cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Using Thermocouples to Measure Temperatures during Retort or Autoclave Validation1

Thermocouples (TCs) are used almost exclusively in designing and validating the heat processes needed for sterilization of product in retorts or autoclaves. In this paper we discuss the vexing errors associated with using TCs in a hot, wet environment. Most problems seem to be associated with the action of steam and water on the TC lead wires and/or caused by temperature gradients on lead wire connectors. These errors are particularly troublesome since they are in the range of 1 to 2°C and are random in nature. The use of a pair of continuous wires that is protected or sealed from the wet retort environment, from the TC junction to the measuring instrument, is the most effective way to reduce or eliminate these problems. The hot, wet environment apparently causes electrochemical effects that produce measurable electromotive forces (EMFs) whenever bare wires come in contact with steam or water. However, the effect is greater when the wires pass through water than through steam. For containers that are nonconductors of electricity, such as plastics, grounding of the TC junction has proved necessary, particularly when processing in flowing water. We conclude that TCs can measure temperature very accurately if properly used. We emphasize that the TC system must be adequately calibrated, and that ambient temperature calibration will not compensate for high-temperature water effects and the errors caused by temperature gradients across connectors.
Normative data and clinically significant effect sizes for single-item numerical linear analogue self-assessment (LASA) scales.

e17619 Background: To provide normative data for the single-item numerical linear analogue self-assessment (LASA) scale for overall quality of life (QOL). Methods: We analyzed baseline data from 36...
Values, trust, and cultural backlash in conservation governance: The case of wildlife management in the United States

Abstract The global rise of populism is having a profound effect on policies across many issues. We explore the potential effects on wildlife conservation using the western United States as a case study. Global populist trends have been explained through the phenomenon of cultural backlash, wherein those left behind in the value shift beginning post-World War II started to mobilize by the end of the century to protect their core values and traditions. Our prior work suggests that wildlife values in the western United States are shifting from traditional domination to mutualism orientations. The current study looked for indications of backlash from the American hunting culture that may be associated with that shift. Data from a 19-state survey (n = 12,673) revealed that, in states with a higher prevalence of mutualism, residents with domination values had lower levels of trust in the state wildlife agency. Traditional residents were also less supportive of broadly-inclusive governance models, and the potential for social conflict over wildlife issues was much higher in those states. Finally, we found evidence of actions to “fight back” against change among traditional groups in the growth of ballot initiatives from 1990 to 2016 to protect hunting rights. Backlash will likely affect different countries and jurisdictions differently, contingent on the historical and cultural context. Nonetheless, it will be a global force with important implications for conservation governance, even if only to intensify conflict. Governance innovations will be necessary to help conservation institutions adapt to dramatic changes in the socio-political environment.
Site affinity of whitespotted eagle rays Aetobatus narinari assessed using photographic identification

Photographic identification was used to track the movements of the whitespotted eagle ray Aetobatus narinari around South Caicos, Turks and Caicos Islands. A total of 165 individuals were identified, aided by the computer program I3 S Spot. The sex ratio across all study sites in 2015 was not significantly different from 1:1 (χ2 = 2·8, P > 0·05). 33·9% of all individual rays were resighted at least once and the maximum number of days between the first and last sighting was 1640 (median 165, interquartile range, IQR = 698). Sightings of individuals occurred at locations differing from the original sighting location 24·6% of the time (0·7-20 km away). The entire population around South Caicos has yet to be sampled and these rays exhibited site affinity during the study period; they are either resident to South Caicos or are using the area for parts of the year before making movements elsewhere and then returning. Given these results, A. narinari is suited to local-scale management and conservation efforts.
Complex systems thinking in emergency medicine: A novel paradigm for a rapidly changing and interconnected health care landscape.

Introduction The specialty of emergency medicine is experiencing the convergence of a number of transformational forces in the United States, including health care reform, technological advancements, and societal shifts. These bring both opportunity and uncertainty. 21ST CENTURY CHALLENGES: Persistent challenges such as the opioid epidemic, rising health care costs, misaligned incentives, patients with multiple chronic diseases, and emergency department crowding continue to plague the acute, unscheduled care system. Reductionism and complex systems thinking The traditional approach to health care practice and improvement-reductionism-is not adequate for the complexity of the twenty-first century. Reductionist thinking will likely continue to produce unintended consequences and suboptimal outcomes. Complex systems thinking provides a perspective and set of tools better suited for the challenges and opportunities facing public health in general, and emergency medicine more specifically. Implications for emergency medicine This article introduces complex systems thinking and argues for its application in the context of emergency medicine by drawing on the history of the circumstances surrounding the formation of the specialty and by providing examples of its application to several practice challenges.
Are You Preparing a Successor? Succession Planning in a Small, Private Practice, Healthcare Setting

Succession planning in small, healthcare practices is vital, allowing owners to provide a needed product in the long term to surrounding communities. But there are numerous barriers, such as changes in community climates, development of effective succession plans, identification of successors, and psychological issues. This chapter presents research-based best practices and perspectives on the need for small business owners to engage in succession planning within the healthcare sector from a practical perspective. Steps are taken to identify and review known barriers for succession planning within the healthcare sector for small business owners, and recommendations for overcoming them are given from the perspective of a small business owner.
Jim Thurber: A Model of a Publicly-Oriented Scholar

The way I first came to know Jim Thurber is symptomatic of what may be his most impressive achievement – his ability to produce important scholarship about American politics while engaging extensiv...
Role of free amino acids in the nitrogen economy of arctic cryptogams

Abstract:Absorption kinetic experiments with two arctic cryptogams (Sphagnum rubellum and Cetraria richardsonii) coupled with data on soil nitrogen, strongly suggest that organic nitrogen is a major component of the nitrogen budget of these species. Both species had substantially higher absorption capacities for the amino acid glycine than for methylamine, an ammonium analogue. Absorption experiments with aspartate and glutamate, demonstrate that higher-molecular weight amino acids also can be absorbed at substantial rates compared to inorganic nitrogen. Nitrogen isotope values (δ15N) in the present species are significantly lower than in graminoids, but similar to deciduous shrubs that also show high capacity for amino acid absorption. Notwithstanding considerable interspecific variation in the capacity to absorb amino acids among tundra species, the manifestation of this physiological characteristic across five major growthforms in the Arctic, suggests that the uptake of organic nitrogen is a general ad...
Morphology and Properties of Segmented Polyurethane-Urea Copolymers Prepared VIA t-Alcohol “Chain Extension”

The structure-property behavior of novel tertiary alcohol-chain extended segmented polyurethane-urea copolymers was investigated. These copolymers were synthesized by utilizing the carbamate-isocyanate interaction at 150°C. Mechanical, thermal, dynamic mechanical and x-ray measurements were carried out to characterize the morphology and other characteristics of these segmented copolymers of systematically varying hard segment content, hard segment type, soft segment MW, and block length. It was observed that these properties depended primarily on the order in the hard domains and the order could be improved by increasing either the hard segment content at constant soft segment MW or soft segment molecular weight at the same hard segment content. The results obtained for these materials were compared with those from conventional polyurethanes to investigate the effect of intermolecular hydrogen bonding on molecular arrangement.
Exploring the Impact of 13 Reasons Why: Looking for Light Amidst the Heat . . .

A Letter to the Editor by Kieling and collegues1 in this month's Journal attempts to explore the impact of the Netflix series 13 Reasons Why (13RW) on the thinking and behavior of adolescent viewers. The series is an adaptation of a 2007 novel by Jay Asher, and tells the story of an adolescent girl who dies by suicide following a series of traumas and disappointments that she catalogues before her death on 13 audiotapes. The tapes are left behind with the expectation that each of the individuals presumably responsible for her suicide will listen and better understand their individual and collective failures. Since its release and airing in 2017, the show has generated considerable heated debate and controversy, largely due to concerns about its potential for suicide contagion.
Machine learning n/γ discrimination in CLYC scintillators

Abstract Two machine learning techniques, one supervised (Artificial Neural Network) and the other unsupervised ( k -means + + ) have been applied to the task of n/ γ discrimination in 7 Li-enriched CLYC detectors, and compared to traditional charge-comparison methods. The results show that a very basic artificial neural network can provide very good discrimination in the energy range investigated, and the k -means + + algorithm is capable of separating neutrons and gamma-rays in CLYC scintillators as well as suggesting reasonable window parameters for charge comparison methods.
Postoperative chest tube management for patients undergoing lobectomy: evidence-based practice.

Postoperative management of chest tubes following lobectomy remains controversial and might eventually lead to increased health care cost and unnecessary interventions (1). Combining clinical expertise with the best available evidence from systematic reviews and/or meta-analysis have shown to decrease variability in clinical practice leading to improved health care outcomes (2). Unfortunately, few cardiothoracic surgery practices are evidence-based (3). The Society for Translational Medicine and The Chinese Society for Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery thought to investigate this by performing a systematic review of the literature on the postoperative management of chest tube in patients undergoing lobectomy based on current published data using American College of Physicians Task Force grading system (4,5).
The Power Flow Calculation Based on Impedance Specifications for Low-Voltage AC Microgrid

Considering the controller of the current-source inverter in low-voltage ac microgrid, this paper proposes a power flow calculation method based on impedance specifications. In low-voltage ac microgrid, the distributed generators (DGs) based on P/Q controller are always applied to improve energy efficiency and realize low-carbon economy. Furthermore, the characteristics of P/Q controller have several impacts on the power flow calculation. The source impedance model of the current-source inverter is built by small-signal method and the equivalence among the source d-q frame impedance matrix, the source sequence impedance matrix and the source abc phasors impedance matrix. What is more, the power flow calculation method based on source abc phasors impedance matrix is proposed. Eventually, the power flow calculation based on impedance specifications is tested on PG&E 69-bus test case systems and modified IEEE 14-bus test system.
Optimal Surgical Approach to Esophagectomy for Distal Esophageal Adenocarcinoma

Esophagectomy can be performed using transthoracic, transhiatal, and minimally-invasive approaches, with reconstruction via intrathoracic or cervical anastomoses. The optimal surgical approach to esophagectomy for cancer has been a subject of debate for decades, with assumed trade-offs between lymph node retrieval and perioperative morbidity. This chapter reviews the literature comparing esophageal procedures, examining studies investigating how technical considerations influence perioperative morbidity, mortality, functional outcomes, and survival for distal esophageal cancer.
Bipolar Cartilage Lesions of the Knee: A Systematic Review of Techniques, Outcomes, and Complications:

ObjectiveThe purpose of this systematic review was to determine (1) treatment options for bipolar cartilage lesions of the knee, (2) patient-reported outcomes following various surgical treatments,...
Ideal Whitehead graphs in Out(Fr) III: Achieved graphs in rank 3

By proving precisely which singularity index lists arise from the pair of invariant foliations for a pseudo-Anosov surface homeomorphism, Masur and Smillie [24] determined a Teichmuller flow invariant stratification of the space of quadratic differentials. In this final paper of a three-paper series, we give a first step to an Out(Fr) analog of the Masur–Smillie theorem. Since the ideal Whitehead graphs defined by Handel and Mosher [16] give a strictly finer invariant in the analogous Out(Fr) setting, we determine which of the 21 connected, simplicial, five-vertex graphs are ideal Whitehead graphs of fully irreducible outer automorphisms in Out(F3). The rank 2 case is actually a direct consequence of the work of Masur and Smillie, as all elements of Out(F2) are induced by surface homeomorphisms and the index list and ideal Whitehead graph for a surface homeomorphism give precisely the same data.
DISOselect: Disorder predictor selection at the protein level

The intense interest in the intrinsically disordered proteins in the life science community, together with the remarkable advancements in predictive technologies, have given rise to the development of a large number of computational predictors of intrinsic disorder from protein sequence. While the growing number of predictors is a positive trend, we have observed a considerable difference in predictive quality among predictors for individual proteins. Furthermore, variable predictor performance is often inconsistent between predictors for different proteins, and the predictor that shows the best predictive performance depends on the unique properties of each protein sequence. We propose a computational approach, DISOselect, to estimate the predictive performance of 12 selected predictors for individual proteins based on their unique sequence-derived properties. This estimation informs the users about the expected predictive quality for a selected disorder predictor and can be used to recommend methods that are likely to provide the best quality predictions. Our solution does not depend on the results of any disorder predictor; the estimations are made based solely on the protein sequence. Our solution significantly improves predictive performance, as judged with a test set of 1,000 proteins, when compared to other alternatives. We have empirically shown that by using the recommended methods the overall predictive performance for a given set of proteins can be improved by a statistically significant margin. DISOselect is freely available for non-commercial users through the webserver at http://biomine.cs.vcu.edu/servers/DISOselect/.
The Battle of Algiers and Colonial Analogy in the Panther 21

It made headlines when the prosecution screened The Battle of Algiers (1966) as evidence in a 1969–1971 New York Supreme Court case concerning over a dozen members of the Black Panther Party. According to the prosecution, the pseudo-documentary depicting a pivotal battle in the fight for Algerian Independence informed the defendants’ purported plan to bomb sites in New York City. The allegation presented a tactical link between the defendants and the anticolonial organization, the F.L.N., depicted in the film. This paper argues that the screening acted counterproductively for the prosecution, however, by highlighting and bolstering an ideological link between the F.L.N. and the Panthers, in turn reinforcing the relevance of the “colonial analogy” the Panthers popularized.
Basal ileal endogenous losses of amino acids in pigs determined by feeding nitrogen-free diet or low-casein diet or by regression analysis

Abstract The aim of this study was to compare the basal ileal endogenous losses (BEL) of amino acids (AA) in pigs determined by feeding nitrogen-free diet (NFD) or low-casein diet (LCD) or by regression analysis. Barrows with an initial body weight (BW) of 50.5 ± 4.46 kg were surgically fitted with T-cannulas at the distal ileum prior to the experiment. A triplicate 6 × 3 incomplete Latin square design was applied with 3 blocks of BW, 6 pigs per block, 6 dietary treatments, and 3 experimental periods. Four of the 6 dietary treatments were used in the current study. The NFD was prepared based on cornstarch and dextrose, and casein was added at 0, 60, 100, or 140 g/kg to NFD at the expense of cornstarch. The diet containing 60 g/kg casein was considered as LCD in further analysis. In each experimental period, pigs were adapted to the experimental diets for 5 days followed by 2 days of ileal digesta collection. The BEL of AA in pigs fed NFD and LCD were estimated based on the assumption that the contents of AA in ileal digesta samples completely originated from pigs. The concentration of ileal apparent digestible AA in diets containing casein was determined and regressed against the concentration of AA in diets to estimate the BEL of AA as y-intercept. The BEL of isoleucine, glutamate, and serine in pigs fed LCD were greater (P
The relationship between meaning in life and post-traumatic stress symptoms in US military personnel: A meta-analysis

Abstract Background Subjective meaning in life has been theorized to play a critical role in the adjustment to traumatic events. However, its association with post-traumatic stress symptoms has not been quantitatively reviewed. Methods Informed by Park's integrated meaning-making model and evidenced-based psychological treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder, the goals of this meta-analysis were to: (1) to determine the direction and magnitude of the association between meaning in life and post-traumatic stress symptoms; and (2) to examine potential moderators of this association (i.e., age, sex, race, marital status, type of trauma, and meaning in life conceptualization). CINAHL, Embase, PILOT, PsycINFO, PubMed, and Web of Science core collection databases were searched. Results A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted on 26 associations (N = 9,751). A significant, moderate, negative relationship was found between meaning in life and post-traumatic stress symptoms (r = -0.41; 95% CI: -0.47 to -0.35, k = 25). No significant moderators were detected. Conclusions Findings suggest that meaning in life plays a crucial role in adjustment to traumatic events. Development and testing of randomized controlled trials to determine whether increases in meaning in life result in reductions of post-traumatic stress in US military personnel may facilitate ongoing efforts aimed at recovery from trauma.
Three-dimensional localization precision for self-interference digital holography

Localization based microscopy using self-interference digital holography (SIDH) provides three-dimensional (3D) positional information about point sources with nanometer scale precision. To understand the performance limits of SIDH, we calculate the Cram´er-Rao lower bound (CRLB) of the localization precision for SIDH. We further compare the calculated precision bounds to the 3D single molecule localization precision from different Point Spread Functions. SIDH results in almost constant localization precision in all three dimensions for a 20 µm axial range. For high signal-to-background ratio (SBR), SIDH on average achieves better localization precision. For lower SBR values, the large size of the hologram on the detector results in more overall noise, and PSF models perform better.
Revisiting two well studied galaxy samples using alternative gravity

In the last few years, alternative gravity theories have seen increased interest due to the lack of observational evidence of dark matter. Further, new empirical patterns found in rotation curve data such as the Radial Acceleration Rule (RAR) have given new testable features for gravitational theories. In this paper, we revisit two popular surveys of galaxies (Randriamampandry et al 2013 and Bottema et al 2015) which when published were shown to be problematic for alternative gravity. Here, we apply the most recent observational parameters to the surveys and provide fits of Conformal Gravity, MOND as well as the RAR rotation curve formalism and show how these theories can apply to the new findings. We also provide the fits to the RAR and Tully-Fisher relation for each theory and discuss how the RAR may allow for some confining of parameters in the fitting procedure.
First report of Fusarium pallidoroseum (Cooke) Sacc. on rice brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Stal) (Delphacidea: Homoptera) from Godavari zone of Andhra Pradesh.

Fusarium pallidoroseum (Cooke) Sace., a fungal pathogen, was recorded for the first time infecting the brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens (Stal) on the rice crop at Maruteru, West Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh. The extent of natural mortality of BPH ranged from 33.3 to 71.4% under field conditions.
TU-EF-304-08: LET-Based Inverse Planning for IMPT

Purpose: Cell survival experiments suggest that the relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of proton beams depends on linear energy transfer (LET), leading to higher RBE near the end of range. With intensity-modulated proton therapy (IMPT), multiple treatment plans that differ in the dose contribution per field may yield a similar physical dose distribution, but the RBE-weighted dose distribution may be disparate. RBE models currently do not have the required predictive power to be included in an optimization model due to the variations in experimental data. We propose an LET-based planning method that guides IMPT optimization models towards plans with reduced RBE-weighted dose in surrounding organs at risk (OARs) compared to inverse planning based on physical dose alone. Methods: Optimization models for physical dose are extended with a term for dose times LET (doseLET). Monte Carlo code is used to generate the physical dose and doseLET distribution of each individual pencil beam. The method is demonstrated for an atypical meningioma patient where the target volume abuts the brainstem and partially overlaps with the optic nerve. Results: A reference plan optimized based on physical dose alone yields high doseLET values in parts of the brainstem and optic nerve. Minimizing doseLET in these critical structures as an additional planning goal reduces the risk of high RBE-weighted dose. The resulting treatment plan avoids the distal fall-off of the Bragg peaks for shaping the dose distribution in front of critical stuctures. The maximum dose in the OARs evaluated with RBE models from literature is reduced by 8–14\% with our method compared to conventional planning. Conclusion: LET-based inverse planning for IMPT offers the ability to reduce the RBE-weighted dose in OARs without sacrificing target dose. This project was in part supported by NCI - U19 CA 21239
Surimi gel preparation and texture analysis for better quality control

Abstract Better understanding of the gelation properties of surimi proteins could yield a short cut to improve quality control. Two methods (punch and torsion) have been well described in the Codex Code for Frozen Surimi (FAO/WHO) developed by the US and Japanese governments. The Codex Code recommends buyers and sellers to select either method based on their needs. However, each method contains specific pros and cons. This paper will review the two Codex methods and point out their pros and cons, respectively based on experimental data. In addition, a method for gel preparation and texture analysis for better quality control will be suggested. Empirical punch test is widely used around the world and provides convenience and simplicity to the user, while its data are specific to the individual machine. Fundamental torsion test is widely used in the US major meat and surimi seafood manufacturers. However, it is time consuming and the maintenance of an exact diameter is extremely difficult. A new gel preparation method using a mold was investigated, which provides significant time saving and convenience while maintaining the accuracy of the torsion method. In addition, there is a significant discrepancy between the conventional gel cooking method and commercial crabstick manufacturing for their different heating rates. New cooking methods, to address this discrepancy, will be discussed in this presentation as well.
Are there positive spillovers from direct foreign investment

Abstract Many developing countries now actively solicit foreign investment, offering income tax holidays, import duty exemptions, and subsidies to foreign firms. One reason for subsidizing these firms is the positive spillover from transferring technology to domestic firms. This paper employs a unique firm-level dataset to test for such spillovers in the Moroccan manufacturing sector. We find evidence that the dispersion of productivity is smaller in sectors with more foreign firms. However, we reject the hypothesis that foreign presence accelerated productivity growth in domestic firms during the second half of the 1980s. Using detailed information on quotas and tariffs, we also reject the possibility of a downward bias in estimating technology spillovers because foreign investors may be attracted to protected domestic markets.
Sum-capacity optimal spread-spectrum data hiding in video streams

We discuss mechanisms to hide multiuser data in a given host video stream with imperceptible spread-spectrum embedding. After constructing host vectors from original video stream, the hidden message for each user will be spread out with a signature and embedded to the host vectors. First, for any given total embedding distortion constraint, we give the optimal multi-signature assignment and amplitude allocation pair that maximizes the sum capacity of direct concealment procedure. Furthermore, if linear transformation of host vectors is allowed, we propose the transforming matrix design such that the embedded multiuser data lies in the orthogonal space of transformed host vectors.
“The Heart's Field”

SUMMARY “The heart's field” is Eudora Welty's image for the meaning of place in fiction. Anne Lundin muses on the storied landscape of literature, particularly the geography of her favorite books of childhood. The essay invites the reader to reflect on the places of childhood and their connection to our own stories as well as fiction. Landscape is viewed as always dual: the one outside the self, the other within. Places are linked intertextually as the product of identity, ideology, narrative tradition, and the imagination. Children's books are the site of adult re-creation of an earlier geography. Some of the works discussed include folktales, Alice in Wonderland, The Wizard of Oz, The Laura Ingalls Wilder series, Beatrix Potter's Hill Top and Lake Country, Wind in the Willows, The Secret Garden, and Charlotte's Web. In an age when many despair the fate of the book or library, the power of place remains as the text of a book enters the text of a life.
Reproducibility of thoracic and abdominal aortic wall measurements with three-dimensional, variable flip angle (SPACE) MRI.

Purpose To evaluate the reproducibility and repeatability of high-resolution, isotropic thoracic and abdominal aortic wall measurements, and determine the implications they have on the number of subjects necessary for future clinical trials. Materials and Methods Using a T1-weighted three-dimensional MRI SPACE sequence, we evaluated the interobserver, intraobserver, and scan–rescan variability of isotropic thoracic and abdominal aortic wall measurements in 15 cardiovascular diseased patients and 6 normal volunteers. Main outcome analyses were intracorrelation coefficient (ICC), mean relative error (mRE), and sample size calculation at 80% power to be used to compare placebo group and treatment group means in future two-arm randomized clinical trials. Results Excellent reliability, ICC > 0.8 (P < 0.001) and small mRE < 10% were demonstrated for the interobserver, intraobserver, and scan–rescan variability for all investigated measures: lumen area (LA), outer wall area (OWA), wall area (VWA), total wall volume (TWV), and percentage wall volume (%WV). Sample size calculation revealed slightly different sample size per treatment arm for thoracic and abdominal aorta segments (maximum number of subjects: 352 subjects for thoracic segment versus 421 subjects for abdominal segment for LA at 5% difference, and minimum of 3 thoracic versus 4 abdominal subjects needed for %WV evaluation at 25% difference). Conclusion Our study demonstrates the reproducibility and repeatability of SPACE aortic plaque measurements, and gives insight into the number of subjects needed for the design of therapeutic studies in aortic atherosclerosis. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;41:202–212. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Chemical insights into dodecylamine spore lethal germination

Bacterial endospores can withstand common disinfection procedures and extreme environmental adversity. This tenacity for survival, coupled with pathogenicity, makes spores a major threat for the food and medical industries as well as national security. Though unsuitable for practical usage due to their high environmental toxicity, primary ammonium surfactants, dodecylamine (DDA) in particular, are the most potent antispore molecules known. However, over half a century after the initial discovery, the mechanism of DDA spore killing remains largely elusive and antispore compounds with practical utility are still greatly needed. Herein, we propose and provide evidence that DDA bioactivity may lie in its capacity to form hydrophobically stabilized salt bridges with carboxylate anions of the spore cortex, a structure critical in maintaining a low water content in the spore core. More importantly, the proposed mechanism of action was experimentally shown to be useful in guiding the design of potential antispore agents.
Current research and emerging directions in emotion-cognition interactions

Emotion is a “double-edged sword” that can either enhance or hinder various aspects of our cognition and behavior. For instance, the emotional charge of an event can increase attention to and memory for that event, whereas task-irrelevant emotional information may lead to increased distraction away from goal-relevant tasks. Sometimes, even the same emotionally arousal event can lead to opposite effects on different aspects of cognitive processing—hearing a gunshot might enhance memory for central aspects of what was happening at the time, while impairing memory for peripheral details. Stress can also lead to quite different effects depending on the context and degree of stress. For example, emotional responses associated with optimal levels of stress (eustress) may increase performance (e.g., positive emotions associated with wedding preparations), whereas emotions associated with exposure to extreme levels of stress impair performance (e.g., overwhelming worry in the anticipation of a difficult exam). Importantly, these effects are also susceptible to cognitive influences, typically exerted in the form of emotion control, which may affect both the immediate and the long-term impact of emotion on cognition. Although during the last decades important progress has been made in understanding emotion-cognition interactions, a number of aspects remain unclear. The present e-book and research topic comprise a collection of manuscripts discussing emerging evidence regarding the mechanisms underlying emotion-cognition interactions in healthy functioning and alterations associated with clinical conditions, in which such interactions are dysfunctional. Co-hosted by the Frontiers in Neuroscience—Integrative Neuroscience and Frontiers in Psychology—Emotion Science, our special research topic attracted a large number of outstanding contributions, based on approaches spanning from behavioral and lesion to pharmacological and brain imaging, and including empirical, theoretical, and review papers alike. The contributions are grouped around the following seven main themes distributed across the two hosting journals: (1) Emotion and Selectivity in Attention and Memory, (2) The Impact of Emotional Distraction; Linking Enhancing and Impairing Effects of Emotion, (3) What Really is the Role of the Amygdala?, (4) Age Differences in Emotion Processing; The Role of Emotional Valence, (5) Affective Face Processing, Social Cognition, and Personality Neuroscience, (6) Stress, Mood, Emotion, and the Prefrontal Cortex; The Role of Control in the Stress Response, (7) Emotion-Cognition Interactions in Clinical Conditions. This comprehensive approach allowed an integrative understanding of the available evidence and identification of concrete venues for future investigations.
A Review of Corrosion Issues Related to Uranyl Nitrate Base Aqueous Homogeneous Reactors

AbstractAqueous homogeneous reactors (AHRs) are liquid fuel nuclear reactors, typically consisting of an acidified nitrate or sulphate base solution of enriched uranium-235 (235U). The goal of this paper is to review both the report and research literature on the topic of materials corrosion issues related to uranyl nitrate base AHRs. The materials of interest are stainless steel (SS)347, SS304L, SS304L-NAG, SS316L and zirconium (Zr) base alloys. In nitric acid solutions, SS and Zr alloys are passive, although there is some increased susceptibility of SS347 to intergranular corrosion (IGC) and knife-line attack as compared to other alloys. This is likely a result of the higher carbon (C) content in SS347. In uranyl nitrate fuel simulants corrosion rates increased as compared with nitric acid alone with the corrosion rate of SS347 being the highest while SS316 was the lowest of the austenitic stainless steels tested. In comparison, corrosion rates of Zr based alloys remained relatively unchanged in uranyl ...
Musculoskeletal Model of the Human Knee With Representation of Menisci During the Stance Phase of a Walk Cycle

Movement simulation and musculoskeletal modeling can predict muscle forces, but current methods are hindered by simplified representations of joint structures. Simulations that incorporate muscle forces, an anatomical representation of the natural knee, and contact mechanics would be a powerful tool in orthopedics. This study combined a validated anatomical model of a knee joint with menisci and a musculoskeletal model of the human lower extremity. A forward-dynamics muscle driven simulation of the stance phase of a walk cycle was simulated in LifeMOD (Lifemodeler, Inc) and muscle forces and ground reaction forces were estimated. The predicted forces were evaluated using test data provided by Vaughan CL. et al. (1999).© 2012 ASME
[35S]GTPγS binding and opioid tolerance and efficacy in mouse spinal cord

Abstract The present study examined efficacy of a series of opioid agonists and then using chronic in vivo treatment protocols, determined tolerance to opioid agonist stimulated [ 35 S]GTPγS (guanosine 5′-O-(3-[ 35 S] thio)triphosphate) binding in mouse spinal cord membranes and compared it directly to spinal analgesic tolerance. The [ 35 S]GTPγS binding assay was used to estimate efficacy (E max and τ; Operational Model of Agonism) of a series of opioid agonists for G-protein activation in mouse spinal cord. The rank order of opioid agonist efficacy determined in the [ 35 S]GTPγS assay using the Operational Model and E max was similar. These efficacy estimates correlated with historical analgesic efficacy estimates. For tolerance studies, mice were continuously treated s.c. for 7 days with morphine, oxycodone, hydromorphone, etorphine or fentanyl and [ 35 S]GTPγS studies were conducted in spinal cord membranes. Other mice were tested in i.t. analgesia dose response studies (tailflick). Tolerance to DAMGO ([D-Ala 2 , N -MePhe 4 ,Gly-ol 5 ]enkephalin) or morphine stimulated [ 35 S]GTPγS binding (decrease in E max ) was observed following etorphine and fentanyl treatment only. These treatment protocols downregulate μ-opioid receptor density whereas morphine, oxycodone and hydromorphone do not. Spinal analgesic tolerance was observed following all treatment protocols examined (morphine, oxycodone and etorphine). Opioid antagonist treatment that specifically upregulates (chronic naltrexone) or downregulates (clocinnamox) μ-opioid receptor density produced a corresponding change in opioid agonist stimulated [ 35 S]GTPγS binding. Although receptor downregulation and G-protein uncoupling are among potential mechanisms of opioid tolerance, the present results suggest that uncoupling in mouse spinal cord plays a minor role and that the [ 35 S]GTPγS assay is particularly responsive to changes in μ-opioid receptor density.
Playfulness, Play, and Creativity: A Path Analytic Model

Summary This study was undertaken to test a model that playfulness is evident in play which affects creativity. Thirty kindergarten boys and girls were allowed 10 minutes to play and then given a battery of creativity tests. Observers recorded their behavior during play and rated them on the Playfulness Scale. Cluster analysis of these variables resulted in six clusters: playfulness-intelligence, playfulness-fun, shifts, complexity, verbal creativity, and nonverbal creativity. Submission of these clusters to path analysis revealed good fit between predicted and observed correlations. Playfulness-intelligence and playfulness-fun were highly related. Playfulness-intelligence had highly positive effects on the shifts and complexity clusters; playfulness-fun had moderately negative effects. Coefficients from the shifts and complexity clusters to the creativity clusters were near zero. Results suggest that there are two parts to the Playfulness Scale and that these parts reflect the cognitive and affective asp...
Recurrent Differentiated Thyroid Cancer

Despite high prevalence of malignancy of the thyroid, recurrent thyroid cancer remains a poorly understood entity. This paper aims to consolidate research and literature specifically on recurrent disease by discussing its epidemiology, genetics, surveillance, treatment and outcomes. Mutations in the BRAF and RET genes predispose to recurrent disease. Currently utilized surveillance methods include thyroglobulin monitoring, radioiodine body scanning, PET / CT, and neck ultrasound. Surgical reoperation is optimal treatment of choice. Long term outcomes still remain poorly described. doi:10.4021/jcs39w
Opportunity cost analysis of online routing algorithms for dynamic wavelength routed mesh networks

We introduce a new cost model to analyze end-to-end online routing algorithms in dynamic wavelength routed mesh networks. This model leads to the design of simple and efficient routing algorithms with congestion awareness.
Values and the Methodology of Political Science

Toutes les sciences sociales et particulierement la science politique ont pour objet l'etude de phenomenes qui mettent en cause les valeurs conscientes ou inconscientes du chercheur. Le role primordial des valeurs en matiere de recherche et d'analyse a conduit certains a penser qu'une science politique libre de valeurs implique line philo-sophie nihiliste et entraine une propension a des structures politiques autoritaires. D'autres croient que les valeurs biaisent nos perceptions et nos jugements scientifiques a portee sociale. Ce genre de critique se meprend sur la nature de la recherche scientifique de l'objet social; elle ne peut fournir d'hypothese verifiable dans le cadre de la theorie deductive. Certes, toute theorie est deductive et il importe de distinguer les deductions empiriques pertinentes du processus de deduction lui-meme, lequel peut etre verifie par reference au critere de la pure coherence logique. Les theoriciens des techniques du controle des valeurs proposent les methodes suivantes: (1) l'explicitation prealable des valeurs du chercheur; (2) l'admission des observations reapparaissant au cours d'une recherche ulterieure; (3) limitation de la recherche a l'aspect instrumental, dans un systeme d'hypotheses proposant des moyens orientes a une fin; (4) neutralisation des valeurs du chercheur par son immersion dans les problemes de la recherche, via l'observation participee. Aucune de ces techniques n'est satisfaisante en pure logique, ainsi que le fait voir l'examen de lews implications theoriques et de leur application pratique aux problemes de la recherche. Ces techniques laissent en outre deviner que le probleme du controle des valeurs a plus ete pose en rapport avec les circonstances de leur decouverte qu'avec de celles de leur justification. Actuellement, nous controlons les valeurs dans la mesure ou nos deductions sont verifiables en regard de phenomenes empiriques. Toutefois, la complexite des phenomenes etudies par les sciences sociales conduit frequemment a une theorisation qui n'est pas susceptible de verification immediate par l'utilisation de variables decelables (structures, comportements, etc.). L'article propose divers types de deductions empiriques pertinentes d'apres les categories de Merton (theories globales, de portee moyenne, ou specifiques).
Near-field photodetection optical microscopy (NPOM): a novel probe for optical characterization on a subwavelength spatial scale

Near-field Photodetection Optical Microscopy (NPOM) is a new approach to optical surface characterization with sub-wavelength spatial resolution. The technique is based upon the direct detection of local variations in optical intensity near a surface with a photodetector of nanometer size. The ultra-small photodetector probe is raster scanned in close proximity to an optically illuminated surface and the photoresponse of the probe is measured at each point. The local optical information is electronically stored and displayed by computer in a manner similar to all Scanning Probe Microscopies. The resultant image represents the local optical intensity at each point on the illuminated surface. The probe fabrication and a recent experimental demonstration of the probe capabilities will be described.
Game theoretic approaches to some air pollution regulation problems

Abstract Several mathematical optimization models have recently been developed whose optimal solutions lead to selective abatement policies for the regulation of sources of pollutants in the atmosphere. These models seek to minimize total control costs while meeting ambient air quality standards throughout a region. Least cost solutions may be difficult to enforce and spawn inequities and conflicts among the polluters. In this paper we explore various cooperative n-person game theoretic concepts which involve dominance, stability, and comparisons of coalition excesses in order to aid the formulation of regulations related to given least cost solutions. A new weighting scheme of various coalitions is suggested involving the preferences of the population and polluters in the region and the regulatory agency itself. This scheme is one of several which responds to possible inequities which may stem from least cost solutions.
Bladder Cancer Detection and Monitoring: Assessment of Urine- and Blood-Based Marker Tests

Bladder cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide, but the treatment and management of this disease can be very successful if the disease is detected early. The development of molecular assays that could diagnose bladder cancer accurately, and at an early stage, would be a significant advance. Ideally, such molecular assays would be applicable to non-invasively obtained body fluids, and be designed not only for diagnosis but also for monitoring disease recurrence and response to treatment. In this article, we assess the performance of current diagnostic assays for bladder cancer and discuss some of the emerging biomarkers that could be developed to augment current bladder cancer detection strategies.
Are classes of deterministic integrands for fractional Brownian motion on an interval complete

Let BH be a fractional Brownian motion with self-similarity parameter H∈ (0,1) and a>0 be a fixed real number. Consider the integral ∈t0a f(u)\rm dBH(u), where f belongs to a class of non-random integrands ΛH,a. The integral will then be defined in the L2(Ω) sense. One would like ΛH,a to be a complete inner-product space. This corresponds to a desirable situation because then there is an isometry between ΛH,a and the closure of the span generated by BH(u), 0≤ u≤ a. We show in this work that, when H∈(½,1), the classes of integrands ΛH,a one usually considers are not complete inner-product spaces even though they are often assumed in the literature to be complete. Thus, they are isometric not to overline{\mbox{sp}}\{BH(u), 0≤ u≤ a\} but only to a proper subspace. Consequently, there are (random) elements in that closure which cannot be represented by functions f in ΛH,a. We also show, in contrast to the case H∈ (½,1), that there is a class of integrands for fractional Brownian motion BH with H∈ (0,½) on an interval [0,a] which is a complete inner-product space.
Phosphorylation-dependent Regulation of Stability and Transforming Potential of ETS Transcriptional Factor ESE-1 by p21-activated Kinase 1

Abstract Differential phosphorylation of transcription factors by signal transduction pathways play an important role in regulation of gene expression and functions. ESE-1 is an epithelium-specific ETS transcription factor that transforms human breast epithelial cells through a serine- and aspartic acid-rich domain (SAR) by an unknown cytoplasmic mechanism. Here we found that a signaling kinase, p21-activated kinase-1 (Pak1), interacts with and phosphorylates ESE-1. Interestingly, Pak1 selectively phosphorylates ESE-1 at Ser207, which is located within the SAR domain. A S207A substitution in ESE-1 reduced its ability to transform breast cancer cells. We also found that ESE-1 is a labile protein and by interacting with F-box-binding protein β-TrCP, undergoes ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis. Intriguingly, Pak1 phosphorylation inactive mutant ESE1-S207A is more unstable than either wild-type ESE-1 or its Pak1 phosphorylation mimetic mutant, i.e. ESE1-S207E. These findings provide novel insights into the mechanism of transformation potential of ESE-1 and discovered that ESE-1 functions are coordinately regulated by Pak1 phosphorylation and β-TrCP-dependent ubiquitin-proteasome pathways.
WHY AND HOW ANTIBIOTICS ARE USED IN SWINE PRODUCTION

Antibiotics were discovered over 50 years ago and have since been widely used in the livestock and poultry industries. They represent an extremely important tool in the efficient production of pork, beef, poultry meat, and other animal products. When used at low (subtherapeutic) levels in feeds, antibiotics improve growth rate and efficiency of feed utilization, reduce mortality and morbidity, and improve reproductive performance. Antibiotics are also used at intermediate levels to prevent disease and at high (therapeutic) levels to treat diseases in animals.