cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assessing Appropriateness of Antimicrobial Therapy: In the Eye of the Interpreter

To address the increase of drug-resistant bacteria and widespread inappropriate use of antimicrobials, many healthcare institutions have implemented antimicrobial stewardship programs to promote appropriate use of antimicrobials and optimize patient outcomes. However, a consensus definition of appropriate use is lacking. We conducted a multicenter observational study to compare 4 definitions of appropriateness--a study site-specific definition, use supported by susceptibility data, use supported by electronic drug information resources (Clinical Pharmacology/Micromedex), or study site principal investigator (PI) opinion-among patients receiving 1 or more of 13 identified antimicrobials. Data were collected for 262 patients. Overall, appropriateness with the 4 definitions ranged from 79% based on PI opinion to 94% based on susceptibility data. No single definition resulted in consistently high appropriate use for all target antimicrobials. For individual antimicrobials, the definitions with the highest rate of appropriate use were Clinical Pharmacology/Micromedex support (6 of 7 antimicrobials) and susceptibility data (5 of 7 antimicrobials). For specific indications, support from susceptibility data resulted in the highest rate of appropriate use (4 of 7 indications). Overall comparisons showed that appropriateness assessed by PI opinion differed significantly compared with other definitions when stratified by either target antimicrobial or indication. The significant variability in the rate of appropriate use highlights the difficulty in developing a standardized definition that can be used to benchmark judicious antimicrobial use.
Is Foreign Direct Investment “Gender Blind”? Women's Rights as a Determinant of US FDI

ABSTRACTThe impact of women's rights on a country's competitiveness in the global economy is a source of contention. While educational opportunities for women, as well as political empowerment, are linked to a variety of positive outcomes, the impact of economic rights is mixed. Toward better understanding these issues, we focus on the role of women's rights in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI). Though foreign capital plays a key role in the development strategies of many countries, and many of the growth areas in FDI rely heavily on women's labor, extant literature on the determinants of FDI largely ignores gender. To gain insight into these issues, we examine the impact of women's political, economic, and educational rights across four different types of US FDI into the developing world. We find a mixed relationship between women's rights and FDI that varies across industrial sectors.
Expression Microarray and Mouse Virulence Analysis of Four Conserved Two-Component Gene Regulatory Systems in Group A Streptococcus

Group A streptococcus (GAS) is a gram-positive human bacterial pathogen that causes diseases ranging from relatively mild epithelial cell surface infections to life-threatening invasive episodes. Much is known about the extracellular molecules that contribute to host-pathogen interactions, but in contrast, far less information is available about regulatory genes that control the expression of individual or multiple GAS virulence factors. The eight GAS genomes that have been sequenced have 12 conserved two-component gene regulatory systems (TCSs), but only 3 of these 12 have been studied in detail. Using an allelic replacement strategy with a nonpolar cassette, we inactivated the response regulator of four TCSs that have only weak homology with TCS genes of known or inferred function in other bacteria. The mutant strains were analyzed by expression microarray analysis at four time points and tested in two mouse infection models. Each TCS influenced expression (directly or indirectly) of 12 to 41% of all chromosomal genes, as assessed by growth in Todd-Hewitt broth and a custom Affymetrix GeneChip. None of the isogenic mutant strains was significantly altered for mouse virulence based on intraperitoneal inoculation. Similarly, compared to the wild-type strain, there was no significant difference in skin lesion size for three of the four mutants. In contrast, the DeltaM5005_Spy_0680 mutant strain produced significantly larger abscesses after subcutaneous inoculation into mice, consistent with a hypervirulence phenotype. The mutant strain had significantly higher in vitro expression of several proven and putative virulence genes, including scpA, encoding a peptidase that inactivates complement protein C5a. Together, the data provide new information about previously uncharacterized GAS TCSs.
Generation of Layouts from MOS Circuit Schematics: A Graph Theoretic Approach

A graph model is proposed to capture the topological properties of metal-oxide semiconductor (MOS) transistors and interconnections among transistors. A set of algorithms is devised for the enumeration of layout topologies of a circuit from its graph model. Layout topologies are presented in stick diagrams. The algorithms select a set of embedded layout topologies with the “fewest” number of jumpers for layout generation and compaction. Layouts for circuits with up to 36 transistors have been generated successfully. The layouts corresponding to the topologies generated and selected by the algorithms are, in most cases, smaller than compact hand layouts. The worst case computational complexity is O(n 2), where n is the number of transistors in the circuit.
Certain Histological and Chemical Responses of the Vascular Interface to Acutely Induced Mechanical Stress in the Aorta of the Dog

The purpose of this study is to quantify certain histologic and chemical responses of the intimal tissues in vivo to acutely induced mechanical stresses. Evans blue dye was given to tag serum albumin and an artificial fat emulsion was infused so that altered fluxes of either serum proteins or the artificial chylomicrons across the vascular interface into the intimal region could be detected. Special histologic and photodensimetric techniques were developed to estimate these fluxes as well as the architectural changes in the endothelial cell population. Architectural changes were quantified by doing endothelial cell counts to quantify the "normal" and "abnormal" endothelial cell population density as a function of stress exposure. The stress corresponding to the greatest rate of change of normal to abnormal cell forms is defined as the acute critical yield stress (τc) and was found to average < 420 dynes/cm2. Similarly the stress at which the greatest number of cells are being eroded is defined as the erosion stress (τe). The flux of Evans blue dye into the intima increased with pressure or wall strain, with shearing stress, and with increased turbulence. The flux of artificial chylomicrons into the intimal region never occurred in the presence of a normal endothelial cell population and was found to be most heavy in areas of total cellular erosion.
Comparison of Particle Tracking Algorithms in Commercial CFD Packages: Sedimentation and Diffusion

Computational fluid dynamic modeling software has enabled microdosimetry patterns of inhaled toxins and toxicants to be predicted and visualized, and is being used in inhalation toxicology and risk assessment. These predicted microdosimetry patterns in airway structures are derived from predicted airflow patterns within these airways and particle tracking algorithms used in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software packages. Although these commercial CFD codes have been tested for accuracy under various conditions, they have not been well tested for respiratory flows in general. Nor has their particle tracking algorithm accuracy been well studied. In this study, three software packages, Fluent Discrete Phase Model (DPM), Fluent Fine Particle Model (FPM), and ANSYS CFX, were evaluated. Sedimentation and diffusion were each isolated in a straight tube geometry and tested for accuracy. A range of flow rates corresponding to adult low activity (minute ventilation = 10 L/min) and to heavy exertion (minute ventilation = 60 L/min) were tested by varying the range of dimensionless diffusion and sedimentation parameters found using the Weibel symmetric 23 generation lung morphology. Numerical results for fully developed parabolic and uniform (slip) profiles were compared respectively, to Pich (1972) and Yu (1977) analytical sedimentation solutions. Schum and Yeh (1980) equations for sedimentation were also compared. Numerical results for diffusional deposition were compared to analytical solutions of Ingham (1975) for parabolic and uniform profiles. Significant differences were found among the various CFD software packages and between numerical and analytical solutions. Therefore, it is prudent to validate CFD predictions against analytical solutions in idealized geometry before tackling the complex geometries of the respiratory tract.
Metabolic flux of extracellular heme uptake in Pseudomonas aeruginosa is driven by the iron-regulated heme oxygenase (HemO).

Heme utilization by Pseudomonas aeruginosa involves several proteins required for internalization and degradation of heme. In the following report we provide the first direct in vivo evidence for the specific degradation of extracellular heme to biliverdin (BV) by the iron-regulated HemO. Moreover, through isotopic labeling (13C-heme) and electrospray ionization-MS analysis we have confirmed the regioselectivity and ratio of 13C-δ and β-BV IX (70:30) is identical in vivo to that previously observed for the purified protein. Furthermore, the 13C-BV IXδ and BV IXβ products are effluxed from the cell by an as yet unidentified transporter. Conversion of extracellular heme to BV is dependent solely on the iron-regulated HemO as evidenced by the lack of BV production in the P. aeruginosa hemO deletion strain. Complementation of P. aeruginosa ΔhemO with a plasmid expressing either the wild type HemO or α-regioselective HemO mutant restored extracellular heme uptake and degradation. In contrast deletion of the gene encoding the cytoplasmic heme-binding protein, PhuS, homologs of which have been proposed to be heme oxygenases, did not eliminate 13C-BV IXδ and IXβ production. In conclusion the metabolic flux of extracellular heme as a source of iron is driven by the catalytic action of HemO.
MidiFind: Similarity Search and Popularity Mining in Large MIDI Databases

While there are perhaps millions of MIDI files available over the Internet, it is difficult to find performances of a particular piece because well labeled metadata and indexes are unavailable. We address the particular problem of finding performances of compositions for piano, which is different from often-studied problems of Query-by-Humming and Music Fingerprinting. Our MidiFind system is designed to search a million MIDI files with high precision and recall. By using a hybrid search strategy, it runs more than 1000 times faster than naive competitors, and by using a combination of bag-of-words and enhanced Levenshtein distance methods for similarity, our system achieves a precision of 99.5 % and recall of 89.8 %.
Memory, Explicit/Implicit

Memory is the capacity to utilize facts, events, and skills previously experienced or learned. Memory functions are thus at the core of our day-to-day cognitive, social, and physical activities. Many forms, or types, of memory have been proposed, investigated, and debated. The division of memory into explicit and implicit forms has played a major role in human memory research. When Daniel Schacter put forward the terms ‘explicit memory’ and ‘implicit memory’ in 1987, these were meant to describe expressions of memory, explicit referring to intentional or conscious access and retrieval of prior episodes/events, and implicit referring to unintentional, nonconscious access, and utilization of previously acquired information. Examples of explicit memory expression include recall of a previously viewed list of words, and recognition of previously seen versus ‘new’ words/pictures. An example of implicit memory expression is the more rapid identification of an incomplete word or picture after it has been seen previously. However, in the several decades since implicit and explicit memory were first defined as two types of memory expression, they have very often been used to refer instead to two types of memory tasks, or two types of memory systems with different neural underpinnings. These divergent meanings have arisen from the wide variety of dissociations obtained in neuropsychological, behavioral, and neuroimaging investigations of memory performance. There is ongoing debate as to whether there are independent explicit and implicit memory systems in the brain.
A QCM-Based Lab-on-a-Chip Device for Real Time Characterization of Shear-Induced Platelets Adhesion and Aggregation

The long-term goal of this project is to develop a microfluidic device integrated with a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensor to perform real-time monitoring of platelet adhesion and aggregation under various hemodynamic conditions. This Lab-On-a-Chip device was fabricated with softlithography technique and plasma bonding. The gold sensing surface (electrode) of QCM sensor was embedded in the sensing area of microchannel, in which different fluid solutions were driven through to induce required shear flows for protein interaction study. The time-dependent (transient) frequency shift upon flowing blood samples was monitored to characterize the dynamic process of the platelet adhesion and protein interaction. The interaction between recombinant platelet surface receptor glycoprotein Ibα (GPIbα) and von Willebrand factor (vWF) were investigated under both static and dynamic flow conditions. It was found that the association process is much faster than disassociation process. This device functions as a powerful platform for studying the impact of flow pattern and shear stress on platelet function and GPIbα and vWF interaction, and potentially serves as a prototype for cardiovascular diagnostic purposes.© 2012 ASME
Using Screening Test Results to Predict the Effective Viscosity of Swollen Superabsorbent Polymer Particles Extrusion through an Open Fracture

Superabsorbent polymer particles, also called preformed particle gels (PPGs), have been successfully applied to reduce water production and enhance oil production in mature reservoirs with fractures or super-high-permeability streaks/channels. The applied particles usually range in size from a few hundred micrometers to a few millimeters and are irregular in shape, which make it impossible to measure their rheology behavior using a traditional rheometer. A simple method, a screen model test, was designed to evaluate the rheological behavior of the swollen PPG. The results show that a swollen PPG is a shear-thinning material with properties that can be expressed using a power-law equation from which an apparent consistency constant and an apparent flow index can be obtained. Considering the shear-thinning properties, we first developed a theoretical mathematical model using a general power-law equation to predict the pressure gradient of a swollen PPG during its extrusion through a fracture. Then, we modif...
Chapter 8 – Nanoparticle Ecotoxicology

Although the physicochemical and beneficial properties of nanoparticles have drawn widespread attention in recent years, their potential for causing environmental damage and ecological toxicity (ecotoxicity) is not fully understood. This chapter provides contemporary information regarding characteristics of the environment (atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere), distribution of bulk and nanoparticles in different spheres, fate of nanoparticles (in air, water, and soil), and adverse effects of different groups of nanoparticles on various types of ecosystems. Although many nanoparticles have been shown to cause potent ecological damage, the results from studies often differ, possibly due to heterogeneity in the physical properties of nanoparticles and the environment, the species and habitat differences, nanoparticles' unique electronic and chemical properties, differences in biomarkers used, and presence of toxins and other contaminants associated with the nanoparticle that may modulate its toxicity. Elucidating these issues may represent a critical future research direction to establish the safe use of nanoparticles.
Synthesis and Bioassay of the Indian Meal Moth Sex Pheromone

cis -9, trans -12-Tetradecadienyl acetate, a sex pheromone of Plodia interpunctella (Hubner) was synthesized from crotyl alcohol and 1,9-decadiyne as starting materials. The amount of the synthetic compound that elicited sexual stimulation in 50 percent of the test males was 0.26±0.15 (1 SD) pg by laboratory bioassay.
Metastable Decomposition of {ROH}nH+ Cluster Ions (Where R = CH3 or CH3CH2)

We have studied the metastable decomposition of protonated alcohol cluster ions employing a reflectron time-of-flight mass spectrometer. Loss of a single alcohol molecule is observed as the dominant decomposition channel in all of these cluster ions. From the daughter ion spectra, we find experimental evidence that the {ROH}6H+ cluster ions possess a unique stability relative to the parent cluster ion. Theoretical calculations were performed to interpret the cause for this special stability and to indicate several possible isomeric structures for this cluster ion. The energetic ordering of the isomers can be interpreted in terms of hydrogen bonding and delocalization of charge.
Study on the interaction behaviour between lump and sinter under the condition of oxygen blast furnace

This research report describes the influence of the reducing atmosphere of oxygen blast furnace (OBF) and traditional blast furnace (TBF) on the softening and melting behaviour of lump and lump-sinter mixed burdens assessed by using the softening and melting test. The results reveal that in the OBF atmosphere, the softening and melting properties of lump ore is improved compared with that of the TBF, since the development of reduction degree increased the quantity of the iron phase in the burden particle, and decreased the quantity of slag phase with low melting temperature. In addition, the analysis on the microstructure of burden particles revealed that the interaction effect also occurred at the interface between lump and sinter particles in OBF case. Meanwhile, the scanning electron microscope images shows that the interface is still distinguishable when the samples of OBF case reached 60% contraction ratio (1379°C), whereas in the case of TBF, the interface almost disappeared above 40% contraction, a...
Activation of bovine plasminogen by trypsin.

SummaryCrude bovine plasminogen was activated to plasmin by trypsin, by chloroform treatment which allowed an autocatalytic type activation, or by chloroform treatment followed by rapid activation with a low level of trypsin. Since the last method was an efficient one, other proteases were tried in the place of trypsin. Pancreatin and partially purified bovine plasmin also activated crude plasminogen but chymotrypsin, ficin and papain did not. Trypsin was the best activator of the series tested. Partially purified plasmins activated by trypsin, chloroform, or chloroform-trypsin were lyophilized and compared with one another. The plasmins prepared by trypsin activation appeared to be more potent
Risk-Based Optimization of Rail Defect Inspection Frequency for Petroleum Crude Oil Transportation:

The rapid expansion of production of North American petroleum crude oil from shale has led to a significant increase in rail transport of crude oil. Broken rails are frequent causes of train accidents. Ultrasonic rail defect inspection is widely used to prevent train accidents caused by broken rails, thereby reducing the hazardous materials transportation risk. This paper describes a new methodology to estimate unit-train crude oil transportation risk by the frequency of location-specific rail defect inspection. The risk model was used to develop a Pareto optimization model that determines the frequency of segment-specific rail defect inspection to reduce the total-route risk in a cost-effective manner. A numerical case study was developed to illustrate the application of the risk analysis and optimization models. This research is intended to provide new methods and information to assist the railroad industry in optimizing investment in infrastructure improvement, thereby mitigating the risk of rail trans...
Density of Adult Mosquitoes in the Urban Area of Guang'an

Objective To get an insight into the density and its seasonal fluctuation of mosquitoes in Guang'an city,for providing scientific basis for formulating pertinent control measures.Methods Adult mosquitoes were collected with lamp-attracting method,and then treated under ether anesthesia.Data were statistically analyzed.Results A total of 25,490 mosquitoes were captured in 2011 with the density of 13.28 per lamp per hour.The highest density was in July,reaching to 61.81 per lamp per hour.The population was mostly consisted of Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus and Cx.tritaeniorhynchus.Rural cattle tents were the main habitats.Conclusion Control and prevention measures should be carried out,taking the characteristic of the population into consideration,and the treatment could be in forms of environment treatment.
Lateral thigh flap

The lateral thigh flap is a fasciocutaneous flap from the lower limb that can be a versatile and reliable alternative in the reconstruction of specific head and neck defects. This article discusses the anatomy, clinical applications, advantages, and disadvantages of the lateral thigh flap.
Cranial Base and Posterior Cranial Vault Asymmetry After Open and Endoscopic Repair of Isolated Lambdoid Craniosynostosis.

Background Previous studies have shown that open cranial vault remodeling does not fully address the endocranial deformity. This study aims to compare endoscopic-assisted suturectomy with postoperative molding helmet therapy to traditional open reconstruction by quantifying changes in cranial base morphology and posterior cranial vault asymmetry. Methods Anthropometric measurements were made on pre- and 1-year postoperative three-dimensionally reconstructed computed tomography scans of 12 patients with unilateral lambdoid synostosis (8 open and 4 endoscopic-assisted). Cranial base asymmetry was analyzed using: posterior fossa deflection angle (PFA), petrous ridge angle (PRA), mastoid cant angle (MCA), and vertical and anterior-posterior (A-P) displacement of external acoustic meatus (EAM). Posterior cranial vault asymmetry was quantified by volumetric analysis. Results Preoperatively, patients in the open and endoscopic groups were statistically equivalent in PFA, PRA, MCA, and A-P EAM displacement. At 1 year postoperatively, open and endoscopic patients were statistically equivalent in all measures. Mean postoperative PFA for the open and endoscopic groups was 6.6 and 6.4 degrees, PRA asymmetry was 6.4 and 7.6%, MCA was 4.0 and 3.2 degrees, vertical EAM displacement was -2.3 and -2.3 millimeters, and A-P EAM displacement was 6.8 and 7.8 millimeters, respectively. Mean volume asymmetry was significantly improved in both open and endoscopic groups, with no difference in postoperative asymmetry between the 2 groups (P = 0.934). Conclusions Patients treated with both open and endoscopic repair of lambdoid synostosis show persistent cranial base and posterior cranial vault asymmetry. The results of endoscopic-assisted suturectomy with postoperative molding helmet therapy are similar to those of open calvarial vault reconstruction.
Ex vivo culture of CD34+/Lin-/DR- cells in stroma-derived soluble factors, interleukin-3, and macrophage inflammatory protein-1α maintains not only myeloid but also lymphoid progenitors in a novel switch culture assay

We have demonstrated that long-term culture initiating cells (LTC-IC) are maintained in a stroma noncontact (SNC) culture where progenitors are separated from stroma by a microporous membrane and LTC-IC can proliferate if the culture is supplemented with interleukin-3 (IL-3) and macrophage inflammatory protein-1alpha (MIP-1alpha). We hypothesize that the same conditions, which result in LTC-IC proliferation, may also maintain lymphoid progenitors. Natural killer (NK) cells are of lymphoid lineage and a stromal-based culture can induce CD34+/Lin-/DR- cells to differentiate along the NK cell lineage. We developed a three-step switch culture assay that was required to demonstrate the persistence of NK progenitors in CD34+/Lin-/DR- cells assayed in SNC cultures supplemented with IL-3 and MIP-1alpha. When CD34+/Lin-/DR- progeny from the SNC culture were plated sequentially into "NK cell progenitor switch" conditions (contact with stromal ligands, hydrocortisone-containing long-term culture medium, IL-2, IL-7, and stem cell factor [SCF]) followed by "NK cell differentiation" conditions (contact with stromal ligands, human serum, no hydrocortisone, and IL-2), significant numbers of CD56+/CD3- NK resulted, which exhibited cytotoxic activity against K562 targets. All steps are required because a switch from SNC cultures with IL-3 and MIP-1alpha directly to "NK cell differentiation" conditions failed to yield NK cells suggesting that critical step(s) in lymphoid commitment were missing. Additional experiments showed that CD34+/CD33- cells present after SNC cultures with IL-3 and MIP-1alpha, which contained up to 30% LTC-IC, are capable of NK outgrowth using the three-step switch culture. Limiting dilution analysis from these experiments showed a cloning frequency within the cultured CD34+/CD33- population similar to fresh sorted CD34+/Lin-/DR- cells. However, after addition of FLT-3 ligand, the frequency of primitive progenitors able to develop along the NK lineage increased 10-fold. In conclusion, culture of primitive adult marrow progenitors ex vivo in stroma-derived soluble factors, MIP-1alpha, and IL-3 maintains both very primitive myeloid (LTC-IC) and lymphoid (NK) progenitors and suggests that these conditions may support expansion of human hematopoietic stem cells. Addition of FLT-3 ligand to IL-2, IL-7 SCF, and stromal factors are important in early stages of NK development.
Old and new faces of neutropenia in children

In children, the term neutropenia usually identifies a group of inherited and acquired diseases characterized by a reduced number of mature circulating neutrophils and by an increased susceptibility to infections. Neutropenia is defined as severe when the absolute neutrophil count (ANC) is below 0.5
Lost in Translation: The Monument’s Deconstruction

The annals of Turkish-Armenian ‘rapprochement’, ‘reconciliation’, ‘initiative’, and ‘dialogue’ marked 8 January 2011 as the day when Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan called the Monument of ‘Humanity’ by Mehmet Aksoy in Kars a freak, protested that it overshadowed a nearby Islamic shrine, and ordered its demolition. Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu supported this position on aesthetic grounds: Kars has an architectural tradition inherited from the Ottomans and the Seljuks. This monument does not reflect … these architectural aesthetics. Works in compliance with the architectural heritage of the region should be constructed.2
Air-Liquid Two-Phase Microfluidic System for Low-Cost, Low-Volume, and Low-Power Micro Flow Cytometer

This paper reports on the design and initial experimental investigation of a disposable air-liquid two-phase microfluidic system for use in microscale flow cytometry (µFC). Air sheath flow is advantageous in developing miniaturized and integrated flow cytometers because it reduces volume and power requirements. Air-liquid two-phase stratified flow was achieved by a combination of suction (vacuum pump) and injection (syringe pump) in a thin polymeric microfluidic channel. A photo-multiplier tube (PMT)-based detection system mounted on an inverted epi-fluorescence microscope was used to demonstrate counting of the number of fluorescent particles passing through the observation channel.
Combined Small-Angle Scattering for Characterization of Hierarchically Structured Polymer Systems over Nano-to-Micron Meter: Part II Theory

This chapter gives a summary of the ‘unified function’ for analysis of scattering data over a wide size range, especially for systems displaying a hierarchical structure. The unified function is demonstrated for fractal, nonfractal, correlated, and polydisperse systems.
Evaluation of the urinary microbiota of women with uncomplicated stress urinary incontinence

Background Female urinary microbiota are associated with urgency urinary incontinence and response to medication. The urinary microbiota of women with stress urinary incontinence has not been described. Objective We sought to study the cross-sectional relationships between urinary microbiota features and demographic and clinical characteristics of women undergoing stress urinary incontinence surgery. Study Design Preoperative urine specimens were collected from women without urinary tract infection and were available from 197 women (174 voided, 23 catheterized) enrolled in a multicenter prospective randomized trial, the Value of Urodynamic Evaluation study. Demographic and clinical variables were obtained including stress and urgency urinary incontinence symptoms, menopausal status, and hormone use. The bacterial composition of the urine was qualitatively assessed by sequencing the bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA gene. Phylogenetic relatedness and microbial alpha diversity were compared to demographics and symptoms using generalized estimating equation models. Results The majority of 197 urine samples (86%) had detectable bacterial DNA. Bacterial diversity was significantly associated with higher body mass index ( P = .02); increased Medical, Epidemiologic, and Social Aspects of Aging urge index score ( P = .04); and hormonal status ( P Lactobacillus in hormone-negative women. Conclusion Women undergoing stress urinary incontinence surgery have detectable urinary microbiota. This cross-sectional analysis revealed that increased diversity of the microbiota was associated with urgency urinary incontinence symptoms, hormonal status, and body mass index. In contrast, the female urinary microbiota were not associated with stress urinary incontinence symptoms.
Promoting a Culture of Engaged Scholarship and Mentoring Junior Faculty in the Reappointment, Tenure, and Promotion Process at a ‘Teaching First’ University

This paper analyzes the processes and outcomes involved with mentoring junior faculty in the reappointment, promotion, and tenure (RPT) process at a comprehensive state university and creating a culture supportive of engaged research. Although the university in this case study is governed by a collective bargaining agreement that prohibits the development of new written policies on RPT, the deans and other academic leaders can promote significant change through cultural means. The article will examine: the place of engaged scholarship within the reappointment, tenure, and promotion processes of the university; the university’s commitment to a cross-institutional research approach; the mentoring of faculty conducting innovative community projects; the university’s recent strategic plan initiative funding of collaborative cross-college and community projects; partnership with the city of Worcester’s Department of Public Health on applied scholarship related to five domains of public health currently establishedas the focus of efforts by the city and the region; and the innovative CitySpeak devised theater project. At this state university, strong leadership helped support a deepening culture of engaged teaching and scholarship and helped faculty negotiate the road of RPT.
Propagation Measurements over Geographically Diverse Paths

High frequency communication systems have long been in widespread use in military communications. The major limitations of HF have been the frequent outage due to the dynamic characteristics of the ionosphere and the noise generated by other spectrum users and natural sources. Links employing a communication frequency assigned on a fixed schedule based on long-term predictions could expect only about 50 percent availability on the average. Newer HF systems use techniques which sense propagation conditions and adapt to them by automatically selecting a frequency which provides communications. Link availability can be increased to above 90 percent with automatic frequency selection and can be further improved through path diversity which allows the relaying of messages through an alternate set of paths if the direct ionospheric path does not provide adequate propagation. At present no quantitative data exist which allow determination of the communications reliability available to a user over a long period of time as a function of the number and geographic distribution of network members and the number of communication frequencies assigned to them. This paper describes efforts to obtain such data and presents some sample results. Initially a receive-only system was developed from low cost, readily obtainable components. Transmissions of opportunity provided the channel sounding signals, and ionospheric loss data was obtained at a number of frequencies and over a number of diverse paths in near real-time. Experimental results obtained from this system demonstrate a marked reduction in the power required to communicate when frequency and path flexibility exist.
Control of DNA end resection by yeast Hmo1p affects efficiency of DNA end-joining.

Abstract The primary pathways for DNA double strand break (DSB) repair are homologous recombination (HR) and non-homologous end–joining (NHEJ). The choice between HR and NHEJ is influenced by the extent of DNA end resection, as extensive resection is required for HR but repressive to NHEJ. Conversely, association of the DNA end-binding protein Ku, which is integral to classical NHEJ, inhibits resection. In absence of key NHEJ components, a third repair pathway is exposed; this alternative-end joining (A-EJ) is a highly error-prone process that uses micro-homologies at the breakpoints and is initiated by DNA end resection. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the high mobility group protein Hmo1p has been implicated in controlling DNA end resection, suggesting its potential role in repair pathway choice. Using a plasmid end-joining assay, we show here that absence of Hmo1p results in reduced repair efficiency and accuracy, indicating that Hmo1p promotes end-joining; this effect is only observed on DNA with protruding ends. Notably, inhibition of DNA end resection in an hmo1Δ strain restores repair efficiency to the levels observed in wild-type cells. In absence of Ku, HMO1 deletion also reduces repair efficiency further, while inhibition of resection restores repair efficiency to the levels observed in kuΔ. We suggest that Hmo1p functions to control DNA end resection, thereby preventing error-prone A-EJ repair and directing repairs towards classical NHEJ. The very low efficiency of DSB repair in kuΔhmo1Δ cells further suggests that excessive DNA resection is inhibitory for A-EJ.
Measuring and Improving the Reliability of Wide-Area Cloud Paths

Many popular cloud applications use inter-data center paths; yet, little is known about the characteristics of these ``cloud paths''. Over an eighteen month period, we measure the inter-continental cloud paths of three providers (Amazon, Google, and Microsoft) using client side (VM-to-VM) measurements. We find that cloud paths are more predictable compared to public Internet paths, with an order of magnitude lower loss rate and jitter at the tail (95th percentile and beyond) compared to public Internet paths. We also investigate the nature of packet losses on these paths (e.g., random vs. bursty) and potential reasons why these paths may be better in quality. Based on our insights, we consider how we can further improve the quality of these paths with the help of existing loss mitigation techniques. We demonstrate that using the cloud path in conjunction with a detour path can mask most of the cloud losses, resulting in up to five 9's of network availability for applications.
Staying sincere: an experimental analysis of non-strategic voting in South Korea

Under ideal conditions, when do voters switch from sincere to strategic voters? Despite a large literature on strategic voting and Duverger’s Law, few studies assess when individuals shift from sin...
Monitoring blood coagulation using a surface-functionalized microfluidic dielectric sensor

This paper reports on utilizing a hydrogel for surface immobilization of various reagents in a microfluidic dielectric sensor for blood coagulation monitoring. The top inner surface of the microfluidic sensor is coated with either pure or bio-active polyethylene glycol (PEG), which is immobilized by photo-crosslinking using ultraviolet (UV) light. The coagulation time of healthy human whole blood samples obtained by the microfluidic sensor with a PEG-only-coated microchannel is shown to be comparable to that obtained with an uncoated microchannel, indicating that the PEG layer itself does not affect the blood coagulation process. Moreover, sensor measurements using heparin- and thrombin-functionalized microchannels demonstrate a statistically significant increase and decrease, respectively, in the blood coagulation time as compared to that obtained with non-functionalized microchannels.
Development of glucocorticoid resistance over one year among mothers of children newly diagnosed with cancer

Abstract Chronic distress associates with peripheral release of cortisol and a parallel upregulation of innate inflammation. Typically, cortisol functions to down-regulate inflammatory processes. However, in the context of chronic stress, it is hypothesized that glucocorticoid receptors within immune cells become less sensitive to the anti-inflammatory effects of cortisol, resulting in increased systemic inflammation. Caring for a child newly diagnosed with cancer is a particularly provocative chronic stressor. Here, we examine evidence for the development of cellular resistance to glucocorticoids among 120 mothers (Aged 18–56 years; 86% Caucasian) across the 12 months following their child’s new diagnosis with cancer. Measures of psychological distress, interleukin (IL)-6, and glucocorticoid resistance (GCR) were assessed 1, 6, and 12 months after the diagnosis. A latent factor for distress was derived from the covariation among symptoms of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress. Latent change score models revealed a significant positive association between change in distress and change in GCR from 0 to 6 months, and 6 months-1 year. This finding provides initial evidence for a longitudinal association between change in maternal distress and change in GCR from the onset of a chronic stressor through one year. Although levels of IL-6 increased during the first six months after the child’s diagnosis, the magnitude of this change was not related to change in distress or change in GCR. Given the possible health consequences of reduced immune sensitivity to glucocorticoids, future work should further explore this stress response and its clinical significance.
The extended leisure experiences of music scene participation

Scott and Harmon coined the term extended leisure experiences (ELEs) to describe ‘activities that participants engage in following a primary leisure activity’. In this study, we set out to elucidate the ELE of fan participation in the music scene of Jerry Joseph & the Jackmormons. Results were gleaned from an ethnography that focused on the meaning of participation among the band’s most dedicated fans. Our findings indicate that ELEs (e.g. listening to and discussing past concerts with other fans) provide participants a temporal venue for understanding their relationship to the band and its music, and building community with other fans. Indeed, the lived experiences of music scene participation are not ephemeral events that evaporate with the passage of time but provide a foundation from which fans embody their experiences and create opportunities to extend aspects of their identity and affiliation through music.Scott et Harmon ont invente le terme d’experiences de loisir etendues pour decrire des “activites auxquelles s’adonnent des participants a la suite de la pratique d’une activite de loisir principale”. Dans cette etude, nous nous efforcons d’elucider l’experience de loisir etendue ressentie par les fervents de la scene musicale de Jerry Joseph & the Jackmormons. Les resultats ont ete recueillis par l’entremise d’une ethnographie realisee aupres des admirateurs les plus devoues du groupe, relativement a la signification accordee a leur participation a ce loisir. Nos resultats indiquent que les experiences de loisir etendues (ex.: ecoute et discussions d’anciens concerts avec d’autres fans) procurent aux participants un cadre temporel pour etablir leur relation au groupe et a sa musique, ainsi que pour developper une communaute avec d’autres fans. En effet, les experiences vecues lors de la participation a une scene musicale ne sont pas des evenements ephemeres qui s’evaporent au fil du temps: elles etablissent une fondation sur laquelle les fans incarnent leurs experiences et procurent des occasions de developpement des aspects identitaires et d’affiliation a travers la musique.
Ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging for enhanced image-guided endovenous laser ablation procedures

Nearly 20% of the United States’ population is affected by varicose veins at some point in their lives. Currently, ultrasound (US) imaging is used as clinical imaging modality to help surgeons visualize and place the ablation catheter within the diseased vein accurately. However, US imaging of catheters has limitations such as angular dependency, especially for treating perforating veins. In addition, the laser ablation procedure is often performed without any real-time temperature monitoring, which could lead to non-sufficient thermal dose or heat induced thrombosis. We propose using combined US and Photoacoustic (PA) imaging for accurate localization of the laser ablation fibers within the veins. More specifically, we proposed coupling both ablation CW laser and pulsed laser into a single ablation catheter to perform both ablation and PA localization and of the catheter and thermometry. Our studies clearly indicated that while US imaging visualizes the body of the catheter, PA signal is only generated at the interface between the fiber tip and the tissue. As a result, PA images of the catheter indicate the location of the tip of the catheter only, without any possibility of error and mislocation. We initially investigated and compared the utility of US and PA in tracking fiber tip in a set of vessel-mimicking phantoms. Our results indicated artifact-free and accurate detection of the fiber tip using PA in contrast to US. Using the PA signal temperature dependency, we also demonstrated the utility of PA for real-time monitoring of temperature increase during laser ablation procedures.
Open-Ended Learning Environments: Foundations, Assumptions, and Implications for Automated Design

Interest has emerged in the design of open-ended learning systems, characterized collectively as “learning environments.” Open-ended learning environments are comprehensive, integrated systems that promote cognitive engagement through learner-centered activities, concrete manipulation, and guided exploration. In this chapter, a conceptual framework for designing open-ended learning environments is presented. A brief summary of related research and theory is presented, similarities and differences between learning environments and conventional training and instruction are provided, the underlying foundations and assumptions of open-ended learning systems are summarized, and the implications for automated design are described.
The Plancherel Formula

We shall put together the facts we have learned about traces in order to prove the Plancherel formula, giving an expansion of a function in terms of its characters. The proof is due to Harish-Chandra [H-C 6]. It consists in expanding out the Fourier series of the Harish transform H Kψ(θ) using the relation between the trace of the discrete series and the Harish transform on A given in Theorem 6 of the preceding chapter, and then performing a Fourier transform on some of the terms to get the final formula. It turns out that H Kψ(kθ) is not continuous, the discontinuity occurring at those elements of k which also lie in A, i.e. at ± 1. The first calculus lemma serves to determine the jumps, and also shows that the derivative (H Kψ)’(kθ) is continuous at those points, and that the Fourier series converges for the derivative at those points. This gives us the value ψ(1), in terms of a series involving traces in the discrete and principal series.
Diaphyseal Femur Fractures

JM is a 32-year-old male (BMI 25) who presents after a high-speed motorcycle collision. The patient presents to the local emergency room via EMS complaining of right thigh pain and denies any loss of consciousness. On primary survey he has no immediately life-threatening injuries. Secondary survey demonstrates a deformed right lower extremity.
The impact of human leukocyte antigen donor and recipient serotyping and matching on liver transplant graft failure in primary sclerosing cholangitis, autoimmune hepatitis, and primary biliary cholangitis.

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) serotyping is not considered to have significant impact on liver graft survival and does not factor into U.S. organ allocation. Immune-related liver diseases such as primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), and primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) have been speculated to represent a disease subgroup that may have significantly different graft outcomes depending on HLA donor/recipient characterization. The aim of this study was to investigate whether HLA serotyping/matching influenced post-transplant graft failure for immune-related liver diseases using the United Network for Organ Sharing database. From 1994 to 2015, 5665 patients underwent first-time liver-only transplants for PSC, AIH, and PBC with complete graft survival and donor/recipient HLA data. Graft failure was noted in 38.6% (2188/5665), and all groups had comparable 5-year graft survival (75.1%-78.8%, P = 0.069). The overall degree of, and loci-specific mismatch level, did not influence outcomes. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression noted increased graft failure risk for recipient HLA-B7, HLA-B57, HLA-B75, HLA-DR13 and donor HLA-B55, HLA-B58, and HLA-DR8 for PSC patients, protective effects for recipient HLA-DR1 and HLA-DR3 for AIH patients, and increased risk for HLA-DR7 for AIH patients. These findings warrant further investigation to evaluate the impact of HLA serotyping on post-transplant outcomes.
Effects for emphasis, enhancement, expression, and exaggeration

Sound recordings built through multitrack production face a competitive soundscape. Signal processing strategies have evolved with the production goal of increasing the audibility of specific signal traits — making the subtle more apparent, the performance more compelling, the recorded art more successful.