cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Potential Application of Hybrid Belief Functions and Hilbert-Huang Transform in Layered Sensing

Multiple and layered sensor networks are currently used in various applications. This has led to efficient and extendable approach for providing information for monitoring infrastructure systems and surveillance for a variety of military and civilian applications. A major benefit of these type of networks, include higher quality of information from the combination of different and independent sensors and the presentation of different spatial perspectives. Correct assessment and interpretation of the output of these types of sensor networks are dependable on correct knowledge representation and information fusion. This paper uses hybrid Belief Function and Hilbert Huang Transform to combine 2-D and 1-D signals in layered sensor network. The methodology is then applied to search and rescue with camera images, noise and carbon dioxide sensors.
Calculating a Measure of Overall Change in the Incidence of Selected Laboratory-Confirmed Infections With Pathogens Transmitted Commonly Through Food in the Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet), 1996-2010

To measure overall change in the incidence of illness, we combined data for infections caused by 6 bacterial pathogens monitored by the Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network for which >50% of illnesses are estimated to be transmitted by food. The overall incidence for these pathogens was 23% lower in 2010 than during the period 1996-1998. This estimate provides a summary of changes in incidence of infection for these pathogens.
Multicopy Integration of Heterologous Genes, Using the Lactococcal Group II Intron Targeted to Bacterial Insertion Sequences

Group II introns are mobile genetic elements that can be redirected to invade specific genes. Here we describe the use of the lactococcal group II intron, Ll.ltrB, to achieve multicopy delivery of heterologous genes into the genome of Lactococcus lactis IL1403-UCD without the need for selectable markers. Ll.ltrB was retargeted to invade three transposase genes, the tra gene found in IS904 (tra904), tra981, and tra983, of which 9, 10, and 14 copies, respectively, were present in IL1403-UCD. Intron invasion of tra904, tra981, and tra983 allele groups occurred at high frequencies, and individual segregants possessed anywhere from one to nine copies of intron in the respective tra alleles. To achieve multicopy delivery of a heterologous gene, a green fluorescent protein (GFP) marker was cloned into the tra904-targeted Ll.ltrB, and the resultant intron (Ll.ltrB::GFP) was induced to invade the L. lactis tra904 alleles. Segregants possessing Ll.ltrB::GFP in three, four, five, six, seven, and eight copies in different tra904 alleles were obtained. In general, increasing the chromosomal copy number of Ll.ltrB::GFP resulted in strains expressing successively higher levels of GFP. However, strains possessing the same number of Ll.ltrB::GFP copies within different sets of tra904 alleles exhibited differential GFP expression, and segregants possessing seven or eight copies of Ll.ltrB::GFP grew poorly upon induction, suggesting that GFP expression from certain combinations of alleles was detrimental. The highest level of GFP expression was observed from a specific six-copy variant that produced GFP at a level analogous to that obtained with a multicopy plasmid. In addition, the high level of GFP expression was stable for over 120 generations. This work demonstrates that stable multicopy integration of heterologous genes can be readily achieved in bacterial genomes with group II intron delivery by targeting repeated elements.
Polymer-ceramic nanocomposite capacitors for system-on-package (SOP) applications

This work focuses on optimizing the dispersion of nanosized ceramic particles for achieving higher dielectric constant, thereby higher capacitance density in polymer/ceramic nanocomposites. It has been observed that high solids loading leads to entrapment of porosity in the microstructure which lowers the effective dielectric constant of the films. The amount of solvent in the suspension and the speed at which spin coating was performed were found to impact the dielectric constant of high filler content nanocomposites. The interplay between the rheological properties of the suspension and processing parameters such as solvent content and coating speeds and its impact on the dielectric properties of the film are discussed. Porosity of thin film composites was measured for the first time to study the impact of these processing parameters. Powders of different particle sizes were mixed to obtain bimodal particle size distribution in order to increase the packing density of the composite. Packing density was improved by modifying the dispersion methodology. A nanocomposite with dielectric constant as high as 135 was obtained for the first time in the low-cost printed wiring board compatible epoxy system. A capacitance densities of /spl sim/35 nF/cm/sup 2/ on a nominal 3.5 micrometer films was achieved on PWB substrates with high yield. The manufacturability of these formulated nanocomposites and their applications as decoupling capacitors have been tested using a large area (300 mm /spl times/ 300 mm) system-on-package (SOP) chip-to-chip communication test vehicle.
The use of intraabdominal tissue expanders as a primary strategy for closure of giant omphaloceles.

Background: Giant omphaloceles present a unique challenge to pediatric surgeons because of the difficulty in obtaining timely, tension-free closure of tissues over the defect. Reports of the use of tissue expanders in the subcutaneous space, intramuscular space, or intraabdominal cavity have illustrated the usefulness of this technique to provide biologic closure of abdominal wall defects. However, these reports have focused on use of tissue expanders as a second-line treatment after other options, such as silastic silos or attempted primary closure, have failed. Methods: We report 2 cases in which intraabdominal tissue expanders were used as a primary strategy to obtain closure of giant omphalocele defects. Case Reports: The first patient was a baby boy born at 36 weeks by date who was prenatally diagnosed with a giant omphalocele. An intraabdominal tissue expander was placed at 2 weeks of age. The tissue expander was removed and his abdomen was primarily closed at 8 weeks of age. The second patient was born at 25 weeks gestation as part of a twin gestation with severe intrauterine growth retardation (600 g birth weight). Bedside reduction was not attempted because of severe pulmonary hypertension and significant loss of abdominal domain because of herniated liver and bowel. At 8 months of age, she underwent laparoscopically assisted placement of an intraabdominal tissue expander. At 9 months of age, the tissue expander was removed, all abdominal viscera were reduced, and the defect was closed using only an 8 × 8-cm piece of AlloDerm (LifeCell, Branchburg, NJ). Both children are currently at home and doing well. Conclusions: We believe that early use of intraabdominal tissue expanders provides a more expedient method of obtaining closure of the defect in giant omphaloceles.
Dopant profile and gate geometric effects on polysilicon gate depletion in scaled MOS

Polysilicon depletion effects show a strong gate length dependence according to experimental p-channel MOS capacitance-voltage (C-V) data. The effect can be influenced not only by gate geometries, but also by dopant profiles in poly-gates. These effects have been modeled and verified using device simulation. Nonuniform dopant distributions in the vertical and lateral direction in the poly-gate cause additional potential drops. The potential drop in the poly-gate becomes critical as the gate geometry is scaled down due to edge and corner depletions resulting from fringing electric fields.
Evidence for self-sustained MoSi2 formation during room-temperature high-energy ball milling of elemental powders

We present evidence indicating that rapid, self-sustained, high-temperature reactions play an important role in the formation of tetragonal MoSi2 during room-temperature high-energy ball milling of elemental powders. Such reactions appear to be ignited by mechanical impact in an intimate, fine-grained, Mo–Si physical mixture formed after an initial milling period. Under certain conditions, limited propagation of self-sustained reactions in these uncompacted powder mixtures renders the compound formation seemingly gradual in bulk-averaged analysis. It is suggested that this type of reaction is an important mechanism in the mechanical alloying of highly exothermic systems. Results are discussed in comparison with similar reactions we observed in ball-milled Al–Ni powders, with self-sustained combustion synthesis previously reported for Mo–Si powders, and with interfacial diffusional reactions in Mo–Si powders or thin-film diffusion couples.
Tuberculosis and Aging: A Global Health Problem

Despite the World Health Organization's declaration that the spread of tuberculosis is a global emergency and despite the implementation of strong tuberculosis-control initiatives, this highly infectious disease continues to affect all vulnerable populations, including the elderly population (age > or =65 years). Tuberculosis in aging adults remains a clinical and epidemiological challenge. Atypical clinical manifestations of tuberculosis in older persons can result in delay in diagnosis and initiation of treatment; thus, unfortunately, higher rates of morbidity and mortality from this treatable infection can occur. Underlying illnesses, age-related diminution in immune function, the increased frequency of adverse drug reactions, and institutionalization can complicate the overall clinical approach to tuberculosis in elderly patients; maintenance of a high index of suspicion for tuberculosis in this vulnerable population is, thus, undoubtedly justifiable.
*Caníbales por Cali van: Andrés Caicedo y el gótico tropical

El canibalismo y el vampirismo son motivos recurrentes en la obra literaria y filmica del colectivo interdisciplinario colombiano conocido como Grupo de Cali. Tambien son fundamentales en la creacion de su estetica del "gotico tropical". Bajo esta estetica, los trabajos del Grupo efectuan una reapropiacion y recreacion transcultural del cine y la literatura goticos, a partir de los parametros locales de la juventud calena de las decadas del sesenta y del setenta. En este articulo me enfoco en las representaciones de la mujer canibal que se pueden hallar en los textos de Andres Caicedo, uno de los lideres del Grupo, y las examino con la ayuda de teorias culturales contemporaneas de las fi guras de Caliban y el canibal en America Latina. Recibido: 10-04-07 / Aceptado: 20-06-07 Como referenciar este articulo: Gomez, F. (2007). Canibales por Cali van: Andres Caicedo y el gotico tropical. Ikala. 12(1), pp. 121 – 141.
Controversies in the Etiologies of Acute Pancreatitis

No abstrat available. Image: The current UAB mascot is a green dragoon named Blaze.
The Relative Influence of Diapycnal Mixing and Hydrologic Forcing on the Stability of the Thermohaline Circulation

Abstract Scaling analysis of the oceanic thermohaline circulation has been done under two types of surface boundary conditions: (i) Under “relaxation” conditions (sea surface temperature and salinity are relaxed to prescribed values), there is a two-thirds power law dependence of the meridional overturning (and the poleward heat transport) on the diapycnal diffusivity. For any given external forcing, there is only one equilibrium state for the thermohaline circulation. (ii) Under “mixed” boundary conditions (temperature is relaxed to prescribed values and a virtual salt flux condition is used for salinity), multiple equilibria become possible. For a given thermal forcing, the existence of multiple equilibria depends on the relative contributions of diapycnal diffusivity and the hydrologic forcing: for each diapycnal diffusivity K, there is a threshold freshwater flux Ec = CK2/3 (C is a constant) below which three modes are possible with one stable thermal mode, one unstable thermal mode, and a stable hali...
Occult adenocarcinoma of the pancreas in a 17-year-old patient with immunosuppressed leukemia.

A case of an occult adenocarcinoma of the pancreas in a 17-year-old leukemic girl on immunosuppressive therapy is reported. Although the presence of two primary neoplasms in this case may be purely coincidental and unrelated to therapy, the rarity of pancreatic adenocarcinoma at this age suggests that the neoplasm may be an undesired complication of immunosuppressive therapy. These findings add to the increasing evidence of the role of immunosuppression in facilitating tumor growth in experimental animals and man.
EARLY CAMBRIAN EDIACARAN-TYPE FOSSILS FROM CALIFORNIA

Abstract Ediacara-type fossils are rare in the southwestern United States, and Cambrian occurrences of soft-bodied Ediacaran-type fossils are extremely rare. We report both discoidal and frondlike fossils comparable to Ediacaran taxa from the western edge of the Great Basin. We describe one specimen of a discoidal fossil, referred to the form species ?Tirasiana disciformis, from the upper member of the Lower Cambrian Wood Canyon Formation from the Salt Spring Hills, California. Two fragmentary specimens of frond-like soft-bodied fossils are described from the middle member of the Lower Cambrian Poleta Formation in the White Mountains, California, and the upper member of the Wood Canyon Formation in the southern Kelso Mountains, California. On the basis of similarities with fossils from the lower member of the Wood Canyon Formation and from the Spitzkopf Member of the Urusis Formation of Namibia, these specimens are interpreted as cf. Swartpuntia. All fossils were collected from strata containing diagnosti...
The Effect of Stigma on Criminal Offenders’ Functioning: A Longitudinal Mediational Model

Research has rarely considered criminal offenders' psychological responses to stigma, but these responses may significantly influence behavior after release from jail/prison. Jail inmates' perceived and anticipated stigma was assessed prior to release from jail/prison (N = 163), and outcomes were assessed one year post-release (N = 371). We hypothesized that perceived stigma would predict poor adjustment in several domains (i.e. recidivism, substance dependence, mental health symptoms, community adjustment) through anticipated stigma. Results showed that perceived stigma predicted worse community adjustment through anticipated stigma, and this varied by race. Results are explored from an interdisciplinary perspective.
Tie Strength, Embeddedness & Social Influence: Evidence from a Large Scale Networked Experiment

Understanding peer influence in networks is critical to estimating product demand and diffusion, creating effective viral marketing, and designing ‘network interventions’ to promote positive social change. But several statistical challenges make it difficult to econometrically identify peer influence in networks. Though some recent studies use experiments to identify influence, they have not investigated the social or structural conditions under which influence is strongest. We investigate the two most prominent network characteristics that may moderate social influence between peers - tie strength and network embeddedness. By randomly manipulating messages sent by adopters of a Facebook application to their 1.3 Million peers, we were able to identify the moderating effect of tie strength and embeddedness on influence. We find that both embeddedness and tie strength increase influence. Individuals experience a 0.6% increase in influence over their peers for each friend they share in common with that peer. As the number of common friends can be quite large, this effect is also economically significant. Individuals exert 125% more influence on peers for each affiliation they share in common, 1355% more influence on peers with whom they attended the same college, and 622% more influence on peers that live in the same current town. However, the amount of physical interaction between friends, measured by co-appearance in photos, does not have an effect. This work presents some of the first large scale experimental evidence investigating the social and structural moderators of peer influence in networks. The results could enable more effective marketing strategies and public policy more broadly.
Effort Required to Contact Primary Care Providers After Newborn Screening Identifies Sickle Cell Trait

People with heterozygous status for sickle cell disease (also called sickle cell trait) are essentially healthy, but evidence of rare health problems has increased interest in screening adolescents and young adults prior to enlisting in athletics or military service. Ironically, almost everyone with sickle cell trait is already identified during routine newborn screening for sickle cell disease, but this identification may never reach the parents. As part of a larger statewide study of communication after newborn screening, we decided to document the amount of labor required to connect sickle cell trait screening results with primary care providers (PCPs). Case review methods examined records and call logs from the first 150 cases in a 42-month project. Our study procedures identified PCPs for 136 of 150 infants (90.6%); a total of 266 phone calls were needed. We identified 9 categories of experiences, ranging from incorrect baby names to restrictions on accepting Medicaid patients. Cases demonstrate that it is possible to connect with most PCPs after newborn screening despite warnings about difficulties with this population. Success was due to persistence, relationships with clinics and hospitals, and Internet search capabilities. If sickle cell trait identification is necessary to protect health, then only modest increases in effort will be needed to reduce disparities in service.
Integrated Reading and Writing Interventions for Students with Learning Disabilities: A Review of the Literature.

In this systematic review of literature that spans 1975–2015, integrated reading and writing interventions for students with learning disabilities (LD) or students with academic difficulties were evaluated to understand the extant research, identify encouraging practices, and guide future research. Ten studies met inclusion criteria and each study was evaluated according to the relevant What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) design standards. Eight of the 10 investigations were conducted with students in grades 4–8. While only 4 of the 10 studies met WWC design with or without reservations, results from these studies are encouraging. Study findings suggest several areas for immediate future research relating to methodological and treatment variables and considerations for classroom instruction in order to respond to advanced expectations for the successful integration of reading and writing across subjects. In addition to employing stronger experimental designs and additional replications of encouraging studies, future research should explore the utility of integrated reading and writing interventions with secondary students with who have academic difficulties.
Agricultural Exceptionalism at the State Level: Characterization of Wage and Hour Laws for U.S. Farmworkers

Despite difficult working conditions, farmworkers in the United States are excluded from many federal-level labor protections. The exclusion of farmworkers from standards that apply to most other workers is referred to as agricultural exceptionalism. This exclusion was born out of the successful efforts of southern agricultural interests to exempt black sharecroppers from the New Deal package of social reforms. Farmworkers continue to belong to particularly vulnerable social and economic groups. U.S. states can establish their own labor protections that go beyond federal laws and regulations. Though agricultural exceptionalism is understood at the federal level, little is known about agricultural exceptionalism in state labor standards. This study is a comprehensive 50-state legal and regulatory mapping of minimum wage, overtime, and rest and meal period standards as they apply to farmworkers. To analyze the extent of agricultural exceptionalism in the states, we performed a search of iteratively defined search terms in WestLawNext. Two researchers independently read and coded identified state laws and regulations in their entireties. Results reveal that agricultural exceptionalism is far-reaching in state-level minimum wage and overtime protections. Exceptionalism is universal in overtime standards. Rest and meal period standards exist less frequently at the state level, and exceptions for agriculture in those standards are rare. The results from this analysis are useful in identifying states and policy areas with strong and weak protections for farmworkers.
Shorebird Diet during Spring Migration Stopover on Delaware Bay

During spring migration, thousands of shorebirds gather in Delaware Bay at the same time as horseshoc crabs (Linudus polyphemus) are spawning. During their stopover, the birds store enough fuel in the form of fat and muscle protein to complete their migration to the Canadian breeding grounds. We documented the changes in body mass of shorebirds migrating through Delaware Bay and determined how much of the shorebird diet during this period consisted of horseshoc crab eggs. Migrating shorebirds were captured, morphometric measurements taken, and gut samples collected by stomach flushing. Red Knots (Calidris canutus). Ruddy Turnstones (Arenaria interpres), Sanderlings (C. alba), and Semipalmated Sandpipers (C. pusilla) increased their body mass up to 70-80% while staging on Delaware Bay. Horseshoe crab egg membranes constituted the bulk of the gut contents for all species at all collection sites. Polychaete and oligochaete worms were found in substantial concentrations in gut samples collected from shorebirds in certain beaches. Sand and unidentified decomposed material were found in varying amounts in gut samples of all species and locations. Apparent declines in spawning horseshoe crab populations may adversely affect migratory shorebirds.
Emergence of community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains in the neonatal intensive care unit: an infection prevention and patient safety challenge

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections cause significant morbidity and mortality in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). We characterized the clinical and molecular epidemiology of MRSA strains colonizing NICU patients. Nasal MRSA isolates (n = 250, from 96 NICU patients) recovered through active surveillance from 2009 to 2014 were characterized with staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) typing and detection of mupA (marker of high-level mupirocin resistance) and qacA/B (marker associated with chlorhexidine resistance). Factors associated with community-associated (CA-) or healthcare-associated (HA-) MRSA were evaluated. The overall prevalence of MRSA nasal colonization was 3.9%. Of 96 neonates in our retrospective cohort, 60 (63%) were colonized with CA-MRSA strains and 35 (36%) were colonized with HA-MRSA strains. Patients colonized with HA-MRSA were more likely to develop MRSA infections than patients colonized with CA-MRSA (13/35, 37% versus 8/60, 13%; p 0.007), although the interval from colonization to infection was shorter in CA-MRSA-colonized infants (median 0 days, range -1 to 4 versus HA-MRSA-colonized infants, 7 days, -1 to 43; p 0.005). Maternal peripartum antibiotics were associated with CA-MRSA colonization (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 8.7; 95% CI 1.7-45.0); intubation and surgical procedures were associated with HA-MRSA colonization (aOR 7.8; 95% CI 1.3-47.6 and aOR 6.0; 95% CI 1.4-24.4, respectively). Mupirocin- and chlorhexidine-resistant MRSA was isolated from four and eight patients, respectively; carriage of a mupirocin-resistant strain precluded decolonization. CA-MRSA strains are prominent in the NICU and associated with distinct risk factors. Given community reservoirs for MRSA acquisition and transmission, novel infection prevention strategies are needed.
A heuristic multi-criteria classification approach incorporating data quality information for choropleth mapping.

ABSTRACTDespite conceptual and technology advancements in cartography over the decades, choropleth map design and classification fail to address a fundamental issue: estimates that are statistically indifferent may be assigned to different classes on maps or vice versa. Recently, the class separability concept was introduced as a map classification criterion to evaluate the likelihood that estimates in two classes are statistical different. Unfortunately, choropleth maps created according to the separability criterion usually have highly unbalanced classes. To produce reasonably separable but more balanced classes, we propose a heuristic classification approach to consider not just the class separability criterion but also other classification criteria such as evenness and intra-class variability. A geovisual-analytic package was developed to support the heuristic mapping process to evaluate the trade-off between relevant criteria and to select the most preferable classification. Class break values can be...
Atopic diseases and inflammation of the brain in the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorders.

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) affect as many as 1 in 45 children and are characterized by deficits in sociability and communication, as well as stereotypic movements. Many children also show severe anxiety. The lack of distinct pathogenesis and reliable biomarkers hampers the development of effective treatments. As a result, most children with ASD are prescribed psychopharmacologic agents that do not address the core symptoms of ASD. Autoantibodies against brain epitopes in mothers of children with ASD and many such children strongly correlate with allergic symptoms and indicate an aberrant immune response, as well as disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Recent epidemiological studies have shown a strong statistical correlation between risk for ASD and either maternal or infantile atopic diseases, such as asthma, eczema, food allergies and food intolerance, all of which involve activation of mast cells (MCs). These unique tissue immune cells are located perivascularly in all tissues, including the thalamus and hypothalamus, which regulate emotions. MC-derived inflammatory and vasoactive mediators increase BBB permeability. Expression of the inflammatory molecules interleukin (IL-1β), IL-6, 1 L-17 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is increased in the brain, cerebrospinal fluid and serum of some patients with ASD, while NF-kB is activated in brain samples and stimulated peripheral blood immune cells of other patients; however, these molecules are not specific. Instead the peptide neurotensin is uniquely elevated in the serum of children with ASD, as is corticotropin-releasing hormone, secreted from the hypothalamus under stress. Both peptides trigger MC to release IL-6 and TNF, which in turn, stimulate microglia proliferation and activation, leading to disruption of neuronal connectivity. MC-derived IL-6 and TGFβ induce maturation of Th17 cells and MCs also secrete IL-17, which is increased in ASD. Serum IL-6 and TNF may define an ASD subgroup that benefits most from treatment with the natural flavonoid luteolin. Atopic diseases may create a phenotype susceptible to ASD and formulations targeting focal inflammation of the brain could have great promise in the treatment of ASD.
Novel Relations: Privatized marriage and property relations

Marriage is a sort of Lottery; nor can all the Precautions in the World insure its certain Happiness. Philogamus, The Present State of Matrimony: or, The Real Causes of Conjugal Infidelity and Unhappy Marriages (1739), p. 33. Jointures and Settlements … are not only the greatest Impediments towards entring into that State [marriage], but also the frequent Causes of Distrust and Animosity in it after it is consummated … I have [long] thought the Coldness of Wives to their Husbands, as well as Disrespect from Children to Parents, to arise from this one Sourse [sic]. This Trade for Minds and Bodies in the Lump, without Regard to either, but as they are accompanied with such Sums of Money, and such Parcels of Land, cannot but produce a Commerce between the Parties concerned suitable to the mean Motives upon which they at first came together. The Tatler , September 12, 1710, from notes by Edward Wortley. Marriage was, for all ranks, the main means of transferring property, occupational status, personal contacts, money, tools, livestock, and women across generations and kin groups. Margaret Hunt, The Middling Sort: Commerce, Gender, and the Family in England, 1680–1780 , p. 151. From a 21st-century vantage point looking back three centuries, marriage would seem to be foundational to the meaning of family. But it is by no means clear that marriage was the most significant kin connection in earlier historical periods, even for women, when compared, for example, to daughterhood or sisterhood.
New Observational Evidence for a Positive Cloud Feedback that Amplifies the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation

The Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) affects climate variability in the North Atlantic basin and adjacent continents with potential societal impacts. Previous studies based on model simulations and short-term satellite retrievals hypothesized an important role for cloud radiative forcing in modulating the persistence of the AMO in the tropics, but this mechanism remains to be tested with long-term observational records. Here we analyze datasets that span multiple decades and present new observational evidence for a positive feedback between total cloud amount, sea-surface temperature (SST), and atmospheric circulation that can strengthen the persistence and amplitude of the tropical branch of the AMO. In addition, we estimate cloud amount feedback from observations and quantify its impact on SST with idealized modeling experiments. From these experiments we conclude that cloud feedbacks can account for 10% to 31% of the observed SST anomalies associated with the AMO over the tropics.
Unconscious and Transindividual Intentions

This chapter begins by asking whether works have a single correct interpretation and examines the different levels on which interpretation takes place—surface, deep, and interlinear. Skepticism about authorial intention has paradoxically motivated recourse to more speculative sources of intention such as the Freudian unconscious. Deep interpretations like those provided by Freudian, Marxist, Foucauldian, structuralist, and New Historicist critics depend upon transindividual sources of intention or ones that are not accessible to the author. Darwinian approaches to literature do not provide deep interpretations and so do not raise the same problems. Actor-Network Theory does not help integrate literary works with their social sources and effects. What is needed for political criticism is the reference to intentional, and therefore goal-oriented, transindividual projects such as feminism or the struggle for social justice.
Oliver Smithies: A Remembrance.

Oliver Smithies, who passed away in January 2017 at 91 years of age, was a highly accomplished scientist, Nobel Laureate, and Member of the National Academy of Sciences. However, for those who had the opportunity to know him, collaborate with him, or attend one of his lectures, he was also an endearing, inspirational, and entertaining figure, with a deep love for science and a complete lack of pretension. Oliver had a profound curiosity and an inventor’s spirit. During his long career, Oliver made several contributions to science, 2 of which particularly stand out. The first was the development of starch gel electrophoresis as a simple and reliable method for separating proteins by molecular size. Oliver’s invention of this technique, which was a precursor to modern polyacrylamide gel separation, was inspired by his recollections of his mother using starch as she was doing laundry at home, remembering that starch dissolved in water and heated, developed a jelly-like consistency. After perfecting this technique, Oliver defined common inherited polymorphisms of haptoglobin and other human plasma proteins. This work was his gateway into genetics, which would become a lifelong passion, and he was an active participant in the revolution of molecular biology and genetics in the 1950s and 1960s. Oliver’s second major contribution was the development of an approach for specifically modifying the mammalian genome using homologous recombination in embryonic stem cells, commonly referred to as gene targeting, for which he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2007 along with Mario Capecchi and Martin Evans. This discovery had broad impact on biological research, making it possible to induce precise alterations in a …
Fuzzy-Logic Based Diagnostic Monitoring of Robot Operation

Abstract Robots have been highly integrated into manufacturing systems. Similar to other manufacturing machines, robot failures can significantly disrupt a production process. Thus, dynamic monitoring and diagnosis of robot operation is necessary to be studied. This paper describes a vibration-analysis based diagnostic monitoring system for robot operations. The robot vibration is represented by a stochastic model. The change in robot operation speed is monitored for preventive maintenance. Robot operation state is recognized through cluster analyses. A fuzzy-logic based comprehensive-assessment is applied to improve the reliability of diagnostic decisions. A real-time algorithm is developed for on-line diagnostic monitoring. Experimental results show the applicability of the technique.
State-level changes in US racial and ethnic diversity, 1980 to 2015: A universal trend?

Background Few studies have examined long-term changes in ethnoracial diversity for US states despite the potential social, economic, and political ramifications of such changes at the state level. Objective We describe shifts in diversity magnitude and structure from 1980 through 2015 to determine if states are following a universal upward path. Methods Decennial census data for 1980-2010 and American Community Survey data for 2015 are used to compute entropy index (E) and Simpson index (S) measures of diversity magnitude based on five panethnic populations. A typology characterizes the racial-ethnic structure of states. Results While initial diversity level and subsequent pace of change vary widely, every state has increased in diversity magnitude since 1980. A dramatic decline in the number of predominantly White states has been accompanied by the rise of states with multigroup structures that include Hispanics. These diverse states are concentrated along the coasts and across the southern tier of the nation. Differences in panethnic population growth (especially rapid Hispanic and Asian growth coupled with white stability) drive the diversification trend. Conclusions The diversity hierarchy among states has remained relatively stable over the past 35 years in the face of universal gains in diversity magnitude and the increasing heterogeneity of racial-ethnic structures. Contribution We document ethnoracial diversity patterns at an understudied geographic scale where diversity may have important consequences across a range of institutional domains.
Frequency of arrhythmia symptoms and acceptability of implantable cardiac monitors in Hemodialysis patients.

Arrhythmia-related complications and sudden death are common in dialysis patients. However, routine cardiac monitoring has so far not been feasible. Miniaturization of implantable cardiac monitors offers a new paradigm for detection and management of arrhythmias in dialysis patients. The goal of our study was to determine the frequency of arrhythmia-related symptoms in hemodialysis patients and to assess their willingness to undergo implantation of a cardiac monitor. We conducted a survey of in-center hemodialysis patients at a hemodialysis clinic in Baltimore, Maryland. We assessed the frequency of arrhythmia-related symptoms and willingness to undergo placement of an implantable cardiac monitor (LINQ, Medtronic Inc.). Forty six patients completed the survey. The mean age of the survey respondents was 59 years and 65% were male. Symptoms were common with 74% (n = 34) of participants reporting at least one arrhythmia-related symptom and many [22% (n = 10)] had all 3 symptoms. Among the patients with symptoms, 57% (n = 26) reported “heart skipping beats, flopping in chest or beating very hard,” 61% (n = 28) reported “heart racing (palpitations),” and 37% (n = 17) reported feeling that they “passed out or almost passed out.” The majority of the patients felt that the timing of the symptoms was unrelated to dialysis treatments. The acceptability of the monitoring device implantation was high, with 59% (n = 20) of patients with symptoms and 50% (n = 6) of patients without symptoms willing to consider it. The main reason for not considering the device was not wanting to have an implanted device. The prevalence of arrhythmia-related symptoms is high in hemodialysis patients and the majority would consider an implantable cardiac monitor if recommended by their physicians. Routine implantation of cardiac monitoring devices to manage arrhythmias in dialysis patients may be feasible and will provide further insights on the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in dialysis patients.
Histamine immunoreactive axons in the macaque retina

CONCLUSIONS. Centrifugal axons in the macaque retina are part of the system of axons containing histamine that originate in the hypothalamus and project throughout the brain. Because the activity of these neurons is highest during the morning, histamine might play a role in preparing the retina to operate in daylight. The contacts of histamine-immunoreactive axons with blood vessels suggest that histamine may also play a role in regulating the retinal microvasculature. (Invest Ophthalmol VisSci. 1999;40:487-495)
Induction of Beta amyloid Radical fFrmation through Immuno-spin trapping of Copper nano particles: Implication of Protein Radicals in Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a debilitating progressive neurodegenerative disease that usually starts slowly and worsens over time. Though AD etiology is believed to be multifactorial, there is considerable evidence showing the role of copper exposure in beta-amyloid (βA) aggregation and AD pathogenesis. Owing to the fact that βA aggregation takes place in the synaptic cleft where copper is found in high concentrations, copper exposure especially in the form of nano particles can be more detrimental. Though copper-induced oligomeric forms of βA accumulate and significantly damage the brain cells, inducing cognitive dysfunctions, the mechanism that initiates and promotes βA oligomerization remains unknown. We hypothesized protein radical formation as an initiating mechanism for βA oligomerization. Therefore, we used the highly sensitive immuno-spin trapping technique to investigate protein radical formation as a possible mechanism of βA oligomerization. Here, we have investigated copper nano particles induced βA radical formation and results clearly showed that both variants of nano particles (25 and 70 nm sizes) significantly produced βA radical in presence of hydrogen peroxide. To further validate copper nano particle-induced protein radical formation in biological context, we exposed IMR-32 hippocampal neuroblastoma cells expressing βA to both variants of copper nano particles and analyzed protein radical formation using confocal microscopy. Confocal microscopy results clearly showed protein radical formation in IMR-32 cells exposed to either variant of copper nano-particles in presence of hydrogen peroxide. Taken together, these results clearly suggest that both variants of copper nano particles induce βA radical formation which can lead to βA oligomerization, and therefore contributes to AD pathogenesis.
Numerical assessment of CaOx renal calculi development in space using PBE coupled to urinary flow and species transport

Abstract Recently collected astronaut data indicate that space travel has a profound impact on the nephron biochemistry with increasing risk of renal stone development during long duration missions. In this paper, a Population Balance Equation (PBE) model is developed to compute the size distribution of nucleating, growing and agglomerating calcium oxalate (CaOx) renal calculi as they are transported through the different nephron sections. The PBE model is coupled to a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model that solves for the steady state flow of urine, the concentrations of ionic species, calcium and oxalate, and the transport of the crystals along the nephron using a two-phase interpenetrating Eulerian framework. Simulation are performed based on measured averaged post-flight astronaut 24 h. urine biochemistry to assess the size distribution of the CaOx crystals developed under microgravity conditions. The important effects of agglomeration on the aggregate size distributions and the impact of wall friction on the CaOx volume fraction distributions are carefully examined. Simulations are also presented to indicate the important mixing effect that the cascading nephron configuration may induce during the passage of the particles through the various nephron subsections. Parametric numerical predictions for the microgravity astronaut biochemistry are compared to those for normal and stone-former subjects on Earth. It is concluded that under nominal conditions the largest calcium oxalate aggregate sizes developed in space will be still below the critical range for problematic stone development. However, computations also indicate that in microgravity the highest CaOx volume fractions occur next to the tubule and duct walls. This suggests that there may be an increased potential for wall adhesion and possibility of evolution towards critical stone sizes.
Nuclear pores: the gate to neurodegeneration.

Compromised compartmentalization of nucleus and cytoplasm has emerged as a central feature of aging and neurodegenerative diseases. Nucleocytoplasmic transport is disrupted, with widespread mislocalization of nuclear pore proteins, in TDP-43 proteinopathies such as, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia.
An 18-Year Mark–Recapture Study of Wood Turtles (Glyptemys insculpta) in Michigan

Wood Turtles (Glyptemys insculpta) occupy forested streams at midlatitudes in eastern North America and are listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, but few populations have been rigorously studied. We studied a population of Wood Turtles in Michigan for 18 yr, individually marking 260 different turtles (146 females, 88 males, and 26 unsexed juveniles), including 118 turtles that we followed for one or more years using radiotelemetry. We analyzed our encounter data using a Cormack–Jolly–Seber model in Program MARK; and we estimated total population size using a Bayesian integrated population model that combined Horvitz–Thompson estimates of annual population size, mark–recapture estimates of annual survival, and derived estimates of annual recruitment. Annual adult survival was 0.970 ± 0.016 SD and annual recruitment to age 15 (mean age of first capture) was 0.058 ± 0.019 SD. Over the 18-yr study, estimated population size grew from 770 (95% CI 631–928) to 1,196 (95% CI 977–1,444) individuals.
Coronary Artery Aspiration Thrombectomy

Acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction remains a major global cause of death and permanent disability. Management of thrombus in coronary vasculature presents a challenge that is commonly encountered during primary percutaneous coronary intervention. Thrombus burden has been associated with poor clinical outcomes and a greater number of adverse cardiac events. Various techniques and devices have been suggested for optimal management of such thrombi. We review the technology of aspiration thrombectomy and its utilization in the current era of thrombus retrieval. We highlight the landmark trials that have provided valuable data on the clinical outcomes of aspiration thrombectomy. We review and discuss the use of this technology in the management of patients presenting with ST-elevation myocardial infarction, non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction, and acute ischemic stroke. Additionally, we highlight the differences between outcomes, theories that may explain these outcomes, and recommendations for further studies in this field.
Evil Twins: Modeling Power Users in Attacks on Recommender Systems

Attacks on Collaborative Filtering Recommender Systems (RS) can bias recommendations, potentially causing users to distrust results and the overall system. Attackers constantly innovate, and understanding the implications of novel attack vectors on system robustness is important for designers and operators. Foundational research on attacks in RSs studied attack user profiles based on straightforward models such as random or average ratings data. We are studying a novel category of attack based explicitly on measures of influence, in particular the potential impact of high-influence power users. This paper describes our approach to generate synthetic attack profiles that emulate influence characteristics of real power users, and it studies the impact of attack vectors that use synthetic power user profiles. We evaluate both the quality of synthetic power user profiles and the effectiveness of the attack, on both user-based and matrix-factorization-based recommender systems. Results show that synthetic user profiles that model real power users are an effective way of attacking collaborative recommender systems.
Insomnia and heart disease: A review of epidemiologic studies

Since the discovery and successful treatment of sleep apnea, researchers seem to believe that the association between sleep disturbance and coronary heart disease (CHD) has been explained. To determine whether subjective nighttime sleep complaints (trouble sleeping, trouble falling asleep, trouble staying asleep), exclusive of apnea, predicted myocardial infarction and other coronary events, a MEDLINE search was conducted for articles published between January 1976 through August 1997. Ten studies with an explicit measure of association between an insomniac complaint and CHD were identified. Reported risk ratios for various sleep complaints and CHD events ranged from 1.0 for waking too early and CHD death in an elderly North Carolina community to 8.0 for the highest versus lowest quintile of a sleep scale in Finnish men. Higher quality studies showed risk ratios of 1.47-3.90 between trouble falling asleep and coronary events after adjusting for age and various coronary risk factors (combined effect=1.7, p<0.0001). While alternative explanations such as medication use still need to be ruled out, we theorize that a subjective insomniac complaint either may be part of a larger syndrome that includes poor health and depression, or it may be related to continual stressors, reduced slow-wave sleep, and autonomic dysfunction, which increase the risk of heart problems.
Does privacy information influence users' online purchasing behavior?

Web sites provide privacy policies to inform users about how their personal information is being handled. However, privacy policies are usually difficult to find or are written in a legal language that is hard for the average user to understand. Thus, privacy information is often ignored by users. The goal of the present study was to determine whether more salient presentation of privacy information, through a summary provided by the Privacy Finder Web site, would influence user purchasing behavior. Specifically, we examined whether Privacy Finder influenced college students' comfort levels in making small and large purchases from familiar and unfamiliar Web sites in a simulated e-commerce task. Users were more comfortable purchasing inexpensive items, as well as making purchases from more familiar Web sites. However, Privacy Finder did not influence their purchasing behaviors or comfort levels for the different types of Web sites.