cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Computer-aided instruction in dynamics: does it improve learning?

Since 1992, the authors have been developing and testing "BEST" Dynamics software (Basic Engineering Software for Teaching Dynamics) with the goal of transforming how engineering dynamics is taught at the University of Missouri-Rolla, USA. This paper introduces the "BEST" Dynamics and its classroom implementation, raises questions concerning the cognitive impact of the software, attempts to classify the type of learning environment used in "BEST" Dynamics, and gives some new directions that are being taken based on the authors' observations and experiences.
A New ATPG Algorithm to Limit Test Set Size and Achieve Multiple Detections of All Faults

Deterministic observation and random excitation of fault sites during the ATPG process dramatically reduces the overall defective part level. However, multiple observations of each fault site lead to increased test set size and require more tester memory. In this paper we propose a new ATPG algorithm to find a near-minimal test pattern set that detects faults multiple times and achieves excellent defective part level. This greedy approach uses 3-value fault simulation to estimate the potential value of each vector candidate at each stage of ATPG. The result shows generation of a close to minimal vector set is possible only using dynamic compaction techniques in most cases. Finally, a systematic method to trade-off between defective part level and test size is also presented.
Structure and thermomagnetic properties of new FeCo-based nanocrystalline ferromagnets

FeCo-based ferromagnetic alloys (HITPERM variants) of composition Fe/sub 44.5/Co/sub 44.5/Zr/sub 7/B/sub 4/, Fe/sub 44/Co/sub 44/Zr/sub 5.7/B/sub 3.3/Ta/sub 2/Cu/sub 1/, Fe/sub 44/Co/sub 44/Zr/sub 5.7/B/sub 3.3/Mo/sub 2/Cu/sub 1/, and Fe/sub 37.2/Co/sub 30.8/Zr/sub 7/B/sub 4/Cu/sub 1/ were prepared by melt-spinning amorphous precursors, followed by nanocrystallization. Samples were characterized using vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). VSM was used to measure magnetization vs. temperature from 370-1260 K. Magnetic data showed structural and magnetic phase transitions including primary and secondary crystallization events and the to a structural phase transition in FeCo nanocrystals. Ta and Mo were observed to suppress the to a transition temperature of FeCo. The Fe:Co 65:35 alloy exhibits significant curvature in M(T) indicating proximity of the ferromagnetic to paramagnetic transition and the /spl alpha/ to /spl gamma/ transition. XRD phase analysis identified crystallized phases as /spl alpha/-FeCo, (Fe, Co)/sub 3/Zr, in agreement with previous reports for unmodified HITPERM alloys. DSC data, analyzed using the Kissinger technique, indicated that the removal of Cu from the original HITPERM composition increased the activation energy for primary crystallization, whereas Ta and Mo substitutions decrease the activation energy.
Cosmetic results in early breast cancer treated with lumpectomy, peri-operative interstitial irradiation, and external beam radiation

Abstract Patients with operable breast cancer were treated at the University of Kansas Medical Center with lumpectomy, peri-operative interstitial Iridium, and external beam radiotherapy, and concomitant adjuvant chemotherapy in a majority of node positive cases. Examination of the cosmetic results in 85 breasts followed for at least 2 years, at a median of 41 months revealed 20% to be excellent, 44% to be very good, 24% good, 9% fair, and 4% to have poor results. In this paper cosmesis is analyzed with reference to the size of the primary, its location, age of the patient, whether the patient received adjuvant chemotherapy, and whether the regional nodes were treated. In this group of patients, the size and the site of the primary, patient's age, and whether adjuvant chemotherapy was administered or not, did not adversely affect the aesthetic outcome. Treatment of the regional nodes gave a worse mean cosmetic score compared to the group in whom only the breast was treated (37.51 vs. 58.98 respectively, p T1. Further follow-up and accrual would be needed to confirm our results and affirm if other factors would change.
Voice as Data: Learning from What People Say

Development is fundamentally about understanding people, their motivations, behaviors and reactions. We have two primary means of understanding people — observing what they do, and what they say. As the AI4D community has noted, people's increased use of mobile devices has led to a wealth of new data relevant to these topics. We are on the cusp of developing incredibly powerful tools that can help us understand how human beings migrate, transact and acquire wealth. This could have a large impact on how we determine policies and allocate resources. Most of this analysis has tended to focus on what people do — where they go, who they talk to, what they buy, etc. I argue that what people say is an equally rich source of development data, often containing information that cannot be obtained from people's actions, such as their needs, hopes and aspirations. Voice is the most natural form of communication, especially for people who speak a non-mainstream language, and/or have marginal literacy skills. These are often exactly those populations who are most disenfranchised, and therefore most need their voices to be heard.
Two splice variants of Nopp140 in Drosophila melanogaster

The Nopp140 gene of Drosophila maps within 79A5 of chromosome 3. Alternative splicing yields two variants. DmNopp140 (654 residues) is the sequence homolog of vertebrate Nopp140. Its carboxy terminus is 64% identical to that of the prototypical rat Nopp140. DmNopp140-RGG (688 residues) is identical to DmNopp140 throughout its first 551 residues, but its carboxy terminus contains a glycine/arginine-rich domain that is often found in RNA-binding proteins such as vertebrate nucleolin. Both Drosophila variants localize to nucleoli in Drosophila Schneider II cells and Xenopus oocytes, specifically within the dense fibrillar components. In HeLa cells, DmNopp140-RGG localizes to intact nucleoli, whereas DmNopp140 partitions HeLa nucleoli into phase-light and phase-dark regions. The phase-light regions contain DmNopp140 and endogenous fibrillarin, whereas the phase-dark regions contain endogenous nucleolin. When coexpressed, both Drosophila variants colocalize to HeLa cell nucleoli. Both variants fail to localize to endogenous Cajal bodies in Xenopus oocyte nuclei and in HeLa cell nuclei. Endogenous HeLa coilin, however, accumulates around the periphery of phase-light regions in cells expressing DmNopp140. The carboxy truncation (DmNopp140ΔRGG) also fails to localize to Cajal bodies, but it forms similar phase-light regions that peripherally accumulate endogenous coilin. Conversely, we see no unusual accumulation of coilin in cells expressing DmNopp140-RGG.
News and Aggregate Demand Shocks

In this review, I look at the recent literature on news as a source of economic fluctuations. The main question in this literature is: how does the aggregate economy respond to a shock that raises consumers’ and firms’ expectations about future productivity growth? I discuss how different papers have addressed this question, emphasizing the mechanisms at work under different specifications of preferences and technology, under different assumptions about nominal and real rigidities, and under different assumptions about the agents’ information structure. I also briefly discuss some challenges faced by the empirical literature on the topic.
Hyperglycemia Management Using Insulin in the Acute Care Setting: Therapies and Strategies for Care in the Non-Critically Ill Patient

Background:Hyperglycemia is prevalent in hospitalized non-critically ill patients and is associated with higher morbidity and mortality. Poor glycemic control is related to elevated costs due to longer hospital stays and higher rates of complications.Objective:To review current literature evaluating treatment strategies for management of hyperglycemia in the non-critically ill hospitalized patient and to discuss the role of pharmacists in glycemia management.Data Sources:A literature review (January 2000–January 2010) was conducted via PubMed, Web of Science, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Healh, the Cochrane Library, Combined Health Information Database, and Education Resources Information Center. MeSH terms for diabetes were used along with stress hyperglycemia, insulin therapy, and insulin analogs in combination with non-critically ill, hospitalized, acute care, or inpatient.Study Selection and Data Extraction:All articles identified from the data sources were reviewed for inclusion. Clinical t...
Efficiency measurement techniques for calibration of a prototype 34-meter-diameter beam-waveguide antenna at 8.45 and 32 GHz

Efficiency measurements at 8.45 and 32 GHz (X- and Ka-bands) have been carried out on a new 34-m-diameter beam-waveguide antenna now in use at the NASA/JPL Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex. The use of portable test packages enabled measurements at both the Cassegrain and the beam-waveguide focal points. Radio sources (quasars and Venus) were used as calibrators, and updated determinations of flux and source size correction were made during the period of the measurements. Gain and efficiency determinations as a function of elevation angle are presented, and the effects of the beam-waveguide system and antenna structure are clearly seen. At the beam-waveguide focus, an 8.45-GHz peak efficiency of 72.38% was measured; at 32 GHz, 44.89% was measured. >
Evolution of lesions in Susac syndrome at serial MR imaging with diffusion-weighted imaging and apparent diffusion coefficient values.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Susac syndrome is a rare disorder consisting of encephalopathy, hearing loss, and retinal arteriolar occlusions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the evolution of lesions in this disease by using serial MR imaging with diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs). Abnormalities in the nonlesional white matter (NLWM) were also analyzed. METHODS: Serial MR and DWI findings in two patients with Susac syndrome were reviewed retrospectively. ADCs of the lesions and the NLWM were compared with values of the corresponding anatomical regions in 16 control subjects. RESULTS: T2-weighted images, DWIs, and fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery (FLAIR) images demonstrated diffuse small hyperintense lesions predominantly involving the corpus callosum, white matter, cerebral cortex, and deep gray structures. During the whole course in the two patients, 437, 295, and 113 lesions were depicted on FLAIR images, T2-weighted images, and DWIs, respectively. With the aggravation and mitigation of the clinical symptoms, the size and number of the lesions changed over time. Of 65 lesions with measured ADCs, six had restricted ADCs (5.29–6.91 × 10−4 mm2/s), and 29 had elevated ADCs (8.02–13.5 × 10−4 mm2/s). With disease progression, ADCs in the NLWM changed from normal to elevated; this corresponded to the diffuse signal-intensity change seen in the white matter. CONCLUSION: FLAIR imaging is the most sensitive sequence for detecting lesions of Susac syndrome. DWI is useful in demonstrating the heterogeneous nature of lesions, depicting occult abnormalities in the white matter, elucidating underlying pathologic processes, and conducting patient follow-up.
Natural history and histological classification of atherosclerotic lesions: an update.

Some years ago, this journal published three Scientific Statements, in which the American Heart Association’s (AHA’s) Committee on Vascular Lesions had compiled much of what is known about the composition and structure of human atherosclerotic lesions and about arterial sites at which they develop.1 2 3 The statements had concluded by recommending a numerical classification of histologically defined lesion types. The recommendation was thought to be timely and appropriate. Several autopsy studies in which state-of-the-art histological methods were used had just thrown new light on the compositions of lesions and on the diversity of mechanisms whereby they developed. After reviewing the new data, the Committee felt obligated to recommend use of a standard numerical nomenclature of precisely defined lesion types to replace a variety of duplicate and vague terms. The provision of an up-to-date histological classification of lesions was perceived as a priority, not least because of the urgent need for histological “templates” for images of lesions that were being obtained with a variety of invasive and noninvasive techniques that had become available in clinical practice. The AHA-recommended classification had been originally developed and used to convey the results of an inquiry into the compositions of atherosclerotic lesions as they silently develop over much of a lifetime in a population. In the accompanying article in this issue, Virmani and colleagues4 suggest terms for lesions that, in their studies of sudden death, they found preferable to a numerical classification. In this Commentary, some issues that regard the numerical classification are addressed and, it is hoped, clarified. The issues include the relation between specific numbered lesion types and the development of clinical manifestations, the nature of the difference between lesion types IV and V, and the existence of more than one sequence in lesion progression and provision for this in …
Magnamosis: magnetic compression anastomosis with comparison to suture and staple techniques.

Abstract Purpose An ideal anastomosis between hollow viscera should be easily performed, strong, and operator independent. We hypothesized that transluminal attraction between magnets in the intestine could be harnessed to create an intestinal compression anastomosis (magnamosis) with these characteristics. We further hypothesized that variation of attraction force and geometry of compression would affect the quality of the intestinal anastomosis. Methods We designed a self-orienting device composed of 2 neodymium-iron-boron magnets affixed to polytetrafluoroethylene moldings. Two topologies were evaluated: one designed with ‘uniform' compression and the other with ‘gradient' compression. Sixteen young adult pigs ( Sus scrofa ) underwent laparotomy with creation of a magnetic side-to-side anastomosis: 8 with the uniform device and 8 with the gradient device. Each also had a stapled anastomosis, and 5 had an additional hand-sutured anastomosis. Animals were euthanized at 1, 2, and 3 weeks after operation, then anastomoses were compared on the basis of gross appearance, histology, functional radiography, and mechanical integrity. Results All magnetic devices formed patent anastomoses without leak. One stapled anastomosis resulted in a contained leak. Mechanical integrity of magnetic anastomoses was not statistically significantly different from staple or suture counterparts, and there was a trend toward greater strength with magnetic anastomoses. Comparison between device types revealed the gradient device trended toward greater strength and earlier patency (67% vs 33% at 1 week). There was no evidence of stenosis, and histologic examination demonstrated tissue remodeling with mucosal and serosal apposition across the magnamoses. Conclusions The magnetic compression anastomosis (magnamosis) device is a safe and effective means of sutureless full-thickness intestinal anastomosis with serosal apposition in a pig model. Gradient compression is superior to uniform compression. This technique is compatible with endoscopic and natural orifice approaches.
MFG-E8 inhibits neutrophil migration through αvβ3-integrin-dependent MAP kinase activation

We have previously demonstrated the involvement of milk fat globule-epidermal growth factor-factor 8 (MFG-E8) in reducing neutrophil infiltration in a murine model of acute lung injury (ALI). In the present study, we aimed to delineate the mechanisms through which MFG-E8 attenuates neutrophil migration. Recombinant human MFG-E8 (rhMFG-E8) was expressed and purified in our facility. The human differentiated neutrophil cell line, dHL-60, was treated with rhMFG-E8 and cell migration assay was performed in a Boyden chamber using recombinant interleukin-8 (IL-8) as the chemoattractant. Surface CXCR2 and intracellular G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) levels were evaluated by flow cytometry or western blot analysis. The levels of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases were determined by western blot analysis. Treatment with rhMFG-E8 resulted in a significant inhibition of dHL-60 cell migration in a dose-dependent manner. There was a 46% decrease in CXCR2 expression in the rhMFG-E8-treated dHL-60 cells, which was associated with a 32% increase in GRK2 expression. In the dHL-60 cells, treatment with rhMFG-E8 promoted the phosphorylation of p38 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) within 10–30 min. The use of SB203580, a p38 inhibitor, and PD98059, an ERK inhibitor, resulted in the restoration of dHL-60 cell migration which was significantly inhibited treatment with rhMFG-E8. Furthermore, blocking the MFG-E8 receptors, αvβ3/αvβ5-integrins, by anti-αv-integrin neutralizing antibody (Ab) inhibited the activation of p38 and ERK, and reversed the rhMFG-E8-induced inhibition of dHL-60 cell migration. Finally, treatment of the dHL-60 cells with SB203580 and PD98059 neutralized the rhMFG-E8-induced downregulation of CXCR2 expression and upregulation of GRK2 expression, as well as the inhibitory effects on cell migration. Our findings reveal a novel mechanism of action of MFG-E8 through which it inhibits neutrophil migration through αvβ3-integrin-dependent MAP kinase activation.
From Quill to Mouse: Digitizing the ‘Woman of Letters’ 1861-1922

Abstract: This article describes a project in Italian Digital Women’s Studies, In-visiblewomen.org, which is currently being developed in collaboration with our two universities, and consists of an interpretive, thematic website on the material culture of Italian female intellectuals between 1861 and 1922. We envision In-visiblewomen.org as a tool that allows to investigate women’s agency in promoting social change and the interconnections between women writers’ material culture, their private space, their access to the public sphere and the impact of the new media revolution on women’s social status. Unlike the majority of existing digital projects on women writers, ours is not only a digitized text-bank or a mere collection of bio-bibliographical data. Rather, it will be a multi-layered, interpretive platform stemming from the expert contribution of scholars in the field. Our time boundaries comprise the period between Italian unification (1861) and the beginning of the fascist era (1922). Compared to other historical periods (the Renaissance and the fascist and post-fascist decades, for example) this highly transformative era for women’s cultural production and consumption has inexplicably generated less scholarly attention. Using a commissioned oil painting representing a late nineteenth century woman writer’s virtual study as interface, this project will be the first of its kind in the field of Italian Women Studies. Each object in this ideal study (pen, ink bottle, letters, magazines etc.) will be clickable and will lead to an encyclopedia-type entry. Through the painting, users will be able to access two searchable databases organized hierarchically and interconnected through tagging: a themes database, and an authors database.
Colon Carcinogenesis is Inhibited More Effectively by Phytate than by Selenium in F344 Rats Given 30 mg/kg Azoxymethane

Diets supplemented with either 2.5 ppm selenium (Se) or 2% phytate (P) in the drinking water have been reported to inhibit colon carcinogenesis in F344 rats treated with azoxymethane. Aberrant crypt foci (ACF) are putative preneoplastic lesions that can be quantified readily in unembedded segments of colon a short time after treatment with carcinogen. We wanted to test the validity of the ACF assay to assess chemopreventive agents that are given after carcinogen. Male F344 rats (age 6 weeks) were injected sc with 30 mg/kg azoxymethane (AOM) and one week later put on one of three diets until sacrifice: AIN-76A formulation of semipurified rodent chow and plain drinking water (AOM alone), AIN-76A diet supplemented with 2.5 ppm selenium and plain drinking water (AOM+Se), or AIN-76A diet and drinking water with 2% sodium phytate (AOM+P). Control rats on the three diets were injected with saline. Rats were killed at 4, 12, and 36 weeks after injection. No tumors were seen in any control group; two ACF were seen in 36-week control rats on Se; no ACF were seen in any other control rats. The tumor incidence in the AOM alone and the AOM+SE groups was 83% (10 of 12 rats) in both cases compared to 25% (3 of 12 rats) in the AOM+P group. The percentage and number of large ACF (those with 4 or more crypts) were greater (p = 0.0008 and p = 0.014, respectively, Mann-Whitney) in rats with tumors than in those without tumors at 36 weeks after injection. At 12 weeks after injection, the number of large ACF in the AOM alone or the AOM+SE group was greater (p = 0.005, Mann-Whitney test) than in the AOM+P group. Our data suggest that the number of large ACF is predictive of tumor incidence.
Trinity Acceptance Tests Performance Summary.

Ensuring Real Applications perform well on Trinity is key to success. Four components: ASC applications, Sustained System Performance (SSP), Extra-Large MiniApplications problems, and Micro-benchmarks.
Performing ‘Jiggs’: Irish Caricature and Comedic Ambivalence toward Assimilation and the American Dream in George McManus's Bringing Up Father

Many fans and scholars of newspaper comics have observed that an excellent way to chart a social history of American culture in the twentieth century is to look at the mainstream comic strip page. This may be especially true of the first half of the twentieth century when comic strips were avidly followed by readers from almost all age, class, and ethnic demographics. Because of this breadth of popularity, the comics page was a fairly accurate reflector (and occasionally, shaper) of fashions, fads, humor, politics, and racial prejudices. Early cartoonists' ability to place their fingers on the American pulse can largely be attributed to the industry's eagerness to please readers: as a lowbrow entertainment that targeted broad audiences through street corner sales, and later, national syndication, it tried to anticipate the characters, comedy, and ideological content that would attract and retain devoted readers. A few iconoclastic cartoonists such as Al Capp (Li'l Abner) and George Herriman (Krazy Kat) challenged readers with topical satire or appealed to niche audiences with quirky humor and aesthetics; but even the most innovative work in the medium relied on a sort of call and response between core readers, syndicates, editors, and artists—a back and forth that insured that the cartoonist's work resonated with, or spoke for, its fans.
Simuliidae, Ceratopogonidae, and Chloropidae as Prey of Oxybelus emarginatum

Excellent accounts of the nesting behavior of solitary wasps have been recorded (Evans 1960, 1966; Krombein 1964), but few studies have been made on the actual capture and removal of blood-sucking flies from animals by these Hymenoptera. References to Hymenoptera as predators of Simuliidae are rare (Vargas 1945), and little is known of the effectiveness of these natural control agents.
A Wavelet Denoising Algorithm Based on Sobel Operator

Based on the analysis of the wavelet edge detection and edge sharpen of Sobel operator,an edge-preserved image denoising algorithm is proposed.After the stationary wavelet transform of a noisy image,and sharpened by Sobel operator at each scale,the edge is detected from the thigh frequent coefficients by local mode maxima method.As for the noise remained,wavelet threshhold method is proposed.Simulated experiments demonstrated that the proposed approach is effective on image denoising and can keep the edge information at the same time.
Computerized tomography in bladder rupture: diagnostic limitations.

AbstractBecause computerized tomography is often the first test performed in patients with blunt abdominal and pelvic trauma we designed a prospective study to determine if it might be as accurate as retrograde cystography In the diagnosis of bladder rupture. Patients who had suffered blunt trauma with gross hematuria or who had pelvic fractures and microhematuria underwent computerized tomography followed by retrograde cystography. A urethral catheter was inserted and clamped during computerized tomography to ensure bladder filling. Of our first 2 patients computerized tomography showed no evidence of opacified urinary extravasation in 1 and only subtle evidence in the other. Cystography revealed gross Intraperitoneal extravasation of opacified urine in both patients. Presently, retrograde cystography, including a film of the distended bladder and a drainage film, remains the most reliable test in suspected bladder rupture.
Development of dermal and respiratory sampling procedures for human exposure to pesticides in indoor environments.

No standard methods presently exist for measuring air and surface residues in indoor environments following pesticide applications. Four studies of chlorpyrifos broadcast applications for flea control were conducted to test preliminary sampling guidelines developed by Health and Welfare Canada. Air and wipe samples were collected for 24 hr following 0.5% or 0.48% chlopryifos applications. Ventilation from open doors or windows reduced air concentrations substantially. Air concentrations also varied with sampler height; i.e., greater near the floor than at one m above the floor. Wipe sampling from aluminum foil exhibited high precision (less than 10% coefficient of variation), and wipe sampling of carpets and other surfaces did not show variability in excess of the variability in initial pesticide deposits produced by the application procedures. Residues recovered from treated surfaces decreased by 60-70% over 24 hr, while residues on untreated surfaces increased 200-300% over this period. The Guidelines for Assessment of Indoor Occupant Exposure to Pesticides developed by Health and Welfare Canada have been revised in light of these findings, and provide a set of standard procedures for monitoring indoor air and surface residues. Further studies will be required to determine human exposures and health risks resulting from indoor pesticide applications.
Picosecond Optoelectronic Studies of Microstrip Dispersion

Picosecond optoelectronic techniques permit the impulse response of solidstate electronic devices to be measured with a temporal resolution of a few picoseconds [1]. The technique is based upon the use of optoelectronic switches, which convert picosecond optical pulses to picosecond electrical pulses and also act as picosecond-aperture sampling gates. The achievable temporal resolutions correspond to frequency bandwidths that far exceed the capabilities of conventional measurement techniques. A major application of the picosecond optoelectronic technique has been the measurement of the impulse response of fast transistors, yielding information about the transistor’s frequency bandwidth and switching delay. Here we report on measurements of the propagation and distortion of short electrical pulses on microstrip lines, with an analysis of the results in terms of the microstrip dispersion and losses.
Control Flows and Limit Behavior

In Chapter 3, we analyzed control systems by studying properties of the reachable sets in positive and negative time. Thus the behavior of individual trajectories did not play a crucial role. The flow point of view introduced in this chapter will allow us to study for every control function u ∈ U and every initial state x ∈ M the behavior of the corresponding trajectory. As we will see, the fine structure of control systems embodied in the control flow also encompasses the limit behavior of controlled trajectories as time tends to infinity and gives information on the relation between chain control sets and control sets.S
Responsive Curriculum and Instruction

A broad vision of prosocial education includes informal learning situations along with formal lessons. Purposeful instruction across learning sites mitigates the problem of insufficient attention to social education in schools for children. Responsive curriculum modifications align with instructional recommendations and the cultures in the school’s community as well as inclusion of under-represented peoples. The theory of instrumentalism and need for curriculum relevance also justify curriculum adaptation. Responsive instruction perceives and prepares the affective, cognitive, and practical domains of learning. Demonstrations of caring in multiple learning situations, concrete experience, and praxis through vision enactment are essential aspects of responsive peace education.
A Computer Aid to Rank Preventive Medical Services

Since much of the practice of medicine consists of processing large amounts of information, it is natural that computers are being employed in tasks ranging from billing to diagnosis. This paper describes a computer procedure designed to help physicians institute and encourage on a routine basis the most appropriate preventive measures for a given patient.
Selecting focal species as surrogates for imperiled species using relative sensitivities derived from occupancy analysis

Abstract Most imperiled species are rare or elusive and difficult to detect, which makes gathering data to estimate their response to habitat restoration a challenge. We used a repeatable, systematic method for selecting focal species using relative sensitivities derived from occupancy analysis. Our objective was to select suites of focal species that would be useful as surrogates when predicting effects of restoration of habitat characteristics preferred by imperiled species. We developed 27 habitat profiles that represent general habitat relationships for 118 imperiled species. We identified 23 regularly encountered species that were sensitive to important aspects of those profiles. We validated our approach by examining the correlation between estimated probabilities of occupancy for species of concern and focal species selected using our method. Occupancy rates of focal species were more related to occupancy rates of imperiled species when they were sensitive to more of the parameters appearing in profiles of imperiled species. We suggest that this approach can be an effective means of predicting responses by imperiled species to proposed management actions. However, adequate monitoring will be required to determine the effectiveness of using focal species to guide management actions.
UNDERSTANDING THE PREDICTORS OF ACHIEVING LDL-C TARGETS WHEN ADDING EZETIMIBE IN HIGH RISK PATIENTS

Background: In March 2016, the ACC released their Expert Consensus Decision Pathway which provided additional guidance on the use of non-statin treatment (tx) such as ezetimibe (EZE) for high-risk patients (pts) who require additional LDL-C lowering. Objective: To understand the predictors of LDL-C
“A unifying force in the community”: Perceptions of a neighborhood park renovation

Although the benefits of community parks are well established, evidence supporting the impact of park capital renovations is valuable for organizations seeking funding for such projects. This study...
AB0461 Benefits of vitamin d in sle depend on the organ system

Background Low 25-OH Vitamin D is associated with SLE. Both a randomized clinical trial and a longitudinal cohort study proved that supplementation reduced SLE disease activity. Objectives We examined whether Vitamin D benefits in SLE are dependent on the organ system. Methods Vitamin D and SLEDAI components were measured at each cohort visit starting in 2010 and 16,519 visits of 1,345 different patients were included. The patients were 92% female, 50% Caucasian, 41% African American. Organ-specific disease activity was defined as a set of binary variables based on SLEDAI. If the patient received any score for any component, then the patient was defined as having that type of activity. Interestingly, after adjustment for repeated measures and covariates, the relationship between vitamin D and immunologic disease activity totally disappeared. However, for skin activity, there was a significantly elevated risk among those in the very extreme levels of vitamin D. For Renal Disease Activity, there was a significantly higher rate of renal disease activity among those with low levels of vitamin D. In addition, there was a clear trend such that the higher the vitamin D, the lower the risk of renal disease activity. We then conducted a “within person” analysis. In this analysis, each person serves as his own control, and the question is: “When a person has a vitamin D level lower than his/her average, are they more likely to have renal disease activity”. Note, this analysis implicitly adjusts for race, sex, and all variables (measured and unmeasured) that are invariant within a person. The results are shown in Table 2. For Renal, it appears (based on the within-person analysis), that increasing vitamin D results in a reduction in renal activity. Based on other analyses, it is clear this drop was mostly among those in the vitamin D deficiency range. Conclusions Low vitamin D is associated with cutaneous and renal SLE activity, but not with immunologic (low C3 or high anti-DNA) activity, in adjusted analyses. Disclosure of Interest None declared
Cognitive Task Performance Using a Spatial Decision Support System for Groups

Geographic information systems (GIS) and their technological offspring called spatial decision support systems (SDSS) are being implemented on a world-wide basis. A new interest is now developing in SDSS for groups (SDSS-G) as an attempt to provide information technology support for group decision making and negotiation. Understanding human-computer-human interaction as social interaction in decision making, and in particular, cognitive task performance in this interaction, is woefully inadequate to provide design guidelines for such systems. A conceptual framework is presented that outlines the influence of information technology on cognitive tasks, and the influence of decision tasks in using information technology. Variables describing specific issues of concern for social interaction during decision making are enumerated. Coding schemes that facilitate data collection for those variables are outlined. Suggestions for empirical research designs are discussed.
Polystore mathematics of relational algebra

Financial transactions, internet search, and data analysis are all placing increasing demands on databases. SQL, NoSQL, and NewSQL databases have been developed to meet these demands and each offers unique benefits. SQL, NoSQL, and NewSQL databases also rely on different underlying mathematical models. Polystores seek to provide a mechanism to allow applications to transparently achieve the benefits of diverse databases while insulating applications from the details of these databases. Integrating the underlying mathematics of these diverse databases can be an important enabler for polystores as it enables effective reasoning across different databases. Associative arrays provide a common approach for the mathematics of polystores by encompassing the mathematics found in different databases: sets (SQL), graphs (NoSQL), and matrices (NewSQL). Prior work presented the SQL relational model in terms of associative arrays and identified key mathematical properties that are preserved within SQL. This work provides the rigorous mathematical definitions, lemmas, and theorems underlying these properties. Specifically, SQL Relational Algebra deals primarily with relations — multisets of tuples — and operations on and between those relations. These relations can be modeled as associative arrays by treating tuples as non-zero rows in an array. Operations in relational algebra are built as compositions of standard operations on associative arrays which mirror their matrix counterparts. These constructions provide insight into how relational algebra can be handled via array operations. As an example application, the composition of two projection operations is shown to also be a projection, and the projection of a union is shown to be equal to the union of the projections.
New treatment directions in food allergy

There is general consensus that food allergies (FAs) are increasing in prevalence. However, because of the lack of a simple diagnostic test for food allergy and methodological differences between studies to determine prevalence of food allergy, true food allergy prevalence in the past or present is difficult to determine.1 On the basis of a number of studies, FA is now estimated to affect about 5% of adults and 8% of children.2 Increases in the rate of emergency department visits and hospital admissions due to food-induced anaphylaxis among children have been reported.3 These increases in rates of FA are worrisome and have intensified research into effective treatments for the disease. At the present time, there is no FDA-approved treatment for FA and the standard of care is individualized avoidance of the offending food allergens and treatment of symptoms on accidental ingestion.2 Allergen avoidance is difficult to accomplish as many allergenic foods, such as milk, eggs, and peanuts are common ingredients in many foods. Accidental ingestion is common and one study reported that during a 5- and 10-year follow-up period, 58% and 75% individuals with peanut allergy, respectively, accidentally consume peanuts.4 Constant vigilance and monitoring of foods for potential allergens leads to stress and lowers quality of life. Localized reactions on accidental ingestion are treated with antihistamines or glucocorticoids while systemic reactions are treated with epinephrine.5 These pharmaceutical agents, however, are inadequate and offer only symptomatic relief and do not address the underlying immune disorder. Food allergies are classified into IgE-mediated, non-IgE-mediated, and mixed (non-IgE and IgE-mediated). Although this classification is an oversimplification of the various pathologies underlying food allergies, it plays an essential part in diagnosis and treatment. IgE-mediated reactions are immediate (minutes to within 1–2 hours) and symptoms include urticaria, nausea, abdominal pain, respiratory symptoms, and potentially fatal systemic anaphylaxis. Non-IgE-mediated reactions are delayed and include food protein-induced allergic enterocolitis, food protein-induced allergic proctocolitis, and food protein-induced enteropathy. Eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders constitute another group of FA disorders with chronic eosinophilic infiltration of the gastrointestinal wall.6 These were initially considered to be mixed (both IgE and non-IgE-mediated) but currently the role of IgE in these diseases is controversial.6–8 This review focuses on current treatments that show promise in desensitizing individuals with IgE-mediated FA.
Das Definieren von Funktionen und Operatoren

Eine gespeicherte Funktions- oder Operatordefinition ist keine APL2-Variable, sondern ein eigenstandiges Gebilde, und es mus als solches im APL2-Arbeitsbereich definiert werden. Hierzu gibt es verschiedene Wege: Man kann mit einem APL2-Editor eine neue Definition eroffnen. Nach dem Verlassen des Editors existiert die definierte Funktion beziehungsweise der definierte Operator im aktiven Arbeitsbereich. Die ∇-Editoren des APL2 werden in eigenen Kapiteln vorgestellt. Man benutzt dazu einen Editor des Wirtssystems, der APL2-Zeichen einzugeben erlaubt. Man kann eine bestehende Definition in den aktiven Arbeitsbereich kopieren. Dies geschieht mit Hilfe von Systemanweisungen wie)LADE,)KOPIERE,)SKOPIERE oder)EIN. Die Systemanweisungen des APL2 werden im funften Teil dieses Handbuches behandelt. Man kann die Definition aber auch in Form einer Textmatrix oder eines allgemeinen Vektors von Textvektoren mit Hilfe von APL2-Anweisungen erzeugen, verandern und speichern. Sie mus dann aber erst mittels einer Systemfunktion wie ⎕FX oder ⎕TF als definierte Funktion beziehungsweise als definierter Operator etabliert werden. Umgekehrt ermoglichen die Systemfunktionen ⎕CR und ⎕TF die Umwandlung einer Definition in eine Textmatrix. Von diesen Moglichkeiten macht man Gebrauch, wenn man innerhalb eines Programms eine Funktion automatisch erzeugen mochte. Die Systemfunktionen werden im vierten Teil dieses Buches besprochen.
Cloning of Livestock by Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer

Since the cloning of “Dolly” by somatic cell nuclear transfer in 1996, numerous articles have been published concerning the application of this technology to a large variety of mammalian species including all the major livestock species. While live births have been obtained for many species, the efficiency of cellular reprogramming essential for success has not been significantly improved. This chapter will attempt to address the inputs utilized for this procedure and the major manipulation steps with the objective of identifying the major factors which might affect this efficiency of reprogramming and some of the studies addressing these factors. Finally, the challenging task of setting optimum endpoints for experiments involving domestic species will be discussed.
Role of IKKi in prostate cancer: A link between inflammation and androgen receptor signaling

LB-104 Our recent data and data by others indicate that anti-apoptotic, pro-tumorigenic factor NF-κB is constitutively activated in androgen-independent prostate carcinoma (PC) cell lines and in prostate tumors. The important step in NF-κB activation is the phosphorylation of IκB inhibitor proteins by IKK kinases IKKα, IKKβ; and IKK-related kinases IKKi/ϵ and TBK1/NAK. IKKi is highly inducible kinase whose expression is known to be activated by numerous pro-inflammatory cytokines. We found that IKKi is expressed in androgen-independent PC cells (PC3 and DU145) with high level of constitutively active NF-κB but not in androgen-dependent PC cell lines (LNCaP and MDA PCa 2b) and primary prostate epithelial cells. Immunostaining revealed that IKKi is well expressed in BPH and PCs. Next, our data provide the evidence that IKKi could be involved in the regulation of NF-κB activity in PC cells through a positive feedback loop. Indeed, the treatment of PC cells with NF-κB inducers results in a rapid induction of IKKi. On the other hand, transient transfection of different PC cells with wild type (w.t.) IKKi results in activation of NF-κB. To further study the IKKi function in PC cells we generated PC3 and LNCaP cells stably expressing w.t. IKKi and dominant negative (d.n.) K38A mutant of IKKi using infection with corresponding lentiviruses. In both cell lines IKKi d.n. had no effect on cell morphology, growth, and tumorigenicity. In contrast, PC cells infected with w.t. IKKi displayed significant increase in growth in monolayer and in soft agar in comparison to cells infected with empty virus. As expected, stable overexpression of w.t. IKKi in PC cells resulted in NF-κB activation that correlated with increased level of phosphorylation of both IκBα and p65/RelA (Ser536). Unexpectedly expression of w.t. IKKi in LNCaP cells resulted in the increased expression of androgen receptor (AR) on both mRNA and protein level, and the accumulation of AR protein in the nucleus. We further demonstrated the increased basal activity of AR in LNCaP-IKKi w.t. cells, and the enhanced responsiveness to low doses of androgens. Experiments with androgen-deprived serum demonstrated that growth of LNCaP-IKKi w.t. cells was less dependent on the androgens than LNCaP-V cells. The mechanisms of regulation of AR expression and function by IKKi are currently under study. In conclusion, the revealed control of AR-mediated signaling by IKKi may represent an important regulatory link between the inflammation and tumorigenesis in prostate.
How Should Physicians Respond to Requests for LVAD Removal

Mechanical circulatory support devices, including left ventricular assist devices (LVADs), have become mainstream treatment for end-stage heart failure. LVADs are ethically and legally no different than other types of life support, for which patients have a right to decline or withdraw care consistent with the principle of respect for autonomy. However, the realities of LVAD complicate informed consent and shared decision making. LVAD candidates are often older and have multiple illnesses. And life with an LVAD requires a period of comprehension, adaptation, and reintegration. Therefore, clinicians must assess LVAD candidates' decision-making capacity, screen and possibly consult for depression, seek to understand whether being on LVAD is consistent with patients' values, consider temporary support options to allow for goals clarification, and ask for help from family and palliative care specialists.
How Does Variation in the State’s Choice Over Higher Education Governance Affect University Restructuring? A Time-Series-Cross-Sectional Analysis:

This study examined the effects of governance in higher education on the changing structures of universities, focusing on three major aspects: the marketization of higher education, new circuits of...
Motion-corrected foetal cardiac MRI.

Applying motion correction to standard foetal magnetic resonance imaging via image-registration techniques improves the diagnostic evaluation of cardiovascular structures in foetuses.
Developmental Epigenetics and the Contribution of Parental Diet to Offspring Outcomes

Abstract Metabolic diseases contribute a significant burden to human health throughout the world. Although a large number of Mendelian disorders of metabolism have been identified, the vast majority of metabolic disease burden stems from complex diseases such as diabetes, which have both heritable genetic components as well as environmental contributions. However, the genetic variants identified by GWAS studies typically contribute a small fraction of the heritability of a given complex trait such as diabetes. A number of potential factors could explain this so-called “missing heritability,” including many rare variants contributing to a given phenotype, and epistasis. In addition to these, another emerging theme is the potential contribution of epigenetics—the inheritance of information beyond DNA sequence—to the heritability of such diseases. Indeed, increasing evidence links parental nutritional status to metabolic traits in offspring, potentially providing an explanation for a subset of missing heritability in metabolic diseases.
5 – Intrinsic Representations

Publisher Summary Psychophysical and physiological experiments suggest that biological vision is modular in design. Random-dot stereograms indicate that humans have the ability to interpret images in 3D using only cues such as depth, stereopsis, and texture, and that stereopsis precedes object recognition. Psychophysical tests involving human infants suggest a modularity of sensitivity to different cues as well. This chapter presents an argument that suggests that the derivation of intrinsic image representations is an active process, and that the integration of such representations belongs to middle-level vision under the guidance and control of a high-level memory system. The integration process assumes a hierarchical organization where modules are ordered in time. The chapter presents a detailed taxonomy of intrinsic representations and specific methods for deriving them. The chapter reviews the basics of several methods that have been proposed for computing optical flow of time-varying imagery. These methods include those based on the correspondence of local conspicuous features; spatiotemporal gradients; and spatiotemporal frequency.