cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Toward stochastic modeling of obstacle detectability in passive stereo range imagery

To design high-performance obstacle detection systems for semi-autonomous navigation, it will be necessary to characterize the performance of obstacle detection sensors in quantitative, statistical terms and to develop design methodologies that relate task requirements (e.g., vehicle speed) to sensor system parameters (e.g., image resolution). Steps to be taken to realize such a methodology are outlined. For the specific case of obstacle detection with passive stereo range imagery, the development of the statistical models needed for the methodology is begun, and experimental results for outdoor images of a gravel road, which test the models empirically, are presented. The experimental results show sample error distributions for estimates of disparity and range, illustrate systematic errors caused by partial occlusion, and demonstrate that effective obstacle detection is achievable. >
Rethinking the Paradigm for Child Protection.

Mounting pressures on the nation’s system for helping children who are abused and neglected have prompted new efforts to reform the child protective services (CPS) system to better protect children’s safety. As this article explains, current reform efforts are focusing on the “front end” of the system, in which reports of abuse and neglect are screened and investigated, and caseworkers recommend whether and when to close a case, provide in-home services, or remove a child from a home. This article discusses the problems of the CPS system that are currently receiving attention, and it closely examines one proposal for reform—the community-based partnership for child protection. This approach emphasizes targeting investigations by CPS toward only high-risk families, building collaborative community networks that can serve lower-risk families, and providing a differentiated response to both high- and low-risk families that is tailored to each family’s situation. Early experiences implementing these ideas in Missouri, Florida, and Iowa illustrate the promise and challenges of reform.
A Statistical Model of Bilateral Cooperation

In most situations of bilateral cooperation we can observe only whether or not potential partners actually cooperate. Yet we often want to know what factors lead the actors to enter into and continue cooperation. The model we develop—a dynamic version of bivariate probit with partial observability—permits one to estimate the probabilities that either of two parties would want to cooperate and to identify the factors that affect these probabilities. As an illustration, we focus on agreements between national governments and the International Monetary Fund. The model should have a wide applicability.
Lunar Real Estate Development

What seems to be almost sure is the solutions to space travel and living in space will be found when the possibility of profit from development of technologies in and for space is seen as immediately at hand. In other words when the people see opportunity to profit from space, solutions will come quickly. Using analogues of how cities on Earth have evolved because of the creation of new technologies and markets, the paper discusses how the future settlement and development of a lunar habitation can be predicted. The goal of this study will be to see through the habitation process from a real estate developer’s perspective and demonstrate how to attract interest from the public, as well as potential investors. The report will utilize SICSA’s design of a self-sustainable lunar habitat, for the Houston Museum of Natural Science, to illustrate the project’s feasibility and room for expansion.
Adaptive Behavioral Outcomes: Assurance Of Learning And Assessment

Business schools are currently being criticized for lacking relevance to the applied working environment in which students are supposed to be prepared to make immediate contributions and reasoned independent decisions in a fluidly changing market (Haskell and Beliveau, 2010, and Michlitsch and Sidle, 2002). While technical skills (accounting, marketing, finance, etc.) have comprised the core of traditional course subject matter, today’s businesses also need graduates who arrive to work possessing integrative skills such as adaptable decision-making in changing competitive environments. Teaching and assessing integrative adaptive behavioral outcomes is both a break from the norm and a challenge to those tasked with developing assessment standards and rubrics. Discussing the demand for developing and assessing adaptive learning skills in business schools is the easy part. Incorporating the development of these non-technical skills into curricula or programs of learning requires one to identify specific skills that require adaptive improvement, design specific pedagogy to develop the skills, and longitudinally measure student performance. In reality, many business curricula lack learning environments where integrative non-technical skills such as longitudinal adaptive behavior can be isolated and programmed for improvement. This manuscript identifies an experiential inductive-based teaching method that has been extended to account for longitudinal variation in adaptive behavior-based learning. It describes a holistic course pedagogy that builds on traditional theoretical knowledge, but then requires students to actively apply that knowledge using interdisciplinary decision-making that receives ongoing competitive market feedback. An assessment rubric is also suggested for linking to important AACSB Assurance-of-Learning objectives targeted at measuring behavioral-based outcomes related to applied adaptive decision-making behavior. Finally, methods are suggested in which adaptive behavioral outcomes can be integrated into other forms of more traditional pedagogy.
A stream pollution model with intervals for the rate coefficients

Abstract A major obstacle in using mathematical models to make management decisions is the difficulty in obtaining precise values for the parameters. A classical stream pollution model for biochemical oxygen demand and dissolved oxygen is analyzed under the assumptions that the rate coefficients may vary along the stream but remain within fixed known intervals and the initial conditions are only known to lie in certain intervals. The upper and lower envelope for the set of solutions of all systems satisfying these conditions are obtained using differential inequality techniques that were recently developed for compartmental models.
Approximation formulas for the distribution system: the loss function and voltage dependence

The distribution system loss function and voltage dependence are examined, and useful approximations derived that are analogous to the loss formulae used in the transmission system. The approximation are used to estimate the losses and voltages in the distribution system under the conditions of varying the capacitive susceptance of capacitors installed in the system about the level corresponding to minimum losses and varying the tap setting of transformers about the nominal tap setting. Theory is compared to load flow calculations, and a simple quadratic function is shown to be accurate in estimating the losses and to be consistently slightly conservative, where by conservative it is meant that it overestimates the losses. The structure of the quadratic function is determined. A linear function is shown to be accurate for estimating voltages. >
Epigenetic Characteristics of Bovine Donor Cells for Nuclear Transfer: Levels of Histone Acetylation

Abstract Donor cell type, cell-cycle stage, and passage number of cultured cells all affect the developmental potential of cloned embryos. Because acetylation of the histones on nuclear chromatin is an important aspect of gene activation, the present study investigated the differences in histone acetylation of bovine fibroblast and cumulus cells at various passages and cell-cycle stages. The acetylation was qualitatively analyzed by epifluorescent confocal microscopy and quantitatively by immunofluorescent flow cytometry. Specifically, we studied levels of histone H4 acetylated at lysine 8 and histone H3 acetylated at lysine 18; acetylation at these lysine residues is among the most common for these histone molecules. We also studied levels of linker histone H1 in donor cells. Our results show that stage of cell cycle, cell type, and number of cell passages all had an effect on histone content. Histone H1 and acetyl histone H3 increased with cell passage (passages 5–15) in G0/G1- and G2/M-stage cumulus an...
Decision-Makers or Decision-Takers? Military Missions and Civilian Control in Democratic South America:

The conclusion of the Cold War and the re-emergence of democracy in South America has removed principal enemies, both internal and external, while economic integration has softened contentious bord...
Self-Efficacious Behaviors for Reducing Stress in Older Adulthood

Current gerontological scholarship focuses on both stressors and protective characteristics of late adulthood. Repeatedly, studies demonstrate that self-efficacy is a powerful resiliency resource for coping with the stressors affecting mental and physical health of older adults. Using qualitative research methodology, this study explores the role of self-efficacy as a resiliency resource in reducing stress for vulnerable older adults who strive to maintain active lives and meaningful interactions with their families and communities. Results demonstrate the beneficial power of efficacious behaviors such as reaching out to family and friends, engaging in relaxing behaviors, and maintaining health-promoting activities for an empowered and engaged approach to daily living. Implications for practice with older adults and future research are discussed.
APPLICATIONS OF GAME THEORY TO ECONOMICS

We look at the basic applications of cooperative game theory to economic situations. These include bargaining and cooperative equilibria, especially as the number of players increases without bound. The core and the Shapley value are the fundamental tools for these applications. We consider the relation between these two concepts. A comprehensive bibliography of work published over the last decade is included.
Observation of Instability-Induced Current Redistribution in a Spherical-Torus Plasma

A motional Stark effect diagnostic has been utilized to reconstruct the parallel current density profile in a spherical-torus plasma for the first time. The measured current profile compares favorably with neoclassical theory when no large-scale magnetohydrodynamic instabilities are present in the plasma. However, a current profile anomaly is observed during saturated interchange-type instability activity. This apparent anomaly can be explained by redistribution of neutral beam injection current drive and represents the first observation of interchange-type instabilities causing such redistribution. The associated current profile modifications contribute to sustaining the central safety factor above unity for over five resistive diffusion times, and similar processes may contribute to improved operational scenarios proposed for ITER.
Preservice Teachers in a Literacy Methods Course Consider Issues of Diversity

Shelley Hong Xu TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY I describe 3 case studies of young, middle-class European American female preservice teachers' experiences of teaching diverse students literacy while enrolled in my field-based literacy methods course. The case studies focus on the teachers' perceptions of self cultural identities and values, perceptions of diverse students and literacy teaching, and developing abilities to connect their understandings of diversity to teaching diverse students. During field experiences, the preservice teachers taught lessons and interviewed and worked with casestudy students. During university class sessions, they shared and reflected on their experiences and discussed their attitudes toward differences. The data revealed that the field experiences had a greater impact on 1 preservice teacher than on the other 2 in terms of enhanced capabilities for culturally responsive teaching. The preservice teachers were generally knowledgeable of literacy strategies and children's literature, but there was great variability in their abilities to use skillfully and appropriately strategies and books in teaching. The findings suggest some directions for future research on the education of literacy teachers for diversity.
Nephropathy and Edema Syndrome Induced in Miniature Swine by Corn Cultures of Penicillium viridicatum

Nephropathy and a syndrome of edema were produced in miniature swine by cultures of Penicillium viridicatum grown on autoclaved corn. The dried and ground cultures were mixed at a 50% concentration with a commercial pig feed. After a few days of feeding, the pigs became depressed, developed anorexia, posterior paresis, elevated blood urea nitrogen levels, proteinuria, and glycosuria. Gross lesions included subcutaneous edema, ascites, hydrothorax, hydropericardium, and mesenteric edema. Perirenal edema with accumulation of variable amounts of bloody fluid between renal capsule and parenchyma was a remarkable feature of the toxicosis. Microscopic lesions included edema of various tissues and degenerative changes in the kidney.
Purification and subfractionation of mitochondria from the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the well-established protocols for isolating yeast mitochondria, purifying the organelle using Nycodenz gradients, determining the integrity of isolated mitochondria, and fractionating mitochondria into their sub-compartments. It discusses several protocols for isolation of mitochondria such as growth of yeast cells, isolation of crude mitochondria, and purification of crude mitochondria using continuous Nycodenz gradient centrifugation. It describes how these methods may be used to determine whether a protein localizes to mitochondria and to sub-compartments (outer membrane, inner membrane, inter-membrane space, and matrix) within the organelle. Isolated mitochondria can be fractionated further into inner and outer membranes, as well as contact sites, which are sites of close contact between the outer and inner membranes that are implicated as sites for translocation of protein and phospholipids across, and between, the mitochondrial outer and inner membranes. Isolated mitochondria are routinely used to study activities of resident mitochondrial proteins and determine whether a protein localizes to mitochondria. For both applications, it is critical to document the purity and integrity of the mitochondrial preparation. The simplest way to do so is to perform SDS-PAGE and Western blot analysis, using antibodies raised against proteins of different membrane organelles. The chapter also describes the methods to determine the disposition of proteins on mitochondrial membranes.
A spatial beta-binomial model for clustered count data on dental caries

One of the most important indicators of dental caries prevalence is the total count of decayed, missing or filled surfaces in a tooth. These count data are often clustered in nature (several count responses clustered within a subject), over-dispersed as well as spatially referenced (a diseased tooth might be positively influencing the decay process of a set of neighbouring teeth). In this article, we develop a multivariate spatial betabinomial (BB) model for these data that accommodates both over-dispersion as well as latent spatial associations. Using a Bayesian paradigm, the re-parameterised marginal mean (as well as variance) under the BB framework are modelled using a regression on subject/tooth-specific co-variables and a conditionally autoregressive prior that models the latent spatial process. The necessity of exploiting spatial associations to model count data arising in dental caries research is demonstrated using a small simulation study. Real data confirms that our spatial BB model provides a superior estimation and model fit as compared to other sub-models that do not consider modelling spatial associations.
Right ventricular volume estimation with an ellipsoidal shell model and two-plane magnetic resonance imaging

Abstract In patients with congenital and other heart disease, measurement of right ventricular (RV) volumes would be as useful as left ventricular (LV) volume measurement has been for diseases of the LV. Model-based techniques have had limited success. Simpson's rule (multislice) techniques require lengthy data collection and reduction. We investigated a technique for volume estimation with a new but simple geometric model. A retrospective patient study compared RV volumes from modal-based calculations with dual-plane cine magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and multislice calclations with biplane cineanglography. Linear regression showed high correlation ( r = 0.98, standard error of the estimate=11.8 ml) between the two techniques, with a slope near unity. Comparison of calculated right and left stroke volumes also showed an excellent correlation ( r = 0.93, standard error of the estimate=10.4 ml) and a slope near unity. It is concluded that the ellipsoidal shell model can be used to estimate RV volume reliably and practically with dual-plane MR imaging.
Caring for transplant recipients in a nontransplant setting.

CRITICALCARENURSE Vol 26, No. 2, APRIL 2006 53 Frances M. Hoffman is a nurse practitioner and administrative director of the heart and kidney transplant programs of Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Minneapolis, Minn. Brenda J. Nelson provides clinical pharmacy support and consultation for the heart and kidney transplant programs at Abbott Northwestern Hospital. Mary Beth Drangstveit is a transplant coordinator for the kidney and pancreas transplant program at the University of Minnesota Medical Center–Fairview, Minneapolis, Minn. Bridget M. Flynn is a transplant coordinator at the Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Penn. Ellen A. Watercott is a nurse practitioner in the Surgery Department, Hennepin County Medical Center and Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Minneapolis, Minn. Jacquelyn M. Zirbes is a nurse practitioner and transplant coordinator specializing in patients with cystic fibrosis and living lobar lung transplants at the University of Minnesota Medical Center–Fairview, Minneapolis, Minn. ongoing healthcare in local community settings and return to the transplant center for periodic checkups or treatment for marked complications. A transplant recipient may be admitted to a local hospital for a diagnosis unrelated to transplantation and routinely treated in that setting, but regardless of whether the admitting diagnosis is transplant related, the patient’s status as a transplant recipient must be considered when the plan of care is designed. In this article, we address transplant-specific issues, assessment of patients who are transplant recipients, and key interventions to help healthcare providers successfully care for these patients in collaboration with the transplant center. We focus on those aspects of care that are unique to transplant recipients, including organ rejection and immunosuppressive drug therapy, risk of infection, physical and psychosocial problems common in all transplant recipients, and organ-specific assessments and nursing interventions for recipients of heart, lung, liver, kidney, and pancreas transplants.
The Present Status of the Control of the Gipsy Moth and the Brown-Tail Moth by Means of Parasites

This paper deals with the results of the introduction of the parasites of the gipsy moth, Porthetria dispar , and brown-tail moth, Euproctis chrysorrhoea , during the past 20 years, and indicates that this work has been enormously beneficial. A number of the parasites have, apparently, reached their maximum and during the past two years a sharp decrease in parasitism has been noticed. In several sections ether infested area this has been followed by rapid increase in the abundance of the gipsy moth and just at present the work is passing through a critical stage, with no reliable information as to whether the gipsy moth or its enemies will gain permanent control. An enormous amount of scientific data have been secured and further efforts are being made to introduce other parasites that attack the gipsy moth.
Extensive alopecia areata. Results of treatment with 3% topical minoxidil

A 3% topical minoxidil solution was used to treat 31 normotensive persons (13 male, 18 female) with extensive alopecia areata. After 15 months, three patients (14%) had 75%-100% regrowth, 13 (59%) had some form of regrowth, and nine (41%) had no regrowth. In the initial three-month double-blind portion of the study, minoxidil was not shown to be more effective than placebo. Biopsy specimens from eight patients who underwent biopsy prior to treatment, after three months, and posttreatment showed no significant change in peribulbar or perivascular inflammation. Prominent, new anagen follicles were observed. The 3% topical minoxidil was generally well tolerated and skin irritation was minimal. Blood pressure monitoring revealed no significant changes in diastolic or systolic pressures. Minoxidil is a relatively safe treatment for extensive alopecia areata and may be effective in the treatment of some cases of recalcitrant disease.
Growth and electrical performance of heterojunction p+Si1-x-yGexCy/p-Si diodes

We have fabricated heterojunction p + Si 1−x−y Ge x C y / p + Si diodes. The SiGeC layers were grown epitaxially on Si (100) substrates by the rapid thermal chemical vapor deposition (RTCVD) technique using methysilane gas as a carbon precursor. The germanium concentration is 20% in these SiGeC alloys and the carbon concentrations are in the range of 0% to 1%. By studying the current-voltage characteristics of these diodes as a function of temperature the valence band discontinuities between SiGeC and Si layers were obtained as a function of carbon concentrations. We have found that the valence band discontinuity of the SiGe/Si heterostructure decreases by II meV when 1% of carbon is incorporated. Photoluminescence (PL) results show that 1% carbon increases the bandgap of strained p + SiGe alloys by 25 meV. This would imply that the conduction band discontinuity of SiGe/Si will decrease by 14 meV when 1% carbon is incorporated.
Intercepting reversible drug tolerance to improve targeted therapy

Patients who stop responding to targeted therapies often have tumors with extensive genomic heterogeneity that can give rise to multiple, complex resistance mechanisms. Reversing established resistance is therefore challenging; thus, new therapeutic strategies are instead seeking to suppress
Actualism or possibilism

Critique de l'actualisme fondee sur le refus de la these selon laquelle il n'existe aucun probleme philosophique dont la solution requiert un engagement ontologique envers les objets non-actuels. Analysant la notion de conditionnalite a l'oeuvre dans l'argument actualiste, l'A. confronte la version deontique de l'actualisme aux modeles developpes par R. M. Chisholm et D. Kaplan d'une part, B. Linsky et E. N. Zalta d'autre part
Tetanolysin: in-vivo effects in animals.

Tetanolysin, the hemolysin produced by Clostridium tetani, was first detected in culture filtrates by Ehrlich [1]. Although many of its in-vitro properties have been described [2-8], little attention hase been given to its activities in vivo. Bacterial hemolysins such as the streptolysin 0 of Streptococcus pyogenes, the pneumolysin of Diplococcus pneumoniae, and the 0 toxin of Clostridium perfringens, as well as the tetanolysin of C. tetani, have been reported to have in common hemolytic, cardiotoxic, and lethal properties [9]. Supporting experimental data are lacking in certain instances; in particular, data that show that tetanolysin is cardiotoxic [10]. Partial separation of tetanolysin from the neurotoxin of C. tetani by gel filtration has been reported [11]. Some of the in-vivo activities of this tetanolysin fraction in several species of animals are presented in this paper.
Too High & Too Steep: Reshaping Seattle’s Topography. By David B. Williams.

Too High & Too Steep: Reshaping Seattle’s Topography . By David B. Williams. (Seattle: University of Washington Press, 2015. xxii + 239 pp. Illustrations, maps, charts, table, appendix, notes, index. $29.95.) The people of Seattle have worked long and hard to fulfill the pronouncement in Isaiah 40:4 that “every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain.” The generations of very secular (earth)movers and shakers who engineered the cityscape were working to make straight the way for Mercury, god of commerce and communication. As David B. Williams demonstrates in this absorbing and accessible book, Seattleites regraded, drained, filled, and tunneled to enhance economic opportunities: “Improved transportation corridors ultimately became a fundamental way of envisioning a better Seattle and an idea that acted as a central driver for … d3ca{at}pdx.edu
Therapeufic Effect of Tribendimidine Enteric-coated Tablets for Treating Intestinal Parasite Infections

Objective To evaluate further the therapeutic effect and safety of tribendimidine Enteric-coated tablets for treating human hookworm and roundworm infection.Method Among 4-70 years old residents living in Wanglong township,Hejiang County,stod examinafion were made by modified Kato-Katz method.Hookworm and roundworm egg counting was made and hookworm Specie identification was condueted in part of the hookworm infections.The single oral doses Of infeations over 14 yours old were:300mg tribendimidine enteric-coated tablets to single Roundworm infections,400mg to single hookworm infections,400mg to hookworm or roundworm combined with other intestinalhelminthy infections.The single oral dose of 4-14years old Infections was 200mg.After taking the drug,side-effects were investigated and stool examination of modified Kato-Katz and saturated saline floatation methods were made once every day for 3 days to evaluate the effects.Result The cure rate and effective rate of hookworm infections were 87.96%(504/573),and(567/573),of roundworm infections were 97.16%(342/352)and 99.71%(351/352).The cure rate of whipworm infections was 81.11%(73/90).The rate Of adverse reactions(mainly dizziness,abdominal pain and hypadynamia)was only 2.56%(18/704).No obvious changes in hemogram,livie and kidney functions and electrocardiogram among infections after taking the drug.Conclusion Tribendimidine enteric-coated tablets show good Therapentic effect and slight side-effect for treating hookworm,roundworm and whipworm infections.It has better prospects to spread in parasitoses treatment.
Study of active monitoring model on adverse event of medical device

The investigation and calculation method on the use of embeded medical device in medical institution in the area shows the actual status of the monitoring work on the adverse event of medical device. Focusing on the phenomena that the reported adverse event of medical device is quite low, we use the method to analyze the cause on the base of actual monitoring management. In the face of issues, we suggest to enhance monitoring work and improve all kinds of systems to standardize the construction of laws and regulation and construction of the in-dustry and to promote the development of monitoring work on the adverse event of medical device.
Osmotically inactive sodium and potassium storage: lessons learned from the Edelman and Boling data

Because changes in the plasma water sodium concentration ([Na+]pw) are clinically due to changes in the mass balance of Na+, K+, and H2O, the analysis and treatment of the dysnatremias are dependen...
Automatic mechanism generation for pyrolysis of di-tert-butyl sulfide

The automated Reaction Mechanism Generator (RMG), using rate parameters derived from ab initio CCSD(T) calculations, is used to build reaction networks for the thermal decomposition of di-tert-butyl sulfide. Simulation results were compared with data from pyrolysis experiments with and without the addition of a cyclohexene inhibitor. Purely free-radical chemistry did not properly explain the reactivity of di-tert-butyl sulfide, as the previous experimental work showed that the sulfide decomposed via first-order kinetics in the presence and absence of the radical inhibitor. The concerted unimolecular decomposition of di-tert-butyl sulfide to form isobutene and tert-butyl thiol was found to be a key reaction in both cases, as it explained the first-order sulfide decomposition. The computer-generated kinetic model predictions quantitatively match most of the experimental data, but the model is apparently missing pathways for radical-induced decomposition of thiols to form elemental sulfur. Cyclohexene has a significant effect on the composition of the radical pool, and this led to dramatic changes in the resulting product distribution.
Production and Characterization of Monoclonal Antibodies To Detect Vibrio cholerae Serogroup O1 in a Rapid Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay

Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) were developed for a rapid and efficient screening procedure to detect cultures of Vibrio cholerae serogroup 01. Spleen cells of BALB/c mice previously immunized with an attenuated control strain of V. cholerae were fused with mouse myeloma cell line SP2/0. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to test cultural hybridoma secretions of two MAbs against 120 strains of V. cholerae 01, 38 strains of V. cholerae non-O1, 15 strains of other Vibrio spp., and 20 strains of other bacterial species. Results of tests using both MAbs were identical. The MAbs successfully detected all of the confirmed serotype O1 strains, Three additional V. cholerae strains that agglutinated antisera and the saline control were considered serologically inconclusive. Of these, one was detected as positive for V. cholerae by both MAbs. The MAbs gave no false-positive reactions when tested against the confirmed non-O1 strains, other Vibrio spp., and other bacterial species. Use of this ELISA will enhance the speed and accuracy needed for detecting V. cholerae O1 cultures.
Tumors set time.

The field of cancer research has expanded from merely observing cancer in isolation to studying it as a systemic phenomenon. Tumors occupy “environments” where they actively interact with multiple cellular processes, signaling pathways, and homeostatic mechanisms, such as, according to a recent study by Masri et al. ( 1 ), circadian rhythms. Tumor-secreted molecular messengers (the secretome) can spread over a range of distances and have both short-range and systemic influences on normal tissues and organs ( 2 ). To highlight the systemic effects of the cancer secretome, the concept of tumor “macroenvironment” has been coined ( 3 ). Masri et al. took this “macro” approach to inquire how tumors affect circadian cycling in a distal organ not yet infiltrated by metastasis.
CSF Tryptophan in Infantile Spasms

The levels of tryptophan (TRP) metabolites in the CSF of 8 patients with infantile spasms are reported from the Department of Pediatrics, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki 213, Japan.
Obscure Gastrointestinal Bleeding Due to a Small Intestinal Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor in a Young Adult.

The source of most cases of gastrointestinal bleeding is the upper gastrointestinal tract. Since bleeding from the small intestine is very rare and difficult to diagnose, time is required to identify the source. Among small intestine bleeds, vascular abnormalities account for 70–80%, followed by small intestine tumors that account for 5–10%. The reported peak age of the onset of small intestinal tumors is about 50 years. Furthermore, rare small bowel tumors account for only 1–2% of all gastrointestinal tumors. We describe a 29-year-old man who presented with obscure anemia due to gastrointestinal bleeding and underwent laparotomy. Surgical findings revealed a well-circumscribed lesion measuring 45 × 40 mm in the jejunum that initially appeared similar to diverticulosis with an abscess. However, the postoperative pathological diagnosis was a gastrointestinal stromal tumor with extramural growth.
Modeling and optimal scheduling of integrated thermal and electrical energy microgrid

Microgrids have become attractive electricity supply and management options that support local power generation, increased reliability, sustainability, and cost reductions. Microgrid sources often include solar PV, wind, and a thermal generation. Thermal generation alone has low conversion efficiency. On the other hand, a combined heat and power (CHP) generator provides additional benefits by taking advantage of the exhaust heat from the generator to fulfill the thermal demand of a building. Thus an integrated microgrid that includes renewable energy and a CHP unit to serve electrical and thermal loads of buildings can achieve higher overall efficiency. In this paper, we model a thermal and electrical energy microgrid, which accounts for the nonlinear efficiency of a Capstone CHP unit and the thermal dynamics of a building. We present the steady-state model as well as the optimization scheduling formulation to minimize the integrated operating cost of the microgrids. The model is simulated under three electricity pricing structures to gain insight into the impacts of pricing on the daily operation of the microgrid.
Geo History, Thermal History and Hydrocarbon Generation History of the Northern North Sea Basin:

A one-dimensional, fluid flow/compaction model has been developed for petroleum explorationists to make quantitative studies of sedimentary basins. The following results can be obtained from the model: (1) basement subsidence (sediment load and tectonic effect); (2) structural evolution; (3) determination of erosion thickness of an unconformity; (4) changes of porosity, permeability, fluid flow rate and pore pressure with time and depth; (5) heat flow history; (6) temperature change with time and depth; (7) the value of thermal maturity indicators which change with time and depth; (8) hydrocarbon generation history including time and depth of peak hydrocarbon generation; and (9) prediction of possible directions of hydrocarbon migration and accumulation with time.The model is applicable to both frontier basins where only a few wells have been drilled and also to well-developed basins. The input data for the model are based mainly on commonly used geological and geochemical data from one well in a frontier...
α4βδ GABAA receptors reduce dendritic spine density in CA1 hippocampus and impair relearning ability of adolescent female mice: Effects of a GABA agonist and a stress steroid.

Abstract Synaptic pruning underlies the transition from an immature to an adult CNS through refinements of neuronal circuits. Our recent study indicates that pubertal synaptic pruning is triggered by the inhibition generated by extrasynaptic α4βδ GABA A receptors (GABARs) which are increased for 10 d on dendritic spines of CA1 pyramidal cells at the onset of puberty (PND 35–44) in the female mouse, suggesting α4βδ GABARs as a novel target for the regulation of adolescent synaptic pruning. In the present study we used a pharmacological approach to further examine the role of these receptors in altering spine density during puberty of female mice and the impact of these changes on spatial learning, assessed in adulthood. Two drugs were chronically administered during the pubertal period (PND 35–44): the GABA agonist gaboxadol (GBX, 0.1 mg/kg, i.p.), to enhance current gated by α4βδ GABARs and the neurosteroid/stress steroid THP (3α-OH-5β-pregnan-20-one, 10 mg/kg, i.p.) to decrease expression of α4βδ. Spine density was determined on PND 56 with Golgi staining. Spatial learning and relearning were assessed using the multiple object relocation task and an active place avoidance task on PND 56. Pubertal GBX decreased spine density post-pubertally by 70% ( P P
Brachial Plexus Blocks

: Typically used as a primary anesthetic or for postoperative pain control for procedures on the upper extremity, with block site dependent on location of procedure. May also be performed for acute pain control associated with trauma or chronic pain (CPRS, Raynaud’s, peripheral neuropathy).
Website Barriers to Employment for People with Disabilities

According to recent estimates from the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP, 2015), the unemployment rate for persons with disability (PWDs) is more than double that of persons without disability (11.7% vs. 5.3%), even though two thirds of these PWDs indicate that they are willing and able to work (Canas & Sondack, 2011; Harris Interactive, 2000). The social/structural model used to explain this employment gap emphasizes the negative beliefs, prejudice, and misinformation that prevent PWDs full inclusion and participation in the workplace (Dunn & Burcaw, 2013). The model also identifies extensive structural barriers, examples of which range from missing curb cuts to inaccessible websites. The World Wide Web enables many people to communicate, participate in civic life, become more educated, and develop a far greater social network. In addition, Internet access and usage has become almost a necessity for job seekers today, as evidenced by the proliferation of websites such as simplyhired.com, indeed.com, monster.com and careerbuilder.com. An increasing number of organization websites permit jobseekers to search available openings and apply online. However, whether due to prejudice, ignorance, or inattention, organizations launch websites that are unwelcoming and technologically inaccessible to people with sensory, mobility, and cognitive impairments. PWDs should have equal ability to complete online job applications or, at the very least, websites should include a statement specifying how a PWD can obtain accommodations for the job application process, if needed. For many persons with disability such barriers can exacerbate existing employment disadvantages relative to other groups. Organizational websites provide a window to a company's culture and serve as a valuable recruiting tool. It is often here that an individual gets his or her first impression as to a prospective employer’s standpoint on diversity and whether the organization supports an inclusive work culture. The decision to apply or not may be influenced by the messages received from the website; talent may be won or lost accordingly. The current study examines the messages that 20 successful companies send through their websites about diversity in general, and specifically, about disability and openness to employing PWDs. Several questions guide the investigation: 1. Is there a diversity appreciation or inclusion statement and if so what impression and company image does it convey?
Importance of playing pickleball for older adults’ subjective well-being: A serious leisure perspective

AbstractPickleball, a paddle sport, is the fastest-growing sport in the US. As pickleball has been specifically popular among older adults, there is a growing interest in understanding its positive...
Impact of ASA score misclassification on NSQIP predicted mortality: a retrospective analysis

The ASA physical classification score has a major impact on the observed/expected (O/E) mortality ratio in the NSQIP General Vascular Mortality Model. The difference in predicted mortality is greatest between ASAs 3 and 4. We hypothesized under-classified ASA scores significantly affect the O/E mortality. We conducted a retrospective review of NSQIP essential surgery cases from January 2014 to December 2014 (n = 1264) with mortality sub-analysis (n = 33) at our institution. We recorded transfer and emergency status and independently calculated the ASA score for mortalities using published definitions. A random sample of 50 survivors and 10 emergency survivors were reviewed and ASA recalculated. We performed statistical modeling to simulate the effects of ASA misclassifications. Statistical analysis was performed using JMP 10 and SAS 9.4. ASA was under-classified in 18.2% of mortalities, most commonly ASAs 3 and 4. Sixteen percent of ASA 3 survivors were misclassified, including 60% in the emergency subgroup (p < 0.05 vs. elective cases). Patients transferred from other institutions were more likely to be emergency cases than non-transferred patients (43.5 vs. 7.84%, p < 0.05). Transferred patients had a higher proportion of ASAs 3–5 vs. ASAs 1–2 compared with non-transfers (84.38 vs. 49.76%, p < 0.05) Simulation data showed ASA misclassification underestimated predicted mortality by 2.5 deaths on average. ASA misclassification significantly impacts O/E mortality. With accurate ASA classification, observed mortality would not have exceeded expected mortality in our institution. Education regarding the impact of ASA scoring is critical to ensure accurate O/E mortality data at hospitals using NSQIP to assess surgical quality.
Social marketing for a farmer’s market in an underserved community: A needs assessment

The aim of the present paper is to assess local residents’ awareness of utilizing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to purchase fresh produce at local farmers’ markets, and to determine internet use and media preferences of study participants prior to implementation of a social marketing campaign. A needs assessment was conducted to collect baseline data in an underserved neighbourhood in New Orleans (LA, USA). The study was carried out August 2014-May 2015. The assessment revealed that 73% of the respondents were unaware that the SNAP benefits could be used to purchase food in farmers’ markets; 63% of low-income participants never attended a farmers’ market compared to 27% of mid/high-income. Over 50% of the low-income respondents have access to the internet at least once per day. The results show the potential of raising awareness among a wide range of members in the community. This needs assessment will serve as the foundation for a social marketing intervention, which will be disseminated city-wide.
Giving parking the time of day: A case study of a novel parking occupancy measure and an evaluation of infill development and carsharing as solutions to parking oversupply

Abstract In the US, parking is oversupplied in both residential and commercial settings, a consequence of the widespread application of minimum parking standards, which typically supply excess parking for peak-hour demand. Yet the evidence base for specific parking reforms is thin, and alternatives to the peak-hour metric still under-explored. In this illustrative case study, I study time-of-day parking occupancy in a 146-unit apartment complex in Davis, CA to obtain preliminary results, demonstrate new data collection and analysis methods that can be applied at a wider scale, and explore policy analyses that are facilitated by this novel, detailed parking behavior information. First, I systematically observe parking occupancy in the apartment complex to understand hourly variation. I find that the peak and off-peak occupancy rates in the apartment complex are 55% and 34%. I calculate that the 45% of spaces left unused across a day could be converted to roughly 32 new townhouses. I also estimate a multilevel latent class analysis to identify distinct patterns of household parking use and find that 54% of households could be likely candidates for carshare adoption. I conclude by noting implications for housing availability, shared parking standards, the rise of shared and autonomous vehicles, and future research.
Chronic Critical Illness

Patients who survive an acute severe medical insult but who continue to require intensive medical care enter into a state of chronic critical illness (CCI). Nonadaptive molecular and cellular responses render CCI as a unique condition, without evolutionary precedent, that is only possible through modern medical practices [1].
Ophthalmologic complications in hemoglobinopathies.

Ophthalmologic complications in hemoglobinopathies are largely due to sickle cell disease. A wide spectrum of ophthalmic manifestations are associated with the sickle cell hemoglobinopathies. These ocular findings take on many different forms, which are present in the conjunctiva, iris, retina, and optic nerve. The eye offers an unique opportunity to study and better understand the pathologic changes secondary to the anemia and occlusive vasculopathy in sickle cell disease.
Electronic Design of the Patch Clamp

The patch-clamp amplifier is fundamentally a sensitive current-to-voltage converter, converting small (picoampere to nanoampere) pipette currents into voltage signals that can be observed with an oscilloscope or sampled by a computer. This chapter describes the basic principles of the current-to-voltage (I–V) converter and describes some of the technology of I–V converters having wide bandwidth and low noise. Also considered in this chapter are additions to the basic I–V converter design for capacitive-transient cancellation and series-resistance compensation, features that are particularly useful for whole-cell current recording.
Impact of a pharmacy-driven transitions-of-care program on postdischarge healthcare utilization at a national comprehensive cancer center.

Purpose Results of a study comparing readmission rates and medication adherence measures before and after implementation of a pharmacy-led transitions-of-care (TOC) program are reported. Methods A quasi-experimental case–control study was conducted to assess the impact of a TOC program including medication history-taking and reconciliation services, inpatient and discharge education, and 72-hour and 30-day postdischarge phone follow-up. Hospital and emergency room (ER) readmission rates were compared in cohorts of oncology patients admitted to a large teaching hospital during specified periods before TOC program implementation (the standard-of-care [SOC] group) or after program implementation (the TOC group). The primary outcome was unplanned hospital or ER readmission within 30 days after initial discharge. The secondary endpoint was first-fill medication adherence. Benefits associated with specific TOC interventions were assessed in subgroup analyses. Results After propensity score matching, both study groups consisted of 323 patients. The SOC group had 76 patients (23.5%) and the TOC group had 74 patients (22.9%) who were readmitted to the hospital or ER within 30 days, with a significant reduction in hospital readmissions in 1 subgroup of TOC patients versus SOC controls (absolute difference, −7.6%; p = 0.0159). Conclusion While there were no significant overall differences in readmission rates between the TOC and SOC groups, hospital readmissions were reduced in the subgroup of TOC patients who received both medication history-taking and reconciliation services and phone follow-up as TOC interventions.
Communication Surrounding Estrangement: Stereotypes, Attitudes, and (Non)Accommodation Strategies.

To address Americans’ general attitudes and behavioral intentions toward adult children who are estranged from their parents, the current study employed online survey data from 151 Americans recruited through Amazon MTurk. Their responses revealed negative stereotypes (e.g., childish, ungrateful) and positive stereotypes (e.g., independent, strong) of the adult child who is estranged, as well as negative assessments of the parent who is estranged. Generally, participants perceived the adult children as more competent than warm. Compared to other participants in this sample, those participants who were estrangers or estrangees themselves held more positive attitudes overall, including more positive perceptions of estranged children’s warmth and competence. In response to open-ended survey questions asking participants how they would communicate with someone they knew to be estranged, common responses were avoidance of family-related topics, (heightened) physical distance, and accommodation to the needs of the person who is estranged. Implications are discussed surrounding the lack of warmth associated with those experiencing estrangement.