cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Molecular Analysis of Race-Specific Incompatibility (RSI) Genes of PseudomonasSyringae Pv. Glycinea Race 0

A recently identified race of P. s. glycinea Race 0 (Psg0) has been characterized according to its host range on various cultivars of Glycine max. Interestingly, this race is avirulent on most cultivars of soybean, but is fully virulent on the cv. Centennial. Molecular evidence will be presented to show that the delimitation of host range is determined by two separate genetic loci in Psg0. Cosmid clones containing rsi genes were identified from a genomic library of Psg0 by mobilizing random clones into race 4 (Psg4) and inoculating the exconjugants onto several soybean cultivars. A single cosmid clone (pPgO-01-01) containing the rsiB gene was identified that converted normally virulent Psg4 to avirulence on the cultivars Harosoy, Norchief, Lindarin and Chippewa, but did not mimic the extensive host range incompatibility as the wild type Psg0. A second cosmid clone was identified (pPgO-02-01) containing the rsiC gene which converted Psg4 to avirulence on the cultivars Flambeau, Acme and Peking. Southern hybridizations, using the rsiB gene as a 32P-labelled probe, determined that the rsiB is also present in race 1 (Psg1), as exconjugants Psg4 (rsiB) have the same host-range incompatibility as the wild type Psgl. Finally, evidence will be presented to show that both rsiB and rsiC determine distinct phenotypes of the hypersensitive reaction.
A Taxonomy for Mobile Health Implementation and Evaluation

We develop a taxonomy of research papers on the topic of mobile health project implementation and evaluation. The paper begins with a literature review on the topics of taxonomy, mobile health, and project evaluation. Following this review is an analysis of the research opportunities in the information systems field and an argument for the application of a categorization system guided by empirical evidence, specifically a taxonomy. We then create a taxonomy of the mobile health project literature guided by design science principles and existing guidelines on taxonomic development. From this development, we present multiple observations on the state of the literature in the field and present two theoretical links for future research.
The effect of outer reflectors on crystal identification in arrays of 0.5 mm × 0.5 mm × 1.0 mm LYSO crystals

We are developing a 3D positioning positron emission tomography (PET) detector module made up of dense stacks of 0.5 mm × 0.5 mm × 1.0 mm LYSO scintillation crystal elements coupled to position sensitive solid state photomultipliers (PS-SSPMs.) In this work, crystal arrays with four different types of outer face reflectors were tested to investigate the effect of outer reflectors on crystal identification near the edges of PS-SSPMs. To quantify the quality of the flood maps, the minimum (QI 1 ) and the average (QI 2 ) of the distances between adjacent crystals divided by the standard deviation of each peak near edges in the flood histograms were calculated. We found that crystal arrays with both specular reflectors and diffuse reflectors attached to the edges and the top-face of crystal array showed the best crystal separation (QI 1 = 3.0601, QI 2 = 4.5238), and crystal arrays with only diffuse reflectors attached to the edges and the top-face of crystal array also showed comparable results (QIi = 2.6897, QI 2 = 4.4549.) The quality of flood maps was poor when only specular reflectors were attached to the top face of the crystal arrays and diffuse reflectors or diffuse reflectors and specular reflectors on the edges (QI 1 = 1.6706, QI 2 = 3.7501 and QI 1 = 1.7945, QI 2 = 4.1964, respectively.) This work significantly improved identification of 0.5 mm crystals close to the edges of PS-SSPMs.
Litter: A Lightweight Peer-to-Peer Microblogging Service

Microblogging has become an important part of the social web evolution and is being utilized in many aspects such as advertising, political campaigns, and popular uprisings. Due to its heavy centralization, many have proposed decentralized alternatives based on a variety of models. This paper suggests a fully distributed approach built on top of existing peer-to-peer technologies. We demonstrate that, by exploiting the services of current peer-to-peer middleware along with the properties of the social graph, it is possible to create a simple, yet practical microblogging service that is impervious to many of the shortcomings of their centralized counterparts. The approach has been implemented as a software prototype that is readily available for download in order to test our design in real life environments.
HadoopCNV: A Dynamic Programming Imputation Algorithm To Detect Copy Number Variants From Sequencing Data

BACKGROUND: Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data may be used to identify copy number variations (CNVs). Existing CNV detection methods mostly rely on read depth or alignment characteristics (paired-end distance and split reads) to infer gains/losses, while neglecting allelic intensity ratios and cannot quantify copy numbers. Additionally, most CNV callers are not scalable to handle a large number of WGS samples. METHODS: To facilitate large-scale and rapid CNV detection from WGS data, we developed a Dynamic Programming Imputation (DPI) based algorithm called HadoopCNV, which infers copy number changes through both allelic frequency and read depth information. Our implementation is built on the Hadoop framework, enabling multiple compute nodes to work in parallel. RESULTS: Compared to two widely used tools - CNVnator and LUMPY, HadoopCNV has similar or better performance on both simulated data sets and real data on the NA12878 individual. Additionally, analysis on a 10-member pedigree showed that HadoopCNV has a Mendelian precision that is similar or better than other tools. Furthermore, HadoopCNV can accurately infer loss of heterozygosity (LOH), while other tools cannot. HadoopCNV requires only 1.6 hours for a human genome with 30X coverage, on a 32-node cluster, with a linear relationship between speed improvement and the number of nodes. We further developed a method to combine HadoopCNV and LUMPY result, and demonstrated that the combination resulted in better performance than any individual tools. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of high-resolution, allele-specific read depth from WGS data and Hadoop framework can result in efficient and accurate detection of CNVs.
Musical and linguistic listening modes in the speech-to-song illusion bias timing perception and absolute pitch memory.

The speech-to-song (STS) illusion is a phenomenon in which some spoken utterances perceptually transform to song after repetition [Deutsch, Henthorn, and Lapidis (2011). J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 129, 2245–2252]. Tierney, Dick, Deutsch, and Sereno [(2013). Cereb. Cortex. 23, 249–254] developed a set of stimuli where half tend to transform to perceived song with repetition and half do not. Those that transform and those that do not can be understood to induce a musical or linguistic mode of listening, respectively. By comparing performance on perceptual tasks related to transforming and non-transforming utterances, the current study examines whether the musical mode of listening entails higher sensitivity to temporal regularity and better absolute pitch (AP) memory compared to the linguistic mode. In experiment 1, inter-stimulus intervals within STS trials were steady, slightly variable, or highly variable. Participants reported how temporally regular utterance entrances were. In experiment 2, participants perfo...
Development of a 3D Acoustic Borehole Integrity Monitoring System

In this work, the development of a 3D acoustic borehole integrity monitoring system is described. After reviewing the state of the art in borehole integrity monitoring, it was determined that a critical technology gap existed. Although tools are in use that can generate high resolution images of the casing, as well as other systems that can generate low resolution images far out into the formation, no tools existed that could provide high resolution images up to the near-borehole formation region. A low-frequency collimated acoustic source was integrated into a borehole integrity monitoring system, resulting in resolution on the order of 5 mm at distances up to ~2 m into the reservoir formation. This system has the capability of providing not only integrity monitoring of the borehole, but also advanced warning of cracks that are migrating from the formation towards the borehole. This translates into cost savings for relevant industries, as the increased high resolution imaging range will allow for better maintenance planning, reducing offline time for the borehole.
A Report on the AECT Sponsored Symposium Entitled “the Human-Technology Frontier: Understanding the Learning of Now to Prepare for the Work of the Future” at the Texas Center for Educational Technology (TCET)

We provide a summary report of a two-and-half-day symposium sponsored by the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) and hosted by the Texas Center for Educational Technology at the University of North Texas on May 16–18, 2018. The theme of the symposium was “Human Intelligence 0.2 versus Artificial Intelligence 2.0 || The Human-Technology Frontier: Understanding the Learning of Now to Prepare for the Work of the Future.” Over 15 distinguished speakers and 80 participants engaged in discussions of a range of topics such as human and holistic learning as informed by new research in neuroscience, creativity, critical thinking, self-directed learning, artificial intelligence, learning analytics, and measurements. We discuss outcomes and plans for the next steps.
Cultural diversity and end-user searching: An analysis by gender and language background

Abstract College campuses have become more diverse with a continued increase in foreign students attending American universities. As access to end-user electronic information resources on CD-ROM and the World Wide Web become standard tools in academic institutions, more attention needs to be directed to how diverse populations are learning, accessing, and using these systems. The effects of language, cultural background, and gender are areas of inquiry that call for closer examination and sensitivity. This article reports on results of a study on end-user searching that employs both gender and language variables in analyzing searching success, techniques, and satisfaction. Factors that influence search performance are monitored and examined in order to keep up with instructional needs brought on by these emerging educational technologies. An analysis by language background indicates that there is a correlation between native language and searching ability.
Harvesting System Design and Performance

Bioenergy crop harvesting is a critical operation affecting bioenergy supply logistics. It includes the tasks of cutting, gathering, and conditioning of bioenergy crop so as to make it suitable for subsequent operations. Harvesting represents a significant amount of biomass cost at the farm gate. This chapter reviews and discusses harvesting technologies for four major bioenergy crop alternatives: energy grasses (Miscanthus and switchgrass), short rotation woody crops (willow, poplar), green crops (energy cane, sorghum, sugar cane), and agricultural crop residue (corn stover, orchard residue). It describes crop characteristics important for designing harvesting machinery and different machinery options used for harvesting promising bioenergy crops. It also describes the functional processes involved in a crop-specific harvesting operation and compares their operational principles. The harvesting machinery performance data are compiled to facilitate equipment selection. Finally, this chapter discusses observed limitations of the machinery evaluated and future challenges to be addressed.
Characterizing spatially varying performance to improve multi-atlas multi-label segmentation

Segmentation of medical images has become critical to building understanding of biological structure-functional relationships. Atlas registration and label transfer provide a fully-automated approach for deriving segmentations given atlas training data. When multiple atlases are used, statistical label fusion techniques have been shown to dramatically improve segmentation accuracy. However, these techniques have had limited success with complex structures and atlases with varying similarity to the target data. Previous approaches have parameterized raters by a single confusion matrix, so that spatially varying performance for a single rater is neglected. Herein, we reformulate the statistical fusion model to describe raters by regional confusion matrices so that coregistered atlas labels can be fused in an optimal, spatially varying manner, which leads to an improved label fusion estimation with heterogeneous atlases. The advantages of this approach are characterized in a simulation and an empirical whole-brain labeling task.
Wohnen mit Begleitung – ein Beispiel gelungener Wohnungsintegration in Kooperation mit der Wohnungswirtschaft

Dieses Zitat des Leiters einer Geschaftsstelle des stadtischen Wohnungsunternehmens Hamburgs SAGA GWG spiegelt sehr gut wider, mit welchen beiden Problemlagen wir es zu tun haben. Einerseits spricht der Geschaftsstellenleiter von den Problemlagen, die bei den Menschen, fur die Wohnen mit Begleitung Wohnungen anmietet, vorliegen, andererseits benennt er auch die Schwierigkeiten des Wohnungsmarktes, namlich alle Menschen in Hamburg mit bezahlbarem Wohnraum zu versorgen. Auserdem verdeutlicht er, dass es nicht nur darum geht, die Menschen ausschlieslich mit Wohnungen zu versorgen, sondern auch um eine Integration wohnungsloser Menschen in Normalwohnraum und bestehende Nachbarschaften.
Path Space Formulation of the BFV Theorem

We describe gauge fixing at the level of virtual paths in the path integral as a nonsymplectic BRST-type of flow on the path phase space. As a consequence, a gauge-fixed, nonlocal symplectic structure arises, Restoring of locality is discussed. A pertinent anti-Lie-bracket and an infinite dimensional group of gauge fermions are introduced. Generalizations to Sp(2)-symmetric BLT theories are made.
Who is playing that wonderful music? Exploring predictors of playing a musical instrument:

Music is a phenomenon enjoyed by almost all people. Although music fans may believe that music is an important part of their lives, not every music appreciator decides to venture further by making ...
Hedge Funds: The Good, the (Not-So) Bad, and the Ugly

This paper proposes a new methodology to evaluate fund performance. We assume that each fund alpha is drawn from one of several distributions based on their skill levels (e.g., good, neutral, or bad). For a sample of observed funds, the composite distribution of alpha is thus a mixture of the underlying distributions. We use the EM algorithm to infer the proportion of funds at different skill levels and estimate the conditional probability each fund is of a skill type given estimated alpha. When applying our approach to hedge funds over 1994-2009, we find that about 50% of funds have positive skill. Superior funds identified by our approach persistently deliver high out-of-sample alphas over the next three years. Meanwhile, while investors chase past performance, inflows do not reduce funds’ performance in the near future.
Variations in the Number of Teeth

There are two main congenital anomalies of human tooth number: hyperdontia and congenitally missing teeth. Hyperdontia is the condition of having more teeth than the normal set (28, excluding third molars); congenitally missing teeth means fewer teeth than normal. Both conditions can appear as isolated traits or associated with syndromes such as ectodermal dysplasia. Tooth number variations can have negative aesthetic and functional effects such as malocclusion, periodontal injury, impaired alveolar bone growth, reduced chewing efficiency, and speaking problems. Patients who have tooth number irregularities need more dental attention, so these conditions are interesting not only for dentists but also for public health departments and health insurance companies.
Keep the Conversation Going [The Way Ahead]

In this issue of IEEE Potentials, you will find many interesting articles about the Internet of Things (IoT). Numerous students at my university who are IEEE members have expressed that they highly value their exclusive subscription to this magazine; I hope that you find it equally as interesting.
Reply to “A Replication Study of ‘Openness, Country Size, and Government Size’ (Journal of Public Economics 2009)”:

Andrew Musau is able to replicate almost exactly Ram’s estimates from Penn World Table 6.1. Like Ram, Musau is also unable to show a significant negative association between country size and openne...
The laminar plume above a line heat source in a transverse magnetic field

The dynamics of a buoyant plume rising above a horizontal line heat source in a transverse, horizontal magnetic field is investigated. Similarity is shown to occur when the magnetic field strength varies as the −2/5 power of vertical distance from the source. The plume depends on two parameters — the Prandtl number (Pr) and the Lykoudis number (Z L). Families of exact closed form solutions are derived for Pr=5/9 and Pr≥2. A family of numerical integrations for Pr=0.01 (typical of liquid metals) is also reported. The magnetic field is shown to affect the profiles of velocity and temperature by altering the similarity functions, the coefficients, and the value of the independent similarity variable corresponding to a fixed physical position. An approximate closed form solution valid for low Pr and high Z L is presented. Possible experimental tests of the theory are proposed.
Abstract #3748: Activation of NF-\#954;B is necessary for stimulation of apoptosis by antimitotic drugs in human LNCaP prostate cancer cells

One of the factors important in the progression of androgen-independent prostate cancer is the increased activity of NF-\#954;B, a transcription factor that promotes greater expression of inhibitors of apoptosis and of resistance to chemotherapy. It is commonly believed that inhibition of NF-\#954;B activity will decrease inhibitors of apoptosis and result in greater sensitivity to chemotherapy. However, there is also evidence to suggest that NF-\#954;B activation can sensitize cells to apoptosis and inhibition of NF-\#954;B can result in resistance to apoptosis. Our data indicates that the antimitotic drugs docetaxel (Doc) and 2-methoxyestradiol (2ME2) have diverse responses to NF-\#954;B activity, depending on the type of prostate cancer cell. In androgen-dependent LNCaP cells, which have a low basal NF-\#954;B activity, Doc and 2ME2 increases NF-\#954;B activity as determined by Western blot analysis of phospho-I\#954;B\#945;/p65, NF-\#954;B promoter reporter assays, and p65 nuclear localization. Inhibitors of NF-\#954;B purvalanol A, helenalin, or dominant-negative I\#954;B\#945; blocks apoptosis induced by Doc and 2ME2. In contrast, inhibition of the JNK and MAPK signaling pathways did not block Doc and 2ME2 apoptosis in LNCaP cells. In androgen-independent DU 145 and PC-3 cells, Doc and 2ME2 have little effect on the high basal NF-\#954;B activity and addition of purvalanol A or helenalin does not enhance apoptosis. These results suggest that combination of antimitotic drugs with inhibitors of NF-\#954;B may antagonize apoptosis in some types of prostate cancer cells. However, the combination of Doc or 2ME2 with betulinic acid, a natural pentacyclic triterpenoid proposed to activate NF-\#954;B, stimulates apoptosis in LNCaP and non-apoptotic cell death in DU 145 and PC-3 prostate cancer cells. Increase in sensitivity to cell death by the Doc or 2ME2 + betulinic acid combination may be due to lower X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis, higher death receptor 5, and higher nuclear localization of apoptosis-inducing factor. Overall, our data suggests that chemotherapy combinations of antimitotic drugs with activators of NF-\#954;B will stimulate cell death in all types of prostate cancer cells. Citation Information: In: Proc Am Assoc Cancer Res; 2009 Apr 18-22; Denver, CO. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; 2009. Abstract nr 3748.
The Strategic Action Field of Sex Work and Sex Trafficking: A Case Study of a Contentious Field in Chicago

This paper looks at organizations working on issues of sex work/sex trafficking in Chicago as a strategic action field (SAF): a space where actors engage in collective action with a shared understanding of the field’s purposes, rules, and norms. Through analysis of SAFs, scholars focus on how actors intersect, manifesting in a context that simultaneously allows for reproducing the status quo, as well as producing social change. Using qualitative interviews with members of this particular SAF in Chicago, I demonstrate how actors in the field use the SAF concept of social skill to control the policy field. The challenger organization in particular uses social skill to exploit exogenous shocks to their advantage, pursuing legitimacy through their alignment with human service nonprofits. This paper concludes with a consideration of the use of SAF theory to dynamic fields such as sex work/sex trafficking, conceptualizing how field-level social change may occur.
Hospital readmission following transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt: a 14-year single-center experience.

Background Placement of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is a relatively common procedure used to treat complications of portal hypertension. However, only limited data exist regarding the hospital-readmission rate after TIPS placement and no studies have addressed the causes of hospital readmission. We therefore sought to identify the 30-day hospital-readmission rate after TIPS placement at our institution and to determine potential causes and predictors of readmission. Methods We reviewed our electronic medical-records system at our institution between 2004 and 2017 to identify patients who had undergone primary TIPS placement with polytetrafluoroethylene-covered stents and to determine the 30-day readmission rate among these patients. A series of univariable logistic-regression models were fit to assess potential predictors of 30-day readmission. Results A total of 566 patients were included in the analysis. The 30-day readmission rate after TIPS placement was 36%. The most common causes for readmission were confusion (48%), infection (15%), bleeding (11%), and fluid overload (7%). A higher Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score corresponded with a higher rate of readmission (odds ratio associated with each 1-unit increase in MELD score: 1.06; 95% confidence interval: 1.02-1.09; P = 0.001). Other potential predictors, including indication for TIPS placement, were not significantly associated with a higher readmission rate. Conclusions The 30-day readmission rate after TIPS placement with covered stents is high, with nearly half of these readmissions due to hepatic encephalopathy-a known complication of TIPS placement. Novel interventions to help reduce the TIPS readmission rate should be prioritized in future research.
Racial Differences in Utilization of Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation for Lymphoma in the United States

Introduction Racial disparities have been documented in hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), a complex and expensive therapeutic modality for hematologic malignancies. Prior work suggests that racial minorities in the US have lower rates of utilization of HCT compared to White patients. However, the available literature on racial disparities in HCT is limited, particularly with regard to lymphoma patients. Objectives The objective of this study was to determine if racial differences exist in utilization of HCT for lymphoma by comparing transplant activity to disease incidence rates between 2013-2016. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study using publicly available data from the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research; Surveillance, Epidemiology, End Results program; and US Census Bureau. All patients in the US who underwent HCT for Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) between 2013-2016 were included. Patients with unknown race or multiple races were excluded. We assessed transplant utilization by calculating the transplant utilization rate (TUR) for each disease, separately. Rates were operationalized as the number of transplants performed per 100 new cases of the disease diagnosed in the US during the same time period. Results There were a total of 18,569 transplants for HL and NHL included. Table 1 shows patient characteristics by transplant type. During the same time period, age-adjusted incidence rates [95% confidence interval (CI)] for HL for Whites, Blacks, Asians/Pacific Islanders (API), and American Indians/Alaska Natives (AI) were 2.65 (2.59-2.71), 2.61 (2.46-2.77), 1.24 (1.14-1.36), and 1.00 (0.73-1.34) cases/100,000 persons at risk, respectively. Incidence rates were higher for NHL for the same racial groups at 20.22 (20.05-20.38), 14.44 (14.06-14.82), 13.53 (13.16-13.90), and 8.75 (7.82-9.75), respectively. Transplant and incidence data were consistent from 2013-2016. There were no significant differences in TURs for HL between racial groups. However, Whites with NHL had a higher TUR than Blacks [7.02 (95% CI 6.90-7.13) vs 4.75 (95% CI 4.49-5.02), p Conclusion Autologous HCT for NHL is underutilized for Black patients compared to White patients in the US. Additional research is needed to understand the reasons for this difference.
In Situ Decompression of Cubital Tunnel

Cubital tunnel syndrome is the second only to carpal tunnel syndrome as the most common compression neuropathy in the upper-extremity (Bozentka, Clin Orthop Relat Res (351):90–94, 1998). Patients complain of numbness, elbow pain, and intrinsic weakness leading to a loss of fine motor dexterity in the hand. Severe, chronic nerve compression leads to significant weakness, atrophy, and contractures due to muscle imbalances. Decompression of the ulnar nerve can stop the progression of the disease and prevent significant functional limitations.
Investigation on Clonorchis sinensis infection in Wuzhou City of Guangxi

Objective To understand the current infectious status of Clonorchis sinensis in Wuzhou City of Guangxi,and to discuss the prevalent features and provide scientific basis for making effective control measuer of Clonorchis sinensis. Methods The Wanxiu,Changzhou and Dieshan districts were selected for investigation sites according to geographic location and life habits.The eggs of Clonorchis sinensis in feces of residents were detected by modified Kato-Katz's thick smear and eggs per garm of faces (EPG) was counted.Results The total of 3 078 residents was examined. The average infection rate of Clonorchis sinensis was 4.48％.The infection rate in Wanxiu( 6.45％ ) was the highest,Changzhou (4.23％) was the second and in Dieshan(2.79 ％ ) was the lowest. The positive rates in male and female were 6.13％ and 2.74％ respectively.There was infection in all age group,among them the infection rates from 20 - to 60 - age groups were higher than that in other age groups,the EPG ( 1 - 999) in these group were accounted for 90.57％.Conclusion Wuzhou City is light infection area of Clonorchis sinensis.The main transmission route of the disease is raw-fish eating habit in residents.A comprehensive control measure should be carried out. Key words: Clonorchis sinensis; Infection; Investigation
Evaluation of the 7 & 7 Synch and 7-day CO-Synch + CIDR ® protocols for estrus synchronization of beef cows prior to fixed-time artificial insemination with conventional or sex-sorted semen

An experiment was designed to compare the recently developed 7 & 7 Synch and the 7-day CO-Synch + CIDR protocols for synchronization of estrus among beef cows prior to fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) with conventional or sex-sorted semen. Bos taurus cows (n = 1538) were blocked based on age and days postpartum (DPP) and randomly assigned to protocol and semen type. Cows treated with the 7-day CO-Synch + CIDR protocol (n = 769) received administration of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH; 100 g gonadorelin) and insertion of a 1.38 g intravaginal progesterone releasing insert (CIDR) on Day -10, and administration of prostaglandin F2 (PG; 500 g cloprostenol) coincident with CIDR removal on Day -3. Cows treated with 7 & 7 Synch (n = 769) received PG and insertion of CIDR on Day -17, GnRH on Day -10, and PG coincident with CIDR removal on Day -3. Estrus detection aids (Estrotect) were applied to all cows on Day -3, and activation status was recorded at FTAI. Cows received FTAI 66 h after CIDR removal with either conventional (20 x 106 cells per unit) or sex-sorted (4 x 106 cells per unit; SexedULTRA 4M) semen. A greater proportion of cows expressed estrus (P = 0.01) prior to FTAI following 7 & 7 Synch (82%; 629/769) compared with the 7-day CO-Synch + CIDR (64%; 492/769). Estrus expression was also affected by protocol x DPP (P = 0.0004), with 7 & 7 Synch resulting in a greater increase in the proportion of cows expressing estrus prior to FTAI among cows with greater DPP. Across protocols, body condition score (BCS) affected (P = 0.05) estrus expression, with greater proportion of cows expressing estrus prior to FTAI at greater BCS. Sex-sorted semen resulted in reduced (P < 0.0001) pregnancy rates to FTAI. Irrespective of semen type, greater (P = 0.001) pregnancy rates to FTAI were obtained among cows treated with 7 & 7 Synch (conventional semen: 72% [280/389]; sex-sorted semen: 52% [199/380]) compared with the 7-day CO-Synch + CIDR (conventional semen: 60% [231/383]; sex-sorted semen: 44% [171/386]). In summary, 7 & 7 Synch resulted in an increased proportion of cows expressing estrus prior to FTAI and an increased pregnancy rate to FTAI with conventional and sexed semen. With these results and ease of application, 7 & 7 Synch offers potential as a platform to improve success with fixed-time AI in beef cows.
Tributes to Two Case Western Reserve University Eminences: Jonathan Entin and George Dent

Although they remain active at their advanced ages, Jonathan L. Entin and George W. Dent, Jr., formally retired from the CWRU School of Law in 2016 and 2017, respectively. The Law Review published tributes to both of them, including these two. “Tribute to Professor Jonathan L. Entin,” 67 Case Western Reserve Law Review 1012 (2017) “Tribute to Professor George W. Dent, Jr.,” 68 Case Western Reserve Law Review 8 (2017)
The Impact of Gray Markets on Product Quality and Profitability

Gray markets, the selling of genuine products via unauthorized channels, have grown in importance for both manufacturers and retailers and have thus been studied extensively since the 1980s. Recently, consumers have shown a greater willingness to patronize unauthorized retailers for different foreign products (electronics, clothes, cosmetics, and so on). Increasing consumers’ demand for gray market products has influenced both manufacturing and marketing decisions. This paper investigates the impact of gray markets on manufacturers’ and retailers’ profits and the quality of the offered products. We show that when the manufacturer sells directly to consumers, gray markets have a negative effect on both price and quality of products as well as manufacturer profits. However, when the manufacturer sells through a distribution channel, the quality of the offered products and the manufacturer’s and retailers’ profits can all increase regardless of the source of the gray market goods. Our study further shows, as expected, that gray markets always increase the total consumer surplus.
Relationship Between Electric Field Distribution Computation and Insulation Performance of GIS Spacer

GIS spacer is very important insulating part in GIS. In actual operation, the insulation performance of GIS spacer is closely related to the electric field distribution. This paper starts with the analysis of the accident of GIS spacer. The component analysis of the ablation products and fault gas has been done. The analysis results show that the local high electric field leads to the flash-over large current, the high temperature caused the ablation of the GIS spacer surface and SF6 gas composition. Based on this, through the theoretical analysis method, the theoretical explanation of the local high electric field strength is explained from three kinds of defects which are the metal chips, metal protrusion and air bubbles inside the insulating medium, and the local field strength enhancement factor has been got. Then the three-dimensional electric field simulation model of the GIS spacer has been built, the electric field distribution law has been got. It found that the surface field strength distribution of the spacer is not uniform. The local field intensity concentration is easy to form near the center conductor. The shielding measures should be strengthened in the GIS spacer design. The research results of this paper have certain theoretical and guiding significance for the insulation structure design of the GIS spacer and the field monitoring and maintenance of the GIS equipment.
Differential Responses to Folic Acid in Keloid Fibroblasts are Mediated by JAK1/2 and STAT3

Keloids are a type of disordered scar formation which not only show heterogeneity between individuals and within the scar itself, but also share common features of hyperproliferation, abnormal extra-cellular matrix deposition and degradation, as well as altered expression of the molecular markers of wound healing. Numerous reports have established that cells from keloid scars display Warburg metabolism – a form of JAK2/STAT3-driven metabolic adaptation typical of rapidly dividing cells in which glycolysis becomes the predominant source of ATP over oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos). Using the JAK1/2 inhibitor ruxolitinib, along with cells from patients with STAT3 loss of function (STA3 LOF; autosomal dominant hyper IgE syndrome) we examined the role of JAK/STAT signaling in the hyperproliferation and metabolic dysregulation seen in keloid fibroblasts. Although ruxolitinib inhibited hyperactivity in the scratch assay in keloid fibroblasts, it paradoxically exacerbated the hyper-glycolytic state, possibly by further limiting OxPhos via alterations in mitochondrial phosphorylated STAT3 (pSTAT3Ser727). In healthy volunteer fibroblasts, folic acid exposure recapitulated the exaggerated EMT and hyper-glycolytic state of keloid fibroblasts through JAK1/2- and STAT3-dependent pathways. Together, our results provide novel insights into the metabolic consequences of STAT3 dysfunction, suggest a previously underappreciated role for folate metabolism in the pathogenesis of keloid scars, and offer in vitro pre-clinical data supporting considerations of clinical trials for ruxolitinib in keloid disorder.
Neuraxial vs General Anesthesia: 30-Day Mortality Outcomes Following Transurethral Resection of Prostate.

ABSTRACT Objective To examine the occurrence of 30-day mortality, and other procedure related morbidities in cohorts of patient receiving neuraxial anesthesia (NAX) or general anesthesia (GA) in the setting of transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Historically, NAX has been recommended for patients undergoing TURP permitting monitoring of consciousness and early diagnosis of absorption-related hyponatremia. We aim to analyze a broader comparison of mortality and other associated morbidities regarding the form of anesthesia utilized. Methods The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database was accessed and queried from January 2010 to December 2016 for TURP. 28,486 TURP cases were identified and further stratified by the type anesthesia administration, NAX 7,261 and GA 21,225. Chi-square analyses and Kaplan-Meier tests were performed for univariate comparisons. Using propensity score, data were optimally (1:1) matched to account for potential confounding variables. Outcomes were then compared for NAX vs. GA with a primary endpoint of 30-day mortality, followed by secondary endpoint of adverse outcomes reported per NSQIP. Results Prior to matching, 30-day mortality was found to be 0.4% in the NAX cohort and 0.7% GA. 12,180 patients equally matched between the 2 groups. NAX was found to be superior to GA in terms of 30-day survival benefit (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.33 –0.92, P Conclusion NAX was found to have statistically relevant advantage for 30-day postoperative outcomes when compared to GA for TURP based on NSQIP database reporting.
Frequency Dependence of Electric Current Perturbation Probe Response

The electric current perturbation (ECP) probe1–3 is similar to a conventional eddy current probe in that a coil, typically a cylindrical winding, is used to induce current in the test piece. The ECP probe differs in the use of a separate differential sensor coil, with axis parallel to the surface of the piece, and usually located just outside the induction coil winding. We have found that this sensor orientation tends to minimize probe-to-surface coupling and therefore minimizes liftoff noise.
An experimental and kinetic modeling study of n-dodecane pyrolysis and oxidation

Abstract The current study investigates n-dodecane (n-C12H26) pyrolysis and oxidation kinetics in the temperature regime of 1000–1300 K in the Stanford Variable Pressure Flow Reactor facility. The reactor environment is vitiated and the experiments were conducted at atmospheric pressure. Species time history data were collected for n-dodecane and oxygen, as well as for 12 intermediate and product species over a span of 1–40 ms residence times using real time gas chromatography. The experimental data were compared against the predictions of four detailed kinetic models. The results showed that the fuel oxidation proceeds through an early pyrolytic stage where the fuel breaks down into smaller hydrocarbon fragments, including mostly C2–4 alkenes, and a late oxidation stage where the fragments oxidize to CO. The kinetic models were observed to diverge notably in their predictions from one another. Sensitivity and flux analysis identified the cause of the divergences to differences in the small hydrocarbon chemistry modeling. Finally, the flow reactor data were used to demonstrate how model uncertainty minimization can improve model predictions. It is shown that after uncertainty minimization against a selected set of n-dodecane combustion data, the predictions of the resulting optimized model are improved notably for all existing n-dodecane data sets tested, including those of the current flow reactor study that were not part of the optimization target list.
At the Precipice: Americans North and South During the Secession Crisis – By Shearer Davis Bowman

With the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln's birth and the sesquicentennial of his election falling within a two‐year span, the renewed interest in the Civil War era on the part of both scholars and ...
Environmental improvement of seafood through certification and ecolabelling: theory and analysis

The study of environmental impacts of seafood production as a result of ecolabelling and certification is a young yet rapidly growing discipline that lacks theoretical models. Pieces of the model have been suggested in the literature, and these pieces are formalized here realizing the current operating parameters of the global seafood industry. The derived pull-threshold model assumes that if producers exceed the threshold, there is no incentive to improve while if too far below, improvement is most likely beyond technical or financial means. Thus, a single certification is only a marginal solution to the larger picture. Those producers immediately below the certification threshold are within range or ‘pull’ of the threshold to improve as a result of certification. Results from a single threshold model applied to compliance data indicated that a maximum improvement of 12.5%, achieved when the pull was the greatest and the threshold was at the lower end of the impact distribution. When impacts were continuous (e.g. escapes in aquaculture), greater improvement was observed with thresholds targeting the producers at the higher end of the impact distribution. In all cases, improvement was maximized with a triple threshold model, indicating that single threshold scenario will not drive the greatest movement towards environmental improvement throughout the industry. Innovation is potentially more important in reducing environmental impacts of seafood production and needs to be accounted for as the seafood certification or ecolabelling continues to mature.
The impact of recent hospitalization on surgical site infection after a pancreatectomy

Abstract Background Surgical site infections (SSI) are a major cause of increased morbidity and cost after a pancreatectomy. Patients undergoing a pancreatectomy frequently have had recent inpatient hospital admissions prior to their surgical admission (recent pre‐surgical admission, RPSA), which could increase the risk of SSI. Methods The 2009–2011 Healthcare Cost Utilization Project California State Inpatient Database was used. Chi‐square tests, Student's t ‐tests and multivariable logistic regression were used. Results Three thousand three hundred and seventy‐six patients underwent a pancreatectomy, and 444 (13.2%) had RPSA. One hundred and eighty (40.5%) RPSAs were to different hospitals other than where patients' pancreatectomy took place. In univariate analysis, patients with RPSA had a significantly higher rate of post‐operative SSIs, and this was associated with a longer length of post‐operative stay, higher post‐operative hospital costs and increased postoperative 30‐day readmission rates (Table 1). In Multivariate analysis, RPSA was an independent predictor of post‐operative SSI [odds ratio (OR) = 1.68, P = 0.013], and the risk of SSI increased with increasing RPSA length of stay (OR = 1.07 per day, P = 0.001). Conclusions Recent pre‐surgical admission is an important risk factor for SSI after a pancreatectomy. Many patients with RPSA are not admitted pre‐operatively to the same hospital where the pancreatectomy occurs; in such circumstances, SSI rates may not be a sole reflection of the care provided by operating hospitals.
The Maya Diaspora: Guatemalan Roots, New American Lives

The Maya Diaspora: Guatemalan Roots, New American Lives. James Loucky and Marilyn M. Moors. eds. Philadelphia: Temple University Press, 2000. 263 pp.
Regulation of apoptosis in prostate cancer

Transformation and malignant progression of prostate cancer is regulated by the inability of prostatic epithelial cells to undergo apoptosis rather than by increased cell proliferation. The basic apoptotic machinery of most prostate cancer cells is intact and the inability to undergo apoptosis is due to molecular alterations that result in failure to initiate or execute apoptotic pathways. This review discusses the role of anti-apoptotic proteins such as Bcl-2/BclXL, NF-kB, IGF, caveolin, and Akt, and pro-apoptotic molecules such as PTEN, p53, Bin1 TGF-β, and Par-4 that can regulate progression of prostate cancer. In addition to highlighting the salient features of these molecules and their relevance in apoptosis, this review provides an appraisal of their therapeutic potential in prostate cancer. Molecular targeting of these proteins and/or their innate pro- or anti-apoptotic pathways, either singly or in combination, may be explored in conjunction with conventional and currently available experimental strategies for the treatment of both hormone-sensitive and hormone-resistant prostate cancer.
Exploring the Potential of Assessment Efficacy in Sports Coaching

INTRODUCTION Sport coaches appear to be making headlines more and more frequently for inappropriate actions and poor coaching decisions. One need look only at the recent allegations of sexual abuse towards notable United States college coaches to begin to question, who is coaching our children? Couple this information with other examples of coaching behaviors of playing athletes with head injuries, engaging in fisticuffs with other coaches, “icing” their own field goal kicker, and it becomes clear that somewhere, something is lacking. Thus, we must begin to question why and how these instances occur. Can they be prevented? With better coaching education and higher coaching standards and accountability, would athletes be safer? Would teams and athletes perform better? In the absence of stricter standards, required education, and assessment strategies, have we set the bar too low?
Incidental Diagnosis of Granular Cell Tumor of Vulva: Importance of Discussing Vulvar Health at the Annual Well-Woman Examination

Granular cell tumors are rare tumors of neurogenic or Schwann cell origin and are known to involve the vulva. The objective of this case is to highlight the importance of careful vulvar examination during the annual well-woman examination by presenting a case of an incidental finding of granular cell tumor of the vulva. A 55-year-old African American female was noted to have an incidental finding of a 2 × 2 cm slow growing right vulvar lump at her yearly gynecologic exam. The lesion was excised and the histopathology was consistent with a benign granular cell tumor of the vulva. Immunostaining was positive for S100 and neuron-specific enolase. Asymptomatic vulvar masses can be the only presenting feature of a neoplastic process. Women may not seek medical attention due to embarrassment or lack of recognizing the importance of symptoms. This case report highlights such a scenario as a reminder to carefully examine the vulva during annual well-woman examination. A low threshold for biopsy can assist in diagnosing pre-invasive and invasive vulvar lesions. J Med Cases. 2015;6(9):417-419 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jmc2258w
Associative Conditioning Deficits: Caused by or Cause of Anxiety?

Associative conditioning deficits resulting in a sense of perceived unpredictability have been linked with increases in contextual anxiety and behavioral avoidance. Trait and state anxiety were investigated as predictors of such conditioning deficits. In a differential fear conditioning paradigm with 107 healthy participants, state, but not trait, anxiety predicted awareness of the association between the conditioned stimulus (CS+) and an aversive unconditioned stimulus (US) as assessed by post-experimental questionnaire and an online measure of US expectancy. Independent of initial state anxiety, unaware participants demonstrated increased contextual anxiety compared to aware participants as indicated by skin conductance responses (physiological arousal), eye blink startle reflex (defensive emotional response), and self-reported fear of the CS- (CS not paired with the US) as well as by self-reported US expectancy during intertrial intervals. Current findings may help to explain the perpetuating nature of...