cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rethinking Intelligence: The Role of Mindset in Promoting Success for Academically High-Risk Students

This study utilized an experimental pretest-posttest control group design to determine if changing the way academically high-risk college students view intelligence affected their academic effort and achievement when compared to students in a control intervention. Results indicated that students taught to view intelligence as malleable reported significantly higher levels of the multivariate variable academic effort and the univariate variable study skills than did the students who were directly taught study skills. No significant difference in GPA was found between the two groups. Implications for future research and current practice are discussed.
Eco-evolutionary conservation biology: contemporary evolution and the dynamics of persistence

Summary 1 Natural and human mediated perturbations present challenges to the fate of populations but fuel contemporary evolution (evolution over humanly observable time-scales). Here we ask if such evolution is sufficient to make the difference between population extinction and persistence. 2 To answer this question requires a shift from the usual focus on trait evolution to the emergent ‘eco-evolutionary’ dynamics that arise through interactions of evolution, its fitness consequences and population abundance. 3 By combining theory, models and insights from empirical studies of contemporary evolution, we provide an assessment of three contexts: persistence of populations in situ, persistence of colonising populations, and persistence under gene flow and in metapopulations. 4 Contemporary evolution can likely rescue some, but not all, populations facing environmental change. Populations may fail partly because of the demographic cost of selection. 5 Contemporary evolution that initiates positive population growth, such as selective founding processes, may create a ‘persistence vortex’ that overcomes the problems of small populations. 6 Complex, even shifting, relationships between gene flow and adaptation may aid the persistence of subpopulations as well as the persistence and expansion of metapopulations. 7 An eco-evolutionary perspective suggests that we expand our focus beyond the acute problems of threatened populations and growing invasions, to consider how contemporary evolutionary mechanics contribute to such problems in the first place or affect their resolution.
Effects of gizzard shad on benthic communities in reservoirs

Effects of gizzard shad Dorosoma cepedianum on benthic communities in a large southern reservoir (Lake Texoma, U.S.A.) were examined during two field enclosure and exclosure experiments in which enclosures were stocked at high and low densities in 1998 and 1999, respectively. In both years, chironomid abundance significantly increased in treatments that excluded large fishes from foraging on sediments. Mean abundance of chironomids and ostracods were significantly higher (P 0.08) between exclosure and enclosures stocked at 175-213 kg ha -1 . Per cent organic matter, algal abundance and abundance of other macroinvertebrates in sediments did not differ significantly among treatments in either year. Although chironomid abundance was reduced in gizzard shad enclosures in 1998, food habits from this and other studies showed that adult gizzard shad in Lake Texoma only consumed detritus and algae. It is likely that high sedimentation rates in Lake Texoma limit the ability of gizzard shad to regulate algae and detritus in benthic sediments. Thus, it is concluded that disturbance of benthic sediments by gizzard shad caused the observed reduction in chironomid abundance, rather than through consumption or competition for resources.
A minimum discrepancy approach to multivariate dimension reduction via k-means inverse regression ∗

We proposed a new method to estimate the intra-cluster adjusted central subspace for regressions with multivariate responses. Following Setodji and Cook (2004), we made use of the k-means algorithm to cluster the observed response vectors. Our method was designed to recover the intracluster information and outperformed previous method with respect to estimation accuracies on both the central subspace and its dimension. It also allowed us to test the predictor effects in a model-free approach. Simulation and a real data example were given to illustrate our methodology. AMS 2000 subject classifications: Primary 62G08, 62H12; secondary 62H30.
Management Paradigms for an Evolving Future: Towards Prosperity in the e-Economy

"A cloud masses, the sky darkens, leaves twist upward, and we know that it will rain. We also know that after the storm, the runoff will feed into groundwater miles away, and the sky will grow clear by tomorrow. All these events are distant in time and space, and yet they are all connected within the same pattern. Each has an influence on the rest, an influence that is usually hidden from view. You can only understand the system of a rainstorm by contemplating the whole, not any individual part of the pattern" (Senge, 1994). This paper follows a keynote presentation and attempts to reflect on the systems view of the present, and the futures that may very well affect how we live as much as how we do business in the global e-economy. As an organization, you are a corporate citizen of the world. You need to pay close attention to the evolution of that world - changes in population, health, education, etc., so you can better understand the impact on your business eco-system. As in Senge's example of the storm, we must consider all the phenomena as being interconnected and inseparable.
Teaching software quality and leadership: experiences and successes

Is it possible to teach software quality and leadership concepts and skills at the graduate level? Is it possible to give students a rich and rigorous experience, providing intellectual and hands-on experiences? Can this be done simultaneously within the nurturing environment of the classroom and the risky world of industry? Is it possible to provide students with enough skills and techniques to demonstrate immediate results and, at the same time, provide them with enough background and concepts that they become intelligent consumers and decision makers when it comes to software quality issues? The Software Process Practicum: Lessons in Software Quality and Leadership, taught at the Oregon Graduate Institute during fall 1994, provides a clear demonstration that the answer is an emphatic, "YES!". This paper describes the background of the Software Process Practicum, enumerates the premises on which the Practicum is designed, presents the overall Practicum framework and modules taught, provides an overview of the Software Skills and Competency Model on which it is based, describes some of the course logistics, shares the impact the course has had on our students and on the organizations for which they work, and concludes with future directions. The Software Process Practicum has been nominated for the Pacific Northwest Software Quality Conference's award for Software Quality Excellence. This process has been ardently supported by the Computer Science Department chairperson and by our students.
Fibrous Histiocytoma of the Conjunctiva

Purpose To review the clinical features and course of six patients with fibrous histiocytoma (FH) of the conjunctiva. Design Retrospective, observational clinical case series. Methods Chart review of six consecutive patients with unilateral cases of conjunctival FH was conducted. Clinical presentation, treatment, histopathologic condition, and follow-up information were recorded. Results The mean patient age was 37 years (median, 38 years; range, 12 to 72 years). There were five white patients, one black patient, five male patients, and one female patient. The tumor was present for a mean of three months (median, five months; range, one to 12 months) and was unilateral (one right eye, five left eyes). In all cases, the tumor was a tan, dome-shaped limbal mass in the conjunctival stroma with visible intrinsic vessels. The mean tumor basal dimension was 7 mm (median, 5 mm; range, 4 to 11 mm). Surgical resection was performed in all cases, and histopathologic study demonstrated benign FH in four cases and malignant FH in two cases. Those cases with benign FH showed no recurrence over nine months (median, eight months; range, three to 18 months). One patient with malignant FH showed recurrence and required repeat excision. The other patient with malignant FH was treated with plaque radiotherapy to maintain control. There was no evidence of orbital invasion or remote metastasis in any case over the mean follow-up period of 21 months (median, 10 months; range, three to 80 months). Conclusion FH is a rare conjunctival tumor that can show benign or malignant features. Complete resection is advised. Malignant FH can demonstrate recurrence that necessitates wide resection and radiotherapy.
Why publish study protocols

In this issue, PTJ publishes “Build Better Bones With Exercise: Protocol for a Feasibility Study of a Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial of 12 Months of Home Exercise in Women With a Vertebral Fracture.”1 This is not the first protocol paper published in PTJ , but it is the debut of protocols as an official manuscript category in PTJ . Clinical trials that adhere to the highest standards of internal and external validity are imperative to best inform optimal decision making for patients. It's therefore necessary to rule out as many sources of bias and confounders as possible. Factors such as randomization and blinding are integral to minimizing bias in clinical trials, but even the most well-designed studies could be at risk for not getting published if the results are negative or inconsistent with the investigators' prevailing hypotheses. Once a study protocol is available to the public, however, there is a reasonable …
1/σ Expansion for Quantum Percolation

A method for obtaining a 1/σ expansion for certain statistical models is presented, where σ+1 is the coordination number of the lattice. The method depends on being able to generate exact recursion relations for the Cayley tree. By perturbing the recursion relation to take account of the dominant loops in a hypercubic lattice for large σ, we obtain corrections of order σ−2 to the recursion relations. For the tight-binding model on random bond clusters (the quantum-percolation problem) we obtain corrections to this order for the critical concentration p* at which the transition between localized and extended zero-energy eigenfunctions takes place. It is believed that this concentration coincides with the transition when all energies are considered. In addition, we display the relation for the Cayley tree between quantum-percolation and lattice animals (or dilute branched polymers). We show that this relation manifests itself in the appearance of singularities in the quantum-percolation problem at negative concentration which correspond to the physical transition at positive fugacity in the statistics of lattice animals. Corrections of order σ−2 to the location of this unphysical singularity in the quantum-percolation problem are also obtained. Disciplines Physics | Quantum Physics This journal article is available at ScholarlyCommons: http://repository.upenn.edu/physics_papers/389 PHYSICAL REVIEW 8 VOLUME 29, NUMBER 5 1/0 expansion for quantum percolation 1 MARCH 1984 A. B.Harris Schlumberger-Doll Research, P 0 .Bo. x 307, Ridgefield, Connecticut 06877 and Department of Physics, University ofPennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsyluania 19104 (Received 28 April 1983) A method for obtaining a 1/a expansion for certain statistical models is presented, where 0.+1 is the coordination number of the lattice. The method depends on being able to generate exact recursion relations for the Cayley tree. By perturbing the recursion relation to take account of the dominant loops in a hypercubic lattice for large o, we obtain corrections of order 0 to the recursion relations. For the tight-binding model on random bond clusters (the quantum-percolation problem) we obtain corrections to this order for the critical concentration p* at which the transition between localized and extended zero-energy eigenfunctions takes place. It is believed that this concentration coincides with the transition when all energies are considered. In addition, we display the relation for the Cayley tree between quantum-percolation and lattice animals (or dilute branched polymers). We show that this relation manifests itself in the appearance of singularities in the quantumpercolation problem at negative concentration which correspond to the physical transition at positive fugacity in the statistics of lattice animals. Corrections of order 0 ' to the location of this unphysical singularity in the quantum-percolation problem are also obtained.
Gain and phase margin for multiloop LQG regulators

Multiloop linear-quadratic state-feedback (LQSF) regulators are shown to be robust against a variety of large dynamical linear time-invariant and memoryless nonlinear time-varying variations in open-loop dynamics. The results are interpreted in terms of the classical concepts of gain and phase margin, thus strengthening the link between classical and modern feedback theory.
Temporal variation in the lavas of Mayon volcano, Philippines

Chemical and petrographic analyses of 51 sequential lava flows from the central vent of Mayon volcano show cyclical variation. In the two most recent cycles, from 1800 to 1876 and from 1881 to the present, one to three basaltic flows are followed by six to ten andesitic flows. Modal and whole-rock chemical parameters show the most regular cyclical variation; calculated groundmass chemical parameters vary less regularly. There is also a long-term trend, over approximately 1700 years of exposed section, toward more basic compositions. The cyclical variation in modes and the chemical composition of the lavas apparently results from periodic influxes of basaltic magma from depth into a shallow magma system. Fractional crystallization of olivine, augite, hypersthene, calcic plagioclase, magnetite and pargasitic hornblende produces successively more andesitic lavas until the next influx of basaltic magma. Differentiation in a deep zone of magma generation is not excluded by the data, but is more likely responsible for the overall change toward more basic compositions than for the cyclical variation. Three points in a cycle — the beginning of basaltic lavas, the beginning of andesitic lavas and a leveling-off of SiO2, K2 O and K2O/Na2O values — correspond roughly to the beginning of frequent effusive eruptions (with or without an early Plinian eruption), frequent weak to moderately explosive (Strombolian) eruptions, and less frequent explosive (Vulcanian) eruptions, respectively. Recognition of the current stage in a cycle can give a qualitative indication of the nature of forthcoming eruptions. Changes in several specific parameters may precede basaltic lavas and allow early detection of basaltic influxes. These include minima in the glass inclusion/plagioclase phenocryst and phenocryst/groundmass ratios, vesicularity and groundmass TiO2, a decrease in hypersthene phenocrysts, and constant values for the whole-rock K2O/Na2O ratio. The Mayon area is densely populated, making prediction of eruption type important for safety and land-use planning.
A Novel Low Power BPSK Demodulator

A novel low power binary phase shift keying (BPSK) demodulator architecture is presented. The design employs a phase frequency detector (PFD) based phase locked loop (PLL), which allows for low power consumption and a higher tracking and locking range compared to prior art. Using the proposed architecture, a 13.5 MHz BPSK demodulator has been designed and fabricated in a 0.5mum CMOS technology. Simulation and chip measurement result show that this BPSK demodulator provides low power operation and robust performance.
SmartCIS: integrating digital and physical environments

With the increasing adoption of networked sensors, a new class of applications is emerging that combines data from the "digital world" with real-time sensor readings, in order to intelligently manage physical environments and systems (e.g., "smart" buildings, power grids, data centers). This leads to new challenges in providing programmability, performance, extensibility, and multi-purpose heterogeneous data acquisition. The ASPEN project addresses these challenges by extending data integrationtechniques to the distributed stream world, and adding new abstractions for physical phenomena. We describe the architecture and implementation of our ASPEN system and its showcase intelligent building application, SmartCIS, which was demonstrated at SIGMOD 2009. We summarize the new query processing algorithms we have developed for integrating highly distributed stream data sources, both in low-power sensor devices and traditional PCs and servers; describe query optimization techniques for federations of stream processors; and detail new capabilities such as incremental maintenance of recursive views. Our algorithms and techniques generalize across a wide range of data from RFID and light measurements to real-time machine usage monitoring, energy consumption and recursive query computation.
Waking performance decrements following minimal sleep disruption: The effects of habituation during sleep

The present research was concerned with whether the occurrence of habituation to auditory stimuli during sleep might attenuate the disruptive effects these stimuli can have on waking performance. Human subjects were exposed on different nights to either 0, 6, or 24 presentations of a 15-sec burst of filtered auditory noise, and their morning waking performance was measured by a reaction-time task previously shown to be sensitive to minimal sleep disturbances. The results indicated that on nights when 24 stimuli were presented, the subjects’ average arousal response was significantly less as compared to the nights when only 6 stimuli were presented, thus demonstrating the occurrence of habituation. However, the decreased average arousal when 24 stimuli occurred was not associated with superior morning performance. On the contrary, the subjects performed significantly better following the nights when only 6 stimuli occurred even though the average arousal associated with the stimulus presentations was significantly greater. The data thus suggest that the relation between sleep disruption and waking performance is a function of not only the arousal produced by the individual stimulus occurrences but also, and perhaps more importantly, the number of stimuli occurring during the night.
LG-04NOTCH SIGNALING ACTIVATION IN PEDIATRIC LOW-GRADE ASTROCYTOMA.

Pilocytic astrocytoma (PA) is the most common primary brain tumor in children, and various signaling pathways have been implicated in its biology. The Notch signaling pathway has been found to play a role in development, stem cell biology and the pathogenesis of several cancers but its role in PA has not been investigated. We studied alterations in Notch signaling components in clinical PA tumor tissue, to identify much needed therapeutic targets. In this study, we found Notch pathway members to be overexpressed at the mRNA (NOTCH1, NOTCH2, HEY1, HEY2) and protein (HES1) level in PA at various anatomical sites compared to non-neoplastic brain. The changes were not associated with specific BRAF alterations. Inhibiting the Notch pathway in pediatric low grade astrocytoma-derived cell lines (Res 186 and Res 259) using either RNA interference or a gamma secretase inhibitor resulted in a significant, but variable reduction in cell growth and migration. This study suggests a role for Notch signaling in the context of pediatric low grade astrocytoma tumorigenesis, and that Notch signaling is a viable pathway to target therapeutically.
Similarity search for web services

Web services are loosely coupled software components, published, located, and invoked across the web. The growing number of web services available within an organization and on the Web raises a new and challenging search problem: locating desired web services. Traditional keyword search is insufficient in this context: the specific types of queries users require are not captured, the very small text fragments in web services are unsuitable for keyword search, and the underlying structure and semantics of the web services are not exploited. We describe the algorithms underlying the Woogle search engine for web services. Woogle supports similarity search for web services, such as finding similar web-service operations and finding operations that compose with a given one. We describe novel techniques to support these types of searches, and an experimental study on a collection of over 1500 web-service operations that shows the high recall and precision of our algorithms.
Power training induced change in bradykinesia and muscle power in Parkinson's disease

Abstract Power-based resistance training (PWT), using low load and high velocity, can improve physical function and quality of life in older persons. Patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), exhibiting muscular weakness and reduced movement speed, have been shown to be benefit from resistance training; however, little is known about the advantages of PWT for PD. Purpose To evaluate the effects of PWT on bradykinesia and muscular performance in older patients with PD. Methods Twenty-six patients with mild to moderate PD were randomly assigned to a PWT or control group (CON). The PWT program was three months, incorporating two sessions/wk of high-speed resistance training combined balance and agility drills. Outcome measures included: upper and lower limb bradykinesia scores, one repetition maximums (1RM) and peak powers on biceps curl, chest press, leg press, hip abduction and seated calf, and quality of life (PDQ-39). Results The PWT group produced significant improvement in both upper and lower limbs bradykinesia scores, 1RM and muscle peak power (p Conclusion The 3-month PWT program significantly reduced bradykinesia and increased muscle strength and power in older patients with PD. Power training is an effective training modality to improve physical function and quality of life for PD.
Asteroid deflection using a spacecraft in restricted keplerian motion

Abstract A method for asteroid deflection that makes use of a spacecraft moving back and forth on a segment of a Keplerian orbit about the asteroid is described and studied. It is shown that on average the spacecraft can exert a significantly larger force on the asteroid than e.g. a stationary gravity tractor, thereby reducing the time needed to effect the desired deflection of the asteroid. Furthermore, the current method does not require canted thrusters on the spacecraft (unlike a stationary gravity tractor) markedly reducing the amount of fuel needed for a given deflection to be realized. The method also allows for the simultaneous use of several spacecraft, further strengthening the overall tugging effect on the asteroid, and distributing the thrust requirement among the spacecraft.
Post-transcriptional Regulation of Steroid Hormone Receptors

This review focuses on the post-transcriptional regulation of mRNAs that encode steroid hormone receptors, which exert powerful effects on physiology by regulating gene expression. Recent discoveries in the regulation of gene expression indicate that it is not limited to alterations of the rate of gene transcription. On the contrary, stabilities of specific mRNAs are regulated by cellular signals to profoundly alter their steady state concentrations. The mRNAs encoding steroid hormone receptors are post-transcriptionally regulated by their own hormonal ligands to create autoregulatory feedback loops. Negative and positive autoregulatory feedback loops serve to limit or augment hormonal responses, respectively. Studies of the molecular mechanisms of regulated stabilities of mRNAs encoding steroid hormone receptors continue to identify unique and critical mRNA sequence elements, usually within the 3′ untranslated regions. The binding factors for the mRNA sequence elements are either proteins or microRNAs. Several sequence-specific RNA binding proteins have been identified that either stabilize or destabilize mRNAs encoding steroid hormone receptors, while microRNAs usually destabilize mRNAs and/or inhibit translation of the mRNA. These posttranscriptional effects regulate the expression of steroid hormone receptor genes to impact a large population of hormone-responsive genes. Further elucidation of the molecular mechanisms involved in the post-transcriptional regulation of steroid hormone receptor mRNAs may yield novel approaches to the therapeutic control of hormone actions to augment health.
Elevated glucose activates the P38 MAP kinase pathway in cultured human retinal pigment epithelial cells

Purpose: Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) is a serious complication of diabetes that can result in blindness. Elevated glucose, as seen in diabetes mellitus, activates the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (P38) pathway in various kinds of cells. Since retinal pigment epithelial cells (hRPE) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of PDR, we examined the production of P38 in cultured hRPE cells under high glucose conditions. Methods: hRPE cells were isolated and cultured from three human eyes. The hRPE were exposed to fetal bovine serum (FBS) (0-10%) and FBS (10%) supplemented with 20mM glucose for 48 hours with or without SB203580, an inhibitor of P38. Some experimental hRPE cells were labeled with 14C-methionine to assess P38 production by immunoprecipitation of 14C-methionine p38 (14C-P38) with anti-P38. hRPE viability and proliferation were evaluated by trypan blue exclusion method (T) and 3H-thymidine (3H-thy) incorporation respectively. Light microscopy was done to assess cell phenotype. Data were analyzed by student t-test. p < 0.05 was considered as significant difference. results: hRPE cells studied in FBS (0-10%) with or without high (20mM) glucose showed similar epitheloid phenotype and remained viable as determined by T. Increasing concentrations of FBS stimulated hRPE proliferation in a dose dependent manner as determined by 3H-thy. Increasing concentration of FBS also stimulated 14C-P38 production in a dose dependent manner. FBS (10%)+ high glucose (20 mM) stimulated significantly greater 14C-P38 production compared to FBS (10%) alone (2106.40±107.12 vs. 1127.00±400.43, CPM±SEM, n=4, p=0.01). FBS (10%)+glucose (20 mM)+SB203580 (20μM) stimulated 14C-P38 even greater production compared to FBS (10%)+glucose (20 mM) alone (2654.69±333.88 vs. 2198.36±226.23, CPM±SEM, n=4, p=0.02). In addition, exposure of hRPE cells to high glucose stimulated increased proliferation, as measured by 3H-thy incorporation, in parallel with the increased 14C-P38 production. conclusion: Exposure of hRPE cells to elevated glucose stimulates increased proliferation as well as increased P38 production. This activation of the P38 MAP Kinase pathway may play a role in the pathogenesis of PDR.
A Laboratory Study of Apanteles marginiventris , a Parasite of Green Cloverworm

Apanteles marginiventris (Cresson) is a major parasite of green cloverworm, Plathypena scabra (F.) on soybean in Arkansas. A. marginiventris prefers 1st and 2nd stage P. scabra larvae as ovipositional hosts. Mean developmental time from oviposition to larval emergence from the host is ca. 8 days at 30°C and 11 days at 25°C. Pupal development of A. marginiventris ranges from 3–5 days at 30°C and 4–7 days at 25°C. Mean adult longevity in the absence of hosts is ca. 5.6 and 9 days at 30° and 25°C respectively. Usually only one parasite develops within a single host. Parasitism by A. marginiventris occurs primarily during daylight hours. The mean number of P. seabra larvae parasitized by a female during her life span is ca. 82.
THE COMMUNITY COLLEGE TRANSFER AND “PLUS TWO” PROGRAMS: ACCESS TO A BACCALAUREATE DEGREE IN FOUR YEARS?

Community college graduates from all disciplines seek the opportunity to earn a four year degree. No longer do these potential transfer students earn their associate degree studying the traditional...
Gender disparities in cardiovascular care access and delivery in India: Insights from the American College of Cardiology's PINNACLE India Quality Improvement Program (PIQIP)

Abstract Background Limited data are available to assess whether access to and quality of cardiovascular disease (CVD) care are comparable among men and women in India. We analyzed data from the American College of Cardiology's PINNACLE (Practice Innovation and Clinical Excellence) India Quality Improvement Program (PIQIP) to evaluate gender disparities in CVD care delivery. Methods and results Between 2011 and 2015, we collected data on performance measures for patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) (n=14,010), heart failure (HF) (n=11,965) and atrial fibrillation (AF) (n=496) in PIQIP, among 17 participating practices. The total number of women was 31,796 (32.0%). Women had fewer total encounters compared to men during the study interval (mean number of encounters=2.59 vs. 2.82 for women and men, respectively, p≤0.001). Women were significantly younger (48.9years vs. 51.5years, p≤0.01), but had a higher co-morbidity burden compared to men — hypertension (62.0% vs. 45.6%, p≤0.01), diabetes (39.4% vs. 35%, p≤0.01), and hyperlipidemia (3.7% vs. 3.1%, p=0.19). On the contrary, the guideline-directed medication prescriptions were strikingly lower in women with CAD compared to men — aspirin (38% vs. 50.4%, p≤0.001), aspirin or thienopyridine combination (46.9% vs. 57.2%, p≤0.001), and beta-blockers (36.8% vs. 47.8%, p≤0.001). Similarly, among women with ejection fraction ≤40%, the use of guideline-directed medical therapy was significantly lower compared to men for beta-blockers (30.8% vs. 37.0%, p≤0.001), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-i) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) (29.3% vs. 34.9%, p≤0.001), and beta-blockers/ACE-i or ARBs (24.6% vs. 31.0%, p≤0.001). Among patients with atrial fibrillation and CHADS2 score≥2, more women were on oral anticoagulation (19.6% vs. 14.6%, p=0.34), although this was not significantly different, and the overall number of patients with atrial fibrillation was low. Conclusions Despite a significantly higher co-morbidity burden in women, we found fewer women receiving guideline-directed medical therapy for CVD compared with men. If such disparities are confirmed in the larger Indian population, it is important to find potential causes for, and seek solutions to narrow this gap.
Pollen For Monitoring Environmental Pollution

Pollen germination and pollen tube growth are affected by air pollutants in vivo and in vitro. A review of the effects on the different pollen parameters has been published earlier (Wolters and Martens, 1987). Since the reactions of plants to stress of any kind resemble each other, it is often difficult to distinguish the effects of air pollutants from the effects of other environmental factors. Moreover the response of plants to toxic compounds is also influenced by external and internal factors, such as temperature, relative humidity, stage of development of the plant and genetic resistance. The sexual organs can be affected directly by air pollutants. However, pollution-induced decrements of plant growth or foliar injury have an indirect effect on the generative parts of plants as well.
Explaining Traditional Action Learning: Concepts and Beliefs

This chapter is designed to provide a thorough examination of traditional action learning, and the concepts and beliefs of its principal pioneer and founder, Reg Revans. As such, it is “pure” Revans — what he really believed and practiced. The chapter also shows how these roots of action learning have been adulterated, diluted and contradicted by later interpretations of how action learning should be practiced. Some profess alignment with what Revans believed, and then do something else that can be quite different.
Fields of desire: poverty and policy in Laos

Holly High’s Fields of desire: poverty and policy in Laos wrestles with the question of why poverty reduction policies and projects in Laos that fail to serve the needs of the poor continue to be p...
Kidney Disease Associated with Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in the USA is growing, and stem cell transplant recipients are at risk for both acute and chronic renal injury. Some etiologies of acute kidney injury are sh...
Unusual association of emphysematous cystitis and chronic alcoholism.

A Caucasian woman aged 65 years with a history of chronic alcoholism presented to the hospital with confusion. Abdominal examination revealed lower abdominal tenderness with no guarding or rigidity. Ethanol level was 378 mg/dL ( 300 mg/dL: potentially fatal level) and blood counts in low normal range. Lactic acid was elevated to 3.6 mmol/L and urinalysis revealed pyuria, haematuria, 4+bacteria and positive leucocyte esterase. CT scan of the abdomen showed air within the bladder wall without urinary calculus or obstruction (figures 1 and 2). Patient's mental status improved with intravenous hydration and ertapenem. Urine culture showed heavy growth of …
Corporate Governance: The Jack Wright Series (3) Board Selection

This case deals with the means by which a company's board assess its strengths and weaknesses, identifies the skills and experience it needs, derives a list of suitable candidates, conducts "due diligence" in the process of narrowing in the list, and invites desirable candidates to join the board. Excerpt UVA-OM-1085 Rev. May 11, 2011 CORPORATE GOVERNANCE: The Jack Wright Series (3) Board Selection Jack Wright asked John Rock what the process for selecting him for the board had been, and Rock described it as follows. The Mega Corporation's Governance and Nominations Committee was composed of Sam Bigger, the chairman; John Rock, the CEO; Bill Monday, the long-term general counsel; and Sally Bigger Moses. This group usually met a couple of times each year over lunch. One meeting was usually scheduled in February so that, if there were a vacancy, a selected nominee could be put forward in the proxy statement for election at the annual meeting in April. . . .
Ganciclovir-Resistant Cytomegalovirus Infection in Abdominal Solid Organ Transplant Recipients: Case Series and Review of the Literature

Ganciclovir-resistant cytomegalovirus (GR-CMV) is emerging as a significant infection in the abdominal transplant population. GR-CMV is difficult to manage, and treatment options are limited. We report a descriptive case series of 15 patients who had documented GR-CMV at our center and review the literature on treatment of GR-CMV. The first case in this series was detected in 2012; the majority of cases occurred after January 1, 2014, with approximately 50% occurring in 2015. UL97 and UL54 viral genome mutations were present in 100% and 40% of CMV-infected patients, respectively. GR-CMV infection occurred ≤ 1 year posttransplantation in 11 patients (73%). All patients experienced dose reduction of valganciclovir (the oral prodrug of ganciclovir) before the development of GR-CMV. Initial treatment for GR-CMV included a variety of regimens, all including reduction in maintenance immunosuppression. Of the 6 patients with detectable GR-CMV by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) who were discharged without GR-CMV treatment and had a length of stay (LOS) less than 14 days, 83% were subsequently readmitted for treatment of GR-CMV within 2 months (60% in < 20 days); none received leflunomide. Of six patients with a LOS ≥ 14 days, 80% had CMV PCR below quantification on hospital discharge, and only one patient was readmitted in less than 20 days; 83% received leflunomide. Following GR-CMV, there was a 50% rejection incidence, 27% graft loss, and 20% mortality. For patients with more than three admissions for GR-CMV treatment, 100% had a major complication: 60% rejection, 20% graft loss, and 40% mortality. Common clinical characteristics of patients with GR-CMV included high-risk serostatus, lymphocyte depletion, and history of valganciclovir dose reduction. Overall, outcomes were poor. It appears that hospital readmission rate was reduced when CMV was treated to negativity with an initial treatment regimen of reduced immunosuppression, foscarnet, intravenous immunoglobulins, and leflunomide.
In silico analysis of antibiotic-induced Clostridium difficile infection: Remediation techniques and biological adaptations

In this paper we study antibiotic-induced C. difficile infection (CDI), caused by the toxin-producing C. difficile (CD), and implement clinically-inspired simulated treatments in a computational framework that synthesizes a generalized Lotka-Volterra (gLV) model with SIR modeling techniques. The gLV model uses parameters derived from an experimental mouse model, in which the mice are administered antibiotics and subsequently dosed with CD. We numerically identify which of the experimentally measured initial conditions are vulnerable to CD colonization, then formalize the notion of CD susceptibility analytically. We simulate fecal transplantation, a clinically successful treatment for CDI, and discover that both the transplant timing and transplant donor are relevant to the the efficacy of the treatment, a result which has clinical implications. We incorporate two nongeneric yet dangerous attributes of CD into the gLV model, sporulation and antibiotic-resistant mutation, and for each identify relevant SIR techniques that describe the desired attribute. Finally, we rely on the results of our framework to analyze an experimental study of fecal transplants in mice, and are able to explain observed experimental results, validate our simulated results, and suggest model-motivated experiments.
Atypical Behçet disease with endocarditis, pyoderma gangrenosum-like ulcers and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus-positive skin abscesses.

Behcet disease (BD) is a neutrophilic dermatosis characterized by relapsing flares of orogenital aphthous ulcers, uveitis, and skin inflammation.1, 2, 3 Extracutaneous manifestations involve gastrointestinal, neurologic, pulmonary, and cardiac systems.1 The spectrum of skin manifestations includes erythema nodosum, papulopustular lesions, and pathergy. Skin abscesses, leukocytoclastic vasculitis, bullae, or lesions mimicking Sweet syndrome or pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) are rare.1, 2, 3 We describe a patient with atypical BD with endocarditis, PG-like ulcerations, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)-positive abscesses, highlighting a unique constellation of infection and immune dysregulation.
Risk Factors for Basal Cell Carcinoma in Men Younger Than 40 Years: A Case-Control Study.

Background Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common malignancy in the United States and is more prevalent in older populations. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate BCC risk factors in male patients younger than 40 years. Materials and methods A consecutive series of male patients with pathology-proven BCC and younger than 40 years at time of diagnosis were retrospectively identified along with matched controls. Phone interviews were conducted using a structured questionnaire, and differences between patients with and without BCC were investigated. Results A total of 50 patients with BCC and 27 controls were included in this study. Compared with controls, patients with BCC worked outdoor jobs for longer lengths of time (43.2 vs 15.6 months; p = .04), were more likely to have a family history of skin cancer (66% vs 44%; p = .02), and were more likely to use sunscreen heavily after biopsy (p = .02). Patients with multiple BCCs (n = 20) were more likely to have a history of substantial recreational sun exposure (p = .01) than patients with solitary lesions (n = 30). Conclusion The authors conclude that outdoor sun exposure in patients with underlying genetic susceptibility is the most likely mechanism of BCC formation in young male patients.
How much shape information is enough, or too much? Designing imaging descriptors for threat detection in ground penetrating radar data

In this work, we consider the development of algorithms for automated buried threat detection (BTD) using Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) data. When viewed in GPR imagery, buried threats often exhibit hyperbolic shapes, and this characteristic shape can be leveraged for buried threat detection. Consequentially, many modern detectors initiate processing the received data by extracting visual descriptors of the GPR data (i.e., features). Ideally, these descriptors succinctly encode all decision-relevant information, such as shape, while suppressing spurious data content (e.g., random noise). Some notable examples of successful descriptors include the histogram of oriented gradient (HOG), and the edge histogram descriptor (EHD). A key difference between many descriptors is the precision with which shape information is encoded. For example, HOG encodes shape variations over both space and time (high precision); while EHD primarily encodes shape variations only over space (lower precision). In this work, we conduct experiments on a large GPR dataset that suggest EHD-like descriptors outperform HOG-like descriptors, as well as exhibiting several other practical advantages. These results suggest that higher resolution shape information (particularly shape variations over time) is not beneficial for buried threat detection. Subsequent analysis also indicates that the performance advantage of EHD is most pronounced among difficult buried threats, which also exhibit more irregular shape patterns.
Gentamicin and tobramycin pharmacokinetics in patients with cystic fibrosis

Pharmacokinetic variables were compared in patients with cystic fibrosis receiving gentamicin or tobramycin for the treatment of a pseudomonas pulmonary infection. Sixty-nine pediatric patients receiving gentamicin sulfate (n = 31) or tobramycin sulfate (n = 38) were studied. Doses were administered every six hours. All patients received concurrent ticarcillin therapy, had a mild fever, and normal hematocrit and serum creatinine values. Amino-glycoside pharmacokinetic variables were calculated. Tobramycin and gentamicin serum concentrations were determined by radioimmunoassay. The mean (+/- S.D.) half-lives for the tobramycin and gentamicin patients were 1.2 +/- 0.5 and 1.4 +/- 0.4 hr, respectively. The average volume of distribution and clearance values for the tobramycin and gentamicin patients were 0.33 +/- 0.20 liters/kg and 2.98 +/- 0.80 ml/min/kg, and 0.35 +/- 0.15 liters/kg and 2.79 +/- 0.75 ml/min/kg, respectively. There were no significant differences between the kinetic variables in the patients receiving gentamicin or tobramycin. To achieve steady-state peak concentrations between 7 and 9 micrograms/ml and trough concentrations below 2 micrograms/ml, gentamicin patients required 10.3 +/- 3.2 mg/kg/day and tobramycin patients required 11.1 +/- 3.9 mg/kg/day. Because of the large amount of interpatient variability in maintenance dosage requirements, therapy should be initiated with 2.5 mg/kg of gentamicin or tobramycin given every six hours and then individualized on the basis of serum concentrations and clinical response.
Physics Basis for an Ignited Long-Pulse Tokamak

Recent advances in tokamak research have led to an improved understanding of the plasma requirements for achieving long pulse ignited burn in a tokamak plasma. This paper presents an assessment of these requirements in the areas of plasma energy confinement, plasma stability at high beta-values, plasma heating, particle and impurity control, and non-inductive current drive. In all areas, the physics basis appears adequate to support a near-term demonstration of a fusion reactor core -- a long-pulse ignition experiment -- in a device of acceptable overall size and cost.
The Influence of Family History on the Risk of Breast Cancer

A family history of breast cancer is present in 20% to 25% of patients with breast cancer. Except for a few families with a very high risk, however, most patients with a family history have only a two- to fivefold increased risk of breast cancer. Early onset of disease, bilaterality, and multiple affected relatives further increase this risk, and, in a small minority of patients, their lifetime risk may approach 50%. Careful, individual patient assessment is necessary to establish a particular patient’s risk, which is usually modest. This risk assessment should take into account both family history as well as other associated risk factors such as menstrual and reproductive history or the presence of benign proliferative disease.
On agency and empowerment in a #MeToo world

In the midst of the #MeToo movement sweeping across different societies, what opportunities and challenges exist for changing extant gender structures and systems that have allowed for sexual harassment and assault to take shape? Such a discussion provokes questions around what kinds of feminisms, both as philosophical traditions and as a set of praxis/practices, enable societal and organizational change. This article focuses explicitly on different notions of agency deriving from various feminist traditions to underscore possibilities for engaging in such change. Borrowing from intersectional, decolonial, postcolonial and transnational feminist perspectives, I suggest that a collectivist approach to agency is necessary for gender system change. I coin collective feminism as a way to conceptualize agency that only becomes possible through the work of many and then discuss this mode of feminism in relation to empowerment and social change toward gender equality.
Maternal ambivalence in the novel and film We Need to Talk About Kevin

This article interprets Lynne Ramsay’s film version of Lionel Shriver’s novel about maternal ambivalence and school violence from a psychoanalytic perspective. As the film visualizes, through overlapping images of mother and son that merge timeframes of past and present, Eva’s and Kevin’s blurred psychic boundaries contribute to a dynamic between a mother and child that includes not only repetition and dependence, but also hate and murder. While their intersubjectivity does not cause Kevin’s attacks at school and home, insecure attachment, maternal ambivalence, and the cultural fantasy of motherhood are psychosocial factors that should be explored in relation to teen aggression.
Examining Religious Disaffiliation Through a Family Systems Lens: Implications for Treatment

Religious disaffiliation can be emotionally and relationally challenging. Research indicates that people who disaffiliate can experience grief, emotional distress, and even posttraumatic stress dis...
The significance of grit from social support and health determinants

Non-cognitive skills are known to be influenced by the environment, especially regarding health and social support. One emerging non-cognitive skill is grit that can be defined as a success measure among low-income adults. It has been studied mostly among school-age children as it relates to academic success however little attention has paid to grit in workforce development. This is important to recognize as two identifiers for workforce success are social support and health. This paper aims to investigate the effects of health and social support on grit. Regression analysis was completed on 520 low-income, job seeking adults. A series of multiple regression results indicate that social support and health—physical, emotional, and general—have statistically significant independently and combined effects on grit. This finding is important for workforce development practitioners to understand when working with job seeking clients who are having difficulty in demonstrating the necessary tenacity to continue the path to achieve employment goals.