cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Food limitation in the fungus-gardening ant, Trachymyrmex septentrionalis

Most ants are more like plants and marine invertebrates than other insects because the adults are sessile and the immature stages are motile. 2. This paper reported the results from a field experiment that increased food levels on the fungus gardening ant, Trachymyrmex septentrionalis , which has served as a model system for understanding the complexities of these obligate mutualisms. 3. Food supplementation increased the growth of the symbiotic fungus and this led to an increase in the amount of fungal biomass. The amount of fungal biomass was generally more important in determining the amount of ant offspring than colony size. 4. The results indicate that the population is food limited and colonies may compete for relatively rare fungal substrate. However, competition in this species is not obvious.
Archaeological Analysis of Bison Jumps and the Implications to the Contemporary Management of Bison Herds on the North American Great Plains

The National Park Service (NPS) and other land management agencies have interest in managing bison herds under “natural” conditions; yet demographic features of natural populations are not well described. One solution to this issue involves the analysis of historical bison (Bison spp.) jump data. We conducted a literature search of archeological data associated with bison jump sites in North America with the goal of analyzing the data and summarizing historical bison demographics. We identified six locations with adequate information to conduct vertical life-table analyses. Two of the six were Bison antiques, two were Bison occidentalis, and the final two were Bison bison. In five of six analyses, a common annual survival parameter was estimated across all age classes. The most robust data set came from Wardell, Wyoming, where age-class-specific survival parameters best described the data. Average annual survival for the same age classes across all six sites was = 0.7344. These estimates are substantially lower than annual survival estimates of contemporary bison herds. The lower survival estimates produced an estimated finite rate of population change for Pre-Columbian B. bison of = 1.075 compared to contemporary populations that are about 9% higher. Natural Pre-Columbian B. bison populations had a much lower growth potential than contemporary populations due to pressures from apex predators, which are no longer present in current populations. Managers of natural areas interested in maintaining natural bison populations can use our results to help guide culling and other management decisions.
Antley‐Bixler syndrome from a prognostic perspective. Report of a case and review of the literature

The Antley-Bixler syndrome (ABS) is characterized by craniosynostosis, radiohumeral synostosis, and femoral bowing. Other findings include a trapezoid-shaped head, deformed ears, severe midface hypoplasia, choanal atresia or stenosis, and long bone fractures. Most ABS cases have died in the first months of life from respiratory complications. The poor prognosis in this condition makes counseling difficult and early termination of pregnancy a consideration. The medical and surgical management information presented here can be used as a guide for counseling parents in the future. We report on a new patient with ABS who now at age 3 yr, has been followed by the medical staff of Riley Children's Hospital since birth. She has had successful medical and surgical management. Although the multisynostoses seen in this disorder is undoubtedly related to the soft tissue malformations such as choanal stenosis and midface hypoplasia, the cause remains unknown. The literature is also reviewed in this condition.
VOLATILECALC: a silicate melt-H 2 O-CO 2 solution model written in Visual Basic for excel

We present solution models for the rhyolite-H2O-CO2 and basalt-H2O-CO2 systems at magmatic temperatures and pressures below ∼ 5000 bar. The models are coded as macros written in Visual Basic for Applications, for use within Microsoft® Excel (Office'98 and 2000). The series of macros, entitled VOLATILECALC, can calculate the following: (1) Saturation pressures for silicate melt of known dissolved H2O and CO2 concentrations and the corresponding equilibrium vapor composition; (2) open- and closed-system degassing paths (melt and vapor composition) for depressurizing rhyolitic and basaltic melts; (3) isobaric solubility curves for rhyolitic and basaltic melts; (4) isoplethic solubility curves (constant vapor composition) for rhyolitic and basaltic melts; (5) polybaric solubility curves for the two end members and (6) end member fugacities of H2O and CO2 vapors at magmatic temperatures. The basalt-H2O-CO 2 macros in VOLATILECALC are capable of calculating melt-vapor solubility over a range of silicate-melt compositions by using the relationships provided by Dixon (American Mineralogist 82 (1997) 368). The output agrees well with the published solution models and experimental data for silicate melt-vapor systems for pressures below 5000 bar.
Serotonergic and tryptaminergic overstimulation on refeeding implicated in "enlightenment" experiences.

Abstract The classic “enlightenment” experience is that of Siddhārtha Gautama (a.k.a. Buddha) who fasted and meditated intensely for years but failed to attain his goal of “enlightenment.” He gave up his fast, ate rice pudding, and immediately meditated again, whereupon he attained “enlightenment.” The hypothesis is that this altered state was a symptom of refeeding after prolonged starvation resulting from the combination of monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibition followed by tryptophan and carbohydrate intake. Intense fasting inhibited Gautama’s MAO activity; eating rice pudding constituted an intake of dietary tryptophan with carbohydrates. Carbohydrates trigger insulin release, which increases unbound tryptophan while reducing levels of competing amino acids at the blood–brain barrier. These effects allow significant amounts of tryptophan into the brain, where it converts into serotonin. Without MAO, serotonin does not degrade, and methyl-transferases convert excess tryptophan and serotonin into endogenous psychoactive tryptamines. The endogenous serotonin and tryptamines cause altered mental states. The absence of psychoactive substances and the prolonged fasting gives this experience its perceived spiritual power. Subjects may have no option but to assume that their experiences were due to either divine intervention or to values and techniques that took many years of hard work to acquire. If validated, this mechanism implicates a specific effect of refeeding syndrome as the trigger for these altered states, and offers an approach to study this phenomenon in untrained subjects from within a scientific framework.
The Law, Culture, and Economics of Fashion

Fashion is one of the world's most important creative industries. As the most immediate visible marker of self-presentation, fashion creates vocabularies for self-expression that relate individuals to society. Despite being the core of fashion and legally protected in Europe, fashion design lacks protection against copying under U.S. intellectual property law. This Article frames the debate over whether to provide protection to fashion design within a reflection on the cultural dynamics of innovation as a social practice. The desire to be in fashion - most visibly manifested in the practice of dress - captures a significant aspect of social life, characterized by both the pull of continuity with others and the push of innovation toward the new. We explain what is at stake economically and culturally in providing legal protection for original designs, and why a protection against close copies only is the proper way to proceed. We offer a model of fashion consumption and production that emphasizes the complementary roles of individual differentiation and shared participation in trends. Our analysis reveals that the current legal regime, which protects trademarks but not fashion designs from copying, distorts innovation in fashion away from this expressive aspect and toward status and luxury aspects. The dynamics of fashion lend insight into dynamics of innovation more broadly, in areas where consumption is also expressive. We emphasize that the line between close copying and remixing represents an often underappreciated but promising direction for intellectual property today.
The Legal Bases of the Rights of Labor in Mexico

Between 1917 and 1929 the labor elements of Mexico had great difficulty in achieving a unity of purpose and in presenting a united front. As a result they were more the pawns of the politicos than their masters.! The economic conditions which prevailed throughout the world after 1929 made themselves felt in Mexico. Due to the straitened condition of Mexican laborers as well as employers, the labor elements greatly reduced the extent and intensity of their bickering and moved toward a united front against the employing and landowning classes. In 1929 the National Revolutionary Party was established. This is a labor party primarily, and since its establishment it has controlled the government. For the first time the labor elements had a party sufficiently strong to secure legislation which was truly beneficial to Mexican workers. The first step toward setting governmental machinery in motion for the amelioration of conditions was to -amend the Constitution.! Problems arising out of labor conditions came to be considered national problems no longer susceptible to concurrent regulation by state and national legislatures. Moreover, such division of legislative power made it easier for state governors and local political cliques to abuse the power of local legislation for their own benefit and to the detriment of labor in the region concerned. Furthermore, it led to a situation where governors and local officials would seek to gain the distinction of ultrarevolucionarios by com-
Restriction in Cell Fates of Developing Spinal Cord Cells Transplanted to Neural Crest Pathways

At early neural tube stages, individual stem cells can generate neural crest cells as well as dorsal or ventral spinal cord cells. To determine whether this pluripotency is lost as development proceeds, we back-transplanted quail spinal cells from different developmental stages and different spinal locations into the crest migratory pathways of st 16-20 chicken host embryos. The transplanted spinal cells from st 27 dorsal cord and st 18 ventral cord differentiated within the new crest environment into sensory and sympathetic neurons, satellite and Schwann cells, and melanocytes. St 27 ventral cells still generated several crest derivatives but not sensory or sympathetic neurons. This loss in ability to produce neurons correlates with the end of neurogenesis in ventral cord. The end of neurogenesis in the cord, therefore, results from an intrinsic change in the potential of spinal neuroepithelial cells to generate neurons.
The spectral signal processing suite

A software suite written in the Java programming language for the postprocessing of Chebyshev approximations to discontinuous functions is presented. It is demonstrated how to use the package to remove the effects of the Gibbs-Wilbraham phenomenon from Chebyshev approximations of discontinuous functions. Additionally, the package is used to postprocess Chebyshev collocation and Chebyshev super spectral viscosity approximations of hyperbolic partial differential equations. The postprocessing method is the Gegenbauer reconstruction procedure. The Spectral Signal Processing Suite is the first publicly available package that implements the procedure. State-of-the-art techniques are used to implement the algorithms with efficiency while reducing round-off error.
Patterns of single-nucleotide polymorphisms in candidate genes for blood-pressure homeostasis

Sequence variation in human genes is largely confined to single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and is valuable in tests of association with common diseases and pharmacogenetic traits. We performed a systematic and comprehensive survey of molecular variation to assess the nature, pattern and frequency of SNPs in 75 candidate human genes for blood-pressure homeostasis and hypertension. We assayed 28 Mb (190 kb in 148 alleles) of genomic sequence, comprising the 5´ and 3´ untranslated regions (UTRs), introns and coding sequence of these genes, for sequence differences in individuals of African and Northern European descent using high-density variant detection arrays (VDAs). We identified 874 candidate human SNPs, of which 22% were confirmed by DNA sequencing to reveal a discordancy rate of 21% for VDA detection. The SNPs detected have an average minor allele frequency of 11%, and 387 are within the coding sequence (cSNPs). Of all cSNPs, 54% lead to a predicted change in the protein sequence, implying a high level of human protein diversity. These protein-altering SNPs are 38% of the total number of such SNPs expected, are more likely to be population-specific and are rarer in the human population, directly demonstrating the effects of natural selection on human genes. Overall, the degree of nucleotide polymorphism across these human genes, and orthologous great ape sequences, is highly variable and is correlated with the effects of functional conservation on gene sequences.
An algorithm for activation timed influence nets

Activation Timed Influence Net (ATIN) is a term representing a progressively evolving sequence of actions, where the effects of an action become the preconditions of the action that follows. An ATIN integrates the notions of time and uncertainty in a network model, where nodes explicitly represent mechanisms and/or tactical actions that are responsible for changes in the state of a domain. In this paper, we present an algorithm for the initialization of actions within a ATIN.
Total Parenteral Nutrition–Induced Cholestasis: Prevention and Management

When cholestasis occurs in patients receiving total parenteral nutrition, it is the result of many pathogenic pathways converging on the hepatic acinus. The result may be a temporary rise in liver function tests. The resulting fibrosis, portal hypertension, and jaundice are hallmarks of type 3 intestinal-associated liver disease to which children are more susceptible than adults. The key to prevention is in identifying high-risk scenarios, meticulous monitoring, and personalized prescription of parenteral nutrition solutions combined with an active approach in reducing the impact of inflammatory events when they occur by prompt use of antibiotics and line locks.
Speaking of prosody: Fluency's unattended bedfellow

(1991). Speaking of prosody: Fluency's unattended bedfellow. Theory Into Practice: Vol. 30, Fluency in Oral Reading, pp. 165-175.
Surplus Appropriation from R&D and Technology Assessment Procedures

Given the rapid growth in health care spending that is often attributed to technological change, many private and public institutions are grappling with how to best assess and adopt new health care technologies. The leading technology adoption criteria proposed in theory and used in practice involve so called "cost-effectiveness" measures. However, little is known about the dynamic efficiency implications of such criteria, in particular how they influence the R&D investments that make technologies available in the first place. We argue that such criteria implicitly concern maximizing consumer surplus, which many times is consistent with maximizing static efficiency after an innovation has been developed. Dynamic efficiency, however, concerns aligning the social costs and benefits of R&D and is therefore determined by how much of the social surplus from the new technology is appropriated as producer surplus. We analyze the relationship between cost-effectiveness measures and the degree of surplus appropriation by innovators driving dynamic efficiency. We illustrate how to estimate the two for the new HIV/AIDS therapies that entered the market after the late 1980's and find that only 5% of the social surplus is appropriated by innovators. We show how this finding can be generalized to other existing cost-effectiveness estimates by deriving how those estimates identify innovator appropriation for a set of studies of over 200 drugs. We find that these studies implicitly support a low degree of appropriation as well. Despite the high annual cost of drugs to patients, very low shares of social surplus may go to innovators, which may imply that cost-effectiveness is too high in a dynamic efficiency sense.
The Withholding Tax Treatment of Total Return Equity Swaps: New Answers, but New Questions, Too

U.S. tax authorities and U.S. financial institutions continue to struggle with the new withholding tax treatment of total return equity swaps. These innovative financial contracts do not readily fit into U.S. federal income tax “cubbyholes” and so present challenges to applying and enforcing U.S. withholding tax policy. The Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment Act of 2010 amended the tax code by eliminating the previous disparity in the withholding tax treatment between equity swaps and equity securities - but arguably this change has created as many tax difficulties as it resolved. This article discusses the evolution and current withholding tax treatment of total return equity swaps, and the response from U.S. financial institutions to the changing playing field.
Effects of Prenatal Cocaine Exposure on the Developing Hippocampus: Intrinsic and Synaptic Physiology

Baraban, Scott and Philip A. Schwartzkroin. Effects of prenatal cocaine exposure on the developing hippocampus: intrinsic and synaptic physiology. J. Neurophysiol. 77: 126–136, 1977. A variety of n...
Epidemic mycoplasma pneumonia.

Abstract Twenty-six of 55 members and pledges of a college fraternity became infected with Mycoplasma pneumoniae over a three-week period in the fall of 1968. The epidemic curve suggested a common source of exposure. The only period in which members and pledges shared a common environment before the outbreak was on a single day when all were present at a catered banquet for pledge initiation ceremonies. The precise source and means of infection could not be identified.
Cytology of the Teliospores, Basidia, and Basidiospores of Sphenospora Kevorkianii Linder

1. The cytomorphological development of the teliospores of Sphenospora kevorkianii is essentially like that described for Puccinia, except that the spore septum is vertical and the spore wall remai...
Treatment interference in acutely and critically ill adults

OBJECTIVES To examine the state of knowledge of treatment interference, the self-removal of technological devices, in acutely or critically ill adults and to propose a multidisciplinary research agenda to further understanding of this clinical problem. METHOD A combined computerized and hand search of the nursing and medical literature (MEDLINE, 1966 to June 1996; Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, 1985 to June 1996; and holdings at the Center for the Study of Nursing History at the University of Pennsylvania) was conducted. Literature on specific technological devices and articles that contained the terms self-removal, withdrawal, devices, self-extubation, unplanned extubation, and involuntary treatment were searched. RESULTS Literature on treatment interference was found in four main topic areas: (1) maintaining treatment, (2) unplanned extubation, (3) disruption or manipulation of a medical device, and (4) involuntary treatment. CONCLUSIONS The results clearly establish the clinical importance of treatment interference and underscore the multidisciplinary and multifactorial nature of this perplexing, life-threatening clinical problem. Future research on treatment interference should emphasize systematically building an understanding of the processes involved, including patients' attributes, behavioral cues, and consequences, to develop appropriate multidisciplinary strategies to prevent patients' self-removal of technological devices.
Research Progress on biological Salmonella enteric

in 1885 the Salmonella isolated by Salmonella choleraesuis in cholera epidemic, so named salmonella. Salmonella is one of the common pathogenic bacteria in the gut, widely distributed in nature, many kinds, at present already detect Salmonella serotype 2 500 kinds, China has 292 serotypes reported disease caused by Salmonella infection, referred to as. Salmonella can not only cause of livestock and poultry and other animals of acute, chronic or latent infection, but also through the contamination of food cause food poisoning, caused great threat to mankind. In the world of all kinds of bacterial food poisoning, caused by Salmonella food poisoning often top the list. In the UK, with Salmonella as the first, the United States is second. China's inland areas to Salmonella as the first. This paper will briefly review advances in biological research on salmonella.
Tobacco Control Evaluation of Medical Staff in Huairou District of Beijing City

[Objective]To evaluate the effect of tobacco control among medical staff.[Methods]The cluster sampling method was adopted to conduct tobacco control intervention on 302 medical workers selected during 2008-2009.Questionnaire survey about tobacco control was performed before and after intervention,and the effect was evaluated.[Results]Through environmental,policy,health education and other measures of tobacco control interventions of one year,the smoking behavior reduced significantly in hospital,the awareness of the tobacco control knowledge increased significantly among medical workers,there were significant differences before and after intervention;smoking attitudes changed significantly;although the smoking rate slightly decreased after intervention,the difference was not significant.[Conclusion]The tobacco control intervention for the medical staff is feasible.With medical staff as an entry point,comprehensive health education and other measures of tobacco control intervention can improve their tobacco control capacity.And the effect should be continued to consolidate.
ANALYSIS OF THE RESULTS OF THE COMPREHENSIVE HIV/AIDS SURVEILLANCE AMONG SEX WORKERS IN ANHUI IN 2008

Objective To understand HIV/AIDS prevalence in Commercial sex workers and their knowledge,attitude,behavior and practice(KABP) in Anhui province,provide the evidence for the development of prevention and control strategies.Methods questionnaire survey was conducted among the commercial sex workers and their blood samples were collected for HIV antibody/syphilis serological test.Results All total of 4584 commercial sex workers were surveyed,the HIV positive rate was 0.02% among these 4584 commercial sex workers.The Syphilis RPR test positive rate was 2.29%.Conclusion The HIV infection among the commercial sex workers in Anhui province was low,but the proportion of consistent condom use was also low,this was the high risk factor for HIV prevalence among them.We should take actions to provide health education and behavior intervention so as to control the HIV spread through commercial sex workers.
The molecular characteristics of Brucellaisolated in Guangdong province

To understand the molecular characteristics of Brucella isolated in Guangdong province,29 isolates of Brucella from 1965 to 2007 were identified by traditional methods and PCR assay,and the molecular typing was performed by pulsed-field gel elecyrophoresis(PFGE).The similarities on fingerprinting were compared through clustering analysis by using Bionumerics software.The results showed that the predominant species of Brucella in 1965,1985,2006 and 2007 were B.melitensis and B.suis biovar 3 and both B.melitensis biovar 3 respectively.As demonstrated from the clustering analysis by PFGE,all the Brucella isolated in various years in Guangdong province could be divided into these 3 clusters.The predominant species of Brucella isolated in recent 2 years was B.melitensis biovar 3 which has 100% a homology of 100% with isolates recently isolated and a 77% homology with those isolated in 1965.These data indicate that B.melitensis biovar 3 is the predominant species of Brucella circulating in the pear river area of Guangdong province with significant difference from those isolated 20 years ago.These results also reveal that PFGE is a useful tool for effective discrimination among brucella species.
Comparison of three Intrauterine Contraceptive Devices: The Antigon-F, the Ypsilon-Y, and the Copper-T 200

A comparative study of three intrauterine contraceptive devices, the Antigon-F, the Copper-T, and the Ypsilon-Y, was carried out at The New York Hospital Cornell Medical Center during an 18-month period from March 1, 1972, through August 31, 1973. At the cutoff date of February 28, 1974, all patients had been followed for at least 6 months. During the period of study, 884 Antigon-F devices, representing 14,436 woman-months of use, were inserted. The over-all pregnancy rate was 0.88, with an explusion rate of 5.1 and a medical removal rate of 9.1/100 woman-years. This device was best tolerated by multiparous women. There was a total of 910 insertions of the Ypilson-Y, representing 14,348 woman-months of use. The over-all pregnancy rate was 1.8, with an explusion rate of 1.9 and a medical removal rate of 3.7/100 woman-years. The pregnancy rate in nulliparous women was 0.78, with a continuation rate of 88.9. The pregnancy rate in multiparous woman was higher, i.e., 2.4. Nine hundred thirty-nine Copper-T 200 devices, representing 15,558 woman-months, were inserted. The over-all pregnancy rate was 0.85, with an expulsion rate of 1.8, a medical removal rate of 4.5, and a continuation rate of 88.4/100 woman-years. The pregnancy rate was 0.82 for nulliparous women and slightly higher, i.e., 1.04, for multiparous women. Thus, all three devices had considerable merit. The Antigon-F and the Copper-T seemed the best in multiparous women; the Ypsilon-Y in the size used was best in nulliparous women. The only perforations occurred with the Copper-T.
Physician and Resident Promotion of Patient Portals: Earning Incentives and Preventing Penalties

The Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act of 2009 (HITECH) outlined the implementation of health information technology in healthcare settings in the United States. The...
McDowell, Linda Migrant Women's Voices: Talking about Life and Work in the UK Since 1945 London: Bloomsbury 265 pp., £25.99, ISBN 978-1-4742-2448-2 Publication Date: February 2016

In the opening pages of Linda McDowell's promising new book, she writes, “I wanted to capture, in their own words, women talking about their jobs, their hopes and fears and their agency in their ev...
Housing mobility and adolescent mental health: The role of substance use, social networks, and family mental health in the moving to opportunity study

The Moving to Opportunity (MTO) experiment was a housing mobility program begun in the mid-nineties that relocated volunteer low income families from public housing to rental units in higher opportunity neighborhoods in 5 US cities, using the Section 8 affordable housing voucher program. Compared to the control group who stayed behind in public housing, the MTO voucher group exhibited a harmful main effect for boys' mental health, and a beneficial main effect for girls' mental health. But no studies have examined how this social experiment caused these puzzling, opposite gender effects. The present study tests potential mediating mechanisms of the MTO voucher experiment on adolescent mental health (n=2829, aged 12-19 in 2001-2002). Using Inverse Odds Ratio Weighting causal mediation, we tested whether adolescent substance use comorbidity, social networks, or family mental health acted as potential mediators. Our results document that comorbid substance use (e.g. past 30 day alcohol use, cigarette use, and number of substances used) significantly partially mediated the effect of MTO on boys' behavior problems, resulting in -13% to -18% percent change in the total effect. The social connectedness domain was a marginally significant mediator for boys' psychological distress. Yet no tested variables mediated MTO's beneficial effects on girls' psychological distress. Confounding sensitivity analyses suggest that the indirect effect of substance use for mediating boys' behavior problems was robust, but social connectedness for mediating boys' psychological distress was not robust. Understanding how housing mobility policies achieve their effects may inform etiology of neighborhoods as upstream causes of health, and inform enhancement of future affordable housing programs.
Hand/Finger Assessment

This syllabus contribution is meant to serve as a foundation and reference for organizing processes that affect the hand/fingers. It begins with a brief review of pertinent anatomy.
A Self-Study Curriculum in Electromyography and Nerve Conduction Studies for Residents and Fellows

Introduction To our knowledge, there are no freely available curricula for a focused resident or fellow rotation in electromyography and nerve conduction studies that address the Accreditation Coun...
The Narrow Abdomen Ion Channel Complex Is Highly Stable and Persists from Development into Adult Stages to Promote Behavioral Rhythmicity.

The sodium leak channel NARROW ABDOMEN (NA)/ NALCN is an important component of circadian pacemaker neuronal output. In Drosophila, rhythmic expression of the NA channel regulator Nlf-1 in a subset of adult pacemaker neurons has been proposed to contribute to circadian regulation of channel localization or activity. Here we have restricted expression of Drosophila NA channel subunits or the Nlf-1 regulator to either development or adulthood using the temperature-inducible tubulin-GAL80ts system. Surprisingly, we find that developmental expression of endogenous channel subunits and Nlf-1 is sufficient to promote robust rhythmic behavior in adults. Moreover, we find that channel complex proteins produced during development persist in the Drosophila head with little decay for at least 5-7 days in adults. In contrast, restricting either endogenous or transgenic gene expression to adult stages produces only limited amounts of the functional channel complex. These data indicate that much of the NA channel complex that functions in adult circadian neurons is normally produced during development, and that the channel complex is very stable in most neurons in the Drosophila brain. Based on these findings, we propose that circadian regulation of NA channel function in adult pacemaker neurons is mediated primarily by posttranslational mechanisms that are independent of Nlf-1.
High Performance GP-Based Approach for fMRI Big Data Classification

We consider resting-state Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) of two classes of patients: one that took the drug N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and the other one a placebo before and after a smoking cessation treatment. Our goal was to classify the relapse in nicotine-dependent patients as treatment or non-treatment based on their fMRI scans. 80% accuracy was obtained using Independent Component Analysis (ICA) along with Genetic Programming (GP) classifier using High Performance Computing (HPC) which we consider significant enough to suggest that there is a difference in the resting-state fMRI images of a smoker that undergoes this smoking cessation treatment compared to a smoker that receives a placebo.
Sea Urchins as a Model System for Studying Embryonic Development

Abstract For more than 150 years, sea urchins have been used to analyze mechanisms of embryonic development. The longevity and value of this experimental model are attributable to several of its characteristics, including the rapid, external development of the embryo, its optical transparency and anatomical simplicity, and the ease with which vast numbers of synchronously developing embryos can be obtained. Historically, experimental studies with sea urchins led to fundamental insights in the fields of embryology, genetics, and molecular biology. More recently, the accessibility of this system to genomic approaches has made it a preeminent experimental model for deciphering the genetic basis of development. Currently, work with sea urchins and other echinoderms is providing important new insights concerning developmental gene regulatory networks, patterning mechanisms, morphogenesis, and the evolution of developmental programs.
InP integrated pulse shaper with 48 channel, 50 GHz spacing amplitude and phase control

Ultrafast optical pulse shaping supports a broad number of applications, ranging from ultrafast time-resolved spectroscopy to RF photonics [1]. Conventional pulse shapers rely on bulk optics and use liquid crystal spatial light modulators, with reconfiguration times limited to milliseconds. Integrated optical pulse shapers offer not only size advantage but also the potential for much faster reconfiguration by using electro-optic pulse shaping elements. Integrated pulse shapers usually employ an arrayed waveguide grating (AWG) to separate the input light into its constituent wavelengths, process each wavelength band using an array of on-chip components, and then recombine the light again relying on AWG action. AWG-based integrated pulse shapers with independent thermo-optic amplitude and phase control have been demonstrated in silica, but the reconfiguration time remains limited [2]. Our group previously reported a 32-channel InP arrayed waveguide grating pulse shaper (AWGPS) with 25 GHz channel spacing and an array of semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOAs) for spectral amplitude control. This work demonstrated amplitude shaping fidelity good enough to apply to RF photonic bandpass filtering with sidelobe suppression >35 dB as well as microsecond-scale reconfiguration [3]. Other groups have also demonstrated pulse shaping with integrated InP with either amplitude or phase control but not both [4]. In this work we report preliminary characterization of a 48 channel InP shaper at 50 GHz channel spacing, provisioned with both channel-by-channel phase adjusters and SOA gain elements (Fig. 1). To our knowledge this constitutes the first demonstration of an operable integrated InP pulse shaper with independent intensity and phase control.
Numerical Simulations of the Migration of Fine Particles Through Porous Media

The migration of fine particles (or fines) in an oil formation may cause its damage and decrease the well production rate, as several experimental and modeling studies have shown. The major challenge in the description of fines transport is the prediction of the location where particles are blocked. Classical mathematical models consider the fines as a solute and neglect the mechanism that couples fines transport and the fluid flow, without capturing therefore the single particle motion and blockage. Recent observations carried out using microfluidic systems to observe fines migration have shown limitations on tracing particles and on the analysis of the forces acting, e.g., on a single particle. This could be overcome with simulations using a new numerical approach. In this paper, a numerical model comprising lattice Boltzmann method, immersed boundary method, and discrete element method is presented. The model was developed to study fines migration in porous media at the pore scale. By considering the two-way coupling between the liquid and the solid phase (i.e., the particle), the model is able to capture particle motion in the porous medium and the effect of the particle transport on the fluid flow. Simulation results show that the fines migration is determined by the size of the particles as well as by the structure of the porous medium. Particle blockage alters the preferential flow path and decreases the permeability of the porous medium while increasing the swept area and the oil recovery. Moreover, simulations show that the increase of the pressure drop can displace blocked particles in the porous medium throats and allow restoring the initial permeability.
Scoundrels, Dogs & Heathens: Christian Mercenaries in the Almohad Caliphate

This article examines the complex phenomena of the Farfan, a Christian knight serving a Muslim ruler during the religious wars of 13th century Iberia. More specifically, it breaks down the development of Christian mercenary armies within the Almohad Caliphate of the late 12th, early 13th century as it relates to the Caliphates loss of political power in the region. Using primarily Islamic sources this article traces the history of the Caliphate followed by brief discussions on the religious nature of the Almohad movement, followed by the military structure of Maghrebi states of the period, with special focus on the distinction between a 'slave-soldier', and a mercenary. This article concludes that the massive increase in Christian military involvement in the Caliphates last years is a direct consequence of political and military failures over the course of Almohad rule in Iberia and the Maghreb.
Simplified Equations for Monitoring Kt/V, PCRn, eKt/V, and ePCRn

Although computer solution of the differential equations used in urea kinetic modeling has its advantages, simplified formulas that are actually approximate algebraic solutions to the same equations in the clinically useful range are also useful. The Kt/V can be resolved from the predialysis to postdialysis urea nitrogen ratio (R), the weight loss (UF), session length in hours (t), and anthropometric or modeled volume (V) using the equation: KtV = In (R - 0.008 x t) + (4 - 3.5 x R) x 0.55 UF/V. The equilibrated Kt/V (eKTV) can be estimated from the single-pool arterial Kt/V (spaKTV) or the single-pool venous Kt/V (spmvKTV) using a rate equation based on the regional blood flow model of urea kinetics: eKTV = spaKTV - (0.60)(spaKTV)/t + 0.03 = spmvKTV - (0.46) (spmvKTV)/t + 0.02. The normalized protein catabolic rate (PCRn) can be determined from either the single-pool or equilibrated Kt/V based on the predialysis urea nitrogen level (C0) and the Kt/V (KTV) using the generalized equation: PCRn = C0/(a + bKTV + c/ + KTV) + 0.168, where the constants a, b, and c vary depending on the dialysis schedule and the time of the week that the predialysis blood specimen has been drawn. Such equations can be used either for retrospective surveys, or for quality assurance purposes, as well as for bedside guidance in an individual patient. The actual modeled urea distribution volume can also be easily computed if some effort is made to estimate the dialyzer urea clearance.
Exenatide in Type 2 Diabetes: Indications and Initiation

A 46-year-old man with hypertension, dyslipidemia, and a 5-year history of type 2 diabetes is referred to us for better glycemic control. He is currently taking metformin 1 g twice a day and extended-release glipizide 5 mg twice a day, both of which he tolerates well. His other medications include atorvastatin 20 mg daily, ramipril 10 mg daily, and baby aspirin daily. His height is 5’8” and weight is 210 lb; he has difficulty losing weight, although he exercises for 1 hour three to four times per week. His blood glucose readings at home are running in the range of the mid100s in the morning and mid-200s during the day; he rarely gets any readings below 60. He gets frequent eye exams and so far has no evidence of diabetic retinopathy, nor does he have any diabetic neuropathy or nephropathy. Laboratory results show the following:
The effectiveness of education and cognitive rehearsal in managing nurse-to-nurse incivility: A pilot study.

Aim Teach nurses to recognize incivility, confront it using cognitive rehearsal techniques, thereby improving job satisfaction. Background Nurse-to-nurse incivility negatively affects nurses, organizations, and patients. The Tri-Council for Nursing's proclamation calls nurses to recognize incivility and take steps to eliminate it in practice ("Tri-Council " 2017, https://tricouncilfornursing.org/documents/Tri-Council-Nursing-Civility-9-26-17.pdf). Methods A mixed method, a pilot study was conducted. Nurse participants received incivility and cognitive rehearsal education. Data were collected through surveys adapted from the Nurse Incivility Scale (NIS), the NDNQI Index of Work Satisfaction Nurse Interaction subscale, and two open-ended questions. Results Two subscale means were significant. The remaining NIS subscale means and the NDNQI Nurse Interaction subscale decreased across three time points (initial, immediate postintervention and final survey conducted six weeks postintervention). Qualitative data supported findings. NDNQI Index of Work Satisfaction had no effect on nurse job satisfaction. Conclusion The intervention was effective in increasing nurses' recognition of incivility and ability to confront it. Perceived instances of incivility decreased over time. Implications for nursing management This educational intervention advances civility in nursing practice, promoting a positive work environment in which patients are cared for in a safe and efficient manner.
Justice, Distribution of Resources, and (In)Equalities in Aristotle’s Ideal Constitution

Aristotle is critical of the political egalitarianism advocated by ancient participatory democracies on the grounds that serious inequalities exist among citizens. Nevertheless, when he constructs his own complete political ideal in his Politics, he advocates an egalitarianism that is even stronger and wider in scope than the democratic one; it goes beyond equal political shares, proposing equality in many other things, including resources and wealth. Such strong egalitarianism is motivated by the kind of complete political ideal he aims to delineate—a city possessing the best constitution and all the other good-making characteristics of a polis. To ground such characteristics, Aristotle makes several ideal assumptions about the human (both citizens and non-citizens) and non-human (territory and wealth) resources necessary for a polis. Some of these assumptions secure the kind of equality in political capacities and virtue among the citizens Aristotle needs for justifying, by the application of his principle of distributive justice, numerically equal shares in political office, resources, and other goods or burdens. Ideal, albeit negative, assumptions about indispensable non-citizen groups enable Aristotle to specify the features of those necessary for securing some private and civic goods essential to his complete political ideal (e.g., leisure and civic stability) and to justify certain extreme inequalities within his polis. This paper explores the nature of these assumptions, the role they play in the distribution of goods and burdens, and some of the problems they give rise to within Aristotle’s complete political ideal.
Photoinactivation of uncultured, indigenous enterococci

Enterococci are used to monitor recreational water quality worldwide, so understanding their fate and transport in the environment is essential to the protection of human health. As such, researchers have documented enterococci inactivation under various exposure conditions and in diverse water matrices. However, the majority of studies have been performed using lab-cultured bacteria, which are distinct from indigenous, uncultured bacteria found in the environment. Here we investigate the photoinactivation of indigenous, uncultured enterococci from a range of sources, including wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), marine beaches, urban streams, and a wastewater-influenced pond. We concentrated indigenous enterococci from their sources using filtration and centrifugation, placed them in a clear buffer solution, and then exposed them to simulated sunlight to measure their photoinactivation rates. First order decay rate constants (k) of indigenous, uncultured enterococci spanned an order of magnitude, from 0.3 to 2.3 m2 kJUVB−1. k values of indigenous enterococci from WWTPs tended to be larger than those from surface waters. The k value of lab-cultured Enterococcus faecalis was larger than those of indigenous, uncultured enterococci from most sources. Negative associations between the fraction of pigmented enterococci and sunlight susceptibility were observed. This work suggests that caution should be taken when extending results on bacterial photoinactivation obtained using lab-cultured bacteria to environmental bacteria, and that enterococci pigmentation may be a useful metric for estimating photoinactivation rate constants.
A Rare Finding: Right-Sided Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia With an Intrathoracic Kidney:

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is an opening in the diaphragm in which the abdominal viscera protrudes into the chest as the result of an embryologic defect. CDH can be an isolated anomaly o...
Algorithms of oppression: how search engines reinforce racism

In her groundbreaking text Algorithms of Oppression: How Search Engines Reinforce Racism, Safiya Umoja Noble states that “Algorithmic oppression is not just a glitch in the system but, rather, is f...
Upscaling of microbially driven first-order reactions in heterogeneous porous media

Reactions mediated by microorganisms determine the fate of many chemicals in natural porous media. At the pore scale, the distribution of chemicals and microorganisms is not homogeneous, leading to heterogeneous distribution of microbial activities at the pore scale. We conducted pore scale reactive transport simulations to investigate the scaling of microbially mediated consumption reaction rates under a range of flow and reaction conditions. The results reveal that the scaling effects largely depended on Peclet and Damkohler numbers. Consumption rate estimates based on volume-averaged concentrations and reaction kinetics overestimated the true volumetric reaction rates, and large-sized biomass aggregates intensified these scaling errors. In contrast, the macroscopic rates estimated via flux-weighted concentrations underestimated the true volumetric reaction rates, with large microbial aggregates reducing scaling errors. This study also demonstrated that macroscopic rate estimates can be improved by combining information on the reaction kinetics with the flux-weighted concentrations.
Imaging Features Associated With Failure of Nonoperative Management of Intraabdominal Abscesses in Crohn Disease

Background Intraabdominal abscess management decisions in the treatment of Crohn disease (CD) can be challenging. Our aim was to determine the effect of clinical, medication use, and imaging disease characteristics on the need for future surgical management. Methods A retrospective chart review was performed in patients with CD hospitalized for abscess confirmed by imaging between 2008 and 2016. Selection criteria included nonoperative management with intravenous antibiotics at the index hospitalization and a minimum of 2 years of follow up. Demographic, disease, and medication history were extracted from electronic medical records. Radiographic disease features were assessed by an expert abdominal radiologist, blinded to clinical data. The primary outcome was resection of the bowel segment involving the abscess within 2 years of index hospitalization. Cox proportional hazards regression and statistical methods were performed using SAS 9.4. Results Of the 121 patients meeting the selection criteria, 36.4% avoided surgery after 2 years of follow up. On adjusted multivariable analysis, disease-activity factors including bowel wall thickness (HR 3.08, 95% CL 1.20-6.21), disease length (HR 2.67, 95% CL 1.40-6.20), bowel dilation (HR 2.19, 95% CL 1.02-4.68), and abscess size of greater than 6 cm (HR 2.47, 95%CL 1.17-5.21) were independent risk factors for future surgery in patients not undergoing immediate bowel resection for abscess management. Biologic use and percutaneous drainage were not risk factors for ultimate surgical management. Conclusions Radiographic CD features and abscess size over 6 cm are predictors of ultimately requiring bowel resection. Radiographic measures may help stratify patients to immediate surgery or conservative management for intraabdominal CD-related abscesses.
On the Massless Excitations of the 11d Supermembrane

In this talk I will describe some work done in collaboration with Rafael Nepomechie and Peter van Nieuwenhuizen.1 As K. Stelle at this conference outlined some general features of the supermembrane theory I will focus mostly on the special topic which we investigated — the existence of massless modes in the supermembrane.