cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spatio-temporal nature of the optical return field generated by four-wave mixing in photorefractive and Kerr materials

We have theoretically analyzed the return field produced by an externally pumped Kerr medium, an externally pumped photorefractive medium, and a self-pumped photorefractive medium, for an input field with arbitrary spatial and temporal characteristics. For a stationary beam with spatial structure, all three cases yield a spatial phase-conjugate return beam. For a beam with dynamic fluctuations, each case returns a field with different temporal character. For the case of a self-pumped photorefractor, it is found that the dynamics of the return beam are represented by a conventional reflection rather than a temporal phase conjugate. While this geometry may have been thought of as a simple way to provide phase-conjugate feedback for dynamic stabilization in semiconductor lasers, an in-depth analysis shows that our theoretical findings agree with previously reported experimental results.
Diagnostic yield of EUS-FNA-based cytology distinguishing malignant and benign IPMNs: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract Objectives Differential diagnosis of malignant and benign intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) is essential to determine the optimal treatment. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) is currently used to diagnose pancreatic cystic lesions worldwide, but few studies have focused on the diagnostic yield to distinguish malignant and benign IPMNs. Therefore, we aim to systematically review the diagnostic yield of EUS-FNA-based cytology to distinguish malignant and benign IPMNs. Methods Relevant studies with a reference standard of definitive surgical histology which published between 2002 and 2012 were identified via MEDLINE and SCOPUS. Malignant IPMNs included invasive adenocarcinoma, carcinoma in situ, and high-grade dysplasia. Results Four studies with 96 patients were included in this meta-analysis. For diagnostic yield of EUS-FNA-based cytology distinguishing malignant and benign IPMNs, the pooled sensitivity and specificity were 64.8% (95% CI, 0.44–0.82) and 90.6% (95% CI, 0.81–0.96), respectively. Similarly, the positive likelihood ratio and negative likelihood ratio were 6.35 (95% CI, 2.95–13.68) and 0.43 (95% CI, 0.14–1.34), respectively. Malignant IPMNs were observed in 20.8% (20/96) of patients in EUS-FNA studies. Conclusions EUS-FNA-based cytology has good specificity but poor sensitivity in differentiating benign from malignant IPMNs. Newer techniques or markers are needed to improve diagnostic yield.
Behavioral Characteristics of Children and Youth at Risk for Out-of-Home Placements.

Currently, the interagency, community-based system-of-care model for serving children and youth with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) and their families enjoys hegemony among professionals in mental health and related fields. The widespread adoption of the model has been based largely on its intuitive appeal, potential economic advantages, and identified shortcomings of previous practices. Recently, increasing emphasis has been placed on the need to expand upon the empirical foundation for the system-of-care model. Precisely identifying the specific characteristics of the individuals for whom system-of-care services are intended or provided is a necessary first step to knowing what works for whom under which conditions. Several investigators have identified general demographic characteristics associated with this population. The present study extended existing research by identifying the specific behaviors in which children and youth with EBD engage that put them at risk for placements outside the...
An experimental determination of electron drift velocity in 0.5- mu m gate-length ion-implanted GaAs MESFET's

A microwave technique was used to determine the electron drift velocity in an ion-implanted GaAs MESFET with a 0.5*100- mu m gate. The characteristics of the velocity versus drain-to-source voltage for a GaAs MESFET exhibit a peak velocity of 4.0, 3.3, and 2.2*10/sup 7/ cm/s at 100%, 65%, and 31% of I/sub dss/, respectively. This work presents the first experimental determination of electron drift velocity at various gate biases and provides verification for velocity overshoot in ion-implanted GaAs MESFETs. >
Moment closure for FENE models of complex fluids

In this talk, we present some joint work with current and former colleagues at Penn State (C. Liu, P. Yu and Y. Hyon) on moment closure approximations of multiscale complex fluid models. Moment closure not only provides a computationally feasible approach to simulate many multiscale phenomena but also offers insight to the understanding of the underlying physical processes. We will discuss some of our recent works on developing systematic moment closure models for micromacro FENE models of complex fluids and demonstrate their effectiveness for a wide range of parameter regimes. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Integrated modeling of high performance passenger and freight train planning on shared-use corridors in the US

Abstract This paper studies strategic level train planning for high performance passenger and freight train operations on shared-use corridors in the US. We develop a hypergraph-based, two-level approach to sequentially minimize passenger and freight costs while scheduling train services. Passenger schedule delay and freight lost demand are explicitly modeled. We explore different solution strategies and conclude that a problem-tailored linearized reformulation yields superior computational performance. Using realistic parameter values, our numerical experiments show that passenger cost due to schedule delay is comparable to in-vehicle travel time cost and rail fare. In most cases, marginal freight cost increase from scheduling more passenger trains is higher than marginal reduction in passenger schedule delay cost. The heterogeneity of train speed reduces the number of freight trains that can run on a corridor. Greater tolerance for delays could reduce lost demand and overall cost on the freight side. The approach developed in the paper could be applied to other scenarios with different parameter values.
Moving beyond tradition and convenience: Suggestions for useful methods for cyberbullying research

Studying cyberbullying well requires that investigators use both the best data collection and analysis methods from existing research on more traditional bullying, but also be creative in devising new methods to do justice to the complexity of bullying via online communication. In this chapter, we make a series of methodological recommendations for potential best practices for this emerging and rapidly growing fi eld. First, the chapter addresses a central issue regarding data collection. To assess cyberbullying, must we rely so heavily on self-report questionnaires on which youth are asked to report on their own behavior, or could we also use the technology to access electronic communication directly to code the social process as it unfolds? Second, the chapter explores whether cyberbullying should be conceived of as a categorical variable (is a young person a cyberbully or not?) or a continuous variable (to what degree does a young person engage in cyberbullying?). Third, the chapter addresses the value of variable-centered versus person-centered analyses. Fourth, the chapter addresses what the units of analysis could and perhaps should be in cyberbullying research. Last, the chapter explores the potential benefi ts and challenges in conducting longitudinal research on cyberbullying. Comprehensive reviews of these complex issues are beyond the scope of this chapter. The following sections will analyze specifi c issues, cite relevant examples, and make suggestions for best practices as this fi eld moves forward. Because several of the methods described have not yet been widely used in cyberbullying research, and thus do not have the wide recognition and acceptance associated with the term “best practice,” we use the term in an aspirational sense.
Rural Incentive Programs for Legal and Medical Professionals: A Comparative Analysis

In contribution to the Project Rural Practice symposium, this piece engages in a comparative analysis of incentive programs for medical and legal professionals in rural areas, specifically focusing on South Dakota. The storied history of incentive programs for rural medical professionals lends background knowledge and experience to a project that is simply unprecedented in the legal community. While many mention Project Rural Practice in comparison to incentive programs for medical professionals, as of yet no in-depth comparison has been published. This piece seeks to fill that gap.
Attitude Responsiveness and Partisan Bias: Direct Experience with the Affordable Care Act

This study evaluates the competing influences of motivated reasoning and personal experience on policy preferences toward the Affordable Care Act. Using cross-sectional and panel survey data, the findings reveal that healthcare attitudes are responsive to information that individuals receive through personal experience. Individuals who experienced a positive change in their insurance situation are found to express more positive views toward the health reform law, while individuals who lost their insurance or experienced an otherwise negative personal impact on their insurance situations express more negative views. The results point to personal experience as a source of information that can influence individuals’ preferences. However, although attitudes are responsive to the quality of one’s personal interactions with the healthcare system, the results also suggest that partisan bias is still at work. Republicans are more likely to blame the health reform law for negative changes in their health insurance situations, while Democrats are more likely to credit the law for positive changes in their situations. These motivated attributions for their personal situations temper how responsive partisans’ attitudes are to information acquired through personal experience.
Pulmonary renal syndrome: peripheral lung sparing.

A 57-year-old female with a history of well-controlled asthma presented with sub-acute onset of fevers, unintentional weight loss, cough and haemoptysis. On evaluation, she was noted to have new onset acute renal failure in the presence of serum perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (P-ANCA) and peripheral eosinophilia. Anti-glomerular basement membrane antibodies were not detected. A chest radiograph revealed diffuse interstitial opacities with relative sparing of the periphery consistent with pulmonary haemorrhage (Fig. 1a). This sparing of the peripheries is typical for alveolar haemorrhage and is due to gravity-dependent density gradients. A bronchoscopy with trans-bronchial biopsy demonstrated fresh blood consistent with diffuse alveolar haemorrhage, without evidence of infection, granulomas, or capillaritis [1]. Figure 1: (a) Pulmonary haemorrhage with peripheral lung sparing due to density dependent gradients and (b) pauci-immune necrotising crescentic glomerulonephritis with red fibrinoid necrosis (kidney biopsy). A renal biopsy demonstrated pauci-immune necrotising crescentic glomerulonephritis with red fibrinoid necrosis and focal mitotic activity (Fig. 1b). Pulmonary renal syndrome occurs as the result of inflammation and necrosis of small blood vessels. This syndrome can be induced by agents such as propylthiouracil or by immune-mediated processes such as SLE, IgA nephropathy, Goodpasture syndrome or ANCA-associated vasculitis [2–4]. In this case, a diagnosis of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis with MPO antibodies was made. The patient had a partial response to high-dose corticosteroids, plasmapharesis and oral cyclophosphamide, but she was ultimately switched to Rituximab and remains in remission 6 months later [5].
Selective biochemical labeling of Campylobacter jejuni cell-surface glycoconjugates

The display of cell-surface glycolipids and glycoproteins is essential for the motility, adhesion and colonization of pathogenic bacteria such as Campylobacter jejuni. Recently, the cell-surface display of C. jejuni glycoconjugates has been the focus of considerable attention; however, our understanding of the roles that glycosylation plays in bacteria still pales in comparison with our understanding of mammalian glycosylation. One of the reasons for this is that carbohydrate metabolic labeling, a powerful tool for studying mammalian glycans, is difficult to establish in bacterial systems and has a significantly more limited scope. Herein, we report the development of an alternative strategy that can be used to study bacterial cell-surface glycoconjugates. Galactose oxidase (GalO) is used to generate an aldehyde at C-6 of terminal GalNAc residues of C. jejuni glycans. This newly generated aldehyde can be conjugated with aminooxy-functionalized purification tags or fluorophores. The label can be targeted towards specific glycoconjugates using C. jejuni mutant strains with N-glycan or lipo-oligosaccharides (LOS) assembly defects. GalO-catalyzed labeling of cell-surface glycoproteins with biotin, allowed for the purification and identification of known extracellular N-linked glycoproteins as well as a recently identified O-linked glycan modifying PorA. To expand the scope of the GalO reaction, live-cell fluorescent labeling of C. jejuni was used to compare the levels of surface-exposed LOS to the levels of N-glycosylated, cell-surface proteins. While this study focuses on the GalO-catalyzed labeling of C. jejuni, it can in principle be used to evaluate glycosylation patterns and identify glycoproteins of interest in any bacteria.
COMBINED REFRACTION-DIFFRACTION OF NONLINEAR WAVES IN SHALLOW WATER

The parabolic approximation is developed to study the combined refraction/diffraction of weakly nonlinear shallow water waves. Two methods of approach are taken. In the first method Boussinesq equations are used to derive evolution equations for spectral wave components in a slowly varying two-dimensional domain. The second method modifies the equation of Kadomtsev s Petviashvili to include varying depth in two dimensions. Comparisons are made between present numerical results, experimental data and previous numerical calculations.
Adaptive Multi Charge Ignition for Critical Combustion Conditions

Modern spray-guided combustion concepts have substantially raised the requirements for ignition systems due to the short time intervals between injection and ignition combined with the highly varying mixture concentrations close to the spark plug. This paper presents Delphi’s robust, current-controlled multi charge ignition and shows the application on a stratified fuel combustion concept.
A Fiber-Optic Sensor for Measuring the Temperature Change Across a Blast Wave

The objective of this work was to design, analyze and test a high frequency fiber-optic temperature probe and sensor intended for measuring the temperature change as a blast wave formed by a detonation passes over the sensor. The design is based on extensions of an existing fiber-optic temperature sensor created by Luna Innovations Incorporated. A finite element model was created using ANSYS to predict the temperature and material response of the sensor. The results of the model were verified through experiments performed in a shock tube to simulate a blast wave. The shock tube flow environment was also examined through the use of schlieren photographs and CFD using Fluent. The fiber-optic sensor was found to have a shorter response time than a high-speed commercially available thermocouple, and good agreement was shown between the predicted and measured response of the sensor.
Applying Robust Methods to Operational Risk Modeling

We use robust statistical methods to analyze operational loss data. Commonly used classical estimators of model parameters may be sub-optimal under minor departures of data from the model assumptions. Operational loss data are characterized by a very heavy right tail of the loss distribution attributed to several “low frequency/high severity” events. Classical estimators may produce biased estimates of parameters leading to unreasonably high estimates of mean, variance and the operational risk VAR and CVARmeasures. The main objective of robust methods is to focus the analysis on the fundamental properties of the bulk of the data, without being distorted by outliers. We argue that further comparison of results obtained under the classical and robust procedures can serve as a basis for the VAR sensitivity analysis and can lead to an understanding of the economic role played by these extreme events. An empirical study with 1980–2002 public operational loss data reveals that the highest 5% of losses account for up to 76% of the operational risk capital charge.
Research on the Green Productivity of Chinese Manufacturing Industry

Efficiency is one of the core issues of economic research,and manufacturing output efficiency is a concentrated expression of the competitiveness of manufacturing industry. Currently,when we estimate China's manufacturing output efficiency,the environmental costs are always not considered,which makes the calculation results higher than the true result. This is not conducive to the healthy development of the manufacturing sector and the sustainable development of the whole society. If we regard the output efficiency considering the environmental costs as the green output efficiency,it is necessary to make an analysis on the green output efficiency of our nation's manufacturing industry. In this paper,the author will use the environmental pollution control index to calculate the green output of manufacturing industry in China; by building the green output efficiency SFA model that is based upon the beyond logarithmic of Cobb- Douglas production function,we can estimate the green output efficiency of China's manufacturing industry from 2001 to 2010; it turns out that China's manufacturing output efficiency is higher than the green output efficiency,and the overestimation is more than 5% in half of the 10 years. Therefore,we cannot ignore the environment pollution and the cost of controlling the pollution caused by the development of manufacturing industry,and it is vital to take the environmental cost into account when analyzing the efficiency.
Evidenced-based analysis of characteristics of epidemic hysteria among children and adolescents in China

Objective To analyze influencing factors of epidemic hysteria( EH) in children and adolescents in China.Methods Data were obtained through literature review and which were analyzed comparatively. We used descriptive epidemiology and bibliometrics analysis to assess the epidemiological and clinical charactristics of EH in children and adolescents in China. Results Ninety-three articles were included( a total of 102 studies of EH in children and adolescents). The chief distinguishing features of EH were as follows: Han nationality( 87. 64%),the female index cases( 80. 60%),the nonresident students( 56. 86%),area of poverty( 46. 08%),rural areas( 70. 59%),primary and junior high schools( 87. 13%),spring and fall( 68. 42%),September( 21. 05%); There were three main trigger factors of hysteria in children and adolescents: mass vaccination( 22. 55%),suspected food poisoning( 22. 55%),and supernaturalism( 13. 73%). The main clinical manifestation of EH included dizziness( 12. 77%),nausea( 10. 10%) and headache( 9. 21%),and easy recurrence( 50. 98%). The incidence of different characteristics of EH in children and adolescents in China ranged from 7. 74% to 31. 32%. Conclusion This study confirmed that epidemic hysteria in children and adolescents in China may be influenced by age,gender,nationality,triggering factors,time and place of onset,the index case,socioeconomic status and education status.
Massachusetts General Hospital: Improving Patient Access to the Breast Oncology Clinic

As part of Massachusetts General Hospital's overall quality improvement program, the Massachusetts General Hospital Breast Oncology Program participated in the NCCN Breast Cancer Outcomes Database Opportunities for Improvement Program. A review of concordance to breast oncology quality measures revealed that a small proportion of patients with breast cancer started chemotherapy more than 120 days after diagnosis. Therefore, the research team designed a quality improvement project to increase the percentage of concordance with the ASCO quality measure that requires time to treatment of less than 120 days and to decrease the number weeks from last definitive surgery to first adjuvant chemotherapy by 2014. A multipronged approach of improvements was used: to systems and infrastructure, communication among providers, and recruitment of additional staff as needed. This article describes the project and future initiatives to further improve the quality of breast cancer care at the institution.
A tutorial on General Recognition Theory

Abstract General Recognition Theory (GRT; e.g., Ashby and Townsend, 1986, inter alia) is a two-stage, multidimensional model of encoding and response selection. In this tutorial, we present the basic conceptual and mathematical structure of GRT and review the three notions of dimensional interaction defined in the GRT framework: perceptual independence, perceptual separability, and decisional separability. Experimental protocols and data closely linked to the GRT model are discussed, and two sets of empirical tests of dimensional interaction are presented. These test procedures are illustrated via functions the new R package mdsdt .
Air Pollution and Pulmonary Tuberculosis: A Nested Case-Control Study among Members of a Northern California Health Plan.

Background:Ecologic analyses, case–case comparisons, and animal experiments suggest positive associations between air pollution and tuberculosis.Objectives:We evaluated this hypothesis in a large s...
Liberation Theology and Social Justice

As we saw in Chapter 3, traditional religion does not have a great deal to say on social justice, for this conception of justice is very much a product of modem consciousness; and in Chapter 4 we outlined some of the problems involved in regarding social justice as a primary concern of religion. This is not to say that certain traditional religious concepts, episodes and symbolism cannot be interpreted in ways that would seem to have a very explicit message on issues that are considered central to this narrower conception of social justice. Indeed, it is because such reinterpretation has been found to be possible that modem social reformers, of a religious persuasion, have considered it fitting to spread their ‘gospel’ of change, without having to abandon their religious framework. And such reformers have arisen within practically all the major faiths, and right round the world. In Latin America, however, there has been a significant contemporary movement claiming that, insofar as traditional Christianity has failed to see this kind of social justice as its primary goal, it has missed the point of original Christianity and of the person and message of Jesus Christ. This movement, particularly the theology behind it, is known as Liberation Theology; and is the subject of our discussion in this chapter.
Using a personal computer data base to track patient profiles in neuroradiology

The objective of this project was to facilitate the computerized storage of patient information for neuro-radiologic research, educational and clinical purposes. Using Macintosh personal computers at radiologic interpretation stations, a template for entering patient information was created for neuroradiology. This information may at any time be retrieved, sorted, combined, or printed. The neuroradiologist then may easily find individual patients or sets of patients with specific diagnoses or findings or sort and combine an almost limitless assortment of other patient information. Rapid retrieval for research, educational conferences and clinical purposes is easily achieved.
Invar thin films for MEMS bistable devices

Bistable elements are beginning to appear in the field of MEMS (microelectromechanical systems) as they allow engineers to design sensors and actuators which require no electrical power to function. Our research group previously used highly compressive thermal oxide and polyimide thin films to fabricate no-power bistable vacuum sensors. In this study we investigate a new thin-film candidate material, invar, which shows promise for the design of no-power temperature sensors and thermal actuators. Invar thin films were deposited using a PVD (physical vapor deposition) sputtering system and then elementary analysis was performed using EDX (energy dispersive x-ray analysis). Elementary analysis showed our thin films to be 54.95% Fe, 41.50% Ni, and 3.55% Oxygen. This composition proved to be slightly different than the bulk invar target, which was 36% Ni and 64% Fe. The coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of the thin invar films were then investigated using a KLA-Tencor FLX-2320 Stress Analysis System. It produces an experimental CTE average for sputter-deposited invar to be 1.376ppm/°C (32°C to 120°C). This result was encouraging, as it competitive with published values for bulk invar. Finally this paper presents strategies for tuning the CTE values of the film by co-sputtering Ni and Fe discrete targets to produce the alloy thin film.
The PERK arm of the unfolded protein response regulates satellite cell-mediated skeletal muscle regeneration

Regeneration of skeletal muscle in adults is mediated by satellite stem cells. Accumulation of misfolded proteins triggers endoplasmic reticulum stress that leads to unfolded protein response (UPR). The UPR is relayed to the cell through the activation of PERK, IRE1/XBP1, and ATF6. Here, we demonstrate that levels of PERK and IRE1 are increased in satellite cells upon muscle injury. Inhibition of PERK, but not the IRE1 arm of the UPR in satellite cells inhibits myofiber regeneration in adult mice. PERK is essential for the survival and differentiation of activated satellite cells into the myogenic lineage. Deletion of PERK causes hyper-activation of p38 MAPK during myogenesis. Blocking p38 MAPK activity improves the survival and differentiation of PERK-deficient satellite cells in vitro and muscle formation in vivo. Collectively, our results suggest that the PERK arm of the UPR plays a pivotal role in the regulation of satellite cell homeostasis during regenerative myogenesis.
From Memory to Oblivion: Manet and the Origins of Modernist Painting

Manet has long been notorious for his quotations from and allusions to the Old Masters, especially in his masterpieces of the 1860s. But what has not been recognized is that a similar engagement with the art of the past characterizes the work of other leading painters in his generation. It is as if the most ambitious younger painters were all responding to a new situation, one that called for deliberate allusion to or adaptation of earlier works and styles in order that meaningful connection with painting’s past not be lost. With the advent of the Impressionists, however, the situation changed abruptly: what now became crucial was the ability of a new work of art to “sustain comparison”with works from the past whose quality was not in doubt. And this is to say that the earlier work was increasingly divested of its sense of pastness in the interests of its authority in the present. These and related developments mark the first phase of pictorial modernism.
Patterns of care and outcomes with the addition of chemotherapy to radiation therapy for stage I nasopharyngeal cancer.

Purpose: The standard of care for stage I (T1N0) nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) is definitive radiotherapy (RT). Given the phase III evidence supporting combined chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for stage II N...
Effects of Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria on Loblolly and Slash Pine Seedlings

Loblolly and slash pine seed were inoculated at sowing with 1 of 12 different strains of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) in the greenhouse. Time to germination and seedling densities were determined at 21 days, and seedling biomass was measured at 12 wk after sowing. All bacterial strains significantly increased the speed of seedling emergence over nontreated pine seed. By 12 wk, however, no differences in stand densities were observed between bacteria-treated and nontreated seed for either pine species. Postemergence damping-off was reduced in loblolly pine when seed was treated with 3 of the 12 bacterial strains; however, postemergence damping-off on slash pine seedlings was not affected by rhizobacteria. Treatment with rhizobacteria had a significant positive and negative effect on seedling growth and biomass, which depended on tree species. Loblolly pine shoot and root lengths, as well as the aboveand belowground biomass, were significantly reduced when seeds were treated with strains BS1 and BS2. In contrast, loblolly pine seeds treated with strains BS3, PM2, and INR7 significantly increased the below ground biomass of the seedling root systems. Slash pine seedlings had similar interactions with the bacterial strains. Strain BS1 significantly reduced shoot lengths compared with nontreated seeds, while strains 90-166, INR7, and SE49 increased shoot biomass. Slash pine root lengths and biomass were also reduced when treated with strains BS1 and BS2. Unlike loblolly pine, no bacterial strain increased slash pine root length or biomass. This study suggests that the effects of rhizobacteria inoculation on seedling emergence and plant growth are independent and that the effects are species specific. FOR. SCI. 44(1):139-144. Additional
mStress: A mobile recommender system for just-in-time interventions for stress

Work-related stress is normal and at low levels, it can actually increase productivity. However, high levels of stress can lead to a decrease in performance at work and can also cause adverse effects to health. High stress has been associated with cardiovascular diseases, sleep deprivation and anxiety disorder. Because of this, it is important to be able to cope with stress everyday to reduce its negative cumulative effects. In this paper, we describe the design, implementation, and evaluation of a mobile Just-in-Time Adaptive Intervention (JITAI) system for the treatment of psychological stress. The system has three main components: a stress recognition module, a set of stress interventions, and an intervention recommender system. The recognition module uses a Microsoft Band 2 to detect heart rate and a total of 18 stress micro-interventions are managed by the intervention recommender system. Finally, the recommender system uses a modified version of Q-learning to adapt the treatments to the needs and context of each patient.
Raspberry Pi creativity: A student-driven approach to teaching software design patterns

One of the primary goals of computer science education is preparing students to apply what they learn in the classroom to any problem they may encounter in the future. Due to the rapidly changing landscape of technology, regardless of the comprehensiveness of their coursework, at some point students will be required to apply their knowledge to a context they have not encountered before, and understand how what they have learned applies. One of the content areas where this is particularly relevant is helping students recognize the variety of technologies and applications in which object oriented design patterns can produce significant practical benefits. To foster this aptitude, we sought to leverage the students' own creativity with a Raspberry Pi and a multitude of sensors, displays, cameras, and actuators to boost exploration of technologies and student understanding of how course concepts apply outside of constructed examples. This paper presents the experience of using student creativity with the Raspberry Pi to drive their learning in an upper level software design patterns course.
Computational Support for Phillips Catalyst Initiation via Cr–C Bond Homolysis in a Chromacyclopentane Site

Using density functional theory, we examine a possible homolysis initiation mechanism for the Phillips catalyst, starting from CrII sites exposed to ethylene. Spin-crossing in an abundant quintet bis(ethylene) CrII site leads to cycloaddition to form a chromacyclopentane site. One Cr–C bond then homolyzes to generate a tethered n-butyl radical: [Cr(CH2)3CH2•]. If the radical attaches to a nearby inorganic Cr site, it yields two alkylCrIII sites capable of Cossee–Arlman polymerization. The overall computed barrier for this initiation process is 132 kJ/mol, which is comparable to the 120 kJ/mol value that we estimated from reported initiation times in industrial reactors. Poisson statistics suggest that this mechanism could activate ∼35% of Cr sites on a commercial catalyst with a loading of 0.4 Cr/nm2. Pairwise Cr grafting, amplification by complementary initiation reactions, or the creation of dangling bonds that form as the silica support fractures, might explain the apparent increase in per-site activit...
Prevalence of operator fatigue in winter maintenance operations.

Abstract Similar to commercial motor vehicle drivers, winter maintenance operators are likely to be at an increased risk of becoming fatigued while driving due to long, inconsistent shifts, environmental stressors, and limited opportunities for sleep. Despite this risk, there is little research concerning the prevalence of winter maintenance operator fatigue during winter emergencies. The purpose of this research was to investigate the prevalence, sources, and countermeasures of fatigue in winter maintenance operations. Questionnaires from 1043 winter maintenance operators and 453 managers were received from 29 Clear Road member states. Results confirmed that fatigue was prevalent in winter maintenance operations. Over 70% of the operators and managers believed that fatigue has a moderate to significant impact on winter maintenance operations. Approximately 75% of winter maintenance operators reported to at least sometimes drive while fatigued, and 96% of managers believed their winter maintenance operators drove while fatigued at least some of the time. Furthermore, winter maintenance operators and managers identified fatigue countermeasures and sources of fatigue related to winter maintenance equipment. However, the countermeasures believed to be the most effective at reducing fatigue during winter emergencies (i.e., naps) were underutilized. For example, winter maintenance operators reported to never use naps to eliminate fatigue. These results indicated winter maintenance operations are impacted by operator fatigue. These results support the increased need for research and effective countermeasures targeting winter maintenance operator fatigue.
Stool and urine trefoil factor 3 levels: associations with symptoms, intestinal permeability, and microbial diversity in irritable bowel syndrome

Previously we showed that urine trefoil factor 3 (TFF3) levels were higher in females with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) compared to non-IBS females. To assess if TFF3 is associated with symptoms and/or reflect alterations in gastrointestinal permeability and gut microbiota in an IBS population, we correlated stool and urine TFF3 levels with IBS symptoms, intestinal permeability, stool microbial diversity and relative abundance of predominant bacterial families and genera. We also tested the relationship of stool TFF3 to urine TFF3, and compared results based on hormone contraception use. Samples were obtained from 93 females meeting Rome III IBS criteria and completing 4-week symptom diaries. TFF3 levels were measured by ELISA. Permeability was assessed with the urine lactulose/mannitol (L/M) ratio. Stool microbiota was assessed using 16S rRNA. Stool TFF3, but not urine TFF3, was associated positively with diarrhoea and loose stool consistency. Higher stool TFF3 was also associated with lower L/M ratio and microbial diversity. Of the 20 most abundant bacterial families Mogibacteriaceae and Christensenellaceae were inversely related to stool TFF3, with only Christensenellaceae remaining significant after multiple comparison adjustment. There were no significant relationships between stool or urine TFF3 levels and other symptoms, nor between stool and urine levels. In premenopausal females, urine TFF3 levels were higher in those reporting hormone contraception. Collectively these results suggest that higher stool TFF3 levels are associated with IBS symptoms (loose/diarrhoeal stools), lower gut permeability, and altered stool bacteria composition (decreased diversity and decreased Christensenellaceae), which further suggests that TFF3 may be an important marker of host-bacteria interaction.
Brain and Intelligence

The problem of brain and intelligence was first approached by Lashley1. From his studies, two principles concerning the relation between brain and higher cognitive processes emerged. These were the principles of equipotentiality and mass action. The first suggests that all cortical areas are equally potent in carrying out mental functions, and the second, that cognitive capacity is determined by the total mass of tissue available for information processing.
The Role of Schwann Cells in Peripheral Nervous System Regeneration

The peripheral nervous system (PNS), unlike the central nervous system (CNS), has the ability for axonal regeneration after injury. As demonstrated by the grafting experiments of Aguayo and colleagues, PNS tissue supports regeneration of both PNS and CNS axons and provides evidence that the regenerative capacity of the PNS is a property of its environment and not its axons (Aguayo et al., 1983).
Electronic Medical Alerts Increase Screening for Chronic Hepatitis B: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled Trial

Background: Implementation of screening recommendations for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) among foreign-born persons at risk has been sub-optimal. The use of alerts and reminders in the electronic health record (EHR) has led to increased screening for other common conditions. The aim of our study was to measure the effectiveness of an EHR alert on the implementation of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) screening of foreign-born Asian and Pacific Islander (API) patients. Methods: We used a novel technique to identify API patients by self-identified ethnicity, surname, country of origin, and language preference, and who had no record of CHB screening with HBsAg within the EHR. Patients with Medicare and/or Medicaid insurance were excluded due to lack of coverage for routine HBsAg screening at the time of this study. At-risk API patients were randomized to alert activation in their EHR or not (control). Results: A total of 2,987 patients met inclusion criteria and were randomized to the alert ( n = 1,484) or control group ( n = 1,503). In the alert group, 119 patients were tested for HBsAg, compared with 48 in the control group (odds ratio, 2.64; 95% confidence interval, 1.88–3.73; P P = 0.12). Conclusions: An EHR alert significantly increased HBsAg testing among foreign-born APIs. Impact: Utilization of EHR alerts has the potential to improve implementation of hepatitis B–screening guidelines. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 27(11); 1352–7. ©2018 AACR.
Inflammation as a central mechanism in Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that is characterized by cognitive decline and the presence of two core pathologies, amyloid β plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Over the last decade, the presence of a sustained immune response in the brain has emerged as a third core pathology in AD. The sustained activation of the brain's resident macrophages (microglia) and other immune cells has been demonstrated to exacerbate both amyloid and tau pathology and may serve as a link in the pathogenesis of the disorder. In the following review, we provide an overview of inflammation in AD and a detailed coverage of a number of microglia-related signaling mechanisms that have been implicated in AD. Additional information on microglia signaling and a number of cytokines in AD are also reviewed. We also review the potential connection of risk factors for AD and how they may be related to inflammatory mechanisms.
Pregnane X receptor in drug-induced liver injury: Friend or foe?

Abstract The pregnane X receptor (PXR) is a ligand activated nuclear receptor that is highly expressed in the liver and regulates many cellular functions including drug metabolism, endobiotic metabolism, oxidative stress response, apoptosis, inflammation, cell proliferation and regeneration. PXR activation promotes drug-induced liver injury (DILI) through its ability to increase the expression of phase Ⅰ and phase Ⅱ drug metabolizing enzymes. The PXR also increases lipid synthesis and fatty acid uptake into the liver, leading to lipid accumulation and steatosis. In recent years, PXR has been explored as an important target in DILI and liver diseases. This review will highlight the roles of PXR in modulating DILI. PXR polymorphisms that have been associated with DILI will also be discussed.
Drawing of virgin ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene: an alternative route to high strength/high modulus materials. Part 2: Influence of polymerization temperature.

The synthesis of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene films and the production of high strength/high modulus tapes and filaments drawn directly from the virgin polymer are described. The study particularly focuses on the effect of the polymerization temperature on the deformation behaviour of the virgin UHMW polyethylene films. These results are discussed within the framework of the entanglement concepts for deformation of weakly bonded macromolecules. The developrnent of the room temperature Young's modulus and the tensile strength with draw ratio is presented and compared with modulus and tenacity/draw ratio relations observed for melt and solution crystallized polyethylene.
Expression of cornulin in oral premalignant lesions

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate expression of cornulin in oral mucosa as an adjunct to histopathologic grading of oral epithelial dysplasia (OED). Study Design Biomarker expression was assessed in normal oral mucosa, low-grade OED (LD), high-grade OED (HD), and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) by using immunohistochemistry. Photomicrographs were evaluated with Aperio Imagescope using a positive-pixel-counting algorithm. A histo-score (H-score) was calculated on the basis of staining intensity and the percentage of positive cells (%-staining). Intrarater reliability for H-score and %-staining was determined by calculating interclass correlation coefficients. Mean differences in H-scores and %-percent staining values were each analyzed by using an analysis of variance and Tukey's post hoc procedure. Results Cornulin expression progressively diminished with increasing grades of dysplasia and OSCC. Interclass correlation coefficients for H-score and %-staining were each greater than 0.99. Except for OSCC versus HD, all other pairwise comparisons were statistically significant (P Conclusions Cornulin expression helped differentiate between low-grade and high-grade oral epithelial dysplasia, making it a potential adjunct for grading oral OEDs and a potential biomarker for risk of lesion progression. Longitudinal studies evaluating risk stratification based on cornulin expression may be warranted.
Circumferential retinal hemorrhages after ophthalmic examination with scleral depression in an infant with anti-VEGF treated retinopathy of prematurity

We report a case of retinal hemorrhages in a baby with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) following examination with indirect ophthalmoscopy and scleral depression. There have been rare reports of examination-induced retinal hemorrhages during ROP screening, although those hemorrhages were diffusely scattered in the posterior pole. In this report the hemorrhages were found on the surface of the neovascular ridge. Changes in intraocular pressure caused by scleral depression may result in rupture of the fragile and immature retinal vessels, which have poor autoregulation in these premature babies. Ophthalmologists performing ROP screening examinations should be aware of the possibility of causing retinal hemorrhages with scleral depression, although the hemorrhages will resolve spontaneously.
Faculty Perceptions of Nursing Student Preparation in Undergraduate Clinical Simulation

Abstract Background: Simulation use is widespread in undergraduate nursing programs and best-practices for student preparation are important to define. Method: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted using semistructured interviews with nursing faculty representing various programs (N = 8). Conclusion: Three distinct elements of the student preparation phase were defined and the following terms are recommended for future use to ensure consistency (1) student preparation activities, (2) orientation, and (3) prebrief. Two characteristics of student preparation were identified – variation and leveling.
Correction for Zamorano-Sánchez et al., "Functional Specialization in Vibrio cholerae Diguanylate Cyclases: Distinct Modes of Motility Suppression and c-di-GMP Production".

Volume 10, no. 2, e00670-19, 2019. [https://doi.org/10.1128/mBio.00670-19][1]. On PDF page 7, the last line from the last paragraph reads “by three c-di-GMP riboswitches (Bc3 to Bc5) arrayed in tandem.” It should read “by two c-di-GMP riboswitches from the Bc3 to Bc5 array found in tandem in
Analyzing the Extent of Rapport in Groups of Triads Via Interactional Synchrony

Research in social psychology has extensively shown that in cohesive groups, individuals often mirror each other’s prosody, facial expressions, and body movements. This mirroring effect can help determine the level of comfort or the extent of engagement and genuine interest between two or more interlocutors. In this work, using an annotated dataset consisting of videos of three-person conversations, we aim to analyze the extent of rapport in each of the triadic groups. We generate behavioral curves from features extracted from the participants’ face and body movements. These are the sampled time series signals resulting from their multimodal features. Next, the extents of synchrony are analyzed by aligning the behavioral curves of pairs of participants. The alignment tests show that basic correlation coefficient measures outperform more advanced curve matching techniques when used to estimate the similarities between multidimensional behavior curves. They also show that in this dataset, synchrony is better observed from facial expressions than body movements. For this reason, using facial action units, we show that an end-to-end recursive neural network (RNN) trained using a regression loss yields good results in predicting the extent of synchrony in small groups.