cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vascular Plants of Sand Prairie Conservation Area in Scott County, Missouri

Abstract This study was undertaken to document the vascular plant species of Sand Prairie Conservation Area, an 80 hectare site located at roughly 37°05′N; 89°30′W in Scott County, Missouri, during the growing seasons of 2007 and 2008. A total of 220 vascular plant taxa were collected from the Conservation Area: 55 Monocots, 162 Dicots, one Pteridophyte, and two Gymnosperms. Forty-one non-native taxa were documented, representing about 19 percent of the species collected. Notable collections include 10 Species of Conservation Concern and one state record. During the 2008 growing season, the distributions of the 10 Species of Conservation Concern found on Sand Prairie Conservation Area were mapped using GPS and GIS technologies. The assembled species list, along with known distributions of Species of Conservation Concern, will serve as baseline data for future management and restoration efforts.
Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) is an immune disorder of the peripheral nervous system. This article highlights our current understanding of the condition along with its phenotypic variants that are encountered in clinical practice. The diagnostic evaluation of CIDP includes laboratory studies to detect associated medical conditions and electrodiagnostic studies to assess for demyelination. Current treatment options include corticosteroids, plasma exchange, and intravenous immune globulin, along with alternative therapies that may be used as corticosteroid-sparing agents or for treatment-refractory cases. Approximately 85% to 90% of patients eventually improve or stabilize with treatment, and the long-term prognosis of CIDP is favorable.
Employee Creativity: Personal and Contextual Factors at Work

This study examined the independent and joint contributions of employees' creativity-relevant personal characteristics and three characteristics of the organizational context—job complexity, suppor...
Adenosine Antagonist Properties of Carbamazepine

The binding of adenosine agonists and antagonists to the adenosine receptor is differentially affected by both temperature and guanine nucleotides. Agonist binding is facilitated at higher temperatures; the reverse is true for adenosine antagonists. In the present study, we demonstrate the feasibility of utilizing the temperature dependency of agonist/antagonist binding to the adenosine receptor in binding inhibition studies. We show that the anticonvulsant drug carbamazepine (CBZ) and several of its structural analogs behave in a manner identical to that of a series of adenosine antagonists; i.e., they are more potent inhibitors of [3H]cyclohexyladenosine (CHA) binding at 8 degrees C as compared to 37 degrees C and are equipotent as inhibitors of [3H]diethylphenylxanthine (DPX) binding at 0 and 30 degrees. We also show that the potency of CBZ and derivatives as inhibitors of [3H]CHA binding is markedly increased in the presence of 10 microM GppNHp, whereas their potency as inhibitors of [3H]DPX binding is unaffected by this guanine nucleotide. These data in conjunction with past studies support the hypothesis that CBZ and its derivatives act as adenosine antagonists at the level of binding interactions at the adenosine receptor.
Optical resonators with whispering-gallery modes-part I: basics

We briefly review basic properties of dielectric whispering gallery mode resonators that are important for applications of the resonators in optics and photonics.
Selenium speciation and partitioning within Burkholderia cepacia biofilms formed on α-Al2O3 surfaces

Abstract The distribution and speciation of Se within aerobic Burkholderia cepacia biofilms formed on α-Al2O3 (1-102) surfaces have been examined using grazing-angle X-ray spectroscopic techniques. We present quantitative information on the partitioning of 10−6 M to 10−3 M selenate and selenite between the biofilms and underlying alumina surfaces derived from long-period X-ray standing wave (XSW) data. Changes in the Se partitioning behavior over time are correlated with microbially induced reduction of Se(VI) and Se(IV) to Se(0), as observed from X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy. Selenite preferentially binds to the alumina surfaces, particularly at low [Se], and is increasingly partitioned into the biofilms at higher [Se]. When B. cepacia is metabolically active, B. cepacia rapidly reduces a fraction of the SeO32− to red elemental Se(0). In contrast, selenate is preferentially partitioned into the B. cepacia biofilms at all [Se] tested due to a lower affinity for binding to the alumina surface. Rapid reduction of SeO42− by B. cepacia to Se(IV) and Se(0) subsequently results in a vertical segregation of Se species at the B. cepacia/α-Al2O3 interface. Elemental Se(0) accumulates within the biofilm with Se(VI), whereas Se(IV) intermediates preferentially sorb to the alumina surface. B. cepacia/α-Al2O3 samples incubated with SeO42− and SeO32− when the bacteria were metabolically active result in a significant reduction in the mobility of Se vs. X-ray treated biofilms. Remobilization experiments show that a large fraction of the insoluble Se(0) produced within the biofilm is retained during exchange with Se-free solutions. In addition, Se(IV) intermediates generated during Se(VI) reduction are preferentially bound to the alumina surface and do not fully desorb. In contrast, Se(VI) is rapidly and extensively remobilized.
Diagnosing cysts with correlation coefficient images from 2-dimensional freehand elastography.

Objective. We compared the diagnostic potential of using correlation coefficient images versus elastograms from 2-dimensional (2D) freehand elastography to characterize breast cysts. Methods. In this preliminary study, which was approved by the Institutional Review Board and compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, we imaged 4 consecutive human subjects (4 cysts, 1 biopsy-verified benign breast parenchyma) with freehand 2D elastography. Data were processed offline with conventional 2D phase-sensitive speckle-tracking algorithms. The correlation coefficient in the cyst and surrounding tissue was calculated, and appearances of the cysts in the correlation coefficient images and elastograms were compared. Results. The correlation coefficient in the cysts was considerably lower (14%‐37%) than in the surrounding tissue because of the lack of sufficient speckle in the cysts, as well as the prominence of random noise, reverberations, and clutter, which decorrelated quickly. Thus, the cysts were visible in all correlation coefficient images. In contrast, the elastograms associated with these cysts each had different elastographic patterns. The solid mass in this study did not have the same high decorrelation rate as the cysts, having a correlation coefficient only 2.1% lower
Erratum: “Pairwise-additive force fields for selected aqueous monovalent ions from adaptive force matching” [J. Chem. Phys. 143, 194505 (2015)]

We made a mistake when we calculated the ΔGODL correction term.1 Although the mistake does not change the salt solvation free energies, it changes the single ion hydration free energies and significantly reduces the need for the fudge factor. With the correct ΔGODL, the optimal fudge factor became 8 kJ/mol for the cations and −8 kJ/mol for the anions. These values are smaller than the experimental uncertainties in determining single ion hydration free energies. The updated Table ​TableIVIV is provided below.
Anionic Inhibition of PS II: Insights Derived from Carbonic Anhydrase

At high concentrations, a number of monovalent anions inhibit photosystem II (PSII)1. Often this inhibition can be overcome by added bicarbonate1. Sinclair2 has suggested that several anions inhibit PSII by replacing chloride ions on the oxygen-evolving mechanism. Thus both the Cl− and HCO 3 − binding sites on PSII appear to be targets for inhibition by other anions. This inhibition bears striking resemblance to similar effects on the enzyme carbonic anhydrase. Indeed all of the classic inhibitors of this enzyme, monovalent anions, acetazolamide, and imidazole also inhibit PS1I3,4. So close is the resemblance between the response of PSII and carbonic anhydrase to anions and other inhibitors, that we investigated the possibility that the PSI! complex actually has carbonic anhydrase activity. We used a mass spectrometer to measure the rate of oxygen exchange between doubly labelled C18O2 and H 2 16 O in the presence and absence of osmotically shacked, washed maize thylakoids. Our results indicate that such thylakoids do demonstrate carbonic anhydrase activity. Moreover, the exchange activity was definitely greater in the dark than when the experiment was done in room light. PSII particles also showed carbonic anhydrase activity. These results and others suggest that some anion effects on the PSII complex (including that of bicarbonate) can be understood in terms of a specific interaction with a polypeptide that has carbonic anhydrase activity. Since a great deal is known about the binding of anions to carbonic anhydrase, this knowledge can be profitably applied to PSII.
Treatment of Ataxia-Telangiectasia

The greatest areas of concern are pulmonary disease and malignancy. Recurrent sinopulmonary infections must be recognized and treated aggressively to lower the risk of developing chronic bronchiectasis. When chronic bronchiectatic changes are present, care must be taken with pulmonary toilet to remove secretions and protect the oxygenating capability of the lungs. Periodic pulmonary function studies can help monitor this, and assistance from respiratory therapists and pulmonary physicians is invaluable. Various immunotherapies have been tried to build up the patient’s resistance to infection. The most reliable remains the use of intravenous gamma globulin (0.6 – 0.8 ml perkg) IV q 3–4 weeks (when immunoglobulin levels are less than 200 mg per 100 ml). Increasing bulbar dysfunction in the later stages of disease predisposes to aspiration pneumonia. This may be helped by anticholinergic drugs to dry up secretions or by fluoxitine 10–20 mg q AM.
The Molecular Basis of Solvent Caging

One of the central themes of modern physical chemistry is to elucidate the elementary steps associated with a chemical reaction. While understanding of gas phase reactions has reached a high level of sophistication, many open questions remain concerning reactivity in the liquid phase. Reactant species suffer 1013 collisions per second in a room temperature solvent. These collisions can cause energy exchange between the solvent and the reactant, perturb or mix the reactant potential energy surfaces and spatially localize or separate reacting species, all on picosecond or subpicosecond time scales. Thus, ultrafast laser technology provides an outstanding tool for the study of condensed phase reaction dynamics. With ultrafast laser techniques, it will be possible to unveil the fundamental principles of condensed phase reactivity, including a detailed picture of reactive energy flow and the microscopic basis for dissociation quantum yields.
Gastric bypass has better long-term outcomes than gastric banding

Commentary on : Puzziferri N, Roshek TB III., Mayo HG, et al. Long-term follow-up after bariatric surgery: a systematic review. JAMA 2014;312:934–42.[OpenUrl][1][CrossRef][2][PubMed][3][Web of Science][4] The prevalence of obesity has continued to increase worldwide.1 It is well established that bariatric surgery is an effective treatment for obesity.2 However, few studies have looked at long-term outcomes and for those that do, follow-up is frequently poor. This systemic review examines the association of bariatric surgery with the outcomes of weight loss and diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidaemia resolution in studies of at least 2 years duration with adequate follow-up of patients. It compares the three most common types … [1]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DJAMA%26rft.volume%253D312%26rft.spage%253D934%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1001%252Fjama.2014.10706%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F25182102%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=10.1001/jama.2014.10706&link_type=DOI [3]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=25182102&link_type=MED&atom=%2Febmed%2F20%2F1%2F18.atom [4]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=000341668600022&link_type=ISI
Performance and Haematological Characteristics of Broiler Finisher Fed Moringa oleifera Leaf Meal Diets

To investigate the effects of Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) on the performance and haematology of broiler finisher using 120 Cobb chicks of 4 weeks old broiler chicks. The birds were assigned randomly into four dietary treatments containing MOLM at 0, 6%, 8%, and 10% (treatments 1, 2, 3 and 4) inclusion levels, respectively, in a complete randomized design experiment. The effect of the dietary treatments on the growth performance and blood parameters of the broiler finisher was determined. MOLM at a rate of 6% (T2), 8% (T3), and 10% (T4) of the diets (as fed basis) to replace 3.2%, 5.6% and 8.6% of the crude protein (CP) of the control diet. The daily feed, dry matter and CP intake of the chicks fed MOLM diets were higher (p 0.05) among treatments. The results indicated that at 10% in the diets of broiler finisher chick, MOLM could be substituted with expensive conventional protein sources without any deleterious effects on performance and blood parameters of broiler finisher chicken.
RLV Sliding Mode Control System Using Sliding Mode Observers and Gain Adaptation

A novel flight control system for a reusable launch vehicle during Terminal Area Energy Management (TAEM), approach and landing phases of flight is presented. In order to provide accurate tracking and bring the vehicle safely to the landing site, the controller must be robust to external unknown disturbances, unmodeled dynamics and plant uncertainties and also be able to perform well under a wide range of operating conditions. This is accomplished using a new approach in Sliding Mode Control which has multiple loop structure with different time scales, and is driven by sliding mode observers combined with gain adaptation. Comparisons with a classically designed controller are made using a well defined, reusable launch vehicle model and considerable improvements in performance are observed. Implications are that this type of design can improve vehicle safety and reliability by improved robustness, and decrease development and operational cost by reducing analysis time.
Introduction to sinus disease: I. Anatomy and physiology.

Chronic rhinosinusitis is the most common chronic illness in the United States. An understanding of the anatomy of the paranasal sinuses, their functioning in health and in disease, and the contributing factors that are critical to the pathogenesis of rhinosinusitis is essential for nurses caring for patients with this prevalent disease. This paper will provide the otorhinolaryngology (ORL) nurse with an overview of the scientific principles important in rhinosinusitis, as well as presenting a framework for the understanding of rhinosinusitis and its treatment. (This paper is the first in a series of two articles. The second part will review the diagnosis and treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis.)
Twisting of an aorta-coronary bypass conduit: a complication of coronary surgery.

Twisting of an aorta-coronary bypass conduit was observed at necropsy in each of three patients. Three twists (540 degrees) just distal to the aortic anastomosis caused total obstruction of the bypass conduit to the left anterior descending coronary artery in one patient. A single twist (180 degrees) occurred in a bypass conduit in each of the other two patients. Obviously, prevention of graft twisting is essential for successful bypass grafting.
The Spermatid Nucleus in Two Species of Grasshopper

The nuclear changes accompanying spermatid elongation have been studied in two species of grasshopper, Dissosteira carolina and Melanoplus femur-rubrum . Testes were fixed in 1 per cent buffered OsO4, imbedded in butyl methacrylate, and examined as thin sections in the electron microscope. In both species nuclear changes during spermatid development involve (1) an early period, during which the nuclear contents are predominately fibrous; (2) a middle period, characterized by the lateral association of the nuclear fibers to form plates or lamellae which are oriented longitudinally in the major axis of the elongated nucleus; and (3) a late period, involving coalescence of the lamellae into a crystalline body which eventually becomes so dense that all resolvable detail is lost. The fibers seen in the early spermatid nucleus are about 150 A in diameter and so are similar to fibers described from other types of nuclei. The thickness of the lamellae varies from about 150 A when first formed to 70 A during the later stages. The lack of evident chromosomal boundaries in the spermatid nucleus makes it difficult to relate either the fibers or lamellae to more familiar aspects of chromosome structure. We see no apparent reason to consider that the fiber alignment described here is related to conventional chromosome pairing.
Visualizing Social Justice: Using Controversial Images in Social Studies Classrooms

ABSTRACTIn this article, we promote the use of controversial images to enhance the discussion of social justice issues in schools. Controversial images provide rich opportunities for students to question what is occurring currently in society as well as what has occurred in the past. We provide an example set of activities to be used in teacher education that can help future teachers explore engaging methods for teaching with controversial images, discuss tensions involved with the use of controversial images, and to develop connections between using controversial images and teaching for social justice.
Metastatic Breast Carcinoma to the Prostate Gland

Cancer of the male breast is an uncommon event with metastases to the breast occurring even less frequently. Prostate carcinoma has been reported as the most frequent primary to metastasize to the breast; however, the reverse has not been previously reported. Herein, we present, for the first time, a case of breast carcinoma metastasizing to the prostate gland. Prostate needle core biopsy revealed infiltrative nests of neoplastic epithelioid cells, demonstrated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) to be positive for GATA3 and ER and negative for PSA and P501S. A prostate cocktail by IHC study demonstrated lack of basal cells (p63 and CK903) and no expression of P501S. The patient's previous breast needle core biopsy showed strong ER positivity and negative staining for PR and HER2. Similar to the prostate, the breast was negative for CK5/6, p63, and p40. This case demonstrates the importance of considering a broad differential diagnosis and comparing histology and IHC to prior known malignancies in the setting of atypical presentation or rare tumors.
Theory of Microwave Distribution Parameter Power Rectifiers

AbstractA new type of solid-state microwave power rectifier is proposed. A section of microwave transmission line is continuously loaded with a piece of long silicon pn junction in a distributed parameter fashion. Suggested configurations would be either a planer stripline type or a coaxial line type. To the microwave input side of the power rectifier, a continuous impedance matching circuit is attached. The d.c. output can be tapped off from any point of the distribution parameter microwave power rectifier. Various feeding and loading configurations are possible, including both the longitudinal and transverse feed and the waveguide feed. Theoretical equations on efficiency and power-handling capacity are introduced, based on a time-and-space averaging principle of the microwave transmission line current with a newly introduced d.c. equivalent electromotive force concept. For example, 2000 watts input at 3000 MHz, on a 10-cm-long silicon pn junction stripline power rectifier with a characteristic impedanc...
A multi-cloud based privacy-preserving data publishing scheme for the internet of things

With the increased popularity of ubiquitous computing and connectivity, the Internet of Things (IoT) also introduces new vulnerabilities and attack vectors. While secure data collection (i.e. the upward link) has been well studied in the literature, secure data dissemination (i.e. the downward link) remains an open problem. Attribute-based encryption (ABE) and outsourced-ABE has been used for secure message distribution in IoT, however, existing mechanisms suffer from extensive computation and/or privacy issues. In this paper, we explore the problem of privacy-preserving targeted broadcast in IoT. We propose two multi-cloud-based outsourced-ABE schemes, namely the parallel-cloud ABE and the chain-cloud ABE, which enable the receivers to partially outsource the computationally expensive decryption operations to the clouds, while preventing user attributes from being disclosed. In particular, the proposed solution protects three types of privacy (i.e., data, attribute and access policy privacy) by enforcing collaborations among multiple clouds. Our schemes also provide delegation verifiability that allows the receivers to verify whether the clouds have faithfully performed the outsourced operations. We extensively analyze the security guarantees of the proposed mechanisms and demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of our schemes with simulated resource-constrained IoT devices, which outsource operations to Amazon EC2 and Microsoft Azure.
“A Danger to the Region”: Subaltern Geopolitics of Palestinians Detained in Israeli Prisons

This article explores the racialized dimensions of carceral spaces through which Palestinian prisoners pass, subjected to military courts and prisons as a consequence of their ethnic identity, when Jewish citizens are afforded access to civilian systems and spaces of discipline. As detainees are captured, they move through the multivariate spaces of military bases, interrogation centres, detention centres, courts, and finally prisons. These smaller spaces exist within the exclusive enclaves of the West Bank and the Israeli 1948 territories, adding a further layer of limitation of access. This article examines the convoluted geographies of arrest and incarceration through interviews with a number of Palestinian former prisoners and their families to reconstruct the clandestine geographies of incarceration under occupation.
Genomic rearrangements in sporadic lymphangioleiomyomatosis: an evolving genetic story

Sporadic lymphangioleiomyomatosis is a progressive pulmonary cystic disease resulting from the infiltration of smooth muscle-like lymphangioleiomyomatosis cells into the lung. The migratory/metastasizing properties of the lymphangioleiomyomatosis cell together with the presence of somatic mutations, primarily in the tuberous sclerosis complex gene (TSC2), lead many to consider this a low-grade malignancy. As malignant tumors characteristically accumulate somatic structural variations, which have not been well studied in sporadic lymphangioleiomyomatosis, we utilized mate pair sequencing to define structural variations within laser capture microdissected enriched lymphangioleiomyomatosis cell populations from five sporadic lymphangioleiomyomatosis patients. Lymphangioleiomyomatosis cells were confirmed in each tissue by hematoxylin eosin stain review and by HMB-45 immunohistochemistry in four cases. A mutation panel demonstrated characteristic TSC2 driver mutations in three cases. Genomic profiles demonstrated normal diploid coverage across all chromosomes, with no aneuploidy or detectable gains/losses of whole chromosomal arms typical of neoplastic diseases. However, somatic rearrangements and smaller deletions were validated in the two cases which lacked TSC2 driver mutations. Most significantly, one of these sporadic lymphangioleiomyomatosis cases contained two different size deletions encompassing the entire TSC1 locus. The detection of a homozygous deletion of TSC1 driving a predicted case of sporadic lymphangioleiomyomatosis, consistent with the common two-hit TSC2 mutation model, has never been reported for sporadic lymphangioleiomyomatosis. However, while no evidence of the hereditary tuberous sclerosis complex disease was reported for this patient, the potential for mosaicism and sub-clinical phenotype cannot be ruled out. Nevertheless, this study demonstrates that somatic structural rearrangements are present in lymphangioleiomyomatosis disease and provides a novel method of genomic characterization of sporadic lymphangioleiomyomatosis cells, aiding in defining cases with no detected mutations by conventional methodologies. These structural rearrangements could represent additional pathogenic mechanisms in sporadic lymphangioleiomyomatosis disease, potentially affecting response to therapy and adding to the complex genetic story of this rare disease.
Sub-size tensile specimen design for in-reactor irradiation and post-irradiation testing

Abstract The present work aims to provide a complete engineering solution, an appropriate experimental database, and a brief physical background on designing a miniature specimen geometry suitable for irradiation in materials test reactors such as the High Flux Isotope Reactor and post-irradiation out-of-hot cell testing. The physical limits of specimen miniaturization and a background of the scale factor effect are discussed, and principal limitations are defined. The advantages of modern test methods like digital image correlation, as well as some limitations connected to small specimen size, are analyzed. A sub-sized specimen geometry, “SS-Mini,” is designed; the geometry employs existing irradiation capsules leading to the reduced cost of any irradiation campaign. The new geometry performance is evaluated using a commercial 304 L stainless steel, an aluminum alloy including advanced 3D-printed material, a high nickel 718-alloy, tungsten, and an advanced fuel cladding FeCrAl alloy. Mechanical tests are conducted to compare the engineering mechanical properties (yield and ultimate tensile stress, uniform and total elongation values) and plastic behavior of the proposed miniature specimen with common specimen types for irradiation testing.
Thermophysical Properties of Oxygen From the Freezing Liquid Line to 600 R for Pressures to 5000 Psia

Data on oxygen properties commonly used for engineering calculations over wide temperature and pressure range
Students’ Perceptions of Interactive Biology Instruction

ABSTRACT Many studies support the shift to interactive biology classrooms. Implementing these pedagogical changes can be particularly challenging for educators who must balance class preparation time with student engagement and course content. One approach to finding this balance is the use of complex classes with many components that continually redirect student focus This study aimed to determine which components of a complex lecture were most engaging to senior-level college students in an animal behavior course. For this study, I presented students in two animal behavior classes with a PowerPoint presentation, an activity, an group work, class discussion, and a PowerPoint presentation with videos. Students responded to Likert items on a survey to rate their interest in lecture activities, the extent to which the activities encouraged thinking, and to identify their favorite component of the class. Students agreed that the activity encouraged. The two classes varied in preferred components, with the fi...
Templating Growth of a Pseudomorphic Lepidocrocite Microshell at the Calcite–Water Interface

The growth of lepidocrocite (γ-FeOOH) has been observed through oxidation of Fe(II) on calcite (CaCO3). Here, we seek to understand the structural relation between lepidocrocite and the calcite substrate and its growth mechanism. The formation of iron oxyhydroxide layers having distinct morphologies was observed during the dissolution of calcite in acidic Fe(II)-rich solutions. A pseudomorphic lepidocrocite shell together with multiple iron oxyhydroxide layers encapsulated within the shell was imaged by optical and transmission X-ray microscopies. The presence of a several-nanometer-thick ordered lepidocrocite film was observed by X-ray reflectivity, with the lepidocrocite (100) plane oriented parallel to the calcite (104) surface. Lath-shaped lepidocrocite aggregates formed during the initial precipitation, which eventually grew into clusters of parallel platy crystals. The formation of a nanometer-thick well-ordered lepidocrocite film on a pristine calcite surface appears critical for the subsequent pse...
Trends in Chronic Diseases Reported by Refugees Originating from Burma Resettling to the United States from Camps Versus Urban Areas During 2009–2016

We examined changes in the prevalence of chronic health conditions among US-bound refugees originating from Burma resettling over 8 years by the type of living arrangement before resettlement, either in camps (Thailand) or in urban areas (Malaysia). Using data from the required overseas medical exam for 73,251 adult (≥ 18 years) refugees originating from Burma resettling to the United States during 2009-2016, we assessed average annual percent change (AAPC) in proportion ≥ 45 years and age- and sex-standardized prevalence of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and musculoskeletal disease, by camps versus urban areas. Compared with refugees resettling from camps, those coming from urban settings had higher prevalence of obesity (mean 18.0 vs. 5.9%), diabetes (mean 6.5 vs. 0.8%), and hypertension (mean 12.7 vs. 8.1%). Compared with those resettling from camps, those from urban areas saw greater increases in the proportion with COPD (AAPC: 109.4 vs. 9.9) and musculoskeletal disease (AAPC: 34.6 vs. 1.6). Chronic conditions and their related risk factors increased among refugees originating from Burma resettling to the United States whether they had lived in camps or in urban areas, though the prevalence of such conditions was higher among refugees who had lived in urban settings.
Weak nestmate discrimination behavior in native and invasive populations of a yellowjacket wasp (Vespula pensylvanica)

In geographic regions with warm winters, invasive yellowjacket wasp colonies (genus Vespula) often exhibit polygyny (multiple queens) and persist for multiple years, despite these phenomena being rare in the native range. Here, we test the hypothesis that polygyny, caused by foreign queens being accepted into an existing colony, is the result of relaxed nestmate recognition in the invasive range, as has been observed in some supercolonial invasive ants. In bioassays with wild colonies in the field, we found that nestmate discrimination was weak in both invasive (Hawaii) and native (California) populations of Vespula pensylvanica, with significant nestmate discrimination in only ~ 30% of trials. We also found that the diversity and variability of cuticular hydrocarbons, chemical compounds that mediate nestmate recognition, were not reduced in introduced populations, unlike several supercolonial invasive ant species. Our findings suggest that ancestral weak nestmate discrimination behavior of V. pensylvanica may make this species pre-adapted to transition to polygyny and extended colony lifespans when introduced into environments with benign winters that facilitate foreign queens joining existing colonies in late season.
Investigations of continual computation

Autonomous agents that sense, reason, and act in real-world environments for extended periods often need to solve streams of incoming problems. Traditionally, effort is applied only to problems that have already arrived and have been noted. We examine continual computation methods that allow agents to ideally allocate time to solving current as well as potential future problems under uncertainty. We first review prior work on continual computation. Then, we present new directions and results, including the consideration of shared subtasks and multiple tasks. We present results on the computational complexity of the continual-computation problem and provide approximations for arbitrary models of computational performance. Finally, we review special formulations for addressing uncertainty about the best algorithm to apply, learning about performance, and considering costs associated with delayed use of results.
A Case Study of the Spiritual Formation Programs of the Mercy Health System

This is a case study of Mercy Medical Center, a Catholic hospital located in Rogers, Arkansas. The purpose of this case study is to examine the spiritual development programs of the Mercy Medical Center. I researched the development of the plans throughout the existence of the initiative, as well as the programs currently in practice today. This case study was performed with the objective to evaluate the success of employee development programs in health care and document how these programs enhance the value of the service organization.
ENERGY USE EFFECTIVENESS & COSTS COMPARED BETWEEN SURFACE & SUBSURFACE FACILITIES

ABSTRACT Energy savings long cited as an advantage in the development and use of subsurface mined space have often been speculative. Unbiased data must be that which is accrued by using metered measurement of all energy consumption for those surface and subsurface facilities which are of comparable size, structure, and similar daily functions. It is also necessary to use a common denominator such as the quantity of B.T.U.s consumed rather than cost as rates may vary from one user to another. This study attempts to objectively analyze energy use effectiveness of comparable surface and subsurface facilities accounting for all variables. Data was gathered from 13 selected facilities in the Kansas City area, seven of which were located underground and six were located above grade. Of the six which were above grade, two were in the service category, two in the warehousing category and two were in manufacturing. Of the seven which were underground, two were in the service category, two were in the warehousing category and three were in manufacturing. Savings of 47 to 70 percent were found and a general conclusion explaining these results is offered.
Exercise in elderly cancer survivors

Aging is a universal experience that leads to declines in functional performance, sarcopenia, loss of flexibility, muscle weakness and decreased bone density. Cancer and its treatment accelerate these declines and lead to accelerated aging and disability. Cancer treatment can cause muscle wasting and declines in cardiopulmonary function that do not reverse in the recovery period following treatment. Many of these declines can be mitigated with exercise. A limited number of resistance exercise studies have been conducted focusing on improving body composition in elderly cancer survivors. These studies have demonstrated that resistance exercise is safe and improves muscle strength and cardiovascular function. Aerobic exercise studies are more numerous and also demonstrate the safety of exercise and the benefits on cardiopulmonary function, muscle strength, maintenance of body weight, body fat, balance, and bone density. Prevention of sarcopenia and muscle development in elderly cancer survivors should focus on increasing protein intake to approximately 40 g/day and include leucine. Being overweight at the time of diagnosis is associated with an increased overall and cancer-specific mortality for cancers of the breast, esophagus, colorectum, cervix, uterus, liver, gallbladder, stomach, pancreas, prostate, kidney, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and multiple myeloma, as well as all cancers combined. Weight gain, overweight and obesity following treatment is associated with greater risks for recurrence and cancer-related death. Given the growing body of evidence of the adverse effects of cancer treatment on body composition and the negative consequences for overall health and physical function, exercise and weight management should be a high priority for cancer survivors; especially for elderly cancer survivors who may already have multiple co-morbid conditions that may be improved with exercise.
Synthesis of Fluorescent Polythiophene Dots

Ring-functionalized semiconducting polythiophene dots (Pdots) were synthesized rapidly and in one step by the hydrazine hydrate reduction of doped parent polythiophene, obtained by conventional chemical oxidation of thiophene monomer by FeCl3 in anhydrous acetonitrile. Dispersions of these Pdots display robust (pseudo) solvatochromism and solvatofluorism. Polythiophene Pdots exhibit significant cytotoxicity towards prostate cancer cells (expected) although when injected subcutaneously in vivo in live mouse, no toxicity is observed for 24 days when monitored in real time using fluorescence imaging.
Synaptic adaptations in the central amygdala and hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus associated with protracted ethanol abstinence in male rhesus monkeys

Alcohol use disorder is a significant global burden. Stress has been identified as an etiological factor in the initiation and continuation of ethanol consumption. Understanding adaptations within stress circuitry is an important step toward novel treatment strategies. The effects of protracted abstinence following long-term ethanol self-administration on the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) and the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) were evaluated in male rhesus monkeys. Using whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology, inhibitory GABAergic transmission in the CeA and excitatory glutamatergic transmission in the PVN were measured. CeA neurons from abstinent drinkers displayed an elevated baseline spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic current (sIPSC) frequency compared with controls, indicating increased presynaptic GABA release. Application of acute ethanol significantly increased the frequency of sIPSCs in controls, but not in abstinent drinkers, suggesting a tolerance to ethanol-enhanced GABA release in abstinent rhesus monkeys with a history of chronic ethanol self-administration and repeated abstinence. In the PVN, the frequency of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSC) was elevated in abstinent drinkers compared with controls, indicating increased presynaptic glutamate release. Notably, acute ethanol decreased presynaptic glutamate release onto parvocellular PVN neurons in both controls and abstinent drinkers, suggesting a lack of tolerance to acute ethanol among PVN neurons. These results are the first to demonstrate distinct synaptic adaptations and ethanol sensitivity in both the extrahypothalamic and hypothalamic stress circuits in abstinent rhesus males. Importantly, our findings describe adaptations in stress circuitry present in the brain at a state during abstinence, just prior to relapse to ethanol drinking.
The effect of broadband elicitor duration on transient-evoked otoacoustic emissions and a psychoacoustic measure of gain reduction

Physiological and psychoacoustic studies of the medial olivocochlear reflex (MOCR) in humans have often relied on long elicitors (> 100 ms). This is largely due to previous research using otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) that found MOCR time constants in the 100s of milliseconds when elicited by broadband noise. However, Roverud and Strickland (2014), using a psychoacoustic measure of gain reduction, found differential effects of duration for on- and off-frequency tonal elicitors. For the on-frequency elicitor, thresholds increased with increasing on-frequency duration up to about 50 ms, and then plateaued. In contrast, thresholds with off-frequency elicitors continued to increase with elicitor duration. These results are consistent with cochlear gain reduction, possibly by the MOCR, in which the on-frequency elicitor is affected by gain reduction at the signal frequency place, but the off-frequency elicitor is not. The effect of the duration of broadband noise elicitors on similar psychoacoustic tasks is currently unknown. Additionally, the relationship between gain reduction measured psychoacoustically and using OAEs as a function of elicitor duration are unknown. This study will measure the effects of ipsilateral broadband noise elicitor duration on transient-evoked OAEs and psychoacoustic gain reduction estimated from a forward-masking paradigm. [Work supported by NIH R01 DC008327 (EAS) and NIH R01DC015989 (HMB).] Physiological and psychoacoustic studies of the medial olivocochlear reflex (MOCR) in humans have often relied on long elicitors (> 100 ms). This is largely due to previous research using otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) that found MOCR time constants in the 100s of milliseconds when elicited by broadband noise. However, Roverud and Strickland (2014), using a psychoacoustic measure of gain reduction, found differential effects of duration for on- and off-frequency tonal elicitors. For the on-frequency elicitor, thresholds increased with increasing on-frequency duration up to about 50 ms, and then plateaued. In contrast, thresholds with off-frequency elicitors continued to increase with elicitor duration. These results are consistent with cochlear gain reduction, possibly by the MOCR, in which the on-frequency elicitor is affected by gain reduction at the signal frequency place, but the off-frequency elicitor is not. The effect of the duration of broadband noise elicitors on similar psychoacoustic tasks is cur...
Anaemia and the risk of progression from non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy to vision threatening diabetic retinopathy.

To determine if anaemia and oxygen delivery-related co-morbidities (ODCs) affect progression from non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) to vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy (VTDR). This is a retrospective cohort study using medical claims data from a large US insurer. Cohorts were created from all NPDR patients between 2002 and 2016. Primary exclusion criteria consisted of any previous diagnosis of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), diabetic macular oedema (DME) or treatment used in the care of VTDR. The main outcome was a new diagnosis of VTDR (DME or PDR), PDR, or DME. A time-dependent, multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression was used to determine the association between anaemia and other ODCs with NPDR progression. Of the total 69,982 NPDR patients included for analysis, 12,270, 2,162, and 10,322 progressed to VTDR, PDR and DME, respectively. Both mild and moderate/severe (mod/sev) anaemia were associated with an increased hazard for progression to VTDR (mild HR:1.10, 95% CI:1.04–1.16, p 1.00, p < 0.001 for all comparisons). Anaemia, independent of kidney disease, appears to play a significant role in progression from NPDR to VTDR, PDR, or DME. Concurrently, association of ODCs with NPDR progression lends support to the underlying mechanisms of anaemia in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy.
Allegorien der Geschichte: Werner Herzogs Lektionen in Finsternis

Dieser Essay vertritt die Auffassung, dass Werner Herzog Verfallsstationen der Geschichte in Lektionen in Finsternis durch Allegorien, die aus hochst kunstlichen Arrangements von Bildelementen bestehen, portraitiert. Herzogs Verstandnis von Geschichte als Bewegung, und das Potential der Allegorie geschichtliche Bewegung nicht nur aufzuzeichnen, sondern auch sichtbar zu machen, bildet die Grundlage dieser Untersuchung. Herzogs Allegorien tendieren zu statischen Emblemen auf der Mikroebene und zu allegorischen Montagen auf der Makroebene des Films. Dieses kinematographische Verfahren demontiert schlieslich Geschichte in Bezug auf den Menschen und seine Sprache, in Bezug auf die Darstellung von Natur, und damit auch in Bezug auf Raum und Zeit. Zugleich nutzt es die Montage und remontiert Geschichte allegorisch. Somit geht es in diesem semiotischen Fluss um den problematischen Akt historischen Bedeutens. Demnach ergeben sich folgende Fragestellungen: Wie bereichert eine Analyse von Herzogs Allegorien die Moglichkeit seine Geschichtsauffassung zu beschreiben? Wie kann eine allegorische Dimension generell ein historisches Verstandnis bereichern? Wie radikal Herzog dies gelingt, entscheidet letztlich daruber, inwieweit seine Filme asthetischer Ausdruck privater, intellektueller Melancholie sind und inwiefern er eine sinntheoretisch und geschichtsphilosophisch angemessene Signatur fur die allegorische Darstellung von Geschichte im Film findet.
Sometimes hard to swallow: Attempted feeding on a porcupinefish results in death of both predator and prey

Predator-prey relationships are critical components of population dynamics across all ecosystems. Interactions between predators and dangerous prey are especially likely to result in a co-evolutionary arms race. To avoid predation, porcupinefishes (Diodontidae) present a suite of physical and chemical defences, including spines, inflation, and the potent neurotoxin, tetrodotoxin, which is concentrated in the internal organs. A failed predation attempt is described here on a longspined porcupinefish, Diodon holocanthus , by a benthopelagic predator, Carangoides fulvoguttatus , resulting in the death of both the predator and the prey.
Expectancy and Utilisation of Reflexology among Women with Advanced Breast Cancer

Objective Little is understood about patient expectations and use of complementary therapies (CT) during cancer treatment. A secondary analysis of an 11-week reflexology trial among women with breast cancer was conducted. We examined factors that predicted women's expectations about reflexology for symptom relief, factors that predicted utilisation of reflexology, and whether by the end of the trial they believed that reflexology had helped with symptom management. Methods Women (N = 256) were interviewed at baseline and week 11. Friend or family caregivers in the reflexology group were trained to deliver standardised sessions to patients at least once a week for 4 weeks. Baseline and week-11 reflexology expectations were analysed using general linear models. Reflexology utilisation was analysed with generalised linear mixed effects models. Results Patients who expected benefits from reflexology ("higher expectancy") at baseline were younger, had lower anxiety, higher education, higher spirituality, and greater CT use. Worsening symptoms over time were associated with greater utilisation of reflexology, but only when baseline expectancy was low. At week 11, expectancy was higher for those with greater symptom improvement. Conclusions Assessing patterns of patient factors, expectancy, and change in symptoms can help determine who is likely to use reflexology, and when.
Contextually-aware Fetal Sensing in Transabdominal Fetal Pulse Oximetry

Transabdominal fetal pulse oximetry (TFO) is a noninvasive technique that can provide physicians with a convenient measure of fetal oxygen saturation. This is accomplished by sending a known light intensity signal towards the mother’s abdomen, where it is modified by the maternal and fetal tissues, and observed some distance away. The measured signal, captured by a photodetector, contains a mixture of both maternal and fetal information, where the fetal portion must be extracted to calculate the fetal oxygen saturation. However, the ability to decouple the maternal and fetal components is highly dependent on the physiological and structural parameters of the physical system, making it difficult to robustly extract the fetal signal across patients over a long-period of time. In this work, we propose a contextually-aware sensing approach that utilizes additional information about the physical system (physiological, spatial, and temporal) to extract the fetal signal. It does this by using easily-measurable parameters of the mother’s physiology to reduce the maternal impact, incorporating data fusion techniques to combine spatial information from multiple detectors, and utilizing historical data points to improve and validate the fetal signal estimates. The efficacy of the proposed approach is supported by experimental evaluation using in vivo measurements captured on pregnant sheep.