cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Finding the shortest path by evolving junctions on obstacle boundaries (E-JOB): An initial value ODEʼs approach

Abstract We propose a new fast algorithm (E-JOB) for finding a global shortest path connecting two points while avoiding obstacles in a region by solving an initial value problem of ordinary differential equations under random perturbations. The idea is based on the fact that every shortest path possesses a simple geometric structure. This enables us to restrict the search in a set of feasible paths that share the same structure. The resulting search set is a union of sets of finite dimensional compact manifolds. Then, we use a gradient flow, based on an intermittent diffusion method in conjunction with the level set framework, to obtain global shortest paths by solving a system of randomly perturbed ordinary differential equations with initial conditions. Compared to the existing methods, such as combinatorial methods or partial differential equation methods, our algorithm seems to be faster and easier to implement. We can also handle cases in which obstacle shapes are arbitrary and/or the dimension of the base space is three or higher.
ISLAMIC AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES: Challenges and Opportunities for Twenty-First Century Indonesia

This paper explores challenges and opportunities for Religious and Islamic Studies in the opening years of the twenty first century. It is especially concerned with relationships between the Indonesian, North American and Global contexts in which the two disciplines are located and the ways in which scholarly discourse can be enriched by trans-national cooperation and discourse. It is argued that Religious Studies should be understood as an academic discourse about religion and must be clearly distinguished from religious discourse internal to and across confessional lines. In a more concrete way, the paper is concerned with the epistemological foundations of the academic study of religion and with the issue of pluralism. It is argued that in today’s globalized world pluralism is a fact that cannot be ignored or eliminated. Discussion on what Eck has identified as three dimensions of pluralism, civic, theoloÂ­gical and academic.
SOME EVIDENCE RELATING TO CONVERGENT VALIDITY OF FORM B OF COOPERSMITH'S SELF-ESTEEM INVENTORY

This study examined the convergent validity of the recently developed short form of Coopersmith's Self-esteem Inventory. The inventory and the Adjective Check List were administered to 172 male and 85 female university students. Correlations of scores on the inventory and the Adjective Check List scales for Self-confidence, Exhibition, and Change displayed a mixed pattern. All three ACL scales were significantly related to the inventory for males, but only the Exhibition scale was significantly related for females. In all instances, the correlations were low, or at best moderate. These findings were not interpreted as demonstrating strong support for the convergent validity of the inventory.
Characterization of microvesicles produced by shearing of human erythrocyte membranes

Abstract Human erythrocyte membranes were sheared into microvesicles with substantial loss of activity of the ATPases but not the nitrophenyl phosphatases. This loss of ATPase activity was not accompanied by alteration in lipid content, sialic acid content or orientation, or sulfhydryl group reactivity. Centrifugation in a linear sucrose gradient, resolved the microsvesicles into distinct classes which differed with respect to their lipid content, the reactivity of their sulfhydryl groups, and the activity of their ATPases and nitrophenyl phosphatases. Vesicles with low sulfhydryl reactivity had low activity of all enzymes tested. Vesicles containing relatively high lipid to protein and lipid to sialic acid ratios had low ATPase and K + -dependent nitrophenyl phosphatase activities. We have found that membranes could be sheared into readily separable membrane classes containing varying amounts of lipid relative to sialic acid and protein, and this observation supports a segmental concept of membrane structure. The parallelism of (Na + , K + )-ATPase and K + -dependent nitrophenylphosphatase activities in the separated microvesicle classes stands in contrast to their divergent behavior following shearing where the K + -dependent nitrophenyl phosphatase is not inactivated. This pattern suggested that K + -dependent nitrophenyl phosphatase probably accurately reflected the K + -dependent dephosphorylation phase of (Na + , K + )-ATPase; however, the prior step required a higher degree of structural integrity and was very susceptible to inactivation by chemical or mechanical perturbation.
Prophylactic granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in patients receiving dose-intensive cancer chemotherapy: a meta-analysis

Abstract Purpose Several studies have evaluated the efficacy of the recombinant colony-stimulating factors in reducing the severity and duration of neutropenia and the risk of infection associated with dose-intensive cancer chemotherapy. We performed a meta-analysis to define better the magnitude of this effect and to assess the generalizability of the results among different diseases and types of treatment. Materials and methods We used electronic databases and citation lists to identify controlled clinical trials of the prophylactic efficacy of the colony-stimulating factors on neutropenic complications. We selected randomized trials of the use of recombinant colony-stimulating factors before the onset of fever or neutropenia following systemic chemotherapy for solid tumors or malignant lymphomas. Results We identified eight controlled trials (n = 1144 patients) of prophylactic colony-stimulating factors, including five trials of filgrastim (recombinant granulocyte colony-stimulating factors) and three studies of lenograstim (glycosylated granulocyte recombinant colony-stimulating factors). Five trials were double-blind and placebo-controlled; three included untreated controls. Use of recombinant colony-stimulating factors was associated with a reduced risk of febrile neutropenia (odds ratio [OR] = 0.38; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.29 to 0.49), documented infection (OR = 0.51; 95% CI: 0.36 to 0.73), and infection-related mortality (OR = 0.60; 95% CI: 0.30 to 1.22), but a greater risk of bone pain (OR = 2.9; 95% CI: 1.6 to 4.8). Conclusion In this meta-analysis, recombinant colony-stimulating factors were effective in reducing the risk of febrile neutropenia and documented infection associated with several malignancies and dose-intensive treatment regimens.
Amplitude-modulated ventilation : effects in acute lung injury and characterization of mechanisms of action

Amplitude modulated ventilation, administered as intermittent deep breaths to guinea pigs with experimental ALl, resulted in an increase in lung compliance which lasted many respiratory cycles. The response was greater in magnitude and longer lasting than that observed in control animals. Viscoelastic dynamic responses of parenchymal tissue strips and surfactant film preparations from damaged and control animals used in a microstructural model of alveolar stability failed to adequately predict the time responses observed in the intact lung. We are currently developing a more detailed dynamic model of alveolar microstructure which we hope will allow us to better understand how AMV may work, and how we can plan rationale strategies for improving alveolar stability and overall lung function in ALI without promoting damage in previously intact regions of the lung.
Fluorodioxolane-containing alkynes [1,2]

Abstract Novel fluorinated dioxolane-containing alkyne compounds 1 and 2 weresynthesized from hexafluoroacetone and either 1,4-dibromo-2-butene orpropargyl alcohol.
Normalization and experimental design for ChIP-chip data

Background: Chromatin immunoprecipitation on tiling arrays (ChIP-chip) has been widely used to investigate the DNA binding sites for a variety of proteins on a genome-wide scale. However, several issues in the processing and analysis of ChIP-chip data have not been resolved fully, including the effect of background (mock control) subtraction and normalization within and across arrays. Results: The binding profiles of Drosophila male-specific lethal (MSL) complex on a tiling array provide a unique opportunity for investigating these topics, as it is known to bind on the X chromosome but not on the autosomes. These large bound and control regions on the same array allow clear evaluation of analytical methods. We introduce a novel normalization scheme specifically designed for ChIP-chip data from dualchannel arrays and demonstrate that this step is critical for correcting systematic dye-bias that may exist in the data. Subtraction of the mock (non-specific antibody or no antibody) control data is generally needed to eliminate the bias, but appropriate normalization obviates the need for mock experiments and increases the correlation among replicates. The idea underlying the normalization can be used subsequently to estimate the background noise level in each array for normalization across arrays. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the methods with the MSL complex binding data and other publicly available data. Conclusion: Proper normalization is essential for ChIP-chip experiments. The proposed normalization technique can correct systematic errors and compensate for the lack of mock control data, thus reducing the experimental cost and producing more accurate results.
Newer treatment studies for bipolar depression.

Objective: Depressive symptoms of bipolar disorder have more negative impact on a patient's life than manic symptoms. This review focused on the emerging efficacy data for treatments in bipolar depression. Methods: English-language literature cited in Medline was searched with terms bipolar depression, clinical trial, and trial. Randomized, placebo-controlled trials of newer studies with older agents and all studies with newer or novel agents were prioritized. Open-label studies of novel agents presented at major scientific meetings were also included. Results: Olanzapine, olanzapine–fluoxetine combination (OFC), and quetiapine were superior to placebo in the acute treatment of bipolar depression. Lamotrigine only significantly reduced core symptoms of depression compared with placebo. Pramipexole, a dopamine D2/D3 receptor agonist and omega-3 fatty acids, a polyunsaturated fatty acid, augmentation to mood stabilizer (MS) had superiority to placebo in reducing depressive symptoms. Topiramate augmentation of an MS was equally as effective as Bupropion-SR. Patients treated with an MS responded well to the addition of agomelatine, a melatonin receptor agonist with 5-HT2C antagonist properties. However, inositol and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation did not separate from placebo. Lamotrigine and olanzapine, and to a lesser extent, divalproex, are superior to placebo in preventing depressive relapses. All agents were relatively well tolerated. Conclusions: Olanzapine, OFC, and quetiapine are effective in the acute treatment of bipolar depression. Compared with lithium and divalproex, lamotrigine is more effective in preventing bipolar depression. Larger controlled studies of the other agents in the acute and maintenance treatment of bipolar depression are warranted.
Boron and ectomycorrhizal influences on indole-3-acetic acid levels and indole-3-acetic acid oxidase and peroxidase activities of Pinus echinata Mill. roots

Summary The level of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) in shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata Mill.) roots was increased by inoculation with the ectomycorrhizal fungus Pisolithus tinctorius (Pers.) Coker and Couch. Indole-3acetic acid oxidase activity was also increased suggesting that the increased level of IAA was the result of increased synthesis. Boron fertilization reduced IAA levels in roots inoculated with P. tinctorius but not in noninoculated roots.
P2-Purinergic Receptors: Subtype-Associated Signaling Responses and Structure

Extracellular adenine nucleotides interact with P2-purinergic receptors to regulate a broad range of physiological processes. These receptors include the P2Y-, P2U-, P2T-, P2X-, and P2Z-purinergic receptor subtypes. This review focuses on the first three of these receptor subtypes, which couple to G proteins and regulate the inositol lipid, cyclic AMP, and other second-messenger signaling cascades. Both pharmacological data and the occurrence of selectivity of coupling to second-messenger pathways indicate the existence of multiple members in several of the classes of P2-purinergic receptor subtypes. Complementary DNAs cloned for P2Y- and P2U-purinergic receptors predict proteins with seven transmembrane-spanning motifs, typical of that of other G protein-linked receptors.
Physiological and Pathophysiological Implications of Social Stress in Mammals

The sections in this article are: 1 Social Subordinance as an Environmental Stressor 1.1 Varieties of Hierarchical Ranking Systems among Mammals 1.2 What Is Stressful about Having a Particular Social Rank in a Hierarchy? 2 The Adrenocortical Axis 3 Cardiovascular Function and Disease 4 Reproductive Physiology 4.1 Females 4.2 Males 5 Immunity 6 Limits to the Importance of Rank 6.1 The Societal Context of Rank 6.2 The Personal Experience of Rank 6.3 Personality 7 Conclusions and Relevance to Humans
Why sociocultural anthropology needs John Dewey's evolutionary model of experience:

This article identifies shortcomings in contemporary sociocultural anthropological theory, and proposes that John Dewey's evolutionary model of experience can begin to rectify them. Dewey's work fo...
Uncalibrated eye-in-hand visual servoing

This paper presents uncalibrated control schemes for vision-guided robotic tracking of a moving target using a moving camera. These control methods are applied to an uncalibrated robotic system with eye-in-hand visual feedback. Without a priori knowledge of the robot's kinematic model or camera calibration, the system is able to track a moving object and maintain the desired features. These control schemes estimate the system Jacobian as well as changes in target features due to target motion. Four novel strategies are simulated, and a variety of parameters are investigated with respect to performance.
Four-function optical switch with LIGA alignment plates

The design and on-going fabrication of an opto-electro- mechanical microsystem that acts as a four-function optical fiber switch will be presented. The four functions of the 2x2 optical switch include 1) Normal mode, where channel A and channel B pass light straight through, 2) Loopback mode, where light originating in channel A is detected in the B leg, 3) Monitor A mode, where a probe pulse is inserted into the channel B and any reflections are detected in the A leg, and 4) Monitor B mode, the compliment of 3) above. High spatial frequency gratings etched in fused silica configure the light beams through free-space substrate-mode propagation. The design for an OTDR-mode transmission grating that normally passes light from an incidence angle of 45 degrees within the silica substrate as well as passes light from a normal incidence straight through the silica will be discussed. A miniature commercial drive motor, positioned with LIGA alignment plates, rotates the optical grating disk into one of the four implemented function positions. The impact of required tolerances and packaging limitations on the optics, LIGA alignment plates, and the complete microsystem will be presented.
Adaptive evolution of Esherichia coli towards a predicted phenotype

With abundant genomic data now available, methods must be formulated to utilize this pool of data to yield meaningful biological information. Using a constraints-based approach, a genome-scale whole cell model has been constructed for Escherichia coli that can be used to predict behavioral characteristics of the K-12 MG1655 wild-type strain. In particular, phenotype phase-plane analysis can be used to distinguish different operating states of E. coli with particular interest in defining a line of optimal growth. A hypothesis was formulated that E. coli will naturally optimize its growth and exhibit a phenotype corresponding to the predicted line of optimality. Evolution experiments were carried out for 500 to 1000 generations where E. coli were allowed to naturally accumulate mutations. Various carbon sources with different entry points into central metabolism were used to test the robustness of the model. The experimental results showed that over the course of evolution, E. coli evolved towards the line of optimality and remained along the line of optimality while increasing its substrate uptake rate, oxygen uptake rate, and specific growth rate. Thus, the constraints-based model of E. coli serves as an accurate predictive tool in determining the growth behavior of E. coli under the parameters tested.
Evaluation of a Handheld Data Collection Interface for Science Learning

Despite a rise in the use of handheld computers in classrooms, meaningful learning with personal digital assistant (PDA) technology remains poorly studied. We report results from an evaluation of customized handheld data collection software, the BioKIDS Sequence, which was used during an 8-week biodiversity curriculum unit by 5th and 6th grade students in southeastern Michigan. We provide new information on design decisions and usability of our customized software; discuss learner use and preferences; and report rates of data accuracy. Most students were able to enter simple animal observations using an icon-driven, largely linear interface. The interface helped expand the types of data students were aware of, and allowed them to view and review their entries and flag them as uncertain, factors important in supporting accurate data collection. Other BioKIDS research indicates students were subsequently able to see simple patterns in their data to guide the formulation of future hypotheses, questions, or conclusions. The BioKIDS Sequence and PDA technology therefore represent a meaningful use of technology to support scientific reasoning.
Gender, Body Image, and Self-Concept in Early Adolescence

Structure and valuation of body image and the relationship between body image and self-concept were examined in 169 ninth-grade males and females. Three specific hypotheses were tested: (a) that females would have more differentiated body images than males; (b) that males would value their bodies more than females; and (c) that the degree of relationship between valuation of body image and self-concept would be stronger for females than for males. Two measures of body image, body satisfaction and body experience, and two measures of self-concept, self-esteem and self-awareness, were employed. As predicted, females had more diffierentiated, and males more global, body images, and males were more positive about their bodies than were females. Contrary to expectations, no significant gender differences were found for any of the correlations between body image and self-concept, although all correlations for males were higher than were those for females.
A finite element inverse analysis to assess functional improvement during the fracture healing process

Assessment of the restoration of load-bearing function is the central goal in the study of fracture healing process. During the fracture healing, two critical aspects affect its analysis: (1) material properties of the callus components, and (2) the spatio-temporal architecture of the callus with respect to cartilage and new bone formation. In this study, an inverse problem methodology is used which takes into account both features and yields material property estimates that can analyze the healing changes. Six stabilized fractured mouse tibias are obtained at two time points during the most active phase of the healing process, respectively 10 days (n=3), and 14 days (n=3) after fracture. Under the same displacement conditions, the inverse procedure estimations of the callus material properties are generated and compared to other fracture healing metrics. The FEA estimated property is the only metric shown to be statistically significant (p=0.0194) in detecting the changes in the stiffness that occur during the healing time points. In addition, simulation studies regarding sensitivity to initial guess and noise are presented; as well as the influence of callus architecture on the FEA estimated material property metric. The finite element model inverse analysis developed can be used to determine the effects of genetics or therapeutic manipulations on fracture healing in rodents.
Securing the ZigBee Protocol in the Smart Grid

The design-implement-fix process is sufficient for previously unknown attack vectors. However, engineers should use established knowledge, such as known attack patterns, in the analysis of security protocols prior to their acceptance and implementation.
DECISION-MAKING IN THE FACE OF UNCERTAINTY, II

Abstract : Multi-stage processes involving both zero-sum and non-zero sum games are considered. Using the concept of 'games of survival', approximate solutions for both classes of multi-stage games under various realistic assumptions are derived.
Deuterium enriched irrigation indicates different forms of rain use in shrub/grass species of the Colorado Plateau.

We contrasted the seasonal use of simulated large rain events (24 mm) by three native species of the arid Colorado Plateau: the perennial grass Hilaria jame- sii and two shrubs Artemesia filifolia and Coleogyne ramosissima. Deuterium-enriched water was used to dis- tinguish shallow "pulse" water from water in deeper soil layers that were unaffected by the water input. We also measured the leaf gas exchange rates of watered and un- watered control plants for 5 days after the rain event. H. jamesii had twice the pulse water proportion in its xy- lem than the two shrubs in spring (approx. 70% vs 35%). In summer, the pulse water proportions of all species were around 70%. The increase in the relative pulse wa- ter uptake of the two shrubs was caused primarily by a reduction in the rate of water uptake from deeper sourc- es, consistent with the decrease in the availability of stored winter water. Rain increased the rates of gas ex- change in C. ramosissima in both seasons, in H. jamesii only in summer and had no significant effect on A. filifo- lia. In H. jamesii, summer rain also increased water use efficiency. This suggests three principle mechanisms for rainwater use: (1) immediate increase in gas exchange via stomatal opening (C. ramisissima), (2) immediate in- crease in water use efficiency through restoration of the photosynthetic apparatus (H. jamesii) and (3) conserva- tion of deeper soil water, potentially extending photosyn- thetic activity into later drought periods ( A. filifolia). On a ground-area basis, A. filifolia was by far the largest consumer of spring and summer rain, due to its greater ground cover, while rain use by H. jamesii was negligi- ble. We hypothesize that a population's fraction of the total community Leaf Area Index, more than species identity, determines which species takes up most of the spring and summer precipitation and we discuss this idea in the context of Walter and Stadelmann's (1974, In: Brown JW Jr (ed) Desert biology. Academic Press, New York, pp 213-310) water partitioning hypothesis.
Kinetic pathways of ion pair dissociation in water

We have successfully applied the transition path sampling method to the deterministic dynamics of a many-body system with long-ranged interactions. The process we investigate, dissociation of a model Na+Cl- ion pair in water, involves a wide range of transition pathways in which collective solvent motions play an important role. Transition states along these pathways encompass a broad distribution of ionic separations. Ion pairs in contact remain associated for ∼20 ps on average, a time scale considerably longer than the ∼3ps predicted by transition state theory with ionic separation as the order parameter. In contrast to theories of barrier crossing based upon frictional effects (with or without memory), we find that the discrepancy between these time scales arises from neglected solvent free energy barriers rather than stochastic buffeting of the ion pair.
A Plea for the Proper Use of the Second Restatement of Conflict of Laws

Serious consideration is being given to the publication of a Third Restatement of the Conflict of Laws. This article argues against the need for any such wholesale change and attempts to suggest how the Second Restatement, properly used, is perfectly adequate as a method for the resolution of conflict-of-laws cases. As I quickly concede, the word "proper" in the title reflects little more than my own opinion. But it is an opinion derived from two primary considerations: first, that the Second Restatement, though more complex and subtle than its predecessor, actually verges on brilliance when the black-letter text is read in conjunction with the extensive comments of the principal author, Professor Willis L.M. Reese - in short, when one troubles to read the instructions. Secondly, I believe the Second Restatement comports with the way in which judges actually decide cases. Since techniques of judicial decision making vary with the temperament of individual judges and courts, it is appropriate to have an authority that will reasonably support a variety of judicial temperaments. We might as well have such an approach, since history suggests that no other is likely to work. The search for some philosopher's stone solution to cases of great variety and difficulty should be recognized for what it is - a chimera - and abandoned along with the project to produce a Third Restatement.
A CASE OF BRONCHIOLITIS OBLITERANS ORGANIZING PNEUMONIA (BOOP) INDUCED RADIOTHERAPY AFTER BREAST PRESERVING THERAPY

症例は59歳の女性.平成17年1月,左乳癌にて乳房部分切除術およびsentinel node biopsy (SNB)とsamplingを受けた.術後は化学療法と放射線治療を施行し,ひきつづきホルモン療法を行っていた.放射線照射後5カ月経過後から発熱や咳漱を認め,胸部単純X線写真にて左中肺野に浸潤影を認めた.抗生剤投与にても改善せず,炎症所見は認めるものの,感染所見がみられないためBronchiolitis Obliterans Organizing Pneumonia (BOOP) を疑った.ステロイド投与を施行したところ,著明な改善を認め,外来治療となったが,ステロイド経口摂取治療漸減中に,右肺野に浸潤影を認め,再度ステロイドを増量し改善が得られ治癒した.乳癌術後放射線治療後にはBOOPを呈することがあり,外科医としても注意して認識すべき合併症と思われた.
Apnea prolongation via short-term inhibition

Central apneas during sleep are frequently of longer duration than predicted and persist despite high levels of chemical stimuli. We provide evidence that suggests that this apnea prolongation represents a central inertia in the control system mediated by reciprocal inhibition of inspiration.
Mulberry Particles Formed by Red Blood Cells in Human Weddelite Stones

AbstractIn a series of electron microscopic studies of human urinary stones, mulberry shaped particles were observed in 5 out of 51 calcium oxalate dihydrate (COD) containing stones. The mulberries were crenation products of red blood cells which adhered to the surface of bipyramid COD crystals, followed by impregnation of the COD. The red cells appeared to participate in the crystal growth by creating foci of surface nucleation, or by formation of a layer of crust on the surface of the bipyramids which caused deposition of an additional layer of calcium oxalate. The lipid containing organic matrix seems to have a role in COD crystal growth.
Effect of inelastic material behavior on residual stresses in metal matrix composites

A crucial problem in the application of Metallic and Intermetallic Matrix Composites is the presence of high residual (internal) stresses, induced during the fabrication process. These stresses are essentially thermal in nature, and are caused by a significant difference in the coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) of the fiber and the matrix and the large temperature differential of the cooling process. Residual stresses may lead to the development of matrix cracking, and may also have an adverse effect on the thermomechanical properties of the composites, e.g., stress strain behavior, fracture toughness, fatigue and creep. The nature, magnitude and the spatial distribution of residual stresses in the matrix and interface are very strongly influenced by the temperature-dependent matrix inelastic behavior, e.g., plasticity, and creep. In this paper, the effect of matrix inelasticity on residual stress is examined by evaluating the stress distribution as a function of space and time through finite element simulation. It is shown that in Aluminum-based metal matrix composites, viscous effects lead to the decay of stresses with time whereas such effects are insignificant in Titanium based composites.
Monte Carlo Simulation of Electron Transport in Si: The First 20 Years

Twenty years after the first application of the Monte Carlo method to the study of electron transport in Si, we discuss the evolution of the physical models employed, from the early parabolic-band models of the mid-1970s to the ab-initio full-band simulations of the 1990s. We note that only recently we have reached a satisfactory understanding of the basic scattering mechanisms at high energy. We sketch the reasons for this embarrassing delay, and present the new `standard model' arising from this recent progress.
Implant and clinical characteristics for pediatric and congenital heart patients in the national cardiovascular data registry implantable cardioverter defibrillator registry.

Background— In 2010, the National Cardiovascular Data Registry enhanced pediatric, nonatherosclerotic structural heart disease and congenital heart disease (CHD) data collection. This report characterizes CHD and pediatric patients undergoing implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation. Methods and Results— In this article, we report implantable cardioverter defibrillator procedures (April 2010 to December 2012) in the registry for 2 cohorts: (1) all patients with CHD (atrial septal defect, ventricular septal defect, tetralogy of Fallot, Ebstein anomaly, transposition of the great vessels, and common ventricle) and (2) patients <21 years. We evaluated indications and characteristics to include transvenous and nontransvenous lead implants, CHD type, and New York Heart Association class. There were 3139 CHD procedures, 1601 for patients <21 years and 126 for CHD <21 years. Implantable cardioverter defibrillator indications for patients with CHD were primary prevention in 1943 (61.9%) and secondary prevention in 1107 (35.2%). Pediatric patients had 935 (58.4%) primary prevention and 588 (36.7%) secondary prevention devices. Primary prevention had higher New York Heart Association class. Nontransvenous age (35.9±23.2 versus 40.1±24.6 years; P =0.05) and nontransvenous height (167.1±18.9 cm; range, 53–193 cm versus 170.4±13.1 cm; range, 61–203 cm; P <0.01) were lower than for transvenous patients. CHD and pediatrics had similar rates of transvenous (97%) and nontransvenous (3%) leads and did not differ from the overall registry. Transposition of the great vessels and common ventricle had higher rates of nontransvenous leads. Conclusions— Primary prevention exceeds secondary prevention for CHD and pediatrics. Nontransvenous lead patients were younger, with higher rates of transposition of the great vessels and common ventricle patients compared with transvenous lead patients.
Activity-Dependent Myelination Shapes Conduction Velocity.

Myelin ensheaths and insulates axons, allowing efficient propagation of action potentials. Myelin is formed by oligodendrocytes in the CNS and Schwann cells in the PNS. During CNS development, most oligodendrocyte progenitor cells originate in the ventricular zone and migrate along vasculature to
The Factors Affecting Life in Moderation

This study investigates the elements that drive living a life in moderation or a life within a balance and not in extremes. These drivers include the benefits of living such a life (i.e., saving money, having a better quality of life, environmental preservation), role models (i.e., parents, the adoption of the sufficiency economy of King Bhumibol, and the company and the government), learning about the sufficiency economy in school, Buddhism, and advertising exposure through the media. The data were collected from interviews with 359 moderate adults that were at least 18 years of age and that had come to the randomly-selected shopping centers in Bangkok. The results from the multiple regression analysis indicated that saving money and learning about the sufficiency economy in school and from one’s parents were the positive drivers of living a life in moderation. The sole negative driver of living a life in moderation was the exposure to advertising through the media. Older people were seen to be more moderate than younger people and the never-married were more moderate than those that were married.
ActiveMonitor: Asynchronous Monitor Framework for Scalability and Multi-Object Synchronization.

Monitor objects are used extensively for thread-safety and synchronization in shared memory parallel programs. They provide ease of use, and enable straightforward correctness analysis. However, they inhibit parallelism by enforcing serial executions of critical sections, and thus the performance of parallel programs with monitors scales poorly with number of processes. Their current design and implementation is also ill-suited for thread synchronization across multiple thread-safe objects. We present ActiveMonitor - a framework that allows multi-object synchronization without global locks, and improves parallelism by exploiting asynchronous execution of critical sections. We evaluate the performance of Java based implementation of ActiveMonitor on micro-benchmarks involving light and heavy critical sections, as well as on single-source-shortest-path problem in directed graphs. Our results show that on most of these problems, ActiveMonitor based programs outperform programs implemented using Java's reentrant-lock and condition constructs.
The Erosion of Reinforced Concrete Walls by the Flow of Rainwater

The action of rainwater on reinforced concrete walls has led to an erosion phenomenon. The erosion is very apparent when the walls are inclined. This phenomenon is studied on a real site characterized by different architectural forms. The site dates back to the seventies; it was designed by the architect, modeler of concrete, Oscar Nie Meyer. On this site, the erosion has damaged the cover of the reinforcements and reduced its depth. In this research work, a method of quantification of the erosion is developed. Using this method, the amount of mass loss by erosion was measured on imprints taken from the site. The results are expressed by the rate of mass loss by erosion; they are associated to the height and the inclination of the walls. Moreover, laboratory analysis was carried out on samples taken from the site. From this study, it is recommended to consider the erosion, in any building code, to determine the cover thickness.
Development and Validation of the Climate Change Hope Scale for High School Students

Hope is an important component that helps engage people in solving problems. The development of an instructional model on climate change and forests provided an opportunity to design and test a mea...
National survey on use of time-lapse imaging systems in IVF laboratories.

Several time-lapse imaging (TLI) systems for non-invasive continuous monitoring of developing embryos are currently available. The present study explored the prevalence, means of acquisition, and clinical application of TLI systems in USA in vitro fertilization (IVF) laboratories. An online cross-sectional survey of 294 USA IVF laboratory directors was conducted in February and March 2016. Those directing more than one laboratory were asked to complete the survey for their home program and for their smallest laboratory by number of IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycle starts. Use of TLI was analyzed using logistic regression to calculate odds ratios (OR). Of 294 directors surveyed, 162 (55%) reported data on 204 laboratories. Thirty-five laboratories (17%) possessed at least one TLI system (median 2, interquartile range 1–4, total range 1–11). The more oocyte retrievals a laboratory performed annually, the more likely the laboratory was to possess a TLI system. Fifteen laboratories (43%) purchased their own systems, while others leased, loaned, or received donated systems. Twenty-five laboratories (71%) reported using TLI for embryo selection; all used TLI always, or usually, in combination with standard morphology evaluation. Twenty laboratories (80%) offered TLI to all patients. Some laboratories charged patients for TLI. Directors with TLI systems were more inclined to believe that TLI has value for embryo selection in clinical IVF. TLI system possession in USA IVF laboratories is low, although positively associated with the number of retrievals performed and with directors’ opinions on the technology’s utility. Over 70% of laboratories with TLI systems use them clinically, and less than half purchased their systems.
Critical SFL Praxis Principles in English Language Arts Education: Engaging Pre-service Teachers in Reflective Practice

This chapter describes a critical SFL praxis approach for English Language Arts pre-service teacher education that focuses on the development of conceptual tools to foster productive disciplinary engagement. Teachers need to develop an adaptive expertise to guide their decisions in the classroom. The appropriation of conceptual tools contributes to the development of adaptive expertise required by responsive teachers in multilingual classrooms. We present examples of the educational experience of pre-service teachers to illustrate how in these activities learners “use grammar to think” (Halliday MAK, On grammar and grammatics. In: Webster J (ed) On grammar: volume 1: the collected works of M.A.K Halliday. London, Continuum, pp 384–417, 2002 ). These activities incorporate the analysis, reflection, abstract conceptualization and application of authentic language use, grammar in the wild. Pre-service teachers see critical SFL conceptual tools in action and engage in analysis through supportive activities with expert facilitation. The conclusion provides an outline of the research project exploring the continuation of this teacher education during the practicum experience.
A Note on Singular Instantons

We point out the existence of some singular, radial, spin-0 instantons for curvature-quadratic gravity theories. They are complex.
Listeria Adhesion Protein Induces Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Dysfunction for Bacterial Translocation

Intestinal epithelial cells are the first line of defense against enteric pathogens, yet bacterial pathogens, such as Listeria monocytogenes, can breach this barrier. We show that Listeria adhesion protein (LAP) induces intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction to promote bacterial translocation. These disruptions are attributed to the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6, which is observed in mice challenged with WT and isogenic strains lacking the surface invasion protein Internalin A (ΔinlA), but not a lap- mutant. Additionally, upon engagement of its surface receptor Hsp60, LAP activates canonical NF-κB signaling, facilitating myosin light-chain kinase (MLCK)-mediated opening of the epithelial barrier via cellular redistribution of the epithelial junctional proteins claudin-1, occludin, and E-cadherin. Pharmacological inhibition of MLCK or NF-κB in cells or genetic ablation of MLCK in mice prevents mislocalization of junctional proteins and L. monocytogenes translocation. Thus, L. monocytogenes uses LAP to exploit epithelial defenses and cross the intestinal epithelial barrier.
EFFECTS OF TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP STYLE ON JOB SATISFACTION AMONG EMPLOYEES OF BOSSO AND MINNA AREA OFFICES OF ABUJA ELECTRICITY DISTRIBUTION COMPANY PLC NIGERIA

This study investigated the effect of transformational leadership style on employees’ job satisfaction. It utilized the employees of Bosso and Minna Area Offices of Abuja Electricity Distribution Company Plc, as its target population. The Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ) and Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ) were administered to obtain primary data from the respondents. The sample size was determined using the Taro Yamene’s formula. 137 copies of the questionnaire were randomly distributed, out of which 112 were correctly filled and returned, showing 81.75% response rate. The data were analyzed by means of correlation and regression analyses using the SPSS version 20. The findings revealed that transformational leadership style has significant effect on employee job satisfaction and that, of the four dimensions of transformational leadership tested, only idealized influence has significant effect on employee job satisfaction
East Texas Rescue Mission Video Case Study: A Study of Board Governance and Competing Stakeholders

This is a video case study about the East Texas Rescue Mission. Students will watch a short video told from a volunteer board member’s point of view. After watching the video, students are provided newspaper articles so they can see what happened next in the story. Subscribe to JNEL
Relations of photometry. Part 1.

The most general photometric definitions are presented, and the origins of Lambert’s law and the cosine (or inverse square) law of illumination are shown. These derivations are made possible through the use of a simple diagram relating emitting and illuminated surfaces. Several classical problems are solved to illustrate the theory and use of the diagram, and in Part 2 the problems of the photometric microscope and telescope are discussed in detail.
Two Experimental Protocols for Accurate Measurement of Gas Component Uptake and Production Rates in Bioconversion Processes.

Bioconversion processes offer many economic, environmental, and societal advantages for production of fuels and chemicals. Successful commercialization of any biotechnology usually requires accurate characterization of cell growth dynamics, substrate conversion and production excretion rates. Despite recent advancements in analytical equipment, obtaining accurate measurement of gas component uptake or production rates remains challenging due to their high sensitivity to system pressure or volume changes. Specifically, the consumption and production of various gases will result in changes in system pressure (for batch operations) or off-gas flow rate (for continuous operations). These changes would cause significant errors in the estimated gas component uptake and production rates if they were not accounted for. In this work, we propose two easy-to-implement experimental protocols and associated calculation procedures to obtain accurate measurements of gas component consumption and production rates; one is for batch operation and one is for continuous operation. For depressurized (i.e., system pressure below 1 atm) batch cultures, nitrogen (or other inert gases) is used to repressurize the system to 1 atm before taking sample; while for continuous cultures, He (or other inert gases) is used as an internal tracer to accurately measure off-gas flow rate. The effectiveness and accuracy of the two protocols and associated calculation procedures are demonstrated using several case studies with both abiotic and biotic systems.
Negative pressure wound therapy system in extremely obese women after cesarean delivery compared with standard dressing

Objective: Data regarding the use of the negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) system in extremely obese women (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 50 kg/m2) undergoing cesarean delivery are limited. We sough...
North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) acoustic behavior on the calving grounds

Passive acoustic monitoring is a common method for detection of endangered North Atlantic right whales. This study reports on the acoustic behavior of right whales on the winter calving grounds to assess their acoustic detectability in this habitat. In addition to known call types, previously undescribed low amplitude short broadband signals were detected from lactating females with calves. The production of higher amplitude tonal calls occurred at lower rates for lactating females than from other age/sex classes suggesting that passive acoustic monitoring may be less effective in detecting mother-calf pairs in this critical habitat area.
Preventive Strategies to Reduce Intensive Care Unit Delirium

Evidence-based interventions that aim to prevent the occurrence and/or reduce the duration of intensive care unit (ICU) delirium have the potential to dramatically improve both short- and long-term patient outcomes. While pharmacological efforts to mitigate delirium have not been successful, evidence suggests that it is possible to reduce the incidence and duration of ICU delirium through a number of multicomponent, interprofessional approaches. The ABCDEF bundle is a group of evidence-based interventions designed to limit the profound physical, cognitive, and/or mental health impairments associated with an ICU admission. The bundle targets many modifiable risk factors for delirium and has been shown to improve clinical outcomes even when delivered incompletely. The purpose of this chapter is to review the evidence for the effectiveness of delirium prevention interventions.
Trophodynamics of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in the Food Web of a Large Atlantic Slope River.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have attracted scientific and regulatory attention due to their persistence, bioaccumulative potential, toxicity, and global distribution. We determined the accumulation and trophic transfer of 14 PFASs (5 short-chain and 9 long-chain) within the food web of the Yadkin-Pee Dee River of North Carolina and South Carolina, US. Food web components and pathways were determined by stable isotope analyses of producers, consumers, and organic matter. Analyses of water, sediment, organic matter, and aquatic biota revealed that PFASs were prevalent in all food web compartments. Biofilm, an aggregation of bacteria, fungi, algae, and protozoans and a basal resource for the aquatic food web, showed high PFAS accumulation (in 10 of 14 compounds), particularly for perfluorooctanoic acid, with the greatest mean concentration of 463.73 ng/g. The food web compartment with the most detections and greatest concentrations of PFASs was aquatic insects; all 14 PFASs were detected in individual aquatic insect samples (range of 1.0 (range of 0.57 to 2.33); it is possible that an unmeasured PFBS precursor may be accumulating in biota and metabolizing to PFBS, leading to a higher than expected TMFs for this compound. Our findings demonstrate the prevalence of PFASs in a freshwater food web with potential implications for ecological and human health.
4 – Recursive Enumerability

Publisher Summary The class of general recursive partial functions is exactly the same as the class of register-machine computable partial functions. The fact that two different approaches yield the same class of functions is evidence that one has here a “natural” class. The members of this class are called computable partial functions. It covers both the total and nontotal functions; it can be omitted in cases where one knows that the function is total. Church's thesis is the assertion that the concept of being a computable partial function is the correct formalization of the informal idea of being an effectively calculable partial function. The class of computable partial functions includes all of the primitive recursive functions. A partial function is a computable partial function if and only if its graph is a recursively enumerable relation.