cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Maternal Pentraxin 3 Deficiency Compromises Implantation in Mice

Reduced litter sizes in mice missing pentraxin 3 (Ptx3) have been attributed to fertilization failure. However, our global gene expression studies showed high uterine Ptx3 expression at the implantation site in mice, suggesting its role in blastocyst implantation. We initiated molecular and genetic studies in mice to explore the importance of uterine Ptx3 in this process. We found that Ptx3 is expressed in a unique and transient fashion at implantation sites. With the initiation of implantation on midnight of Day 4 of pregnancy, Ptx3 is expressed exclusively in stromal cells at the site of blastocysts. On Day 5, its expression is more intense in decidualizing stromal cells, but it disappears on Day 6. The expression again becomes evident in the deciduum on Day 7, followed by a more robust expression on Day 8, particularly at the antimesometrial pole. From Day 9, with the initiation of placentation, Ptx3 expression becomes undetectable. These results suggest a role for PTX3 in implantation and decidualization. Indeed, deletion of Ptx3 results in both compromised implantation and decidualization. Interleukin 1B (IL1B), a known inducer of Ptx3, is also transiently expressed in stromal cells at the implantation site, suggesting that IL1B is an inducer of uterine Ptx3 expression. In fact, uterine Ptx3 expression follows that of Il1b induced by lipopolysaccharide treatment on Day 7 of pregnancy. Collectively, these findings provide evidence for an important role for PTX3 in implantation and decidualization. This study has clinical implications, since PTX3 is expressed in the receptive endometrium, and trophoblast cells influence decidual Ptx3 expression in humans.
Overlap between the neural correlates of cued recall and source memory: Evidence for a generic recollection network?

Recall of a studied item and retrieval of its encoding context (source memory) both depend on recollection of qualitative information about the study episode. This study investigated whether recall and source memory engage overlapping neural regions. Participants (n = 18) studied a series of words, which were presented either to the left or right of fixation. fMRI data were collected during a subsequent test phase in which three-letter word-stems were presented, two thirds of which could be completed by a study item. Instructions were to use each stem as a cue to recall a studied word and, when recall was successful, to indicate the word's study location. When recall failed, the stem was to be completed with the first word to come to mind. Relative to stems for which recall failed, word-stems eliciting successful recall were associated with enhanced activity in a variety of cortical regions, including bilateral parietal, posterior midline, and parahippocampal cortex. Activity in these regions was enhanced when recall was accompanied by successful rather than unsuccessful source retrieval. It is proposed that the regions form part of a "recollection network" in which activity is graded according to the amount of information retrieved about a study episode.
Bovine sperm binding to oviductal epithelium involves fucose recognition.

Sperm binding to oviductal epithelium probably serves to form the isthmic sperm reservoir. This interaction of sperm and oviductal epithelium may involve species-specific carbohydrate recognition. We tested a series of carbohydrates and glycoproteins for inhibition of bovine sperm binding to oviductal epithelium in vitro. Explants of isthmic and ampullar epithelium were obtained from oviducts that had been surgically removed from preovulatory heifers. The explants were incubated (39°C, 5% CO) with fetuin, asialofetuin, ovalbumin, fucoidan, fucose, Nacetyl glucosamine, or N-acetyl glucosamine sulfate dissolved in a modified Tyrode's balanced salt solution, termed sperm-TALP (pH 7.4, 295 mOsm) for 10 min before frozen-thawed motile sperm obtained by swim-up were added. After 15 min, the explants were rinsed, and sperm binding density was evaluated. Oviductal explants treated with fucoidan (3 mg/ml; p < 0.001, n = 5) or fucose (31 mM, p < 0.01, n = 6) had reduced densities of bound sperm compared to the controls. Incubation of explants in increasing concentrations of fucose (4-62 mM) resulted in increased inhibition of sperm binding. Pretreating explants with fucosidase also reduced sperm binding (p < 0.001, n = 3) compared to that in controls containing the fucosidase inhibitor deoxyfuconojirimycin. The presence of fucosylated molecules on the surface of the oviductal epithelium was confirmed by labeling with fucose lectins from Ulex europeus and Lotus tetragonolobus. We conclude that fucose is involved in a specific interaction between bovine sperm and oviductal epithelium.
Multiclass routing and medium access control for heterogeneous mobile ad hoc networks

Efficient routing is very important for mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs). Most existing routing protocols consider homogeneous ad hoc networks, in which all nodes are identical, i.e., they have the same communication capabilities and characteristics. Although a homogeneous network model is simple and easy to analyze, it misses important characteristics of many realistic MANETs such as military battlefield networks. In addition, a homogeneous ad hoc network suffers from poor performance limits and scalability. In many ad hoc networks, multiple types of nodes do coexist; and some nodes have larger transmission power, higher transmission data rate, better processing capability, and are more robust against bit errors and congestion than other nodes. Hence, a heterogeneous network model is more realistic and provides many advantages (e.g., leading to more efficient routing protocol design). In this paper, we present a new routing protocol called multiclass (MC) routing, which is specifically designed for heterogeneous MANETs. Moreover, we also design a new medium access control (MAC) protocol for heterogeneous MANETs, which is more efficient than IEEE 802.11b. Extensive simulation results demonstrate that the MC routing has very good performance, and outperforms a popular routing protocol-zone routing protocol, in terms of reliability, scalability, route discovery latency, overhead, as well as packet delay and throughput.
A high-efficiency low-cost wire-bond loop antenna for CMOS wafers

The performance of a vertical-type loop antenna made by two asymmetrical wire bonds on a low-resistivity silicon substrate was investigated. The large-loop height was increased from 0 to 0.3 λ 0 , and the peak gain and radiation efficiency were observed after numerically removing the feed-line loss of 4 dB/mm at 50 GHz. When the loop height was increased from 0 to 0.2 λ 0 , the radiation efficiency showed a big improvement from 5.3 % to 40.2 % on a silicon substrate of ∼8 Ω·cm resistivity. Wire bonding is not only a cost-effective but also repeatable process, and this antenna can be easily connected to the front-end circuit with a differential-feed network. Therefore, the proposed vertical-type wire-bond antenna is a promising technique for high-efficiency on-chip radio antennas.
Polypoid lesions in inflammatory bowel disease

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may develop a variety of neoplastic and nonneoplastic polyps. This review covers the pathology, pathogenesis, natural history, and treatment of polyps in IBD with special emphasis on dysplastic lesions. Elevated or polypoid dysplastic lesions in IBD patients are referred to by the acronym DALM (dyspasia-associated lesion or mass). DALMs are further categorized as adenoma-like (endoscopically resectable polypoid dysplasia) or non–adenoma-like (non–endoscopically resectable polypoid dysplasia) based on their endoscopic appearance. Colectomy is recommended for patients with a non–adenoma-like DALM because of the high risk of synchronous or metachronous adenocarcinoma. In contrast, adenoma-like DALMs can be safely treated by polypectomy and continued surveillance provided that the lesion is removed in total, with negative margins, and no flat dysplasia is identified in the colon adjacent to and distant from the polyp.
Electrokinetic parameters for capillaries of different geometries

Abstract The electrokinetic parameters describing electroosmosis, ion conduction, and streaming potential were computed for long capillaries of three different shapes: circle, ellipse, and infinite slit. The nonlinear Poisson-Boltzmann equation was numerically solved to obtain electrical potential profiles within the pores, which were integrated into the classical momentum and conduction equations. Because an electrolyte which is symmetric in both charge and mobility was assumed, the results for each pore geometry could be expressed in terms of two parameters, a dimensionless wall charge and radius. The calculations show that pore shape is sometimes an important factor, but the results for a circle can be corrected by a surface-to-volume ratio to obtain the correct parameters for an ellipse. Calculations of the electroviscous effect for water-filled circular capillaries show that its maximum augmentation is 28% of the bulk solution viscosity.
Liver Genomic Responses to Ciguatoxin: Evidence for Activation of Phase I and Phase II Detoxification Pathways following an Acute Hypothermic Response in Mice

Ciguatoxins (CTX) are polyether neurotoxins that target voltage-gated sodium channels and are responsible for ciguatera, the most common fish-borne food poisoning in humans. This study characterizes the global transcriptional response of mouse liver to a symptomatic dose (0.26 ng/g) of the highly potent Pacific ciguatoxin-1 (P-CTX-1). At 1 h post-exposure 2.4% of features on a 44K whole genome array were differentially expressed (p ≤ 0.0001), increasing to 5.2% at 4 h and decreasing to 1.4% by 24 h post-CTX exposure. Data were filtered (|fold change| ≥ 1.5 and p ≤ 0.0001 in at least one time point) and a trend set of 1550 genes were used for further analysis. Early gene expression was likely influenced prominently by an acute 4°C decline in core body temperature by 1 h, which resolved by 8 h following exposure. An initial downregulation of 32 different solute carriers, many involved in sodium transport, was observed. Differential gene expression in pathways involving eicosanoid biosynthesis and cholesterol homeostasis was also noted. Cytochrome P450s (Cyps) were of particular interest due to their role in xenobiotic metabolism. Twenty-seven genes, mostly members of Cyp2 and Cyp4 families, showed significant changes in expression. Many Cyps underwent an initial downregulation at 1 h but were quickly and strongly upregulated at 4 and 24 h post-exposure. In addition to Cyps, increases in several glutathione S-transferases were observed, an indication that both phase I and phase II metabolic reactions are involved in the hepatic response to CTX in mice.
Metacarpophalangeal Joint Arthroplasty in the Setting of Trauma

Purpose To report the outcome of pyrocarbon metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint implants with traumatic nonreconstructible articular cartilage loss. Methods We performed a review of all patients at a single institution who underwent a pyrocarbon MCP joint arthroplasty performed after an acute injury. Of 820 MCP joint arthroplasties performed, 10 were performed in 7 patients for open MCP joint trauma within 24 hours of the initial injury. Six were hemi- and 4 were total arthroplasties. The mean follow-up was 4 years. All injuries were the result of a direct laceration over the MCP joint. Results There were no cases of revision or postoperative infection. Mean total arc of motions for the MCP, proximal interphalangeal, and distal interphalangeal joints were 56° (30° to 70°), 76° (40° to 100°), and 50° (21° to 70°), respectively. Postoperative mean grip, oppositional pinch, and appositional pinch strengths were 28, 9, and 11 kg, respectively. All patients except one reported no or mild pain at the last follow-up. Half of the patients required a tenolysis. Conclusions MCP joint arthroplasty was performed safely in the setting of acute complex open MCP joint trauma. Patients had preservation of adequate MCP joint motion and experienced little pain. MCP arthroplasty should be a consideration in cases of open MCP joint trauma to preserve motion, prevent pain, and avoid fusion. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic IV.
Lithographic Deposition of Patterned Metal–Organic Framework Coatings Using a Photobase Generator

A photobase generator was used to induce metal- organic framework (MOF) nucleation upon UV irradiation. This method was further developed into a simple, one-step method for depositing patterned MOF films. Furthermore, the ability of our method to coat a single substrate with MOF films having different chemical compositions is illustrated. The method is an important step towards integrating MOF deposition with existing lithographic techniques and the incorporation of these materials into sensors and other electronic devices. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are a class of three- dimensional permanently porous materials consisting of metal ion nodes bridged by multitopic organic ligands. The ability to tune the pore structure, surface area, metal ion, and the organic linker has positioned these materials at the forefront of research in gas storage, catalysis, and separa- tions. (1-3) The aforementioned attributes have also increased interest in the use of MOFs as sensors or as low-k dielectrics in microelectronic devices. (4, 5) Integration into devices for these applications requires materials to be obtained as patterned thin films, which is challenging to achieve with MOFs since they are generally synthesized as microcrystalline powders or single crystals. Thus, there is significant interest in developing methods for both producing and patterning MOF thin films and coatings. Current strategies for obtaining patterned films of MOFs have been recently reviewed. (6) These methods include patterned deposition of precursors that are subsequently converted to MOFs, (7-12) selective substrate functionalization followed by patterned framework surface growth when exposed to a synthesis mixture, (13-16) and lithographic tech- niques that generate patterns in a subtractive manner from a continuous MOF coating. (17-19) Among the above tech-
Priming the representation of Mandarin tone 3 sandhi words

ABSTRACTPhonological alternation poses problems for spoken word recognition. In Mandarin Tone 3 sandhi, a Tone 3 syllable changes to a Tone 2 syllable when followed by another Tone 3 syllable. A traditional phonological account assumes that the initial syllable of Mandarin disyllabic sandhi words is Tone 3 (T3) underlyingly, but becomes Tone 2 (T2) on the surface. In an auditory–auditory priming lexical decision experiment, each disyllabic tone sandhi target word (e.g., chu3-li3) was preceded by one of three monosyllabic primes: a T2 prime (Surface-Tone overlap) (chu2), a T3 prime (Underlying-Tone overlap) (chu3), or a control prime (Baseline condition) (chu1). Results showed that Tone 3 primes (Underlying-Tone) elicited significantly stronger facilitation effects for the sandhi targets than Tone 2 primes (Surface-Tone), with little effect of target frequency. The data are examined in terms of the contribution of underlying representations for models of spoken word recognition.
Model Human Reproductive Technologies and Surrogacy Act

This act provides a model statute to determine the legal status of children born as the result of assisted reproductive technologies, provides rules relating to the safe regulation of and access to those technologies, and establishes standards and procedural safeguards to ensure that the technologies are used in the resulting children’s best interest.
Translation, Ethics and Ideology in a Violent Globalizing World

The topic of political violence and globalization inevitably invokes the events of 11 September 2001 in the United States, bombings in the United Kingdom and Spain, suicide bombings throught the Middle East, the US presence in Afghanistan and Iraq, and the supercharged military response by Israel to what are at times relatively minor instances of political violence by Palestinian civilians. We could add to this dismal litany violence associated with the world drug trade, violence associated with prisons and the detention of prisoners worldwide, ethnic slaughter and genocide, and cruelty promulgated by specific regimes that use arbitary violence against civilian populations to inspire terror so as to buttress their power, all of which have gained global attention because of contemporary media and their translation activities. As I write these words, it is probably fair to say that most people in the world who know and care about these violent acts and events also disapprove of them. This includes the majority of voters in the United States who have grown increasingly opposed to the involvement of the US in what are seen as civil wars and to acts of the US government that violate the US Constitution, including domestic spying and the torture of prisoners, as the results of the 2008 elections indicate.1 It is, of course, important to acknowledge that those aware of these world events do not in fact constitute the majority of the world’s population, despite the rhetoric about globalization, because so few people actually have the resources — whether material or psychic — to ake an interest in world events and to access essential information.
Decoding via Coding: Analyzing Qualitative Text Data Through Thematic Coding and Survey Methodologies

ASBTRACTIn order to effectively analyze qualitative data one must use a systematic process to organize and highlight meaning. This article suggests a practical method of navigating the challenges of organizing and classifying qualitative data through the use of thematic coding and the reorganization of text data into a SurveyMonkey survey.
Can the Miscibility of Telechelic Polymer Solutions Increase with Polymer Chain Length

Increasing the molar mass of the polymers in blends and in solutions tends to decrease miscibility, but application of the lattice cluster theory for strongly interactiong polymer systems to telechelic polymer solutions explains why this usual trend can be inverted, a situation actually observed in some telechelic polymer solutions and blends.
AVOID THOSE SUTURES: ATRIAL FLUTTER ABLATION AFTER A RECENT HEART TRANSPLANT

There is concern that radiofrequency ablation for atrial flutter after recent heart transplant could potentially disrupt fresh suture lines. A 55 year old man with end stage ischemic cardiomyopathy underwent bicaval orthotopic heart transplant. His postoperative course was complicated by rapid
Monograph of the Coryneliaceae

Stromata black, formed within the host tissue, later erumpent, usually small and scattered, in C. fructicola confluent to form an effuse crust, bearing perithecia and in some species also pycnidia, perithecia seated on t.he stroma, cespitose, elongated (flaskshaped, barrel-shaped, top-shaped, clavate, etc.) the apex rounded and undifferentiated, or definitely lobed, in C. fructicola flattened into a disc as in Tripospora; not provided with a typical ostiolum, at maturity dehiscent either by a wide opening resulting from one or more deep clefts, or as in C. fructicola, fimbriate-lacerate at the apex and finally dehiscent by a wide funnel-shaped opening; asci ovate to clavate, long-stalked, thin-walled, evanescent, usually 8-spored (varying from i-8), aparaphysate; ascospores when young hyaline, smooth and by mutual pressure polyhedral; at maturity, spherical, brown, thick-walled, echinulate, unicellular; pycnidia seated on the stroma among the perithecia, more or less globose, black; pycnospores hyaline, elongated to fusiform, unicellular.
TD Canada Trust (Abridged)

The case illustrates the role of performance measurement and analytics in translating TD-Canada Trust's service model of comfortable banking into operational terms. In 2000, in a banking market where consumers and regulators were typically hostile to mergers and acquisitions, Canada's fifth largest commercial bank, Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD Bank), undertook a merger with a relatively small trust company, Canada Trust, which was known for exceptional customer service. To assuage the concerns of regulators, consumer groups, and newly acquired customers, TD Bank made several public pronouncements promising to maintain Canada Trust's high customer service standards and to deliver a comfortable banking experience. Chris Armstrong, executive vice president and chief marketing officer, was now faced with the task of defining the comfortable banking model and consistently delivering on these promises. Armstrong and his team undertake a systematic analysis of the drivers of customer satisfaction and branch network profitability and, based on the results, must decide how to change TD-Canada Trust's branch compensation and performance reporting systems to consistently, and profitably, deliver a comfortable banking experience.
The Research on Application of MATLAB in LabVIEW

Making use of MATLAB toolboxes in LabVIEW will develop virtual instrument programming software.Math software MATLAB makes a feature of its professional toolboxes which function is powerful.The paper analyzes the research on application of using MATLAB Script and the use MATLAB of tool boxes.An example is also given which is developing a virtual instrument to calibrate static performance for robot's 6-axis wrist force sensor in LabVIEW.It is indicated that the help of MATLAB using LabVIEW to develop virtual instrument will become more convenient and more effective.
Palliative Operations for Patients with Unresectable Endocrine Neoplasia

Endocrine cancer is rare. Surgery is the only curative form of treatment for patients with endocrine cancer. Malignant endocrine tumors generally are slowly progressive, and patients may live for many years with metastatic disease. Therefore, aggressive surgery to remove primary and metastatic tumors may be indicated. Surgical resection of localized tumors often results in cure. Surgical resection of metastatic tumors may prolong survival.Surgery may alleviate symptoms related to excessive hormone production and tumor mass. The surgeon must individualize the use of surgery in patients with endocrine cancer to determine the resectability of the tumor, the potential morbidity rate, and the benefit to the patient.
Gender and AIDS-related psychosocial processes : A study of perceived susceptibility, social distance, and homophobia

Over the past decade, researchers have accumulated evidence that suggests six main factors are associated with AIDS-related risk reduction behavior: (a) perceived susceptibility (Dolcini et al., 1995; van der Plight & Richard, 1994); (b) attitudes toward condoms (Catania et al., 1994; Maticka-Tynadale, 1991); (c) personally knowing someone with HIV/AIDS (Joseph et al., 1987); (d) perceived peer norms about risk-reduction (Maticka-Tyndale, 1991); (e) previous sexual activity (Joseph et al., 1987); and (f) self-efficacy (Aspinwall, Kemeny, Taylor, & Schneider, 1991; van der Plight & Richard, 1994). Furthermore, there is some suggestion that the epidemiology and sociocultural constructions of the disease has led to considerable gender, racial, and class differences in awareness of AIDS, perception of HIV threat, and HIV-relevant behavior (Cohan & Atwood, 1994; Dolcini et al., 1995; Gillies, 1994).
Job stressors and employee proactivity: The bright and dark sides of psychological empowerment

Recently, organizational scholars have stressed the importance of employee proactivity in today’s dynamic and uncertain work environment. As such, research has investigated employee proactivity in ...
SU-G-IeP3-02: Characteristics of In-Vivo MOSFET Dosimeters for Diagnostic X-Ray Low-Dose Measurements

Purpose: To correct in-vivo metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) dosimeters dependence on X-ray energy, dose and dose rate, and temperature in order to measure doses or exposures on several anatomic points of interest undergoing some routine radiographs. Methods: A mobile MOSFET system (BEST Medical) was carefully calibrated with X-ray at kVp of 70, 80, 100, 120, and 138 kVp, phantom temperatures at 0, 21, and 43 oC, and exposure range from 0.01 to 10 R confirmed with Raysafe and RadCal dosimeters. The MOSFETS were placed on the midline bladder or uterus, left pelvic iliac artery, left abdominal above iliac crest, abdominal midline anterior at inferior margin of stomach, and left pectoral of a large and a small body-size cadavers undergoing AP/PA chest and lumber spine radiographs using manual and automatic exposure control (AEC) with and without lead shielding. MOSTFETs and TLD chips were also placed on the stomach, sigmoid, pubic symphysis, left and right pelvic walls of another cadaver for AP pelvic manual or AEC radiography prior to and after a left hip metal implant. Results: Individual MOSFET detectors had various low-dose limits in ranged from 0.03 to 0.08 R, nonlinear response to X-ray energy, and significant temperature effect of 15%. By accumulating 10 manual exposures and 20 AEC exposures, we achieved dose measured accuracy of 6%. There were up to 8 fold increases for AEC exposure of spine and chest X-ray procedure from no shielding to with shielding. For pelvic radiography, exposure to public symphysis was the highest even higher than that of the skin. After hip implant, AEC pelvic radiograph increase exposure by 30 to 200% consistent with results of TLDs. Conclusion: Dependence of energy, temperature and dose limit were accurately corrected. We have found significant exposure for those clinical pr°ocedures and the study provided evidences for developing new clinical procedures.
Gold foil and noncorneal skin electrodes in pattern electroretinograms

ABSTRACT.Pattern electroretinograms (PERGs) were recorded in ten subjects employing two varieties of electrodes: a gold foil electrode inserted into the lower fornix, and a gold cup skin electrode overlying the inferior orbit. Recordings were obtained as subjects viewed a checker-board pattern that reversed with a frequency of 2.1 Hz. Check size varied from 4 degrees to 0.25 degrees, at a contrast of 98%. Two additional recordings were obtained with 0.5 degree check size, lower luminance, and lower contrast. The PERG recorded with a skin electrode was similar in configuration to the PERG recorded with a gold foil electrode, but smaller in amplitude. The equation relating the amplitude of the b-wave recorded from the foil electrode (y) to the amplitude of the b-wave recorded from the skin electrode (x) was: y = 0.127 + 2.150x, with an R value of 0.82. Latencies of both the a- and b-waves were comparable under both recording conditions. We conclude PERGs may be adequately recorded with a noncorneal skin ele...
MusiSkate: enhancing the skateboarding experience through musical feedback

In this paper, we investigate the potential of using musical feedback to enhance the skateboarding experience and to encourage skaters to gain more skills. We adhere to the UCD (User-Centered Design) process to discover opportunities for technological contributions in skating, followed by proposing MusiSkate as a solution based on user needs and contexts. Our findings suggest that MusiSkate has the potential to enhance the satisfaction of skating. Furthermore, it conforms to the guidelines for designing skateboarding applications as set forth by existing literature. Finally, we suggest future explorations for using audio feedback with skateboarding based on the results of our pilot study.
Introduction to Nanotechnology with Special Reference to Ophthalmic Delivery

The capabilities of nanotechnology are leading to widespread use of nanomaterials in biotechnology and medicine. Nanomaterials exist in various sizes, compositions, and morphology. Due to their large numbers, classification systems should be implemented for proper evaluation of the nanomaterials for efficacy and prevention of toxicity. Many nanomaterials are being studied for potential therapeutic applications in ocular disease. Conventional treatments still possess side effects and limitations and the use of nano-biomaterials for ophthalmic drug delivery can allow for design and administration of delivery systems with targeted and sustained release capabilities. Additionally, off-target activities and toxicity can be reduced.
The Nemhauser-Trotter Reduction and Lifted Message Passing for the Weighted CSP

We study two important implications of the constraint composite graph (CCG) associated with the weighted constraint satisfaction problem (WCSP). First, we show that the Nemhauser-Trotter (NT) reduction popularly used for kernelization of the minimum weighted vertex cover (MWVC) problem can also be applied to the CCG of the WCSP. This leads to a polynomial-time preprocessing algorithm that fixes the optimal values of a large subset of the variables in the WCSP. Second, belief propagation (BP) is a well-known technique used for solving many combinatorial problems in probabilistic reasoning, artificial intelligence and information theory. The min-sum message passing (MSMP) algorithm is a simple variant of BP that has also been successfully employed in several research communities. Unfortunately, the MSMP algorithm has met with little success on the WCSP. We revive the MSMP algorithm for solving the WCSP by applying it on the CCG of a given WCSP instance instead of its original form. We refer to this new MSMP algorithm as the lifted MSMP algorithm for the WCSP. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our algorithms through experimental evaluations.
``Agency costs” when agents perform better than owners

Abstract This paper extends Jensen and Meckling's agency cost theory. A clockwise rotation of their budget constraint represents better performance by agents compared to owners and higher firm values. This extension incorporates Alchian and Demsetz's view of the firm, wherein firm values increase when managers are employed. It is then sub-optimal for owner-managers to directly expropriate non-pecuniary benefits through the firm as in Jensen and Meckling. It is instead Pareto optimal that owner-managers who seek to expropriate non-pecuniary benefits do so using the firm's higher value, and trading it for the non-pecuniary benefits they desire in the open market.
The experimental evaluation of a high resolution haptic feedback array for lower limb loss rehabilitation

A High-Resolution Haptic Feedback Array (HRHFA) was developed and tested in its efficacy to communicate kinesthetic information relative to human gait. 7 able-bodied subjects were tasked with performing a knee motion tracking task given haptic guidance via the HRHFA affixed to their dominant forearm. Data was recorded via goniometer apparatus affixed to the subject's dominant leg, which provided measurements of knee angle, quadriceps and hamstrings EMG, and estimates of velocity and torque. It was found that the HRHFA offered a significant improvement over the control (p = 0.001). This demonstrates the efficacy with which HRHFA can communicate complex locomotor information.
Application of the Boundary Element Method to Inelastic Fracture Mechanics

The numerical results presented here cover fatigue crack growth modeling of a two-dimensional problem. The study mainly focuses on the comparison of elastoplastic crack opening for long and short cracks under plane stress and plane strain conditions. The numerical results are obtained by using the elastoplastic boundary element method (BEM).
Translanguaging with multilingual students: Learning from classroom moments, edited by O. Garcia, and T. Kleyn: 2016. New York, NY: Routledge, 236 pp.

This edited book is a welcome addition to the literature on translanguaging pedagogy. The content is drawn from ongoing transformative action research that has grown out of a research-practice part...
Development of a sensory wheel and lexicon for chocolate.

Abstract Cocoa is one of the most important cultivated crops worldwide both in production and processing. But due to the change in weather conditions, pest and diseases, producers are looking into new bean varieties and alternatives (e.g. carob) which can influence the sensory properties of chocolate. But also the other ingredients, the production process and storage conditions play a role in the sensory properties of chocolate products. Although chocolate has been widely used as a product for scientific research, especially given its association with the arousal of pleasure by consumers, there is a lack of a sensory lexicon of chocolate products generated by consumers. This study aims to identify sensory characteristics with respect to the four sensory modalities (appearance, aroma, texture and flavour), which are important for chocolate consumption and visualize them in a chocolate sensory wheel. Five focus groups with consumers (n = 48) generated in total 104 descriptors using a range of white (5 different samples), milk (8 different samples) and dark (9 different samples) chocolate samples. A three-tiered chocolate sensory wheel, comprising the 4 sensory modalities, 21 categories and 61 descriptors, was created to form a graphical presentation of the sensory lexicon. Based on the descriptors obtained from the five focus groups, in total nine commercial samples of white, milk and dark chocolate were characterised using descriptive analysis by a trained sensory panel. The results of the descriptive analysis show that samples can be differentiated based on the attributes of the sensory lexicon. Given that identifying, understanding and using the most important sensory characteristics is crucial for companies but also for scientists using chocolate products, this chocolate sensory lexicon will be of added value in new product development and quality assurance.
The Expression and Transfer of Valence Associated with Social Conformity

Consensus seeking - abandoning one's own judgment to align with a group majority - is a fundamental feature of human social interaction. Notably, such striving for majority affiliation often occurs in the absence of any apparent economic or social gain, suggesting that achieving consensus might have intrinsic value. Here, using a simple gambling task, in which the decisions of ostensible previous gamblers were indicated below available options on each trial, we examined the affective properties of agreeing with a group majority by assessing the trade-off between social and non-social currencies, and the transfer of social valence to concomitant stimuli. In spite of demonstrating near-perfect knowledge of objective reward probabilities, participant's choices and evaluative judgments reflected a reliable preference for conformity, consistent with the hypothesized value of social alignment.
Olfactory Learning of Fruit Odors in the Eastern Yellow Jacket, Vespula maculifrons (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)

Food-seaching workers of eastern yellow jackets, Vespula maculifrons, are attracted by the natural odors of a wide variety of succulent fruits; particularly effective was pear. The only part of a fruit that repelled was the leathery epicarp of oranges. After rewarding with sugar water, odors of six fruits, including the pulpy mesocarp of oranges and, in addition, the leaves of catmint Nepeta cataria, all become highly attractive. To learn the distinctive odors of any one of three fruits (pear, apple, quince), nondiscrimination training with a rewarded fruit was sufficient for the subsequent olfactory preference of the training fruit over the control fruit. In the other cases [banana, hawthorn (Crataegus crus-galli), grape] simultaneous discrimination training with a rewarded and an unrewarded fruit was necessary and effective for obtaining differential responses to the odors of the training fruits. As far as current evidence goes, olfactory learning plays similar roles in the fruit foraging of this wasp and in the nectar foraging of the honey bee (Apis mellifera).
motoRneuron: an open-source R toolbox for time-domain motor unit analyses.

Motor unit synchronization is the tendency of motor neurons and their associated muscle fibers to discharge near-simultaneously. It has been theorized as a control mechanism for force generation by common excitatory inputs to these motor neurons. Magnitude of synchronization is calculated from peaks in cross-correlation histograms between motor unit discharge trains. However, there are many different methods for detecting these peaks and even more indices for calculating synchronization from them. Methodology is diverse, typically laboratory-specific and requires expensive software, like Matlab or LabView. This lack of standardization makes it difficult to draw definitive conclusions about motor unit synchronization. A free, open-source toolbox, "motoRneuron", for the R programming language, has been developed which contains functions for calculating time domain synchronization using different methods found in the literature. The objective of this paper is to detail the toolbox's functionality and present a case study showing how the same synchronization index can differ when different methods are used to compute it. A pair of motor unit action potential trains were collected from the forearm during a isometric finger flexion task using fine wire electromyography. The motoRneuron package was used to analyze the discharge time of the motor units for time-domain synchronization. The primary function "mu_synch" automatically performed the cross-correlation analysis using three different peak detection methods, the cumulative sum method, the z-score method, and a subjective visual method. As function parameters defined by the user, only first order recurrence intervals were calculated and a 1 ms bin width was used to create the cross correlation histogram. Output from the function were six common synchronization indices, the common input strength (CIS), k', k' - 1, E, S, and Synch Index. In general, there was a high degree of synchronization between the two motor units. However, there was a varying degree of synchronization between methods. For example, the widely used CIS index, which represents a rate of synchronized discharges, shows a 45% difference between the visual and z-score methods. This singular example demonstrates how a lack of consensus in motor unit synchronization methodologies may lead to substantially differing results between studies. The motoRneuron toolbox provides researchers with a standard interface and software to examine time-domain motor unit synchronization.
Disappearance of duodenal polyps in Gardner's syndrome with sulindac therapy

Duodenal polyps with a malignant potential pose a serious threat to Gardner's patients. Several reports have shown regression or disappearance of colonic polyps with sulindac therapy. We report the first case of disappearance of duodenal polyps with sulindac.
Use of carotid and axillary artery approach for stenting the patent ductus arteriosus in infants with ductal-dependent pulmonary blood flow: A multicenter study from the congenital catheterization research collaborative.

BACKGROUND Carotid artery (CA) and axillary artery (AA) access are increasingly used for transcatheter stenting of the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), although reports are limited. METHODS The Congenital Catheterization Research Collaborative (CCRC) reviewed multicenter data from infants who underwent PDA stenting via the CA or AA approach from 2008 to 2017, and compared outcomes to those of infants undergoing PDA stenting via the femoral artery (FA) approach. Post-procedure ultrasound (US) imaging was reviewed. RESULTS Forty-nine infants underwent PDA stenting from the CA (n = 43) or AA (n = 6) approach, compared with 55 infants who underwent PDA stenting from the FA approach. The PDA was the sole pulmonary blood flow (PBF) source in 61% of infants in the CA/AA cohort, compared with 33% of the FA cohort (p < .01). Ductal tortuosity for CA/AA cohort was Type I (straight) in 10 (20%), Type II (one turn) in 17 (35%), and Type III (multiple turns) in 22 (45%) infants and reflected a greater degree of tortuosity when compared to the FA cohort (p < .01). In 17 infants with CA/AA approach, the "flip technique" was used, and was associated with shorter procedure times for highly tortuous PDA (Type III) patients. Rates of procedural complications were similar across access sites. Most common complications were access site injury (thrombus or bleeding) and stent malposition. No complications were specifically related to the "flip technique." CONCLUSIONS Use of CA and AA approach for PDA stenting was found to be more commonly employed in sole source PBF and highly tortuous PDAs. Procedural modifications such as the "flip technique" may lead to shorter procedure times. CA and AA approaches are associated with a similar burden of procedural or late complications. Post-procedural surveillance of the CA and AA is suggested, given the incidence of vascular findings on US.
Imaging of fetal tumors and other dysplastic lesions: A review with emphasis on MR imaging

Fetal tumors and other dysplastic masses are relatively rare. They are usually the result of failure of differentiation and maturation during embryonic or fetal life; dysplastic lesions may be the consequence of an obstruction sequence. In this review, we present the most commonly encountered tumors and masses seen during fetal life. Imaging characteristics, tumoral organ of origin, and its effect on the surrounding organs and overall fetal hemodynamics are descriptors that must be relayed to the fetal surgeon and maternal fetal medicine expert, in order to institute most accurate parental counseling and appropriate perinatal treatment plan.
Palatine Tonsilloliths and Actinomyces: A Multi-institutional Study of Adult Patients Undergoing Tonsillectomy.

ObjectiveTo better characterize associations between Actinomyces and tonsillolith versus nontonsillolith tonsillectomy specimens.Study DesignBi-institutional retrospective case-case study.SettingUn...
Indwelling Pleural Catheters Versus Talc Pleurodesis for Recurrent Symptomatic Malignant Pleural Effusions

Malignant pleural effusions can destroy quality of life in patients with advanced cancer. The majority of patients with malignant pleural effusions will develop symptoms that necessitate intervention. Quality of life is enhanced by alleviating symptoms and reducing interactions with the healthcare system, while minimizing treatment-related complications. We evaluate the use of indwelling pleural catheters versus pleurodesis for the management of symptomatic malignant pleural effusions. We recommend that for patients with recurrent symptomatic malignant pleural effusions, placement of an indwelling pleural catheter or talc pleurodesis is equally appropriate and efficacious for the relief of dyspnea. In contrast, for patients with recurrent symptomatic malignant pleural effusions, indwelling pleural catheter placement is superior to talc pleurodesis based on the reduced number of hospital days and need for reinterventions.
Adult acute hemorrhagic leukoencephalitis: role of susceptibility-weighted imaging in diagnosis and importance of aggressive early immunotherapy. (P1.2-027)

Objective: We present a case of adult acute hemorrhagic leukoencephalitis emphasizing the role of susceptibility-weighted (SWI) MRI in diagnosis and the importance of aggressive early immunotherapy. Background: Acute hemorrhagic leukoencephalitis (AHLE) is a postinfectious condition characterized by extensive demyelination and foci of intracerebral hemorrhage. Although most often a condition of childhood, AHLE can also affect adults, with high morbidity and mortality. Design/Methods: A 44 year old male with history of recent upper respiratory tract infection presented with headache and encephalopathy which progressed to coma within 24 hours. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis was notable for lymphocytic pleocytosis. MRI demonstrated multifocal white matter hyperintensities on T2 and FLAIR sequences, and rim enhancement with gadolinium. Gradient recalled echo (GRE) sequences were normal but SWI sequences showed extensive microhemorrhages. Serological studies were notable for elevated immunoglobulin G antibody titers to influenza A and B and coxsackie B virus. Results: The patient was diagnosed with AHLE and immediately treated with immunotherapy including five days of methylprednisolone and five days of plasmapheresis used concomitantly, followed by three days of intravenous immunoglobulin. He demonstrated significant clinical improvement during his immunotherapy course and was successfully discharged to inpatient rehabilitation, and later home. At follow up 3 months later, he only reported fatigue as a residual symptom and had no clinical deficits on examination. Follow-up MRI at that time demonstrated complete resolution of the T2 and FLAIR white matter hyperintensities as well as SWI microhemorrhages. Conclusions: AHLE is a potentially catastrophic condition with high morbidity and mortality. SWI imaging may detect hemorrhagic lesions not detectable by GRE. Aggressive immunotherapy begun emergently may result in substantial recovery. Disclosure: Dr. Sugar has nothing to disclose. Dr. Galli has nothing to disclose. Dr. Clardy has received personal compensation for consulting, serving on a scientific advisory board, speaking, or other activities with Adivo Associates (
How work constrains leisure: New ideas and directions for interdisciplinary research

In this commentary, we note the lack of emphasis on work-related factors in the leisure constraints literature. We highlight three work-related factors that we think warrant investigation as leisur...
Prognostic Value of Computed Tomography–Derived Extracellular Volume in TAVR Patients With Low-Flow Low-Gradient Aortic Stenosis

Abstract Objectives The association between extracellular volume (ECV) measured by computed tomography angiography (CTA) and clinical outcomes was evaluated in low-flow low-gradient (LFLG) aortic stenosis (AS) patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Background Patients with LFLG AS comprise a high-risk group with respect to clinical outcomes. Although ECV, a marker of myocardial fibrosis, is traditionally measured with cardiac magnetic resonance, it can also be measured using cardiac CTA. The authors hypothesized that in LFLG AS, increased ECV may be associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Methods In 150 LFLG patients with AS who underwent TAVR, ECV was quantified using pre-TAVR CTA. Echocardiographic and clinical information including all-cause death and heart failure rehospitalization (HFH) was obtained from electronic medical records. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to evaluate the association between ECV and death+HFH. Results During a median follow-up of 13.9 months (range 0.07 to 28.9 months), there were 31 death+HFH events (21%). Patients who experienced death+HFH had a greater median Society of Thoracic Surgery score (9.9 vs. 4.7; p Conclusions In patients with LFLG AS, CTA measured increase in ECV is associated with increased risk of adverse clinical outcomes post-TAVR and may thus serve as a useful noninvasive marker for prognostication.
User-centric genomics infrastructure: trends and technologies.

Genomics is both a data- and compute-intensive discipline. The success of genomics depends on an adequate informatics infrastructure that can address growing data demands and enable a diverse range...
Determining Activity Coefficients of SOA from Isothermal Evaporation in a Laboratory Chamber

Nonideal molecular interactions in aerosol particles influence the partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs). However, few direct measurements exist that determine activity coefficient...