cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Argentina’s Travails of Democracy and Market Economy

Between 1980 and 1991, the growth rate of Argentina was -3.2 percent. The only other country in the Western Hemisphere which outstripped Argentina’s negative growth rate was Guyana which recorded -3.3 percent during the same period.1 The dismal economic decline did not begin in the 1980s, however. Rather, it was in the offing by the early 1960s, after the decades of Argentina’s second phase of populism, or the “classic” phase under General Juan Domingo Peron. The governments, both civilian and military in between, had sought to unravel the Peronist structure with little success. In fact, the tradition of the statist economic and social welfare policies thrived until the mid-1980s, and Argentina was among the world’s most closed economies. Of the 126 countries studied by the World Bank, Argentina was 117th in the trade/GDP ratio, or the country openness index. Only the USSR, Burma, Bangladesh, Iran, and Iraq ranked lower. In the Western Hemisphere, however, Argentina was ahead of Brazil and the Dominican Republic.2
Reconfigurable Braille display with phase change locking

Automatically updated signs and displays for sighted people are common in today's world. However, there is no cheap, low power equivalent available for the blind. This work demonstrates a reconfigurable Braille cell using the solid-to-liquid phase change of a low melting point alloy as a zero holding power locking mechanism. The device is actuated with the alloy in the liquid state, and is then allowed to solidify to lock the Braille dot in the actuated position. A low-cost manufacturing process is developed that includes molding of a rigid silicone to create pneumatic channels, and bonding of a thin membrane of a softer silicone on the surface for actuation. A plug of Field's metal (melting point 62 °C) is placed in the pneumatic channels below each Braille dot to create the final device. The device is well suited for low duty cycle operation in applications such as signs, and is able to maintain its state indefinitely without additional power input. The display requires a pneumatic pressure of only 24 kPa for actuation, and reconfiguration has been demonstrated in less than a minute and a half.
TH-CD-201-10: Highly Efficient Synchronized High-Speed Scintillation Camera System for Measuring Proton Range, SOBP and Dose Distributions in a 2D-Plane

Purpose: Proton therapy (PT) delivery is complex and extremely dynamic. Therefore, quality assurance testing is vital, but highly time-consuming. We have developed a High-Speed Scintillation-Camera-System (HS-SCS) for simultaneously measuring multiple beam characteristics. Methods: High-speed camera was placed in a light-tight housing and dual-layer neutron shield. HS-SCS is synchronized with a synchrocyclotron to capture individual proton-beam-pulses (PBPs) at ∼504 frames/sec. The PBPs from synchrocyclotron trigger the HS-SCS to open its shutter for programmed exposure-time. Light emissions within 30×30×5cm3 plastic-scintillator (BC-408) were captured by a CCD-camera as individual images revealing dose-deposition in a 2D-plane with a resolution of 0.7mm for range and SOBP measurements and 1.67mm for profiles. The CCD response as well as signal to noise ratio (SNR) was characterized for varying exposure times, gains for different light intensities using a TV-Optoliner system. Software tools were developed to analyze ∼5000 images to extract different beam parameters. Quenching correction-factors were established by comparing scintillation Bragg-Peaks with water scanned ionization-chamber measurements. Quenching corrected Bragg-peaks were integrated to ascertain proton-beam range (PBR), width of Spared-Out-Bragg-Peak (MOD) and distal
REAL-TIME BASIC (RTB) for Varian 620 Computers (Oregon/Nebraska Version)

The basic programming approach described in this section may be implemented on Varian 620/i, 620/L, and 620/f computers. In addition, the Varian 73 computer can be used in the same way. Our development of real-time basic (rtb) for these systems has relied on simple modifications of the basic compiler as supplied by Varian. This compiler is a version of the language, originally developed at Dartmouth College, which includes all of the standard arithmetic operations as well as trigonometric functions and matrix-algebra routines. The standard Varian version of the language requires approximately seven thousand words of memory for the compiler, leaving the remainder available for user source code. A user may expand the available source-code area (thus allowing larger programs) by deletion of the matrix algebra and/or trigonometric function packages. This yields about 700 additional words of memory. Since this is a true interpretive compiler, all user source code and the compiler must be stored in core at run time. It is possible to modify the compiler to use a mass storage device (i.e., magnetic disk) to store user source code. At least one user has done this; however, such a procedure slows execution times and is not generally suitable for real-time experimentation. As released by Varian, basic contains no subroutines to support devices of the type needed in the laboratory (i.e., analog and digital I/O devices, control and sense lines, etc.).
Recognizing human action from a far field of view

In this paper, we present a novel descriptor to characterize human action when it is being observed from a far field of view. Visual cues are usually sparse and vague under this scenario. An action sequence is divided into overlapped spatial-temporal volumes to make reliable and comprehensive use of the observed features. Within each volume, we represent successive poses by time series of Histogram of Oriented Gradients (HOG) and movements by time series of Histogram of Oriented Optical Flow (HOOF). Supervised Principle Component Analysis (SPCA) is applied to seek a subset of discriminantly informative principle components (PCs) to reduce the dimension of histogram vectors without loss of accuracy. The final action descriptor is formed by concatenating sequences of SPCA projected HOG and HOOF features. A Support Vector Machines (SVM) classifier is trained to perform action classification. We evaluated our algorithm by testing it on one normal resolution and two low-resolution datasets, and compared our results with those of other reported methods. By using less than 1/5 the dimension a full-length descriptor, our method is able to achieve perfect accuracy on two of the datasets, and perform comparably to other methods on the third dataset.
How a Drug Shortage Contributed to a Medication Error Leading to Baclofen Toxicity in an Infant

We report the case of a 4-month-old girl who developed encephalopathy, seizures, and respiratory compromise as a result of baclofen toxicity. After some investigation, the accidental ingestion of baclofen was caused by an error in compounding the patient's prescribed omeprazole with baclofen rather than sodium bicarbonate at a retail pharmacy. This error occurred because these two drugs, which were available as powders, were located side by side on the pharmacy shelf. The pharmacist further reported that their normal practice was to use injectable sodium bicarbonate rather than powder to compound an omeprazole suspension; however, the injectable form was not available due to a national shortage. This report demonstrates how a drug shortage contributed to severe clinical consequences and intensive care hospitalization of a patient. It also highlights the need for system improvement to minimize drug shortages.
Temporal Variation in Intensity of Laboratory Response to DDAVP.

Abstract Introduction 1-Desamino-8-D-Arginine Vasopressin (DDAVP) is the mainstay of treatment for mild Type I von Willebrand Disease (vWD). The use of a DDAVP challenge is standard practice in the management of newly diagnosed patients. Pre- and Post- DDAVP administration laboratory studies for vWF: RCoF, vWF: Ag and FVIII:C are expected to rise 2–5 fold from baseline. PTT and Closure Time values would be expected to correct. In a subset of our patients, pre- and post- Platelet Function studies were also tested. We sought to retrospectively study responses in our vWD patient population in terms of time-related and intensity of incremental response to DDAVP. Results Closure Time prolongation was noted in over 55% of patients with vWD. The Collagen/Epi time appears to be more sensitive for the vWD defect (Collagen/Epi was more frequently prolonged than Collagen/ADP). In vWD patients with Closure Time defects at baseline, 86% were corrected following DDAVP administration, and this correction appears stable over all time points evaluated. Post-DDAVP laboratory responses for vWF: RCoF, vWF: Ag and FVIII:C, respectively: 9.1%, 31.2%, and 16.9% incremented by 0.80 U/mL. About 30% and 47.8% of individuals had a prolonged APTT and APTT Mix prior to DDAVP; only 7.8% and 16.7%, respectively, remained prolonged afterwards. There was a trend toward improvement in platelet aggregation variables over time (see Figure 2). Conclusions Baseline Closure Time abnormalities occurred in over half of the patients and were reliably corrected in most following DDAVP administration. Consistent with established experience, DDAVP produces reliable vWF: RCoF, vWF: Ag and FVIII:C responses in patients with mild Type 1 vWD. Platelet function studies trended toward improvement at greater than 45 minutes post-DDAVP challenge, however, very few patients were studied pre- and post- for platelet function studies and therefore statistical significance was not achieved. Although all patients undergoing DDAVP challenge are asked to avoid antiplatelet drugs, inadvertent use may explain residual Closure Time and Platelet Function test abnormalities. Download : Download high-res image (88KB) Download : Download full-size image Post DDAVP Delta Download : Download high-res image (108KB) Download : Download full-size image Change in platelet aggregation Following DDAVP
A community of practice for peer mental workers: Lessons learned

ABSTRACTThis article reports findings from a study that assessed the usability of a web-based community of practice for peers located in programs that had few opportunities to interact face-to-face with other peers. Peers are individuals with lived experience in mental health recovery who are employed by mental health agencies to work in various capacities because of their experiences. The website was designed to allow participants to exchange information and experiences through blogs and message boards, to access information helpful to their jobs, and to provide mutual support. The article makes a contribution to the literature on severe mental illness in reporting website use issues for people in recovery who are employed rather than people in treatment, and in website interaction rather than information retrieval.
Training Technical and Professional Communication Educators for Online Internship Courses

This article explores how to train educators to teach online internship courses. The article introduces an online internship course focused on workplace communication available to students across t...
Violence exposure is associated with adolescents' same‐ and next‐day mental health symptoms

Background Young people exposed to violence are at increased risk for mental health and behavioral problems. However, very little is known about the immediate, or same-day, associations between violence exposure and adolescents' mental health symptoms or whether daily symptom or behavioral reactivity marks future problems. Methods Young adolescents were assessed three times a day for 30 consecutive days using mobile-phone-based Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) (N = 151 adolescents). Over 12,500 assessments and 4,329 person days were obtained via the EMA. Adolescents were recruited from low-income neighborhoods based on parent-reported risk for externalizing symptoms. Mental health symptoms were assessed via parent and child report at baseline, multiple times per day via EMA assessments of the adolescents, and again 18 months later when 93% of the adolescents were reinterviewed. Results Results from multilevel models illustrated that young adolescents were more likely to experience symptoms of anger (OR = 1.74, CI: 1.31–2.30), depression (OR = 1.66, CI: 1.26–2.19), and conduct problems (OR = 2.63, CI: 1.71–4.04) on days that they were exposed versus not exposed to violence. Increases in depressive symptoms were also observed on days following violence exposure (OR = 1.46, CI: 1.09–1.97). Adolescents with the highest levels of violence exposure across the 30-day EMA were less behaviorally reactive to violence exposures in daily life, and heightened behavioral reactivity predicted increased risk for substance use across early adolescence. Conclusions Findings support the need to focus on both the immediate and long-term associations between violence exposure and adolescents' mental health and behavior. Results also suggest that heightened behavioral reactivity during early adolescence may signal emerging substance use problems.
GR Extinguishes Inflamed Chromatin, and NF-κB Evacuates

In this issue of Immunity, Oh et al. (2017) provide insight into the molecular effects of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) activation at a clinically relevant time point, after an inflammatory stimulus. They report that GR activation causes a global reduction in NF-κB binding, as well as time-dependent transcriptional effects.
Chromosomal Abnormalities Affect the Surgical Outcome in Infants with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome: A Large Cohort Analysis

Patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) can have associated genetic abnormalities. This study evaluated the incidence of genetic abnormalities among infants with HLHS and the short-term outcomes of this population during the first hospitalization. This is a retrospective analysis of the multi-center Pediatric Heath Information System database of infants with HLHS who underwent Stage I Norwood, Hybrid, or heart transplant during their first hospitalization from 2004 through 2013. We compared clinical data between infants with and without genetic abnormality, among the three most common chromosomal abnormalities, and between survivors and non-survivors. Multivariable analysis was completed to evaluate predictors of mortality among patients with genetic abnormalities. A total of 5721 infants with HLHS were identified; 282 (5%) had associated genetic abnormalities. The three most common chromosomal abnormalities were Turner (25%), DiGeorge (22%), and Downs (12.7%) syndromes. Over the study period, the number of patients with genetic abnormalities undergoing cardiac operations increased without any significant increases in mortality. Infants with genetic abnormalities compared to those without abnormalities had longer hospital length of stay and higher morbidity and mortality. Variables associated with mortality were lower gestational age, longer duration of vasopressor therapy, need for dialysis, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation; and complicated clinical course as suggested by necrotizing enterocolitis, septicemia. Presence of any genetic abnormality in infants with HLHS undergoing cardiac surgery is associated with increased mortality and morbidity. Timely genetic testing, appropriate family counseling, and thorough preoperative case selection are suggested for these patients for any operative intervention.
Methamphetamine Induces Dopamine Release in the Nucleus Accumbens Through a Sigma Receptor-Mediated Pathway

Methamphetamine (METH) is a drug with a high addictive potential that is widely abused across the world. Although it is known that METH dysregulates both dopamine transmission and dopamine reuptake, the specific mechanism of action remains obscure. One promising target of METH is the sigma receptor, a chaperone protein located on the membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum. Using fast-scan cyclic voltammetry, we show that METH-enhancement of evoked dopamine release and basal efflux is dependent on sigma receptor activation. METH-induced activation of sigma receptors results in oxidation of a cysteine residue on VMAT2, which decreases transporter function. Unilateral injections of the sigma receptor antagonist BD-1063 prior to METH administration increased dopamine-related ipsilateral circling behavior, indicating the involvement of sigma receptors. These findings suggest that interactions between METH and the sigma receptor lead to oxidative species (most likely superoxide) that in turn oxidize VMAT2. Altogether, these findings show that the sigma receptor has a key role in METH dysregulation of dopamine release and dopamine-related behaviors.
Olfactory perception in children

The ability to smell is important for protection from danger and quality of life, even in children. Although smell loss is rare in children, it can be indicative of some childhood disorders and may be useful for understanding some disorders. This paper reviews the methods and results of behavioral testing olfaction in children, with an emphasis on odor identification, the most common method of assessing the sense of smell in both children and adults. The Pediatric Smell Wheel® is described as a relatively new and powerful tool for testing olfaction in children as young as 4 years of age. An example of its use in testing children with a childhood disorders (autism spectrum disorder, ASD) is provided in addition to a review of the literature on smell function in ASD. It is possible to reliably test sense of smell in children as young as 4 years old and many studies have shown that performance improves with age and can be impacted by childhood disorders. Sex differences in children are briefly discussed. Finally, the paper suggests other methods of testing olfaction in children, such as odor discrimination, that depend less on cognitive factors, which may enhance our understanding of the olfactory capabilities of young children.
Antineoplastic Agents and Cancer Cell Differentiation

Because specific approaches for the inhibition or modulation of the cancer cell are lacking, therapies are used that adversely affect some normal cells as well as tumor cells. These treatments make use of highly cytotoxic antibiotics such as daunomycin and actinomycin D, and of cytotoxic antimetabolites such as methotrexate and araC. The agents are employed at maximally tolerated doses in order to remove the greatest possible number of tumor cells.
Management of HIV-associated esophageal disease.

Gastrointestinal disorders are among the most common complaints of patients with HIV, and esophageal complications have been prominent in the clinical
Recording Speed and Determination of Basic Materials Properties

This chapter presents a discussion of the recording speed in photorefractive materials, the parameters that influence it under various circumstances of continuous wave and pulsed recording, and the experimental conditions under which the recording speed is determined in the simplest way by readily identifiable material parameters. This leads to all-optical techniques for the measurement of the photoconductivity, the diffusion length, the free-carrier lifetime, and the free carrier mobility. Two useful examples that will be discussed at greater length are photoinduced space-charge relaxation (PSCR) using continuous-wave excitation at long grating spacing to determine the conductivity, and holographic time of flight (HTOF) using short-pulse excitation at short grating spacings to determine the free carrier mobility.
Management Strategies and Outcomes for Hyponatremia in Cirrhosis in the Hyponatremia Registry

Aim. Treatment practices and effectiveness in cirrhotic patients with hyponatremia (HN) in the HN Registry were assessed. Methods. Characteristics, treatments, and outcomes were compared between patients with HN at admission and during hospitalization. For HN at admission, serum sodium concentration [Na] response was analyzed until correction to > 130 mmol/L, switch to secondary therapy, or discharge or death with sodium ≤ 130 mmol/L. Results. Patients with HN at admission had a lower [Na] and shorter length of stay (LOS) than those who developed HN (P < 0.001). Most common initial treatments were isotonic saline (NS, 36%), fluid restriction (FR, 33%), and no specific therapy (NST, 20%). Baseline [Na] was higher in patients treated with NST, FR, or NS versus hypertonic saline (HS) and tolvaptan (Tol) (P < 0.05). Treatment success occurred in 39%, 39%, 52%, 78%, and 81% of patients with NST, FR, NS, HS, and Tol, respectively. Relapse occurred in 55% after correction and was associated with increased LOS (9 versus 6 days, P < 0.001). 34% admitted with HN were discharged with HN corrected. Conclusions. Treatment approaches for HN were variable and frequently ineffective. Success was greatest with HS and Tol. Relapse of HN is associated with increased LOS.
Dissociation between urate and blood pressure in mice and in people with early Parkinson's disease

Abstract Background Epidemiological, laboratory and clinical studies have established an association between elevated urate and high blood pressure (BP). However, the inference of causality remains controversial. A naturally occurring antioxidant, urate may also be neuroprotective, and urate-elevating treatment with its precursor inosine is currently under clinical development as a potential disease-modifying strategy for Parkinson's disease (PD). Methods Our study takes advantage of a recently completed phase II trial evaluating oral inosine in de novo non-disabling early PD with no major cardiovascular and nephrological conditions, and of three lines of genetically engineered mice: urate oxidase (UOx) global knockout (gKO), conditional KO (cKO), and transgenic (Tg) mice with markedly elevated, mildly elevated, and substantially reduced serum urate, respectively, to systematically investigate effects of urate-modifying manipulation on BP. Findings Among clinical trial participants, change in serum urate but not changes in systolic, diastolic and orthostatic BP differed by treatment group. There was no positive correlation between urate elevations and changes in systolic, diastolic and orthostatic BP ((p = .05 (in inverse direction), 0.30 and 0.63, respectively)). Between UOx gKO, cKO, or Tg mice and their respective wildtype littermates there were no significant differences in systolic or diastolic BP or in their responses to BP-regulating interventions. Interpretation Our complementary preclinical and human studies of urate modulation in animal models and in generally healthy early PD do not support a hypertensive effect of urate elevation or an association between urate and BP. Fund U.S. Department of Defense, RJG Foundation, Michael J. Fox Foundation LEAPS program, National Institutes of Health, American Federation for Aging Research, Parkinson's Disease Foundation Advancing Parkinson's Therapies initiative.
Multiband Split-Monopole Antenna Design Rules

Design rules for a multiband, split-monopole antenna are presented. The antenna consists of two split (U-shaped) monopole antennas fed by a microstrip line that produce three unique resonances of f 1 = 2.015 GHz, f 2 = 4.189 GHz, and f 3 = 5.554 GHz. The design procedure outlines the overall design of the antenna and how to tune f 2 and f 3 independently without changing the other resonances. Both simulated and measured results for multiple tuning designs are presented.
What's in a Policy? Evaluating the Privacy Policies of Children's Apps and Websites.

Although the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) was enacted 20 years ago, the recently updated General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has renewed public interest in privacy policie...
Evidence of ACTH-Adrenal and Chronic Stress-Induced Down Regulation of Substance P in the Sensory Vagus Nerve

The peripheral anterograde transport of substance P (SP) in the cervical vagus nerve was reduced 30–40% in male rats following 2 weeks of ACTH or corticosterone administration. In a different model, chronic shock avoidance stress reduced by 20–40% net SP accumulation in subsequently removed 24h explants of nodose ganglion/vagus nerve. The results suggest that in chronic stress the neuroendocrine axis may interact with SP-containing vagal sensory neurons as part of the long term adaptation response.
The influence of hormone replacement therapy on lung cancer incidence and mortality.

Abstract Objective Data regarding the effects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are mixed. We hypothesized HRT would have a protective benefit with reduced NSCLC incidence among women in a large, prospective cohort. Methods We used data from the multicenter randomized Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial (1993-2001). Participants were women aged 50 to 74 years followed prospectively for up to 13 years for cancer screening. The influence of HRT on the primary outcome of NSCLC incidence and secondary outcomes of all-cause and disease-specific mortality were assessed with Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazard models adjusting for covariates. Results In the overall cohort of 75,587 women, 1147 women developed NSCLC after a median follow-up of 11.5 years. HRT use was characterized as 49.4% current users, 17.0% former users, and 33.6% never users. Increased age, smoking, comorbidities, and family history were associated with increased risk of NSCLC. On multivariable analysis, current HRT use was associated with reduced risk of NSCLC compared with never users (hazard ratio, 0.80; 95% confidence interval, 0.70-0.93; P = .009). HRT or oral contraception use was not associated with significant differences in all-cause mortality or disease-specific mortality. Conclusions These data represent among the largest prospective cohorts suggesting HRT use may have a protective effect on the development of NSCLC among women; the physiological basis of this effect merits further study; however, the results may influence discussion surrounding HRT use in women.
A State Level Analysis of Factors Impacting Very Preterm Births at Non-Level III Hospitals

Background: The national Collaborative Improvement and Innovation Network to Reduce Infant Mortality set a national goal that 90% of very preterm (VPT, < 32 weeks gestation) infants be delivered at a hospital with a level III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Illinois has employed perinatal regionalization since the 1970s but still has not met the national goal for risk-appropriate care. This study aimed to identify factors associated with birth of VPT babies at inappropriate levels of care. Methods: Each Illinois non-Level III perinatal hospital was asked to complete review forms for VPT live births occurring at their facility during …
On positioning, deafness, and educational research: an autoethnography on deafness and qualitative research

Combining autoethnography and disability studies in education, this article is an autoethnographic study of the different ways the author was positioned as abled and disabled by her institution’s r...
Equity, Environmentalism, and Conscious Consumerism: A Review of Grocery Activism

First paragraph: Two crises pervading the current consciousness of society—the COVID-19 health crisis and the ongoing crisis of police brutality against Black Americans as evident in the recent murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis—make Craig B. Upright’s Grocery Activism: The Radical History of Food Cooperatives in Minnesota particularly timely and relevant, though neither is the direct topic of the book. Upright outlines how grocery co-ops were able to find, sustain, and promote a niche in the market through a symbiotic relationship with the natural and organic foods movement. Readers encounter a variety of voices from Minnesota’s rich history of food co-ops, and while some voices are notably missing, the book provides a foothold into exploring the broad environmental, social, and eco­nomic implications of the aphorism Upright notes in the text: “Food is power." . . .
Psychocutaneous Medicine Clinic: Wisconsin Experience.

Background Psychocutaneous medicine, also known as psychodermatology, is a subspecialty of dermatology and psychiatry that explores the interactions between the skin and the brain. For many patients, skin disease affects their quality of life and mental well-being. For others, psychiatric problems exhibit skin signs. Objective Little data are available from psychocutaneous clinics worldwide. The aim of our review is to advance clinical knowledge about psychocutaneous medicine and help bridge the current gap between dermatology and psychiatry. Methods A total of 808 cases referred to our psychocutaneous clinic from 2002 to 2018 were reviewed. A specific code in the electronic health records allowed us to identify these patients. All the patients referred to the clinic were included in the study. The primary variable of interest was the patient's final diagnosis, as made by the psychiatrist. Patient demographics (age, sex, marital status), number of visits, and treatments were collected. Results Our data showed a high prevalence of skin picking disorder followed by depressive and anxiety disorders. Serious mental health disorders such as major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder were common in our patients. Three-fourth of our patients were women. Skin picking was more prevalent in women, and alcohol dependence was more prevalent in men. No other significant gender differences in final diagnoses were found. 44.2% of patients needed one visit and were able to return to referring physicians for follow up. Conclusion This is the largest collection of patients from a psychocutaneous clinic in the literature to date. Previous studies show that psychocutaneous clinics save health care dollars by decreasing the number of patient visits and improving the quality of life of patients with dermatologic problems. Introducing the results of this clinic could inform future integration of psychocutaneous clinics in dermatology practices and identify areas of need in training dermatology and psychiatry residents.
58 Evaluation of substrate:buffer ratios for in vitro cultures inoculated with equine cecal contents

In vitro fermentation systems allow researchers to mimic the equine hindgut while providing quick, affordable, and publishable data. However, the substrate:buffer ratio within the system has a profound impact on subsequent fermentation parameters. The objective of this study was to evaluate effects of varying substrate levels on culture pH, gas production, dry matter disappearance (DMD), neutral detergent fiber disappearance (NDFD), and volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations utilizing the ANKOM RF Gas Production System (ANKOM Technology; Macedon, NY). Cecal fluid was collected from 4 cecally cannulated Quarter horses and used to inoculate fermentation bottles containing buffer and substrate. Substrate consisted of brome or corn included at 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, or 4 g/flask (dry matter basis) while buffer and inoculant remained constant at 125 and 25 mL/flask, respectively. Flasks were equipped with continuous gas pressure monitors and placed into a shaking incubator for 48 h at 39°C. Data were analyzed using mixed models with fixed effects of treatment, time, and treatment by time interaction, repeated effect of time, and random effects of run by horse within run. Changes in gas production, VFA production, and terminal pH were proportion to substrate amount for cultures containing 0.5 to 2 g of substrate, but were less for cultures with 3 or 4 g of substrate (linear and quadratic effects, P
Validity of mHealth devices for counting steps in individuals with Parkinson's disease

BACKGROUND Step quantification is a good way to characterize the mobility and functional status of individuals with some functional disorder. Therefore, a validation study may lead to the feasibility of devices to stimulate an increase in the number of steps and physical activity level of individuals with Parkinson's Disease (PD). AIM To investigate the validity of mHealth devices to estimate the number of steps in individuals with PD and compare the estimate with a standard criterion measure. METHOD An observational study in a university laboratory with 34 individuals with idiopathic PD. The number of steps was measured using mHealth devices (Google Fit, Health, STEPZ, Pacer, and Fitbit INC®), and compared against a criterionstandard measure during the Two-Minute Walk Test using habitual speed. RESULTS Our sample was 82% men with a Hoehn and Yahr mean of 2.3 ± 1.3 and mean walking speed of 1.2 ± 0.2 m/s. Positive and statistically significant associations were found between Google Fit (r = 0.92; p < 0.01), STEPZ (r = 0.91; p < 0.01), Pacer (r = 0.77; p < 0.01), Health (r = 0.54; p < 0.01), and Fitbit Inc® (r = 0.82; p < 0.01) with the criterion-standard measure. CONCLUSIONS GoogleFit, STEPZ, Fitbit Inc.®, Pacer, and Health are valid instruments to measure the number of steps over a given period of time with moderate to high correlation with the criterion-standard in individuals with PD. This result shows that technology such as smartphone applications and activity monitor can be used to assess the number of steps in individuals with PD, and allows the possibility of using this technology for assessment and intervention purposes.
Influence of silver-nanoparticle layer in a chiral sculptured thin film for surface-multiplasmonic sensing

Multiple surface-plasmon-polariton (SPP) waves can be guided by the interface of a metal and a chiral sculptured thin film (STF). It is possible to embed within the chiral STF a layer of silver nanoparticles as sites to bind recognition molecules for sensing analytes of a certain kind. Chiral STFs were deposited on aluminum thin films. 5-nm-thick layers of silver nanoparticles were deposited in the chiral STF at different depths in different samples. The samples were then deployed in the Turbadar–Kretschmann–Raether configuration to observe the effects the silver-nanoparticle layer had on the multiple SPP-wave modes in relation to the depth. We concluded that the silver-nanoparticle layer tends to shift the angular locations of the SPP-wave modes but does not necessarily affect the location of the SPP-wave modes to an extent that would render the data uninterpretable.
Rootkits: Understanding the Practical Applications of Stealth Command, Control, and Monitoring

Rootkits are a powerful tool in a Digital Age arsenal. By manipulating the most crucial asset of all, information, they can turn computers against their users. This article explains the core concepts of rootkits for a reader who is not necessarily a computer security professional. By understanding what they are and how they work, we can consider their practical applications and legal implications.
Causal Closure, Causal Exclusion, and Supervenience Physicalism

This article considers the recent defense of the supervenience approach to physicalism due to Jaegwon Kim. Kim argues that supervenience supports physical causal closure, and that causal closure supports physicalism – indeed, a kind of reductive physicalism – and thus that supervenience suffices for physicalism. After laying out Kim's argument, I ask whether its success would truly vindicate the role of supervenience in defining physicalist positions. I argue that it would not, and that insofar as Kim's defense of supervenience physicalism succeeds, it does so by showing that supervenience physicalism is not a unique, nonredundant way to be a physicalist.
The Cluster Variation Method and the Calculation of Alloy Phase Diagrams

I was asked by the Workshop organizers to write a tutorial on the Cluster Variation Method (CVM) in phase diagram calculations. Hence I shall present an elementary treatment of the essential features of the method rather than a comprehensive review.
When the Agent Knows Better than the Principal: Rapporteur selection and internal advancement in the European Parliament

This paper examines the assignment of legislative rapporteurships to members of the European Parliament (MEPs). Using a major new source of data, I develop and test the assumption that rapports are routinely awarded to MEPs with higher levels of education, as well as those with more extensive service at the EU level. The hypotheses are supported by an extensive multivariate regression analysis, which also demonstrates the increasing value or rapporteurships, following the initiation of Parliament’s veto player status under co-decision. The paper surpasses existing accounts of committee work in the European Parliament to include data on the individual balance of legislative power for the legislature’s full history, 1979-2009.
Biosynthesis of pyridine nucleotides in early embryos of the mouse (Mus musculus).

Abstract The diphosphopyridine nucleotide contents of mouse embryos at various stages of development were determined with an enzymic cycling method. These were 0.07 pmole per individual for unfertilized ova and early one-cell embryos and 0.03 to 0.04 pmole per embryo for embryos at all stages from two-cell through blastocyst. There was no concomitant increase in triphosphopyridine nucleotide content on development from the one-cell to the two-cell stage. Growth of two-cell embryos in vitro for 24 hours in the presence of either nicotinamide or nicotinate (0.8 mm) lead to a 2.5-fold increase in diphosphopyridine nucleotide content. Isotopically labeled nicotinamide, nicotinate, and quinolinate, but not tryptophan were incorporated into pyridine nucleotides by embryos cultured in vitro. Azaserine inhibited pyridine nucleotide synthesis from nicotinate but not from nicotinamide. Nicotinate was more rapidly incorporated into the pyridine nucleotides than was nicotinamide, but the total incorporation after 24 hours was the same for both precursors. The extent of the incorporation of labeled nicotinamide into DPN by preimplantation embryos at all stages was nearly constant for any given 24-hour period. A precipitous increase in incorporation occurred subsequent to the hatching of the blastocyst from the zona; it coincided with the beginnings of embryonic growth. The data permit the conclusion that preimplantation embryos are capable of the de novo synthesis of DPN and that deamidation is not an obligatory step in the biosynthesis of DPN from nicotinamide.
A clinical decision algorithm for hospital inpatients with impaired decision‐making capacity

BACKGROUND Impaired decision-making capacity is a frequent complication of inpatient hospitalization, with potential negative impacts on patients and the healthcare system. Studies of clinician behavior show difficulty in diagnosis and management of capacity impairment. Appropriate management of incapacitated patients may benefit safety, medical outcomes, and healthcare expenditure. OBJECTIVE To create a clinical decision algorithm for identification and management of hospital inpatients with impaired capacity. METHODS The Department of Risk Management at San Francisco General Hospital (SFGH) convened a multidisciplinary workgroup to improve management of incapacitated patients. The workgroup studied institutional data and case experience, solicited mental health expertise, and performed a brief review of published tools for management of incapacitated patients. The workgroup produced a clinical decision algorithm for hospital inpatients with impaired decision-making capacity. RESULTS The algorithm is explained via 3 common scenarios, and notable details include identification and management in a single visual diagram, emphasis on safety planning for a high-risk subset of incapacitated patients, and explanation for multiple disciplines of consultation. The algorithm was disseminated to providers, workshops were conducted, and associated quality improvements were implemented. Initial feedback was positive, relating to clinical competency, decreased practice anxiety, and improved teamwork. CONCLUSIONS Impaired decision-making capacity is frequent among hospitalized patients, including at SFGH. An algorithm, based on institutional review and prior published work, is presented as an example to address the common challenge of acutely ill patients with impaired decision-making capacity. Journal of Hospital Medicine 20142014;9:527–532. © 2014 Society of Hospital Medicine
Effect of Calcium Chloride and Alum on Fermentation, Desalting, and Firmness Retention of Cucumber Pickles

The effects of CaCl2 in cucumber pickle fermentation and storage brines on fermentation, desalting and retention of mesocarp firmness after processing were determined. Also, the influence of post-desalting treatments with alum and CaCl2 on firmness of processed pickle was evaluated. Fermentation and desalting were unaffected by CaCl2 treatment of fermentation brines. However, exposure of pickles to CaCl2 during fermentation and brine storage substantially reduced softening after processing. Post-desalting treatment with alum and/or CaCl2 of pickles not previously exposed to CaCl2 also reduced softening. Retention of firmness was maximized in pickles processed from fermentation and storage brines containing CaCl2 and treated with alum or CaCl2 after desalting.
Jehovah's Witnesses requiring complex urgent cardiothoracic surgery

Blood-sparing surgical technique and perioperative medical management allows complex surgery in Jehovah's Witnesses. The authors review four cases of urgent cardiothoracic surgery performed on Jehovah's Witnesses. No lasting sequelae associated with either bleeding or end-organ ischemia were noted. Cardiopulmonary bypass management, meticulous hemostatic operative technique, and pharmacologic support of hemostasis and erythropoiesis permit this complex surgery.
A Severe Frontal Rainband. Part IV: Precipitation Mechanisms, Diabatic Processes and Rainband Maintenance

Abstract A three-dimensional kinematic cloud model has been used to study the precipitation processes within an intense, narrow cold-frontal rainband (NCFR). A triple-Doppler radar analysis has provided the necessary kinematic flow field. The leading edge of the advancing cold air was viewed as a density current, which contained a well-defined and intense rotor circulation. Observed and predicted local precipitation rates were in excess of 200 mm h−1. The model indicated that heavy precipitation formed through riming, associated with the development of graupel. Coalescence growth at temperatures above 0°C was also important. A parameterization of the Hallett-Mossop ice multiplication process was included in the model. Copious amounts of small ice crystals were produced by this mechanism, but the model results were insensitive to their presence. The rather high temperatures associated with the region splinters formed (−3°to −8°C), and the circulation pattern, prevented their growth to hydrometeor sizes. Th...
Axisymmetric unsteady droplet vaporization and gas temperature distribution

Droplet vaporization and temperature distributions of axisymmetric unsteady sprays are investigated. The so-called discrete droplet model of two-phase flows, often known as the Eulerian-Lagrangian method, is used. Calculations are carried out with Eulerian coordinates using finite elments for the gas phase and the method of characteristics using the second-order Runge-Kutta scheme for the droplet liquid phase. The sensitivity of the numerical results to changes in time step, injection pulse time, grid spacing, and number of droplet characteristics is examined. Through a simple example, it is shown that applications of the finite element method to more complicated problems appear to be promising.
Connecting the Dots: Predicting Student Grade Sequences from Bursty MOOC Interactions over Time

In this work, we track the interaction of students across multiple Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) on edX. Leveraging the ``burstiness" factor of three of the most commonly exhibited interaction forms made possible by online learning (i.e, video lecture viewing, coursework access and discussion forum posting), we take on the task of predicting student performance (operationalized as grade) across these courses. Specifically, we utilize the probabilistic framework of Conditional Random Fields (CRF) to formalize the problem of predicting the sequence of grades achieved by a student in different MOOCs, taking into account the contextual dependency of this outcome measure on students' general interaction trend across courses. Based on a comparative analysis of the combination of interaction features, our best CRF model can achieve a precision of 0.581, recall of 0.660 and a weighted F-score of 0.560, outweighing several baseline discriminative classifiers applied at each sequence position. These findings have implications for initiating early instructor intervention, so as to engage students along less active interaction dimensions that could be associated with low grades.
Are Funny Teenagers Creative

To assess relationships among measures of humor, creativity, and self-concept in early and late adolescents, seventh and eleventh grade students were evaluated on the basis of observational, rating, and psychometric procedures. These included direct observation of humorous events as well as teachers', peers', and raters' judgments of humorousness and creativity. Psychometric measures included the Torrance test and the Piers-Harris Self-concept Scale. For students in both grades, significant correlations were obtained between teachers', observers', and students' ratings of humorousness and humor production. While there were few significant correlations among creativity, humor, and self-concept for seventh graders, for eleventh graders there were many positive correlations. Results were taken to suggest that being humorous is part of a different complex of personal characteristics for seventh and eleventh graders.
Use of implicitly defined optical surfaces for the design of imaging and illumination systems

This paper presents an approach that uses implicitly defined optical surfaces for designing imaging and illumination systems. In the standard aspheric optical surface, consisting of a conic with an even- order polynomial, the surface sagitta (sag), z, is defined explicitly as a function of the coordinates x and y. This standard aspheric surface is deemed useful for describing surfaces with small departures from a conic surface. However, optical surfaces with large departures from a conic are sometimes useful for current applications, such as null certification, conformal domes and windows, luminaires, and condenser design. The approach in this paper, which uses implicitly defined surfaces to describe highly aspheric surfaces, can be more general and easier to use for some situations. The sag z of an implicit surface is not defined directly, as it is in an explicit surface. Instead, it is defined indirectly in a more general form, as a function of x, y, and z. Because implicit functions have a more general form than explicit functions, they can better describe a variety of surfaces that cannot be easily described using the standard explicit aspheric surface. We show some examples of current interest.