germ cells (PGCs) in the C. elegans embryonic gonad primordium. The gonad primordium contains two PGCs that are wrapped individually by two somatic gonad precursor cells (SGPs). SGPs are known to promote PGC survival during embryogenesis and exit from quiescence after hatching, although how they do so is unknown [ 3 ]. Here, we identify two distinct functions of SGP wrapping that are critical for PGC quiescence and survival. First, niche cell wrapping templates a laminin-based basement membrane around the gonad primordium. Laminin and the basement membrane receptor dystroglycan function to maintain niche cell wrapping, which is critical for normal gonad development. We find that laminin also preserves PGC quiescence during embryogenesis. Exit from quiescence following laminin depletion requires glp-1/Notch and is accompanied by inappropriate activation of the GLP-1 target sygl-1 in PGCs. Independent of basement membrane, SGP wrapping performs a second, crucial function to ensure PGC survival. Endodermal cells normally engulf and degrade large lobes extended by the PGCs [ 4 ]. When SGPs are absent, we show that endodermal cells can inappropriately engulf and cannibalize the PGC cell body. Our findings demonstrate how niche cell wrapping protects germ cells by manipulating their signaling environment and by shielding germ cells from unwanted cellular interactions that can compromise their survival.
Finding the Pathway: Mediation Analyses in Randomized Controlled Trials

This article summarizes the goals, assumptions, and challenges of mediation analysis, a rapidly developing statistical methodology in medical and public health research.
Challenges in Choosing the Mix of Public and Private Standards for Food Quality Assurance

Several federal agencies have mandates to regulate and/or oversee and support the provision of agricultural and food quality in the USA. Federal policy and regulatory choices determine the resulting mix of public and private responsibility for quality assurance. This chapter presents a framework for analyzing and evaluating federal programs based on the quality attributes they target, their policy rationales, and the policy instruments (mandatory and voluntary) they use, including types of labeling. This framework is applied to survey the quality assurance programs of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture in the areas of food safety, nutrition, sensory/organoleptic, value/function, and process attributes. The federal government faces several challenges in adjusting its policies and regulations in order to develop a more effective mix of activities targeted at agricultural and food quality assurance. These challenges include scrutinizing rationales for marketing policies across agricultural and food quality attributes and evaluating the mix of mandatory regulatory versus voluntary market oversight/support approaches used.
Deep sequencing reveals new roles for MuB in transposition immunity and target-capture, and redefines the insular Ter region of E. coli.

The target capture protein MuB is responsible for the high efficiency of phage Mu transposition within the E. coli genome. However, some targets are off-limits, such as regions immediately outside the Mu ends (cis-immunity) as well as the entire ~ 37 kb genome of Mu (Mu genome immunity). Paradoxically, MuB is responsible for cis-immunity and is also implicated in Mu genome immunity, but via different mechanisms. This study was undertaken to dissect the role of MuB in target choice in vivo. We tracked Mu transposition from six different starting locations on the E. coli genome, in the presence and absence of MuB. The data reveal that Mu’s ability to sample the entire genome during a single hop in a clonal population is independent of MuB, and that MuB is responsible for cis-immunity, plays a minor role in Mu genome immunity, and facilitates insertions into transcriptionally active regions. Unexpectedly, transposition patterns in the absence of MuB have helped extend the boundaries of the insular Ter segment of the E. coli genome. The results in this study demonstrate unambiguously the operation of two distinct mechanisms of Mu target immunity, only one of which is wholly dependent on MuB. The study also reveals several interesting and hitherto unknown aspects of Mu target choice in vivo, particularly the role of MuB in facilitating the capture of promoter and translation start site targets, likely by displacing macromolecular complexes engaged in gene expression. So also, MuB facilitates transposition into the restricted Ter region of the genome.
Dysregulated CARD11 signaling in the development of diffuse large B cell lymphoma

CARD11 is a crucial scaffold protein that controls antigen-induced activation of lymphocytes. Upon antigen receptor signaling, CARD11 engages several signaling pathways, leading to the activation o...
An Investigation into the Impact of Environmental Education Certification on Perceptions of Personal Teaching Efficacy

The purpose of this study is to examine how participation in the North Carolina Environmental Educator (NCEE) program influences the individual's perceived self-efficacy. Specifically, this study e...
Messenger RNA enrichment using synthetic oligo(T) click nucleic acids

Enrichment of mRNA is a key step in a number of molecular biology techniques, particularly in the rapidly growing field of transcriptomics. Currently, mRNA is isolated using oligo(thymine) DNA (oligo(dT)) immobilized on solid supports, which binds to the poly(A) tail of mRNA to pull the mRNA out of solution through the use of magnets or centrifugal filters. Here, a simple method to isolate mRNA by complexing it with synthetic click nucleic acids (CNAs) is described. Oligo(T) CNA bound efficiently to mRNA, and because of the insolubility of CNA in water, >90% of mRNA was readily removed from solution using this method. Simple washing, buffer exchange, and heating steps enabled mRNA's enrichment from total RNA, with a yield of 3.1 ± 1.5% of the input total RNA by mass, comparable to the yield from commercially available mRNA enrichment beads. Further, the integrity and activity of mRNA after CNA-facilitated pulldown and release was evaluated through two assays. In vitro translation of EGFP mRNA confirmed the translatability of mRNA into functional protein and RT-qPCR was used to amplify enriched mRNA from total RNA extracts and compare gene expression to results obtained using commercially available products.
Priming the Pump: Giving Back to the Profession

This chapter explores the benefits of giving back to the profession. It uses a framework from Barrett (ND), which describes seven levels of personal consciousness. The last three levels are internal cohesion (“finding a meaning in your life by aligning with your passion or purpose and creating a vision for your future” [p. 2]; making a difference (“actualizing your sense of purpose by cooperating with others for mutual benefit and fulfillment” [p. 2]; and service (“devoting your life to selfless service in pursuit of your passion or purpose and your vision” [p. 2]). The chapter discusses the value that accrues from (1) mentoring new teachers, (2) sharing our experiences and expertise by talking with colleagues, (3) sharing our expertise through writing, and finally (4) volunteering with professional associations. The conclusion is that developing internal cohesion, making a difference, and providing service can be achieved through giving back to the profession.
Venous sinus stenting for the treatment of isolated pulsatile tinnitus: Results of a prospective trial:

ObjectivesThis prospective study evaluates the effectiveness and safety of venous sinus stenting for patients with isolated pulsatile tinnitus and lateral sinus stenosis.MethodsPatients with isolat...
ExGSense: Toward Facial Gesture Sensing with a Sparse Near-Eye Sensor Array

Immersive face-to-virtual-face telecommunication is one unique use case for virtual reality (VR) technologies. Existing camera-based telephony systems cannot be used for such immersive VR video chat, due to the physical occlusions of head-mounted displays (HMDs) and/or unwieldy positioning of cameras. To address these, we present ExGSense, a new VR input modality that can sense and reconstruct both upper and lower facial gestures, by only using lightweight biopotential sensors embedded within the HMDs. We optimize the sensor arrangement based on facial anatomy and employ a multiview classification pipeline to exploit the multiple dimensions of signal features. We thus enable ExGSense to detect whole facial gestures by using a sparse set of biopotential transducers. We prototyped ExGSense and evaluated its performance with 42 facial gestures and across different users. We showed a 93% accuracy for user-specific evaluation, and 77% accuracy for user-independent evaluation with low calibration overhead. We believe ExGSense constitutes a promising input modality for immersive VR interactions.
Improving Care Transitions: An Initiative between the Emergency Department and Senior Care Facilities.

# INTRODUCTION The transfer of individuals (i.e., residents) between senior care facilities (SCF) and the emergency department (ED) remains an ongoing healthcare quality gap as communication of key resident information is often lost. For this study, a sample of SCF representatives were invited to join a collaborative group termed Safe Transition of All Residents For yoU and Me (STARForUM, STAR-F) to improve SCF resident transitions of care. # STUDY PURPOSE The purpose of this pilot study was to invite a convenience sample of SCF facilities to join a collaborative intervention named *Safe Transition of All Residents For yoU and Me* (STARForUM, STAR-F) to improve information exchange during SCF residents' transitions of care. The potential influence of a hospital-SCF collaboration program to improve transfer of essential SCF resident information sent to the hospital ED was used as an evaluation measure. # METHODS This study project enrolled a total of 120 residents (i.e., patients) with 40 (33%) transferred from participating STAR-F facilities. # RESULTS Following the authors' development of a transfer checklist, STAR-F facilities sent a significantly greater number of essential elements comprised of the resident's medical history information to the ED compared to non-STAR-F facilities. Controlling for the standard classification of skill level of the individual facility, STAR-F residents had significantly higher essential information transmission composite scores (10.5 + 2.9 for STAR-F patients vs. 7.75 + 3.1 for non-STAR-Fs p = \< 0.01) that may have served to reduce number of associated transition errors. # CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study suggest that a collaborative hospital-SCF initiative can significantly improve transfer of information for elderly residents during ED visits, help guide clinical decision-making and optimize care coordination.
New Algorithms for PIC Modeling of HPM Sources in Neptune

The Neptune 3D electromagnetic particle-in-cell (EM-PIC) simulation code, created at NRL to model vacuum electronic RF amplifiers, is currently being extended to address the additional physical processes and in teraction complexity encountered in high power microwave (HPM) sources. Earlier research focused on modeling linear-beam amplifiers, such as TWTs, klystrons and extended-interaction klystrons, having either conventional cylindrical electron beams or distributed sheet- and multiple-beam topologies. For those devices, Neptune provides a fast and predictive simulation tool by combining a robust, cut-cell electromagnetic algorithm (to accurately represent the device geometry) with execution on high-performance GPUs. The objective of current research is to extend Neptune's capabilities to support modeling HPM sources quickly and accurately.
Modeling of Experimental Atherosclerotic Plaque Delamination

A cohesive zone model (CZM) approach is applied to simulate atherosclerotic plaque delamination experiments in mouse abdominal aorta specimens. A three-dimensional finite element model is developed for the experiments. The aortic wall is treated as a fiber-reinforced, highly deformable, incompressible material, and the Holzapfel-Gasser-Ogden (HGO) model is adopted for the aortic bulk material behavior. Cohesive elements are placed along the plaque-media interface along which delamination occurs. The 3D specimen geometry is created based on images from the experiments and certain simplifying approximations. A set of HGO and CZM parameter values is determined based on values suggested in the literature and through matching simulation predictions of the load vs. load-point displacement curve with experimental measurements for one loading-delamination-unloading cycle. Using this set of parameter values, simulation predictions for four other loading-delamination-unloading cycles are obtained, which show good agreement with experimental measurements. The findings of the current study demonstrate the applicability of the CZM approach in arterial tissue failure simulations.
History of Surgical Management of Herniated Lumbar Discs From Cauterization to Arthroscopic and Endoscopic Spinal Surgery

A review of the history of the surgical management of herniated lumbar discs as a common cause of sciatica is not complete without acknowledging the efforts of many investigators and researchers who have contributed to the understanding of the anatomy and origin of the sciatic nerve and lumbar intervertebral discs. In addition, the efforts of scientists and clinicians who have participated in developing the surgical management of disc herniation in the last seven decades should be recognized.