cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Examining Community with Pre-service Teachers Through the Use of Participatory Photography Projects

In this chapter we advocate for pedagogies that utilize photography to elicit observations about communities in ways that help pre-service teachers interrogate their assumptions about these spaces. The projects described in this chapter aim to help pre-service teachers think critically about the spaces and places they occupy. We hope to help students develop a spatial perspective so they can “make better theoretical and practical sense of how social justice is created, maintained, and brought into question as a target for democratic social action” (Soja, Seeking spatial justice, vol 16, p 2. Minneapolis, MN: University of Minnesota Press, 2010). We see photography as an important tool for conceiving of space as Soja challenges us to do, not as a static backdrop but as ever-changing and malleable. The examples we feature are intended to help elementary and secondary pre-service teachers become aware of, articulate, challenge, or disrupt how they think about communities.
Identification of Genetic Variation between Obligate Plant Pathogens Pseudoperonospora cubensis and P-humuli Using RNA Sequencing and Genotyping-By-Sequencing

RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) were used for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) identification from two economically important obligate plant pathogens, Pseudoperonospora cubensis and P. humuli. Twenty isolates of P. cubensis and 19 isolates of P. humuli were genotyped using RNA-seq and GBS. Principle components analysis (PCA) of each data set showed genetic separation between the two species. Additionally, results supported previous findings that P. cubensis isolates from squash are genetically distinct from cucumber and cantaloupe isolates. A PCA-based procedure was used to identify SNPs correlated with the separation of the two species, with 994 and 4,231 PCA-correlated SNPs found within the RNA-seq and GBS data, respectively. The corresponding unigenes (n = 800) containing these potential species-specific SNPs were then annotated and 135 putative pathogenicity genes, including 3 effectors, were identified. The characterization of genes containing SNPs differentiating these two closely related downy mildew species may contribute to the development of improved detection and diagnosis strategies and improve our understanding of host specificity pathways.
P86A PILOT DOUBLE-BLIND PLACEBO-CONTROLLED TRIAL USING DOXAZOSIN FOR ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE

Background. Data suggests the norepinephrine system represents an important treatment target for alcohol dependence (AD) and the alpha-1 blocker prazosin may block dependence-induced increases in alcohol response. Doxazosin demonstrates a more manageable profile than prazosin but has never been studied for AD. Method. A randomized double-blind placebo controlled trial was conducted …
My Interviews with Transformative Leaders

This analysis of interviews with three transformative leaders finds that African-American intellectuals can be change makers when they embrace oppositional cultural practice. These interviewees, as evidenced by their narratives, implicitly address how they subvert the oppression that being among the ‘talented tenth’ exerts upon them in academic and legal structures and institutions. The act of this outward and inward self-criticism brings about a spiritual transformation that provides space to create and innovate new realities for communities seeking social justice. Oppositional cultural practice both frees the African-American intellectual and frees the communities they serve. It is “a means of reassuring ourselves of our sanity as creatures, a part of the geography of hope.”
Fatigue crack growth behavior of aerospace and ship-grade aluminum repaired with composite patches in a corrosive environment

Abstract Investigation of the performance for a composite repair patch to prolong the service life of pre-cracked 7050, 7075, 5083 and 6061 aluminum plates under fatigue conditions in a corrosive environment was conducted. Both insulated graphite–epoxy and boron–epoxy composite patches were evaluated for the effects of corrosion fatigue. The repair patches consisted of unidirectional plies (laminae) oriented in the loading direction. The improvement of service life and the effect that a corrosive environment had on crack propagation rates for the repaired aluminum plates were examined. The bond durability between the aluminum plates and the boron patch were also assessed. As expected, the introduction of salt water during testing greatly increased crack growth rates and can be quantified for comparison. The graphite patch consistently showed positive results compared to the boron patch for 6061 aluminum samples. The same system on 5083 aluminum had mixed results. Examination of potential 5083 sensitization due to elevated cure cycles is discussed. The boron–epoxy repairs showed a positive life improvement in both lab air and salt water exposed environments for 7050 and 7085 aluminums while the graphite–epoxy repair accelerated crack growth rates in the salt water environment.
A Vinyl Platform for Dissent: Designer Toys and Character Merchandising:

‘Designer toys’ or ‘urban vinyl’ offer themselves as a fascinating site of resistance to the contemporary circulation of images and things. This article provides an introduction to the field of des...
An Analysis of the Comparability Tables of the Census of Retail Distribution

STATISTICIANS interested in tracing the cyclical or secular development of industry in Census publications of the United States Bureau of the Census have frequently found their use of the Census of Retail Distribution hampered by the numerous changes in the classifications used. Although there have been only three censuses of retail distribution, the changes in the contents of classifications have been so frequent that items apparently related can seldom be compared directly. At times, in order to secure data having the same content throughout the decade, several industries, often in rather remote relation to one another, must be combined. The miscellaneous classifications are particularly troublesome. To obtain a I939 equivalent for "Other apparel stores," for example, it is necessary to combine the following I929 classifications: (i) custom dressmaking establishments, (2) mail-order apparel houses and (3) children's specialty stores. While these classifications were relatively unimportant in I939 and it was necessary to combine them in order that figures might be disclosed on an area basis, a better system of combinations might
Exercises for training vision and dynamic visual acuity among college students.

For 40 college students a commercially available vision training program (Eyerobics) produced no effect on a standard measure of dynamic visual acuity across four separate target velocities.
Quality of Life and Its Associated Factors among School-Aged Children Born with Very Low Birth Weight

Objective To investigate the quality of life(QOL) and its associated factors among school-aged children born with very low birth weight(VLBW),which may provide scientific evidences for early clinical intervention. Methods In this cross-sectional case control study,235 children with VLBW and 396 healthy children with normal birth weight(NBW) were recruited from mainstream schools.The postal paediatric quality of life inventory(PedsQLTM4.0) generic core scales containing 23 items was used and completed by the parents,and the proxy questionnaire included questions on physical functioning,emotional functioning,social functioning and role functioning about their children.The scores of total scale and all dimensions were calculated to analyze the differences of QOL between 2 groups and related factors of VLBW children. Results A total of 570 out of 631 questionnaires sent out were completed,with a response rate of 90.3%.The mean age of VLBW group at the time of PedsQL completion was(9.6±2.5)years old,with 1 004-1 498 g[(1 201±279) g] of birth weight.The mean age of NBW cases was(9.7±3.1) years old,with 2 512-3 955 g[(3 216±435) g] of birth weight,and scores of VLBW group in terms of emotional function,role function and total scores were significantly lower than those of the NBW group [respectively(73.12±16.67) scores,(70.43±20.67) scores,(75.98±17.53) scores vs(79.16±17.22) scores,(77.43±19.63) scores,(80.21±17.29)scores,Pa0.05).Multiple regression analysis showed that among the VLBW group,children whose mothers had higher educational level had better QOL,while those with neonatal intracranial hemorrhage and retinopathy of prematurity had worse QOL. Conclusions QOL of children born with VLBW are worse than that of NBW children,especially in the aspects of emotional function and role function.Maternal educational level and pathophysiological state during neonatal period are important influential factors.Regular early monitoring and intervention to improve emotional state and to address school function difficulties is recommended.
Current Situation and Improvement Strategies of Meat Product Safety in China

The current situation and development of meat product processing industry in China is summarized and the major food safety issues regarding meat products are analyzed. In order to enhance the management of livestock environment,regulate cultivation management,improve food safety knowledge of consumers,and accomplish effective inspection and control of meat products,a strict control strategy for meat product safety is proposed to introduce HACCP and detection systems during the processes of manufacturing,storage,transport and distribution of meat products. Meanwhile,governments and corresponding departments should borrow foreign experience to establish a prefect system for cultivation,manufacturing,management and quality control.
A New Transferrin Receptor Aptamer Inhibits New World Hemorrhagic Fever Mammarenavirus Entry

Pathogenic New World hemorrhagic fever mammarenaviruses (NWM) utilize Glycoprotein 1 (GP1) to target the apical domain of the human transferrin receptor (hTfR) for facilitating cell entry. However, the conservation between their GP1s is low. Considering this and the slow evolutionary progression of mammals compared to viruses, therapeutic targeting of hTfR provides an attractive avenue for cross-strain inhibition and diminishing the likelihood of escape mutants. Aptamers present unique advantages for the development of inhibitors to vial entry, including ease of synthesis, lack of immunogenicity, and potentially cold-chain breaking solutions to diseases endemic to South America. Here, recognizing that in vivo competition with the natural ligand, transferrin (Tf), likely drove the evolution of GP1 to recognize the apical domain, we performed competitive in vitro selections against hTfR-expressing cells with supplemented Tf. The resultant minimized aptamer, Waz, binds the apical domain of the receptor and inhibits infection of human cells by recombinant NWM in culture (EC50 ≃400 nmol/l). Aptamer multimerization further enhanced inhibition >10-fold (EC50 ≃30 nmol/l). Together, our results highlight the ability to use a competitor to bias the outcome of a selection and demonstrate how avidity effects can be leveraged to enhance both aptamer binding and the potency of viral inhibition.
Amifostine cytoprotection with chemotherapy for advanced ovarian carcinoma

To determine the efficacy of pretreatment with amifostine in diminishing the hematologic and nonhematologic toxicities of cyclophosphamide and cisplatin in previously untreated patients with stage III/IV ovarian cancer, a multicenter randomized controlled trial of cyclophosphamide (1,000 mg/m(2)) and cisplatin (100 mg/m(2) with or without amifostine (910 mg/m(2)) was performed. Two hundred forty-two patients with stage III/IV epithelial ovarian cancer were enrolled. Following primary surgery, patients were stratified and randomized to either cyclophosphamide/cisplatin (CP; 120 patients) or amifostine plus CP (122 patients) every 3 weeks for six cycles. Patient characteristics were similar in both groups. Cytoprotective end points and tumor response were evaluated, including the need to delay or discontinue therapy because of toxicity and the incidence of febrile neutropenia with associated complications. Fourteen patients treated with CP discontinued protocol therapy because of hematologic or renal toxicity (eight hematologic and six renal). In contrast, only one patient treated with amifostine plus CP discontinued protocol therapy for hematologic or renal toxicity (P < .001). Forty-three percent of CP patients compared with 22% of amifostine plus CP patients had grade 4 neutropenia (P = .001); total days in hospital were reduced from 258 in the CP arm to 11 in the amifostine plus CP arm (P = .009, two-sided). Sixty-five percent of the CP patients and 41% of the amifostine plus CP patients (P = .004) had the next cycle of CP delayed because of an absolute neutrophil count below 1,500/microL at day 22. Platelet and red blood cell transfusion support were substantially reduced in the group that received amifostine. The serum creatinine failed to return to < or = to 1.5 mg/dL by day 22, requiring a delay in chemotherapy in 15% and 5%, respectively, of the CP and amifostine plus CP groups (P = .014). Over the six cycles, the incidence and severity of peripheral neuropathy were also significantly reduced in the amifostine-treated group (P = .029). Pathologic response rates and survival curves were equivalent. The significant reduction in the CP-induced acute and cumulative hematologic, renal, and neurologic toxicities by amifostine pretreatment with equivalent response and survival indicates selective cytoprotection. This selective effect has the potential to affect quality of life and medical economic considerations.
Cellular and molecular mechanisms of oxidants and antioxidants.

This report summarizes the major categories of oxidants and antioxidants. The mechanisms for modulating the most potent antioxidant in plasma, vitamin E, are described. The roles of oxidants and antioxidants in the redox-sensitive signal transduction pathway of NF-κB are discussed.
Flow-based fabrication

Structural hierarchy and material organization in design are traditionally achieved by combining discrete homogeneous parts into functional assemblies where the shape or surface is the determining factor in achieving function. In contrast, biological structures express higher levels of functionality on a finer scale through volumetric cellular constructs that are heterogeneous and complex. Despite recent advancements in additive manufacturing of functionally graded materials, the limitations associated with computational design and digital fabrication of heterogeneous materials and structures frame and limit further progress. Conventional computer-aided design tools typically contain geometric and topologic data of virtual constructs, but lack robust means to integrate material composition properties within virtual models. We present a seamless computational workflow for the design and direct digital fabrication of multi-material and multi-scale structured objects. The workflow encodes for and integrates domain-specific meta-data relating to local, regional and global feature resolution of heterogeneous material organizations. We focus on water-based materials and demonstrate our approach by additively manufacturing diverse constructs associating shape-informing variable flow rates and material properties to mesh-free geometric primitives. The proposed workflow enables virtual-to-physical control of constructs where structural, mechanical and optical gradients are achieved through a seamless design-to-fabrication tool with localized control. An enabling technology combining a robotic arm and a multi-syringe multi nozzle deposition system is presented. Proposed methodology is implemented and full-scale demonstrations are included. Display Omitted
Glass-reinforced Thermosetting Polyester Molding: Materials and Processing

Fiber reinforcement of plastics is used primarily to increase strength, stiffness and reduce thermal expansion, thus providing materials more like and competitive with metals. Leading examples for the benefits so obtained are sheet molding compound (SMC) and bulk molding compound (BMC) prepared from glass fibers and thermosetting unsaturated polyesters. These compounds can provide not only high strength and stiffness but also high heat resistance, high impact strength, smooth surfaces, zero mold shrinkage, easier than thermoplastic processing with substantially lower required molding pressures and, finally, low cost per unit volume. Representative properties are shown in Table 1 for typical compounds intended primarily for exterior automotive body parts, the highest volume application of these materials.
A plurality of algebras, 1200–1600: Algebraic Europe from Fibonacci to Clavius1

In memory of Jackie Stedall, friend and colleagueAs Jackie Stedall argued in her 2011 book, From Cardano's great art to Lagrange's reflections: filling a gap in the history of algebra, there was a ‘transition from the traditional algebra of equation-solving in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries to the emergence of “modern” or “abstract” algebra in the mid nineteenth century’ (page vii). This paper traces the evolution from the thirteenth-century work of the Pisan mathematician, Leonardo Fibonacci, to the early seventeenth-century work of the German Jesuit Christoph Clavius of what came to be considered ‘traditional algebra’. It contends that rather than a single ‘traditional algebra’, in fact, a plurality of intimately related yet subtly different algebras emerged over the course of those four centuries in different yet interacting national settings.
Molecular Approaches in HFpEF: MicroRNAs and iPSC-Derived Cardiomyocytes

Heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (HFpEF) has emerged as one of the largest unmet needs in cardiovascular medicine. HFpEF is increasing in prevalence and causes significant morbidity, mortality, and health care resource utilization. Patients have multiple co-morbidities which contribute to the disease complexity. To date, no effective treatment for HFpEF has been identified. The paucity of cardiac biopsies from this patient population and the absence of well-accepted animal models limit our understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms of HFpEF. In this review, we discuss combining state-of-the-art technologies of microRNA profiling and human induced pluripotent cell-derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CMs) in order to uncover novel molecular pathways that may contribute to the development of HFpEF. Here, we focus the advantages and limitations of microRNA profiling and iPSC-CMs as a disease model system to discover molecular mechanisms in HFpEF.
Scotogenic Z2 or U(1)D model of neutrino mass with Δ(27) symmetry

Abstract The scotogenic model of radiative neutrino mass with Z 2 or U ( 1 ) D dark matter is shown to accommodate Δ ( 27 ) symmetry naturally. The resulting neutrino mass matrix is identical to either of two forms, one proposed in 2006, the other in 2008. These two structures are studied in the context of present neutrino data, with predictions of CP violation and neutrinoless double beta decay.
Marketing in the 21st century customer value: The next source for competitive advantage

The online version of the original article can be found at http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02894350
Ovarian granulosa cell tumor: A National Cancer Database study

Abstract Objective To provide prognostic information from a large cohort of women with granulosa cell tumor we analyzed the National Cancer Database. Methods We performed an observational retrospective cohort analysis of 2680 women with ovarian granulosa cell tumor from the 1998–2013 National Cancer Database. Kaplan-Meier and multivariable Cox proportional-hazards survival analyses were performed for the overall cohort and propensity score matched cohorts to examine the association of surgical staging and adjuvant chemotherapy with survival. A random forest was used to determine important prognostic factors in stages II–IV granulosa cell tumor. Results Adjuvant chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and radiotherapy were not associated with survival. Older age, more comorbidities, prior malignancy, higher stage, poor differentiation, larger tumor size, incomplete surgical staging, and residual disease at a surgical margin were independently associated with increased hazard of death. Among women with stage I disease, each one centimeter increase in tumor size was associated with 4% (2–6%) increased hazard of death ( P P Conclusion Incomplete surgical staging was associated with increased hazard of death. There was no evidence of increased survival with use of adjuvant chemotherapy. Early and complete surgical resection remains the best evidenced treatment for ovarian granulosa cell tumor.
Pyrophosphate Release in the Protein HIV Reverse Transcriptase

Enzymatic reactions usually occur in several steps: A step of substrate binding to the surface of the protein, a step of protein re-organization around the substrate and conduction of a chemical reaction, and a step of product release. The release of inorganic phosphate - PPi - from the matrix of the protein HIV reverse transcriptase is investigated computationally. Atomically detailed simulations with explicit solvent are analyzed to obtain the free energy profile, mean first passage time, and detailed molecular mechanisms of PPi escape. A challenge for the computations is of time scales. The experimental time scale of the process of interest is in milliseconds and straightforward Molecular Dynamics simulations are in sub-microseconds. To overcome the time scale gap we use the algorithm of Milestoning along a reaction coordinate to compute the overall free energy profile and rate. The methods of Locally Enhanced Sampling and Steered Molecular Dynamics determine plausible reaction coordinates. The observe...
Multidisciplinary clinic for functional movement disorders (FMD): 1-year experience from a single centre

Although labelled a ‘crisis for neurology’ in 2006, little progress has been made towards improved management of patients with functional movement disorders (FMD). FMD is commonly seen in neurological practice, yet the best approach to treatment is ill defined. Prognosis is often poor, and most patients fail to improve without treatment, especially those with symptoms lasting beyond 1 year.1 Collaboration between neurologists and mental health providers is suggested to optimise care for patients with FMD, yet communication between different specialists is often lacking in practice.1–3 Physical therapy and multidisciplinary treatment programmes have shown benefits but are not widely available to patients.4 5 Multidisciplinary clinics have been shown to improve care for patients with complex neurological disorders such as Huntington’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and we believe a similar approach should be considered for FMD. We have developed a multidisciplinary clinic to provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment planning for patients with FMD. Here, we report our experience from the first year of the clinic. Our FMD clinic takes place at Frazier Rehab Institute in Louisville, Kentucky, USA, and is composed of a movement disorder specialist, psychologists, physical therapists and a social worker. The clinic is held once a month for a half-day and accommodates three patients. Patients …
Healthy Aging and Epigenetic Drugs for Diabetes and Obesity: A Novel Perspective

Abstract Aging is a natural process; yet, it can be accompanied with a wide range of human disorders including diabetes, cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative diseases. Recent studies show that aging is associated with profound epigenetic changes resulting in altered gene expression. As these epigenetic changes can be potentially reversed, it offers exciting opportunities to alter the trajectory of aging and age-related diseases. Epigenetic drugs, targeted at modifying disease-specific gene expression, are therefore attracting growing interest. These classes of epigenetic drugs include histone deacetylase inhibitors, histone acetyltransferase inhibitors, protein arginine methyltransferase inhibitors, DNA methyltransferase inhibitors, histone demethylase inhibitors, and sirtuin-activating compounds. Here we highlight how some of these epigenetic drugs, which might be used to treat diabetes and obesity, can also target key epigenetic players in the regulation of aging to possibly delay, or even reverse, aging processes or lead to healthy aging.
Hydrogen dissolution in and release from nonmetals: I. Uranium dioxide

Abstract A technique was developed for measurement of the solubility and release kinetics of hydrogen in refractory nonmetals. Uranium dioxide specimens were saturated with hydrogen in a high-pressure furnace at pressures between 5 and 30 atm and temperatures from 1200 to 1600°C. Release was accomplished in a separate vacuum extraction apparatus in which the specimen was subjected to a linear temperature ramp. Mass spectrometric detection of the released hydrogen had a sensitivity of ≈ 2 ng/h. The equilibrium H/U ratios of hydrogen in single-crystal UO2 were between 1 × 10−6 and 3 × 10−5 with an apparent heat of solution of 235 kJ/mol. Sievert's law was obeyed. The solubilities of hydrogen in stoichiometric polycrystalline UO2 were about 10 times larger than in the single crystal, and in polycrystalline UO2 − x, about 100 times larger. The hydrogen desorption curves showed multiple peaks, which could not be explained by a simple diffusion mechanism. The kinetics were modeled as first or second order detrapping processes.
Vitamin D and obstructive sleep apnea: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Objective/Background Several studies have reported an association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients. The objective of the current study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of these studies and report the findings. Patients/Methods Authors searched for studies (through January 1, 2017) reporting 25(OH)D serum levels in OSA patients. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement was followed. Results Fourteen studies with 4937 subjects met inclusion criteria. There were 1513 controls and 3424 OSA patients. The 25(OH)D serum levels for controls and mild OSA patients were 28.16 ± 9.39 ng/mL (95% CI 27.64, 28.68) and 27.41 ± 9.42 ng/mL (95% CI 26.87, 27.95), respectively. The 25(OH)D serum levels for controls and moderate OSA patients were 28.21 ± 9.38 ng/mL (95% CI 27.70, 28.72) and 25.48 ± 10.34 ng/mL (95% CI 24.68, 26.28), respectively. The 25(OH)D serum levels for controls and severe OSA patients were 28.32 ± 9.65 ng/mL (95% CI 27.80, 28.84) and 21.88 ± 10.24 ng/mL (95% CI 21.08, 22.68), respectively. Using random effects modeling, the 25(OH)D serum levels were decreased for patients with OSA when compared to control groups (mean differences were −2.7% for mild OSA, −10.1% for moderate OSA and −17.4% for severe OSA). Conclusions There was a relative insufficiency in serum 25(OH)D levels among OSA patients compared to control patients, which was incrementally exacerbated with increasing severity of sleep apnea. It was unclear whether a low 25(OH)D was a risk factor for OSA or if OSA was a risk factor for 25(OH)D. It was also possible that the association between 25(OH)D and OSA was due to body mass index (BMI).
To Prep or Not to Prep

Oral mechanical bowel preparation is widely employed for elective colorectal surgery. This practice has been popular for many years due to its theoretical impact in reducing infectious complications. Over the last few decades, however, there has been increased scrutiny of these putative benefits. Numerous randomized trials have failed to show any benefit of mechanical bowel preparation in terms of overall infectious complications and more specifically anastomotic leak rates. This has led to several national surgical societies recommending against routine use of bowel preparation in elective colon surgery. Recently, however, several large retrospective reviews analyzing state and national surgical databases have reaffirmed the advantages of mechanical bowel preparation. This review examines these seemingly contradictory results particularly in the setting of a changing surgical environment with increasing adoption of minimally invasive techniques and enhanced recovery programs.
Differential Expression of Immune Related Genes in Taste Buds of Fed and Fasted Mice

To study the effects of feeding on taste receptor cell transcriptional regulation, we performed RNA-seq analysis of circumvallate taste buds isolated from mice before or after food consumption. Here we report and compare the taste bud transcriptomes obtained from food-deprived, satiated, and ad libitum fed control mice. Despite sample heterogeneity inherent to the whole taste bud transcriptome, bioinformatics analysis yielded 144 differentially expressed transcripts associated with immunity, cytoskeletal structure, and protein folding between these groups. We also profiled the transcriptome obtained from ad libitum fed control mice based on receptor related gene ontology terms, demonstrating a use of this dataset in the identification of novel TRC receptors. The data presented here suggest that transcriptional regulation of immune cytokine signaling occurs in TRCs shortly after meal consumption, though additional analysis is required to confirm this hypothesis.
Students' Attitudes Toward Computer Technology in the Recreation and Leisure Studies Classroom

The purpose of this study was to determine students' attitude toward computer technology in recreation and leisure studies courses. Using the Computer Attitude Scale (Loyd & Gressard, 1984a), gradu...
Using a Bayesian Knowledge Base for Hint Selection on Domain Specific Problems.

A Bayesian Knowledge Base is a generalization of traditional Bayesian Networks where nodes or groups of nodes have independence. In this paper we describe a method of generating a Bayesian Knowledge Base from a corpus of student problem attempt data in order to automatically generate hints for new students. We further show that using problem attempt data from systems used to teach propositional logic we could successfully use the created Bayesian Knowledge Base to solve other problems. Finally, we compare this method to our previous work using Markov Decision Processes to generate hints.
Meeting the Challenge of Globalization with Information and Communications Technology at an Emerging Multinational Enterprise

Based on a survey and extended interviews with 78 domestic and international managers of a leading bank in India, this paper identifies some problems encountered with the utilization of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) by this enterprise in its global marketing strategy. A comparative analysis of the survey responses reveal recognizable differences among managers within and outside India concerning the problems and prospects of ICT as an instrument of global business strategy. Twenty problems that can diminish the influence of ICT in this strategy are identified and classified into four categories: Infrastructure, Regulation and Restrictions, Training and Culture, and Financial Constraints. The study finds that ICT has assisted the bank in maintaining its global competitiveness but the international managers of the bank do not agree that it has generated any competitive advantage. This paper contributes to the field by empirically exploring the prospects of ICT at an incipient global enterprise from an emerging economy.
Perceptions of Family-Friendly Policies: University Versus Corporate Employees

This study adds to a growing literature examining the impact of family-friendly policies in a variety of industries by examining the differences between corporate and university employees in their subjective perceptions of work-family policies. Differences by gender and dependent care responsibility in these perceptions in the university sample are examined and compared to results that have been found in corporate settings. Data collected in a university setting was compared to similar data of thirty-seven Business Week 1000 companies. The results show that the university sample employees were significantly more negative toward their workplace's work-family climate than were the corporate sample employees. In addition, significant gender and dependent care responsibility differences exist within the university sample.
Clicks and Mortar: The Effect of On-line Activities on Off-line Sales

Retailers did not immediately extend their business to the Internet environment, fearing that on-line activities could adversely impact their off-line sales. To facilitate assessment of the impact of on-line activities on off-line sales, we develop a method that allows retailers to use readily available market data for making informed decisions. The proposed method determines (1) the extent to which on-line sales cannibalize off-line sales, and (2) whether on-line activities build on-line equity for the firm. We illustrate the method using data from Tower Records' Internet sales division. We find that on-line sales do not significantly cannibalize retail sales and that the firm's web activities build long-term on-line equity. While the proposed method can be used by any “clicks-and-mortar” firm, our firm-specific results indicate that Towers' fears regarding cannibalization due to its own Internet activities were unfounded.
Fatigue and sleep quality in nurses : Tiredness can negatively affect hospital nurse's quality of life and patient care

Fatigue is a critical issue for nurses that may lead to medical errors, degradation in performance, decreased mental acuity, and social problems. Poor sleep quality is also a contributing factor in fatigue that nurses experience. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the differences in perceptions of fatigue between night-shift and day-shift nurses, as measured by scores on the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI) and to examine differences in sleep quality between the two groups, as measured by responses on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Univariate analysis of variance showed significant differences between the two groups on the BFI, with the night-shift cohort reporting higher mean scores on the BFI. Significant differences were also found between the two groups on PSQI mean scores, with the night-shift cohort reporting higher mean scores. Findings from this study suggest that night-shift nurses, compared with day-shift nurses, perceived a much higher level of fatigue and had poorer sleep quality. Further research is needed to evaluate interventions that might decrease fatigue in nurses and improve their sleep quality.
CONSEqUENCES OF OCEAN SCALE HYPOxIA CONSTRAINEd HABITAT FOR TROPICAL PELAGIC FISHES

Large areas of cold hypoxic water occur as distinct strata in the eastern tropical Pacific and Atlantic oceans as a result of high productivity initiated by intense nutrient upwelling. Recent studies show that this stra- tum restricts the depth distribution of tropical pelagic marlins, sailfish, and tunas in the eastern tropical Pacific by compressing the acceptable physical habitat into a narrow surface layer. This layer extends downward to a variable boundary defined by a shallow thermocline, often at 25 m, above a barrier of cold hypoxic water. The depth dis- tributions of marlin and sailfish monitored with electronic tags and mean dissolved oxygen (DO) and temperature profiles show that this cold hypoxic environment constitutes a lower habitat boundary in the eastern tropical Pacific, but not in the western North Atlantic, where DO is not limiting. However, hypoxia-based habitat compression has not actually been demonstrated in the eastern tropical Atlantic Ocean, despite this region having similar oceano- graphic features to the eastern tropical Pacific. This paper explores the possibility that habitat compression of tropi- cal pelagic fishes exists in the eastrn tropical Atlantic and examines possible consequences of this phenomenon. We used Atlantic-wide catches of yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) as an example why habitat compression off west Africa could eventually affect the total Atlantic stock. RESUMEN Extensas areas con aguas relativamente frias y bajo contenido de oxigeno (hypoxia) pueden ocurrir en el Pacifico y Atlantico Tropical oriental como resultado de alta productividad biologica en zona de upwelling. Estudios recientes demuestran que estos estratos restringen la distribucion vertical de species pelagicas tropicales como los marlines, pez vela y atunes en el Pacifico tropical oriental al comprimir el habitat de estas especies a una termoclina poco profunda, a menudo solo 25 m, sobre una barrera de agua fria y con bajo contentido de oxigeno. Las distribuciones vertical de marlines y pez vela monitoreadas con marcas eletronicas y perfiles de oxigeno dis- uelto (OD) y temperature muestran que este ambiente relativamente frio y bajo contenido de oxigeno constituye una barrera del habitat en el Pacifico tropical oriental, pero no el Atlantico Norte occidental donde el OD no es limitante. La compresion del habitat basada en la hypoxia no se pudo demostrar en el Atlantico tropical oriental, a pesar de que esta region tiene caracteristicas oceanograficas similares a las del Pacifico tropical oriental. Este docu- mento explora la posibilidad de la existencia de habitats comprimidos para especies de peces tropicales y examina las posibles consecuencias de este fenomeno. Utilizamos colectas de albacore (Thunnus albacores) como ejemplo del efecto de la compresion del habitat en la parte oeste de Africa y su efecto en el stock del Atlantico.
Lin28 Signaling Supports Mammalian PNS and CNS Axon Regeneration

RNA-binding proteins Lin28a/b regulate cellular growth and tissue regeneration. Here, we investigated the role of Lin28 in the control of axon regeneration in postmitotic neurons. We find that Lin28a/b are both necessary and sufficient for supporting axon regeneration in mature sensory neurons through their regulatory partners, let-7 microRNAs (miRNAs). More importantly, overexpression of Lin28a in mature retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) produces robust and sustained optic nerve regeneration. Additionally, combined overexpression of Lin28a and downregulation of Pten in RGCs act additively to promote optic nerve regeneration, potentially by reducing the backward turning of regenerating RGC axons. Our findings not only reveal a vital role of Lin28 signaling in regulating mammalian axon regeneration but also identify a signaling pathway that can promote axon regeneration in the central nervous system (CNS).
The Effect of Depression on Patient-Reported Outcomes After Total Joint Arthroplasty Is Modulated by Baseline Mental Health: A Registry Study

BACKGROUND Depression and poor mental health are known to be negative predictors of patient-reported outcomes after total joint arthroplasty. Although previous studies have examined these risk factors in isolation to each other, they are, in reality, closely related, and yet each represents a different aspect of one's psychological well-being. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between depression and patient-reported outcomes, taking into account patients' baseline mental health. METHODS Our prospective, institutional joint registry was queried for patients who had undergone primary elective total joint arthroplasty and had a minimum follow-up of 1 year. Baseline mental health was measured by the Short Form-12 Mental Component Summary (SF-12 MCS). Four cohorts were analyzed on the basis of the presence or absence of depression and patients' SF-12 MCS scores at the time of the surgical procedure, which were categorized as either poor or good on the basis of previously defined cutoffs. The primary outcomes were the net changes in SF-12 MCS, SF-12 Physical Component Summary (PCS), and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores at 4 and 12 months postoperatively. Univariate and mixed-effects model analyses were performed to control for potential confounding factors. RESULTS Patients with depression but good baseline mental health achieved gains in patient-reported outcomes that were comparable with those of normal controls (p > 0.05). Patients with poor baseline mental health achieved significant gains in all patient-reported outcomes, but the changes were largest for those without depression (p < 0.05). Only patients with depression and poor baseline mental health did not cross the threshold for good mental health at the time of the latest follow-up despite achieving similar gains in physical function compared with their counterparts who did not have depression. CONCLUSIONS The effect of depression on patient-reported outcomes is more complex but less pessimistic than previously thought. Patients with depression undergoing total joint arthroplasty may have significant improvements in their patient-reported outcomes, but the net gains are modulated by their mental health at the time of the surgical procedure. Preoperative screening of patients with depression using the SF-12 MCS may help to identify those who are at risk for attaining suboptimal patient-reported outcomes and may benefit from counseling or psychiatric referral for optimization before undergoing a surgical procedure. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Exploring the associations between physical and sexual gender-based violence and HIV among women who use substances in South Africa: the role of agency and alcohol.

Objective: South Africa has the highest prevalence of HIV among women, the highest prevalence of gender-based violence (GBV), and the highest rates of per capita alcohol consumption in the world. T...
Space Use and Habitat Selection of American Badgers (Taxidea Taxus) in Southwestern Wisconsin

Badger (Taxidea taxus) life history and ecology are poorly described despite widespread distribution in North America. We used radio-telemetry to estimate home range size and quantify habitat selection for badgers living in agricultural habitat in southwestern Wisconsin, U.S.A. Badgers in Wisconsin established relatively large home ranges (3 to 30km2), with those of males tending to be larger than females. Badgers selected broadly for nonforested grassland habitat in a matrix of agriculture, although fine-scale use varied substantially by individual. These patterns suggest that badgers tolerate levels of human alteration associated with agriculture in Wisconsin, although there may be limits to that tolerance.
Pulmonary Lobe Segmentation Using A Sequence of Convolutional Neural Networks For Marginal Learning

Segmentation of the pulmonary lobes in computed tomography images is an important precursor for characterizing and quantifying disease patterns, regional functional analysis, and determining treatment interventions. With the increasing resolution and quantity of scans produced in the clinic automatic and reliable lobar segmentation methods are essential for efficient workflows. In this work, a deep learning framework is proposed that utilizes convolutional neural networks for segmentation of fissures and lobes in computed tomography images. A novel pipeline is proposed that consists of a series of 3D convolutional neural networks to marginally learn the lobe segmentation. The method was evaluated extensively on a dataset of 1076 CT images from the COPDGene clinical trial, consisting of scans acquired multiple institutions using various scanners. Overall the method achieved median Dice coefficient of 0.993 and a median average symmetric surface distance of 0.138 mm across all lobes. The results show the method is robust to different inspiration levels, pathologies, and image quality.
OSA and CPAP therapy: effect of gender, somnolence, and treatment adherence on health-related quality of life

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) often has a significant impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) with social and psychological implications. For most OSA patients, a reduction in their HRQoL is due to symptoms such as poor sleep quality, excessive daytime somnolence, and fatigue with differences between gender. This study explores the CPAP treatment effect on self-perceived HRQoL related to gender, somnolence, and CPAP adherence. Out of 1082 consecutive Italian outpatients, 125 (82 M) (60.3 ± 9.6 years) completed the prospective observational study and were evaluated at the first visit (T0), and the follow-up visit (T1). Two self-reported HRQoL questionnaires were administered: six subscales Psychological General Well-Being Index (PGWBI) and 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12). Scores of PGWBI and SF-12 MCS improved from T0 to T1. Patients with CPAP use ≥ 4 h/night showed a significant improvement in all dimensions evaluated, except for SF-12 PCS. At T1, participants with ESS > 10 improved in all scores, except SF-12 PCS. Gender comparison shows better-perceived HRQoL in males at first visit and CPAP follow-up visit. Variation of PGWBI was significantly correlated with CPAP use, ESS at T0 and T1 (p < 0.0001; r2 = 0.26). This study provides evidence on the effectiveness of CPAP treatment on perceived HRQoL. Participants with greater adherence to therapy, greater sleepiness, and greater improvement of daytime sleepiness with CPAP therapy, reported a higher quality of life improvement. Gender comparison shows better-perceived HRQoL in males at first visit and CPAP follow-up, despite a more considerable improvement in females.
Phage integration alters the respiratory strategy of its host.

Animals and plants can all fall prey to viruses – and so can bacteria. The viruses that infect bacteria are called bacteriophages (or phages for short), and they are found everywhere bacteria live and probably outnumber bacteria by at least ten to one. While some phages quickly kill every bacterial cell they infect, others enter a dormant state by inserting their DNA into the DNA of their host cell. Here they lie in wait for a signal that reactivates them, triggering the production of more phages and the death of the host cell. While the phage lies dormant its DNA may harm the host by interfering with nearby bacterial genes, or it may actually provide new genes that benefit the host. In most cases the effects of dormant phages are unknown. A bacterium known as Escherichia coli is commonly found in the intestines of humans and other mammals. It can use a nutrient called trimethylamine oxide (TMAO) to help it survive rapid decreases in oxygen levels that can occur in its environment. When a phage called HK022 infects E. coli, the phage enters a dormant state by inserting its DNA between two genes that are critical for E. coli to use TMAO. However, it is not clear what effect, if any, HK022 has on E. coli’s behavior. To address this question, Carey et al. used genetic approaches to study E. coli cells carrying dormant HK022 phages. The experiments showed that the bacteria lost the ability to use TMAO to survive rapid decreases in oxygen because the dormant phages switched on one of the neighboring E. coli genes. Unexpectedly, the phage achieved this by neatly replacing the gene’s own promoter – the stretch of DNA that contains information about when the gene should be switched on, and how strongly – with a substitute promoter carried in the phage’s DNA. This substitute promoter is stronger than the normal version – meaning that the gene is more active than it should be. Phages are key players in every natural population of microbes and are therefore entwined in the health of humans and the environment. The findings of Carey et al. show a new mechanism through which phages modify their hosts. In the future it may be possible to develop this mechanism into a tool to manipulate bacteria in complex environments like infection sites, for example by introducing phages that block the mechanisms that allow bacteria to tolerate antibiotics.