cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Ethics of Suicide in the Renaissance and Reformation

Evolving attitudes towards suicide in early modern Europe can best be understood against the backdrop of the church’s traditional opposition to any form of self-destruction. The formulation of the orthodox Christian attitude began with Augustine, who in his City of God (1. 17–27) provided the first extensive discussion of the morality of suicide from a Christian point of view. He viewed suicide as a violation of the sixth commandments and a sin that precluded repentence. It was not justified in any circumstances, he believed, since it was a greater sin than any that it could seek to avoid. Augustine’s position became essentially the mediaeval Catholic position, as later amplified by Thomas Aquinas, who suggested three additional arguments: that suicide was contrary to natural law and self-love; that it deprived society of the contribution and activity of an individual; and that it usurped the function of God (Summa Theologica 2–2, 64, 5). At the end of the Middle Ages the Catholic condemnation of suicide was anchored in the belief that suicide contravened the unchanging moral law governing man’s relationship to God, who alone gave life and took it. Man’s control over himselfz was limited (it consisted of usus rather than dominium) and this limitation did not sanction self-murder. Civil law reflected not only the Christian belief that suicide was a sin beyond forgiveness but the repugnance attached to an act that was widely thought to be unnatural. Primitive customs that probably dated from pre-Christian times involving public desecration of the corpse (e.g., the practice in England of burying suicides at crossroads after a stake had been driven through the corpse) were practiced till the nineteenth century.3 Suicide became a crime as well as a sin and was often punished additionally by confiscation of property and refusal of consecrated ground for burial of the corpse. It was during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries that the traditional Christian view began to be challenged, at first obliquely but gradually with increasing boldness. In the beginning the attack took place within an assumed Christian context; eventually Christian presuppositions were discarded altogether. By the end of the seventeenth century the ‘modern’ view of suicide had been formulated: that suicide was not an offense against God but merely a matter of personal choice unencumbered by theological or dogmatic considerations and devoid of blame or disgrace.
RFI detection and mitigation for microwave radiometry with an agile digital detector

A new type of microwave radiometer detector has been developed that is capable of identifying high and low levels of radio-frequency interference (RFI) and of reducing or eliminating its effect on the measured brightness temperatures. High-level, localized RFI can be easily identified by its unnatural appearance in brightness temperature imagery. Low-level or persistent RFI can be much more difficult to identify and filter out. The agile digital detector (ADD) can discriminate between RFI and natural thermal emission signals by directly measuring higher order moments of the signal than the variance that is traditionally measured. After detection, the ADD then uses spectral filtering methods to selectively remove the RFI. ADD performance is experimentally verified in controlled laboratory tests and in the field near a commercial air traffic control radar. High-level RFI is easily identified and removed. Very low level RFI contamination, with power levels as low as the radiometric measurement uncertainty of the radiometer, is also shown to be reliably detected and removed.
Heat and Water Transport in the Human Respiratory System

The warming and humidification of inspired air in the human respiratory tract, often called respiratory air conditioning, is a well-controlled and remarkably stable process necessary for maintaining life. An understanding of heat and water movement from the underlying blood vessels to and from the air flowing in the respiratory passageways, the problem addressed in this chapter, requires the application of knowledge and techniques from both the biological and physical sciences. Complete understanding of this process and its relationship to other functions of the respiratory tract is still a distant goal.
New species and color forms of Empoasca (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Typhlocybinae: Empoascini) from South America

Three new Neotropical species in the genus Empoasca are described and illustrated (Empoasca bartletti n. sp., Empoasca concava n. sp., Empoasca coofa n. sp.). The species are placed in a previously published key and relationships to other species of the genus are described. Two informal species groups, the E. dolonis group and the E. papae group are described and included species are listed. Evidence for the occurrence of dimorphic color forms in the genus is discussed.
Silent avascular necrosis of the femoral head in haemophilia

Haemophilia is a rare cause of avascular necrosis of the femoral head. We report three cases from one centre, an incidence of 2.8%. All three cases presented "silently", and this makes the early diagnosis difficult. Awareness of the condition should lead to examination of the hips of haemophiliac patients at every outpatient visit and admission in the hope that hip disease can be diagnosed at an early stage. This may allow earlier treatment, less femoral head deformity, and an improvement in the long-term prognosis.
Projection-Based Gel Score Test for Subsets of Parameters with Possible Weak Identification

It has been recently shown that generalized empirical likelihood (GEL) methods can be used to design score tests for subsets of parameters such that the asymptotic size of the tests is equal to their nominal size when the nuisance parameters in the model are (strongly) identified. However, this does not necessarily hold if the nuisance parameters are not identified; and in such cases there is no guarantee that the standard (first-order) asymptotic chi-squared pproximation of the score statistic will not result in over-rejection of the true value of the parameters of interest. In this paper we address this problem by proposing a new method of projection-based score test that guards against the uncontrolled over-rejection of the true value of the parameters of interest even when the nuisance parameters are not identified, while achieving asymptotic equivalence with the GEL score tests otherwise.
Predictors of Intervention and Mortality in Patients with Uncomplicated Acute Type B Aortic Dissection

Abstract Objective Patients with uncomplicated acute type B aortic dissection (uATBAD) have historically been managed with medical therapy. Recent studies suggest that high-risk patients with uATBAD may benefit from thoracic endovascular aortic repair. This study aims to determine the predictors of intervention and mortality in patients with uATBAD. Methods All patients admitted with uATBAD from 2000 to 2014 were reviewed, and those with computed tomographic angiography imaging were included. Multiplanar reconstruction was used to obtain double orthogonal oblique measurements. All measurements were obtained by a specialized cardiovascular radiologist (D.O.). The maximum aortic diameter, proximal descending thoracic aorta false lumen (FL) diameter, and area were recorded. Outcomes, including the need for intervention and mortality, were tracked over time. Data were analyzed by stratified Kaplan-Meier and multiple Cox regression analysis using SAS v 9.4 (SAS Institute, Cary, NC). Results During the study period, 294 patients with uATBAD were admitted with 156 having admission computed tomographic angiography imaging available for analysis. The cohort had an average age of 60.6 years (±13.6 years); 60% were males. The average follow-up time was 3.7 years (interquartile range, 2.1-6.9). A stratified analysis demonstrated the most sensitive cutoff for mortality was aortic diameter >44 mm ( P P = .36). Intervention-free survival, alternatively, appeared to decrease over the range of diameters from 35 to 44 mm ( P 22 mm was associated with decreased intervention-free survival ( P 60 years on admission also demonstrated decreased survival compared with those ≤60 years of age ( P 44 mm persisted as a risk factor for mortality (hazard ratio, 8.6; P P P P P P 44 mm was 18.8%, 29.5%, and 50.3%, respectively, compared with 4.8%, 13.3%, and 13.3% in the ≤44 mm group ( P Conclusions Aortic diameter >44 mm is a predictor of mortality after adjustment for other significant risk factors. Age >60 years on admission is a predictor of mortality. An FL diameter >22 mm as well as those with maximum aortic diameter >44 mm on admission were associated with decreased intervention-free survival. Patients with these high-risk criteria may benefit from thoracic endovascular aortic repair. Further studies are needed to further define those patients at highest risk and, thus, most likely to benefit from early intervention.
Establishment, resource acquisition, and early productivity as determined by biomass allocation patterns of three tropical tree species.

Speed of stand establishment and rate of stem biomass production after canopy closure are two important criteria in the selection of species in the expanding field of tropical reforestation. How biomass allocation patterns determine establishment and stem production was studied in 0 to 2-yr-old plantations of Cedrela odorata, Cordia alliodora, and Hyeronima alchorneoides on fertile soil in the humid Atlantic lowlands of Costa Rica. The species were evaluated by: (1) their allocation of biomass to leaves and fine roots; (2) the resource-capturing capacity of the stands as expressed in leaf area, cover, fine-root length, and root distribution; and (3) biomass accrual and aboveground productivity. All species grew very fast: average stand heights at 2 yr ranged from 4 to 6 m, and some individuals were >12 m tall. Canopy closure and root-system overlap were fastest in Cordia, occurring within a year after planting. Cordia's rapid stand closure was achieved by its higher specific leaf area and specific root length, plus an architecture that distributed leaves and fine roots more widely. Maximum aboveground net primary productivities after canopy closure were 7.3, 4.9, and 3.3 g m 2 d-  for Hyeronima, Cordia, and Cedrela stands, respectively. High productivity of Hyeronirna correlated with development of a high LAI coupled with a low leaf turnover rate. Cordia and Cedrela, on the other hand, had higher rates of leaf turnover, so a higher rate of leaf production was required to maintain a given leaf area; this, in turn, limited biomass allocation to production of stem biomass. Cedrela productivity was severely reduced by attacks of the stem-borer Hypsipyla grandella. Biomass allocation patterns that promoted rapid establishment of a tree stand, such as broad crowns, high specific leaf area, and high specific root length, did not lead to the highest levels of stem biomass production after canopy closure. Once stand closure is achieved, spedes having low rates of leaf turnover, high leaf area indices, and high density of fine roots are likely to be most productive. Fast-growing tropical tree species should be evaluated not just on initial growth but also on the stem production attained
Roots of Unity

No other lab needs to be completed before attempting this lab. However, experience with cyclic groups (see Group Lab 6) may prove beneficial.
Internet Sales Tax: A Survey of Revenues Lost to Alabama

The authors analyze Alabama's loss of sales and use tax due to electronic commerce. In a survey, they found that 83 percent of Alabamians making online purchases do not report them. The authors estimate that the state of Alabama and its local governments lost at least $410 million in 2004.
The nursing effect of postoperative adenoid-tonsillectomy bleeding by low-temperature plasma in children

To observe the nursing effect of postoperative adenoid tonsil bleeding by low-temperature plasma in children. 12 patients received the operation successfully without bleeding. The nursing methods include psychological nursing, observation, apnea prevention and diet nursing. Low-temperature plasma is an effective and safe way to cure postoperative bleeding without complications.
Internet-Based Information on Long-Acting Reversible Contraception for Adolescents.

Background:Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) is safe, effective, and recommended as first-line contraception for adolescents. Despite clear medical recommendations, the type and quality o...
Pt···Pt vs Pt···S contacts between Pt-containing heterobimetallic lantern complexes.

A trio of Pt-based heterobimetallic lantern complexes of the form [(py)PtM(SAc)4(py)] (M = Co, 1; Ni, 2; Zn, 3) with unusual octahedral coordination of Pt(II) was prepared from a reaction of [PtM(S...
Joy and the Myopia of Finitude

Philosophy, by and large, tends to dwell on what might be called the woeful nature of reality—finitude, suffering, loss, death, and the like. While these topics are no doubt worthy of philosophical concern, undue focus on them tends to obscure other facets of our experience and of reality, giving philosophy a temperament that could justifiably be called melancholic. Without besmirching the value of such inquiry, this paper suggests that philosophers have largely ignored the experience of joy and, consequently, missed its distinctive contributions to our understanding of the meaningfulness of life and the goodness of being. Traditional accounts of the problem of evil are rooted in what John D. Caputo calls “strong theology,” which tends to construe evil as a problem to which God should supply the answer or solution. However, if we call into question traditional accounts of omnipotence, evil ceases to be a problem, and we become free to engage it as part of what Gabriel Marcel calls “the mystery of being.” ...
Ictal fear: Associations with age, gender, and other experiential phenomena

Abstract Purpose The aim of this study was to determine the relationship of fear to other auras and to gender and age using a large database. Methods The Epilepsy Phenome/Genome Project (EPGP) is a multicenter, multicontinental cross-sectional study in which ictal symptomatology and other data were ascertained in a standardized series of questionnaires then corroborated by epilepsy specialists. Auras were classified into subgroups of symptoms, with ictal fear, panic, or anxiety as a single category. Results Of 536 participants with focal epilepsy, 72 were coded as having ictal fear/panic/anxiety. Reviewing raw patient responses, 12 participants were deemed not to have fear, and 24 had inadequate data, leaving 36 (7%) of 512 with definite ictal fear. In univariate analyses, fear was significantly associated with auras historically considered temporal lobe in origin, including cephalic, olfactory, and visceral complaints; deja vu; and derealization. On both univariate and multivariate stepwise analyses, fear was associated with jamais vu and auras with cardiac symptoms, dyspnea, and chest tightening. Expressive aphasia was associated with fear on univariate analysis only, but the general category of aphasias was associated with fear only in the multivariate model. There was no age or gender relationship with fear when compared to the overall population with focal epilepsy that was studied under the EPGP. Patients with ictal fear were more likely to have a right hemisphere seizure focus. Conclusions Ictal fear was strongly associated with other auras considered to originate from the limbic system. No relationship of fear with age or gender was observed.
Discussion on “Sequential detection/isolation of abrupt changes” by Igor V. Nikiforov

ABSTRACTIn a very interesting article, Dr. Nikiforov has reviewed methodological and theoretical developments on the problem of non-Bayesian sequential change detection and isolation. In our discussion of this article, we stress that it is possible to design existing procedures in order to enjoy an asymptotic optimality property (with respect to a Lorden-type criterion) not only under the worst post-change scenario but under every post-change scenario. Moreover, we point out some dangers in working with a more conservative criterion than necessary. Finally, we propose a scalable procedure for the multichannel problem where more than one channels are affected by the change.
Computational discovery of stable M 2 A X phases

The family of layered ${M}_{n+1}A{X}_{n}$ compounds provides a large class of materials with applications ranging from magnets to high-temperature coatings to nuclear cladding. In this work, we employ a density-functional-theory-based discovery approach to identify a large number of thermodynamically stable ${M}_{n+1}A{X}_{n}$ compounds, where $n=1$, $M=\text{Sc}$, Ti, V, Cr, Zr, Nb, Mo, Hf, Ta; $A=\text{Al}$, Si, P, S, Ga, Ge, As, Cd, In, Sn, Tl, Pb; and $X=\text{C}$, N. We calculate the formation energy for 216 pure ${M}_{2}AX$ compounds and 10 314 solid solutions, ${(M{M}^{\ensuremath{'}})}_{2}(A{A}^{\ensuremath{'}})(X{X}^{\ensuremath{'}})$, relative to their competing phases. We find that the 49 experimentally known ${M}_{2}AX$ phases exhibit formation energies of less than 30 meV/atom. Among the 10 530 compositions considered, 3140 exhibit formation energies below 30 meV/atom, most of which have yet to be experimentally synthesized. A significant subset of 301 compositions exhibits strong exothermic stability in excess of 100 meV/atom, indicating favorable synthesis conditions. We identify empirical design rules for stable ${M}_{2}AX$ compounds. Among the metastable ${M}_{2}AX$ compounds are two Cr-based compounds with ferromagnetic ordering and expected Curie temperatures around 75 K. These results can serve as a map for the experimental design and synthesis of different ${M}_{2}AX$ compounds.
ASTRO-DF: adaptive sampling trust-region optimization algorithms, heuristics, and numerical experience

ASTRO-DF is a class of adaptive sampling algorithms for solving simulation optimization problems in which only estimates of the objective function are available by executing a Monte Carlo simulation. ASTRO-DF algorithms are iterative trust-region algorithms, where a local model is repeatedly constructed and optimized as iterates evolve through the search space. The ASTRO-DF class of algorithms is derivative-free in the sense that it does not rely on direct observations of the function derivatives. A salient feature of ASTRO-DF is the incorporation of adaptive sampling and replication to keep the model error and the trust-region radius in lock-step, to ensure efficiency. ASTRO-DF has been demonstrated to generate iterates that globally converge to a first-order critical point with probability one. In this paper, we describe and list ASTRO-DF, and discuss key heuristics that ensure good finite-time performance. We report our numerical experience with ASTRO-DF on test problems in low to moderate dimensions.
Growing an ethics consultation service: A longitudinal study examining two decades of practice

ABSTRACTBackground: Little is known about what factors may contribute to the growth of a consultation service or how a practice may change or evolve across time. Methods: This study examines data collected from a busy ethics consultation service over a period of more than two decades. Results: We report a number of longitudinal findings that represent significant growth in the volume of ethics consultation requests from 19 in 1990 to 551 in 2013, as well as important changes in the patient population for which ethics help is requested. The findings include (1) a steady growth in requests from primary care providers (e.g., physicians and nurses), as well as increases in ancillary services (e.g., social workers); (2) a decrease in length of stay (days) before ethics help is requested; (3) an increase in the reasons that individuals ask for help from ethics; (4) an upsurge in consults requests from areas outside the intensive care unit (ICU); (5) a decrease in patients that died during hospitalization (e.g.,...
Rare CBFB-MYH11 cryptic rearrangement in acute myeloid leukemia with ins(16)(p13.1q22q22)

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with CBFB-MYH11 fusion gene is almost always associated with either inv(16)(p13.1q22) or t(16;16)(p13.1;q22). Only a few variants leading to formation of this chimeric gene have been reported. In this report, we describe a novel type of CBFB-MYH11 fusion variant generated by an insertion of CBFB into the MYH11 gene, which is identifiable by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH).
Structured light using OAM and wavelength domains for terabit/sec communications

Light can be tailored in different domains, including space (e.g., orbital angular momentum) and wavelength. Each domain can also be encoded with information, and multiplexing of multiple beams can increase system capacity. This presentation will discuss recent advances and technical challenges in applying the tailoring of light to communication systems.
Abstract LB-307: Dissecting mutual exclusiveness of oncogenic mutations in melanoma

Mutual exclusiveness of oncogenes is a general phenomenon in cancer. Specifically in melanoma BRAF and NRAS mutations do not co-exist except a few (0.7%) cases. Here, we are looking for critical exclusive common target(s) of BRAF and NRAS mutations meant for synthetic lethality in melanoma therapy. To specifically evaluate BRAF and NRAS mutation dependent gene regulation in melanoma, mRNA microarray gene expression analysis was performed in melanoma cell lines where growth suppressive and non-suppressive properties depend on mutual targets of BRAFV600E and NRASQ61R/K mutation. We identified the tumor suppressor gene SPRY4 as a novel transcriptional target of second oncogenes BRAFV600E or NRASQ61R/K responsible for suppressive growth phenotype in various melanoma cell lines. Sprouty4 (SPRY4) acts as a feedback suppressor of the receptor-transduced mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. It has a role in the regulation of cell growth, motility and progression of various cancer types’ breast cancer, osteosarcoma, endometrial adenocarcinoma, myeloid leukemia including melanoma. Remote inducible expression of either BRAFV600E or NRASQ61R/K enhances the expression of SPRY4 at mRNA and protein level only in poor growth cell lines such as NRASQ61R (Tet-On BRAFV600E: SKmel119, WM1361 and BRAFV600E (Tet-On NRASQ61R: Gmel and MGH-CH-1) but not in NRASQ61R (Tet-On BRAFV600E: SKmel-63), BRAFV600E (Tet-On NRASVQ61R: A375) mutation. In addition, we observed that BRAFV600E expression exhibit constitutive activation of stress pathway signaling that is presumed to induce secondary senescence, as it does in nevi or normal cells. SPRY4 modify second oncogene induced changes such as inhibition of SPRY4 rescues cell growth impaired by BRAF or NRAS mutation expression. Hence, second oncogene enhances SPRY4 expression in part through stress pathway as confirmed by phospho kinase array. These findings suggest that in SPRY4/MAPK/Stress pathway, SPRY4 as a common target of BRAF and NRAS mutations affecting melanoma growth. Citation Format: Raj Kumar, Ching-Ni-Jenny Njauw, Zhenyu Ji, Anpuchchelvi Rajadurai, Hensin Tsao. Dissecting mutual exclusiveness of oncogenic mutations in melanoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-307. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-LB-307
How Sensitive Are Transdermal Transport Predictions by Microscopic Stratum Corneum Models to Geometric and Transport Parameter Input

Abstract While predictive models of transdermal transport have the potential to reduce human and animal testing, microscopic stratum corneum (SC) model output is highly dependent on idealized SC geometry, transport pathway (transcellular vs. intercellular), and penetrant transport parameters (e.g., compound diffusivity in lipids). Most microscopic models are limited to a simple rectangular brick-and-mortar SC geometry and do not account for variability across delivery sites, hydration levels, and populations. In addition, these models rely on transport parameters obtained from pure theory, parameter fitting to match in vivo experiments, and time-intensive diffusion experiments for each compound. In this work, we develop a microscopic finite element model that allows us to probe model sensitivity to variations in geometry, transport pathway, and hydration level. Given the dearth of experimentally-validated transport data and the wide range in theoretically-predicted transport parameters, we examine the model's response to a variety of transport parameters reported in the literature. Results show that model predictions are strongly dependent on all aforementioned variations, resulting in order-of-magnitude differences in lag times and permeabilities for distinct structure, hydration, and parameter combinations. This work demonstrates that universally predictive models cannot fully succeed without employing experimentally verified transport parameters and individualized SC structures.
Al’s in Wonderland But Alston’s Well that Ends Well: Traditional Christianity and Noetic Nonrealism about the World

AbstractMany traditional Christians hold that since God created the world, the world is noetically real, that is, not dependent, generally, on human noetic contributions for its ontological status. This essay argues that traditional Christianity only requires noetic realism about God. William Alston and Plantinga are taken as examples of two traditional Christian philosophers who hold to noetic realism and their arguments touching on the connection between the Christianity and realism are considered.
Construction of Signals with Favorable Correlation Properties

Correlationis a measure of thesimilarity, orrelatedness, between two phenomena. When properly normalized, the correlation measure is a real number between —1 and +1, where a correlation value of “+1” indicates that the two phenomena are identical, a correlation value of “-1” means that they are diametrically opposite, and a correlation value of “0” means that they are “uncorrelated” — i.e. that they agree exactly as much as they disagree.
Increased parasympathetic activity and ability to generate positive emotion: The influence of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism on emotion flexibility

Cross-species behavioral research suggests that a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene (rs6265, Val66Met), influences behavioral inflexibility. This SNP has not yet been linked to variability in emotion-related behaviors, despite broader evidence suggesting an association may be present. This investigation explored the role of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism in emotion response behaviors measured during a lab-based emotional provocation. Specifically, the influence of BDNF Val66Met in emotion flexibility was explored in a sample of healthy adults (N = 120), emotion responses were recorded during the emotional provocation on multiple dimensions, in response to emotionally-evocative videos of negative then positive valence. These results suggest that Met carriers exhibit decreased parasympathetic responding, and reduced ability to generate positive emotion, relative to Val homozygotes. These findings are the first to suggest an association between the Met allele and a pattern of responding indicative of emotion inflexibility that might afford greater risk for psychopathology.
New Effect in Dynamic Polarization

A new effect in dynamic polarization is found showing characteristics similar to those of the "solid effect" but with significant difference in the spacing between enhancement peaks. A possible explanation, ascribing it to the electron spin-spin interaction, is discussed.
Casein kinases--multipotential protein kinases.

Publisher Summary Casein kinase I and casein kinase II are unique protein kinases that have been described in a number of mammalian and avian cells; an enzyme with properties similar to those of casein kinase I has been described in yeast and plants. The casein kinases prefer acidic substrates and appear to differ from the enzyme endogenous to the mammary gland. Casein kinases I and II are multipotential in the sense that a number of endogenous substrates have been identified for them. Other multipotential protein kinases include the cAMP-dependent and cGMP-dependent protein kinases and phosphorylase kinase. No physiological regulator for casein kinase I has been identified, but the enzyme requires Mg2+ for activity and is stimulated by monovalent cations; the cation requirement is similar for casein kinase II.
Effect of starch source in pelleted concentrates on fecal bacteria in prepartum and postpartum mares.

Dietary starch source has been shown to affect fecal bacterial communities of horses fed minimally processed cereal grains. However, processing may increase foregut starch digestibility, reducing effects of starch source on fecal bacterial communities. This study aimed to determine the effect of starch source in pelleted concentrates on fecal Lactobacillus spp., amylolytic bacteria, and cellulolytic bacteria in broodmares mares, during the prepartum and postpartum period. Thoroughbred mares (n = 18) were paired by last breeding date then randomly assigned to either an oat-based or a corn and wheat middlings-based pelleted concentrate fed with forage. Mares were fed their assigned concentrates beginning on 310 days of gestation, and fecal samples were collected at 324 days of gestation, before parturition, 1 day, 14 days, and 28 days postpartum. Fecal samples were enumerated by serial dilution and inoculation into selective, enriched media for Lactobacillus spp., amylolytic bacteria, and cellulolytic bacteria. Data were log transformed then analyzed using a mixed model ANOVA with repeated measures (SAS 9.3) to test the main effects of treatment, time of sample, and treatment by time interaction. Starch source did not affect enumerated bacterial communities (P > .05); thus, pelleting concentrates may alter some of the effects of starch sources on the hindgut microbiota. Sample date did not affect amylolytic bacteria (P > .05); however, lactobacilli and cellulolytic bacteria decreased 1 day postpartum (P < .05). Although we did not observe an effect of starch source on fecal bacteria in mares, parturition did appear to alter the hindgut microbiota.
The role of heart rate variability, heart rate turbulence, and deceleration capacity in predicting cause-specific mortality in chronic heart failure.

Abstract Background The volume of regional denervated myocardium (D-M) on positron emission tomography has been recently suggested as a strong independent predictor of cause-specific mortality from sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in chronic heart failure. We sought to evaluate whether ECG indices of global autonomic function predict risk of SCA to a similar degree as regional D-M. Methods Subjects enrolled in the Prediction of Arrhythmic Events using Positron Emission Tomography (PAREPET) study were included in this study. Patients completed a 24-hour Holter ECG at enrollment and were followed up at 3-month intervals. SCA events were adjudicated by two board-certified cardiologists. Other cardiovascular death events were classified as nonsudden cardiac death (NSCD). Eight measures of heart rate variability were analyzed: SDNN, RMSSD, low-frequency (LF) and high-frequency (HF) power, heart rate turbulence onset and slope, and acceleration and deceleration capacity. We used competing risk regression to delineate cause-specific mortality from SCA versus NSCD. Results Our sample included 127 patients (age 67 ± 12, 92% male). After a median follow-up of 4.1 years, there were 22 (17%) adjudicated SCA and 18 (14%) adjudicated NSCD events. In multivariate Cox-regression, LF power was the only HRV parameter to predict time-to-SCA. However, in competing risk analysis, reduced LF power was preferentially associated with NSCD rather than SCA (HR = 0.92 [0.85–0.98], p = 0.019). Conclusion Depressed LF power might indicate impaired vagal reflex, which suggests that increasing vagal tone in these patients would have a protective effect against NSCD beyond that achieved by the mere slowing of heart rate using β-blockers.
Luis Roniger on the Politics of Human Rights, Language and Multiple Modernities: An Interview

This interview with Dr. Luis Roniger, Reynolds Professor of Latin American Studies at Wake Forest University and a professor emeritus of Sociology and Latin American Studies at Hebrew University of Jerusalem, reflects on his research agenda including issues of human rights, exile, language, and multiple modernities in Latin America.
New Testament Conceptualization of Messianic Fulfillment

This is what Jesus taught them: …. “Do not swear at all, either by heaven, since that is God's throne; or by the earth, since that is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, since that is the city of the great king.” —Matthew, 5
Second harmonic generation microscopy of early embryonic mouse hearts

The understanding of biomechanical regulation of early heart development in genetic mouse models can contribute to improved management of congenital cardiovascular defects and embryonic cardiac failures in humans. The extracellular matrix (ECM), and particularly fibrillar collagen, are central to heart biomechanics, regulating tissue strength, elasticity and contractility. Here, we explore second harmonic generation (SHG) microscopy for visualization of establishing cardiac fibers such as collagen in mouse embryos through the earliest stages of development. We detected significant increase in SHG positive fibrillar content and organization over the first 24 hours after initiation of contractions. SHG microscopy revealed regions of higher fibrillar organization in regions of higher contractility and reduced fibrillar content and organization in mouse Mlc2a model with cardiac contractility defect, suggesting regulatory role of mechanical load in production and organization of structural fibers from the earliest stages. Simultaneous volumetric SHG and two-photon excitation microscopy of vital fluorescent reporter EGFP in the heart was demonstrated. In summary, these data set SHG microscopy as a valuable non-bias imaging tool to investigate mouse embryonic cardiogenesis and biomechanics.
Expanding Task Instructions May Increase Fractions Problem Difficulty for Students With Mathematics Learning Disability

When a student struggles with a mathematics task, adults may rephrase or expand initial task instructions to clarify instructions or scaffold problem solving. Yet expanded instructions may not bene...
In Vitro Measurement of Regional Nasal Drug Delivery with Flonase,® Flonase® Sensimist,™ and MAD Nasal™ in Anatomically Correct Nasal Airway Replicas of Pediatric and Adult Human Subjects.

Background: The majority of current nasal delivery devices, commercialized for children, are developed for adults. Differences in the dose reaching the target are expected due to significant differences between the pediatric and adult nasal airway geometries and their inhalation patterns. This study aims to compare the efficacy of most common nasal drug delivery devices in terms of regional delivery of suspension and solution formulations in pediatric and adult subjects. Methods: Anatomically correct nasal models of 2-, 5-, and 50-year old subjects were developed to evaluate regional nasal delivery of suspensions of fluticasone propionate and fluticasone furoate delivered with Flonase® and Flonase® Sensimist™, respectively, and the delivery of an aqueous solution of a model drug, administered with MAD Nasal™. Relevant inhalation patterns were considered for each nasal airway geometry. Controlled administration methods were used, and all contributing parameters, including particle size, velocity, and plume geometry, are reported. Results: Regional deposition patterns resulting from Flonase® Sensimist™ and Flonase® were not significantly different in each replica (p > 0.05), despite their different plume geometry and droplet size distributions. However, there was a significant difference in deposition of nasal sprays between the pediatric (2- and 5-year old) and adult models (p 0.05). The MAD atomizer resulted in different deposition patterns in all three subjects (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Nasal sprays are not adequate delivery devices for pediatric population, due to the narrower nasal passage and greater anterior deposition (∼60%). MAD atomizer resulted in significantly less anterior deposition (∼10%-15%) compared to the nasal pumps, but there was ∼30% run off to the throat. An in vitro platform incorporating anatomically correct nasal geometries and inhalation patterns can guide the development of age-appropriate nasal drug delivery devices.
Conversion of sleeve gastrectomy to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for complications: outcomes from a tertiary referral center in the Middle East

Abstract Background Complications after sleeve gastrectomy (SG) unfortunately lead a subset of patients to require revisional surgery, including conversion to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Objectives We aimed to describe the indications for conversion and perioperative outcomes in this subset of patients. Setting Academic hospital, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Methods All patients undergoing conversion from SG to RYGB from September 2015 to December 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients who underwent conversion solely for weight recidivism were excluded from analysis. Results Forty-seven patients underwent conversion to RYGB due to complications from SG. The cohort was 76.5% female with a mean age of 39 years and median body mass index of 34 kg/m2. The median time between SG and RYGB was 36 months. Indications warranting conversion included mechanical complications (n = 24, 51.1%), intractable reflux (n = 21, 44.7%), and fistula (n = 2, 4.2%). Preoperative mechanical abnormalities included hiatal hernia (n = 13, 27.7%), helical twist (n = 10, 21.3%), sleeve stenosis/stricture (n = 5, 10.6%), fistula (n = 2, 4.2%), and leak (n = 1, 2.1%). Each conversion was completed with a laparoscopic approach, with a median length of stay of 3 days. Four patients (8.5%) experienced complications within 30 days, including 2 patients (4.2%) with superficial surgical site infection, 1 patient each (2.1%) with gastrointestinal hemorrhage and anastomotic leak. There were no mortalities at a median follow-up of 17 months. Conclusion In this series, representing the largest reported single-center experience in the Middle East, conversion of SG to RYGB was safe and effective for the treatment of symptoms and mechanical complications after SG.
Provider views on perioperative steroid use for patients with newly diagnosed pediatric brain tumors

Cerebral edema from brain tumors can cause neurological impairment. Steroids treat edema but with possible adverse effects. We surveyed providers regarding steroid use in newly diagnosed patients with brain tumors to determine if practices are standard or markedly variable. An anonymous voluntary online survey was sent to members of neuro-oncology consortiums. Four clinical scenarios were provided and questions regarding initiation of steroids, type, dose, formulation, and duration were asked. Demographic information was collected. 369 providers received the survey, 76 responded (20.6% response rate). The proportion of providers who would start steroids significantly differed among scenarios (scenario 1 vs 2, p < 0.001; 2 vs 3, p < 0.001; 1 vs 3, p < 0.001). 75 (98.7%) providers would start steroids for vasogenic edema (scenario 1) and 55 (72.4%) for obstructive hydrocephalus (scenario 2). 16 (21.1%) would start steroids for vasogenic edema but not obstructive hydrocephalus. The odds of choosing to start steroids in patients with obstructive hydrocephalus were 7.59 times more (95% CI: 2.29, 25.13) if providers felt symptoms would improve within 24 h. All would use dexamethasone. A significant difference was seen between the proportion of providers who would give a loading dose if vasogenic edema with neurological deficits were noted versus vasogenic edema alone (57.9% vs 43.4%; p = 0.002). These results suggest that providers recommend dexamethasone for patients with vasogenic edema and obstructive hydrocephalus. Variability remains with dosing schedule. Further studies are needed to identify the most appropriate use of steroids for newly diagnosed CNS tumor patients with the goal to create steroid management guidelines.
Major league soccer expansion and property values: do sports franchises generate amenities or disamenities?

While amenity effects generated by sports stadiums or facilities have been studied extensively for housing markets, there has been significantly less attention focused on team effects generated by ...
Maximal positive controls: A method for estimating the largest plausible effect size

Abstract Effect sizes in social psychology are generally not large and are limited by error variance in manipulation and measurement. Effect sizes exceeding these limits are implausible and should be viewed with skepticism. Maximal positive controls, experimental conditions that should show an obvious and predictable effect, can provide estimates of the upper limits of plausible effect sizes on a measure. In this work, maximal positive controls are conducted for three measures of aggressive cognition, and the effect sizes obtained are compared to studies found through systematic review. Questions are raised regarding the plausibility of certain reports with effect sizes comparable to, or in excess of, the effect sizes found in maximal positive controls. Maximal positive controls may provide a means to identify implausible study results at lower cost than direct replication.
Microbial transformation of traditional fermented fertilizer bokashi alters chemical composition and improves plant growth

Abstract Bokashi is an organic soil amendment that makes use of microbial processes to break down agricultural waste and create a nutrient-rich fertilizer. The benefits of various types of bokashi on soil fertility and plant growth are well documented, however the changes in microbial community composition and nutrients during bokashi maturation remain poorly characterized. Here, we aimed to identify potential differences in the quality of bokashi made using different ingredients and to investigate the biochemical transformation and microbial community succession of bokashi throughout the maturation process. We compared the effects of these different types of bokashi on the growth of cucumber (Cucumis sativus) and kale (Brassica napus subsp. pabularia) seedlings, measured concentrations of NH4+ and PO43-, and characterized the bokashi bacterial and fungal communities over a 12-day maturation period. We found that cucumber and kale plants growing in all types of bokashi-amended soils exhibited increased chlorophyll levels and dry biomass. During bokashi maturation, we observed a decrease in available PO43-, and an increase in NH4+. There also appeared to be an increase in relative abundances of decomposers and beneficial microbes and a decrease in putative plant pathogens. Regardless of starting bokashi ingredients and differences in microbial composition and nutrient trends, all types of bokashi similarly improve plant growth and contain beneficial microbes.
Allelopathic Effects of Volatile Cineoles on Two Weedy Plant Species

The volatile monoterpene analogs, 1,4-cineole and 1,8-cineole, have been identified as components of many plant essential oils, but relatively little is known about their biological activities. We compared the effects of 1,4- and 1,8-cineole on two weedy plant species by monitoring germination, mitosis, root and shoot growth, chlorophyll content, and photosynthetic efficiency. 1,4-Cineole severely inhibited growth of roots and shoots, causing cork-screw shaped morphological distortion, whereas 1,8-cineole caused a decrease in root growth and germination rates. Chlorophyll fluorescence data (yield and F v / F m) indicated that 1,4-cineole caused significantly higher stress (P ≤ 0.001) to photosynthesis when compared to controls. Mitotic index data showed that 1,8-cineole severely decreased (P ≤ 0.001) all stages of mitosis when compared with controls, while 1,4-cineole only caused a decrease in the prophase stage (P ≤ 0.05). Although superficially similar in structure, these two cineoles appear to have different modes of action.
A Bibliography of William Wordsworth: 1787–1930

Volume 1: Preface Figures Abbreviations Introduction Bibliographic procedures Separate single-author books, pamphlets, and broadsides. Volume 2: Separate single-author books, pamphlets, and broadsides (continued) First and personally contributed printings in separate books and pamphlets not principally by Wordsworth First and personally contributed printings in journals and other intermittent publications not books Appendices Index.
Blood Vs. Marrow Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation

Since first being reported in 1989 [1], peripheral blood stem and progenitor cells (PBPC) have become extensively used as a graft source in allogeneic transplantation. Case series demonstrating its feasibility in the allogeneic setting first appeared in the mid-1990s [2-4]. In 2007, data from the Center for International Blood Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR) indicated that nearly 80% of all allogeneic transplants performed between 2002 and 2006 used PBPC for those aged >20 years versus 1997-2001 when marrow grafts were used in nearly 60% of all adult transplants [5]. Contributing to this broadening use of peripheral blood stem cell transplants is the increased utilization of unrelated donors (URD) [6], more experience with the procedure, and the suggestion of superior outcomes in certain diseases and settings.
Mobile sensor network localization in harsh environments

The node localization problem in mobile sensor networks has recently received significant attention. Particle filters, adapted from robotics, have produced good localization accuracies in conventional settings, but suffer significantly when used in challenging indoor and mobile environments characterized by a high degree of radio irregularity. We propose FuzLoc, a fuzzy logic-based approach for mobile node localization in challenging environments and formulate the localization problem as a fuzzy multilateration problem, with a fuzzy grid-prediction scheme for sparse networks. We demonstrate the performance and feasibility of our localization scheme through extensive simulations and a proof-of-concept implementation on hardware, respectively. Simulation results augmented by data gathered from our 42 node indoor testbed demonstrate improvements in the localization accuracy from 20%-40% when the radio irregularity is high.