cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Activation of Metallothioneins and α-Crystallin/sHSPs in Human Lens Epithelial Cells by Specific Metals and the Metal Content of Aging Clear Human Lenses

PURPOSE To identify those metallothionein and alpha-crystallin/small heat-shock genes induced by toxic metals in human lens cells and to evaluate the levels of these metals between young and aged human lenses. METHODS Human SRA01/04 and primary human lens epithelial cells were cultured and exposed to Cd(2+), Cu(2+), and Zn(2+). The levels of lens metallothioneins (Ig, If, Ih, Ie, and IIa) and alpha-crystallin/small heat-shock (alphaA-crystallin, alphaB-crystallin, and HSP27) genes were analyzed by semiquantitative and quantitative competitive RT-PCR. The content of aluminum, cadmium, calcium, chromium, copper, iron, lead, magnesium, manganese, nickel, potassium, sodium, and zinc in young (mean, 32.8 years), middle-aged (mean, 52.3 years), and old (mean, 70.5 years) human lenses was analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-emission spectroscopy. RESULTS Lens metallothioneins (Ig, If, Ih, Ie, and IIa) and alpha-crystallin/small heat-shock genes (alphaA-crystallin, alphaB-crystallin, and HSP27) were differentially induced by specific metals in SRA01/04 human lens epithelial cells. Cd(2+) and Zn(2+), but not Cu(2+), induced the metallothioneins, whereas Cd(2+) and Cu(2+), but not Zn(2+), induced alphaB-crystallin and HSP27. alphaA-crystallin was induced by Cu(2+) only. Similar responses of the metallothionein IIa gene were detected in identically treated primary human lens epithelial cells. Cd(2+) and Zn(2+) induced metallothionein IIa to five times higher levels than metallothionein Ig. Of 13 different metals, only iron was altered, exhibiting an 81% decrease in old versus young lenses. CONCLUSIONS Induction of metallothioneins and alpha-crystallin/small heat shock proteins by different metals indicates the presence of metal-specific lens regulatory pathways that are likely to be involved in protection against metal-associated stresses.
FACTORS THAT AFFECT ACTIVATED SLUDGE PHOSPHATE RELEASE

The activated sludge process can remove significant amounts of phosphorus from sewage, but the removal efficiency is usually significantly reduced by the release of phosphate back to solution during subsequent treatment steps. This research presents a study of soluble phosphate release from activated sludge with emphasis on defining the factors that affect such release and the actual release mechanisms. Laboratory units were used for experimental purposes. The experiments were designed to study the relationship between soluble phosphate release and various environmental factors such as redox potential (ORP), dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, solids concentration, solids destruction, and sulfate salt addition. The effect of substrate utilization on phosphate uptake and the relationship between uptake characteristics and subsequent phosphate release were also studied. The results show that some phosphate storage occurs during aerobic substrate utilization. Following substrate utilization, activated sludge phosphate release is directly related to the amount of biological stress the organisms are subjected to, and the mechanism of release is primarily cell lysis. The phosphate released per unit sludge under anoxic conditions is relatively constant. Under normal environmental conditions, neither ORP or pH change have a significant affect on phosphate release.
Benchmark workload generation and performance characterization of multiprocessors

A comprehensive benchmark workload generation and performance characterization methodology is described for multiprocessors supporting the shared-variable computational paradigm. The method can be tailored to meet the selective assessment needs of each individual situation. The approach is based on characterizing a unit grain of computation to generate a desired benchmark workload, and using a family of workload emulation kernels to systematically investigate the effect of each parameter in the workload on the multiprocessor performance. The resultant characterization is independent of any particular application or algorithm. >
Lossless and Near-Lossless Audio Compression Using Integer-Reversible Modulated Lapped Transforms

We present a simple lossless audio codec, composed of an integer-reversible modulated lapped transform (MLT) followed by a backward-adaptive run-length/Golomb-Rice (RLGR) encoder. Its compression performance matches those of state-of-the-art predictive codecs, and it has the advantage that its compressed bitstream contains frequency-domain data that can be used for applications such as search, identification, and visualization. Its compression gain can be improved through a novel data model based on cross-block smoothed spectral magnitude estimates. Its bitstream can be transcoded into a lossy format, for transfers to portable players, at about twice the speed of other codecs. The codec also supports a near-lossless mode, which allows for an extra factor of two in compression without noticeable distortions
Methane-rich Proterozoic atmosphere?

Methane mixing ratios of 100–300 ppm in the Proterozoic atmosphere (0.75–2.3 Ga) would have been sufficient to offset the climatic effects of the faint early sun and maintain the warm climate during those ∼1.5 b.y. The major argument against this type of the atmosphere is the short atmospheric oxidation time of methane after the first oxygenation event ca. 2.3 Ga. Here we argue that the net methane flux from the oxygen-poor Pro tero zo ic ocean could have been 10–20 times higher than the present total biological methane flux. We demonstrate that increased methane production would have been sufficient to maintain methane concentrations at 100–300 ppm, which would keep the surface warm throughout the Proterozoic without invoking high CO 2 levels (although the CO 2 abundance could have been higher as well). A second oxygenation event at the end of the Proterozoic would have resulted in a decrease of methane flux and could have caused the first Neoproterozoic “snowball” glaciation.
Interfaces for modular feature verification

Feature-oriented programming organizes programs around features rather than objects, thus better supporting extensible, product-line architectures. Programming languages increasingly support this style of programming, but programmers get little support from verification tools. Ideally, programmers should be able to verify features independently of each other and use automated compositional reasoning techniques to infer properties of a system from properties of its features. Achieving this requires carefully designed interfaces: they must hold sufficient information to enable compositional verification, yet tools should be able to generate this information automatically because experience indicates programmers cannot or will not provide it manually. We present a model of interfaces that supports automated, compositional, feature-oriented model checking. To demonstrate their utility, we automatically detect the feature-interaction problems originally found manually by R. Hall in an email suite case study.
Viral fusion protein transmembrane domain adopts β-strand structure to facilitate membrane topological changes for virus–cell fusion

The C-terminal transmembrane domain (TMD) of viral fusion proteins such as HIV gp41 and influenza hemagglutinin (HA) is traditionally viewed as a passive α-helical anchor of the protein to the virus envelope during its merger with the cell membrane. The conformation, dynamics, and lipid interaction of these fusion protein TMDs have so far eluded high-resolution structure characterization because of their highly hydrophobic nature. Using magic-angle-spinning solid-state NMR spectroscopy, we show that the TMD of the parainfluenza virus 5 (PIV5) fusion protein adopts lipid-dependent conformations and interactions with the membrane and water. In phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylglycerol (PG) membranes, the TMD is predominantly α-helical, but in phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) membranes, the TMD changes significantly to the β-strand conformation. Measured order parameters indicate that the strand segments are immobilized and thus oligomerized. 31P NMR spectra and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) data show that this β-strand–rich conformation converts the PE membrane to a bicontinuous cubic phase, which is rich in negative Gaussian curvature that is characteristic of hemifusion intermediates and fusion pores. 1H-31P 2D correlation spectra and 2H spectra show that the PE membrane with or without the TMD is much less hydrated than PC and PG membranes, suggesting that the TMD works with the natural dehydration tendency of PE to facilitate membrane merger. These results suggest a new viral-fusion model in which the TMD actively promotes membrane topological changes during fusion using the β-strand as the fusogenic conformation.
A neural architecture applied to the enhancement of noisy binary images without prior knowledge

The authors present the formulation of an improved neural architecture, a modified adaptive resonance theory (ART), for the enhancement of binary images in the presence of noise. The two-layer ART model developed by G.A. Carpenter and S. Grossberg (1987) is further incorporated into a four-layer network. The operation and performance of ART1 in classifying binary input patterns is first investigated. Based on ART1, a noise filtering architecture is devised whereby preestablished recognition categories are used as region or contour detection exemplars in order to fill in the gaps and smooth the contours of a noisy binary image without any prior knowledge of the image itself. >
Affect and Performance in Organizational Settings

The recent literature on affect and performance in organizations is reviewed. The evidence suggests that affect is a stronger predictor of job performance than is job satisfaction. Job performance can be predicted from both dispositional (i.e., long-term) and state (i.e., short-term) affect. Pleasant affect is associated with new dimensions of performance such as extra-role proficiency. The evidence suggests that pleasant affect leads to strong performance, and also that strong performance leads to pleasant affect. Recent literature concerning psychological mechanisms linking affect and performance suggests that pleasant affect and unpleasant affect might be associated with strong performance on different dimensions. Suggestions for future research on the affective correlates of job performance are presented.
The Trouble With Online Undergraduate Business Degrees In Traditional Regional Universities

Because of the surging demand for undergraduate business degrees and the increasing availability of effective online educational content, many traditional regional universities have added, or are now considering adding, online undergraduate business degree programs to their classroom programs. Through a review of the literature bearing on that decision, this paper enumerates many of the heretofore-unreported risks unique to such programs and suggests methods to mitigate these risks. The paper argues that online undergraduate business degree programs in traditional regional universities, if not carefully promoted and managed, can be so troublesome that they are unlikely to add long-term economic value to either the community or the university. The arguments presented in this paper suggest many future areas for empirical work.
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Val66Met Polymorphism Predicts Worse Functional Outcome After Surgery in Patients With Unruptured Brain Arteriovenous Malformation

Background and Purpose—The Val66Met polymorphism of brain-derived neurotrophic factor is associated with decreased brain-derived neurotrophic factor secretion and poor outcome after acute neurological injury. We hypothesized that the Met allele is associated with worsening of functional outcome after brain arteriovenous malformation resection. Methods—Three hundred forty-one surgically treated patients with brain arteriovenous malformation with outcome data were genotyped for Val66Met. Outcome was change in modified Rankin Scale preoperatively versus postoperatively, dichotomized into poor (change >0) or good outcome (change ≤0). Likelihood ratio tests for interactions and logistic regression analysis were performed. Results—A significant interaction (P=0.03) of Val66Met genotype and hemorrhagic presentation existed; thus, ruptured and unruptured patients were considered separately. The Met allele was associated with increased risk of poor outcome among patients presenting unruptured (OR, 2.15; 95% CI, 1....
Packaging considerations for high-speed single-ended and differential nets

In this paper, the differences in packaging performance between single-ended and differential signaling schemes are studied numerically and validated with measurements. Typical on-board nets were used for the comparisons at various data-rates to capture potential frequency dependencies. Large-scale simulations were performed on full package level to examine the effects of non-ideal ground return on signal integrity. Eye-diagrams and bit-error-rate (BER) were studied using an internal time-domain simulator. An FCPBGA package and a PCB were fabricated and tested to validate simulation results.
Inferring tectonic provenance of siliciclastic rocks from their chemical compositions: A dissent

Abstract Chemical compositions of siliciclastic sedimentary rocks are commonly used to infer their tectonic provenance. We have tested the universal applicability of the underlying principle in a small, but controlled study expecting 100% confirmation of the practice. A comparison is made between the chemical composition of the ~ 1480 Ma Butler Hill Granite in an uplifted cratonic block of the St. Francois Mountain Igneous Complex and that of a small ~ 1-m-thick regolith body, a weathered granite sample, and the basal quartz arenites of the ~ 520 Ma Lamotte Formation immediately above the regolith. The results show that in plots of K 2 O/Na 2 O vs. SiO 2 /Al 2 O 3 , the regolith and sandstone samples correctly plot in the Passive Margin field, although the weathered granite plots in the Arc field. In plots of Th-Sc-Zr/10 and La-Th-Sc, the results plot in the Passive and Active Continental Margins and their extensions. In other common plots to discriminate tectonic provenance (e.g., SiO 2 vs. K 2 O/Na 2 O, Fe 2 O 3 + MgO vs. Al 2 O 3 /SiO 2 , Fe 2 O 3 + MgO vs. TiO 2 , Sc/Cr vs. La/Y) a few points plot in the Passive Margin field but scatter into and outside of other fields of tectonic provenances. The chondrite-normalized REE distributions show variable degrees of negative Eu anomalies, with flat HREE, conforming to a felsic source. The LREE distributions show both positive and negative Ce anomalies that can be ascribed to the variability of redox conditions during weathering and diagenesis of the original siliciclastic sediments. The variability of the Eu anomaly was likely affected by post-erosion processes in addition to whatever was inherited from the parent rocks. We conclude that chemical compositions can provide good clues, but are neither strong indicators nor unique identifiers of their tectonic provenance. Rather, they indicate a dominantly felsic or dominantly mafic, or a mixed set of source rocks.
Temozolomide-loaded PLGA nanoparticles to treat glioblastoma cells: a biophysical and cell culture evaluation

Objectives: Current chemotherapies for brain glioblastoma do not achieve sufficient drug concentrations within tumors. Polymeric nanoparticles have useful physicochemical properties that make them promising as nanoparticle platforms for glioblastoma drug delivery. Poly[lactic-co-glycolic acid] (PLGA) nanoparticles encapsulating temozolomide (TMZ) could improve localized delivery and sustained drug release to glioblastomas.Methods: We investigated three different procedures to encapsulate TMZ within PLGA nanoparticles. We studied the biophysical features of optimized nanocarriers, including their size, shape, surface properties, and release characteristics of TMZ. We evaluated the antiproliferative and cytotoxic effects of TMZ-loaded PLGA nanoparticles on U87 MG glioblastoma cells.Results: A single emulsion technique using a TMZ saturated aqueous phase produced nanoparticles ≤200 nm in size allowing a maximal drug loading of 4.4% w/w of polymer. There was a bi-phasic drug release pattern, with 80% of TMZ r...
Studies on Business Model of Demand Response for Residential Users

In order to adapt new changes of residential user demand response business and regulate business scenario description, current situation of development of domestic and foreign residents in aspect of residential users demand response is presented; potentiality of residential users demand response analyzed; resource of residential users demand response under new situation concluded, new partition to demand response business conducted, concept of seller's and buyer's responses put forward, business functional modules and business architecture described. Finally, a business modeling method of residential users demand response based on unified modeling language(UML) is designed, and a concrete modeling example combined with seller's response business is given.
The Analysis of Differences Beteen Urine Occult Blood Tested Byurine Analysator and Urine Erythrocyte Tested Under Microscope

Objective To analysis the differences beteen urine occult blood tested by urine analysator and urine erythrocyte tested under microscope.Methods Four hundreds and ten urine samples of patients in out-patient clinic were tested by urine analysator according to directions of instrumentation and tested under microscope immediately.Results fourteen urine samples with negative result of occult blood test had erythrocytes tsteed under microscope.In urine samples with postive result of occult blood test,one hundred and forty-one urine samples had erythrocytes tested under microscope and fifty-nine urine samples without erythrocyte.The results of two testing methods were different.Conclusions In clinical working,urine occult blood tested by urine analysator and urine erythrocyte tested under microscope ought to be utilized jointly,not to be substituted with each other.
Impact of applicant disability on selection: The role of disability type, physical attractiveness, and proximity.

A laboratory experiment contrasting disabled and non-disabled job applicants assessed the impact of disability type, physical attractiveness, and proximity of the job opening to the decision maker. Physically disabled applicants were rated higher than either non-disabled or mentally disabled applicants. However, some evidence was found of a bias against disabled applicants, particularly the mentally disabled, when the position involved was in close proximity to the decision maker.
Some Comments on Cavenagh, Costelloe, Davis, and Howell (2015):

This letter addresses some concern in Cavenagh, Costelloe, Davis, and Howell (2015) titled “Characteristics of Young Children Close to the Onset of Stuttering.” Concerns include incomplete report o...
Cultural Property and Ancestral Remains, Repatriation of

Repatriation is the return of objects of cultural heritage to the living descendants of their creators. Cultural property symbolic of national and ethnic identity and removed by war, theft, and deceit is claimed by former colonies now nations, and by indigenous people in countries like the USA, Canada, and Australia. There is tension between such groups and the great museums that house the symbols of world heritage and the national culture of multiethnic nations, but these different kinds of heritage are not antithetical. The 1970 UNESCO Convention on Cultural Property facilitates international repatriation by combating archaeological looting, illicit trade in antiquities, and smuggling of art treasures. Domestic repatriation of cultural property and the bones of ancestors is carried out under the 1990 Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act in the USA and similar laws elsewhere. Although there are continuing problems involving definitions, cultural affiliation, and legal and ethical issues, both international and domestic repatriations are surprisingly successful when carried out in a climate of good will and mutual trust and respect.
Reconciling equality and choice

My aim in this book is to take a fresh look at two widely accepted ideas, and in so doing to shed new light on some old questions of distributive justice. The ideas I have in mind – that all persons have equal claims to whatever benefits their society provides and that each person's choices should play a central role in shaping his own life – have both been accommodated, in one way or another, by every theory of justice of which I know. However, the theory that has addressed them most explicitly is the one that has become known as luck egalitarianism. In its simplest form, luck egalitarianism asserts that inequalities are just if and only if they are not due to luck. Put a bit more precisely and decomposed into conjuncts, it asserts, first, that all inequalities that cannot be traced to the parties’ own choices are unjust, and so should be evened out, but, second, that any inequalities that are due to differences in the parties’ choices are indeed just (or at least consistent with justice) as long as the options among which the parties chose were themselves sufficiently equal.
Parallelisms (Or, the Changeable Nature of Knowledge)

The previous chapters have identified subjugated discourses – once-knowledge – about animals that, in other times and places, have been understood to have truth-telling powers; or, at least, have provided points of resistance to the dominant discourse. Statements made within those discourses could have been (and most certainly were) adjudged true or not true by measuring them against the rules within those various ways of knowing that separated truths from falsehoods. Likewise, our current way of knowing has been examined, and certain limitations on possibilities in our current way of understanding animals have been apprehended. In all, the work has illustrated the changeable nature of what we think we know about how we understand animals, by observing what has passed for knowledge about them and what passes for knowledge about them today.
Dysthymia and Major Depressive Disorders Compared

Clinical presentation, course, and outcome of childhood-onset dysthymic disorder (DD) in 55 school-age referrals were compared with a group of 60 youngsters whose first affective episode was major depressive disorder (MDD) in a prospective 3- to 12-year study at Psychiatric Departments of the University of Pittsburgh, Western Psychiatric Institute, University of California at San Diego, and Harvard Medical School.
Disruptive marketing strategy

Disruptive marketing strategy is a process by which valuable marketing activities take root initially in applications within a department or function in an organization and then relentlessly move across a company’s internal departments/functions, eventually connecting with external companies to ensure that market-based value creation is delivered to the company’s primary stakeholders. Understanding market-based value creation in the field of marketing has centered, to a large degree, on market orientation studies via field-based, discovery-oriented research. In some ways, market orientation – while viewed as the implementation of the marketing concept – became a disruptive marketing strategy for many organizations. That is, marketing started to permeate all aspects of an organization, and even became a boundary-spanning phenomenon connecting multiple companies. The activities in marketing moved beyond their traditional home department and the marketing function became cross-departmental and even, in some cases, cross-company focused. Where do we go next? Disruptive marketing strategy will help the field and practice of marketing evolve.
On the Dual Nature of Transparency and Reliability: Rethinking Factors that Shape Trust in Automation

Prior literature has found that increasing system reliability and transparency can positively impact operators’ trust of automated systems; however, these factors are typically confounded. In the p...
Mobile Website Use and Advanced Researchers: Understanding Library Users at a University Marine Sciences Branch Campus

This exploratory study examined the use of the Oregon State University Libraries website via mobile devices by advanced researchers at an off-campus branch location. Branch campus–affiliated faculty, staff, and graduate students were invited to participate in a survey to determine what their research behaviors are via mobile devices, including frequency of their mobile library website use and the tasks they were attempting to complete. Findings showed that while these advanced researchers do periodically use the library website via mobile devices, mobile devices are not the primary mode of searching for articles and books or for reading scholarly sources. Mobile devices are most frequently used for viewing the library website when these advanced researchers are at home or in transit. Results of this survey will be used to address knowledge gaps around library resources and research tools and to generate more ways to study advanced researchers’ use of library services via mobile devices.
Correction to “Optimal Solar Geometry Definition for Global Long-Term Landsat Time-Series Bidirectional Reflectance Normalization”

The following typographical errors are present in the right-hand side of the following equation of the paper [1] :
Digilego: A Standardized Analytics-Driven Consumer-Oriented Connected Health Framework

Connected health solutions provide novel pathways to provide integrated and affordable care. Emerging research suggests these connected tools can result improved health outcomes and sustainable self-health management. However, current health technology frameworks limit flexibility, engagement, and reusability of underlying connected health components. The objective of this paper is to develop a data-driven consumer engagement framework, which we call Digilego, to facilitate development of connected health solutions that are targeted, modular, extensible, and engaging. The major components include social media analysis, patient engagement features, and behavioral intervention technologies. We propose implementation of these Digilego components using FHIR specification such that the resulting technology is compliant to industry standards. We apply and evaluate the proposed framework to characterize four individual building blocks (DigiMe, DigiSocial, DigiConnect, DigiEHR) for a connected health solution that is responsive to cancer survivor needs. Results indicate that the framework (a) allows identification of survivor needs (e.g. social integration, treatment side effects) through semi-automated social media analysis, (b) facilitates infusion of engagement elements (e.g. smart health trackers, integrated electronic health records), and (c) integrates behavior change constructs into the design architecture of survivorship applications (e.g. goal setting, emotional coping). End user evaluation with 16 cancer survivors indicated general user acceptance and enthusiasm to adopt the solution for self-care management. Implications for design of patient-engaging chronic disease management solutions are discussed.
Passive Transient Wave Confinement Due to Nonlinear Joints in Coupled Flexible Systems

We numerically study transient wave propagation in linear flexiblewaveguides coupled by means of nonlinear backlash joints. No structuraldisorder is assumed to exist in the repetitive systems underconsideration. Early-time spatial confinement of the wave motion due tothe backlashes is detected for certain values of the systems'parameters. A discussion of the causes of this nonlinear wavelocalization is given. A transient confinement indicator is establishedand employed for the design optimization of the backlash joints foroptimum energy confinement in the directly forced subsystem. Theoptimization study reveals that strong passive motion confinement canoccur, even when strong coupling between subsystems exists,complementing previous studies in the literature where nonlinearlocalization due to weak subsystem coupling was investigated. Thepresent results have applicability to designs of joints for practicallarge-scale repetitive space structures.
G239(P) Grade 1–3a henoch-schonlein purpura nephritis: a self-limiting disease

Aims To evaluate the outcome of patients with grade 1–3a Henoch-schonlein purpura nephritis (HSN) on renal biopsy (as per International Study of Kidney Disease in Children (ISKDC), who did not receive immunosuppressive therapy. Methods Retrospective review of all patients managed in a UK tertiary paediatric nephrology centre, with a diagnosis of HSN and who underwent a renal biopsy between January 2013 and April 2018. Patients with HSN ISKDC grade 1- 3a were identified and their pharmacological interventions and outcomes were reviewed. Patients who received long-term immunosuppressive therapy were excluded. Results 45 children with HSN underwent a renal biopsy because of nephrotic range proteinuria or persistent proteinuria for >8 weeks. 24 patients had grade 1–3a HSN, 8 were excluded due to use of long-term immunosuppression leaving a total of 16 patients (62% stage 3a, 38% stage 2). There was a predominance of female patients (63%). Mean age at initial presentation was 92 months. Median time between diagnosis and biopsy was 18 (4–40) weeks. Median urine protein creatinine ratio (uPCR) at time of renal biopsy was 195 (79–868) mg/mmol with a median plasma albumin of 33 (25–37) g/L and eGFR of 140 (84–180) mls/min/1.732. 63% were treated with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi), 31% patients were treated with Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB) and 6% were treated with a combination of ACEi/ARB. 19% patients were given a short course of prednisolone for gastrointestinal symptoms. At follow up, median uPCR at 6 months was 39 (15–325) mg/mmol and 44.5 (10–200) mg/mmol at one year. After a mean follow up period of 22 (10–66) months, none of the patients had end stage kidney disease, reduced eGFR or hypertension. 19% of patients remain on ACEi/ARB therapy and none required escalation to more intensive immunosuppressive therapy. Conclusion HSN grade 1–3a appears to be a self-limiting disease and the vast majority of children improve without the requirement for immunosuppressive agents. ACEi/ARB treatment is effective in reducing proteinuria.
Embodying Strength: The Origin, Representations, and Socialization of the Strong Black Woman Ideal and its Effect on Black Women’s Mental Health

Stereotyping Black women as servant, “the mammy” is a well-known racial and gender stereotype and, if internalized, can decrease mental and physical health. Recreated via the Strong Black Woman (SB...
Unmixing Remixes: The How and Why of Not Starting Projects from Scratch

One of the greatest achievements of Scratch as an educational tool is the eager willingness of programmers to use existing projects as the starting point for their own projects, a practice known as remixing. Despite the importance of remixing as a foundation of collaborative and communal learning, the practice remains poorly understood, with the Scratch programming community remaining in the dark about which programming practices encourage and facilitate remixing. Scratch designers lack feedback on how the remixing facility is used in the wild. To gain a deeper insight into remixing, this paper investigates heretofore unexplored dimensions of remixing: (1) the prevailing modifications that remixes perform on existing projects, (2) the impact of the original project’s code quality on the granularity, extent, and development time of the modifications in the remixes, and (3) the propensity of the dominant programming practices in the original project to remain so in the remixes. Our findings can encourage remixing and improve its effectiveness, benefiting the educational and end-user programming communities.
Perioperative Complications Associated with Severity of Anemia in Geriatric Patients Undergoing Spinal Procedures.

Objective To investigate preoperative baseline anemia, stratified by severity as a function of hematocrit level, as a risk factor for perioperative complications in geriatric patients undergoing spinal procedures. Background Previous literature has examined the impact of anemia on risk for complications and adverse outcomes in patients undergoing elective spinal procedures. However, there is a paucity of literature analyzing the impact of anemia in the geriatric population, specifically. Methods The American College of Surgeons–National Surgical Quality Improvement Database was used to identify patients older than 65 years who had undergone elective spinal procedures and were subsequently stratified into 3 separate cohorts based on hematocrit levels: severe/moderate (hematocrit level 38%). These patient samples were then analyzed using multivariate analyses to assess severity of anemia as a risk factor for complications in elderly patients undergoing spinal procedures. Results When anemia classes were analyzed as separate independent risk factors for complications, mild anemia (class II) was a significant risk factor for the same complications as moderate/severe anemia (class III/IV), with the exception of 2 complications, compared with nonanemic patients. Mild anemia was independently associated with wound dehiscence (odds ratio, 1.521; 95% confidence interval, 1.126–2.054; P = 0.006), whereas moderate/severe anemia did not show an increased risk for wound dehiscence. However, moderate/severe anemia independently increased the risk for deep venous thromboembolism (odds ratio, 1.437; 95% confidence interval, 1.028–2.011; P = 0.034), compared with mild anemia. Both categories of anemia independently increased the risk for additional complications such as deep incisional surgical site infection, organ/space surgical site infection, pneumonia, unplanned intubation, ventilator dependence, progressive renal insufficiency, acute renal failure, urinary tract infections, cardiac arrest, myocardial infarctions, blood transfusions, systemic sepsis, reoperation, extended length of stay of ≥5 days, unplanned readmission, and mortality. Conclusions This study indicated that patients with preoperative baseline anemia were at risk for requiring transfusions, renal failure, and infectious complications. Physicians should be cognizant of anemia as a risk factor affecting numerous perioperative complications and adverse outcomes to work toward improving health-related quality of life.
Quantum Well Laser Diode Frequency Comb in the 2 μm Region

We present the first semiconductor laser frequency comb in the 2 μm region. The source relies of an inherent gain nonlinearity in a quantum well laser diode, which promotes frequency-modulated operation with sub-THz spectral coverage.
Attention, Suggestion and Annotation: A Deep Active Learning Framework for Biomedical Image Segmentation

Despite the great success, deep learning based segmentation methods still face a critical obstacle: the difficulty in acquiring sufficient training data due to high annotation costs. In this paper, we propose a deep active learning framework that combines the attention gated fully convolutional network (ag-FCN) and the distribution discrepancy based active learning algorithm (dd-AL) to significantly reduce the annotation effort by iteratively annotating the most informative samples to train the ag-FCN for the better segmentation performance. Our framework is evaluated on 2015 MICCAI Gland Segmentaion dataset and 2017 MICCAI 6-month infant brain MRI Segmentation dataset. Experiment results show that our framework can achieve state-of-the-art segmentation performance by using only a portion of the training data.
A Lifetime Income Tax

Under current tax law, there can be considerable period-by-period divergence between a taxpayer's after-tax income and her desired or actual consumption. This divergence will cause the taxpayer to borrow. One can view such borrowing either as being incurred to fund consumption, or as being incurred to fund the taxpayer's income tax payments. If one takes the latter view, one can ask whether a good income tax law should force a taxpayer to borrow to pay her taxes. I answer the question in the negative, and propose a lifetime income tax that would eliminate the need for typical taxpayers to borrow to pay their income tax liabilities. Under such a regime, a typical taxpayer would reap an affirmative benefit over her lifetime, because she would be able to transfer borrowing from herself (a relatively inefficient borrower) to the government (a relatively efficient borrower).
A hospital-based multidimensional intervention for high risk pediatric patients with asthma.

OBJECTIVE To determine the effects of a multi-dimensional intervention (consisting of education, recommendations for medical management, and short-term case management) provided by pulmonology nurse practitioners(NP) on inpatient and post-discharge outcomes for patients admitted with asthma exacerbations to a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit(PICU). METHODS A retrospective cohort study was completed on subjects with an asthma exacerbation admitted to the PICU from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2018. Records were reviewed for 12-months post-discharge. We compared inpatient and post-discharge outcomes for those who did vs. did not receive NP consultation. The primary outcome evaluated was optimization of discharge medications. Rates of follow up, repeat ED visits and hospitalizations were also reviewed. RESULTS Two hundred and twenty two subjects met inclusion and exclusion criteria; of those, 101 (45.5%) patients received NP consultation and 121 (54.5%) had PICU management only. Patients with NP consultation were more likely to have controllers initiated (34.6% vs. 15%) or adjusted (55.5% vs. 33.3%) per asthma guidelines (p < 0.001). The consult group were more likely to have an asthma follow-up appointment made prior to discharge (99% vs. 45%, p < 0.001), and were more likely to attend the appointment (51% vs. 21%, p < 0.001). There were no significant differences between groups for ED visits or readmission for asthma 12-months post-discharge. CONCLUSIONS Patients with NP consultation were more likely to have controllers started or adjusted per guidelines and were more likely to attend specialty follow-up appointments post-discharge. No impact was seen on ED visits or readmissions. Implementation of such a program may aid in optimizing asthma management and continuity of care post hospitalization.
Self-Monitoring to Support the Goals of Students With Autism on College Campuses:

The purpose of this article is to present a step-by-step process for using self-monitoring to support college students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to achieve a variety of goals. Self-monito...
Gene expression profiling of laminin α3 blocked keratinocytes reveals an immune-independent mechanism of blistering

Laminin-332 pemphigoid is a rare and chronic autoimmune blistering disease which results in subepidermal blisters and erosive lesions predominantly localized to mucous membranes. As histologic inflammation is variable, and non-complement fixing IgG antibodies against laminin-332 are the predominant class of autoantibodies deposited at the epidermal basement membrane zone, we hypothesized that complement-independent pro-inflammatory and blistering pathways existed similarly to that previously shown in BP. As autoantibodies to laminin α3 are most prevalent, we studied the major cellular response to blockade of laminin α3 using a well characterized monoclonal antibody (P3H9-2). RNA-seq revealed upregulation of numerous desmosomal genes (DSG1, DSG3, DSC1, DSC3, DSP) as well as KRT1 and KRT10. Additionally, P3H9-2 treated cells demonstrated downregulation of most hemidesmosomal genes. A pro-inflammatory response was not appreciated. Using pharmacological inhibitors, we identified both protein kinase C and NOTCH as key regulators of P3H9-2 induced differentiation. We lastly utilized 3D human skin equivalents to determine whether blockade of laminin α3 would lead to delayed blistering, consistent with keratinocyte differentiation. Significant blistering was noted after 72 hours of treatment, with only minimal separation at 24 hours. In summary, blockade of laminin α3 alters keratinocyte differentiation, representing a potential complement-independent mechanism of blistering.
Use of the Levonorgestrel Intrauterine System to Treat Heavy Menstrual Bleeding in Adolescents and Young Adults with Inherited Bleeding Disorders and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

Abstract Study Objective To report on the rate of amenorrhea among adolescents and young adults with a bleeding diathesis after insertion of the 52mg levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS). Design Retrospective chart review. Setting Tertiary care, multidisciplinary Gynecology-Hematology Clinic or Adolescent Gynecology clinic. Participants The cohort included 35 females aged 12-25 years presenting from January 2010-January 2020 with heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB); 23 with an inherited blood disorder and 12 with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Interventions 52mg LNG-IUS. Main Outcome Measures Primary outcome was bleeding profile after LNG-IUS insertion. Secondary outcomes included rates of amenorrhea, IUD expulsion, discontinuation, and unplanned pregnancy. Results Mean age at menarche was 11.6 years, with mean age at insertion of 16.9 (range 11-23). Majority of participants were white (n=26,74.3%). Von Willebrand Disease was present in 16 patients (45.7%) and EDS in 12 (34.3%). A majority (91.4%) had tried at least one hormonal regimen prior to LNG-IUS. Most participants (81.8%) reported improvement in bleeding, with 60.6% reporting spotting or amenorrhea. LNG-IUS expulsion occurred in 3 participants (9.1%) within the first 21 days, despite hemostatic agents at time of insertion. Mean continuation was 5.08 years (95% CI 4.24-5.92), with 79% likelihood that participants kept their IUD in place for at least 2.5 years, and some up to 6 years. Conclusion The 52-mg LNG-IUS is an effective treatment option for adolescents and young adults with HMB and a bleeding diathesis, with high rates of amenorrhea. Rates of IUD expulsion appear higher during the first 30 days, but long-term continuation remains high.
Carboxylated dithiafulvenes and tetrathiafulvalene vinylogues: synthesis, electronic properties, and complexation with zinc ions

A class of carboxyl and carboxylate ester-substituted dithiafulvene (DTF) derivatives and tetrathiafulvalene vinylogues (TTFVs) has been synthesized and their electronic and electrochemical redox properties were characterized by UV-vis spectroscopic and cyclic voltammetric analyses. The carboxyl-TTFV was applied as a redox-active ligand to complex with Zn(II) ions, forming a stable Zn-TTFV coordination polymer. The structural, electrochemical, and thermal properties of the coordination polymer were investigated by infrared spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, powder X-ray diffraction, and differential scanning calorimetric analyses. Furthermore, the microscopic porosity and surface area of the Zn-TTFV coordination polymer were measured by nitrogen gas adsorption analysis, showing a BET surface of 148.2 m(2) g(-1) and an average pore diameter of 10.2 nm.
Sold out on soul: The corporate annexation of black popular music

(1997). Sold out on soul: The corporate annexation of black popular music. Popular Music and Society: Vol. 21, Cartographies of Sound, Noise, and Music at Century' End, pp. 117-135.
Performance Evaluation of 2D Feature Tracking Based on Bayesian Estimation

Feature tracking methods based on Bayesian estimation are widely studied in computer vision systems. The performance of Bayesian decision, however, remains an open problem because an implementation of Bayesian estimation is significantly affected by many parameters in modeling the prior and observation probabilities. In this paper, we evaluate the performance of our MAP based feature tracking algorithm with various parameter settings for many features. For most 2D feature points in our experiments, we found that the uniform distribution model (or Gaussian model with a very large variance) with linear prediction yields the best feature tracking performance.
Measurement of Women's Reproductive Health and Reproductive Rights: An Analysis of Developing Countries

This study attempts to develop measurement scales for women'sreproductive health and reproductive rights by using data from125 developing countries. Data were obtained from varioussources, such as the United Nations and the World Bank. Existing studies on women's reproductive rights suggest atwo-factor model. Women's reproductive health is viewed as beingunidimensional. These proposed attributes are evaluated usingconfirmatory factor analysis. Results indicate the presence oftwo sub-dimensions related to women's reproductive rights. Aone-dimension model of women's reproductive health is empiricallysupported. Validity and reliability of the scales are assessed.Limitations of the measurement scales are discussed.
An Introduction to the Methods of Quantum Mechanics

So far, we have discussed some of the experimental evidence that led to the breakdown of classical physics and to the beginning of quantum mechanics. We have seen how the introduction of the quantization postulates explained the experimental facts concerning blackbody radiation, the photoelectric effect, and the hydrogen spectrum. These theories constitute what we call today the old quantum theory (OQT).
The Walt Disney Company and Pixar Inc.: To Acquire or Not to Acquire? TN

Soon after Robert Iger took over as CEO of the Walt Disney Company in late 2005, he turned his attention toward Pixar, the animation studio with which Disney had worked since 1991 and was responsible for producing hits such as Toy Story and Finding Nemo. Disney's own animated film business had been in decline since Jeffrey Katzenberg left to establish rival studio Dreamworks and the business relied on revenue from its partnership with Pixar to maintain performance. With the Co-Production Agreement between the two studios coming to a close in 2006, Pixar was looking to negotiate better terms with another distribution partner. Could Disney risk losing them?
Demonstration of a radiatively cooled laser

Summary form only given. We have developed a new optical pumping technique that minimizes the thermal loading in a solid-state laser system. This technique incorporates optical cooling directly into a laser medium. Lasing conditions were studied in which the waste heat required by stimulated emission is offset by cooling from anti-Stokes spontaneous emission. We call this condition a radiation balanced laser. Under ideal conditions, the heat load within the lasing medium can be completely eliminated. Perturbation analysis of the RBL condition reveals that thermal loads in the range of 5 W/cm/sup 3/ should be obtainable in scalable solid-state laser designs such as for Yb:KGd(WO/sub 4/)/sub 2/ lasers.
The Nature of the Leakage from Higher Modes on Microstrip Line

Some confusion in the literature is clarified regarding the properties of microstrip line higher modes in the neighborhood of cutoff. It is shown that those modes become leaky in that range, and that the leakage occurs in two forms, a surface wave and a space wave. Numerical values obtained from an accurate analysis are presented that illustrate the nature of the leakage for microstrip lines with either open or covered tops.