cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The design, implementation and acceptability of an integrated intervention to address multiple behavioral and psychosocial risk factors among pregnant African American women

African American women are at increased risk for poor pregnancy outcomes compared to other racial-ethnic groups. Single or multiple psychosocial and behavioral factors may contribute to this risk. Most interventions focus on singular risks. This paper describes the design, implementation, challenges faced, and acceptability of a behavioral counseling intervention for low income, pregnant African American women which integrated multiple targeted risks into a multi-component format. Six academic institutions in Washington, DC collaborated in the development of a community-wide, primary care research study, DC-HOPE, to improve pregnancy outcomes. Cigarette smoking, environmental tobacco smoke exposure, depression and intimate partner violence were the four risks targeted because of their adverse impact on pregnancy. Evidence-based models for addressing each risk were adapted and integrated into a multiple risk behavior intervention format. Pregnant women attending six urban prenatal clinics were screened for eligibility and risks and randomized to intervention or usual care. The 10-session intervention was delivered in conjunction with prenatal and postpartum care visits. Descriptive statistics on risk factor distributions, intervention attendance and length (i.e., with < 4 sessions considered minimal adherence) for all enrolled women (n = 1,044), and perceptions of study participation from a sub-sample of those enrolled (n = 152) are reported. Forty-eight percent of women screened were eligible based on presence of targeted risks, 76% of those eligible were enrolled, and 79% of those enrolled were retained postpartum. Most women reported a single risk factor (61%); 39% had multiple risks. Eighty-four percent of intervention women attended at least one session (60% attended ≥ 4 sessions) without disruption of clinic scheduling. Specific risk factor content was delivered as prescribed in 80% or more of the sessions; 78% of sessions were fully completed (where all required risk content was covered). Ninety-three percent of the subsample of intervention women had a positive view of their relationship with their counselor. Most intervention women found the session content helpful. Implementation challenges of addressing multiple risk behaviors are discussed. While implementation adjustments and flexibility are necessary, multiple risk behavioral interventions can be implemented in a prenatal care setting without significant disruption of services, and with a majority of referred African American women participating in and expressing satisfaction with treatment sessions.
Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction: equine Cushing's disease

PPID in older equids has become a major health concern of horse owners. In response, equine practitioners have made greater efforts at understanding, diagnosing, and treating this disorder. Although PPID is recognized to be a different form of pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism than is seen in canine or human patients, relatively little is known about the pathophysiology and natural progression of the disease. At present, the diagnosis is best supported by manifestation of characteristic clinical signs and endocrinologic test results, preferably a supportive DST result. Treatment must focus on improving overall health care, including body clipping, dentistry, and nutrition. As the condition progresses, administration of pergolide or a combination of pergolide and cyproheptadine is currently considered the best medical treatment. The time point at which medication should be added to improved health care and management changes is not currently known, but loss of body condition and development of hyperglycemia suggest more advanced PPID that would likely benefit from drug therapy. Whether medical treatment needs to be continuous or could be intermittent is also unknown. As the demand for treatment of affected equids continues to increase, clinical response and endocrinologic testing data as well as pharmacologic data for currently used drugs and other agents should be expected. Similarly, novel medical, and perhaps surgical, treatment strategies for this condition should also be anticipated in the future.
Synaptotagmin I is involved in the regulation of cortical granule exocytosis in the sea urchin.

Cortical granules are stimulus-dependent secretory vesicles found in the egg cortex of most vertebrates and many invertebrates. Upon fertilization, an increase in intracellular calcium levels triggers cortical granules to exocytose enzymes and structural proteins that permanently modify the extracellular surface of the egg to prevent polyspermy. Synaptotagmin is postulated to be a calcium sensor important for stimulus-dependent secretion and to test this hypothesis for cortical granule exocytosis, we identified the ortholog in two sea urchin species that is present selectively on cortical granules. Characterization by RT-PCR, in-situ RNA hybridization, Western blot and immunolocalization shows that synaptotagmin I is expressed in a manner consistent with it having a role during cortical granule secretion. We specifically tested synaptotagmin function during cortical granule exocytosis using a microinjected antibody raised against the entire cytoplasmic domain of sea urchin synaptotagmin I. The results show that synaptotagmin I is essential for normal cortical granule dynamics at fertilization in the sea urchin egg. Identification of this same protein in other developmental stages also shown here will be important for interpreting stimulus-dependent secretory events for signaling throughout embryogenesis. Mol. Reprod. Dev. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Double encoding—A technique for reducing storage requirement of text

Abstract Many recent advances have been made in data storage and communications media. However, the explosive proliferation of information and the continuous growth of data applications are outgrowing any technological advances in storage devices and communications tools. Data compression offers an attractive approach to alleviate many of the problems associated with data proliferation. In this paper, we present a new double compression scheme for text, program source and documentation files. The first phase of compression is a dictionary-based method that also uses run-length encoding. The second phase of compression is based on utilizing the distributional and correlational properties of the output of the first phase. The technique achieves high degrees of compression and is further enhanced by the hardware assistance that VLSI technology will eventually offer to the realization of data compression techniques.
Mechanical, biochemical, and extracellular matrix effects on vascular smooth muscle cell phenotype

The vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) is surrounded by a complex extracellular matrix that provides and modulates a variety of biochemical and mechanical cues that guide cell function. Conventional two-dimensional monolayer culture systems recreate only a portion of the cellular environment, and therefore there is increasing interest in developing more physiologically relevant three-dimensional culture systems. This review brings together recent studies on how mechanical, biochemical, and extracellular matrix stimulation can be applied to study VSMC function and how the combination of these factors leads to changes in phenotype. Particular emphasis is placed on in vitro experimental studies in which multiple stimuli are combined, especially in three-dimensional culture systems and in vascular tissue engineering applications. These studies have provided new insight into how VSMC phenotype is controlled, and they have underscored the interdependence of biochemical and mechanical signaling. Future improvements in creating more complex in vitro culture environments will lead to a better understanding of VSMC biology, new treatments for vascular disease, as well as improved blood vessel substitutes.
Analytical expressions of the collision frequency function for aggregation of magnetic particles

Expressions are derived for the collision frequency function for particles whose dipoles are randomly oriented and aligned in magnetic fields. Closed form expressions obtained in this work by making mathematical approximations are in good agreement with numerical solutions of the exact forms of the potential expressions and those reported in the literature. Non-dimensional parameter (A) constraints for the validity of these expressions are derived. These expressions are then used in a simple population balance expression to illustrate their importance under a range of values of physical parameters encountered in practical systems.
Outcomes for Resident-Identified High-Risk Patients and Resident Perspectives of Year-End Continuity Clinic Handoffs

BACKGROUND Many patients nationwide change their primary care physician (PCP) when internal medicine (IM) residents graduate. Few studies have examined this handoff.
Fabricating nanometer-scale Ag lines and islands on Cu(100) surfaces

Abstract We have fabricated epitaxially grown Ag lines on Cu(100) surfaces which are 5 nm wide by several tens of nanometers long by up to four atomic layers high. This was accomplished by first templating the surface with a self-assembled array of islands of an atomic nitrogen-induced structure. These N-islands are sufficiently inert that Ag growth occurs preferentially in the regions of clean surface between the N-islands. Ag growth onto a completely saturated Cu(100)-c(2×2)N surface results in nanometer-scale single crystals of Ag.
Sample Size Determination for Health Psychology Interventions with Binomially Distributed Outcomes

Health intervention outcomes are often assessed as binomially distributed variables. In designing such interventions it is important to model the pre-intervention rate of the target behavior when performing sample size calculations. Unfortunately, the majority of sample size programs model post-intervention outcomes only, which results in exaggerated sample size estimates. An exception is Yoo and Spoth's (1993) conditional binomial method of sample size determination. This approach explicitly models pre-intervention behavior by focusing on baserate-adjusted post-intervention outcomes, and always results in smaller sample size estimates than conventional approaches. Advantages of the conditional binomial method are discussed and user-friendly software is presented.
Design and development of an electromechanical ultrasound probe holder for urodynamics testing

A prevalent difficulty in urodynamics studies employing ultrasonography is associated with the manual application of the imaging transducer to the perineum. We have developed an electromechanically operated device for remote positioning of an ultra-sound probe during voiding studies of the lower urinary tract. The mechanical arm holds the probe inside a funnel that is mounted underneath a modified portable commode on which the patient is seated. External manually operated mechanical slides are used to translate the probe along the three primary axes for initial lateral and vertical positioning. Backwards/forwards and left/right pivoting of the transducer is then accomplished via linear stepper motors that are operated with a hand-held controller. A preliminary evaluation has shown that the device is easy to use, safe, and allows excellent visualization of the bladder outlet and proximal urethra in both male and female patients. The capability to remotely adjust the imaging angle allows the patient to void in a more private setting behind a drawn curtain, thereby minimizing the psychological distress associated with this test and facilitating the acquisition of more physiological test results.
Mg-Ti: A Possible Biodegradable, Biocompatible, Mechanically Matched Material for Temporary Implants

In recent years there has been a renewed interest in magnesium alloys for applications as temporary biomedical implants because magnesium is both biocompatible and biodegradable. However, the rapid corrosion rate of magnesium in physiological environments has prevented its successful use for temporary implants. Since alloying is one of the routes to slow down corrosion, we report in this publication our investigation of Mg-Ti alloys fabricated by high-energy ball milling as possible materials for biocompatible and biodegradable implants. Titanium was chosen mainly because of its proven biocompatibility and corrosion resistance. Corrosion tests carried out by immersing the Mg-Ti alloys in Hank’s Solution at 37°C showed significantly improved corrosion resistance of the alloy in comparison to pure magnesium. Thus, Mg-Ti alloys are promising new biodegradable and biocompatible materials for temporary implants.
Non-parametric-validated computer-simulation surrogates: a Pareto formulation

In the surrogate approach to simulation-based optimization, the large-scale simulation is evoked only to construct and validate a simplified input–output model; this simplified input–output model then serves as a simulation surrogate in subsequent engineering optimization studies. We present here ‘basic’ and Pareto surrogate formulations through an illustrative application from fluid dynamics. The critical ingredient of both formulations is a non-parametric statistical validation and error estimation procedure which, based on verifiable hypotheses, precisely quantifies the effect of surrogate-for-simulation substitution on system predictability, stability, and optimality. The Pareto formulation improves upon the basic approach by operating only in the vicinity of the efficient frontier of the output achievable set for problems with many inputs and few outputs, this considerably reduces the dimensionality of the problem, and correspondingly improves the surrogate error estimates. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Update on botulinum neurotoxin use in aesthetic dermatology

Botulinum toxins are among the most widely studied and versatile drugs in the medicinal market. Since their extraction from Clostridium botulinum, they have been harnessed and incorporated into different formulations with varied properties and actions. These products have been used to treat countless disorders such as musculoskeletal disorders, headaches, and eye disorders, among many others. In the realm of aesthetic cutaneous medicine, the evolution and creativity in the use of botulinum toxins has been swift and ever changing. Knowledge of the science and innovation behind this toxin enables the user to provide the patient with a variety of treatment options founded in evidence-based medicine. This review will highlight the properties and actions of the newer, more recent neurotoxin preparations, as well as some of the latest and novel therapeutic applications of botulinum toxins.
The Origins of the United Nations’ Global Counter-Terrorism System

This article explains the origins of the United Nations’ global counter-terrorism system. We argue that three factors shaped the system’s decentralized and state-centered characteristics. The first is the UN’s reactions to terrorism prior to the attacks of 11 September 2001. The second factor is the growing relevance of transnational governance networks. The third force is the interests and concerns of the Security Council’s permanent representatives, which ultimately shaped the system’s architecture.
Optimal Depth and Duration of Mild Hypothermia in a Focal Model of Transient Cerebral Ischemia: Effects on Neurologic Outcome, Infarct Size, Apoptosis, and Inflammation

Background and Purpose —Mild hypothermia is possibly the single most effective method of cerebroprotection developed to date. However, many questions regarding mild hypothermia remain to be addressed before its potential implementation in the treatment of human stroke. Here we report the results of 2 studies designed to determine the optimal depth and duration of mild hypothermia in focal stroke and its effects on infarct size, neurological outcome, programmed cell death, and inflammation. Methods —Rats underwent a 2-hour occlusion of the left middle cerebral artery. In the first study (I) animals were kept (intraischemically) at either 37°C (n=8), 33°C (n=8), or 30°C (n=8). Study II consisted of 4 groups: (1) controls (37°C, n=10), (2) 30 minutes of hypothermia started at ischemic onset (33°C, n=9), (3)1 hour (33°C, n=8), and (4) 2 hours (33°C, n=8). Brain temperature was measured by a thermocouple probe placed in the contralateral cortex. After suture removal, all animals were rewarmed and reperfused for 22 hours (I) or 70 hours (II). Results —Mild hypothermia to 33°C or 30°C was neuroprotective (17±7% and 27±6%, respectively) relative to controls (53±8%, P <0.02), but 33°C was better tolerated and recovery from anesthesia was faster. The neurological score of hypothermic animals was significantly better than that of controls (I & II) at both 24 and 72 hours postischemia except for the 30-minute group (II), which showed no improvement. In Study II, 2 hours of hypothermia reduced injury by 59%, 1 hour reduced injury by 84% whereas 30 minutes did not reduce injury. Normalized for infarct size, 2 hours of mild hypothermia decreased neutrophil accumulation by 57% whereas both 1 hour and 30 minutes had no effect. At 72 hours, 1 and 2 hours of mild hypothermia decreased transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining by 78% and 99%, respectively, and 30 minutes of hypothermia had no effect. Conclusions —Intraischemic mild hypothermia must be maintained for 1 to 2 hours to obtain optimal neuroprotection against ischemic cell death due to necrosis and apoptosis.
Radicalization into Violent Extremism I: A Review of Social Science Theories

In discourse about countering terrorism, the term "radicalization" is widely used, but remains poorly defined. To focus narrowly on ideological radicalization risks implying that radical beliefs are a proxy—or at least a necessary precursor—for terrorism, though we know this not to be true.Different pathways and mechanisms of terrorism involvement operate in different ways for different people at different points in time and perhaps in different contexts. This article explores the problems in defining radicalization and radicalism, and suggests that radicalization—and more specifically, involvement in terrorism—might best be viewed as a set of diverse processes. It goes on to review several potentially promising theories that might support further study of those processes, including social movement theory, social psychology, and conversion theory. Finally, it describes some possible frameworks for understanding how the processes might facilitate terrorism-related behavior. This article is available in Journal of Strategic Security: http://scholarcommons.usf.edu/jss/vol4/iss4/2 Journal of Strategic Security Volume 4 Issue 4 2011, pp. 7-36 DOI: 10.5038/1944-0472.4.4.1 Journal of Strategic Security (c) 2011 ISSN: 1944-0464 eISSN: 1944-0472 7 Radicalization into Violent Extremism I: A Review of Social Science Theories Randy Borum University of South Florida wborum@usf.edu
Message propagation in a cooperative network with asynchronous receptions

We consider a wireless network in which a single source transmits its message with the help of multiple cooperative relays. In our model, the source broadcasts the message and the relays retransmit it as soon as they are able to produce an inference of acceptable quality. If the network is dense, multiple nodes quasi-synchronously retransmit the source message, acting as groups of cooperative relays, thereby increasing the range of transmission. We analyze the behavior of such cooperative networks with respect to parameters such as the source and relay transmission powers by deriving a dynamic system model using a continuum asymptote as the number of relay nodes goes to infinity. The methodology developed can be used to analyze the performance of other cooperative protocols.
Acinetobacter Baumannii: Epidemiology, Antimicrobial Resistance, and Treatment Options

Multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii is recognized to be among the most difficult antimicrobial-resistant gram-negative bacilli to control and treat. Increasing antimicrobial resistance among Acinetobacter isolates has been documented, although definitions of multidrug resistance vary in the literature. A. baumannii survives for prolonged periods under a wide range of environmental conditions. The organism causes outbreaks of infection and health care-associated infections, including bacteremia, pneumonia, meningitis, urinary tract infection, and wound infection. Antimicrobial resistance greatly limits the therapeutic options for patients who are infected with this organism, especially if isolates are resistant to the carbapenem class of antimicrobial agents. Because therapeutic options are limited for multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter infection, the development or discovery of new therapies, well-controlled clinical trials of existing antimicrobial regimens and combinations, and greater emphasis on the prevention of health care-associated transmission of multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter infection are essential.
Hydrogel design for cartilage tissue engineering: A case study with hyaluronic acid

Hyaline cartilage serves as a low-friction and wear-resistant articulating surface in load-bearing, diarthrodial joints. Unfortunately, as the avascular, alymphatic nature of cartilage significantly impedes the body’s natural ability to regenerate, damage resulting from trauma and osteoarthritis necessitates repair attempts. Current clinical methods are generally limited in their ability to regenerate functional cartilage, and so research in recent years has focused on tissue engineering solutions in which the regeneration of cartilage is pursued through combinations of cells (e.g., chondrocytes or stem cells) paired with scaffolds (e.g., hydrogels, sponges, and meshes) in conjunction with stimulatory growth factors and bioreactors. A variety of synthetic and natural materials have been employed, most commonly in the form of hydrogels, and these systems have been tuned for optimal nutrient diffusion, connectivity of deposited matrix, degradation, soluble factor delivery, and mechanical loading for enhanced matrix production and organization. Even with these promising advances, the complex mechanical properties and biochemical composition of native cartilage have not been achieved, and engineering cartilage tissue still remains a significant challenge. Using hyaluronic acid hydrogels as an example, this review will follow the progress of material design specific to cartilage tissue engineering and propose possible future directions for the field.
Tumor necrosis factor-α and total parenteral nutrition-induced anorexia*

Background. We hypothesize that total parenteral nutrition (TPN) induces anorexia by an increase in anorexigenic cytokines (factors with central action via the hypothalamus) and tested this hypothesis by measuring changes in food intake and cytokines in response to TPN. Methods. Fischer rats with an internal jugular catheter and ad libitum food received saline solution for 10 days. On day 11, rats were randomized to TPN (G :F :AA = 50 :30 :20) for 4 days (days 11 through 14) ; control rats received on saline solution for 5 days. On day 14, one half of the TPN group was switched back to saline solution for 1 day. Daily food intake was measured. On day 14 in one half of all rats and on day 15 in the remaining, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-1α were measured in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Spontaneous in vitro TNF-α and IL-1α were also measured in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Results. With TPN, an 80% decrease (p < 0.01) in food intake occurred ; plasma TNF-α increased (78 ± 9 pg/ml vs undetectable ; p < 0.001), and IL-1α was undetectable. Spontaneous in vitro TNF-α and IL-1α production were unchanged. Stoppage of TPN led to return toward normal of food intake and plasma TNF-α. TNF-α and IL-1α in CSF were undetectable in both groups during and after TPN. Conclusion. Increase in plasma TNF-α with no increase in CSF-TNF-α during TPN, when food intake decreased, suggests an association between TPN and TNF-α but not necessarily cause and effect.
HEURISTICS FOR INTEGER PROGRAMMING USING SURROGATE CONSTRAINTS

This paper proposes a class of surrogate constraint heuristics for obtaining approximate, near optimal solutions to integer programming problems. These heuristics are based on a simple framework that illuminates the character of several earlier heuristic proposals and provides a variety of new alternatives. The paper also proposes additional heuristics that can be used either to supplement the surrogate constraint procedures or to provide independent solution strategies. Preliminary computational results are reported for applying one of these alternatives to a class of nonlinear generalized set covering problems involving approximately 100 constraints and 300–500 integer variables. The solutions obtained by the tested procedure had objective function values twice as good as values obtained by standard approaches (e.g., reducing the best objective function values of other methods from 85 to 40 on the average. Total solution time for the tested procedure ranged from ten to twenty seconds on the CDC 6600.
Dark side illuminated: imaging of Toxoplasma gondii through the decades

In the more than 100 years since its discovery, our knowledge of Toxoplasma biology has improved enormously. The evolution of molecular biology, immunology and genomics has had profound influences on our understanding of this ubiquitous bug. However, it could be argued that in science today the adage "seeing is believing" has never been truer. Images are highly influential and in the time since the first description of T. gondii, advances in microscopy and imaging technology have been and continue to be dramatic. In this review we recount the discovery of T. gondii and the contribution of imaging techniques to elucidating its life cycle, biology and the immune response of its host.
Tethered function assays using 3' untranslated regions.

Proteins that regulate mRNA metabolism are often bipartite: an RNA binding activity confers substrate specificity, and a "functional" domain elicits the biological outcome. In some cases, these two activities reside on different polypeptides that form a complex on the mRNA. Regardless, experimental separation of RNA binding from function facilitates analysis of both properties, liberating each from the constraints of the other. "Tethered function" assays bring a protein to a reporter RNA through a designed RNA-protein interaction. The function of the tethered protein-whether that be stability, translation, localization, or transport, or otherwise-is then assessed. We refer to this approach as a "tethered function" assay, since it can be examined. The approach does not require knowledge of the natural RNA binding sites, or of the composition of the naturally occurring protein complexes. It can be useful in dissecting how proteins that act on RNAs work, and in identifying active components of multiprotein complexes. RNA-binding proteins previously have been linked to foreign RNA-binding specificities, for a wide variety of purposes. We emphasize here the particular value of tethering to the 3' untranslated region of eukaryotic mRNAs, and the opportunities it presents for the analysis of how those mRNAs are regulated. We discuss experimental design, as well as published and potential applications.
Design space minimization with timing and code size optimization for embedded DSP

One of the most challenging problems in high-level synthesis is how to quickly explore a wide range of design options to achieve high-quality designs. This paper presents an Integrated Framework for Design Optimization and Space Minimization (IDOM) towards finding the minimum configuration satisfying timing and code size constraints. We show an effective way to reduce the design space to be explored through the study of the fundamental properties and relations among multiple design parameters, such as retiming value, unfolding factor, timing, and code size. Theoreies are presented to produce a small set of feasible design choices with provable quality. IDOM algorithm is proposed to generate high-quality design by integrating performance and code size optimization techniques. The experimental results on a set of DSP benchmarks show the efficiency and effectiveness of the IDOM algorithm. It constantly generates the minimal configuration for all the benchmarks. The cost of design space exploration using IDOM is only 3% of that using the standard method.
Investigating Two Approaches for Adding Feature Ranking to Sampled Ensemble Learning for Software Quality Estimation

Defect prediction is very challenging in software development practice. Classification models are useful tools that can help for such prediction. Classification models can classify program modules into quality-based classes, e.g. fault-prone (fp) or not-fault-prone (nfp). This facilitates the allocation of limited project resources. For example, more resources are assigned to program modules that are of poor quality or likely to have a high number of faults based on the classification. However, two main problems, high dimensionality and class imbalance, affect the quality of training datasets and therefore classification models. Feature selection and data sampling are often used to overcome these problems. Feature selection is a process of choosing the most important attributes from the original dataset. Data sampling alters the dataset to change its balance level. Another technique, called boosting (building multiple models, with each model tuned to work better on instances misclassified by previous models), is found to also be effective for resolving the class imbalance problem. In this study, we investigate an approach for combining feature selection with this ensemble learning (boosting) process. We focus on two different scenarios: feature selection performed prior to the boosting process and feature selection performed inside the boosting process. Ten individual base feature ranking techniques, as well as an ensemble ranker based on the ten, are examined and compared over the two scenarios. We also employ the boosting algorithm to construct classification models without performing feature selection and use the results as the baseline for further comparison. The experimental results demonstrate that feature selection is important and needed prior to the learning process. In addition, the ensemble feature ranking method generally has better or similar performance than the average of the base ranking techniques, and more importantly, the ensemble method exhibits better robustness than most base ranking techniques. As for the two scenarios, the results show that applying feature selection inside boosting performs better than using feature selection prior to boosting.
Designing the Gulf Coast Claims Facility in the Shadow of the Law: A Template from the Superfund Section 301(E) Report

As BP turns the resolution of claims by businesses and individuals over to Kenneth Feinberg, it is a good occasion to survey the issues that the new Gulf Coast Claims Facility will have to address. The Superfund Section 301(e) Report from 1982 provides a template of some of the most important issues, such as the need for an administrative compensation alternative to litigation, the relationship of any new administrative compensation remedy and litigation, limiting the scope of the administrative compensation remedy, filing of claims, causation, presumptions, collateral sources, costs of administration, subrogation, judicial review of compensation decisions, and removal of obstacles to effective court actions. Whatever decisions the Gulf Coast Claims Facility makes will be made in the shadow of an evolving law.
Germination ecology of seeds with morphophysiological dormancy.

This chapter focuses on the fact that some seeds have both morphological and physiological dormancy, and thus, they have morphophysiological dormancy (MPD). It also illustrates the dormancy breaking and germination requirements of seeds with MPD. Particular attention is given to the phenology of embryo growth, germination phenology, and conditions (especially temperature) in the habitat between the time of seed maturation and the time of germination. There are eight types of MPD, which are discussed in detail. However, nondeep simple MPD is observed in seeds found in the temperate regions. But annual and perennial species, which have underdeveloped embryos, germinate during autumn. Seeds come out of PD during summer, and embryo growth, and germination occur during autumn. These seeds have nondeep simple MPD, and period of warm stratification breaks both PD and MD. Moreover, seeds with deep simple MPD require warm followed by cold stratification before they germinate. Thus, these various dormancy-breaking requirements are fulfilled in temperate regions by the summer, autumn, and winter sequence of temperatures, and germination occurs during spring.
Self Medication with Methoxetamine as an Analgesic Resulting in Significant Toxicity.

Dear Editor, Methoxetamine (MXE) is a non-scheduled arylcyclohexylamine drug of abuse with clinical effects similar to ketamine or phencyclidine [1]. We report a case of MXE toxicity after self-medicating for treatment of chronic foot pain. A 29-year-old man was brought to the emergency department (ED) for altered mental status. He was apprehended by police after running into the street and lying down in front of oncoming traffic, including a police car. He was agitated and combative for emergency medical services (EMS), eventually requiring restraints. EMS also noted white foam around his mouth. A plastic bag containing white powder, labeled MXE with CAS number 1239943-76-0, was found in his pocket (see Figure 1). On presentation to the ED, vital signs included a heart rate of 117, blood pressure 140/81, respiratory rate 28, and temperature of 37.1 degrees celsius orally. Neurologic signs included dysphoria, psychomotor agitation, vertical nystagmus, labile mood, and dissociative confusion, including partial amnesia to the preceding events. The patient was given 10mg IV diazepam in the ED which resulted in a calmer, more euphoric state though his mood remained labile. He answered some questions appropriately but …
A Measuring Method for Heat and Moisture Transfer Behavior in Fabrics by Injecting Water to the Simulated Skin

目的 模擬皮膚としてガラス繊維濾紙を用い外部から水を注入することによって, 熱板上に含水濾紙を置く従来法の改良を行う.また注水量, 注水速度および水温の制御とともに放熱量のリアルタイム積算を行い, 任意の発汗状態の再現や急激な放熱量変化の追跡の可能性を調べる.さらに, 各種試験布の熱・水分移動特性の評価を行い従来法の結果と比較する.成果 測定ごとの濾紙交換が不要であり, 測定の間の環境の安定化に要する待時間がなく, また試料を設置したまま乾燥および湿潤定常状態のデータが1回の測定で求められることから, 測定の簡便・迅速化が実現できた.水の注入によって起こる急激な放熱量変化の追跡が可能であり, 測定値は注水量および温度から求めた値と一致することを確めた.これにより過渡的な熱・水分移動の測定への適用が可能となった.また側面からの水分の漏れ率を2%以下と見積ることができた.一方, 注入水の気化に要する熱量は気化熱の計算値よりも最大6%大きくなることを見い出し, それが蒸発に伴う顕熱移動の促進によることを示した.この方法で測定した顕熱抵抗および潜熱抵抗は従来法と同等の精度を有し, 布の相対評価に使用できることが分かった.
Navigating the Confluence of Code Secs. 1031 and 1250

Sections 1031 and 1250 of the Internal Revenue Code both present complexities, and when the two provisions intersect, the complexities seem to multiply exponentially. Section 1031 provides for nonrecognition of gain on the exchange of property, including most types of real estate. Section 1250, on the other hand, operates to tax gain from the sale of real estate at rates that are often higher than the regular rate that applies to long-term capital gains, and it can override section 1031 in some situations. Section 1250, a depreciation recapture provision, does not apply directly to most real estate transactions, but it often applies indirectly through section 1(h) to tax long-term capital gains, i.e., unrecaptured section 1250 gain, at a higher rate. The indirect application can create confusion when it combines with a section 1031 exchange. This article shows how the various limits and exceptions in sections 1(h) and 1250 work together to determine the tax rates, if any, that apply when both sections 1031 and 1250 apply to a transaction.
Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia: 2016 update on diagnosis, risk stratification, and management.

Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) is a clonal hematopoietic stem cell disorder characterized by overlapping features of myelodysplastic syndromes and myeloproliferative neoplasms. Diagnosis is based on the presence of persistent (>3 months) peripheral blood monocytosis (>1 × 109/L), along with bone marrow dysplasia. Clonal cytogenetic abnormalities occur in ∼20–30% of patients, while >90% have gene mutations. Mutations involving TET2 (∼60%), SRSF2 (∼50%), ASXL1 (∼40%), and RAS (∼30%) are frequent; with only ASXL1 mutations negatively impacting overall survival. Two molecularly integrated, CMML-specific prognostic models include; the Groupe Francais des Myelodysplasies (GFM) and the Molecular Mayo Model (MMM). The GFM model segregates patients into 3 groups based on: age >65 years, WBC >15 × 109/L, anemia, platelets 10 × 109/L, hemoglobin <10 g/dL, platelets <100 × 109/L and circulating immature myeloid cells. This model stratifies patients into four groups; high (≥3 risk factors), intermediate-2 (2 risk factors), intermediate-1 (1 risk factor) and low (no risk factors), with median survivals of 16, 31, 59, and 97 months, respectively. Hypomethylating agents such as 5-azacitidine and decitabine are commonly used, with overall response rates of ∼30–40% and complete remission rates of ∼7–17%. Allogeneic stem cell transplant is the only potentially curative option, but is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Individualized therapy, including epigenetic modifiers and small molecule inhibitors, are exciting prospects. Am. J. Hematol. 91:632–642, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Impact on antiviral resistance of E119V, I222L and R292K substitutions in influenza A viruses bearing a group 2 neuraminidase (N2, N3, N6, N7 and N9).

OBJECTIVES While subtype-specific substitutions linked to neuraminidase (NA) inhibitor resistance are well described in human N1 and N2 influenza NAs, little is known about other NA subtypes. The aim of this study was to determine whether the R292K and E119V ± I222L substitutions could be associated with oseltamivir resistance in all group 2 NAs and had an impact on virus fitness. METHODS Reassortant viruses with WT NA or variant N2, N3, N6, N7 or N9 NAs, bearing R292K or E119V ± I222L substitutions, were produced by reverse genetics. The antiviral susceptibility, activity, Km of the NA, mutation stability and in vitro virus fitness in MDCK cells were determined. RESULTS NA activities could be ranked as follows regardless of the substitution: N3 ≥ N6 > N2 ≥ N9 > N7. Using NA inhibitor resistance interpretation criteria used for human N1 or N2, the NA-R292K substitution conferred highly reduced inhibition by oseltamivir and the N6- or N9-R292K substitution conferred reduced inhibition by zanamivir and laninamivir. Viruses with the N3- or N6-E119V substitution showed normal inhibition by oseltamivir, while those with the N2-, N7- or N9-E119V substitution showed reduced inhibition by oseltamivir. Viruses with NA-E119V + I222L substitutions showed reduced inhibition (N3 and N6) or highly reduced inhibition (N2, N7 and N9) by oseltamivir. Viruses bearing the NA-R292K substitution had lower affinity and viruses bearing the NA-E119V substitution had higher affinity for the MUNANA substrate than viruses with corresponding WT NA. CONCLUSIONS NA-R292K and E119V + I222L substitutions conferred reduced inhibition by oseltamivir for all group 2 NAs. Surveillance of NA inhibitor resistance for zoonotic and human influenza viruses and the development of novel antiviral agents with different targets should be continued.
Continental Philosophy of Religion

The field of philosophy of religion is not static but is flourishing and evolving in new and exciting directions. One such arena that is receiving attention among Anglo-American philosophers of religion is Continental philosophy. It is not that thinkers on the European continent have not been reflecting philosophically on religious ideas for some time; indeed they have. But their approach has been and is quite different in certain respects from the analytic approach to philosophy of religion that is the mainstream in the Anglo-American tradition. For those of us coming from the analytic side, much of the Continental work is novel, if not unusual, and the language and style are unfamiliar and curious.
Does Sequence Conservation Provide Evidence for Biological Function

Finding a signature of purifying selection in a gene is usually interpreted as evidence for the gene providing a function that is targeted by natural selection. This opinion offers a very different hypothesis: purifying selection may be due to removing harmful mutations from the population, that is, the gene and its encoded protein become harmful after a mutation occurred, possibly because the mutated protein interferes with the translation machinery, or because of toxicity of the misfolded protein. Finding a signature of purifying selection should not automatically be considered proof of the gene's selectable function.
The Heliosheath: The Ultimate Solar System Frontier

AbstractThe recent measurements in-situby the Voyager spacecrafts, combined with the all-sky images of the heliospheric boundaries by the Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX) mission have transformed radically our knowledge of the boundaries of the heliosphere. Concepts that lasted decades are being revisited due to their puzzling measurements. In this review, I will cover some of these puzzles and what we are learning regarding the dynamic nature of the heliosheath.
Processes for User-Centered Design and Development: The Omeka Curator Dashboard Project

Processes for User-Centered Design and Development: The Omeka Curator Dashboard Project Susan Chesley Perry University of California, Santa Cruz, USA Jessica Waggoner University of California, Santa Cruz, USA ABSTRACT The authors discuss user-centered design and agile project management using the development of the Omeka Curator Dashboard as a case study. The University of California, Santa Cruz University Library developed a suite of 15 plugins for the Omeka open source content management system. This chapter describes the library’s use of agile principles and methods for the management of this project, detailing the creation of user stories and acceptance criteria. This chapter also outlines the usability testing conducted by the library in the form of online surveys and moderated field tests. The authors conclude that user-focused, inclusive, and iterative development are key components to the success of the software development process. Keywords: Agile Project Management, User-Centered Design, Usability, Omeka, GitHub, User Stories, Acceptance Criteria, Omeka Curator Dashboard INTRODUCTION
Racism as a Unique Social Determinant of Mental Health: Development of a Didactic Curriculum for Psychiatry Residents

Introduction Mental health disparities based on minority racial status are well characterized, including inequities in access, symptom severity, diagnosis, and treatment. For African Americans, rac...
Social Determinants of Adherence to Pulmonary Rehabilitation for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Adherence to pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is low. Previous studies have focused on clinical predictors of PR completion. We aimed to identify social determinants of adherence to PR. A cross-sectional analysis of a database of COPD patients (N = 455) in an outpatient PR program was performed. Adherence, a ratio of attended-to-prescribed sessions, was coded as low ( 85%). Individual-level measures included age, sex, race, BMI, smoking status, pack-years, baseline 6-minute walk distance (6MWD: 30). Fifteen area-level measures aggregated to Census tracts were obtained from the U.S. Census after geocoding patients' addresses. Using exploratory factor analysis, a neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage index was constructed, which included variables with factor loading >0.5: poverty, public assistance, households without vehicles, cost burden, unemployment, and minority population. Multivariate regression models were adjusted for clustering on Census tracts. Twenty-six percent of patients had low adherence, 23% were moderately adherent, 51% were highly adherent. In the best fitted full model, each decile increase in neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage increased the risk of moderate vs high adherence by 14% (p < 0.01). Smoking tripled the relative risk of low adherence (p < 0.01), while each increase in 6MWD category decreased that risk by 72% (p < 0.01) and 84% (p < 0.001), respectively. These findings show that, relative to high adherence, low adherence is associated with limited functional capacity and current smoking, while moderate adherence is associated with socioeconomic disadvantage. The distinction highlights different pathways to suboptimal adherence and calls for tailored intervention approaches.
Staging scenes of co-cultural communication: Acting out aspects of marginalized and dominant identities

ABSTRACTCourses: Intercultural Communication, Interracial Communication, or an Interpersonal Communication class that covers co-cultural theory.Objectives: Students will be able to demonstrate a practical application of co-cultural theory by creating scenes that illustrate different communicative approaches and desired outcomes based on communication between marginalized and dominant group identities. In this experience, students will reflect on their own marginalized and dominant identities and consider ways in which they experience privilege and disadvantage based on these identities.
Prunus geminivirus A: A Novel Grablovirus Infecting Prunus spp.

Increased use of metagenomics for routine virus diagnosis has led to the characterization of several genus level geminiviruses from tree fruit long thought to exclusively host RNA viruses. In this ...
Cost Functions based Dynamic Optimization for Robot Action Planning

Human-robot collaboration provides a great solution to the complex hybrid assembly tasks of intelligent manufacturing. In order to augment and guarantee the task quality in the human-robot collaboration process, the collaboration efficiency, including time consumption and human efforts, should be considered in the robot action planning. In this study, we propose a novel and practical approach using cost functions for the robot to plan actions in human-robot collaboration to address this challenge. By this approach, the robot action planning can be dynamically optimized to determine assisted assembly steps in the human-robot co-assembly task. A preliminary experiment is conducted to evaluate the proposed approach. Experimental results suggest that the proposed approach successfully generates the optimal actions for the robot to improve the task efficiency in human-robot collaboration.
Diagnosis of Arrhythmias with Non-invasive Tools

Non-invasive tools play a crucial role in the diagnosis, evaluation, and management of virtually all patients suspected to have or who have had cardiac arrhythmias. These non-invasive tools can help determine the clinical significance and prognostic importance of the arrhythmia and can help assess risk of serious arrhythmic consequences including death. Based on a non-invasive assessment, the need for prophylactic and/or potentially interventional therapy can be better ascertained. We provide a comprehensive, yet, concise overview of non-invasive tools to address practical, important, and contemporaneous issues with a focus on patient management. We emphasize strategies to approach challenging clinical scenarios and address how monitoring adds value in specific clinical situations.
Exploration of Relationships among Individual and Organizational Characteristics, Nurse Leader Fatigue, and Turnover Intention:

Understanding nurse leader fatigue and its relationship with turnover intention is essential for maintaining a viable leadership workforce. This secondary analysis of a national survey of nurse lea...