cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Estimating the Effects of Pesticide Use on Burley and Flue-Cured Tobacco

The only pesticides a farmer may use on his crops be applied much earlier and more often, and furtherare those that are registered for such use by the U.S. more, they do not control black shank. Black shank is Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Registra- a disease that affects the roots and lower stem of totion of a particular pesticide can be withdrawn or par- bacco in the field. Unlike the sporadic outbreaks of blue tially restricted if the EPA determines that the risk to mold, black shank is a consistent, yearly problem. The society outweighs the benefits of continued unre- most common alternatives to RidomilR include soil fustricted use. Such a change in pesticide availability can migation with TeloneR C-17 or TerrocideR in conjuncreduce crop output, which in turn may affect the mar- tion with crop rotation and use of resistant varieties. ket price of the crop and ultimately prices and quan- Acreage treated with RidomilR and its alternatives tities of the commodity (or its products) available to for the control of blue mold and black shank is sumconsumers. marized in Table 1. The six states listed harvest over RidomilR (metalaxyl) has become an important pes- 90 percent of the tobacco grown in the U.S. An estiticide for control of blue mold and black shank, major mated 71 percent of U.S. tobacco acreage is treated diseases affecting tobacco production. 1 The objective with RidomilR each year. If RidomilR were unavailof this paper is to summarize the economic impacts of able, weestimatethatTeloneC-17, TerrocideR, andthe RidomilR use on tobacco. In the process, the economic dithiocarbamates would be used as shown in Table 2. structure of the burley and flue-cured tobacco markets In particular, usage of the dithiocarbamates would sigare identified and quantified. The analysis begins with nificantly increase. a brief discussion of blue mold and black shank and the usage and efficacy of RidomilR and its alternatives. The EFFICACY OF RIDOMILR AND model of the tobacco industry used to generate price ALTERNATIVES effects is then presented. Finally, impacts on prices, costs, producer revenue, and consumer expenditures The e of Rid R d its aeratives was are shown. determined through use of published experimental data are shown.
Video Social Platforms Complement Medical Professionals’ Education: a Scoping Review

Online video social platforms, such as YouTube®, support medical professionals’ education by rendering relevant videos easily accessible by students. According to Bennett (2011,bennett.org/hsnl/), hospital social media lists more than 500 U.S. hospitals having a channel on YouTube and these same institutions have published over 50,000 videos, many of which are for medical education. In many cases, videos are much better tools for education than traditional textbooks. A comprehensive review of the literature is being conducted focusing on informational value, implementation, outcomes, unique issues, and overall benefits provided by YouTube videos for healthcare students’ education from December 2009 to February 2012. Also, a set of best-practice guidelines to improve student learning outcomes is identified. The use of Social Media in health professional’s e-learning spaces is increasing and, educators and leaders in medicine may find the beneficial use of YouTube videos in enhancing student learning, increasing synchronous student collaboration and connecting with other professionals in fields of healthcare. Overall, the review shines a light on how YouTube is currently being used in medical research and education. []
CPW-fed circular slot antenna with slit back-patch for 2.4/5 GHz dual-band operation

A circular slot antenna fed by a coplanar waveguide (CPW) is proposed for dual-band operations. Dual frequency bands that cover the 2.4 GHz (2400-2484 MHz) and 5 GHz (5150-5825 MHz) bands were obtained by embedding a pair of slits in the circular back-patch that is printed on the backside of the substrate and concentric with the circular slot. This design resulted in broadside far-field patterns with low cross-polarisation levels in both frequency bands and a small antenna size of 40/spl times/40 mm with the ground plane regarded as part of the antenna structure.
High density electrical interconnections in liquid crystal polymer (LCP) substrates for retinal and neural prosthesis applications

Retinal prostheses implemented by means of electrical stimulation of retinal ganglion cells have been previously demonstrated with 16 and 60 channel microstimulator arrays. Blind patients with severe retinal degeneration (e.g., retinitis pigmentosa (RP) have been able to use these devices to navigate and read large letters. However, to dramatically improve the effectiveness of such prostheses, and to enable a variety of neural stimulation implants, channel densities of 1000 per cm2 and higher are highly desirable. This paper reports on a novel approach to an integrated bioelectronic package with high density electrical feedthroughs, capable of 1024 stimulator channels in a 5 mm × 5 mm area using liquid crystal polymer (LCP) substrates to enable implantable retinal prostheses. A novel fusion bonding process was demonstrated to achieve fine pitch interconnections with high adhesion strength and biocompatible metal-polymer interfaces. Helium leak rates of 1 × 10−9 mbar-1/sec were measured for LCP samples without feedthroughs, representative of penetration through the bulk LCP film, and leak rates of < 5 × 10−8 mbar-1/sec were measured for feedthrough array samples, comparable to leak rates demonstrated for glass substrates with metallized vias.
On the scalability of network management information for inter-domain light-path assessment

We investigate the necessary amount of network management information for light-path assessment to dynamically set up end-to-end light-paths across administrative domains in optical networks. Our focus is on the scalability of partial management information. We pose light-path assessment as a decision problem, and define the performance as the Bayes probability of an erroneous decision. We then characterize the scalability of management information as its growth rate with respect to the total resources of the network to achieve a desired performance. Scalability is achieved if the management information needed is only a negligible fraction of the total network resources. Specifically, we consider in this work one type of partial information that grows only logarithmically with the number of wavelengths supported per link. We derive an upper bound for the Bayes error in terms of the blocking probability when a new call is presented at the entrance of the network. We evaluate the upper bound using both independent and dependent models of wavelength usage for intra- and inter-domain calls. Our study shows that there exists a "threshold effect": The Bayes error decreases to zero exponentially with respect to the load when the load is either below or above a threshold value; and is nonnegligible when the load is in a small duration around the threshold. This suggests that the partial information considered can indeed provide the desired performance, and a small percentage of erroneous decisions can be traded off to achieve a large saving in the amount of management information.
Hemodynamics of dogs in histamine shock, with special reference to splanchnic blood volume and flow.

After the subcutaneous injection of histamine (3 mg/kg), changes in splanchnic and systemic circulation were studied in splenectomized dogs under sodium pentobarbital. The estimated splanchnic blood flow (BSP clearance and extraction) decreased by 67%. The extent of the decrease was almost the same as that for the mean arterial pressure; thus the splanchnic vascular resistance remained unchanged. This unchanged splanchnic resistance was ascribed to a combination of arteriolar dilatation and hepatic venoconstriction, and the latter was indicated by the increase in the wedged hepatic venous pressure in the face of a decreased flow. The ciculating splanchnic blood volume (equilibration technique) was not significantly changed after histamine, but there was a decrease in the splanchnic cell percentage. Therefore, the evidence indicates that during histamine shock there was a shift of blood from the hepatic veins to the capillaries, rather than a pooling of blood in the splanchnic circulation. The decrease in the splanchnic cell percentage was about the same as the decrease in the overall cell percentage. The venoconstriction in the hepatic circulation and probably also that in the other circuits contributed to a reduction in venous return. The cardiac output (indicator dilution method) decreased by an average of 51%. The total peripheral resistance decreased by an average of 39%. The drastic and persistent arterial hypotension in histamine shock was due to decreases in both the cardiac output and the peripheral resistance.
The role of social embeddedness in professorial entrepreneurship: a comparison of electrical engineering and computer science at UC Berkeley and Stanford

Abstract Professorial entrepreneurship has recently attracted much attention. This paper draws upon historical research, a survey of faculty, and an Internet-based methodology for identifying professorial affiliations with entrepreneurial firms at two of the premier electrical engineering and computer science departments in the US, The University of California, Berkeley and Stanford. We employ the concept of “nested embeddedness” to explain why the faculty members in these two institutions have different levels of entrepreneurship and corporate involvement. EE&CS faculty at both universities were found to be socially embedded in departments and disciplines that supported and placed value on entrepreneurial activities. However, while being embedded in a university environment with a history of success and high level of support for entrepreneurship, EE&CS faculty at Stanford had a significantly greater level of corporate involvement, including the founding of start-ups. Although significantly less than Stanford, the level of corporate involvement among EE&CS faculty at Berkeley was also substantial. This suggests that being embedded in an academic department and disciplines with cultures that are supportive of entrepreneurial activity can help counteract the disincentives created by a university environment that is not strongly supportive of these activities.
Abdominoperineal Resection, Low Anterior Resection, and Beyond

For the majority of rectal cancer patients, radical resection forms the cornerstone of treatment. In the past, for many patients, this meant an abdominoperineal resection with construction of a permanent colostomy. For decades, this operation was the “gold standard” against which all other operative approaches were compared. This is no longer the case. The last two decades have seen the abdominoperineal resection replaced, for the majority of patients, with low anterior resection. Based on the widespread adoption of surgery performed according to the principles of total mesorectal excision, sphincter sparing resection has become the standard operative approach and circumferential resection margin positivity has been dramatically reduced, with a corresponding reduction in the rate of local recurrence.
Cusp catastrophe modeling in medical and health research

Further advancement in medical and health research calls for analytical paradigm shifting from linear and continuous approach to nonlinear and discrete approach. In response to this need, we introduced the cusp catastrophe modeling method, including the general principle and two analytical approaches to statistically solving the model for actual data analysis: (1) the polynomial regression method and (2) the likelihood estimation method, with the former for analyzing longitudinal data and the later for cross-sectional data. The polynomial regression method can be conducted using most software packages, including SAS, SPSS, and R. A special R-based package “cusp” is needed to run the likelihood method for data analysis. To assist researchers interested in using the method, two examples with empirical data analyses are included, including R codes for the “cusp” package.
Elemental Profiling of Malbec Wines under Controlled Conditions Using Microwave Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectroscopy

Microwave plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (MP-AES) was used for elemental analysis of Malbec wines from Argentina and the US. Using results from the analysis of six elements (Sr, Rb, Ca, K, Na, and Mg), Malbec wines from Mendoza, Argentina, and California were compared. The Malbec wines from these two countries were distinguished based on the results of their elemental profiles in a partial least squares-discriminant analysis. To our knowledge, this is the first time that MP-AES was used to determine the geographical origin of Malbec wines using six different elements.
Distribution and nature of the antigen responsible for experimental meningoen-cephalomyelitis in the guinea pig.

Previous work has shown that a meningoencephalom yet it is, sometimes with foci of demyelinization, may occur in monkeys, guinea pigs, and rabbits 2 to 9 weeks following the subcutaneous or intramuscular injection of brain tissue mixed with acid-fast bacilli in a water-in-oil emulsion.1-6 In contirmatory work in this laboratory an ascending paralysis has developed in slightly niore than half of some 90 guinea pigs following the single subcutaneous injection of one cc of siniilar emulsions containing guinea pig, rabbit. human. or beef brain suspended 1:20 in 0.9:; saline. The illness usually began 15 to 31 days after injection. although it was delayed as long as 74 days in one case; the aniinals usually died within 10 days, although 3ome recovered and others remained paralyztd ior one to 2 months. Histological examination.; oi brain and qpinal cord removed from about 30 paralyzed guinea pigs in every case rewiled a patchy or diffuse perinscular inflammation. Predominantly lymphocytic in the leptonieninges ...
The contribution of nonreentrant mechanisms to malignant ventricular arrhythmias

Evidence obtained from experimental animals and man indicates that reentry is a major mechanism underlying arrhythmogenesis. However, focal or nonreentrant mechanisms also appear to be operative under a wide variety of pathophysiologic conditions. For example, results obtained using three-dimensional (3D) mapping from 232 simultaneous sites in the feline heart in vivo revealed that nonreentrant or focal mechanisms were prominent during both ischemia and reperfusion. During early ischemia, nonreentrant mechanisms were responsible for initiation of ventricular tachycardia (VT) in 25% of cases and, in cases where VT was initiated by reentry, it often could be maintained by a nonreentrant mechanism. During reperfusion of ischemic myocardium, nonreentrant mechanisms were responsible for initiation of VT in 75% of cases. Most importantly, the transition from VT to ventricular fibrillation in response to reperfusion was secondary to acceleration of a nonreentrant mechanism in either the subendocardium or subepicardium. Potential cellular mechanisms include: 1) sarcolemmal accumulation of amphiphiles such as long-chain acylcarnitines and lysophosphatidylcholine; 2) α- and β-adrenergic mediated effects of catecholamines on the transient inward current (ITI) secondary to an increase in intracellular Ca2+; and 3) α-adrenergic receptor-induced decrease in IK mediated by activation of protein kinase C. Recent findings obtained using 3D intraoperative mapping in patients with refractory VT and a previous myocardial infarction also indicate that both reentrant and nonreentrant or focal mechanisms contribute. For example, in 13 selected patients, mapping was of a sufficient resolution to define the mechanisms of 10 runs of VT. Intraoperative mapping indicated that five runs of VT were initiated by intramural reentry, whereas five runs of VT were initiated by a focal or nonreentrant mechanism. The mechanisms underlying ventricular arrhythmias associated with ischemic cardiomyopathy have recently been delineated in dogs after multiple sequential intracoronary embolizations with microspheres (with a decrease in mean ejection fraction from 64% to 25%). Spontaneous VT initiated by focal mechanisms from the subendocardium in 82% and epicardium in 18%, with no evidence of macroreentry. Thus, in divergent pathophysiologic settings, nonreentrant mechanisms appear to contribute importantly to the genesis of lethal ventricular arrhythmias, suggesting that development of novel therapeutic approaches should be directed at inhibition of not only reentrant circuits, but also nonreentrant mechanisms, including triggered activity.
Electronic Nautical Charting: Economic Value and Role in Sustainable Development of Marine Transport Operations

Electronic nautical charting plays a major role in providing safe and efficient navigation of vessels primarily involved in commerce, fishery landings, marine recreation, cruises and research activities on the civil side, and naval operations for the military. In order to determine the contributions of electronic charting to marine transport operations, and the priorities for converting to electronic charts, this paper provides a general assessment of the economic value and importance of shipping operations in and out of U.S. ports including: foreign commerce, fishery landings, accidents, oil spills and military needs. This assessment will enable establishing priorities for electronic charts based on importance in serving U.S. Ports and U.S. Coast Guard Districts. Many accidents and spills are due to human error in ship navigation. In many cases these could be averted by using Electronic Nautical Charts (ENC) integrated with other navigation aids to provide features for collision/grounding avoidance. In its supporting role, ENC will help promote sustainable development of marine transport operations. In addition, ENC provides geodetically accurate coastal mapping data to serve as a reference base for Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Hydrogen peroxide-induced endothelium-dependent

In phenylephrine-precontracted rings, H2O2 produced an endothelium-dependent relaxation at concentrations of 4.4 x 10(-7) to approximately 4.4 x 10(-5) M. Removal of extracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]0) markedly attenuated the relaxant effects of H2O2. Complete inhibition of the H2O2 relaxant action was obtained after buffering intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) in endothelial cells, with 10 microM acetyl methyl ester of bis (o-aminophenoxy) ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA-AM). These relaxant effects of H2O2 were nearly abolished by 15 x 10(-5)M N(G)-monomethyl-arginine (L-NMMA) or 5 x 10(-5) M N(G)-nitro-L-arginine (L-NAME) and were attenuated markedly by the presence of either 10(-6) M Fe2+, 10(-6) M Fe3+, or 5 x 10(-6) M methylene blue. These inhibitory effects of L-NMMA or L-NAME could be reversed partly by 5 x 10(-5) M L-arginine. These Fe(2+)- and Fe(3+)-induced inhibitions of H2O2-stimulated relaxation were reduced significantly by either 1.0 mM deferoxamine (a Fe2+ chelator) or 100 microM dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). In addition, 17-octadecynoic acid (2.5 microM) or proadifen (10 microM) (both antagonists of cytochrome P450 metabolism of fatty acids) markedly decreased the H2O2 relaxant effects. Proadifen (10 microM) produced concentration-dependent impairment of vasorelaxation to acetylcholine. A variety of amine antagonists and a cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor all fail to interfere with or attenuate the H2O2-induced relaxations. Our observations suggest that, at suitable pathophysiologic concentrations, H2O2 could induce release of an endothelium-derived relaxing factor, probably nitric oxide, from endothelial cells. The H2O2 relaxant effects are clearly Ca(2+)-dependent and require formation of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). These vasorelaxing effects of H2O2 appear to be induced by H2O2 itself. Hydrogen peroxide may stimulate production of some unknown metabolites metabolized by cytochrome P450-dependent enzymes.
Pulmonary Malformations: Predictors of Neonatal Respiratory Distress and Early Surgery

Objectives: The objective of our study is to retrospectively analyze a single-centre series of antenatally detected pulmonary malformations (PM) and to evaluate their postnatal outcome. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all prenatally diagnosed PM patients referred to our Centre in the period between January 1999 and December 2014. All cases were diagnosed by one of our Maternal-Fetal Specialists by US examination. Congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM) volume ratio (CVR), development of fetal complications, need for fetal therapy, need for neonatal resuscitation and timing of surgery were analyzed. Results: A total of 70 fetuses were diagnosed with a PM in the period of study. An initial CVR higher than 1.6 was found in 16/70 patients (22.8%); 14/16 developed fetal complications (pConclusion: CVR > 1.6 and the presence of fetal complications can be considered as predictors of respiratory distress at birth and of the need for early surgery. Nevertheless, the vast majority of PM are asymptomatic at birth and only a small group of fetuses require prenatal and postnatal treatment and support.
Learning and Memory in Invertebrate Models: Tritonia

Tritonia diomedea is one of several marine mollusks being used for studies of the cellular mechanisms mediating learning and memory. Much research has focused on the animal’s escape swim behavior, which is mediated by a well-understood neural circuit. An advantage of this and many other invertebrate model systems is that behavioral changes occurring in learning can often be directly related to memory-encoding alterations of specific neurons and synapses. Tritonia’s escape swim response undergoes a number of experience-dependent modifications, including prepulse inhibition, sensitization and habituation. Studies are revealing several distinct neuronal mechanisms underlying these universal forms of behavioral modification.
Phenotypic Consequences of Mutations in the Fanconi Anemia FAC Gene: An International Fanconi Anemia Registry Study

Fanconi anemia (FA) is a genetically and phenotypically heterogeneous disorder defined by cellular hypersensitivity to DNA cross-linking agents; mutations in the gene defective in FA complementation group C, FAC, are responsible for the syndrome in a subset of patients. We have performed an analysis of the clinical effects of specific mutations in the FAC gene. Using the amplification refractory mutation system assays that we developed to rapidly detect FAC mutations, at least one mutated copy of the FAC gene was identified in 59 FA patients from the International Fanconi Anemia Registry (IFAR). This represents 15% of the 397 FA patients tested. FA-C patients were divided into three subgroups based on results of a genotype-phenotype analysis using the Cox proportional hazards model: (1) patients with the IVS4 mutation (n = 26); (2) patients with at least one exon 14 mutation (R548X or L554P) (n = 16); and (3) patients with at least one exon 1 mutation (322delG or Q13X) and no known exon 14 mutation (n = 17). Kaplan-Meier analysis shows that IVS4 or exon 14 mutations define poor risk subgroups, as they are associated with significantly earlier onset of hematologic abnormalities and poorer survival compared to exon 1 patients and to the non-FA-C IFAR population. There was no direct correlation between the degree of cellular hypersensitivity to the clastogenic effect of diepoxybutane and severity of clinical phenotype. Sixteen of the 59 FA-C patients (27%) have developed acute myelogenous leukemia. Thirteen of these patients have died; AML was the cause of death in 46% of the expired FA-C patients. This study enables us to define this clinically heterogeneous disorder genotypically to better predict clinical outcome and aid decision-making regarding major therapeutic modalities for a subset of FA patients.
Control and Prediction in Seasonally Driven Population Models

Recent studies have shown both theoretically and from data analysis that the dynamics of certain childhood diseases in large populations can exhibit a wide range of behavior that is periodic as well as chaotic. Mathematical models (such as the SEIR model with seasonal forcing) have been able to predict the onset of chaotic epidemics using parameters of childhood diseases such as measles, mumps, and chickenpox. A new method is presented to control certain unstable outbreaks by using inexpensive vaccine strategies. These controlled outbreaks are small in amplitude, periodic and therefore, quite predictable. New techniques for general dynamical systems will be presented and applied to this epidemiological problem in which the epidemic can be controlled and directed into a small amplitude outbreak which is regular. The incidence of the epidemic may be reduced by tracking this controlled outbreak as a function of certain vaccine strategic parameters.
Electron beam damage of advanced silicon bipolar transistors and circuits

The effect of the irradiation of modern bipolar transistors with energetic electrons (5 to 30 keV) is investigated. The range of energies corresponds to those used for electron-beam lithography and testing. The transistors used for this study were deep-trench-isolated self-aligned, double-polysilicon, n-p-n bipolar transistors, processed with one level of metal. The physical mechanism is described and dose-energy sensitivities are established. The requirements for annealing the damage are determined. >
Embryonic stem cells: new possible therapy for degenerative diseases

Die Kapazitat embryonaler Stammzellen (ES) fur die unlimitierte Selbsterneuerung und Differenzierung hat die Perspektive fur eine breite Anwendung in biomedizinischer Forschung und Therapie im Rahmen der regenerativen Medizin eroffnet. Die Verwendung dieser Zellen wurde auch die Hauptprobleme der Transplantationsmedizin, namlich Spendermangel und Transplantatabwehr, losen, wenn die Zellen mit dem Empfanger immunkompatibel gemacht wurden. Seit der Isolation humaner ES-Zellen aus Praimplantations-Embryonen im Jahre 1998 konzentriert sich die Forschung an diesen Zellen auf deren Biologie, auf die Fragen wie die Zellen sich differenzieren, wie sie sich aktiv in die Richtung einer Zelllinie differenzieren lassen, und wie sich die verschiedenen Zelltypen isolieren und purifizieren lassen. Zusatzlich konnen die ES-Zellen als in-vitro System zum Studium der Zelldifferenzierung, zur Entdeckung von Genen fur die Entwicklung neuer Therapien, und fur die Erprobung der Wirksamkeit neuer Medikamente verwendet werden. D...
Targeting the Tumor Evasion Interaction of NKG2A and Its Ligand HLA-E Increases Natural-Killer Cell Activity in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Abstract Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) represents the most frequent adult leukemia, and remains incurable with current standard therapies. Natural Killer (NK) cell count is predictive of CLL disease progression and their dysfunction in mediating cytokine release and direct or antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) against CLL B-cells is well documented. Detailed mechanistic insight into the etiology of NK-cell dysfunction in CLL patients is currently lacking. CLL B-cells overexpress HLA-E, the natural ligand for heterodimer CD94/NKG2A receptor complex that is expressed on the surface of NK cells, and this interaction suppresses NK cell activation. While NKG2A/CD94/HLA-E interaction is known to assist NK cells in recognizing "self", tumor cells utilize this mechanism to evade effector cell killing. Utilizing a novel anti-NKG2A monoclonal blocking antibody (mab) we explored the in vitro preclinical activity of targeting the NKG2A receptor, and the NKG2A/HLA-E interaction as a mechanism of tumor evasion in patients with CLL. We hypothesized that limiting the interaction of HLA-E/NKG2A will reverse NK cell anergy and result in increased direct cytotoxicity of CLL cells. Our results confirm the over expression of HLA-E on CLL B-cells and demonstrate NKG2A expression on CD16+ NK cells from CLL patients. Next, we examined the effect of anti-NKG2A mab on NK cell direct cytotoxicity. Treatment of NK cells, from both healthy donor and CLL patients, with anti-NKG2A mab increased direct cytotoxicity over isotype control on targets at various effector to target ratios of 25:1 (54% vs. 46%, p Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
An Experimental Study of Particle Emissions From Cleanroom Papers

Six types of paper, four of which are "cleanroom" papers and two of which are conventional bond papers, were evaluated for aerosol particle emissions in the Texwipe modified flex tester. Under this type of stress, all cleanroom papers emitted significantly fewer particles than the bond papers. Significant differences also existed among the samples of the four cleanroom papers.
The many "Disguises" of patient-centered communication: Problems of conceptualization and measurement.

Abstract Objective To critically examine different approaches to the measurement of patient-centered communication. Methods Provides a critique of 7 different measures of patient-centered communication with respect to differences in their assumptions about what constitutes patient-centeredness and in their approaches to measurement. Results The measures differed significantly with regard to whether the measure captured behavior (what the interactants did) or judgment (how well the behavior was performed), focused on the individual clinician or on the interaction as a whole, and on who makes the assessment (participant or observer). A multidimensional framework for developing patient-centered communication measures is presented that encompasses the patient’s perspective and participation, the biopsychosocial context of the patient’s health, the clinician-patient relationship, quality of information-exchange, shared understanding, and shared, evidence-based decision-making. Conclusions The state of measurement of the patient-centered communication construct lacks coherence, in part because current measures were developed either void of a conceptual framework or from very different theoretical perspectives. Practice implications Assessment of patients’ experiences with quality of communication in medical encounters should drill down into specific domains of patient-centeredness.
Free Will and A New Kind of Science

What does Wolfram’s new kind of science (nks w ) imply about the decidedly non-new topic of free will versus determinism? I answer this question herein. More specifically, I point out that Wolfram’s nks w -based position on free will is centered on the nature of physical laws, rather than formal logic; briefly rehearse the longstanding ontology of main positions on free will versus determinism in the context of physical laws; after a more detailed look at Wolfram’s position, register agreement with him that in light of nks w , the belief that free will is real and robust is to be expected, and is rational; but explain that nks w provides no cogent rationalist basis for believing that we are in fact free. I conclude by pointing out that in light of the foregoing, if we are free, and can know that we are on the strength of what rationalists demand (e.g., proof), nks w , while perhaps truly new, is truly incomplete. In short, I show that Wolfram, on free will, is epistemologically insightful, but metaphysically deficient.
Risk assessment of cable discharge events

A rigorous measurement set-up, parameter extraction procedure, and SPICE simulation approach are presented which allows to assess the risk of ESD events caused by plugging a charged cable to a port of an electronic system (Cable Discharge Events). The feasibility of the approach is demonstrated on different USB-3 cables.
Parental perceptions of child placement within vehicles: a focus group study.

Although rear-seating children in motor vehicles results in fewer injuries and fatalities in motor vehicle crashes, many children continue to be front-seated. This study seeks to identify parental ...
The effects of coaching on English teachers’ reading instruction practices and adolescent students’ reading comprehension

Although the use of literacy coaches is becoming more common, few research studies have shown positive effects of coaching on teacher practices and student achievement. In the current study, a clus...
Decomposition and benthic macroinvertebrate communities of exotic Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) and American sycamore (Platanus occidentalus) detritus within the Susquehanna River

The invasive shrub Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) is spreading through riparian forests in Central Pennsylvania. There is concern that detritus from this species may impact adjacent aquatic ...
Using algebraic geometry for multivariate polynomial interpolation

Interpolation provides a direct way of fitting analytic functions to sampled data. Chapter 8 is motivated by computational efficiency and deals with polynomials rather than arbitrary analytic forms. We distinguish between multivariate polynomial functions $$F:x_n = f_1 \left( {x_1 , \ldots ,x_{n - 1} } \right)$$ multivariate rational functions $$\Re :x_n = \frac{{f_1 \left( {x_1 , \ldots ,X_{n - 1} } \right)}} {{f_2 \left( {x_1 , \ldots ,X_{n - 1} } \right)}}$$ and polynomial algebraic functions or implicitly defined hypersurfaces $$H:f_1 \left( {x_1 , \ldots ,X_n } \right) = 0$$ where all f i are multivariate polynomials with coefficients in ℝ. While prior work on interpolation has dealt with multivariate polynomial functions F and rational functions ℬ, see for example References 1–5, little work has been reported on interpolation with implicitly defined hypersur-faces ℋ. See References 6 and 15 which summarizes prior work on implicit surface interpolation in three dimensions and provides several additional references.
cyanate ester based multifunctional nanocomposites for structural capacitors

Two multifunctional cyanate ester based composites with nanofillers of core-shell microstructures were synthesized and investigated for dielectric, mechanical, and other particular properties for the application of multifunctional structural capacitors. The weight reduction and device integration in spacecraft can contribute to significant energy saving by employing multifunctional structural capacitors. Si nanoparticles/Bisphenol E cyanater ester (Si/BECy) nanocomposites show a significant increase in dielectric constant compared to neat BECy. A low dielectric loss tangent is still maintained in this system thanks to the core-shell (Si-SiO2) microstructure of Si particles. Incorporation of Si nanoparticles also results in a large increase in composite’s storage modulus. Furthermore, the AC conductivity of the composite was observed to decrease under compressive mechanical stresses due to the piezoresistive effect of Si. Agglomerates of Fe3O4 nanoparticles coated with SiO2 are synthesized and incorporated into BECy to obtain nanocomposites, revealing an enhanced dielectric constant and storage modulus, and a relatively low loss tangent over a wide frequency and temperature range similar to Si/BECy system. Therefore, these novel cyanate ester based nanocomposites simultaneously display mechanical load-carrying, electric energy-storing and other functional properties, promising for multifunctional devices, in this case, structural capacitors.
Ultrasensitive Response of Developing Myxococcus xanthus to the Addition of Nutrient Medium Correlates with the Level of MrpC

Upon depletion of nutrients, Myxococcus xanthus forms mounds on a solid surface. The differentiation of rod-shaped cells into stress-resistant spores within mounds creates mature fruiting bodies. The developmental process can be perturbed by the addition of nutrient medium before the critical period of commitment to spore formation. The response was investigated by adding a 2-fold dilution series of nutrient medium to starving cells. An ultrasensitive response was observed, as indicated by a steep increase in the spore number after the addition of 12.5% versus 25% nutrient medium. The level of MrpC, which is a key transcription factor in the gene regulatory network, correlated with the spore number after nutrient medium addition. The MrpC level decreased markedly by 3 h after adding nutrient medium but recovered more after the addition of 12.5% than after 25% nutrient medium addition. The difference in MrpC levels was greatest midway during the period of commitment to sporulation, and mound formation was restored after 12.5% nutrient medium addition but not after adding 25% nutrient medium. Although the number of spores formed after 12.5% nutrient medium addition was almost normal, the transcript levels of "late" genes in the regulatory network failed to rise normally during the commitment period. However, at later times, expression from a reporter gene fused to a late promoter was higher after adding 12.5% than after adding 25% nutrient medium, consistent with the spore numbers. The results suggest that a threshold level of MrpC must be achieved in order for mounds to persist and for cells within to differentiate into spores.IMPORTANCE Many signaling and gene regulatory networks convert graded stimuli into all-or-none switch-like responses. Such ultrasensitivity can produce bistability in cell populations, leading to different cell fates and enhancing survival. We discovered an ultrasensitive response of M. xanthus to nutrient medium addition during development. A small change in nutrient medium concentration caused a profound change in the developmental process. The level of the transcription factor MrpC correlated with multicellular mound formation and differentiation into spores. A threshold level of MrpC is proposed to be necessary to initiate mound formation and create a positive feedback loop that may explain the ultrasensitive response. Understanding how this biological switch operates will provide a paradigm for the broadly important topic of cellular behavior in microbial communities.
A Highly Accurate Correction for Self Apodization Effects on Fourier Transform Spectrometer Spectra

A complex Spectral Kernel is defined that expresses the effect of self-apodization induced line shape changes on the ideal Fourier transform integral relationship between spectra and interferograms. Results from the Cross-track Interferometer Sounder (CrIS) are used to demonstrate improved accuracy over the standard processing approach.
Integral representation of the cosmic microwave background spectrum

We use an integral representation for nonthermal radiation, which is bounded from below and above, to describe the spectrum of the cosmic microwave background (CMB). The upper bound is given by the Rayleigh-Jeans law with a temperature $T_{RJ}$ that can be determined by the absorption signal of 21 cm photons, where $T_{RJ}$ represents the equilibrium temperature of photons in the RJ tail. If $T_{RJ}>T_{CMB}$, then the lower bound allows us to conclude that photons, additional to the remnant of the Big Bang, are needed to explain the present CMB. These constraints are additional to other cosmological or astrophysical constraints in the study of the distortions of the CMB brought about by new physics particles or fields.
Isolation and preliminary characterization of 1-O-Octadec-cis-11-enyl glycerol from Paramecium phospholipids

Abstract 1-O-Octadec- cis -11-enyl glycerol, paramecyl alcohol, was isolated from Paramecium tetraurelia and P. caudatum phospholipids. This isomer of 1-O-octadec-9-enyl glycerol, selachyl alcohol, had not been previously reported as a component of naturally-occurring phospholipids. The preliminary characterization of the structure of this compound was determined by 1) gas chromatography of the parent compound as well as the products following hydrogenation, ozonolysis and oxidation, 2) mass spectrometry of the parent compound and an oxidation product, 3) infrared spectroscopy, and 4) proton magnetic resonance.
What Determines Energy Production from Renewable Sources

Investment in renewable energy is an investment in our future. This paper analyzes the determinants of production of energy from renewable sources in Europe, the Former Soviet Union, and the Middle East and North Africa. It explores the major challenges each of these regions faces in moving towards a more environmentally friendly generation and use of energy. We find that specific country and regional characteristics, together with the energy needs and overall energy profile of a country, have a significant effect on its electricity production from renewable sources. We do not find evidence that the overall quality of governance promotes renewables.
Association of Burnout with Emotional Coping Strategies, Friendship, and Institutional Support Among Internal Medicine Physicians

Physician burnout influences physician mental health, staff stress, safety events, and patient outcomes. The association of burnout with compassion satisfaction, secondary stress, emotional coping strategies and many psychosocial variables, such as institutional support, friendship, and spirituality, have not been well studied. A convenience sample of internal medicine physicians was emailed a survey using validated instruments to explore these associations. The response rate was 337/1021 (33%), with a burnout prevalence of 175/337 (52%). Grit, acceptance, active coping, positive reframing, and strategy planning were associated with lower burnout domains and greater compassion satisfaction. Certain emotional coping strategies such as denial, disengagement, self-blame, substance abuse, and venting were associated with greater burnout and lower compassion satisfaction. Greater institutional support was associated with lower burnout (r = − .35, p < .001), secondary stress (r = − .14, p < .05), and compassion satisfaction (r = .28, p < .0001). Friendship was associated with lower burnout (r = − .25, p < .0001) and greater compassion satisfaction (r = .28, p < .0001). This study suggests that amelioration of burnout requires both intrinsic strategies that emphasize physician coping skills as well as extrinsic strategies that address institutional support.
COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF DERIVED IMAGE AND LIDAR POINT CLOUDS FROM UAV-BASED MOBILE MAPPING SYSTEMS

Abstract. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have been widely used for 3D reconstruction/modelling in various applications such as precision agriculture, coastal monitoring, and emergency management. For such mapping applications, camera and LiDAR are the two most commonly used sensors. Mapping with imagery-based approaches is considered to be an economical and effective option and is often conducted using Structure from Motion (SfM) techniques where point clouds and orthophotos are generated. In addition to UAV photogrammetry, point clouds of the area of interest can also be directly derived from LiDAR sensors onboard UAVs equipped with global navigation satellite systems/inertial navigation systems (GNSS/INS). In this study, a custom-built UAV-based mobile mapping system is used to simultaneously collect imagery and LiDAR data. Derived LiDAR and image-based point clouds are investigated and compared in terms of their absolute and relative accuracy. Furthermore, stability of the system calibration parameters for the camera and LiDAR sensors are studied using temporal datasets. The results show that while LiDAR point clouds demonstrate a high absolute accuracy over time, image-based point clouds are not as accurate as LiDAR due to instability of the camera interior orientation parameters.
Protein contributions to brain atrophy acceleration in Alzheimer's disease and primary age-related tauopathy

Alzheimer's disease is characterized by the presence of amyloid-β and tau deposition in the brain, hippocampal atrophy and increased rates of hippocampal atrophy over time. Another protein, TAR DNA binding protein 43 (TDP-43) has been identified in up to 75% of cases of Alzheimer's disease. TDP-43, tau and amyloid-β have all been linked to hippocampal atrophy. TDP-43 and tau have also been linked to hippocampal atrophy in cases of primary age-related tauopathy, a pathological entity with features that strongly overlap with those of Alzheimer's disease. At present, it is unclear whether and how TDP-43 and tau are associated with early or late hippocampal atrophy in Alzheimer's disease and primary age-related tauopathy, whether either protein is also associated with faster rates of atrophy of other brain regions and whether there is evidence for protein-associated acceleration/deceleration of atrophy rates. We therefore aimed to model how these proteins, particularly TDP-43, influence non-linear trajectories of hippocampal and neocortical atrophy in Alzheimer's disease and primary age-related tauopathy. In this longitudinal retrospective study, 557 autopsied cases with Alzheimer's disease neuropathological changes with 1638 ante-mortem volumetric head MRI scans spanning 1.0-16.8 years of disease duration prior to death were analysed. TDP-43 and Braak neurofibrillary tangle pathological staging schemes were constructed, and hippocampal and neocortical (inferior temporal and middle frontal) brain volumes determined using longitudinal FreeSurfer. Bayesian bivariate-outcome hierarchical models were utilized to estimate associations between proteins and volume, early rate of atrophy and acceleration in atrophy rates across brain regions. High TDP-43 stage was associated with smaller cross-sectional brain volumes, faster rates of brain atrophy and acceleration of atrophy rates, more than a decade prior to death, with deceleration occurring closer to death. Stronger associations were observed with hippocampus compared to temporal and frontal neocortex. Conversely, low TDP-43 stage was associated with slower early rates but later acceleration. This later acceleration was associated with high Braak neurofibrillary tangle stage. Somewhat similar, but less striking, findings were observed between TDP-43 and neocortical rates. Braak stage appeared to have stronger associations with neocortex compared to TDP-43. The association between TDP-43 and brain atrophy occurred slightly later in time (∼3 years) in cases of primary age-related tauopathy compared to Alzheimer's disease. The results suggest that TDP-43 and tau have different contributions to acceleration and deceleration of brain atrophy rates over time in both Alzheimer's disease and primary age-related tauopathy.
Mediating influences in professional learning: Factors that lead to appropriation & principled adaptation

Understanding factors that influence teacher use of professional development learning is critical if we are to maximise the educational and financial investment in teacher development. This study u...
Reconstruction of a pathologic mandibular fracture in a patient with pycnodysostosis using a free osteocutaneous fibula flap: A case report

Abstract Pycnodysostosis is an extremely rare autosomal recessive osteosclerotic disorder that stems from inactivation of the cathepsin K gene resulting in a predisposition to multiple fractures. We present the case of a 46-year-old male with a history of pycnodysostosis and over 30 previous fractures, who presented with a pathologic fracture of the right mandibular angle which was successfully reconstructed using a fibula osteocutaneous free flap.
Regulation of Kupffer Cell Activation by Hepatic Stellate Cells

When cells in the liver are damaged or killed by trauma, macrophages become activated to release cytokines and phagocytose dead cell debris, which facilitates liver repair. The mechanisms that regu...
(C5H7N2O)CU3BR4 : TEMPLATE SYNTHESIS OF A TWO-DIMENSIONAL COPPER(I) BROMIDE LATTICE

Abstract The crystal structure of a copper(I) bromide salt is reported which contains a new type of extended lattice network. Crystals of (C5H7N2O)Cu3Br4, where C5H7N2O = 2-amino-3-hydroxypyridinium, are orthorhombic, space group Pn2 1 a, with a = 13.167(6), b = 3.971(2) and c = 23.852(12) A with V = 1274(1) A 3 and Z = 4 . It contains a puckered two dimensional hexagonal (CuBr)n network decorated with (CuBr2)nn− chains. The Cu(I) ions all have distorted tetrahedral geometries while the Br− anions show more diverse coordination geometries: bent two-coordinate, trigonal pyramidal three-coordinate, and a unique ‘umbrella’ four-coordinate species.