cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analysis on type A and B notifiable diseases surveillance in Tianning district from 1973 to 2011

Objective : The author investigated the change and trend of notifiable category A B infectious diseases of Tianning District,Changzhou since 1973,which provides scientific basis for prevention and control work of infectious disease. Methods This paper uses descriptive epidemiology to analyze infectious diseases data of Tianning District from 1973 to 2011. Results The incidence of category A B infectious diseases of Tianning District has decreased obviously since 1973. The average disease rate in 1970s was 1782. 33 /100 000,during 2000 ~ 2003 reached the historical minimum of 192. 18 /100 000,and during 2004 ~ 2011 was 309. 96 /100 000. The spectrum of infectious diseases changed dramatically. In 1970s,intestines disease took the predominance,while during 2000 ~ 2011 hematology,sex and respiratory infectious diseases took the predominance. Natural focus and insect- borne infectious diseases kept the low disease rate since 1990s. Planned immunization diseases decreased from 255. 57 /100 000 to 49. 33 /100 000. Compared to 2000 ~ 2003,infectious diseases during 2004 ~ 2011 has similar constituent ratio and obviously ascendant disease rate,which has statistical significance. Conclusions During 1973 ~ 2011,Tianning District adopted measures of vaccination,health education,sanitary condition improvement,disease surveillance enhancement and epidemic treatment standardization,which have taken clear effects of prevention and control of infectious diseases. However,the epidemical status indicates that the prevention and control of infectious diseases face various threats. We should pay more attention and seek new way out.
Environmental factors and job satisfaction: The case of private security guards

An important attribute of high turnover in private security guard industry relates to factors associated with job satisfaction. While sweeping statements have been attributed as reasons for high turnover in the security guard industry (including poor pay, inadequate regulations and poor training), few studies have examined the factors associated with job satisfaction among unarmed guards. This study seeks to examine the relative effects of environmental factors on job satisfaction as well as dissatisfaction among security guards. Data were drawn from in-depth interviews with 18 security guards employed in a highly industrialized Midwestern state in the United States to explore factors that influence their satisfaction and dissatisfaction at work. Findings suggest that overall the guards expressed satisfaction with their jobs because of the thrill and anticipation they received from the job assignment. However, inadequate training, poor pay, shift-work schedules, boredom and a lack of basic amenities at work were among the factors identified that left them with low-job satisfaction. In addition, respondents identified factors that help remedy the situation to create a productive working environment for employees in a high turnover, underpaid occupation.
Institutional Investor Preferences

If we agree that concentration and coordination exists among emerging market’s institutional investors as discussed in prior chapters, then the preferences and actions of these institutional investors, as they influence the financial markets and politics in developing countries, are important to understand. In this chapter, institutional investors’ devaluation of democracy and preference for stability is explored. In particular, this chapter scrutinizes some of the top emerging market fund managers’ opinions about politics in developing countries. What emerges from a survey of various sources of information on emerging market investing is the finance community’s indifference and occasional disdain for democracy as they voice their preferences for neo-liberal reform and stability over most other concerns.1 This chapter will also discuss whether the preference for stability through authoritarianism might be correct in terms of its ability to achieve the economic results sought by investors. In other words, are investors wise to opt for stability at the possible cost of decreasing political liberalization?
P0070 Extracting histotrac data to excel reduces the time required to perform virtual matches by semi-automation

Aim The new kidney allocation system has increased the demand for virtual crossmatches (vxm) at our hospital. A manual vxm can be a cumbersome process which requires navigation through multiple screens within HistoTrac software, where the patient HLA type and antibody results are stored. Our goal was to shorten the time required to perform a vxm, decrease clerical errors and improve the overall formatting of the HLA data for a vxm. To reach this goal, we created an adaptable, semi-automated and user friendly Excel template. Methods We used the Ad Hoc Query tool within Histotrac to generate a data set of patient HLA type, antibodies, and critical comments. The Excel template organized the patient data and aligned it with donor data obtained from DonorNET. Through data manipulation, pivot tables, and comparison logic, a dashboard and a series of data tabs were created to facilitate the vxm process. We compared the mean time to complete simple and complex vxms using manual versus Excel vxm (evxm) methods. Results The e-vxm method reduced the mean time to perform a complex vxm by approximately 15 min. The e-vxm eliminated clerical errors and decreased the time spent on transcribing and tabulating antibody data. Conversely, we observed an increase of approximately 10 min when using the evxm for less complicated (no donor specific antibody) cases. Conclusions This project successfully reduced the time required to perform complicated vxms, which account for 60% of our caseload. A complex vxm has multiple serum dates and data points which the evxm tool extracts and organizes, thus reducing the time needed to complete the vxm. Using the evxm tool for simpler cases does not save time, since extra time is needed to download data to Excel; however, these cases still benefit from eliminating the risk of clerical errors. For these reasons, the process was further refined to give the HLA directors a decision fork early in the process to determine which method to employ.
A high voltage CCD sensor control chip for the large synoptic survey telescope (LSST)

A Sensor Control Chip (SCC) that can drive a 20 V adjustable output voltage swing and a maximum output current of 100 mA has been developed to provide the required clock and bias signals for the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope’s CCD imagers. The prototype chip has been fabricated in a 0.8-µm BCD-SOI process, and is designed to operate down to 175K. The circuit consists of current steering DACs followed by transimpedence operational amplifiers to control the rail voltages of the clock signals and bias voltages. The clocks are input to the SCC through LVDS receivers and converted internally to the required amplitude for driving the CCD. Design techniques will be presented along with room temperature and operational temperature test results obtained from prototype chips.
Non-Abelian Composition Factors of m-Rational Groups

In this thesis, we discuss several problems in the representation theory of finite groups of Lie type. In Chapter 2, we will give essential background material that will be useful for the entirety of the thesis. We will investigate the construction of groups of Lie type, as well as their representations. We will define the field of values of a character afforded by a representation, and state useful results concerning these fields. In Chapter 3, we examine Zsigmondy primes and their existence, a necessary ingredient in proving our main results. In Chapters 4 and 5, we describe our main results in the ordinary and modular cases, which we now summarize. A finite group G is said to be m-rational, for a fixed positive integer m, if [Q((x)) : Q]|m for any irreducible character x∈Irr(G). In 1976, R. Gow studied the structure of solvable rational groups (i.e. m = 1), and found that the possible composition factors of a solvable rational group are cyclic groups of prime order p ∈ {2,3,5}[22]. Just over a decade later, W. Feit and G. Seitz classified the possible non-abelian composition factors of (non-solvable) rational groups. In 2008, J. Thompson found an upper bound of p ≤ 13 for the order of the possible cyclic composition factors of an arbitrary rational group, and conjectured that the bound can be improved to p ≤ 5. More recently, J. McKay posed the question of determining the structure of quadratic rational groups (i.e. m = 2). J. Tent studied the cyclic composition factors of solvable quadratic rational groups in 2013. In Chapter 4, we answer McKay's question concerning non-abelian composition factors, and generalize our results to non-solvable m-rational groups. Modular character theory was founded by R. Brauer in the 1930's, and has been useful in proving historical results including the classification of finite simple groups. In Chapter 5, we prove the modular version of our results. Though our conclusions are similar to those found in the complex case, the methods for proving the results are typically much more complicated.
Flow stabilized porous heterogeneous combustor. Part II: Operational parameters and the acoustic emission

Abstract Heterogeneous combustion is an advanced combustion technique, which incorporates a highly porous ceramic media into the combustion chamber, and enables the flame to propagate within the pores of the ceramic media. Heat exchange between the solid and gas phases within the combustion chamber can enable a flame to exist that is highly resilient to momentary disruptions in reactant flow rates while also enabling localized temperatures to be in excess of the adiabatic flame temperature, a phenomena known as superadiabatic combustion. While beneficial to performance, the incorporation of the solid into the combustion chamber greatly complicates observations and understanding of the combustion phenomena occurring within the voids and on the surface of the solid media, therefore, development of non-invasive and low cost instrumentation is always a priority to get a better understanding of the phenomena occurring within the combustion chamber. Within this work, a novel instrumentation technique, acoustic emission profiles obtained by collecting the noise during heterogeneous combustion, is used to measure characteristics of the flame, in addition to the optical characterization by CCD camera and the thermal characterization by thermocouples to characterize the performance of newly developed heterogeneous porous combustor.
Conceptual Separability in Star Athletica, L.L.C. v. Varsity Brands, Inc. et al: 'Designs' of Useful Articles as (Non)Copyrightable Subject Matter?

This paper is a working case commentary of Star Athletica, LLC v. Varsity Brands, Inc. The paper presents the Varsity case within the context of its changing perception of the function of Fashion, the case’s core issue. Depending upon how the utilitarian function of a cheerleading uniform is understood in this particular case, the paper argues, Fashion design overall is more or less likely to be understood as conceptually separable and therefore as copyrightable subject matter. If Fashion design through the lens of the Varsity case is conceptually separable, then Fashion design might more easily be understood as a repository of historically relevant and culturally significant information while also, however, providing a springboard for a Fashion design monopoly. On the other hand, if Fashion design through the lens of the Varsity case is deemed an inextricable part of a useful article and not conceptually separable, it will cease to be a potential tool for a monopoly in Fashion design, but its ability to be legally conceived as works on par with more traditional pictorial, graphic and sculptural works will be compromised. In this sense, the paper sees an explicit relationship between imaginary and practicality at play in the Varsity case: an imaginative view of Fashion may lead to an effect grant of monopolies on the market.
STM2360 encodes a d-ornithine/d-lysine decarboxylase in Salmonella enterica serovar typhimurium.

Abstract STM2360 is a gene located in a small operon of undetermined function in Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium LT2. The amino acid sequence of STM2360 shows significant similarity (∼30% identity) to diaminopimelate decarboxylase (DapDC), a Fold III pyridoxal-5′-phosphate (PLP) dependent enzyme involved in l -lysine biosynthesis. We have found that the protein coded by STM2360 has a previously undocumented catalytic activity, d -ornithine/ d -lysine decarboxylase (DOKDC). The reaction products, cadaverine and putrescine, respectively, were identified by NMR and mass spectrometry. The substrate specificity of DOKDC is d -Lysine > d -Ornithine. This is the first pyridoxal-5′-phosphate dependent decarboxylase identified to act on d -amino acids. STM2358, located in the same operon, has ornithine racemase activity. This suggests that the physiological substrate of the decarboxylase and the operon is ornithine. Homologs of STM2360 with high sequence identity (>80%) are found in other common enterobacteria, including species of Klebsiella, Citrobacter, Vibrio and Hafnia, as well as Clostridium in the Firmicutes, and Pseudomonas.
Mobilization of iron from ferritin: new steps and details

Much evidence indicates that iron stored in ferritin is mobilized through protein degradation in lysosomes, but concerns about this process have lingered, and the mechanistic details of its aspects are lacking. In the studies presented here, 59Fe-labeled ferritin was induced by preloading hepatic (HepG2) cells with radiolabeled Fe. Placing these cells in a medium containing desferrioxamine resulted in the loss of ferritin-59Fe, but adding high concentrations of reducing agents or modulating the internal GSH concentration failed to alter the rates of ferritin-59Fe release. Confocal microscopy showed that Fe deprivation increased the movement of ferritin into lysosomes and hyperaccumulation was observed when lysosomal proteolysis was inhibited. It also resulted in the rapid movement of DMT1 to lysosomes, which was inhibited by bafilomycin. Ferrihydrite crystals isolated from purified rat liver/spleen ferritin were solubilized at pH 5 and 7 by GSH, ascorbate, citrate and lysosomal fluids obtained from livers and J774a.1 macrophages. The inhibition of DMT1/Nramp2 and siRNA knockdown of Nramp1 each reduced the transfer of 59Fe from lysosomes to the cytosol; and hepatocyte-specific knockout of DMT1 in mice prevented the release of Fe from the liver responding to EPO treatment, but did not inhibit lysosomal ferritin degradation. We conclude that ferritin-Fe mobilization does not occur through changes in cellular concentrations of reducing/chelating agents but by the coordinated movement of ferritin and DMT1 to lysosomes, where the ferrihydrite crystals exposed by ferritin degradation dissolve in the lysosomal fluid, and the reduced iron is transported back to the cytosol via DMT1 in hepatocytes, and by both DMT1 and Nramp1 in macrophages, prior to release into the blood or storage in ferritin.
Personalized Pain Goal as an Outcome Measure in Routine Cancer Pain Assessment

Abstract Background There is currently no universally accepted outcome measure in cancer pain management. The personalized pain goal (PPG) has been shown to be a relevant outcome measure. We examined its use in routine outpatient practice and compared it with the clinically important difference (CID, ≥2 points or 30%), a pain outcome measure frequently used in several clinical studies. Measures Initial and follow-up clinical information of outpatients with advanced cancer pain were retrospectively reviewed. PPG response was defined as pain ≤ PPG and CID response as ≥30% or ≥2-point decrease in pain intensity at follow-up. Outcomes PPG was successfully completed in 375 of 387 eligible patients (97%) with cancer pain. The median baseline PPG was three for all patients and remained unchanged at follow-up. One hundred thirty-two of 375 (35%) had a PPG response and 243 of 375 (65%) were non-responders. The odds ratio for PPG non-response was 1.01 for each milligram increase in morphine equivalent daily dose (P = 0.001), 1.46 for each point increase in the number of adjuvant analgesics (P = 0.006), 2.63 for severe pain (P = 0.002), and 2.55 for moderate depression (P = 0.006). Using PPG response as the gold standard for pain relief, the overall sensitivity and specificity of CID response were 83% and 77%, respectively. Conclusion PPG was successfully completed in the vast majority of patients, suggesting its feasibility as a pain outcome measure in routine clinical practice. Higher baseline pain intensity, depression, opioid dose, and number of adjuvant analgesics were independent predictors of poor pain relief. Further research is needed to further evaluate its clinical importance in cancer pain management.
The Health Consequences of Natural Disasters in the United States: Progress, Perils, and Opportunity

After Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans in 2005, the United States responded by revamping its approach to preparedness, hardening the medical infrastructure, leveraging technology, and build...
A visual analytics system for optimizing the performance of large-scale networks in supercomputing systems

Abstract The overall efficiency of an extreme-scale supercomputer largely relies on the performance of its network interconnects. Several of the state of the art supercomputers use networks based on the increasingly popular Dragonfly topology. It is crucial to study the behavior and performance of different parallel applications running on Dragonfly networks in order to make optimal system configurations and design choices, such as job scheduling and routing strategies. However, in order to study these temporal network behavior, we would need a tool to analyze and correlate numerous sets of multivariate time-series data collected from the Dragonfly’s multi-level hierarchies. This paper presents such a tool–a visual analytics system–that uses the Dragonfly network to investigate the temporal behavior and optimize the communication performance of a supercomputer. We coupled interactive visualization with time-series analysis methods to help reveal hidden patterns in the network behavior with respect to different parallel applications and system configurations. Our system also provides multiple coordinated views for connecting behaviors observed at different levels of the network hierarchies, which effectively helps visual analysis tasks. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the system with a set of case studies. Our system and findings can not only help improve the communication performance of supercomputing applications, but also the network performance of next-generation supercomputers.
Spontaneous Healing of a Bucket-Handle Posterior Labral Detachment After Hip Dislocation in a Five-Year-Old Child: A Case Report.

Case We report the case of a 5-year-old girl who sustained a traumatic hip dislocation and a spontaneous reduction that was complicated by nonconcentric reduction and a large bucket-handle labral detachment. This injury was managed, via an anterior approach, with capsulotomy and reduction of the large interposed labral tear with an attached osteochondral fragment from the posterior aspect of the acetabulum. No additional surgical treatment was employed for the labral tear. Conclusion The patient ultimately demonstrated radiographic healing and an asymptomatic, clinically stable hip. This case illustrates the spontaneous healing of a large posterior labral detachment in a young pediatric patient with a good outcome at 2.5 years after injury.
False-positive amphetamine results on several drug screening platforms due to mexiletine

Abstract Objective False-positive urine drug of abuse screening (UDS) results can have serious implications in clinical practice, particularly when confirmation assay results are not immediately available to providers making medical decisions. Often it is not possible to identify the specific medication or other interfering compound that is responsible for the false-positive UDS result. Even when a potential interference is reported in the literature or package insert for one assay, the applicability to other UDS platforms/assays is often unknown. Mexiletine has been suggested as a cause of false-positive amphetamine results, but never confirmed as the causative agent in previous reports. The goal of this study was to confirm this drug as a cross-reacting compound in amphetamine screening tests. Methods We evaluated several amphetamine screening assays: the Syva EMIT II Plus and the Roche KIMS automated immunoassays, along with the Noble Split-Specimen and Synchron QuikScreen point-of-care assays. Results Urine samples from two patients treated with mexiletine were positive on all amphetamine screens but confirmed negative by mass spectrometry. Drug-free urine spiked with mexiletine caused positive results on all assays, although the EMIT II Plus and KIMS assays cross-reacted at lower mexiletine concentrations than the point-of-care assays. Conclusion This report confirms that mexiletine can cross-react on several amphetamine screening assays. Assay manufacturers are encouraged to evaluate mexiletine cross-reactivity, and providers and laboratories should be aware of the potential for false-positive amphetamine screening results in patients taking mexiletine.
Large Group Basic Science Tutorials Reduce the Stigma Surrounding Academic Assistance in the Medical School Setting

Struggling students are less likely to seek academic assistance and may start at a lower level of comfort with asking for help. Peer and near-peer tutoring programs may reduce the stigma of asking for academic assistance, but studies of the efficacy of such interventions are lacking in the literature. A near-peer tutoring elective called “Upperclassmen Tutoring Underclassmen in Basic sciences And Test-taking” (UpTUBAT) was developed to provide academic support to struggling first and second year medical students. Fourth year medical students were trained in effective tutoring practices through online modules, activities, standardized learner experiences, and faculty-led discussions. Tutors then designed and hosted weekly tutoring sessions. An average of 31 learners attended each session, and 188 total medical students received tutoring. The effects of the tutoring sessions were assessed through pre- and post-tutoring surveys and learner grades. Positive tutoring session themes included identification of relevant information, active engagement, concept clarification, opportunity for review, and diversity of approaches. Attendance of more than half of the sessions increased learners’ self-reported comfort (on a 5-point Likert scale) with asking for help from an upperclassman (4.5 versus 3.2, p = 0.01) or from a professor (4.3 versus 3.1, p = 0.01). More students who were struggling sought tutoring through these sessions, and this intervention helped to maintain learner grades at the same level as the students not receiving tutoring. This study establishes an effective method of training tutors to host large group tutorials in the basic sciences which can lead to development of a cohesive learning community across medical school classes. Near-peer tutoring may be an effective approach to improve learner comfort with seeking academic assistance in the medical school setting.
DNA analysis and the antenatal diagnosis of hemoglobinopathies

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on DNA analysis and the antenatal diagnosis of hemoglobinopathies. Recently new techniques of DNA analysis have been used to elucidate the structure of the genes that code for the globins, the protein components of hemoglobin, and the same techniques have been applied to the globin genes implicated in several hemoglobinopathies. The techniques of analysis, originally applied to DNA isolated from adults have now been applied to DNA samples isolated from fetuses in utero. This has opened up the possibility of antenatal diagnosis of hemoglobinopathies by DNA analysis. Defects of hemoglobins fall into several categories that can be broadly described as hemoglobinopathies. These are of two classes: (1) the structural variants, hemoglobins that have altered polypeptide chains caused by amino acid substitutions, and (2) the thalassaemias, caused by reduced or absent synthesis of globin chains. Both conditions may reach very high frequencies in particular populations. Clinically significant structural variants may exhibit instability or altered oxygen affinity.
Protomusic and Speech

In the tradition of Charles Darwin, we claim that the origin of language has its roots in the rise of cognition and protomusic. Driven by sexual selection and other factors such as reward, vocalization may have been the primary onset for the development of speech and language. Gestures and body responses are considered to have supported the development of more complex vocalization. We suggest here different proto-stages from cognition to speech in a time frame of about 4 million years. Homo erectus might have been the first hominid species that used protospeech to express abstract and symbolic concepts in form of discrete linguistic units. Moreover, we assume that complex syllabic structures might have been mimicked to develop linguistic syntax.
Genomics and conservation units: The genetic basis of adult migration timing in Pacific salmonids

It is now routinely possible to generate genomics-scale datasets for nonmodel species; however, many questions remain about how best to use these data for conservation and management. Some recent genomics studies of anadromous Pacific salmonids have reported a strong association between alleles at one or a very few genes and a key life history trait (adult migration timing) that has played an important role in defining conservation units. Publication of these results has already spurred a legal challenge to the existing framework for managing these species, which was developed under the paradigm that most phenotypic traits are controlled by many genes of small effect, and that parallel evolution of life history traits is common. But what if a key life history trait can only be expressed if a specific allele is present? Does the current framework need to be modified to account for the new genomics results, as some now propose? Although this real-world example focuses on Pacific salmonids, the issues regarding how genomics can inform us about the genetic basis of phenotypic traits, and what that means for applied conservation, are much more general. In this perspective, we consider these issues and outline a general process that can be used to help generate the types of additional information that would be needed to make informed decisions about the adequacy of existing conservation and management frameworks.
Arachidonic acid mediates interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha- induced activation of the c-jun amino-terminal kinases in stromal cells

We have previously shown that arachidonic acid mediates interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)-induced transcription of c-jun. The signaling pathway of arachidonic acid-induced c-jun transcription was independent of protein kinase C activation and involved a tyrosine kinase-dependent process. The present study was undertaken to further elucidate the signal transduction pathway of arachidonate-induced c-jun transcription. We used a glutathione-S-transferase-c-jun fusion protein containing the aminoterminal domain of c-jun (residues 5 to 89) to explore the hypothesis that arachidonic acid stimulates c-jun amino-terminal kinase (JNK) activity in the murine stromal cell line +/+.1 LDA 11. Extracts from arachidonic acid-treated cells catalyzed phosphorylation of the c- jun fusion protein, indicating stimulation of JNK activity. Similar results were obtained when cells were challenged with IL-1 and TNF- alpha. The effect of arachidonic acid was specific, because extracts from stimulated cells failed to phosphorylate a mutated fusion protein in which serine 63 and 73 of c-jun were each substituted with leucine. Arachidonic acid induced JNK activation in a time- and dose-dependent manner that was not mimicked by saturated fatty acids such as palmitic acid or other unsaturated fatty acids from the n-3, n-6, or n-9 series. Furthermore, other lipids, such as diacylglycerol, phosphatidic acid, and C2-ceramide, failed to induce a significant increase in JNK activity. Treatment of stromal cells with propyl gallate, a dual inhibitor of lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase enzymes, did not affect the ability of arachidonic acid to induce JNK activation. Moreover, ETYA (5,8,11,14-eicosate-traynoic acid), a nonmetabolizable arachidonate analogue, also induced JNK activation. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that the signal transduction pathway by which arachidonate stimulates c-jun transcription involves activation of the JNK cascade. Furthermore, arachidonic acid itself and not its cyclooxygenase or lipoxygenase metabolites is involved in stimulating JNK activity. Thus, arachidonic acid may act as a second messenger in mediating the effects of IL-1 and TNF-alpha in the activation of c-jun.
Perioperative and Hypertensive Crisis Management of Pheochromocytomas

With its rarity, non-specific symptoms, and paroxysmal nature, pheochromocytomas can be difficult to diagnose without an index of suspicion. It is crucial that pheochromocytomas are recognized early so that appropriate medical and surgical management can be initiated to avoid pheochromocytoma/hypertensive crises due to catecholamine-induced hemodynamic instability causing end-organ damage. With proper preoperative management with alpha-adrenergic blockade and postoperative monitoring and treatment in the critical care setting, perioperative mortality in pheochromocytoma resections has decreased dramatically since the 1950s.
Physics-Based Assessment of Climate Change Impact on Long-Term Regional Bridge Scour Risk Using Hydrologic Modeling: Application to Lehigh River Watershed

AbstractClimate change poses a substantial threat to civil infrastructure systems. This paper proposes a systematic approach to evaluate the climate change impact on the risk of bridge scour. The p...
Understanding generation Z's social decision-making in travel.

Purpose – To propose a new decision-making process that Generation Zers adopt when they shop for travel and tourism services through social and mobile applications (i.e., hotels, airlines, attractions, and restaurants). Design – A qualitative research was used to explore the changes and unique characteristics of the Generation Z’s different stages of social travel decision-making. Methodology – A conceptual approach that relies on an extensive literature review of classical decision-making models reflecting the changes and differences in each stage in the process. Approach – The authors rely on Engel-Kollat-Blackwell’s (EKB) consumer decision-making model as a base to understand and propose a modified model. Findings – The authors propose a new social decision-making process model for Generation Z. The proposed model consists of five stages and each step is deeper and more complex than ever before. These stages are as follows: 1) Inspiration, 2) Need for Social Recognition, 3) Planning, Search and Evaluation, 4) Booking, and 5) Post-Booking Evaluation. Originality of the research – The paper is the first study to propose a unique decision-making process for Generation Z travellers in the realm of social and mobile business.
The Zero-Sum Dynamics of Managerial Power and Value Transfer in Business Groups

In the context of business groups, this study characterizes and tests managerial power as a zero-sum resource that must be actively pursued at the expense of other managers and affiliate firms. Affiliates compete against each other to capture shared resources, whose allocation not only depends on economic merits but also the manager’s power within the group. As a result, a negative shock to one manager can be beneficial to another affiliate by increasing its manager’s relative rank in the group’s managerial power hierarchy, leading to increased favoritism and value capture in the internal capital market. I find support for the “zero-sum power hypothesis” in the recent corruption trials against a key executive at the Samsung group. By parsing each sentence of the legal opinion delivered during trials, I identify a series of high frequency positive (negative) shocks that benefit (hurt) a rival affiliate. This study accounts for why the internal struggle for power is so ubiquitous, rather than being a highly qualified phenomenon limited to financially constrained firms, with novel implications to intra-organizational competition, family succession, and governance of business groups.
Correlator convolutional neural networks as an interpretable architecture for image-like quantum matter data.

Image-like data from quantum systems promises to offer greater insight into the physics of correlated quantum matter. However, the traditional framework of condensed matter physics lacks principled approaches for analyzing such data. Machine learning models are a powerful theoretical tool for analyzing image-like data including many-body snapshots from quantum simulators. Recently, they have successfully distinguished between simulated snapshots that are indistinguishable from one and two point correlation functions. Thus far, the complexity of these models has inhibited new physical insights from such approaches. Here, we develop a set of nonlinearities for use in a neural network architecture that discovers features in the data which are directly interpretable in terms of physical observables. Applied to simulated snapshots produced by two candidate theories approximating the doped Fermi-Hubbard model, we uncover that the key distinguishing features are fourth-order spin-charge correlators. Our approach lends itself well to the construction of simple, versatile, end-to-end interpretable architectures, thus paving the way for new physical insights from machine learning studies of experimental and numerical data. Physical principles underlying machine learning analysis of quantum gas microscopy data are not well understood. Here the authors develop a neural network based approach to classify image data in terms of multi-site correlation functions and reveal the role of fourth-order correlations in the Fermi-Hubbard model.
Risk factors for return visits in children discharged with tracheostomy.

Abstract Study objectives To determine associations between demographic and clinical characteristics and rate of unplanned returns to system (RTS) in pediatric patients discharged with tracheostomy. Methods Medical records were examined for pediatric patients discharged after tracheostomy placement between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2015. Exclusion criteria included death or decannulation prior to discharge and lack of follow-up through 180 days post-discharge. Readmissions were grouped by time interval after discharge (within 30 days or within 31–180 days). Chi-squared analysis and Fisher's Exact Test were utilized to determine associations between patient characteristics, rate and frequency of RTS, and type of admission (Emergency Department [ED] or inpatient [IP]). Results One hundred twenty-one patients were eligible for the study, and 80 (66.1 %) had an unanticipated RTS during the follow-up period. Patients with early RTS had a higher total number of RTS. Patients with two or more RTS were more likely to be younger, while patients with five or more RTS were more likely to have greater organ system involvement and cardiovascular (CV) disease in particular. Patients presenting with GI diagnoses were more likely to be discharged from the ED. The rate of RTS remained constant throughout the time period examined. Conclusion Pediatric patients discharged with tracheostomy are medically complex and at high risk of RTS, especially for respiratory and GI problems. This risk does not decrease after the initial post-discharge period and long-term follow-up is warranted. Younger patients and patients with history of early RTS are at highest risk for repeat RTS and should be identified for closer outpatient care.
Modulation of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and urokinase in retinal pigmented epithelial cells

Purpose. To examine the effect of several agents that either stimulate or inhibit neovascularization on plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and urokinase in retinal pigmented epithelial cells and vascular endothelial cells. Methods. Steady-state levels of messenger RNA were assessed by Northern blots and dot blots and protein levels were assessed by immunoprecipitation. Results. Data indicate that messenger RNA levels for plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 are modulated in similar fashion in both cells types, being increased by incubation with transformatoin growth factor-beta, dexamethasone, tumor necrosis factor, phorbol myristate acetate, and thrombin
Nonverbally smart user interfaces: postural and facial expression data in human computer interaction

We suggest that User Interfaces (UIs) can be designed to serve as cognitive tools based on a model of nonverbal human interaction. Smart User Interfaces (SUIs) have the potential to support the human user when and where appropriate and thus indirectly facilitate higher mental processes without the need for end-user programming or external actuation. Moreover, graphic nonverbally sensitive SUIs are expected to be less likely to interfere with ongoing activity and disrupt the user. We present two non-invasive methods to assess postural and facial expression components and propose a contextual analysis to guide SUI actuation and supportive action. The approach is illustrated in a possible redesign of the Microsoft helper agent "Clippit" ®.
Fiber optic oxygen sensor for power plant applications

We report on the development of a fiber based oxygen sensor for power plant applications. The sensor utilizes quenching of the bright red fluorescence from inorganic molybdenum chloride (Mo/sub 6/Cl/sub 12/) clusters by ground state /sup 3/O/sub 2/. We are developing a reflection mode fiber sensor by immobilizing the Mo/sub 6/Cl/sub 12/ clusters in an oxygen permeable sol-gel matrix at the far end of a Au clad high temperature silica fiber (continuous operation to 700 /spl deg/C). In contrast to organic indicators these metal halide compounds are well-suited for oxygen sensing schemes in harsh environments. In this paper we report on the high temperature photophysical parameters of the Mo/sub 6/Cl/sub 12/ clusters obtained via absorption and emission spectroscopy in a controlled gas environment.
Latecomer and Crash Recovery Support in Fault-Tolerant Groupware

In a real-time collaborative system, one user's actions must be instantaneously propagated to all the other current participants. A session might start with some users, others might join inlater, and still others might leave and join again. Unlike stateless collaborative applications such as videoconferencing and discussion groups, state-full collaborative applications must offer latecomer and crash recovery support. Such applications include shared electronicwhiteboards, chat rooms, collaborative design, collaborative virtual worlds, and multiplayer games.
Writing for Publication in Nursing by Marilyn H. Oermann and Judith C. Hays

Nurses are not only increasingly urged (if not required) to pursue college degrees, but also to conduct research studies and evidence-based practice projects and then subsequently publish their res...
(Psychological) Distance Makes the Heart Grow Fonder Effects of Psychological Distance and Relative Intelligence on Men’s Attraction to Women

Interpersonal attraction may be shaped by (a) one's psychological distance from a target (the subjective experience that a target is close to or far from the self) and (b) the perceived standing of a target on a trait relative to the self (as better or worse than the self). We propose that when evaluating a psychologically distant target, individuals may rely on abstract schemas (e.g., the desirability of a partner's traits) and prefer targets who possess more (vs. less) desirable qualities than themselves. However, when evaluating psychologically near targets, concrete contextual details of the environment (e.g., how a target's behavior affects self-evaluations in the moment) may determine individuals' attraction toward targets. Six studies revealed that when evaluating psychologically distant targets, men showed greater attraction toward women who displayed more (vs. less) intelligence than themselves. In contrast, when targets were psychologically near, men showed less attraction toward women who outsmarted them.
Excipients and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients

Raw materials in pediatric formulations such as excipients, food ingredients, and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) have received significant attention from regulatory agencies worldwide in recent times due to safety concerns. Not all excipients and food ingredients are “inert” and have been shown to interfere with the growth and development process in pediatric population. Though raw materials incorporated in drug products require extensive safety testing prior to their inclusion in the formulations, there are very few excipients that have undergone randomized clinical trial (RCT) in the pediatric subpopulation. Therefore, this chapter will provide an overview of selected excipients and APIs that are routinely included in pediatric products with reference to their chemical structure, chemical reactivity, and allowable daily intake for pediatric use.
Basic Data for Solid Waste: A Pilot Study

Solid waste management has been plagued by high cost, lagging technology, pollution hazards, and public dissatisfaction. The attempts to improve solid waste management practices in the United States have suffered because of the paucity of reliable and standardized technical data and the absence of a mechanism for disseminating data when available. An effective technical data system is clearly needed that would gather essential information about the operation of representative solid waste systems and develop it into meaningful data to assist engineers, planners, and other decision makers concerned with solid waste management. To satisfy this need, a study was initiated to determine the feasibility of establishing a basic data network for solid waste management on a regular, reliable, and uniform basis. A pilot network was established in three Standard Metropolitan Statistical Areas. Data from this system have demonstrated the practicality of instituting a national data network for solid waste management.
Egg production rates of the copepod Calanus marshallae in relation to seasonal and interannual variations in microplankton biomass and species composition in the coastal upwelling zone off Oregon, USA

Abstract In this study, we assessed trophic interactions between microplankton and copepods by studying the functional response of egg production rates (EPR; eggs female−1 day−1) of the copepod Calanus marshallae to variations in microplankton biomass, species composition and community structure. Female C. marshallae and phytoplankton water samples were collected biweekly at an inner-shelf station off Newport, Oregon USA for four years, 2011–2014, during which a total of 1213 female C. marshallae were incubated in 63 experiments. On average, 80% of the females spawned with an overall mean EPR of 30.4. EPRs in spring (Apr–May, average of 40.2) were significantly higher than summer (Jun–Oct; 26.4). EPRs were intermediate in winter (Jan–Feb; 32.5). Interannually, EPRs were significantly higher in 2014 than 2011 and 2012. Total chlorophyll a (Chl a) concentration and diatom abundance both were significantly higher in summer while no seasonal differences were found in abundance of dinoflagellates, ciliates or Cryptophytes. Although total Chl a showed no interannual differences in bulk biomass of phytoplankton, community structure analysis indicated differences among years. More diverse diatom communities were observed in 2013 and 2014 compared to 2011 and 2012. Relationships between EPR and potential food variables (phytoplankton and ciliates) were significant by season: a hyperbolic functional response was found between EPR and total Chl a in winter–spring and summer, separately, and between EPR and ciliate abundance in winter–spring; a linear model fit best the functional response of EPR to diatom abundance in summer. The estimate of potential population recruitment rate (the number of females × EPR; eggs day−1 m−2) was highest in spring (Apr–May), and annually was highest in 2013 (11,660), followed by 2011 (6209), 2012 (3172) and 2014 (1480). Our observations of in situ EPR were far higher than published laboratory rates of 23.5, calling into question our past laboratory studies that used mono-algae cultures as food for copepods. Moreover, an increasing number of studies (including this study) are showing an apparent greater importance of ciliates as a nutritious food source for Calanus species demonstrating the importance of the microbial loop to secondary production.
Control of sensory activation of granule cells in the fascia dentata by extrinsic afferents: septal and entorhinal inputs

Three groups of rats were trained to perform a differential discrimination task in a 2-tone operant conditioning paradigm. One group received electrolytic lesions of the medial septal nuclei, another received electrolytic or knife cut lesions of the entorhinal cortex. These groups were compared with a normal control group. Recordings of granule cells in the fascia dentata were obtained in all animals during criterion performance of the behavioral task. Both lesions produced disruption of behavioral discrimination in the form of increased error and intertrial responding. Granule cell discharges to the tone stimuli were disrupted by each type of lesion. Septal lesions reduced the differential discharge tendency to CS+ and CS- and changed granule cell firing on all trials to statistically resemble firing on CS- trials in normal animals. Extensive lesions in the entorhinal cortex or knife cuts that severed the perforant path caused near elimination of the tone-evoked discharges to both the CS+ and CS-tones. Septal and entorhinal lesions caused marked changes in the sequential dependence of the granule cell discharge compared with intact animals. Results are discussed in terms of the control of the granule cell discharge by the remaining afferent pathways in each type of lesion condition.
Using UML and OCL for representing multiobjective combinatorial optimization problems

This paper describes the results of a preliminary feasibility study of an approach to representing multiobjective combinatorial optimization problems in UML (structural constraints) and OCL (procedural constraints) and then automatically translating the representations to a constraint satisfaction solving language (Oz) for execution. The paper presents two examples of the application of the approach--a job scheduling problem and a (fixture) design problem. The main goal of this paper is to investigate directions towards a standard, graphical language for representing combinatorial optimization problems. The paper shows that for the two selected problems it is easy to represent structural constraints in UML and that procedural constraints are representable in OCL. The results also show that a developed translator automatically converts the UML/OCL representations to Oz and that the resulting Oz program performs very reasonably, in some cases outperforming the hand-written benchmark programs.