cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modest Hypothermia as a Neuroprotective Strategy in High-Risk Term Infants

This article briefly reviews the pathogenesis of hypoxic-ischemic cerebral injury, the experimental data, and clinical studies that have evaluated the potential therapeutic benefit of modest selective or whole body hypothermia in reducing the subsequent development of irreversible brain injury without untoward side effects. Data are insufficient to recommend routine use of either modest selective or whole body hypothermia after resuscitation of infants with suspected asphyxia. Further clinical trials are needed to determine which infants would benefit most and which method of cooling would be most effective.
Karen Risager, Language and culture: Global flows and local complexity

Karen Risager, Language and culture: Global flows and local complexity. (Languages for Intercultural Communication and Education 11.) Buffalo: Multilingual Matters, 2006. Pp. x, 212. Pb $44.95.Karen Risager seeks to challenge the traditional linguistic orthodoxy that views language and culture as inseparable. The goal of her new book is to establish that language and culture are not necessarily linked and can be analyzed separately. Risager maintains that while languages may be psychologically related to a particular culture and cultural experiences of individuals, they are sociologically separate from other cultural phenomena. She takes a refreshingly new and insightful approach by formulating the critical issues facing language and culture pedagogy and language teaching, and then giving them their due consideration. The implications of Risager's theory and analysis are indeed noteworthy and extensive.
Image-based Model Completion

Geometric models created from range sensors are usually incomplete. Considerable effort has been made to fix this problem, ranging from manual repairing to geometric interpolation. We propose using multi-view stereo to complete such models. Our approach is practical and convenient because when scanning and object or environment one usually takes photographs to texture the resulting model. By using the incomplete scan data as a boundary condition, we use a variational multi-view approach to estimate the missing data.
The impact of the rural population component on homicide rates in the United States: a county-level analysis.

Using 3130 U.S. counties or county equivalents this paper provides a test of the impact of rural population on the violent crime of homicide while controlling for the effects of other correlates. The results indicate that the traditional bond of group cohesion assumed to be associated with the rural environment and its residents continues to have an inhibiting effect on homicide for counties in the United States. (EXCERPT)
Inviting Patients to Read Their Doctors' Notes: A Quasi-experimental Study and a Look Ahead

In this study, doctors and patients participated in a 1-year program that provided patients with electronic links to their doctors' notes. Most patients reported that the ability to read the notes ...
Does participation in intergroup conflict depend on numerical assessment, range location, or rank for wild chimpanzees?

Male chimpanzees, Pan troglodytes, engage in cooperative territorial defence and sometimes kill members of neighbouring communities. Observations of intergroup interactions suggest that escalation of aggression depends on numerical assessment, with lethal attacks occurring when numerical advantage reduces the costs of attacking. To gain a better understanding of the factors guiding participation in intergroup conflict, we conducted a series of playback experiments with the Kanyawara chimpanzee community of the Kibale National Park, Uganda. We tested whether the response to the playback of the ‘pant-hoot’ call of a single extragroup male depended on the number of adult males in the listening party, the location of the speaker relative to the territory edge, and each male’s agonistic rank. These playbacks elicited cooperative responses, with the nature of the response depending on the number of adult males in the party. Parties with three or more males consistently joined in a chorus of loud vocalizations and approached the speaker together. Parties with fewer adult males usually stayed silent, approached the speaker less often, and travelled more slowly if they did approach. In contrast to many territorial species, the location of the simulated intruder did not affect the response. Although high-ranking males might be expected to benefit more from repelling outside males, both high- and low-ranking males showed a similar pattern of response. Each male responded as if he benefited from repelling intruders, but only if he had strength in numbers. This pattern of response is consistent with cooperation based on mutualism.
Interest Elasticity in a Life-Cycle Model with Precautionary Savings

This paper examines the question of whether households adjust savings in response to interest rates in a life-cycle model with precautionary savings, where both motives for saving (retirement and precautionary) are present. While uncertainty may be the most important motive for younger households, eventually, households will start saving for retirement as well. By how much the wealth of the median household at retirement changes after an exogenous permanent increase in the after-tax interest rate is computed. In an estimated life-cycle model with precautionary savings, the elasticity of savings is also very low. However, the results are sensitive to the utility parameters.
From Core–Shell to Alloys: The Preparation and Characterization of Solution-Synthesized AuPd Nanoparticle Catalysts

This article describes the solution-phase synthesis of 4 nm gold nanoparticles with 0.7 atom-thick, 1.9 atom-thick, and 3.8 atom-thick layers of Pd on their surfaces. These well-defined core–shell nanoparticles were deposited on a silica support, calcined, and reduced at 300 °C to create alloyed nanoparticles containing 10.9, 20.2, and 28.5% Pd (w/w). Monometallic Pd nanoparticles sintered during calcination at 300 °C, but no sintering was observed for AuPd nanoparticles. Diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform (DRIFT) spectra of adsorbed CO suggests that Au donates d electron density to Pd in the core–shell and alloy structures and confirms the presence of Au and Pd atoms on the surface of the nanoparticles after calcination and reduction. The properties of the AuPd alloy catalysts were tested in the vapor-phase conversion of α-limonene to p-cymene. AuPd nanoparticles containing 20% or more Pd per particle produced p-cymene yields greater than 80%, equivalent to conventional Pd catalysts prepared ...
Optimum Sample Concentration for Resonance Raman Spectra

In resonance Raman spectroscopy, absorption of incident radiation and of scattered radiation increases with sample concentration. Scattering intensity at the focal point of the laser also increases with sample concentration. An optimum sample concentration is sought where the scattered radiation intensity emerging from the sample cell is at a maximum. Assuming a point-scattering model, Strekas et al. have derived the relationship: I = I0Jce−kc(re8 + lei I is the observed intensity, I0 the laser intensity on entry into the sample cell, J is the molar scattering coefficient, c is the molar concentration, es and ei are the decadic molar absorptivities at scattering wavelength and the incident wavelength, r and l are the pathlengths of the laser beam and the scattered radiation in the Raman cell, respectively, and k ∞ ln 10 = 2.303. This function has a maximum. Setting the differential with respect to concentration equal to zero gives the optimum concentration: copt = [k(re8 + lei)]−1 If r = l, Eq. (2) reduces to: copt = [kr(e8 + lei)]−1
Characterization of thromboxane A2 receptor signaling in developing rat oligodendrocytes: Nuclear receptor localization and stimulation of myelin basic protein expression

The present work investigates the role of thromboxane A2 (TXA2) receptors in the development of oligodendrocytes (OLGs). The results demonstrate that the proteins of the TXA2 signaling pathway, i.e., cyclooxygenase (COX-1), TXA2 synthase (TS), and TXA2 receptor (TPR) are expressed in the developing rat brain during myelination. Furthermore, culture of OLG progenitor cells (OPCs) revealed that the expression levels of these proteins as well as TXA2 synthesis increase during OLG maturation. Separate studies established that activation of TPRs by the agonist U46619 increases intracellular calcium in both OPCs and OLGs as visualized by digital fluorescence imaging. Immunocytochemical staining demonstrated that TPRs are localized in the plasma membrane and perinuclear compartments in OPCs. However, during OLG differentiation, TPRs shift their localization pattern and also become associated with the nuclear compartment. This shift to nuclear localization was confirmed by biochemical analysis in cultured cells and by immunocytochemical analysis in developing rat brain. Finally, it was found that U46619 activation of TPRs in maturing OLGs resulted in enhanced myelin basic protein (MBP) expression. Alternatively, inhibition of endogenous TPR signaling led to reduced MBP expression. Furthermore, TPR-mediated MBP expression was found to be associated with increased transcription from the MBP promoter using a MBP-luciferase reporter. Collectively, these findings suggest a novel TPR signaling pathway in OLGs and a potential role for this signaling during OLG maturation and myelin production. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Privatizing the Public Business Sector in the Eighties: Economic Performance, Partisan Responses and Divided Governments

From the late 1970s on, after several decades characterized by relatively interventionist patterns of economic policy making, most advanced states began questioning and, in some instances, abandoning active industrial policies and privatizing public businesses. Examining the evolution of the public business sector in all nations included in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) from 1979 to 1993, this article shows that the sale of public firms did not mechanically derive from either declining growth rates, growing budget deficits or the increasing internationalization of domestic economies. Although the economic slowdown of the 1970s had the effect of breaking down the so-called Keynesian post-war consensus, the strategies towards the public business sector eventually adopted were shaped by the partisan composition of office – conservatives privatized while social democrats opted for the status quo – and by the internal structure of the cabinet – divided governments produced little change in either direction. From a theoretical point of view, this analysis broadens the current political-economic literature by showing that, although parties have a limited impact on the standard macroeconomic policies employed to manage the business cycle – a point widely confirmed in the literature – they do play a central role in designing policies, such as the level of public ownership of the business sector, that shape the supply side of the economy.
Subthreshold and superthreshold coexistence of pathogen variants: The impact of host age-structure

It is well known that in the most general epidemic models with multiple pathogen variants a competitive exclusion principle is valid, such that the variant with the highest reproduction number eliminates the rest. Mechanisms such as super-infection, coinfection, and cross-immunity can lead to pathogen polymorphism where multiple strains coexist. It is also known that variability of infectivity with host age can destabilize the endemic equilibrium and cause oscillations. In this article we show that the hosts’ chronological age can itself lead to coexistence of microparasites in the most basic model where competitive exclusion will occur without the age structure. Moreover, the host age-structure leads to multiple subthreshold dominance equilibria, and both weakly and strongly subthreshold coexistence. We find that the two pathogens cannot cooperate to persist subthreshold if neither one of them can persist subthreshold by itself. If, however, one of them can persist subthreshold by itself, it can cause the two pathogens to coexist in a strongly subthreshold equilibrium. The second strain that persists subthreshold through the mediation of the first always has a lower virulence. Our results show that age structure in infectivity can permit the coexistence of competing pathogens when the incidence is of proportionate mixing type (frequency-dependent transmission) and at least one of the strains is virulent.
A comparison of summertime water and CO2 fluxes over rangeland for well watered and drought conditions

Continuous measurements of the surface energy balance components (net radiation Rn, sensible heat flux H, latent heat flux LE, ground heat flux G, and CO2 fluxes began in early June of 1995 at the Little Washita Watershed, near Chickasha, Oklahoma. A severe drought during 1998 provided a unique opportunity to evaluate the range of fluxes that can be expected during the summer period. Data obtained during four continuous summer periods were used to evaluate the year-to-year variability in summertime energy and CO2 fluxes. During the summer period (day 150‐240), total evapotranspiration for non-drought years ranged from 224 to 273 mm with a mean and standard error of 253 12 mm. The mean and standard error of the net ecosystem exchange (NEE) rate of carbon dioxide for the same summer period was 120 36 gC =m 2 . In a year with severe drought (1998) total evapotranspiration for the summertime period was 145 mm. The lack of precipitation during this time resulted in total losses to the atmosphere of 155 g C/m 2 from soil respiration. © 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Everyday Cognition in older adults: Associations with neuropsychological performance and structural brain imaging

The recently developed Everyday Cognition scales (ECog) measure multiple cognitively relevant functional domains (e.g., Everyday Memory, Everyday Language, Everyday Visuospatial abilities, and three everyday executive domains). The present study further evaluated the validity of the ECog by examining its relationship with objective measures of neuropsychological function, and neurobiological markers of disease as reflected by structural neuroimaging. Participants included 474 older adults (244 normals, 142 with MCI, 88 with dementia). The neuropsychological domains measured were episodic memory, semantic memory, spatial ability, and executive functioning. Brain MRI volumes included total brain (BV), hippocampus (HC) and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). Neuropsychological measures of episodic memory and executive function were most consistently related to the ECog domains; spatial abilities had a specific relationship to the Everyday Visuospatial ECog domain. HC and BV volumes were related to most ECog domains, while DLPFC volume was independently related to two everyday executive domains (Everyday Planning and Everyday Organization). The pattern of associations varied somewhat as a function of diagnosis. Episodic memory and HC had more consistent associations with the ECog domains in older adults with MCI/dementia than in cognitively normal elderly.
Distributionen und Transformationen

Ziel dieses Kapitels ist es, in zwei wichtige Techniken einzufuhren, die beide ein neues Licht auf partielle Differentialgleichungen werfen. Die erste ist die Theorie der Distributionen, die eine knappe und elegante Interpretation der Greenschen Funktionen erlaubt. Die zweite ist die Technik der Fouriertransformation und der ihr verwandten Laplacetransformation. Sie gestatten einen neuen, ganz andersartigen Zugang zu vielen Problemen, denen wir in diesem Buch bereits begegnet sind. Einige der Beispiele dieses Kapitels erfordern Kenntnisse der Kapitel 7 oder 9.
Writing as a Tool to Demonstrate Mathematical Understanding.

In this study, I examine how using a writers' workshop model in mathematics creates a space for students to write about their mathematical thinking and problem solving and how their writing impacts instruction. This case study of one classroom with one teacher spanned 6 weeks and included 18 implementations of an adapted version of the Writers' Workshop (WW) in a fourth-grade mathematics class. On a biweekly basis, the data were reviewed and changes made to the model. The analysis of the students' writing revealed (a) their understandings and misunderstandings of the mathematical content, (b) their readiness for more challenging tasks, and (c) their connections to prior knowledge. Students used writing to demonstrate their understanding of mathematics and show their mathematical processes. In some cases, examining only the numerical work failed to illuminate the students' understanding, their writing provided deeper insight. Students recognized writing as a tool for learning; this was evident in interview responses.
Analysis of Censored Data: Survival Trees and Random Forests

We elucidated in Chapter 4 the usefulness of the recursive partitioning technique for the analysis of binary outcomes. Not only can this technique be extended to the analysis of censored data, but also, as pointed out by Gordon and Olshen (1985), tree-based regression is applicable to more general situations than that of the proportional hazard regression described previously. As a matter of fact, the most popular use of the tree-based methods is in the area of survival analysis.
Quantitation of Tebuconazole in Liquid and Solid Formulations by Capillary GC: Collaborative Study

A capillary gas chromatographic method has been developed for quantitation of tebuconazole (Folicur, Elite, Raxil, Lynx) in liquid and solid formulations. Tebuconazole is a broad-spectrum, systemic foliar fungicide used to control diseases of wheat, barley, peanut, and grasses grown for seed. Samples are dissolved in acetone and analyzed by capillary gas chromatography (GC) with dicyclohexyl phthalate as internal standard. Twenty-two laboratories from 11 countries participated in a collaborative study of the method. Each collaborator was provided reference standard, internal standard, and blind duplicate samples from 6 formulations: aqueous flowable (F), aqueous emulsifiable concentrate (EW), emulsifiable concentrate for seed treatment (ES), flowable for seed treatment (FS), wettable powder (WP), and dry flowable (DF). Collaborators were instructed to use peak area measurements for quantitation. The seed treatment flowable formulation required confirmation of accurate integration values by the collaborator. Relative standard deviation values for reproducibility (RSD R ) for analysis of the formulations were as follows: 3.6 Ib/gal F, 1.22; 250 g/L EW, 1.13; 15 g/L ES, 2.40; 25 g/L FS, 2.65; 25% WP, 0.96; 25% DF, 0.72; 45% DF, 0.72. The capillary GC method for quantitation of tebuconazole in fungicide formulations has been adopted first action by AOAC INTERNATIONAL.
Erratum: A Compact Scattering Model for the Nanoscale Double-Gate MOSFET

Corrections to formulas and equations for the paper "A Compact Scattering Model for the Nanoscale Double-Gate MOSFET" (Rahman, A. and Lundstrom, M.S.; IEEE Trans. Electron Devices, vol. 49, no. 3, pp. 481–489, Mar. 2002) )are presented.
CD40 inhibits B cell apoptosis by upregulating bcl-xL expression and blocking oxidant accumulation

Signaling through the CD40 receptor on human and murine B lymphocytes is necessary for germinal center formation and immunoglobulin class switching in vivo and rescues B cells from apoptosis triggered by cross-linking of surface immunoglobulin M in vitro. Ligation of CD40 on the immature mouse B cell line WEHI-231 with recombinant CD40 ligand (CD40L) was found to protect cells from apoptosis after gamma irradiation, as well as that following treatment with the sphingomyelin ceramide or compounds that deplete intracellular glutathione. CD40 signaling led to a rapid increase in the expression of the apoptosis inhibitory protein Bcl-xL. In addition, the apoptosis-induced accumulation of intracellular oxidants in WEHI-231 B cells was rapidly diminished by CD40 crosslinking. This antioxidant response was observed within 1 h and coincided with a preservation of intracellular thiols. These findings indicate that CD40 signaling induces a generalized cellular resistance to apoptosis characterized by an upregulation of Bcl-xL and changes in the intracellular redox potential.
Additional Schiff-Type Reagents for Use in Cytochemistry

Twenty-four new Schiff-type reagents were discovered in a survey of 140 different dyes. These dyes include acid fuchsin, acridine yellow, acriflavine hydrochloride, azure C., Bismarck brown R, Bismarck brown Y, celestine blue B, chrysoidine 3R, chrysoidine Y extra, cresyl violet, crystal violet, gentian violet, methylene blue, neutral violet, phenosafranin, phosphine GN, proflavine, toluidine blue O, and toluylene blue. Positive results obtained with crystal violet and a few samples of methylene blue are considered due to impurities. Various chemical extractions, aldehyde blocking reagents, and enzymatic treatments were used to verify the aldehyde specificity of the above dye-SO2, reagents as well as azure A, brilliant cresyl blue, neutral red, safranin O, and thionin which have been mentioned by other workers. These reagents were tested in the Feulgen reaction for DNA and the PAS reaction for polysaccharides. Absorption curves were obtained from individual nuclei stained for DNA. The absorption peaks ran...
The classification of religions and religious classifications: a genre approach to the origin of religions

Scholars have long worried over the fact that the categories of religion that they bring to their scholarship imperfectly match folk classifications of the ‘same’ religion. The more precisely we attempt to define a religion, the more our target seems to elude our grasp. Here, I argue that by looking at religions through the lens of genre theory, we can make more sense of both the range of classifications as well as the apparent uniformity assumed by scholars and practitioners at any given moment. Religious classes are nouns. The tack taken by a genre theory is to think of genres as verbs that are either performed by producers or distinguished by critics. When the emphasis shifts to actions and decisions made by individuals, we begin to address the variations and fluctuations that could not be accounted for when religious classes were understood as either objectively or analytically given. Moreover, when religious categories are simply taken as given, we have no way to talk about the origin of new categori...
Nondeterministic Extensions of the Strong Exponential Time Hypothesis and Consequences for Non-reducibility

We introduce the Nondeterministic Strong Exponential Time Hypothesis (NSETH) as a natural extension of the Strong Exponential Time Hypothesis (SETH). We show that both refuting and proving NSETH would have interesting consequences.In particular we show that disproving NSETH would give new nontrivial circuit lower bounds. On the other hand, NSETH implies non-reducibility results, i.e. the absence of (deterministic) fine-grained reductions from SAT to a number of problems. As a consequence we conclude that unless this hypothesis fails, problems such as 3-SUM, APSP and model checking of a large class of first-order graph properties cannot be shown to be SETH-hard using deterministic or zero-error probabilistic reductions.
Exsanguination Postconditioning of ICH (EPIC-H) Using the Lancet for Brain Bleed in Rodents, Preliminary Study

Cerebral iron overload contributes to free-radical damage and secondary brain injury following intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Phlebotomy most effectively removes iron from the human body, compared with any pharmacological agent (e.g., chelator), and does not impact mean arterial blood pressure. For centuries, this ancient method was a treatment for stroke. This is the first controlled scientific evaluation of this approach after ICH. Femoral catheterization occurred at 30 min following collagenase infusion. Three different exsanguination volumes were tested: 1, 2, 3 ml (approximately 5–15 % (normotensive) loss of total blood volume; or 3.33–10 ml/kg) compared with ICH and sham controls. Brain water content, hemorrhage size, and neuroscore were measured 24 h later. Preliminary analysis of the data demonstrated that therapeutic phlebotomy occurring shortly after ICH in adult rats significantly decreased brain edema and hemorrhagic size at 1 day after the brain injury. However, the neuroscore was unchanged compared with untreated animals. Therefore, exsanguination therapy after ICH using the traditional phlebotomy approach may eventually ameliorate early brain injury (hemorrhage and edema) in further human studies, despite equivocal changes in the short-term neurological functional ability. In meantime, translational studies must further delineate the involvement of specific neuroprotective molecules, sympathetic responses, hemodynamic-vasoactive mediators, or neuroendocrine factors involved in this apparent postconditioning approach following ICH in rodents.
Initial mechanisms for the decomposition of electronically excited energetic salts: TKX-50 and MAD-X1.

Decomposition of energetic salts TKX-50 and MAD-X1 (dihydroxylammonium 5,5′-bistetrazole-1,1′-diolate and dihydroxylammonium 3,3′-dinitro-5,5′-bis-1,2,4-triazole-1,1′-diol, respectively), following electronic state excitation, is investigated both experimentally and theoretically. The NO and N2 molecules are observed as initial decomposition products from the two materials subsequent to UV excitation. Observed NO products are rotationally cold ( 1500 K). The vibrational temperature of the NO product from TKX-50 is (2600 ± 250) K, (1100 ± 250) K hotter than that produced from MAD-X1. Observed N2 products of these two species are both rotationally cold (<30 K). Initial decomposition mechanisms for these two electronically excited salts are explored at the complete active space self-consistent field (CASSCF) level. Potential energy surface calculations at the CASSCF(8,8)/6-31G(d) level illustrate that conical intersections play an essential role in the decomposition mechanisms. ...
A New Highly Fluorescent and Symmetric Pyrrole–BF2 Chromophore: BOPHY

The new fluorescent chromophore BOPHY can be readily synthesized in two steps from commercially available reagents via the coupling of pyrrole-2-carboxaldehyde with hydrazine followed by reaction with BF3. The resultant symmetric and dimeric tetracycle is composed of two BF2 units in six-membered chelate rings appended with pyrrole units on the periphery. The quantum yields of fluorescence for the unmodified compound and the tetramethyl variant are near unity, with values of 95 and 92%, respectively, in CH2Cl2. We have probed the electronic structure of this compound via cyclic voltammetry and density functional theory analysis.
Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction and Surface Immobilization of a Tricarbonyl Re(I) Compound Modified with Amide Groups

Amide bonds have been utilized as covalent linkages between photosensitizers and molecular catalysts in some supramolecular photocatalysts. It is unclear how the presence of amide groups affects pr...
Effect of Age Restrictions and Pornographic Content on Desirability of Reading Material

S1mrnasy.-Evaluation of reading materials by 96 male and 96 female subjects under 21 yr. of age was investigated for combinations of age restriction and pornographic content. lnformation purportedly from a book's cover indicated the book was pornographic to half the subjects and that the purchase of the book was restricted to those 21 yr. and older for half of the subjects. Combinations of pornographic content (indicated, not indicated) and age restrictions (21 yr. and older, no indication) defined the rreaunent for both sexes. A significant interaction of age restriction and pornographic content was obtained for dependent measures of wanting to read and perceived liking of the book. In both cases, age restriction had a significant effect (higher ratings when the book was said to be restricted) when no explicit pornographic content was indicated. However, when the book was indicated to be pornographic, ratings under the restricted and unrestricted conditions did not differ. These results partially support the prediction from commodity theory that restricting the availability of materials increases their desirability. It was suggested that a social desirability response-set may have influenced ratings when the book was said to be pornographic. The concern over control of pornographic materials, especially since the United States Supreme Court decision of June 21, 1973, has raised a number of moral and legal questions. Zellinger, Fromkin, Speller, and Kohn ( 1975) noted that the consideration of control of pornographic materials has neglected the issues of the effect that restriction of materials may have on the intended receiver. In an application of commodity theory to erotic materials, Fromkin and Brock (1973) suggested that imposing restrictions on the sale or purchase of these materials may actually increase the desirability of the materials. According to commodity theory, restricting the availability of some commodity will result in an increase in the desirability of that material and an increase in the person's effort to obtain it (see Fromkin & Brock, 1973). Zellinger, et al. (1975) investigated the effects of age restriction on the desirability of materials presented with and without explicit pornographic reference. They found subjects wanted to read and perceived liking of a book more when it was said to be pornographic and when an age restriction was applied to its purchase. However, even when pornographic content was covaried out, the material was still significantly more desirable when an age restriction was indicated. The purpose of the present study was to replicate the Zellinger, et al. (1975) study (which used all male subjects) and to include female subjects, all of whom were under the age restriction imposed on the materials.
On some amphipod species of the genus Haploops, with special reference to H. Tubicola liljeborg and H. tenuis sp. nov. from the Øresund

Abstract Haploops tubicola Liljeborg is in part refigured and redescribed on new material from Liljeborg's type locality - the northern part of the Oresund; the drawings by G. O. Sars (1895) are not in accordance with the present material. A new species Haploops tenuis n. sp., is found to cohabit with the former species in the Haploops community. Although rather similar, the two species differ in external morphology, in number and size of eggs, in adult size, in parasite infestation, and in number of hepato-pancreatic caeca. Haploops spinosa Shoemaker, partly established because Shoemaker's specimens differed from Sars' illustrations of H. tubicola, is accordingly reconsidered and the two species are found to be synonymous. Haploops laevis Hoek, as treated in recent literature, is revised with reference to the description by Stebbing (1893–1904); additional information from freshly collected specimens from West Greenland is given, and the distribution is revised since specimens found in this area have bee...
Abstract 25: Favorable Modifiable Cardiovascular Risk Profile is Associated with Lower Healthcare Costs: The 2012 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey

Background: The AHA’s 2020 Strategic Goals emphasize the value of favorable modifiable risk factor (MRF) profile to reduce the burden of CVD morbidity and mortality. In this study we aimed to quantify the overall and incremental impact of MRF on health care expenditure in the U.S among those with and without CVD. Methods: The study population was derived from the 2012 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS), a nationally representative adult sample (≥ 40 years). Direct costs were calculated for all-cause health care resource utilization. Variables of interest included CVD diagnoses (coronary artery disease, stroke, peripheral artery disease, dysrhythmias or heart failure), ascertained by ICD-9-CM codes, and MRF (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, smoking, physical activity and/or obesity). Two-part econometric models were utilized to study cost data; a generalized linear model with gamma distribution and link log was used to assess expenditures, taking into consideration the survey’s complex design. Results: The final study sample consisted of 15,651 MEPS participants (57 ± 12 years, 52% female). Overall, 6,231 (39%) had 0-1, 7,429 (49%) had 2-3, and 1,991 (12%) had ≥ 4 MRF, translating to 55.5, 69.9 and 17.9 million adults ≥ 40 years in U.S, respectively. Generally, there was a direct decrease in health expenditures with favorable MRF across CVD status (Table). These differences persisted after taking into account demographics, insurance status and comorbid conditions. Among those without established CVD, the average medical expenditure was $4,013 (95% CI 5,117, 2,910) and $2,696 (95% CI 4,416, 977) lower for those with 0-1 & 2-3 MRF, as compared to those with ≥ 4 MRF. Conclusion: Favorable MRF profile is associated with significantly lower medical expenditure among individuals with and without established CVD. Our study provides robust estimates for potential healthcare savings with nationwide policies focusing on preventing and managing modifiable CV risk factors.
Forces Driving Chaperone Action

It is still unclear what molecular forces drive chaperone-mediated protein folding. Here, we obtain a detailed mechanistic understanding of the forces that dictate the four key steps of chaperone-client interaction: initial binding, complex stabilization, folding, and release. Contrary to the common belief that chaperones recognize unfolding intermediates by their hydrophobic nature, we discover that the model chaperone Spy uses long-range electrostatic interactions to rapidly bind to its unfolded client protein Im7. Short-range hydrophobic interactions follow, which serve to stabilize the complex. Hydrophobic collapse of the client protein then drives its folding. By burying hydrophobic residues in its core, the client's affinity to Spy decreases, which causes client release. By allowing the client to fold itself, Spy circumvents the need for client-specific folding instructions. This mechanism might help explain how chaperones can facilitate the folding of various unrelated proteins.
Picosecond Transient Absorption and Dichroism Studies on Excitation Transfer in Allophycocyanin

Excitation transfer processes in allophycocyanin have been studied as a function of aggregation state using a picosecond absorption/linear dichroism spectrometer that employs a polarization and amplitude modulation technique.
Advanced Oxidation and Reduction Process Radical Generation in the Laboratory and on a Large Scale: An Overview

To augment titional adsorptive and chemical–physical water treatments for the complete remediation of chemically contaminated waters, ical-based advanced oxidation and reduction processes (AO/RPs) are being considered for large-scale use. Although most AO/RPs use hydroxyl radicals in treatments, the use of other oxidizing and reducing radicals is also of interest. In this overview chapter, the chemistry behind the AO/RP-based generation of these radicals, in both the laboratory and large-scale situations, is presented along with the important reactions that highlight the reactivities of these radicals. Specific examples of radical reactions with contaminant chemicals are presented to highlight this chemistry.
Madrasas and Scholars in Ottoman Lands

It is proper to start with the caveat that the extant sources on madrasas and scholars during the early Ottoman period (1300–1453) are very few. In addition, studies on this topic have not, in my view, exploited the available sources to their full capacity. Thus, for the time being, it is impossible to draw a satisfactory picture of madrasas, scholars, and the relationship of both with the Ottomans during this period. The results of my study on this topic are therefore mostly provisional and open to revision. Madrasas in the Early Ottoman Period The Ottomans’ expansion came mostly at the expense of their Christian neighbors. Beginning their enterprise in northwestern Anatolia during the early fourteenth century, the early sultans and their men usually advanced westward and captured territories belonging to the Byzantine Empire or to the Serbian and Bulgarian kingdoms. Although the Ottomans later captured some lands from Anatolian principalities, the annexed territories in which Islam had been established before their arrival were very few during the early Ottoman period. Thus, in most Ottoman territories, it was the Ottomans who first established madrasas. The early Ottoman sultans, their men, and other benefactors who established madrasas all followed the traditional template that had existed at least since the eleventh century. In addition to constructing a building in which to train and accommodate students, they donated revenue-yielding property to cover the related expenses ( vakf ) and drew up endowment deeds ( vakfiye ) to stipulate, for example, how the building could be used and how much its staff would be paid. The continuous construction of madrasas and their ubiquity constitute indisputable evidence of the Ottoman interest in madrasas, scholars, and their services. Madrasas first spread in the Anatolian lands of the Ottomans; beginning in the early fifteenth century, they began to appear also in Rumeli. Table 2.1 shows that the members of the Ottoman dynasty (sultans, princes, and women) founded fewer madrasas than those constructed and endowed by other people, including viziers, statesmen, and scholars (23 as opposed to 46). This difference is significant: it indicates the prevalence of interest in legal and religious education throughout the upper classes and reflects the dynasty's lack of a monopoly on madrasa construction. Further study is required to reveal whether and how the identity of a madrasa's founder affected the status of the scholars hired to teach there.
Other Methods of Investigation

In a text of this kind, mention can only be made of the indications, risks, and basic information to be obtained from these highly complicated techniques. Even in the most adequately equipped laboratory, staffed by highly trained operators, the basic question to be satisfied is that the information to be obtained from a contemplated procedure justifies the risks.
Grading and Motivation of Student Teams Working on Industry-Sponsored Mechanical Design Projects

The guiding principles adopted for teaching the Comprehensive Mechanical Design course in the Department of Mechanical Engineering of Auburn University are presented. These were introduced to better serve the need for well-trained engineering personnel, where technical skills must be combined with good communication and management skills.
Structured Wii protocol for rehabilitation of shoulder impingement syndrome: A pilot study.

Abstract Objective To determine the feasibility and efficacy of using a structured Nintendo Wii protocol to improve range of motion, strength, and quality of life in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome. Methods A total of 14 patients with shoulder pain were randomized to perform a structured Wii protocol ( n = 8) or conventional therapy ( n = 6). Pain-free shoulder range of motion, strength, shoulder pain and disability, and quality of life were assessed pre- and post-treatment. Results All 8 patients completed the Wii protocol, and 3 completed conventional therapy. The Wii protocol conferred significant improvements in shoulder range of motion, pain and disability, and quality of life but not strength, whereas conventional therapy conferred a significant improvement in strength. Conclusions As compared to conventional treatment, the structured Wii protocol implemented in this pilot study was a viable adjunct to therapy for shoulder impingement syndrome. Gaming may have a supplemental benefit by increasing motivation, pleasure, and/or adherence. Further investigation in larger cohorts is warranted.
Iodinated polyesters as a versatile platform for radiopaque biomaterials

The design of polymeric biomaterials with long-lasting X-ray contrast could advance safe and effective implants and contrast agents. Herein, a new set of wholly aliphatic, iodinated polyesters are synthesized and evaluated as high-contrast biomaterials and nanoparticle contrast agents for general computed tomography imaging. A single iodinated monomer is used to synthesize a variety of aliphatic polyesters with tunable thermal and mechanical properties. These iodinated polyesters are end-functionalized with a photocurable methacrylate group, which allows easy processability. The resulting materials exhibit no cytotoxicity and are radiopaque, containing over 40% iodine by weight after processing. The polymers can be formulated into lipid–polymer hybrid nanoparticles using a modified nanoprecipitation method. Initial studies indicate that these nanoparticles show good continual contrast over 60 minutes with no uptake into the kidneys. The work presented here illustrates a novel platform for iodinated polyesters that exhibit high radiopacity and processability, low cost, and no cytotoxicity. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017
A review of web-based chronic disease self-management for older adults

Objective To examine the current evidence related to the efficacy of web-based chronic disease self-management interventions (web-based SM) for older populations. Methods A search of experimental and quasi-experimental publications related to older adults and web-based SM was conducted. The search identified 12 articles representing 10 distinct studies that were used for review and critique. Results Articles most frequently investigated web-based SM targeting diabetes and heart disease. Interventions incorporated a variety of technologies including visual-charting, instant messenger, among others. Overall the web-based SM for older adults resulted in positive effects for most outcomes, including: healthcare utilization, depression, loneliness, social support, quality of life, self-efficacy, anxiety, disease specific outcomes, functioning levels, diet, exercise, and health status. Discussion While these studies suggest that web-based SM may be effective in producing positive health outcomes for older adults, more research is needed to focus on the efficacy and appropriateness of such interventions for older adults.
Robust generation of constrained B-spline curves based on automatic differentiation and fairness optimization

Abstract This paper details the use of automatic differentiation in form parameter driven curve design by constrained optimization. Computer aided design, computer aided engineering (CAD/CAE), and particularly computer aided ship hull design (CASHD) are typically implemented as interactive processes in which the user obtains desired shapes by manipulation of control vertices. A fair amount of trial and error is needed to achieve the desired properties. In the variational form parameter approach taken here, the system computes vertices so that the resulting curve meets the specifications and is optimized with respect to a fairness criteria. Implementation of curve design as an optimization problem requires extensive derivative calculations. The paper illustrates how the programming burden can be eased through the use of automatic differentiation techniques. A variational curve design framework has been implemented in Python, and applications to CASHD curve design are shown. The new method is robust and allows great flexibility in the selection of constraints. Offsets, tangents, and curvature may be imposed anywhere along the curve. Form parameters may also be used to define straight segments within a curve, require the curve to enclose specified forms, or specify relationships between curve properties.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a direct bridge to heart transplantation in adults

Abstract Objectives Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) use as a bridge to transplant is extremely infrequent in adults. We investigated patient outcomes of the use of ECMO as bridge to transplant. Methods United Network of Organ Sharing provided de-identified patient-level data. Between 2003 and 2016, 25,168 adult recipients were identified. Of these, 107 (0.4%) were bridged with ECMO and 6148 (24.4%) were bridged with a continuous-flow left ventricular assist device. Results Patients in ECMO group were younger, more likely to have severely disabled functional status, shorter waitlist time, and were more frequently mechanically ventilated than were patients in the continuous-flow left ventricular assist device group. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated estimated posttransplant survival of 73.1% versus 93.1% at 90 days ( P P P = .025) and 3 years (69.3% vs 82.2%; P = .054). Among the ECMO patients, multivariable logistic and Cox regression analyses showed model for end-stage liver disease excluding international normalized ratio (MELD-XI) score to be the sole contributor to both 90-day (odds ratio, 1.94; 95% confidence interval, 1.00-3.76; P = .050) and 3-year mortality (hazard ratio, 1.47; 95% confidence interval, 1.16-1.88; P = .002). ECMO-supported patients with a high MELD-XI score (>17) were associated with poor posttransplant survival compared with those with a low MELD-XI score ( P P Conclusions Bridge to transplant with ECMO was associated with increased early/mid-term mortality, especially in patients with a high MELD-XI score who demonstrated > 50% 3-year mortality. These findings may help to inform future organ allocation policies.
Fast Slip Velocity in a High-Entropy Alloy

Due to fluctuations in nearest-neighbor distances and chemistry within the unit cell, high-entropy alloys are believed to have a much higher resistance to dislocation motion than pure crystals. Here, we investigate the coarse-grained dynamics of a number of dislocations being active during a slip event. We found that the time-resolved dynamics of slip is practically identical in Au〈001〉 and an Al0.3CoCrFeNi〈001〉 high-entropy alloy, but much faster than in Nb〈001〉. Differences between the FCC-crystals are seen in the spatiotemporal velocity profile, with faster acceleration and slower velocity relaxation in the high-entropy alloy. Assessing distributions that characterize the intermittently evolving plastic flow reveals material-dependent scaling exponents for size, duration, and velocity–size distributions. The results are discussed in view of the underlying dislocation mobility.
AMERICAS, CARIBBEAN | The Greater Antilles and Bahamas

From its early peopling at 4200 BC to its conquest by Europeans in the fifteenth century, the Greater Antilles and Bahama archipelago was the site of repeated migrations, colonizations, and cultural influences from Central and northeastern South America; local island adaptations and innovations; and extensive inter-island and continental interactions. The diverse cultures who occupied these islands are known to us through their rich material and subsistence remains that reflect complex religious beliefs and practices, varied social systems, highly stratified political systems, adaptive land management practices, sophisticated sea-faring capabilities, and a unique system of Caribbean plant and animal use. Here, where the Columbus landfall and European colonization of the Americas first occurred, the earliest images of the American Indian were created in the European imagination and the contributions of American Indians to European culture were initially experienced.
Donald’s Dick: A Man Against the Institutions

Donald Trump ran for President of the United States less on a policy platform than as an embodiment of masculinity, an eroticized power to fuck and fight, to rebound and protect America’s territorial body from alien penetration by non-white and non-Christian immigrants and to identify America with military force, not moral might. This was and is the content of Trump’s charisma, of his anti-institutional force that now threatens the liberal order abroad and at home. We have understood that sex has a power; Trump reminds us that power has a sex.