cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Brief Report: Parental Report of Sleep Behaviors Following Moderate or Severe Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury

Moderate and severe traumatic brain injuries (TBI) have been known for some time to significantly impact daytime behavioral and adaptive functioning. In recent years, there also has been increasing appreciation of the nocturnal effects of TBI. Sleep problems in adults after a TBI can persist several years post-injury, and include nightmares and dyssomnias that can present as inadequate sleep or as excessive sleep propensity due to poor sleep quality (Bryant, Marosszeky, Crooks, & Gurka, 2000; Masel, Scheibel, Kimbark, & Kuna, 2001; Thaxton & Myers, 2002). As these authors have noted, the etiology of such sleep problems may include pain or discomfort, damage to neural circuits important in the sleep process, and emotional trauma. All of these potential contributors to sleep pathology can occur in childhood TBI, yet very little relevant research has been published. A few studies have identified vaguely defined sleep disturbances after childhood head trauma (Farmer, Singer, Melleits, Hall, & Charney, 1987; Hooper et al., 2004; Nakayama, Gardner, & Rogers, 1990; Pillar et al., 2003). However, sleep problems may follow a wide range of traumatic injuries, including orthopedic injuries (OI) (Kaufman et al., 2001). Moreover, no study has systematically examined sleep across more severe grades of pediatric TBI, despite neuropsychological and behavioral evidence of worse outcomes in the most severely injured children (Yeates et al., 2002, 2004). Finally, the time course of post-injury sleep problems is unknown, as group studies have rarely followed children for more than a few months post-injury. The lack of research on pediatric sleep following TBI is noteworthy in light of evidence of an interrelationship between sleep pathology and the daytime functioning of children and their families. Children who have undergone experimental sleep restriction or have naturally occurring dyssomnias have elevated rates of daytime behavioral disturbances (Blunden & Beebe, 2006). Sleep pathology in children also is a major source of parent and family stress (Mindell & Owens, 2003). Insofar as sleep pathology following pediatric TBI contributes to diminished motivation, caregiver distress, and cognitive and behavioral disturbances, it may pose a significant threat to rehabilitation efforts and functional recovery. In this brief report, we analyze parent-reported sleep data that were collected in the course of a larger prospective study of the neuropsychological and family impact of moderate or severe pediatric TBI. Based upon the adult literature, we hypothesized that children who sustained a TBI, especially a severe TBI, would be reported to display more post-injury sleep problems than children who sustained only OIs. This study also examined the time course of post-injury sleep concerns up to several years post-injury, although we did not have specific hypotheses with regard to change over time.
SPECIMEN-SPECIFIC MULTISCALE MODEL FOR THE ANISOTROPIC ELASTIC PROPERTIES OF HUMAN CORTICAL BONE TISSUE

The elastic constants of cortical bone are orthotropic or transversely isotropic depending on the anatomic origin of the tissue. Micromechanical models have been developed to predict anisotropic elastic properties from structural information. Many have utilized microstructural features such as osteons, cement lines and Haversian canals to model the tissue properties [1]. Others have utilized nanoscale features to model the mineralized collagen fibril [2]. Quantitative texture analysis using x-ray diffraction techniques has shown that elongated apatite crystals exhibit a preferred orientation in the longitudinal axis of the bone [3]. The orientation distribution of apatite crystals provides fundamental information influencing the anisotropy of the extracellular matrix (ECM) but has not been utilized in existing micromechanical models.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Adaptive Detection of an Unknown FH Signal Based on Image Features

We introduce an adaptive detection structure for unknown frequency hopping (FH) signal. After getting the short time Fourier transform (STFT) of received signal, we process the time-frequency spectrogram in terms of image operations, and extract multiple image features. Two kinds of method are employed for combinative detection. We firstly establish the FH signal verification and joint parameters estimation (FHSV-JPE) model based on these image features, and estimate some FH parameters while resolving the model. The FH detection threshold used in the model can be adjusted adaptively according to complicated time varying environments. Then we propose a time frequency (TF) matching method to further detect the jammed hops and estimate other FH parameters. Simulation results demonstrate that this detection algorithm is feasible and efficient.
Apologizing for Humiliations in Medical Practice

Apologizing to patients and their families for medical mistakes is an increasingly accepted practice. Overlooked is the need to apologize to other members of the treatment team or patients for humiliations inflicted in medical practice, independent of medical mistakes. A humiliated treatment team member or patient is apt to undermine optimal care, particularly when teamwork or patient adherence to treatment is required. This article describes the psychology of humiliation and the history of humiliation in medical practice, including why doctors and patients are vulnerable to being humiliated. Several humiliation narratives are presented. This article presents empirical data based on a sample of 355 subjects that analyze what the offended party seeks in an apology and the magnitude of the importance of each of these desires. The restoration of dignity in response to humiliation emerges as one of the most important functions of apologies. Finally, this article identifies 15 healing forces of apology, a combination of which is necessary for healing any given offense. The final challenge is educating individuals as to how to apply these findings to healing after a humiliating offense.
Sea level change and the area of shallow-marine habitat: implications for marine biodiversity

Analysis of a global elevation database to measure changes in shallow-marine habitat area as a function of sea level reveals an unexpectedly complicated relationship. In contrast to prevailing views, sea level rise does not consistently generate an increase in shelf area, nor does sea level fall consistently reduce shelf area. Different depth-defined habitats on the same margin will experience different changes in area for the same sea level change, and different margins will likewise experience different changes in area for the same sea level change. Simple forward models incorporating a species-area relationship suggest that the diversity response to sea level change will be largely idiosyncratic. The change in habitat area is highly dependent on the starting position of sea level, the amount and direction of sea level change, and the habitat and region in question. Such an idiosyncratic relationship between diversity and sea level reconciles the widespread evidence from the fossil record for a link between diversity and sea level change with the lack of quantitative support for such a relationship throughout the Phanerozoic.
INTENTIONS, COMPLIANCE, AND FIDUCIARY OBLIGATIONS

This essay investigates the structure of fiduciary obligations, specifically the obligation of loyalty. Fiduciary obligations differ from promissory obligations with respect to the possibility of “accidental compliance.” Promissory obligations can be satisfied through behavior that conforms to a promise, even if that behavior is done for inappropriate reasons. By contrast, fiduciary loyalty necessarily has an intentional dimension, one that prevents satisfaction through accidental compliance. The intentional dimension of fiduciary loyalty is best described by what we call the “shaping” account. This account both explains the conscientiousness that loyalty demands and improves on other accounts of the intentional dimension of loyalty. Our analysis challenges two of the most prominent ways of conceptualizing fiduciary obligations. “Contractarianism” configures fiduciary obligations as a species of contractual duties. The view that we call “proscriptivism” reduces fiduciary obligations to the juridical prohibitions that apply to fiduciaries. Neither of these approaches is satisfactory, because each neglects the intentional dimension of fiduciary loyalty.
Stressful Life Events, Social Support, and the Distress of Widowed and Divorced Women A Counteractive Model

Samples of widowed and divorced women drawn from public death and divorce records and matched on age, race, and median income of census tract of residence were used to test Ensel and Lin's (1991) counteractive model of the relationships among stress, social support, and distress. As hypothesized, event-related stress and other life stress following the loss of a spouse led to social and psychological distress the following year. Also in line with the hypotheses, stress was associated with increased social support from family and friends. Contrary to the hypotheses, however, social support had mixed effects on distress, depending on the type of support. For widows, practical support help decreased their distress; for divorcees, having someone listen to personal problems was beneficial. Advice did not affect distress for either group, and widows and divorcees who received material support experienced increased distress.
A novel probe for phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate reveals multiple pools beyond the Golgi

Polyphosphoinositides are an important class of lipid that recruit specific effector proteins to organelle membranes. One member, phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PtdIns4P) has been localized to Golgi membranes based on the distribution of lipid binding modules from PtdIns4P effector proteins. However, these probes may be biased by additional interactions with other Golgi-specific determinants. In this paper, we derive a new PtdIns4P biosensor using the PtdIns4P binding of SidM (P4M) domain of the secreted effector protein SidM from the bacterial pathogen Legionella pneumophila. PtdIns4P was necessary and sufficient for localization of P4M, which revealed pools of the lipid associated not only with the Golgi but also with the plasma membrane and Rab7-positive late endosomes/lysosomes. PtdIns4P distribution was determined by the localization and activities of both its anabolic and catabolic enzymes. Therefore, P4M reports a wider cellular distribution of PtdIns4P than previous probes and therefore will be valuable for dissecting the biological functions of PtdIns4P in its assorted membrane compartments.
Current pulse effects on cylindrical damage experiments

A series of joint experiments between LANL and VNIIEF use a VNIIEF-designed helical generator to provide currents for driving a LANL-designed cylindrical spallation experimental load. Under proper driving conditions, a cylindrical configuration allows for a natural recollection of the damaged material. In addition, the damaged material is able to come to a complete stop due to its strength, avoiding application of further forces. Thus far, experiments have provided data about failure initiation of a well-characterized material (aluminum) in a cylindrical geometry, behavior of material recollected after damage from pressures in the damage initiation regime, and behavior of material recollected after complete failure. In addition to post-shot collection of the damaged target material for subsequent metallographic analysis, dynamic in-situ experimental diagnostics include velocimetry and transverse radial radiography. This paper will focus on the effects of tailoring the driving current pulse to obtain the desired data.
Asteroids: A History

I finished reading Curtis Peebles' book Asteroids: A History with mixed emotions, but overall I was very disappointed. I enjoyed, with some reservations, the first few chapters, which describe the early days of asteroid astronomy. One thing that makes asteroid science enjoyable today is the rich collection of interesting and eccentric characters that share this profession. The 19th and early 20th centuries were no different. The story of these dedicated and sometimes strange individuals makes for lively reading. There was Hermann Goldschmidt, a German-born artist living over the Cafe Procope in Paris. In 1852, he caught the asteroid bug after attending a public lecture on astronomy, bought a telescope, and over the next 9 years discovered 14 asteroids by observing out of his apartment window with a 2-inch telescope! In those days, before astronomical photography, observers searched for asteroids by hand-drawing the starfield as seen through the telescope and then comparing it with another hand-drawn starfield done hours or nights later. Keen eyesight, steady hands, and the ability to draw accurately in the dark—and cold—were major advantages.
Effect of Roughness on the Microscale Friction of Hydrocarbon Films

To investigate polymer friction and the role of surface roughness on polymer tribology, microtribometry testing was performed using hydrocarbon films ranging in roughness from a molecularly smooth monolayer to extremely rough polymethylene coatings that were prepared on both the substrate (a flat silicon wafer) and the probe (a 6 mm borosilicate lens). The results show that the rough topography of the polymer films dramatically increases frictional forces when both the probe and substrate contain rough films, but if one surface contains a hydrophobic, smooth monolayer, friction values are greatly reduced. In addition, tribometry tests were performed with the substrates submerged under water to examine the tribometric influence of the testing medium and to determine whether hydrophobic interactions are relevant on the microscale. At the loads and speeds tested, hydrophobic interactions did not significantly affect the frictional properties between the coated probe and substrate in water. The hydrophilic co...
Diffraction efficiency of bleached, photographically recorded interference patterns.

An experimental study has been made of techniques that can increase the diffraction efficiency of photographically recorded three-dimensional interference patterns. The efficiency is increased by using bleaching processes that convert the silver image into a dielectric image. Diffraction efficiency vs transmittance curves, chemical formulas of some bleaches, and the bleaching procedures are given. A maximum efficiency of 60%o has been achieved. Applications to holography and partitioned zone plates are demonstrated.
Use of the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children in Predicting Achievement Among Students Referred for Special Education Services

This study was designed to investigate the validity of the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children (K-ABC) in predicting academic achievement among elementary students referred for special education services. Three groups of students (black, Hispanic, and white) were administered the K-ABC, and mean K-ABC Mental Processing Composite scores for each group and for males and females were evaluated as predictors of reading, mathematics, and written language achievement on the Woodcock-Johnson Psycho-Educational Battery. Statistical analyses confirmed the K-ABC's validity in predicting achievement for each ethnic group and for males in all areas. However, K-ABC scores were not valid predictors of written language achievement among females.
Model coverage as a quality measure and teaching Tool for embedded control system design

To systematically establish that a design satisfies its requirements, the design model is analyzed with respect to a set of test cases to establish a measure of so-called model coverage. If less than 100% coverage of model behavior is achieved, the design contains unintended functionality or there may be lacking test cases, which in turn may be because of missing requirements. This paper presents the use of model coverage in education, illustrated by the design of an aircraft attitude control system. Model coverage provides a measure of quality of a design task performed by a student while it can help obtain insight into details of critical behavior of a design and how to correct problems discovered.
Best management practices for corporate, academic and governmental transfer of sustainable technologies to developing countries

Innovations with respect to technologies that contribute to environmental sustainability have emerged within national government laboratories, international agencies and within academic research institutes. Since each of these entities is understandably more focused on ab initio research, conceptual development and proofs of concept, the production level manufacturing and broad dissemination of such technologies require development of best management practices (BMPs) for effective partnerships with and/or technology licensure to private sector industry. Alternatively, certain technologies that address specific environmental sustainability needs within the developing countries can be and have been transferred directly, either through bi-lateral transfers or through multi-lateral agencies, serving as intermediaries. The appropriateness of such transfers is contingent upon host country environmental, cultural and socio-political conditions, the type of technology involved, the “terms of transfer” and the relationships established between the technology conceivers and the end-users. The authors select examples of identified modes of sustainable technology transmission and derive experiential BMPs, which may be of some utility for future sustainable technology transfer. Moreover, in providing these BMPs, the historical record and contemporary caveats with respect to unregulated technology transfer, whether sustainable or otherwise, to developing countries and the array of corresponding proposed codes of conduct are examined, given the normative objective that such technologies should ultimately contribute to ecologically benign and societally beneficial objectives, such as environmental sustainability, equitable growth and poverty alleviation. These issues and the need to establish BMPs would be broadly relevant with the new focus on climate change-related technology funds and associated regional impact projects evolving across the globe and within the developing countries in particular.
Sexual Politics in Modern Iran: Birth control, female sexual awakening, and the gay lifestyle

In The History of Sexuality Michel Foucault argues that beneath a variety of sexual prohibitions of seventeenth-century European societies a “veritable discursive explosion” around sexuality could be discerned ([1976] 1980, 17). At the end of the eighteenth century, sexual regulations had become ingrained in legislative discourse, and state intervention addressed numerous issues concerning sexual conduct, among them the legal age of marriage, the birth rate, fertility, and the frequency of sexual relations. Through its economic, legal, medical, and health policies, the modern state influenced the sexual conduct of its population in new ways, resulting in dramatic demographic changes. By the nineteenth century, a broader discourse on sexuality was taking shape beneath the blanket of Victorian morality. It was nothing less than “an apparatus for producing an ever greater quantity of discourse about sex, capable of functioning and taking effect in its very economy” (Foucault [1976] 1980, 23). Foucault's interpretation of course contradicted the common assumption of an absence of discussion of sexuality in the nineteenth century and a presumed “Victorian morality,” followed by greater sexual freedom in the twentieth century. Considered alongside trends concerning gender and sexuality in post-revolutionary Iran, Foucault's portrait of sexuality in the Victorian era offers valuable insights. Foucault can shed light on the repercussions of the new sexual austerities that were imposed after the revolution. In the 1980s the Islamist government instituted a dramatic reversal in human rights, especially regarding women's rights.
The Dynamics of Campaign Spending in State Supreme Court Elections, 1990-2004

Published in Running for Judge: The Rising Political, Financial, and Legal Stakes of Judicial Elections, edited by Matthew J. Streb. New York: New York University Press. Pages 59-72. 2007.
Use of a Self-Reflection Tool to Enhance Resident Learning on an Adolescent Medicine Rotation.

Abstract Purpose Adolescent Medicine (AM) educators in pediatric residency programs are seeking new ways to engage learners in adolescent health. This mixed-methods study presents a novel self-reflection tool and addresses whether self-reflection enhanced residents' perception of the value of an adolescent rotation, in particular, its relevance to their future practice. Methods The self-reflection tool included 17 Likert scale items on residents' comfort with the essential tasks of adolescent care and open-ended questions that promoted self-reflection and goal setting. Semi-structured, postrotation interviews encouraged residents to discuss their experiences. Likert scale data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and interview notes and written comments on the self-reflection tool were combined for qualitative data analysis. Results Residents' pre–to post–self-evaluations showed statistically significant increases in comfort with most of the adolescent health care tasks. Four major themes emerged from our qualitative analysis: (1) the value of observing skilled attendings as role models; (2) the comfort gained through broad and frequent adolescent care experiences; (3) the career relevance of AM; and (4) the ability to set personally meaningful goals for the rotation. Conclusions Residents used the self-reflection tool to mindfully set goals and found their AM education valuable and relevant to their future careers. Our tool helped make explicit to residents the norms, values, and beliefs of the hidden curriculum applied to the care of adolescents and helped them to improve the self-assessed quality of their rapport and communications with adolescents. We conclude that a structured self-reflection exercise can enhance residents' experiences on an AM rotation.
Complete Closed Genome Sequences of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica Serotypes Anatum, Montevideo, Typhimurium, and Newport, Isolated from Beef, Cattle, and Humans

ABSTRACT Salmonella enterica spp. are a diverse group of bacteria with a wide range of virulence potential. To facilitate genome comparisons across this virulence spectrum, we present eight complete closed genome sequences of four S. enterica serotypes (Anatum, Montevideo, Typhimurium, and Newport), isolated from various cattle samples and from humans.
A New Intrusion Detection Benchmarking System

This paper presents a new quality network-based dataset for the purpose of intrusion detection system (IDS) evaluation, and is referred to as the IRSC (Indian River State College) dataset. Network flows and full packet capture (FPC) data are collected creating two types of datasets. The IRSC dataset represents a real-world network that gives us the advantage of collecting actual normal and attack traffic data reflecting a real-world environment. The attack portion of the traffic contains both controlled attacks (which are intentional attacks generated by our team) and uncontrolled attacks (which are real attacks on the IRSC network not created by our team). One main goal is to produce a reliable dataset with normal and attack traffic that is realistic and meets real world criteria. Another major goal is to produce a systematic process which would allow others to generate high quality IDS evaluation datasets. Our work’s main contributions are that we have both accurate labeling through the inclusion of controlled attacks, and also realistic data by including real-world attacks.
The need for objective assessment of the new imaging techniques and understanding the expanding roles of stroke imaging.

With the advancement of functional imaging and stroke therapy, patients with acute stroke now have a realistic opportunity to benefit from early diagnosis and prompt intervention [(1–5)][1]. Great enthusiasm and expectation have been generated in stroke imaging, particularly with diffusion-
Large Scale Optimization Using Multipoint Cubic Approximation

This paper presents a generalized algorithm to optimize nonlinear, constrained problems with complex or computationally expensive functions and a large number of design variables. A multipoint cubic approximation method that relies on a reduced design space of previous points is used within the optimization routine. This approximation method signi…cantly reduces the size of the Hessian matrix. Also, by providing a higher-order approximation, it reduces the number of exact objective and constraint function calculations required. In addition, a quadratic programming routine provided by MOSEK ApS is used to solve the quadratic subproblem for the large number of design variables. A scalable cantilever beam is used to verify the algorithm. Results demonstrate that as the number of design variables increases, the number of iterations required to converge to an optimum solution does not dramatically increase.
Scattering loss in single-mode fibers by outside process

Single-mode fibers with very low attenuations in the wavelength range from 1.3 to 1.6 μm have been fabricated by various processes.1-3 The ultimate low loss In single-mode fibers Is basically limited by the Rayleigh scattering loss and the IR absorption edge. In single-mode fibers, with a significant fraction of the total power propagating in the cladding, the effective Rayleigh scattering loss depends on the power distribution and the Rayleigh scattering coefficients in both the core and cladding. Also, with the mode power distribution varying with the V parameter, a simple λ−4 relationship for scattering loss is not quite accurate.
Importance of Loading and Unloading Procedures for Gecko-Inspired Controllable Adhesives

The importance of loading and unloading procedures has been shown in a variety of different methods for biological dry adhesives, such as the fibers on the feet of the Tokay gecko, but biomimetic dry adhesives have yet to be explored in a similar manner. To date, little work has systematically varied multiple parameters to discern the influence of the testing procedure, and the effect of the approach angle remains uncertain. In this study, a synthetic adhesive is moved in 13 individual approach and retraction angles relative to a flat substrate as well as 9 different shear lengths to discern how loading and unloading procedures influence the preload, adhesion, and shear/friction forces supported. The synthetic adhesive, composed of vertical 10 μm diameter semicircular poly(dimethylsiloxane) fibers, is tested against a 4 mm diameter flat glass puck on a home-built microtribometer using both vertical approach and retraction tests and angled approach and retraction tests. The results show that near maximum a...
Influence of fortnightly tides on earthquake triggering at the East Pacific Rise at 9°50′N

The study of tidal forcing provides an opportunity to view the response of the solid Earth to known changes in stress. Earthquakes triggered by diurnal and semidiurnal tidal forces have been well documented for the deep ocean and some terrestrial environments. However, few studies examine the influence of fortnightly tides on earthquake triggering and only in terrestrial environments. We assess triggering of microearthquakes related to true fortnightly tides and fortnightly tidal modulations along the East Pacific Rise at 9°50′N, where strong diurnal and semidiurnal triggering of earthquakes has been observed. An ocean bottom seismograph experiment collected microearthquake data between October 2003 and January 2007, a time period that included a well-documented submarine eruption culminating in January 2006. We examine how triggering changed through the build up to and aftermath of this seafloor-spreading event. Results show that earthquakes occur preferentially during times of increasing peak volumetric stress leading up to the eruption, with strong statistical significance (Schuster Test p values up to 2.22e−31). However, the correlation loses its strength immediately prior to and during the eruptive period (p value as high as 0.2837), when competing tectonic and magmatic stresses may occur. Post-eruption triggering reappears (p value 1.45e−26) but with opposite phase. Statistical significance is also explored using Monte Carlo method, highlighting limitations of swarm-dominated time series for the Schuster Test. Nevertheless, the observations are consistent with a shift in the dominating stress triggering the earthquakes from extensional tectonics to magmatic processes, followed by a post-eruption period of cooling, relaxation, and possibly magma chamber refilling.
Conductor selection for Yinzhang 220 kV overhead transmission line in heavy icing area

The line conductor selection method for 220 kV Yinzhang transmission line in heavy icing area is introduced.The line conductor split number,distance and section is determined by system transmission capacity.According to transmission line design characteristics in heavy icing area,three types of aluminum conductor steel reinforced(GB/T 1179-1999) are compared in different aspects including mechanical strength,overload capacity,aluminum stress,sag characteristic,vibration resistance performance,loading conditions and economy characteristics,especially performance of different steel conductor size in heavy icing area.The 2 × LGJ-630/55 conductor is selected in 20 mm icing area.The systematic analysis of conductor selection provides method for overhead transmission line conductor selection and validation in heavy icing area.
Analysis of laboratory inspection reportsfrom 53 cases of influenza-like fever groups in Changshu

Objective:To establish a pathogen detection method for carrying out mass flu-like fever outbrecck investigation and trecctment in county-level.Methods:The virus of A/B influenza and other pathogen′s IgM anti-bodies in the serum of influenza-like cases was measured by ELISA and indirect immunofluorescence,and collaurum chromatography was also applied to test A/B influenza′s antigens in the flu-like case′s throat swabs.Results:In 62 blood serum examples tested by ELISA,which are from 11 cases,A/B influenza′s virus IgM anti-bodies appear to be positive simultaneously,38.71%(24/62);In 65 blood serum examples coming from 13 cases,the results of indirect immunofluorescence assay was positive simultaneously with 46.15%(26/65+4/65),correspondingly;in 173 flu-like cases′ throat swabs measured by collaurum chromatography,A type occupies 22.54%(39/173)while B type 32.95%(57/173).They don′t appear positive at the same time.Conclusion:According to experience about six years,It is obvious that collaurum chromatography is much better than ELISA or indirect immunofluorescence assay.Moreover,collaurum chromatography meets the need of our basic departments which lack ccnccions to carry out virus cultivation and their nucleic acid test.
On the Protection of the National Folk Music Culture and Tourism Resources Development in Qiandongnan

The present study makes analysis on the relationship between the protection of the national folk music culture and tourism resources development in Qiandongnan.Tourists can not only enjoy the local ethnic characteristics in natural sceneries,but also the local music performances which show the ethnic cultural resources in many scenic spots in Qiandongnan.With the development of tourism,the original ecological music culture has greatly changed both in quantity and quality,which has both positive and negative effects.
Correcting the dynamic response of a commercial esophageal balloon-catheter.

Measurement of esophageal pressure affords calculation of many insightful and clinically important parameters of respiratory mechanics. It is recommended that an esophageal balloon-catheter possess...
Gilt growth, compositional, and structural soundness associations with sow productive lifetime

x CHAPTER 1. GENERAL INTRODUCTION 1 Research Objectives 3 Dissertation Organization 4 CHAPTER 2. LITERATURE REVIEW 5 Sow Longevity and Lifetime Reproduction 5 Growth and Body Composition 14 Structural Soundness and Locomotion 16 Genetic Parameters 22 Conclusions 44 CHAPTER 3. GENETIC PARAMETERS FOR GROWTH, BODY COMPOSITION, AND STRUCTURAL SOUNDNESS TRAITS IN COMMERCIAL GILTS 46 Abstract 46 Introduction 48 Materials and Methods 49 Results and Discussion 54 Literature Cited 66 Appendix 1 77 Appendix 2 7946 Introduction 48 Materials and Methods 49 Results and Discussion 54 Literature Cited 66 Appendix 1 77 Appendix 2 79 CHAPTER 4. GENETIC ASSOCIATIONS FOR GILT GROWTH, COMPOSITIONAL, AND STRUCTURAL SOUNDNESS TRAITS WITH SOW LONGEVITY AND LIFETIME REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE 80 Abstract 80 Introduction 82 Materials and Methods 83 Results and Discussion 91 Literature Cited 10180 Introduction 82 Materials and Methods 83 Results and Discussion 91 Literature Cited 101
Narrative Agency in Hashtag Activism: The Case of #BlackLivesMatter

Hashtag activism happens when large numbers of postings appear on social media under a common hashtagged word, phrase or sentence with a social or political claim. The temporal unfolding of these mutually connected postings in networked spaces gives them a narrative form and agency. Applying Karlyn Campbell’s propositions about rhetorical agency to the case of #BlackLivesMatter, this essay shows that narrative agency in hashtag activism derives from its narrative form as well as from its contents and social context. Narrative agency is communal, invented, skillful, and protean.
Regulation of Pericentric Heterochromatin by ncRNA in Schizosaccharomyces pombe

Heterochromatin is a conserved chromatin arrangement with roles in transcriptional regulation and genome integrity. It is characterized by regular nucleosomal arrays decorated with specific histone post-translational modifications. These recruit homologs of the HP1 protein that mediate the formation of a tightly compacted chromatin structure refractory to virtually all nucleic acid transactions. Heterochromatin fibers organize into higher order structures that shape a large part of subnuclear organization. Heterochromatin coats a diverse set of genetic elements whose only common feature is their repetitive nature. These include transposable elements (TE), satellite repeats, and subtelomeric repeats. The mechanisms that target these elements for compaction into heterochromatin have been elusive for a long time, with tantalizing indications of a central role for RNA in this process. In the last decade, work in model organisms from fungi to plants and metazoans have revealed the highly dynamic nature of heterochromatin, and unexpected relationships with fundamental cellular processes, guided by non-coding RNA. The deepest mechanistic insights into this phenomenon have come from the study of heterochromatin in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. In particular, the heterochromatin that covers pericentric repeats has been intensely scrutinized, because of the tandem repeat structure reminiscent of centromeres of higher organisms. This chapter summarizes the current view of the organization and regulation of pericentric heterochromatin in S. pombe with a focus on involvement of non-coding RNA.
Statistical Inference for Queueing Models

Statistical analysis of data is essential to initiate probability modeling. Statistical inference completes the process by linking the model with the random phenomenon. Thus, for using the queueing models developed in earlier chapters, we need to estimate model parameters and make sure that we have the right model. In the next few sections, we discuss methods of parameter estimation appropriate to various data collection procedures.
Large scale over-the-air testing of Group Centric Networking

This paper presents experimental verification of the performance of Group Centric Networking (GCN), a networking protocol developed for robust and scalable communications in lossy networks where users are localized to geographic areas, such as military tactical networks. Initial simulations in NS3 showed that GCN offers high delivery with low network overhead in the presence of high packet loss and high mobility. We extend the investigation to verify GCN's performance in actual over-the-air experimentation. In the experiments, we deployed GCN on a 90-node Android phone test bed distributed across an office building, allowing us to evaluate its performance over-the-air on real-world hardware. GCN's performance is compared against multiple popular wireless routing protocols, which we also run over-the-air. These tests yield two notable results: (1) the seemingly benign environment of an office is in fact quite lossy, with high packet error rates between users that are geographically close to one another, and (2) that GCN does indeed offer high delivery with low network overhead, which is in contrast to traditional wireless routing schemes that offer either high delivery or low overhead, or sometimes neither.
Temporal plasticity in auditory cortex improves neural discrimination of speech sounds

Abstract Background Many individuals with language learning impairments exhibit temporal processing deficits and degraded neural responses to speech sounds. Auditory training can improve both the neural and behavioral deficits, though significant deficits remain. Recent evidence suggests that vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) paired with rehabilitative therapies enhances both cortical plasticity and recovery of normal function. Objective/Hypothesis We predicted that pairing VNS with rapid tone trains would enhance the primary auditory cortex (A1) response to unpaired novel speech sounds. Methods VNS was paired with tone trains 300 times per day for 20 days in adult rats. Responses to isolated speech sounds, compressed speech sounds, word sequences, and compressed word sequences were recorded in A1 following the completion of VNS-tone train pairing. Results Pairing VNS with rapid tone trains resulted in stronger, faster, and more discriminable A1 responses to speech sounds presented at conversational rates. Conclusion This study extends previous findings by documenting that VNS paired with rapid tone trains altered the neural response to novel unpaired speech sounds. Future studies are necessary to determine whether pairing VNS with appropriate auditory stimuli could potentially be used to improve both neural responses to speech sounds and speech perception in individuals with receptive language disorders.
Effects of dietary coarsely ground corn and 3 bedding floor types on broiler live performance, litter characteristics, gizzard and proventriculus weight, and nutrient digestibility

The effects of zero or 50% dietary coarsely ground corn (CC) in pelleted and screened grower and finisher diets on broilers reared on 3 bedding floor types (plastic net [NET], new pine wood shavings litter [NEW], or old pine wood shavings litter [OLD]) on broiler live performance, litter characteristics, gizzard and proventriculus weight, and apparent ileal digestibility (AID) were studied in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments. Fine corn was produced with a hammermill (271 μm) and CC with a roller mill (1145 μm). Utilization of CC reduced milling cost by 9.47 cents per MT with similar nutrient content of screened pellets. The 50% CC treatment exhibited improved (P ≤ 0.05) feed intake at 42 d (2.5%) and 49 d (3.0%), and BW (5.4%) and FCR from 28 d (1.4%). Birds on NEW litter exhibited improved (P < 0.05) BW at 28 and 35 d and 42 d FCR as compared to NET and 49 d FCR compared to NET and OLD. The 50% CC treatment exhibited increased (P < 0.05) gizzard weight but decreased proventriculus weight at 49 d. NEW litter birds exhibited increased (P ≤ 0.05) gizzard weight at 28 d and 49 d and decreased proventriculus weight as compared to NET at 49 days. The 50% CC treatment exhibited decreased (P ≤ 0.05) litter moisture at 35 and 42 d, litter N at 35 and 49 d, and litter pH at 49 days. OLD litter birds exhibited greater (P < 0.05) litter N at 14, 35, and 49 d, as well as litter moisture, pH, and ammonia concentration at 49 days. The 50% CC group also exhibited improved AID of nitrogen (P < 0.05). Broilers fed pelleted and screened diets containing 50% CC exhibited improved live performance and reduced litter moisture while use of NEW litter resulted in a somewhat similar effect, which indicated that consumption of NEW litter also facilitated gastric development and function.
Clinical Characteristics of Patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps, Asthma, and Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease

Background Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) comprises the triad of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), asthma, and intolerance to inhibitors of the cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) enzyme. The prevalence of AERD remains unclear, and few studies have compared the clinical characteristics of patients with AERD to those with CRSwNP alone, asthma alone, or both CRSwNP and asthma. Objective To determine the prevalence of AERD within a tertiary care setting, and to identify unique clinical features that could distinguish these patients from those with both CRSwNP and asthma or with CRSwNP alone. Methods Electronic medical records of patients at Northwestern in Chicago, Illinois, were searched by computer algorithm and then manual chart review to identify 459 patients with CRSwNP alone, 412 with both CRSwNP and asthma, 171 with AERD, and 300 with asthma only. Demographic and clinical features including sex, atopy, and sinus disease severity were characterized. Results The prevalence of AERD among patients with CRSwNP was 16%. Patients with AERD had undergone 2-fold more sinus surgeries (P Conclusions AERD is common among patients with CRSwNP; even though patients with AERD have CRSwNP and asthma, the clinical course of their disease is not the same as of patients who have CRSwNP and asthma but are tolerant to COX-1 inhibitors.
Winter abundances of naked amoebae in the soil system of the invasive species Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) with comparative data from adjacent sites

Among the most prolific invasive plant species posing threats to the ecological balance of ecosystems in North America and Europe is Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica). In order to identify the potential role of protists in the invasive capacity of Japanese knotweed the winter abundances of naked amoebae in soils from three roadside thickets of Japanese knotweed were compared to nearby non-invaded sites. Japanese knotweed soils had higher abundances (t = 5.43, df, 16, p < 0.001) of amoebae than comparison sites. This is one of the first studies to document higher abundances of soil naked amoebae associated with an invasive plant, and may indicate more generally that below-ground abundances of amoebae can promote soil fertility and support the successful adaptation and expansion of some invasive plant species. Moreover, analysis of encysted vs. trophic forms of naked amoebae in the winter soil, provided evidence of freezeresistant, amoeba resting cells in soil samples from the natural environment in support of prior findings that were based solely on laboratory experimental evidence. Overall, high densities of naked amoebae in the winter soils of Japanese knotweed, some as resting cells capable of forming rapidly activated trophic stages, likely increase soil fertility and strengthen the species’ invasive capacity.
Exploring Brand Attachment in Conjunction with Attachment Styles and Need to Belong

This paper considered several constructs from both the marketing and psychology areas - brand attachment, attachment theory, and need-to-belong. Attachment theory, in turn, breaks down into secure and insecure attachments, and the latter, in turn, breaks down into anxious attachment and avoidant attachment. The core question addressed is discovering the relationship among these constructs. We developed a questionnaire using established scales of these constructs and took a survey in which a responder picked a brand and indicated his/her attachment to the brand; the other constructs were also measured through this questionnaire. The results indicated that there is a relationship among selected constructs developed for the psychology field, but that no relationship was able to be established between the marketing-area-developed construct of brand attachment and the plausibly related variety of psychology-area-developed constructs.
Role of surgery in patients with pouchitis

Abstract Restorative proctocolectomy with an ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) has been an ideal surgical option for patients with chronic ulcerative colitis (UC) and familial adenomatous polyposis for nearly 4 decades. In most cases, patients enjoy excellent quality of life with a durable surgical and functional result, avoiding the need for a lifelong ileostomy. Despite great success, patients with IPAA may suffer from several pouch-related complications that are a challenge for the patient and surgeon. Pouchitis is one such challenging complication that requires thoughtful consideration and judgment for successful management. Treatment of pouchitis has historically revolved around medical therapy, but the surgeon׳s role in a multidisciplinary approach to pouchitis is critical for diagnosis, treatment, and improvement of quality of life. The focus of this review is to provide a structured approach to the challenges that the surgeon encounters when faced with a patient with chronic or refractory pouchitis and to discuss the surgical options that mitigate the morbidity caused by pouchitis in parallel with or when medical treatments fail.
Evaluation of the safety effectiveness of the conversion of two-lane roadways to four-lane divided roadways: Bayesian versus empirical Bayes

This paper uses various observational before–after analyses to evaluate the safety effectiveness of widening urban and rural two-lane to four-lane divided roadways. The methods range from simple (naive) before–after, before–after with comparison group, empirical Bayes (EB), and Bayesian approach. The EB method requires safety performance functions (SPFs) to be calibrated; the simple SPF based on annual average daily traffic (AADT) is used widely. In this paper, two sets of negative binomial models are calibrated: the full SPF model, which uses various explanatory covariates, and the simple SPF, which uses AADT only. The preliminary results from the calibrated models indicate that the SPF is pivotal in the EB method; the more accurate the models, the more pragmatic the evaluation of the safety effectiveness of a treatment. The proposed method of using the full SPF in the EB method is recommended over the conventional EB observational before–after. To obtain more reliable estimates, the Bayesian before–afte...
Manganoan ilmenite from a Sierran adamellite

Chemical analysis and paragenesis of manganoan ilmenite from Sierran adamellite using electron microprobe