cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Understanding Versus Explanation? How to Think about the Distinction between the Human and the Natural Sciences

Abstract This essay will argue systematically and from a historical perspective that there is something to be said for the traditional claim that the human and natural sciences are distinct epistemic practices. Yet, in light of recent developments in contemporary philosophy of science, one has to be rather careful in utilizing the distinction between understanding and explanation for this purpose. One can only recognize the epistemic distinctiveness of the human sciences by recognizing the epistemic centrality of reenactive empathy for our understanding of rational agency, that is, by emphasizing the psychological component in the concept of understanding that nineteenth-century philosophers like Droysen, in contrast to twentieth-century hermeneutic philosophers, still acknowledged. In addition, the essay will show in detail that merely pointing to the fact that narratives have a cognitive function in the domain of the human sciences, as is common among philosophers of history, does not provide us with a ...
Architectural and implementation tradeoffs in the design of multiple-context processors (abstract)

We examine two multiple-context schemes in the context of scalable shared-memory multiprocessors. The blocked scheme switches between contexts at cache misses. The proposed interleaved scheme switches between available contexts on a cycle-by-cycle basis, while providing full pipeline interlocks for good single-context performance. We show the interleaved scheme to have a performance advantage over the blocked scheme due to its ability to hide pipeline dependencies and reduce the context switch cost. We also show that, while the implementation of the interleaved scheme is more complex, this complexity is not overwhelming.
CHANGES IN LIPIDS OF TOMATO FRUIT STORED AT CHILLING AND NON-CHILLING TEMPERATURES

Mature green tomato fruits (Lycopersicon esculentum) were stored at non-chilling or chilling temperature (15 or 2°, respectively) for 2, 4, 8 or 12 days after harvest. Fruit stored at 15° had progressed to the pink stage of ripening after 12 days, whereas fruit stored at 2° had not ripened significantly. On a fresh weight basis, the phospholipid content of tomato pericarp tissue changed very little during storage at either 15 or 2°. Free fatty acids increased three-fold in fruit held at 15° and 1.2-fold in fruit held at 2°. Total sterol content increased during storage at both 15 and 2°. The increase in free sterols was greater in chilled compared to unchilled fruit, whereas the reverse was true for steryl esters. Chilling had no efrect on the amounts of free and acylated steryl glycosides. The stigmasterol: sitosterol ratio in all steryl lipids increased dramatically with storage at 15°, but only slightly with storage at 2°.
Urinary phthalate metabolites in relation to biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress: NHANES 1999-2006.

Phthalate esters are a class of compounds utilized extensively in widely-distributed consumer goods, and have been associated with various adverse health outcomes in previous epidemiologic research. Some of these health outcomes may be the result of phthalate-induced increases in oxidative stress or inflammation, which have been demonstrated in animal studies. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between urinary phthalate metabolite concentrations and serum markers of inflammation and oxidative stress (C-reactive protein (CRP) and gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT), respectively). Subjects were participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between the years 1999 and 2006. In multivariable linear regression models, we observed significant positive associations between CRP and mono-benzyl phthalate (MBzP) and mono-isobutyl phthalate (MiBP). There were CRP elevations of 6.0% (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.7–10.8%) and 8.3% (95% CI 2.9–14.0%) in relation to interquartile range (IQR) increases in urinary MBzP and MiBP, respectively. GGT was positively associated with mono(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) and an MEHP% variable calculated from the proportion of MEHP in comparison to other di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) metabolites. IQR increases in MEHP and MEHP% were associated with 2.5% (95% CI 0.2–4.8%) and 3.7% (95% CI 1.7–5.7%) increases in GGT, respectively. CRP and GGT were also inversely related to several phthalate metabolites, primarily oxidized metabolites. In conclusion, several phthalate monoester metabolites that are detected in a high proportion of urine samples from the US general population are associated with increased serum markers of inflammation and oxidative stress. On the other hand, several oxidized phthalate metabolites were inversely associated with these markers. These relationships deserve further exploration in both experimental and observational studies.
Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia: when a low platelet count is a mandate for anticoagulation

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is an immune-mediated disorder caused by the development of antibodies to platelet factor 4 (PF4) and heparin. The thrombocytopenia is typically moderate, with a median platelet count nadir of approximately 50 to 60 x 10(9) platelets/L. Severe thrombocytopenia has been described in patients with HIT, and in these patients antibody levels are high and severe clinical outcomes have been reported (eg, disseminated intravascular coagulation with microvascular thrombosis). The timing of the thrombocytopenia in relation to the initiation of heparin therapy is critically important, with the platelet count beginning to drop within 5 to 10 days of starting heparin. A more rapid drop in the platelet count can occur in patients who have been recently exposed to heparin (within the preceding 3 months), due to preformed anti-heparin/PF4 antibodies. A delayed form of HIT has also been described that develops within days or weeks after the heparin has been discontinued. In contrast to other drug-induced thrombocytopenias, HIT is characterized by an increased risk for thromboembolic complications, primarily venous thromboembolism. Heparin and all heparin-containing products should be discontinued and an alternative, non-heparin anticoagulant initiated. Alternative agents that have been used effectively in patients with HIT include lepirudin, argatroban, bivalirudin, and danaparoid, although the last agent is not available in North America. Fondaparinux has been used in a small number of patients with HIT and generally appears to be safe. Warfarin therapy should not be initiated until the platelet count has recovered and the patient is systemically anticoagulated, and vitamin K should be administered to patients receiving warfarin at the time of diagnosis of HIT.
Total Synthesis and Biological Activity of Lactacystin, Omuralide and Analogs

Lactacystin (1) and the related beta-lactone omuralide (2) are remarkably selective and potent irreversible inhibitors of the 20 S proteasome, a large polymolecular protein machine which is responsible for the degradation of ubiquitin-labeled proteins. Because of this fact 1 and 2 have emerged as important tools in biochemistry and cell biology. The challenge of synthesis has been accepted by several research groups with the result that 1 and 2 and their analogs can now be synthesized by a variety of synthetic approaches. This review summarizes the synthetic processes which have been developed to date for the production of such compounds. The study of biological activity of analogs of 1 and 2 has clearly defined the structural features which are responsible for the potency of 1 and 2, as described in the closing section of this account. It is concluded that 1 and 2 are nearly optimal for the irreversible inactivation of the 20 S proteasome.
On the Initial Conditions for Boundary Layer Equations

Abstract : A three dimensional boundary layer with two components of velocity, v, w, much smaller than the third component, u, which is along the inviscid stream line, the x-coordinate, is studied. It is shown that the boundary layer equations lead to a compatibility equation on the four initial data of the three velocity components and the density, while the enthalpy is related to density by the equation of state. When the four initial data prescribed at a station, x = 0, are inconsistent with the compatibility equation, the solution in a thin initial strip near x = 0 will not fulfill the usual boundary layer equations. In this thin initial strip, a new set of governing equations are derived by stretching all three coordinates. By the examination of the general properties of the solutions in the thin strip and by the standard matching procedures, it is shown that the three proper initial conditions to be imposed on the boundary layer equations are the density profile, the velocity component u and a third quantity which is neither v nor w but a combination of the four prescribed initial data. An alternate derivation of these proper initial conditions and their physical interpretation is presented by the direct balance of mass, momentum and energy across the thin initial strip. (Author)
Effects of maternal nicotine injections on brain development in the rat: Ornithine decarboxylase activity, nucleic acids and proteins in discrete brain regions

Fetal exposure to nicotine via maternal cigarette smoking produces intrauterine growth retardation and postnatal behavioral abnormalities. In this study, biochemical characteristics of brain development were compared in normal rats and in rats whose mothers received chronic nicotine injections throughout pregnancy. Nicotine exposure produced a persistent elevation of fetal ornithine decarboxylase activity preferentially in brain; in keeping with this selectivity, there was no evidence of the sparing of brain growth which ordinarily accompanies non-specific toxic insult. After birth, DNA synthesis was suppressed throughout the brain and there was a subsequent rebound during the phase of "catch-up" growth. Evidence was also obtained for regional selectivity of the adverse effects of maternal nicotine injections: the effects on DNA synthesis and levels were most profound in cerebellum (a region which matures postnatally) and growth-impairment was least evident in midbrain & brainstem, an early-maturing region. The maternal nicotine group also displayed desynchronization of the ontogenetic patterns of DNA, RNA and proteins in every brain region. These data indicate that maternally-injected nicotine compromises early biochemical events which delineate brain cell replication and differentiation; these alterations are eventually translated into abnormalities in development of specific brain regions.
A robust testing framework for verifying Web services by completeness and consistency analysis

This paper presents a specification based robust testing framework for Web services. Web services testing is done by 1) extracting condition and event combinations from the Web service specification; 2) ensuring that these combinations are consistent with each other; 3) performing completeness analysis to identify all the missing condition and event combinations; 4) identifying the locations where updates are needed to maintain the completeness and consistency; and 5) emphasizing on robustness testing by generating positive as well as negative test cases. An efficient algorithm called Covering Scenario Generation is proposed to identify the locations where incompleteness and inconsistency exist. The algorithm is based on the min-terms of Boolean expressions that combine multiple conditions into a single checkable item. The proposed algorithm has been experimented with several large industrial applications and the results indicated that the proposed algorithm is robust and scalable to large applications. A case study is designed to illustrate the design and testing process.
Efficacy and safety of IV levetiracetam in children with acute repetitive seizures.

Abstract Background Levetiracetam has been proven to be effective in both partial and generalized seizures in children. However, few studies have reported its efficacy in the treatment of acute repetitive seizures. We aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of levetiracetam in children with acute repetitive seizures. Methods The medical records of children from the age of 1 month-18 years who received levetiracetam because of acute repetitive seizures in the pediatric intensive care unit between 2010 and 2013 were reviewed retrospectively. Results Of the 133 patients, levetiracetam terminated seizures in 104 (78.2%). Side effects such as agitation and aggression were observed in three patients (2.2%). The likelihood of treatment failure was increased by four times by younger age at seizure onset; by six times in the individuals with neurological abnormalities; and by 22 times in the patients with West syndrome. The patients who used levetiracetam as the first treatment option for acute repetitive seizures had a longer duration of epilepsy, a higher rate of neurological abnormality, and a higher proportion of medically resistant epilepsy compared with the individuals who used levetiracetam as an add-on treatment to the other intravenous antiepileptic drugs. However, no differences were detected between these two groups in terms of treatment response. Conclusions Intravenous levetiracetam appears to be effective and safe in the treatment of acute repetitive seizures. Randomized clinical trials are needed to determine whether intravenous levetiracetam may replace other antiepileptic drugs as the first-line therapy in the management of acute repetitive seizures.
A graphical simulation environment for stochastic investment analysis

This paper presents a graphical simulator, RISK, for stochastic investment analysis. Issues concerning the user interface, the design concept, and the modeling process are discussed. An example is given to demonstrate the capability of the simulator.
Effect of vitamin E on the anticoagulant response to warfarin

To clarify whether vitamin E enhances the pharmacologic effect of warfarin, we completed a double-blind clinical trial in which 21 subjects taking chronic warfarin therapy were randomized to receive either vitamin E or placebo. None of the subjects who received vitamin E had a significant change in the international normalized ratio, and thus it appears that vitamin E can safely be given to patients who require chronic warfarin therapy.
The Child Specialist

Because of the ever increasing numbers of children with learning disabilities, a new concept, one of a “child specialist” is introduced. The role of the “child specialist” is defined and the principles and philosophy supporting this approach are discussed. The importance of this new role emanates from the many socio-economic forces in our society which are counter-productive to children's best interests. Selection and training methods for such a “child specialist” role are presented in detail.
Reproduction and the carbon legacies of individuals

Abstract Much attention has been paid to the ways that people’s home energy use, travel, food choices and other routine activities affect their emissions of carbon dioxide and, ultimately, their contributions to global warming. However, the reproductive choices of an individual are rarely incorporated into calculations of his personal impact on the environment. Here we estimate the extra emissions of fossil carbon dioxide that an average individual causes when he or she chooses to have children. The summed emissions of a person’s descendants, weighted by their relatedness to him, may far exceed the lifetime emissions produced by the original parent. Under current conditions in the United States, for example, each child adds about 9441 metric tons of carbon dioxide to the carbon legacy of an average female, which is 5.7 times her lifetime emissions. A person’s reproductive choices must be considered along with his day-to-day activities when assessing his ultimate impact on the global environment.
Bile salt absorption in killifish intestine.

Bile salt absorption was examined in vitro using entire small intestines from the killifish Fundulus heteroclitus. Intestines were everted over a glass rod and incubated in solutions containing 10 nM to 20 mM bile salts. After rinsing and correcting for the adherent fluid space, uptake rates and bile salt concentrations in the tissue were determined. The distal intestine contained a Na+-dependent active transport system for bile salt uptake with an apparent Vmax for taurocholate and cholate of 1.4 and 2.3 nmol.min-1.mg dry wt-1 (Km = 117 and 357 microM), respectively. At low concentrations (10 nM to 500 microM), absorption occurred almost exclusively (greater than 84%) in the distal intestine. However, at concentrations of 1 mM and above, bile salt absorption in the middle and proximal regions equaled that in the distal intestine. Thus, although an active transport system makes the distal intestine more efficient in absorbing bile salts, passive absorption appears to account for a significant amount of bile salt uptake at concentrations above the critical micellar concentration. The presence of oleic acid did not significantly affect bile salt uptake.
Effects of extracts of primary and metastatic pancreatic islet cell tumors on gastric secretion

Summary 1.Extracts were made of 13 islet cell tumors by means of a technique described by Gregory and his associates. 2.Extracts of islet cell tumors from 2 patients who had hyperinsulinism contained a substance presumed to be insulin that produced both hypoglycemia and gastric secretion in dogs with vagally innervated pouches. One of these was tested in a dog with a vagally denervated pouch and was inactive. 3.An extract of a nonfunctioning islet cell tumor of the pancreas produced neither hypoglycemia nor gastric secretion. 4.Extracts were made of five primary and five metastatic islet cell tumors from patients who had the Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. A gastric secretagogue was demonstrated in nine of the extracts but was not detected in one of the metastatic tumors. Extracts of two primary tumors produced hypoglycemia in dogs despite the fact that hypoglycemia had not been present clinically. In other cases, a gastric secretagogue was demonstrated that was not insulin, adding to the mounting evidence that islet cell tumors in patients with the ZollingerEllison syndrome produce a stimulant for gastric secretion.
Aesthetics and emotional engagement: Why it matters to our students, why it matters to our professions

This special session takes the form of a guided discussion, using a hands-on flow visualization exercise as focal point. Our goals are 1) to foster conversation and document ideas about how the aesthetic qualities of engineering topics can be used to deliberately draw the emotional engagement of students; 2) to gauge how the FIE community currently views the aesthetics of engineering, and brainstorm new visions for how aesthetics could be used to improve recruitment and retention of a diverse student population as well as lead to innovative methods for the teaching and learning of core engineering content; 3) to explore the feasibility of viewing aesthetics-driven emotional engagement as a necessity and not an ancillary benefit in course design.
Lipopolysaccharide and a phorbol ester stimulate secretion of tumor necrosis factor‐α from alveolar macrophages through action on overlapping subsets of cells

A cell-by-cell analysis of the secretory ability of stimulated, individual alveolar macrophages (AMs) was performed through use of a tumor necrosis fac- tor a (TNF-a) reverse hemolytic plaque assay. Two func- tional end points were measured: the percentage of AMs that were TNF-a secretors and the cumulative amount of TNF-a secreted by AMs (average plaque area, �m2). Lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 100 �g/ml) increased cumula- tive TNF-a release at both 7 and 20 h of incubation. On the other hand, a phorbol ester (phorbol myristate ace- tate, PMA) stimulated TNF-a release at 20 h of incubation but not at 7 h. Under nonstimulated culture conditions, 5-10% of all AMs released detectable TNF-a. PMA (but not LPS) induced a significant increase in the fraction of AMs capable of releasing TNF-a (15.1 ± 1.1% vs. 9.0 ± 1.6%, PMA vs. control, P < .05). Differences in the time course of secreted TNF-a, together with the recruiting effect of PMA, suggest that LPS and PMA target TNF-a- secretory subpopulations of AMs that differ in number and secretory characteristics. J. Lcukoc. Biol. 54: 384-388; 1993. assay (RHPA), a method for detecting peptide secretion by single cells in culture. RHPAs are based on antibody- directed, complement-mediated lysis of indicator cells (ovine erythrocytes) in the locality of a peptide-secreting cell. In- dividual peptide-secreting cells form a microscopically identifiable zone of hemolysis (a plaque) when incubated in a monolayer with erythrocytes in the presence of peptide- specific antiserum and complement. In this way, secreting and nonsecreting cells can be unambiguously recognized. Furthermore, the amount of product secreted (TNF-a) by individual AMs can be analyzed by comparison of the areas of plaques that form around single AMs. The technique was initially developed to study secretion of peptide hormones (6-8) but has since been extended to the analysis of other biologically important peptides as diverse as renin (9) and monocyte-derived cytokines, growth factors, and enzymes (10, 11). We report the use of a TNF-a RHPA to compare TNF-a secretion by individual porcine AMs under non- stimulated and LPS- and phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)- stimulated conditions.
The physiology of GABAA receptors in retinal neurons.

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the electrophysiological effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) mediated by GABA A receptor channels in single retinal neurons. It discusses the distribution, pharmacology, ion selectivity, elementary properties, modulation, and possible functions of GABA receptors. Three experimental approaches have demonstrated the presence of GABA A receptors in specific types of retinal neurons: (1) the measurement of electrophysiological responses to GABA and related chemicals in situ after the blockade of synaptic transmission, (2) the measurement of electrophysiological responses to GABA and related chemicals in vitro in single cells physically isolated from the retina, and (3) the localization of GABA A receptors in situ using immunocytochemical methods. These studies have yielded two types of information—cells with and without GABA-sensitivity and/or GABA receptors have been identified and the regions of high GABA-sensitivity have been localized within some cell types. GABA A receptor-channel function can be isolated, antagonized, and modulated by a variety of pharmacological agents. Agents that are useful for blocking GABA A responses and ionic conditions under which responses mediated by GABA A receptors can be studied with minimal interference from other membrane currents are described in the chapter.
Effect of soil wetting and drying on DNT vapor flux: laboratory data and T2TNT model comparisons

Sensing the chemical signature emitted from the main charge explosives from buried landmines is being considered for field applications with advanced sensors of increased sensitivity and specificity. The chemical signature, however, may undergo many interactions with the soil system, altering the signal strength at the ground surface by many orders of magnitude. A simulation code named T2TNT was developed specifically to evaluate buried landmine chemical transport issues. A vapor-solid partitioning parameter that is strongly dependent on soil moisture content is included in T2TNT. Laboratory soil vapor flux experiments were conducted to provide data to validate the T2TNT model under well-constrained laboratory testing conditions. The landmine source release, soil transport and surface flux was simulated by aqueous phase injection of DNT, evaporation induced upward water flux and solid phase microextraction sampling of headspace vapor in an air flowing plenum. The surface soil moisture content was reduced by suction removal of soil water followed by artificial rain to evaluate the soil-vapor partitioning function in T2TNT. The data showed the dramatic decline in DNT vapor concentrations expected as the surface soil moisture declined; and, then rebounded upon wetting. This phenomenon was modeled with T2TNT and showed excellent correlation.
Long-Run Performance of Dynamic Asset Allocation Strategies

Perold and Sharpe (1988) present four dynamic strategies which combine investment in stocks with investment in Treasury bills to reduce the risk of equity portfolios. This study uses empirical resampling (historical simulation) to examine the risk and ending wealth of three of these strategies – buy and hold, constant mix, and CPPI. While results are generally consistent with the average proportion of common stock in the portfolio these strategies imply – greater return and risk from a greater proportion of common stock in the portfolio – there are some exceptions. Finally, although the buy and hold strategy places a positive floor on value of the portfolio while the constant mix strategy does not, this makes the buy and hold strategy less risky than the constant mix strategy only in a few limited cases.
IV. Neural regulation of gastrointestinal smooth muscle

G protein-coupled receptors receive many of the neural, hormonal, and paracrine inputs to gastrointestinal (GI) smooth muscle cells. This article examines the major G protein-coupled receptors, G p...
Imaging carbon nanotube interactions, diffusion, and stability in nanopores.

We report optical microscopy measurements of three-dimensional trajectories of individual multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in nanoscale silica slit pores. Trajectories are analyzed to nonintru...
Comparison on effects between gasoline exhaust gas and methanol exhaust gas on the immune function of pulmonary macrophage

[Objective]To compare the effects between gasoline automobile exhaust gas and methanol automobile exhaust gas on the immune function of pulmonary macrophage,provide the basis for the selection of clean energy.[Methods]Based on the reaction that pulmonary macrophage receptor can present the rosettes combined with sensitized sheep erythrocytes with the different formation rate,the rabbit lung macrophages cultured for a certain period of time after lavage were exposed to gasoline and methanol exhaust gas extract according to the following concentration of 0.500 L / ml,0.250 L / ml,0.125 L / ml,0.062 L / ml and 0.031 L / ml,and were stored at 37 ℃ in 5% CO2 incubator for 3 hours.The sensitized sheep erythrocytes were added to the culture,placed in the refrigerator for 2 hours.The formation rate of rosettes was counted,and the antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity test was conducted.[Results]Both gasoline and methanol exhaust gas can reduce the formation rate of macrophage rosettes,and the formation rate was 85.7% in non-exposure group.The formation rate of the gasoline group and methanol group in the minimum concentration of 0.031 L / ml was 47.0% and 70.0% respectively,which the formation rate of gasoline exhaust gas was significantly lower than that of methanol exhaust gas.The gasoline exhaust gas extract had obvious inhibitory effect on the antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity,and the decrease range of this test by the gasoline exhaust gas was significantly larger than that by methanol exhaust gas.[Conclusion]The effect of methanol exhaust gas on the immune function of macrophages is significantly less than that of gasoline exhaust gas,so the methanol is more suitable for the clean energy.
Electrocutaneous Coding of Information

Responses to electrocutaneous stimulation were investigated using the two point discrimination threshold as a means of providing information about the range of sensitivity to electrical stimuli.A complete factorial design was used to investigate the effects of frequency, pulse width, and phase shift on the threshold distance at which two electrocutaneous stimuli can be discriminated. Results were analyzed by an analysis of variance.The two point discrimination threshold was found to be significant for frequency, pulse width, and the interaction between pulse width and phase shift. Electrocutaneous sensitivity was determined by the level at which the minimum two point discrimination threshold occurred.
Predicting Congestion States from Basic Safety Messages by Using Big-Data Graph Analytics

In a connected-vehicle environment, wireless subsecond data exchange connects vehicles, the infrastructure, and travelers’ mobile devices. These data have the promise to transform the geographic scope, precision, and latency of transportation system control; fulfillment of that promise could result in significant safety, mobility, and environmental benefits. However, the new data influx also has the potential to overburden legacy computational and communication systems. Although connected-vehicle technology can facilitate ubiquitous system coverage, the existing prediction methods, computational platforms, and data management methods are insufficient to process the data within a reasonable time frame for real-time predictions. An investigation of the ways in which advanced (big-data) analytics might be applied to realize the full potential of connected-vehicle technology is particularly relevant now as this technology evolves from research to deployment. This paper presents an approach combining big-data ...
Network Ties and Organizational Action: Explaining Variation in Social Service Provision Patterns

This study integrates social capital theory and network analysis to explore the relationship betweeninterorganizational networks and organizational action. It analyzes the collaborative partnerships that religiouscongregations form to provide social services, and it examines how these ties are associated with the number andtypes of programs they offer. Using cross-sectional and panel data from a national study of congregations, theanalysis finds significant relationships between congregations’ interorganizational ties and their social serviceprovision patterns. Congregations that collaborate with other organizations offer more programs, and the effect iseven greater for congregations with a diverse portfolio of collaborators. Furthermore, a network analysis indicatesthat congregations with a similar portfolio of collaborators offer a similar menu of services. This study demonstratesthat an organization’s collaborative ties, above and beyond its internal characteristics, are significantly associatedwith both the volume and scope of its activity.
Biometrics and Policing: A Protocol for Multichannel Sensor Data Collection and Exploratory Analysis of Contextualized Psychophysiological Response During Law Enforcement Operations

Background: Stress experienced by law enforcement officers is often extreme and is in many ways unique among professions. Although past research on officer stress is informative, it is limited, and most studies measure stress using self-report questionnaires or observational studies that have limited generalizability. We know of no research studies that have attempted to track direct physiological stress responses in high fidelity, especially within an operational police setting. The outcome of this project will have an impact on both practitioners and policing researchers. To do so, we will establish a capacity to obtain complex, multisensor data; process complex datasets; and establish the methods needed to conduct idiopathic clinical trials on behavioral interventions in similar contexts. Objective: The objective of this pilot study is to demonstrate the practicality and utility of wrist-worn biometric sensor-based research in a law enforcement agency. Methods: We will use nonprobability convenience-based sampling to recruit 2-3 participants from the police department in Durham, North Carolina, USA. Results: Data collection was conducted in 2016. We will analyze data in early 2017 and disseminate our results via peer reviewed publications in late 2017. Conclusions: We developed the Biometrics & Policing Demonstration project to provide a proof of concept on collecting biometric data in a law enforcement setting. This effort will enable us to (1) address the regulatory approvals needed to collect data, including human participant considerations, (2) demonstrate the ability to use biometric tracking technology in a policing setting, (3) link biometric data to law enforcement data, and (4) explore project results for law enforcement policy and training. [JMIR Res Protoc 2017;6(3):e44]
Maximizing expected profits in competitive bidding.

Forest products firms often buy much of their raw material through competitive bidding. The bidding process is vital to such companies, yet models are often used which merely help predict winning bids. Managers should consider expected returns from potential timber buying contracts-the product of profit and the prob· ability of realizing that profit. A general approach is summarized for maximizing expected profit in competitive bidding. For timber buying, profits are net returns minus stumpage costs. The probability of obtaining the profit is the probability a given bid will be accepted, and can be represented by a probability density function. The product of profit and the probability of acceptance is then maximized with respect to bid price. The approach is demonstrated for a simplified case, but can be adapted to meet the needs of individual firms. Forest products firms frequently purchase timber cutting rights by offering competitive bids. The science of estimating bid prices for stumpage involves processing physical and economic sale data, and deriving a reference point or approximate bid. The art of estimating bid prices, however, is adjusting the final bid using past experience and detailed knowledge of the important factors for each sale. This paper summarizes an approach to estimating bid prices which will maximize expected profits from potential timber purchases. Such prices may then be adjusted for factors not explicitly reflected by the model. The approach is adapted from an example for optimizing bid prices on chemical contracts (8). Although maximizing utility is the theoretically correct objective under risk (4, 7), in many cases utility measures are not available and cannot be readily estimated. For these reasons, expected profit is considered in the preEent paper, rather than the expected utility of profit. The general apuroach is unaffected, however, and can be applied for either objective.
Multi-site exploration of sex differences in brain reactivity to smoking cues: Consensus across sites and methodologies

Abstract Background Biological sex influences cigarette smoking behavior. More men than women smoke, but women have a harder time quitting. Sex differences in smoking cue (SC) reactivity may underlie such behavioral differences. However, the influence of sex on brain reactivity to SCs has yielded inconsistent findings suggesting the need for continued study. Here, we investigated the effect of sex on SC reactivity across two sites using different imaging modalities and SC stimulus types. Methods Pseudo-continuous arterial spin-labeled (pCASL) perfusion functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to assess brain responses to SC versus non-SC videos in 40 smokers (23 females) at the University of Pennsylvania. BOLD fMRI was used to assess brain responses to SC versus non-SC still images in 32 smokers (18 females) at McLean Hospital. Brain reactivity to SCs was compared between men and women and was correlated with SC-induced craving. Results In both cohorts, males showed higher SC versus non-SC reactivity compared to females in reward-related brain regions (i.e., ventral striatum/ventral pallidum, ventral medial prefrontal cortex). Brain activation during SC versus non-SC exposure correlated positively with SC-induced subjective craving in males, but not females. Conclusions The current work provides much needed replication and validation of sex differences in SC-reactivity. These findings also add to a body of literature showing that men have greater reward-related brain activation to drug cues across drug classes. Such sex differences confirm the need to consider sex not only when evaluating SC-reactivity but when examining nicotine dependence etiology and treatment.
Demography of Disability

The study of mortality was the foundation on which the discipline of demography was built. Over the past several decades, mortality research has expanded to include not only consideration of the remaining years of life individuals in contemporary society can expect to have but also consideration of the quality of that remaining life individuals can anticipate. A key determinant of quality of life, especially in later life, is health. In later life, it is expected that health declines and so a major concern of demographers has become the assessment of the prevalence of poor health at both individual and societal levels. Aside from health conditions that threaten survival, in later life a key issue is physical limitation that arises in part from health conditions that result from natural processes of aging and the social context within which they are experienced. At older ages, eyesight and hearing fade, joints stiffen and weaken, circulation becomes impaired, lung capacity declines, bone density diminishes and as a result, the prevalence of overall physical limitations tends to increase. Not all individuals experience declines in functioning but many do. The demography of disability is primarily concerned with understanding this decline in later-life functioning and is increasingly focused on inter-individual differences (i.e., heterogeneity) in this process. Since the 1970s, the demography of disability has emerged in part as a response to declining mortality in developed countries. In brief, extended longevity has allowed chronic illnesses and their accompanying physical limitations to become major concerns for researchers, especially given that most developed countries are experiencing rapid population aging with its associated financial costs in the form of medical and rehabilitative care. In this chapter, we discuss the major issues in the demography of disability, including the current theoretical perspectives on disability in the field, the measurement of disability in demographic research, the modeling strategies employed by researchers, heterogeneity in disability across demographic indicators and the current state of knowledge regarding disability in the developed world. Our focus in this chapter largely excludes the study of disability in the developing world, because to date most research has focused on disability that has accompanied the rapid life expectancy gains seen in the developed world. Prior to the drastic increase in life expectancy seen in the developed world since WWII, old-age disability prevalence was quite low. It has only been the rapid increase in life expectancy that has brought the demography of disability to the forefront of research and policy.
Case 31-2017. A 19-Month-Old Girl with Failure to Thrive.

A 19-month-old girl presented with failure to thrive. Growth had been normal until she was 9 months of age, when she weighed 7.0 kg. Over the next 10 months, she did not gain weight despite growing normally in length. She appeared happy and playful. A diagnosis was made.
Analysis of the thickness dependence of metamaterial absorbers at terahertz frequencies

Metamaterial absorbers typically consist of a metamaterial layer, a dielectric spacer layer, and a metallic ground plane. We have investigated the dependence of the metamaterial absorption maxima on the spacer layer thickness and the reflection coefficient of the metamaterial layer obtained in the absence of the ground plane layer. Specifically, we employ interference theory to obtain an analytical expression for the spacer thickness needed to maximize the absorption at a given frequency. The efficacy of this simple expression is experimentally verified at terahertz frequencies through detailed measurements of the absorption spectra of a series of metamaterials structures with different spacer thicknesses. Using an array of split-ring resonators (SRRs) as the metamaterial layer and SU8 as the spacer material we observe that the absorption peaks redshift as the spacer thickness is increased, in excellent agreement with our analysis. Our findings can be applied to guide metamaterial absorber designs and understand the absorption peak frequency shift of sensors based on metamaterial absorbers.
Bioadhesive Microdevices for Drug Delivery: A Feasibility Study

A variety of delivery systems have been devised to improve the oral bioavailability of drugs including enterically coated tablets, capsules, particles, liposomes, and others. Microfabrication technology, however, may offer some potential advantages over conventional drug delivery technologies. This technology, combined with appropriate surface chemistry, may permit the highly localized and unidirectional release of drugs, permeation enhancers, and/or promoters. In this study, we demonstrate the fabrication of prototype reservoir containing microparticles and a surface chemistry protocol that can be used to bind lectin via avidin-biotin interactions to silicon microparticles. In vitro studies show enhanced bioadhesion of these lectin conjugated microparticles. Such an approach can be used to improve the absorption of pharmacologically active biopolymers such as peptides, proteins and oligonucleotides into circulation at targeted sights in the GI system. Moreover, the use of microfabrication allows one to tailor the size, shape, reservoir volume, and surface characteristics of the drug delivery vehicle.
Imaging the Bacterial Nucleoid

This chapter outlines how important properties of the bacterial nucleoid have been discovered by direct visualization of the nucleoid in situ by microscopy. Relatively new tools for these investigations include fluorescent protein fusions, in situ hybridization, cryo-EM, and atomic force microscopy. The nucleoid is not only just a passive carrier of chromosomal DNA, but also actively influences global organization of the cell including placement of the division site to prevent unwanted cutting of the nucleoid by the division septum. Possibly because of this key role in cellular organization, nucleoids are positioned in specific locations in the cell, and certain mechanisms such as FtsK-mediated DNA transport keep DNA away from the division septum. Condensins and other nucleoid-associated proteins help to maintain nucleoids in a compacted state, in part to facilitate proper segregation to daughter cells. In addition, RNA and protein synthesis seem to act in a balance to maintain overall nucleoid shape. During cellular differentiation to and from dormant states, nucleoid shape and density can vary dramatically, probably reflecting the need to protect the DNA. Finally, microscopic imaging has just begun to elucidate the great diversity of nucleoid organization in bacterial species.
Occupation Exploration: Using O*NET in the Management Classroom:

In this article, I discuss the potential uses of the Department of Labor–sponsored Occupational Information Network (O*NET) in the classroom context. O*NET is a free, publicly available resource th...
‘Let's get a take-away’

What is children's favourite – a cafe with healthy snacks or a pizza restaurant? Invite them to role-play their favourite eateries and support them to use new vocabulary and learn about the world.
The Role of an Oral Nutrition Supplement to Improve Cesarean Section Scar Appearance (A Case Report) (P12-049-19)

Introduction: Scar assessment scales are used for a number of scars related to surgical procedures, burns and trauma. These objective and subjective scales help to assess the physical characteristics, pathological wound healing and overall esthetics related to scarring. Select nutrients play a vital role in tissue repair and wound healing. Case Description: A 28-year old female underwent a cesarean section delivery due to a frank breech positioning of the baby. The patient was considered to be within a healthy BMI range pre-pregnancy (BMI = 23.5) and consumed an overall healthy diet, as determined by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. After surgery, she consumed two packets of Juven© daily mixed with 500–1000 mL water, for two weeks, to aid in wound healing. This oral nutrition supplement is composed of L-arginine, L-glutamine, collagen protein, β-hydroxy-β -methylbutyrate and vitamins and minerals; each nutrient with evidence-based support to boost wound healing. An obstetrician performed scar evaluations at two-weeks postpartum to identify short-term wound outcomes. The Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale (score 5 of 5) and the Manchester Scar Scale (score 8 of 18) revealed positive measures. Discussion: Pathological scarring can be associated with substantial physical and psychological complications. Women who undergo cesarean sections are seeking ways to minimize the physical scar appearance and pathological wound healing. A twice daily supplementation of Juven© can assist in improvement in the visual cosmetic appearance and overall physical characteristics of scarring due to cesarean section. According to the results from scar scales utilized in this case, this surgical incision indicates “best possible scar”. An oral nutrition supplement, used as an intervention post-cesarean section, can optimize scar appearance and overall wound healing. This case report gives insight as to how nutrition can play a role in revitalizing standard treatment after surgery. While this is just one case, there is an opportunity to enhance the physiological and psychological recovery from surgical scars, such as from a cesarean section. No funding to report.
Synchronous rise of African C 4 ecosystems 10 million years ago in the absence of aridification

Grasslands expanded globally during the late Cenozoic and the development of these ecosystems shaped the evolution of many faunal groups, including our hominin ancestors. The emergence of these ecosystems has been dated in many regions, but the origins of the iconic African C4 savannah grasslands remain poorly known, as do the causal factors that led to their establishment. Here we document their origins with the distinct carbon isotope signature from the hot-, arid- and low-CO2-adapted C4 grasses that dominate modern savannahs and grasslands. We use the carbon isotope values of leaf-wax molecules in deep-sea drill cores to measure the rise of African C4 ecosystems. We also reconstruct African palaeohydroclimate change from leaf-wax hydrogen isotope values and dust deposition rates in these cores. We find that C4-dominated ecosystems expanded synchronously across Northwestern and East Africa after 10 million years ago. This was not accompanied by substantial changes in palaeohydrology or dust deposition, precluding aridification as a causal factor. The expansion of C4 grasses was coincident, however, with dramatic high-latitude cooling and increased pole–Equator temperature gradients. We suggest that declining atmospheric CO2 levels were a direct cause of the C4 grassland expansion. Aridification did not cause the expansion of ecosystems using the C4 photosynthetic pathway in parts of Africa 10 million years ago, according to leaf-wax analyses in deep-sea drill cores, leaving declining atmospheric carbon dioxide levels as the most plausible cause.