cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
What’s missing in longitudinal studies conducted in the U.S. with implications for mathematics education?

ABSTRACT‘What works’ policies are the latest incarnation of best practices in educational research. Instituted by various organisations internationally, they define what kind of research counts as ‘evidence’ for reform-oriented decision-making. While some countries rely on systematic analyses and meta-analyses, the U.S. favours primary quantitative longitudinal research designs as evidence. Critics claim that institutionalising methods will distort educational research. This commentary discusses these two concerns about the research designs favoured in the American ‘what works’ milieu: missing research and missing data. To explore whether those concerns are warranted, we focus on mathematics education, a national priority in the U.S. After establishing enduring questions in mathematics education, we provide primers on quantitative longitudinal research designs and the analysis of missing data due to attrition. Then, we address these questions about the state of research: As a research community, are we mi...
Complications Following Congenital Cataract Surgery

Improvement in surgical techniques has greatly enhanced results following surgery for cataracts in young children over recent decades, however complications inevitably still arise. Such adverse events can occur intraoperatively, very soon post-operatively or in the longer term follow-up period. The most common complications associated specifically with IOL implantation in infants are secondary opacification of the visual axis due to cortex reproliferation and unpredictable changes in refractive error as the child develops. Knowledge of the types of potential complications that are peculiar to the infant eye can help the surgeon prevent them in some cases and at least recognize and treat them most effectively when they do arise.
A semidefinite programming approach for cooperative localization

Semidefinite programming (SDP) approach has been widely used to convert nonconvex problems into convex ones in recent years. In this paper, we apply the SDP approach to cooperative localization where the inter-target communication capability is exploited for the purpose of coverage extension and accuracy enhancement. Cooperative Time-of-Arrival (ToA) minimax SDP and Received Signal Strength (RSS) minimax SDP algorithms are proposed. Simulations show that the cooperative localization with SDP can achieve satisfying performance with considerably reduced complexity. In addition, we propose a virtual anchor concept to further improve the localization accuracy, especially in the outside-of-the-convex-hull situations.
Development and Validation of a Scoring System to Predict Surgical Site Infection After Ventral Hernia Repair: A Michigan Surgical Quality Collaborative Study.

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a rare but significant complication following an elective ventral hernia repair. This study aims to develop a risk assessment tool in order to predict the risk of developing SSIs postoperatively. All patients undergoing an elective ventral hernia repair were identified using the Michigan Surgical Quality Collaborative (MSQC) database. Patients’ demographics, comorbidities and technical aspects of the operations were extracted. Logistic regressions were used to create a predictive scoring system for SSIs. A total of 4983 were included. SSIs occurred in 3.4% of the patient population. A stepwise forward logistic regression identified the need to use drains, BMI, wound classification at the end of the surgery, presence of severe adhesions, a history of CAD, the need for intensive care after surgery, the use of pressors, EtOH abuse and history of PVD as being independently associated with the development of postoperative surgical site infections. In patients undergoing an elective hernia repair, the incidence of SSI is low. Several preoperative and perioperative factors can contribute to the development of SSIs.
A Pedagogical Module Framework to Improve Scaffolded Active Learning in Manufacturing Engineering Education

Recent interest in improving pedagogical approaches in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields has stimulated research at many universities. Several educational methodologies are reviewed in the context of manufacturing and through the lens of sustainability. It is found that there is a need to identify and understand the STEM educational challenges, and to assess the usefulness of existing methodologies using case-based analyses. In particular, this research aims to support student learning in manufacturing engineering through real-time process evaluations. A pedagogical framework is presented that can assist engineering educators in developing learning modules in support of this goal. The framework encompasses four steps: define the learning outcomes, create instructional resources, create active learning resources, and create a summative assessment mechanism. The framework emphasizes engagement of manufacturing engineering students in psychomotor learning, which remains a challenge due to the high cost of instructional laboratories. The framework is applied to develop a participatory pedagogy for manufacturing courses through the use of computer numerical control of manufacturing operations, and real-time monitoring, visualization, and data analysis of machine energy use. The framework is demonstrated for upper-level undergraduate and graduate manufacturing engineering courses at two universities (i.e., Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing at Oregon State University and Precision Manufacturing at University of California, Berkeley). It is found that the framework can effectively support learning module development in manufacturing engineering education.
Pig Wrestling: Chasing Tales of Modern Swine Production Systems

First paragraphs: No matter the subject, Barry Estabrook is a writer whose experiences in the world of food and agriculture are wide and deep. Pig Tales: An Omnivore's Quest for Sustainable Meat is no excep­tion. The title gives his approach away: this is a collection of tales from his travels and interviews to understand pig nature and produc­tion. He con­tinually engages the reader by supply­ing deep back­stories for his most significant interviewees. It is obvious he connects personally with each one, is able to put them at ease and thus get at the truth of their situations. Pig Tales begins with a scene of courtroom drama in which Estabrook almost gets arrested for being himself attending a trial in in which neighbors maintain that the concentrated animal feeding operation (CAFO) built nearby emits such foul odors they cannot be outside on their own property. The judge in the case is leery of his presence because of his previous book, Tomatoland, and so has him removed—an action that propels Barry on his journey.
Functional organization and dynamic activity in the superior colliculus of the echolocating bat, Eptesicus fuscus

Sensory-guided behaviors require the transformation of sensory information into task-specific motor commands. Prior research on sensorimotor integration has emphasized visuomotor processes in the context of simplified orienting movements in controlled laboratory tasks rather than an animal's more complete, natural behavioral repertoire. Here, we conducted a series of neural recording experiments in the midbrain superior colliculus (SC) of echolocating bats engaged in a sonar target-tracking task that invoked dynamic active sensing behaviors. We hypothesized that SC activity in freely behaving animals would reveal dynamic shifts in neural firing patterns within and across sensory, sensorimotor, and premotor layers. We recorded neural activity in the SC of freely echolocating bats (three females and one male) and replicated the general trends reported in other species with sensory responses in the dorsal divisions and premotor activity in ventral divisions of the SC. However, within this coarse functional organization, we discovered that sensory and motor neurons are comingled within layers throughout the volume of the bat SC. In addition, as the bat increased pulse rate adaptively to increase resolution of the target location with closing distance, the activity of sensory and vocal premotor neurons changed such that auditory response times decreased, and vocal premotor lead times shortened. This finding demonstrates that SC activity can be modified dynamically in concert with adaptive behaviors and suggests that an integrated functional organization within SC laminae supports rapid and local integration of sensory and motor signals for natural, adaptive behaviors.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Natural sensory-guided behaviors involve the rapid integration of information from the environment to direct flexible motor actions. The vast majority of research on sensorimotor integration has used artificial stimuli and simplified behaviors, leaving open questions about nervous system function in the context of natural tasks. Our work investigated mechanisms of dynamic sensorimotor feedback control by analyzing patterns of neural activity in the midbrain superior colliculus (SC) of an echolocating bat tracking and intercepting moving prey. Recordings revealed that sensory and motor neurons comingle within laminae of the SC to support rapid sensorimotor integration. Further, we discovered that neural activity in the bat SC changes with dynamic adaptations in the animal's echolocation behavior.
Using wound care products to promote a healing environment.

There are four basic principles of wound care: (1) debride necrotic tissue and cleanse the wound to remove debris, (2) provide a moist wound-healing environment through the use of proper dressings, (3) protect the wound from further injury, and (4) provide nutritional substances essential to the healing process. A plethora of wound care products are available on the market and are used to support wound healing. It is essential that the critical care nurse thoughtfully selects a wound care product that will promote a healing environment. A discussion of wound care products and the scientific rationale for their use are presented.
On the Need to Modify the Sea Surface Roughness Formulation over Shallow Waters

AbstractThe wind stress formulation in an atmospheric model over shallow waters is investigated using year-long observations of the wind profile within the first 100 m of the atmosphere and mesoscale simulations. The model experiments use a range of planetary boundary layer parameterizations to quantify the uncertainty related to the turbulent closure assumptions and thus to isolate the dominant influence of the surface roughness formulation. Results indicate that a positive wind speed bias exists when common open-ocean formulations for roughness are adopted for a region with a water depth of 30 m. Imposition of a wind stress formulation that is consistent with previous shallow-water estimates is necessary to reconcile model wind speeds with observations, providing modeling evidence that supports the increase of surface drag over shallow waters. The possibility of including water depth in the parameterization of roughness length is examined.
Localization of pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A and colocalization of pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A messenger ribonucleic acid and eosinophil granule major basic protein messenger ribonucleic acid in placenta.

BACKGROUND The human eosinophil granule major basic protein (MBP), a 13.8 kilodalton cationic polypeptide constituting the core of the eosinophil granule, is cytotoxic to parasites and numerous mammalian cells. Concentrations of a molecule immunochemically similar to eosinophil granule MBP are present in maternal plasma, and MBP mRNA has been localized to placental X cells by in situ hybridization. Eosinophil granule MBP is initially translated as a nontoxic precursor (proMBP), containing a 9.9 kilodalton acidic pro-portion that is believed to neutralize MBP toxicity. Recent analyses of sera from pregnant women have revealed that pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A), previously thought to be a homotetramer of PAPP-A subunits, is actually composed of PAPP-A subunits bound by disulfide bonds to equimolar amounts of proMBP molecules to form a complex, PAPP-A/proMBP. In addition, the PAPP-A subunit nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequence have been determined from cloned cDNA. The PAPP-A monomer found in plasma contains 1547 amino acid residues. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Because of the new evidence that PAPP-A is complexed with proMBP, previous studies on the localization of PAPP-A using antibodies to PAPP-A must be questioned. To determine the localization of the PAPP-A subunit, immunofluorescence was performed on normal placental tissues using proMBP absorbed anti-PAPP-A antibody. Furthermore, the expression of PAPP-A mRNA was investigated by in situ hybridization. RESULTS Immunofluorescence staining with proMBP absorbed anti-PAPP-A antibody showed that PAPP-A is localized to placental septa, anchoring villi, and the syncytia of chorionic villi, whereas MBP is localized only to septa and anchoring villi. By in situ hybridization, PAPP-A mRNA is detected in placental X cells and syncytiotrophoblasts, but MBP mRNA is localized only to placental X cells. CONCLUSIONS The presence of PAPP-A mRNA and PAPP-A subunit protein in placental X cells and syncytiotrophoblasts indicates that both X cells and syncytiotrophoblasts synthesize the PAPP-A subunit, whereas only X cells synthesize proMBP.
Erbmaterial und Chromosomenaufbau

Am Anfang dieses Kapitels mussen wir einige Begriffe der Genetik allgemein, jedoch nicht umfassend, definieren.
Experience with hydroxyurea as a radiosensitizer in carcinoma of the cervix

Since 1968, hydroxyurea has been used as a radiosensitizer in combination modality treatments for carcinoma of the cervix. The drug has shown an advantage over placebo in several randomized trials. Although hydroxyurea is given orally on an outpatient basis, it has not gained widespread acceptance. Previous reports are reviewed and possible future uses are discussed.
Exogeneity vs. Endogeneity in Section 170’s Quid Pro Quo Test

This article advances an exogenous-endogenous distinction for purposes of determining and calculating quid pro quos under section 170. This test holds that exogenous benefits — benefits that arise independently of, or arise outside of, the taxing authority — are properly considered quid pro quos (and should reduce the amount deductible); whereas, endogenous benefits — benefits that arise from or within the specific federal or state taxing authority — are not quid pro quos and should not be considered in determining the amount deductible under section 170. The exogenous-endogenous distinction advanced by this article comports with the policy and intent of section 170, provides a way to demarcate quid pro quos in a consistent manner (irrespective of donee), and clarifies why section 170 need not consider the federal tax benefit associated with it, but must consider any associate state tax benefit.
Phenomenology of chiral Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interactions in strained materials

We use phenomenological symmetry arguments to demonstrate that while chiral magnetic (Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya) interactions are conventionally restricted by symmetry to appear in a limited set of noncentrosymmetric materials, they may arise in a material with any symmetry when coupled to a strain field. We derive point-group specific free-energy functionals that capture the relationship between an applied strain field and chiral magnetic couplings, demonstrating how strain may offer highly selective control over magnetic textures. Finally, we discuss several examples of common strain configurations that may lead to out-of-plane modulation in the magnetic moment of a quasi-two-dimensional film as required for applications in magnetic devices.
Association between the food and physical activity environment, obesity, and cardiovascular health across Maine counties.

Accounting for nearly one-third of all deaths, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in the United States. Adverse health behaviors are major determinants of this high incidence of disease. Examining local food and physical activity environments and population characteristics in a poor, rural state may highlight underlying drivers of these behaviors. We aimed to identify demographic and environmental factors associated with both obesity and overall poor cardiovascular health (CVH) behaviors in Maine counties. Our cross-sectional study analyzed 40,398 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) 2011–2014 respondents alongside county-level United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Environment Atlas 2010–2012 measures of the built environment (i.e., density of restaurants, convenience stores, grocery stores, and fitness facilities; food store access; and county income). Poor CVH score was defined as exhibiting greater than 5 out of the 7 risk factors defined by the American Heart Association (current smoking, physical inactivity, obesity, poor diet, hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol). Multivariable logistic regression models described the contributions of built environment variables to obesity and overall poor CVH score after adjustment for demographic controls. Both demographic and environmental factors were associated with obesity and overall poor CVH. After adjustment for demographics (age, sex, personal income, and education), environmental characteristics most strongly associated with obesity included low full-service restaurant density (OR 1.34; 95% CI 1.24–1.45), low county median household income (OR 1.31; 95% CI 1.21–1.42) and high convenience store density (OR 1.21; 95% CI 1.12–1.32). The strongest predictors of overall poor CVH behaviors were low county median household income (OR 1.30; 95% CI 1.13–1.51), low full-service restaurant density (OR 1.38; 95% CI 1.19–1.59), and low fitness facility density (OR 1.27; 95% CI 1.11–1.46). In a rural state, both demographic and environmental factors predict overall poor CVH. These findings may help inform communities and policymakers of the impact of both social determinants of health and local environments on health outcomes.
Reprint of “Nuclear thermal-hydraulics applications illustrating the key roles of adjoint-computed sensitivities for overcoming the curse of dimensionality in sensitivity analysis, uncertainty quantification and predictive modeling”

Abstract This work is dedicated to the memory of Prof. Bal Raj Sehgal who, while a Program Manager at the Electric Power Institute (EPRI) in Palo Alto, USA, had foresightedly funded during 1979–1984 the author’s pioneering work on conceiving the adjoint sensitivity analysis methodology for computing first-order sensitivities of responses of nonlinear systems to imprecisely known system parameters, and applying this methodology to a variety of ground-breaking investigations in nuclear reactor physics, thermal-hydraulics, dynamics, and safety. In the spirit of this dedication, the present original work highlights the application of the first-order adjoint sensitivity analysis methodology (1st-ASAM) to the generic thermal-hydraulics model that underlies the well-known reactor analysis codes COBRA/TRAC, RELAP5/MOD3.2, RELAP5/MOD3.3, and MARS, thus deriving the corresponding adjoint sensitivity model needed for the exact and most efficient computation of model response sensitivities to thermal-hydraulics parameters. This work also presents the fundamental role of the 1st-ASAM as the first step in the quest to overcome the curse of dimensionality in sensitivity analysis, uncertainty quantification and predictive modelling by presenting the concepts of a novel predictive modeling methodology that uses the maximum entropy principle in conjunction with saddle-point techniques to eliminate the widespread current use of arbitrarily defined “functionals to be minimized,” thus significantly extending the currently used data assimilations procedures. Since this novel p redictive m odeling methodology provides b est- e stimate r esults with r educed u ncertainties for either forward or inverse problems, it has been called the BERRU-PM methodology. This work also indicates the next steps, starting with the complete second-order predictive modeling methodology, currently undertaken by the author in the quest to develop practical high-order procedures that overcome in practice the “curse of dimensionality” in sensitivity analysis, uncertainty quantification, and predictive modelling, thereby enabling the future computation of non-Gaussian features of otherwise intractable distributions of results predicted by large-scale computational model, while using experimental information to reduce the uncertainties in the predicted results and implicitly calibrated model parameters.
Gribble indole reduction

Reduction of the indole double bond using sodium cyanoborohydride in glacial acetic acid. The use of sodium borohydride leads to reduction and N-alkylation.
Human-specific tandem repeat expansion and differential gene expression during primate evolution

Short tandem repeats (STRs) and variable number tandem repeats (VNTRs) are important sources of natural and disease-causing variation, yet they have been problematic to resolve in reference genomes and genotype with short-read technology. We created a framework to model the evolution and instability of STRs and VNTRs in apes. We phased and assembled 3 ape genomes (chimpanzee, gorilla, and orangutan) using long-read and 10x Genomics linked-read sequence data for 21,442 human tandem repeats discovered in 6 haplotype-resolved assemblies of Yoruban, Chinese, and Puerto Rican origin. We define a set of 1,584 STRs/VNTRs expanded specifically in humans, including large tandem repeats affecting coding and noncoding portions of genes (e.g., MUC3A, CACNA1C). We show that short interspersed nuclear element–VNTR–Alu (SVA) retrotransposition is the main mechanism for distributing GC-rich human-specific tandem repeat expansions throughout the genome but with a bias against genes. In contrast, we observe that VNTRs not originating from retrotransposons have a propensity to cluster near genes, especially in the subtelomere. Using tissue-specific expression from human and chimpanzee brains, we identify genes where transcript isoform usage differs significantly, likely caused by cryptic splicing variation within VNTRs. Using single-cell expression from cerebral organoids, we observe a strong effect for genes associated with transcription profiles analogous to intermediate progenitor cells. Finally, we compare the sequence composition of some of the largest human-specific repeat expansions and identify 52 STRs/VNTRs with at least 40 uninterrupted pure tracts as candidates for genetically unstable regions associated with disease.
Vision for a Holistic Smart City-HSC: Integrating Resiliency Framework via Crowdsourced Community Resiliency Information System (CRIS)

This vision paper discusses future directions and existing gaps in integrating smart city initiatives with resilience frameworks. It proposes the use of a multi-modular crowdsourced Community Resiliency Information System (CRIS) to overcome traditional smart citiesâAZ focus on infrastructure and grid vulnerabilities/resiliency while overlooking socio-economic vulnerabilities. CRIS is conceptualized based on our previous research which identified the importance of customized information and targeted resources to foster preparedness, adaptation and resiliency among diverse communities. Our proposed vision of a smart city integrated with CRIS allows scalable and customizable solutions for policymakers using information generated âAŸby the peopleâAZ, thus ensuring participation of diverse communities in smart city technology, thus creating a Holistic Smart City (HSC).CRIS will foster a two-way communication between government and communities by creating a grassroots, community-based, technology-enhanced needs assessment and disaster-response information system. Among other benefits, CRIS will generate and organize data to be used by the local community and policy makers and foster ongoing dialogue between neighborhoods and policymakers. CRIS will foster social capital at the neighborhood level by increasing grassroots knowledge and access to resources and information, fostering preparedness, adaptation, and resiliency/recovery, and aiding decision-makers in resource allocation and customized communications. CRIS moves the smart city beyond a mere infrastructure to create an interactive space for information exchange, democratic participation and a collaborative resilience-building process.
Fast-acting autoantibodies muscle in on encephalitis

Autoantibodies that recognize the glycine receptor mediate pathology by directly interrupting glycinergic neurotransmission that manifests as a disorder characterized by muscle stiffness and spasms.
Associations between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms and eating behaviors in early childhood.

Background Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms have been linked with eating behaviors and obesity adolescence and young adulthood. Yet, little is known about whether these associations occur during early childhood and few studies have examined these associations prospectively. Objectives To assess magnitude and direction of associations between childhood ADHD symptoms and eating behaviors. Methods Participants were from the Newborn Epigenetics Study (N = 470, M age = 4 years). Multivariable linear regression models were used to examine cross-sectional associations between ADHD symptoms and eating behaviors. Latent Change Score (LCS) modeling was performed to examine prospective association among a subset of children with available follow-up data. (N = 100, M age = 7 years). Results The cross-sectional results showed that attention problem (AP) and hyperactivity (HY) were positively associated with food responsiveness, emotional overeating, desire to drink, and slowness in eating. AP, but not HY, was inversely associated with enjoyment of food. Results of the LCS models revealed AP and HY were both positively associated with prospective changes in emotional overeating and satiety responsiveness. AP was further positively associated with prospective changes in food responsiveness. The reverse relationship predicting changes in ADHD symptoms from earlier assessments of eating behaviors was not significant. Conclusion Results suggest a link between ADHD symptoms and obesity-related eating behaviors in early childhood, highlighting the need to address self-regulation and healthy eating behaviors in the prevention of childhood obesity.
X Caps the Phosphate for Phospho-Rab GTPase Recognition in Ciliogenesis and Parkinson’s Disease

Some Rab GTPases, after activation by GDP to GTP exchange, are phosphorylated by the LRRK2 kinase implicated in Parkinson's disease. In the current issue of Structure, Waschbusch et al. (2020) investigate the structural basis for recognition of active phospho-Rab GTPases by the RH2 domain of the effector protein RILPL2.
Correlation-Gradient-Descent: Efficient Optimization Methods for Unimodular Waveform Design with Desirable Correlation Properties

We consider the problem of designing sequences with good auto- and cross-correlation properties for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) radar systems. This design problem aims to minimize a polynomial function of the transmit waveforms. The problem becomes more challenging in the presence of practical constraints on the waveform such as the constant modulus constraint (CMC). The aforementioned challenge has been addressed in the literature by approximating the cost function and/or constraints, i.e. the CMC. In this work, we develop a new algorithm that deals with the exact non-convex cost function and CMC. In particular, we develop a new update method (Correlation-Gradient-Descent (CGD)) that employs the exact gradient of the cost function to design such sequences with guarantees of monotonic cost function decrease and convergence. Our method further enables descent directly over the CMC by invoking principles of optimization over manifolds. Experimentally, CGD is evaluated against state-of-the-art methods for designing uni-modular sequences with good correlation properties. Results reveal that CGD can outperform these methods while being computationally less expensive.
An Examination of the Convergent Validity of the ICAR16 and WAIS-IV:

The construct validity of the International Cognitive Ability Resource (ICAR) has yet to be investigated using a gold-standard individually administered intelligence battery. The present study used...
Cognitive Behavior Therapy in Health Psychology

Cognition is “in”! In developmental psychology, in social psychology, and now in behavior therapy—the bastion of “behavior”—a change is under way whose end has not yet been charted. Behavior therapy, which was developed as a protest against “mentalistic” and “nonscientific” therapies, particularly psychoanalysis, has been recast as cognitive behavior therapy in those “unobservable” terms it so vehemently eschewed 25 years ago. With its progenitor, which has flourished beside it, it shares mainly an interest in behavior as outcome.
Neural Functional Analysis in Virtual Reality Simulation: Example of a Human-Robot Collaboration Tasks

Human-robot collaboration has gained its popularity with the fast evolution of the Industry 4.0. One of the challenges of HRC is human-robot interface design that adapts to the personalized needs. This paper presents a method of using Virtual Reality (VR) simulation as a testbed and data collector for examining and modeling personal reactions to different human-robot interface designs. To obtain real-time leading indicator of human performance, this study focuses on the neural functional analysis in VR. An integrated system is presented using eye-tracking and force input data as event makers for Neuroimaging technique, i.e., Functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS). The real-time hemodynamic responses in subjects’ brains are analyzed based on the general linear model (GLM) for modeling neural functional changes under different levels of haptic designs. Our results indicate that the neurobehavioral data collected from the VR environment can be used directly as a personalized model for human-robot interface optimization.
Delayed infected lymphocele associated with intracavernosal penile injection

Abstract Pelvic lymphoceles are complications that can arise postoperatively following pelvic surgeries and pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND). Lymphoceles can be clinically symptomatic or remain asymptomatic and spontaneously regress. We report a case of a 55-year-old patient who presented with an infected lymphocele 8 months post robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) with a PLND associated with intracavernosal injection for erectile dysfunction.
21st Century New Use Technology in the Book Publishing Industry and How Authors Can Better Protect Their New Use Technology Rights

The book publishing industry has experienced several changes in the twenty-first century, from the advent of e-readers and self-publishing, to the multimillion antitrust and class-action lawsuits against five of the largest US trade publishers and subsequent new business models. These ongoing changes are affecting how publishers negotiate book contracts with authors, especially regarding new use technology provisions, such as e-books and enhanced e-books. Given the current surge in electronic publishing, this article attempts to help authors better understand the legal and economic implications of new use technology provisions in author agreements. This article first explores how the United States Second Circuit Court of Appeals has interpreted new use technology provisions with a special emphasis on twenty-first century litigation concerning new use technology provisions in author agreements, including the recent HarperCollins v. Open Road Media decision in early 2014. Second, this paper attempts to predict how the Second Circuit will interpret current new use technology provisions in author agreements and provides negotiation strategies for authors to protect their new use technology rights and avoid litigation.
Mesothelial Progenitors in Development, Lung Homeostasis, and Tissue Repair

In this chapter, we review published information on the emerging field of mesothelial cell biology. The emphasis is on specific markers, function, genetic tools, lineage properties, and signals controlling migration and differentiation. We also discuss the potential role of this cell in endogenous injury responses, inflammation, fibrosis, and tissue regeneration.
DbDest: an efficient, high-performance, fault-tolerant fabric for broadband ISDN

We develop a new switch architecture, DbDest, that can offer multiple paths from each input to each output with small hardware cost and is able to support a wide range of services with diverse traffic characteristics. Our simulations show that DbDest can accomplish the same or better performance than existing switching architectures but with only half the hardware cost of the parallel banyan networks. As the DbDest network size increases, the performance-cost ratio improves.
Information Matrix Tests for the Composed Error Frontier Model

Estimation of composed error frontier models is generally conducted under certain strict assumptions. In practice however, these assumptions are not tested thoroughly. This is probably because simple workable tests are not yet available for these models. This paper develops easily computable specification tests for half-normal composed error frontier models. The tests are based on the information matrix (IM) and moment test principles. These tests are applied to the well - known Cowing (1970) steam-electric data set. Our tests reveal no serious misspecification of the cost model, while for the output model the null hypothesis of correct specification of rejected strongly.
Impending Trade Suspensions of Caribbean Queen Conch under CITES

Abstract The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) Authority issued injunctions in 2003 and 2004 to halt export trade of Caribbean queen conch (Strombus gigas) from several countries and initiated reviews of a number of other conch-producing countries. The current regulatory framework for regional conch fisheries has obviously failed to protect stocks. I present a case study of the Belize conch fishery to examine fishing impacts, effectiveness of existing regulations, and potential for population recovery. Fishery-independent data from a no-take marine reserve indicated that unfished density and biomass were nearly an order of magnitude greater than in comparable fished areas. Size structure of the protected population showed that an average of 38% of the legal catch may consist of juvenile conch. The spawning potential ratio indicated that the fished stock is severely overexploited, and furthermore, the protected population has not compensated to make the local fishery sustainab...
Prolonged antiretroviral therapy preserves HIV-1-specific CD8 T cells with stem cell-like properties

HIV-1-specific CD8 T cells can influence HIV-1 disease progression during untreated HIV-1 infection, but the functional and phenotypic properties of HIV-1-specific CD8 T cells in individuals treated with suppressive antiretroviral therapy remain less well understood. Here we show that a subgroup of HIV-1-specific CD8 T cells with stem cell-like properties, termed T memory stem cells (TSCM cells), is enriched in patients receiving suppressive antiretroviral therapy compared with their levels in untreated progressors or controllers. In addition, a prolonged duration of antiretroviral therapy was associated with a progressive increase in the relative proportions of these stem cell-like HIV-1-specific CD8 T cells. Interestingly, the proportions of HIV-1-specific CD8 TSCM cells and total HIV-1-specific CD8 TSCM cells were associated with the CD4 T cell counts during treatment with antiretroviral therapy but not with CD4 T cell counts, viral loads, or immune activation parameters in untreated patients, including controllers. HIV-1-specific CD8 TSCM cells had increased abilities to secrete interleukin-2 in response to viral antigen, while secretion of gamma interferon (IFN-γ) was more limited in comparison to alternative HIV-1-specific CD8 T cell subsets; however, only proportions of IFN-γ-secreting HIV-1-specific CD8 TSCM cells were associated with CD4 T cell counts during antiretroviral therapy. Together, these data suggest that HIV-1-specific CD8 TSCM cells represent a long-lasting component of the cellular immune response to HIV-1 that persists in an antigen-independent fashion during antiretroviral therapy but seems unable to survive and expand under conditions of ongoing viral replication during untreated infection. IMPORTANCE Memory CD8 T cells that imitate the functional properties of stem cells to maintain lifelong cellular immunity have been hypothesized for many years, but only recently have such cells, termed T memory stem cells (TSCM cells), been physically identified and isolated in humans, mice, and nonhuman primates. Here, we investigated whether cellular immune responses against HIV-1 include such T memory stem cells. Our data show that HIV-1-specific CD8 T memory stem cells are detectable during all stages of HIV-1 infection but occur most visibly at times of prolonged viral antigen suppression by antiretroviral combination therapy. These cells may therefore be particularly relevant for designing antiviral immune defense strategies against the residual reservoir of HIV-1-infected cells that persists despite treatment and leads to viral rebound upon treatment discontinuation.
Ambrisentan for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension: improving outcomes

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive disease of the pulmonary vasculature that is associated with severe functional impairment and a poor prognosis. Ambrisentan is a selective endothelin type A receptor antagonist approved for the treatment of patients with PAH World Health Organization group 1. The efficacy and safety of ambrisentan has been evaluated in the ARIES series (Ambrisentan for the Treatment of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Multicenter, Efficacy Studies), which has established its use as both monotherapy or in conjunction with other PAH therapies. Specifically, ambrisentan is effective at increasing exercise tolerance, decreasing the risk of functional class deterioration, and prolonging time to clinical worsening. Further, ambrisentan has a favorable effect on mortality, with an 88% patient survival rate after two years of therapy compared with a 61% survival rate as estimated by the National Institute of Health Registry. Ambrisentan is generally well tolerated in all patient groups, with the main side effects of peripheral edema, sinusitis, flushing, and nasal congestion considered to be mild to moderate in nature. Ambrisentan has several favorable qualities that potentially make it more acceptable to patients, including once-daily administration, limited adverse drug reactions and drug-drug interactions, and minimal risk of liver enzyme elevation. Because of the potential risk of teratogenicity associated with ambrisentan, it is only available through a limited distribution program, ie, LEAP (the Letairis Education and Access Program). Ongoing clinical trials will help to clarify the role of ambrisentan in the treatment of PAH.
New Species and Nomenclatural Notes in the Pleurothallidinae (Orchidaceae) from Brazil

Abstract. One new species in the genus Acianthera, A. imitator, is described and illustrated. Sixteen species are proposed as synonyms. They are listed in alphabetical order: Acianthera gradeae as synonym of A. agathophylla; A. spilantha as synonym of A. breviflora; A. antennata as synonym of A. gracilisepala; A. dichroa as synomym of A. strupifolia; Anathallis crebrifolia, A. montipelladensis, and A. ourobranquensis as synonyms of A. aristulata; A. liparanges as a synomym of A. heterophylla; A. bolsanelloi, A. githaginea, and A. nectarifera as synonyms of A. lobiserrata; A. limbata and A. marginata as synonyms of A. muscoidea; A. longiglossa as synonym of A. paranaensis; Lankesteriana gehrtii as synonym of L. caudatipetala, and Specklinia rubidantha as synonym of Lankesteriana imberbis. Correct provenance and habitat information are provided for the type collection of the recently described Anathallis johnsonii. This species is herein formally recorded for Brazil. Lectotypes are selected for seven specie...
Contingent incentives reduce cigarette smoking among pregnant, methadone-maintained women: results of an initial feasibility and efficacy randomized clinical trial.

Aims This study examined the feasibility and efficacy of behavioral incentives for reducing cigarette smoking among pregnant methadone-maintained patients. Design Participants (n = 102) were assigned randomly to: (i) contingent behavioral incentives (CBI: n = 42); (ii) non-contingent behavioral incentives (NCBI: n = 28); or (iii) treatment as usual (TAU: n = 32). Setting Study procedures were implemented at the Center for Addiction and Pregnancy in Baltimore, MD. Participants Study participants were pregnant, methadone-maintained women enrolled in substance use disorder treatment. Measurements Baseline carbon monoxide (CO) levels were calculated for each participant. Subsequently, breath samples were tested three times weekly to measure changes in smoking behavior. CBI participants received incentives for target reductions from baseline: any reduction (week 1); 10% reduction (weeks 2–4), 25% reduction (weeks 5–7), 50% reduction (weeks 8–9), 75% reduction (week 10–11); and abstinence [CO < 4 parts per million (p.p.m.)] (week 12 until delivery). NCBI participants received incentives independent of smoking CO measurement results. TAU participants received no incentives, the standard treatment at the program. Findings CBI condition participants submitted significantly lower mean CO values than the NCBI and TAU conditions over the course of the intervention (P < 0.0001). Nearly half (48%) of the CBI participants met the 75% smoking reduction target and one-third (31%) met the abstinence target at week 12. In contrast, none of the NCBI met either the 75% or abstinence targets. Only 2% of the TAU participants met the 75% reduction and none of the TAU participants met the abstinence targets. These smoking behavior reductions did not yield significant differences in birth outcomes. Conclusions Cigarette smoking may be reduced significantly among pregnant, methadone-maintained women through the use of contingent reinforcement for gradual reductions in breath carbon monoxide levels.
Decision Factors Nurses Use to Assess Pain in Nursing Home Residents With Dementia

Nurses caring for older people with various psychiatric illnesses face many obstacles when treating pain. One setting with a high percentage of psychiatric conditions is long-term care where more than half of residents have some form of dementia, and behavioral symptoms of dementia (BSDs) may mimic behavioral displays of pain. Furthermore, two-thirds of nursing home residents have pain. Thus, many nursing home residents with dementia have pain that may be confounded by BSDs. Since many people with dementia are at risk for poor pain management, determining current methods in which nurses assess and manage pain in nursing home residents will aid in recognizing potential barriers to using current pain management guidelines and help develop strategies to enhance nurses' assessment and management of pain in this vulnerable population. The aim of this study was to explore nursing home nurses' cues and practices to identify and alleviate pain in nursing home residents with dementia. Nurses use the constructs of 'comfort' and 'quality of life' as key components in their overall pain assessment strategy in people with dementia. Indeed, the extensive process they use involving frequent reassessment and application of interventions is geared towards "appearance of comfort." Nurses reported difficulty in ascertaining whether a person with dementia was in pain, and they expressed further difficulty determining the intensity associated with resident pain. Nurses further reported that residents with dementia who are not well know by the staff were are greater risk of poor pain management. It was not unusual for nurses to discuss the importance of conflict resolution among family members as well as allowing for open expression of family's concerns. Nurses had to focus not only on the resident's comfort, but also the families' level of comfort with pain management, especially at the end-of-life. Findings support further use and development of discomfort behavior scales to help manage pain.
Goethe and Hegel in the Commissariat of Enlightenment: Anatoly Lunačarskij’s program of Bolshevik–Marxist aesthetics

The study of the processes and methods through which elements of Hegelian philosophy and aesthetics have been appropriated and adjusted to the needs of Marxist–Leninist criticism is essential for understanding Bolshevik–Marxist aesthetics in the process of its consolidation into an official doctrine in Soviet Russia. By looking at the career of the Bolshevik Commissar of Enlightenment, Anatoly Lunacarskij, it is possible to discern the extent to which the process was forged by the unsanctioned presence of Goethe and Hegel. The article traces their important contributions in the causes of sustaining revolutionary romanticism and its eventual overcoming in favor of the rationality and solemnity of socialist realism.
Electron beam measurements of temperature and density in the base region of a clustered rocket model.

Electron beam technique for measuring density and temperature in base region flow field of scale model of clustered rocket engine configurations
Comprehensive management including interstitial brachytherapy for locally advanced or recurrent gynecologic malignancies

Abstract Radical therapy for locally advanced or recurrent gynecologic malignancies (LARGM) may include intestitial brachytherapy (IB) when intracavitary brachytherapy is impossible or inadequate and external beam teletherapy would be limited by surrounding normal tissue tolerance. Sixteen women received IB as all or part of their treatment at North Shore University Hospital for the treatment of locally advanced primary or recurrent tumors of gynecologic origin from May 1988 through September 1990. Primary sites included the vulva (3), vagina (2), cervix (7), and endometrium (4). Radiosensitizing chemotherapy was used in 8 patients. With a median follow-up of 23 months (range, 12–44 months), 11 patients (69%) have experienced continuous local control of their tumor and 4 patients (25%) have experienced severe complications. While significant risks may attend the use of IB, IB is an integral part of management for select patients with LARGM.