cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SPArTaCuS: Service priority adaptiveness for emergency traffic in smart cities using software-defined networking

Network congestion during disasters and big events is a major issue, especially in metropolitan areas. Although different network operators have their own strategies to address such types of incidents, a smarter and more efficient way to address such situations is needed for Smart Cities. In this paper, we propose SPArTaCuS, a framework to prioritize network traffic adaptively for such situations for smart cities using a software-defined network (SDN) approach, where services that require priority are placed in virtualized networks and the mechanism is accomplished through a priority management layer in SDN architecture.
Improving Hurricane Power Outage Prediction Models Through the Inclusion of Local Environmental Factors

Tropical cyclones can significantly damage the electrical power system, so an accurate spatiotemporal forecast of outages prior to landfall can help utilities to optimize the power restoration process. The purpose of this article is to enhance the predictive accuracy of the Spatially Generalized Hurricane Outage Prediction Model (SGHOPM) developed by Guikema et al. (2014). In this version of the SGHOPM, we introduce a new two-step prediction procedure and increase the number of predictor variables. The first model step predicts whether or not outages will occur in each location and the second step predicts the number of outages. The SGHOPM environmental variables of Guikema et al. (2014) were limited to the wind characteristics (speed and duration of strong winds) of the tropical cyclones. This version of the model adds elevation, land cover, soil, precipitation, and vegetation characteristics in each location. Our results demonstrate that the use of a new two-step outage prediction model and the inclusion of these additional environmental variables increase the overall accuracy of the SGHOPM by approximately 17%.
BIODIVERSITY PROSPECTING IN DRYLANDS OF LATIN AMERICA

The “Bioactive Agents from Dryland Biodiversity of Latin America” begun in 1993 with funding from the International Cooperative Biodiversity Group (ICBG) program which is jointly funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Liberating Trapped Cash: A Case Study of Apple and Microsoft

The topic of trapped cash, or cash permanently reinvested overseas to avoid tax upon repatriation, has become a hot topic in accounting, finance and policy circles over the past two years. This case study analyzes the activities of two major technology firms, Microsoft and Apple, to liberate enormous holdings of trapped cash. The case prompts a discussion of the topic of trapped cash, stakeholder considerations and tools available to manage cash balances held outside the United States. The focus is to examine the strategies available and those selected by Microsoft and Apple to meet or at least appease stakeholder demands while freeing trapped cash.
Robust Testing of Cascading Failure Mitigations Based on Power Dispatch and Quick-Start Storage

We present a formal robust testing method for power system cascading failure mitigations. The approach is model-based, using simulated trajectories of the system and proving that uncertainties, e.g., in the initial states or disturbances, do not perturb the trajectories beyond a robust neighborhood around them. We model power systems as hybrid systems with locations representing different swing dynamics and relay dynamics. We present implementations of our robust testing approach in a three-machine system model from the 2003 Italian Blackout and the IEEE 39-bus system model. We apply the robust testing method in two scenarios for averting the cascading failures: 1) robust testing of safety for various generator mechanical power dispatch schedules and 2) robust testing of safety for postfault remedial actions based on quick-start storage.
Muscle: Ischemia, Infarction, and Compartment Syndrome.

Muscle ischemia and infarction are associated with a variety of pathologic conditions and commonly encountered in busy imaging practices. This article reviews the most common clinical scenarios in which they are seen including compartment syndrome, diabetic myonecrosis, and rhabdomyolysis, focusing on the imaging findings and differential diagnosis for each disease process. Magnetic resonance imaging is increasingly useful in differentiating myonecrosis from muscle ischemia and myositis, and it is highly accurate in diagnosing the most common type of compartment syndrome.
Follow-up to Age 4 Years of Treatment of Type 1 Retinopathy of Prematurity Intravitreal Bevacizumab Injection versus Laser: Fluorescein Angiographic Findings

Purpose To compare structural outcome at age 4 years of eyes treated with intravitreal injection of bevacizumab with fellow eyes treated with conventional laser photoablation in type 1 retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Design Single, randomized, controlled trial. Participants All inborn babies with type 1 zone 1 ROP at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of the Catholic University, Rome, from September 1, 2009, to March 31, 2012. Methods In 21 infants (42 eyes), 1 eye was randomized to receive an intravitreal injection of 0.5 mg bevacizumab; the fellow eye underwent conventional laser photoablation. Digital retinal imaging and fluorescein angiography (FA) were performed at an average of 4 years after treatment in follow-up after these studies performed at treatment and 9 months. Main Outcome Measures Fluorescein angiograms were examined by 2 experts to document retinal and choroidal findings. Results Among the 20 bevacizumab-treated eyes available at 4 years of age, all showed abnormalities at the periphery (avascular area, vessel leakage, shunts, abnormal vessel branching, and tangles) or the posterior pole (hyperfluorescent lesions, absence of foveal avascular zone). These lesions were not observed in the majority of the lasered eyes. Among the 19 laser-treated eyes, leakage was noted in 1 eye, shunts and tangles were noted in 3 eyes, and macular abnormalities were noted in 3 eyes. Conclusions Fluorescein angiography has shown potentially serious and long-term ocular effects that are present more commonly after treatment with bevacizumab for acute-phase ROP than after laser.
TESS: Automated Performance Evaluation of Self-Healing and Self-Adaptive Distributed Software Systems

This paper deals with the problem of evaluating and testing recovery and adaptation frameworks (RAF) for distributed software systems. We present TESS, a testbed for automatically generating distributed software architectures and their corresponding runtime applications, deploying them to the nodes of a cluster, running many different types of experiments involving failures and adaptation, and collecting in a database the values of a variety of failure recovery and adaptation metrics. Using the collected data, TESS automatically performs a thorough and scientific analysis of the efficiency and/or effectiveness of a RAF.This paper presents a case study on the use of TESS to evaluate DARE, a RAF developed by our group.
Validity of environmental audits using GigaPan ® and Google Earth Technology

Health behaviors are shaped by the context in which people live. However, documenting environmental context has remained a challenge. More specifically, direct observation techniques require large investments in time and resources and auditing the environment through web-based platforms has limited stability in spatio-temporal imagery. This study examined the validity of a new methodology, using GigaPan® imagery, where we took photos locally and, stitched them together using GigaPan® technology, and quantified environmental attributes from the resulting panoramic photo. For comparison, we examined validity using Google Earth imagery. A total of 464 street segments were assessed using three methods: GigaPan® audits, Google Earth audits, and direct observation audits. Thirty-seven different attributes were captured representing three broad constructs: land use, traffic and safety, and amenities. Sensitivity (i.e. the proportion of true positives) and specificity (i.e. the proportion of true negatives) were used to estimate the validity of GigaPan® and Google Earth audits using direct observation audits as the gold standard. Using GigaPan®, sensitivity was 80% or higher for 6 of 37 items and specificity was 80% or higher for 31 of 37 items. Using Google Earth, sensitivity was 80% or higher for 8 of 37 items and specificity was 80% or higher for 30 of 37 items. The validity of GigaPan® and Google Earth was similar, with significant differences in sensitivity and specificity for 7 items and 2 items, respectively. GigaPan® performed well, especially when identifying features absent from the environment. A major strength of the GigaPan® technology is its ability to be implemented quickly in the field relative to direct observation. GigaPan® is a method to consider as an alternative to direct observation when temporality is prioritized or Google Earth imagery is unavailable.
Who REALLY Wants To Be A Millionaire: Game Show Contestant Behavior Under Risk

On the popular game show "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire", men appear to average higher winnings than women. This paper investigates potential reasons, including different uses of information sources (lifelines) and different perceptions of risk. We include gender-based tests of Kahneman and Tversky's prospect theory, but offer instead the counterintuitive conclusion that men are rewarded for acting slightly more cautiously than women do.
The Emergence of Language: How to Simulate It

The emergence of language in populations of primates that initially lacked language can be simulated with artificial organisms controlled by neural networks and living, evolving, and learning in artificial environments. Some simulations have already been done but most of the necessary work is a task for the future. We discuss language evolution under two topics: language is learned from others on the basis of genetically inherited predispositions, and language has important influences on human cognition. We propose an evolutionary sequence according to which bipedalism and the emergence of the hands represent a selective pressure for developing an ability to predict the consequences of one’s actions, this ability is the basis for learning by imitating other individuals, and learning by imitating other individuals is applied to learning to imitate their communicative behaviour.
The Role of Metaphors in User Interface Design

Publisher Summary One common approach that designers have exploited for controlling complexity is to ground user interface actions, tasks, and goals in a familiar framework of concepts that are already understood. Such a framework is called a user interface metaphor. The extensive use of metaphors has had a dramatic impact on user interface design practices. Metaphors allow the transference or mapping of knowledge from a source domain to a target domain, enabling humans to use specific prior knowledge and experience for understanding and behaving in situations that are novel or unfamiliar. Through this process, one's knowledge in the target domain is enriched by borrowing existing representations from the source domain. The fact that the associations between the source and target are hidden is the essence of metaphor. The user interface of the computer is the target domain for interface metaphors. Interface metaphors help establish user expectations and encourage predictions about system behavior. A good example is the desktop metaphor. This metaphor portrays the operating system of the computer as similar to objects, tasks, and behaviors found in physical office environments. The desktop metaphor is actually a composite of many metaphors. Most systems have a global metaphor to provide the basis of interaction that is supported by many auxiliary metaphors. This chapter presents a variety of examples that illustrate the use of metaphor. The chapter reviews classifications of interface metaphor types. Mismatches between source and target domains and the circumstances that create them are also described in the chapter. This chapter discusses the role that metaphors have in communicating the designer's model, structuring users' models of the interface, and their impact on the human-machine communication process.
Design of a Wall-Scaling Robot for Inspection and Maintenance

This paper describes the design of a new wall-scaling robot for the inspection and maintenance of various structures, such as aircraft, or nuclear power plants is. This robot is capable of climbing straight or curved surfaces in two directions, up/down or left/right in strokes of 55 millimeters. The load carrying capability of this robot is about 100 kilograms. Thus, it can carry a variety of non-destructive testing devices for inspection, paint removal, and de-riveting devices for maintenance. The robot uses vacuum suction cups for sticking to the surface of an object and can be integrated with a vision sensor system for guidance and visual inspection. The positioning of the robot is achieved by the use of a joy-stick or a PC computer. With this portable robot, it is possible to a) inspect areas that are within easy reach, b) program the robot to follow a specified path while inspecting or maintaining the structures, and c) remotely guide it to desired locations. This robotic system will minimize human error, increase the productivity of an inspector, and reduce the cost of inspection and maintenance.
What Conditions Should Be Covered

Throughout this paper, I use the term mental illness/emotional problems rather than mental illness, psychiatric disorder, emotional disturbance, and so forth. I have chosen this specific terminology to dispel the false idea that it is only people with “serious mental illness” who require mental health care. In fact, the vast majority of persons who now receive and who should seek such care suffer from emotional problems rather than from distinct “mental illness.” NHI must provide full coverage for care for these persons. Thus, a recently divorced person suffering excessive clinical depression or anxiety as a reaction to his (or her) divorce should be entitled to full and complete treatment from a psychiatrist or other mental health professional to help him in the first instance to resolve these symptoms. In order to effect such a resolution, treatment may partially focus on helping the person to understand “what” happened to him and “why.” This in turn enables the person to engage in future relationships in such a way that he avoids the psychological “mistakes” he has made in his previous relationship(s). Of course, I most definitely do not imply by advocating broad coverage for mental health care that the psychiatrist or other MHP should or can treat everyone—that he can or should offer blanket emotional support to all persons who suffer emotional “upset” or that he can solve all problems for all persons. I am advocating coverage strictly for mental illness/emotional problems as clinically defined.
The Rise and Fall of Female Labor Force Participation During World War II in the United States

I use new data on employment and job placements during WWII to characterize the wartime surge in female work and its subsequent impact on female employment in the United States. The geography of female wartime work was primarily driven by industrial mobilization, not drafted men’s withdrawal from local labor markets. After the war, returning veterans and sharp cutbacks in war-related industries displaced many new female entrants, despite interest in continued work. As a result, areas most exposed to wartime work show limited overall effects on female labor force participation in 1950 and only marginal increases in durables manufacturing employment.
Something Old, Something New: Reframing the Integration of Social Capital into Strategic HRM Research

Relationships drive numerous organizational capabilities. While this is generally acknowledged, many of the most widely used frameworks guiding research and practice in human resource management (H...
On Novel Object Recognition: A Unified Framework for Discriminability and Adaptability

The rich and accessible labeled data fueled the revolutionary successes of deep learning in object recognition. However, recognizing objects of novel classes with limited supervision information provided, i.e., Novel Object Recognition (NOR), remains a challenging task. We identify in this paper two key factors for the success of NOR that previous approaches fail to simultaneously guarantee. The first is producing discriminative feature representations for images of novel classes, and the second is generating a flexible classifier readily adapted to novel classes provided with limited supervision signals. To secure both key factors, we propose a framework which decouples a deep classification model into a feature extraction module and a classification module. We learn the former to ensure feature discriminability with a standard multi-class classification task by fully utilizing the competing information among all classes within a training set, and learn the latter to secure adaptability by training a meta-learner network which generates classifier weights whenever provided with minimal supervision information of target classes. Extensive experiments on common benchmark datasets in the settings of both zero-shot and few-shot learning demonstrate our method achieves state-of-the-art performance.
Higher Order Computational Electromagnetics, Uncertainty Quantification, and Meshing Techniques with Applications in Wireless Communication, Medicine, and Meteorology

We present some advances in several major components of computational electromagnetics (CEM), including (1) higher order method of moments, finite element method, ray-tracing, and hybrid techniques, (2) uncertainty quantification techniques for CEM modeling of RF and microwave devices and systems featuring a posteriori error estimation, sensitivity analysis, and intelligent model refinement based on adjoint methods, and (3) automatic surface meshing in CEM by the discrete surface Ricci flow method enabling generation of high quality meshes and adaptive iterative mesh refinement. We also show how these methodologies and techniques can be effectively applied to solving general real-world problems with impacts on wireless communication, medicine, and meteorology. The applications include (A) smart underground mining with an integrated wireless cyber-physical framework using CEM modeling and measurements of wireless propagation in underground mines, (B) design of RF coils for next-generation high and ultra-high field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners based on CEM and MRI experiments, and (C) accurate characterization of winter precipitation using multi-angle snowflake camera, visual hull image processing, advanced scattering methods, and polarimetric radar.
Impaired nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+ ) metabolism in diabetes and diabetic tissues: Implications for nicotinamide-related compound treatment.

One of the biochemical abnormalities found in diabetic tissues is a decrease in the cytosolic oxidized to reduced forms of the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide ratio (NAD+ /NADH also known as pseudohypoxia) caused by oxidation of excessive substrates (glucose through the polyol pathway, free fatty acids and lactate). Subsequently, a decline in NAD+ levels as a result of the activation of poly adenine nucleotide diphosphate-ribose polymerase (mainly in type 1 diabetes) or the inhibition of adenine nucleotide monophosphate-activated protein kinase (in type 2 diabetes). Thus, replenishment of NAD+ levels by nicotinamide-related compounds could be beneficial. However, these compounds also increase nicotinamide catabolites that cause oxidative stress. This is particularly troublesome for patients with diabetes, because they have impaired nicotinamide salvage pathway reactions at the level of nicotinamide phosphoribosyl transferase and phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate, which occurs by the following mechanisms. First, phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate synthesis from pentose phosphate pathway is compromised by a decrease in plasma thiamine and transketolase activity. Second, nicotinamide phosphoribosyl transferase expression is decreased because of reduced adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase activity, which occurs in type 2 diabetes. The adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase inhibition is caused by an activation of protein kinase C and D1 as a result of enhanced diacylglycerol synthesis caused by pseudohypoxia and increased fatty acids levels. In this regard, nicotinamide-related compounds should be given with caution to treat diabetes. To minimize the risk and maximize the benefit, nicotinamide-related compounds should be taken with insulin sensitizers (for type 2 diabetes), polyphenols, benfotiamine, acetyl-L-carnitine and aldose reductase inhibitors. The efficacy of these regimens can be monitored by measuring serum NAD+ and urinary nicotinamide catabolites.
Drug Control Policy, Normalization, and Symbolic Boundaries in Amsterdam’s Coffeeshops

This study examines the relationship between drug control policy, normalization, and symbolic boundary work among drug traders. Taking from interviews with 50 personnel in Amsterdam’s coffeeshops, we find that Dutch drug policy shapes their understanding of what comprises morally acceptable drug use and sales. Conversely, the rules set by the state also guide personnel’s definitions of what is morally unacceptable: using hard drugs or committing predatory crimes. To normalize their own involvement with cannabis, personnel must identify potential rule-breakers and criminals. To do so, they construct symbolic boundaries differentiating themselves from these persons. We conclude by discussing the theoretical implications of our findings for normalization and symbolic boundaries and by suggesting a potential negative secondary impact of cannabis decriminalization or legalization: the further marginalization of hard drug users.
The Dark Side of Investor Conferences: Evidence of Managerial Opportunism

While the shareholder benefits of investor conferences are well-documented, evidence on whether these conferences facilitate managerial opportunism is scarce. In this paper, we examine whether managers opportunistically exploit heightened attention around the conference to "hype" the stock. Consistent with hype, we find that managers increase the quantity of voluntary disclosure over the ten days prior to the conference, and that these disclosures increase prices to a greater extent than post-conference disclosures. Investigating managers’ incentives for pre-conference disclosure, we find that the increase in pre-conference disclosure is more pronounced when insiders sell their shares immediately prior to the conference. In those circumstances where pre-conference disclosures coincide with pre-conference insider selling, we find evidence of a significant return reversal: large positive returns before the conference, and large negative returns after the conference. Collectively, our findings are consistent with some managers hyping the stock prior to the conference and selling their shares at inflated prices.
559 Fostriecin potentiates genome instability and anti-tumor immunity in ovarian cancer

Background Increased immune infiltration in ovarian tumors has been linked to improved patient outcome. Nonetheless, responses to checkpoint blockade therapies have been disappointing in ovarian cancer patients. This has been attributed to the low mutational burden present in ovarian tumors. However, many tumor antigens have been identified in ovarian cancer, which underscores the critical need to identify new treatment strategies that will trigger anti-tumor immunity in ovarian cancer. Recent studies have revealed that defects in DNA damage repair (DDR) pathways can contribute to improved responses to immune-directed therapies.1 2 We previously discovered that CT45 expression sensitizes ovarian cancer cells to chemotherapy via its interaction with the protein phosphatase 4 (PP4) complex.3 PP4 is known to play a key role in DDR pathways; however, its potential effects on anti-tumor immunity remain unknown. Methods Using fostriecin, a commercially available inhibitor of PP4, we studied the effect of fostriecin on chemosensitivity using cell cycle analysis and cell viability assays. To study the effect of fostriecin on DNA damage, we performed comet assays and measured micronuclei along with FANCD2 foci formation. Furthermore, using western blot, qPCR, and T cell activation assays, we assessed the role of fostriecin in promoting an inflammatory response. We tested the efficacy of combining fostriecin with carboplatin and PD-1 inhibition in a syngeneic mouse model of ovarian cancer. Results Our results show that fostriecin treatment combined with carboplatin leads to increased carboplatin sensitivity, DNA damage, and micronuclei formation. Using a panel of ovarian cancer cells, we show that fostriecin treatment triggers an anti-tumor immune response via STAT1 activation resulting in increased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, in a syngeneic mouse ID8 ovarian cancer cell line, we demonstrate that combination treatment of fostriecin and carboplatin significantly increased CD8 T cell activation over carboplatin treatment alone. Conclusions Our work has identified a role for PP4 inhibition in promoting anti-tumor immunity. These findings form the groundwork for the rationale design of a clinical trial combining PP4 inhibitors with chemo-immunotherapy as a new approach in ovarian cancer treatment. References Rodier F, Coppe J-P, Patil CK, Hoeijmakers WAM, Munoz DP, Raza SR, et al. Persistent DNA damage signalling triggers senescence-associated inflammatory cytokine secretion. Nature Cell Biology 2009; 11: 973–979. Zhang H, Christensen CL, Dries R, Oser MG, Deng J, Diskin B, et al. CDK7 Inhibition potentiates genome instability triggering anti-tumor immunity in small cell lung cancer. Cancer cell 2020;37:37–54.e39. Coscia F, Lengyel E, Duraiswamy J, Ashcroft B, Bassani-Sternberg M, Wierer M, et al. Multi-level proteomics identifies CT45 as a chemosensitivity mediator and immunotherapy target in ovarian cancer. Cell 2018;175:159–170.e116.
A Computer Vision Based Testbed for 77 GHz mmWave Radar Sensors

In this paper, our main objective is to develop a tool (testbed) that allows real-time testing and visualization of mmWave radar algorithms using a high-level programming language. This tool is capable of capturing data from the radar module without any loss of packets and efficiently display results as heatmap images of target distance and velocity. This new testbed is especially tailored for hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) type of experiments involved in Advanced Drivers Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Autonomous Vehicles (AV) among others. To validate the efficacy of the developed testbed, Texas Instruments (TI) AWR1642 module was used. Results show that the test bed described hereafter is successful and the proposed hardware and software configuration will allow more advanced image processing and computer vision techniques to be used for a variety of applications. Several examples are shown with Python being the main programming language for control and data acquisition and openCV for visualization of radar images.
Beyond the top seven firms: Gender diversity of audit firm partners and their undergraduate accounting faculty

Abstract For the past few decades, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) trend data show that women comprise the majority of accounting graduates from universities, yet the partner levels in accounting firms do not reflect this trend. In this paper, the authors leverage the disclosure of the engagement partner names for each public company audit on Form AP filed with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) to explore the gender diversity and educational roots of the audit partners associated with audit firms that generated less than $1 billion revenue in 2019. Using role model theory, the paper explores whether there is a relation between the number of female professors in a school and the number of female students from that school who progress to the partner level. The results show that smaller audit firms have, on par, similar levels of gender diversity among audit partners as the largest accounting firms. The results further show a positive relation between females holding chair positions in accounting departments over extended time periods and female graduates progressing to partner on audit engagements. However, there is no association evident between the number of tenured female full professors and the female graduates who subsequently become audit partners at smaller accounting firms. These results highlight that female faculty holding power positions and female partners in the audit profession remain more rare than common. The need to increase gender diversity for both accounting faculty and professionals suggests that professional networking across academe and industry remains critical.
P89 “Karmically Awesome Pairings”: A Qualitative Analysis of SNEB Mentorship Program Participant Feedback Surveys

Background Mentorship programs in professional organizations can benefit both mentors and mentees by providing support, community, networking, and knowledge-sharing. The current virtual environment provides a novel opportunity to expand the dimensions of the mentorship program for years ahead. Objective To conduct a secondary qualitative analysis of survey responses from former SNEB Mentorship Program participants as part of formative research for the development of future programming. Study Design, Setting, Participants Data were obtained from satisfaction surveys completed by mentors and mentees who participated in the mentorship program at SNEB Annual Conferences between 2012-14 and 2016-17. Measurable Outcome/Analysis Two independent coders performed an inductive thematic analysis of responses to open-ended survey questions to determine program characteristics associated with participants' satisfaction to inform program expansion. Findings were reviewed by 2 additional researchers and final themes were agreed upon by all the researchers. Results Themes touting program benefits emerged from an analysis of survey responses (n = 112) included “flexibility,” “networking”, “support,” “welcoming personalities of mentors,” “impact of the program,” and “appropriate matching of mentors and mentees.” “Structure” and “communication” were themes that emerged from coding both mentor and mentee responses (n = 85) to inquiry about program improvements. Mentees desired longer mentorship periods, whereas mentors proposed having a designated session to meet and greet the mentees and having substitute mentors available. Conclusion The program was well-received by participants. Both mentors and mentees expressed varying degrees of interest in expanding the mentorship program beyond the conference. Future mentorship programs should incorporate elements of flexibility but structure in communication between the 2 parties to have a more meaningful impact on the mentor-mentee relationship.
Varicocele treatment in non-obstructive azoospermia: a systematic review.

Objective: To review the available literature and identify factors associated with successful outcomes after varicocele repair (VR) in the setting of non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). Methods: The PubMed and EMBASE databases were searched for relevant articles. Primary outcomes were return of spontaneous spermatogenesis, sperm retrieval rates (SRRs), and unassisted and assisted pregnancy rates. Histopathological subtypes, when available, were used for subgroup analysis. Results: A total of 16 articles were finally included. The average sample size was 43 and average duration of follow-up was 10.5 months. The average rate of primary spermatogenesis after VR was 27.3%. The average SRR, across five studies in men with NOA undergoing microscopic testicular sperm extraction status after varicocelectomy, was 48.9% vs 32.1% for the untreated cohort groups, and the average spontaneous pregnancy rate was 5.24%. Histopathology subtype was a significant contributing factor when analysed. Conclusion: Varicocele repair should be considered in men with NOA, as it may allow some patients to avoid assisted reproductive technologies and improves success rates when utilised.
Rational design of mechanically robust Ni-rich cathode materials via concentration gradient strategy

Mechanical integrity issues such as particle cracking are considered one of the leading causes of structural deterioration and limited long-term cycle stability for Ni-rich cathode materials of Li-ion batteries. Indeed, the detrimental effects generated from the crack formation are not yet entirely addressed. Here, applying physicochemical and electrochemical ex situ and in situ characterizations, the effect of Co and Mn on the mechanical properties of the Ni-rich material are thoroughly investigated. As a result, we successfully mitigate the particle cracking issue in Ni-rich cathodes via rational concentration gradient design without sacrificing the electrode capacity. Our result reveals that the Co-enriched surface design in Ni-rich particles benefits from its low stiffness, which can effectively suppress the formation of particle cracking. Meanwhile, the Mn-enriched core limits internal expansion and improve structural integrity. The concentration gradient design also promotes morphological stability and cycling performances in Li metal coin cell configuration. Mechanical integrity issues are one of the main causes of limited long-term cycle stability for Ni-rich cathode materials. Here the authors analyse the roles of cobalt and manganese and utilise a concentration gradient design to mitigate these issues.
Emerging Fungal Pathogens: Evolving Challenges to Immunocompromised Patients

Fungal pathogens are emerging as important causes of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. Among the well-known life-threatening and deeply invasive fungi are Candida albicans (the most common cause of disseminated nosocomial fungal infection), Aspergillus fumigatus (the most common cause of nosocomial fungal pneumonia), and Cryptococcus neoformans (the most common cause of central nervous system [CNS] mycosis in human immunodeficiency virus [HIV]-infected patients). Fusarium spp. are representative of the emerging group of hyaline molds, which cause respiratory and disseminated infections in immunocompromised patients. The dematiaceous molds represent a diverse group of fungal pathogens which share the presence of melanin-like pigments in the cell wall. Infections due to azole-resistant C. albicans and non-albicans Candida species, heretofore rare events, have become commonplace. During the past decade, substantial advances have been achieved in understanding of the pathogenesis, detection, and treatment of infections with this emerging pathogen. Such approaches may provide a model for understanding other emerging fungal pathogens. The infection presents with numerous necrotic lesions, which are papulonodular lesions that may simulate those of tuberculosis, leishmaniasis, cryptococcosis, or histoplasmosis in HIV-infected patients. This infection in severely immunocompromised patients with disseminated penicilliosis has been successfully managed with amphotericin B. For mild to moderate disease, there is increasing experience with therapeutic success with itraconazole. The fungal pathogens that have emerged during the past decade have developed in an expanding population of immunocompromised hosts, new antifungal selective pressures, and shifting environmental conditions.
Surfactant-Assisted Voltage-Driven Silver Nanoparticle Chain Formation across Microelectrode Gaps in Air

Here we describe the electrodeposition of Ag in the presence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) onto 5 μm gap Au interdigitated array (IDA) electrodes that are bare, thiol-functionalized, or thiol-functionalized and seeded with 4 nm diameter Au nanoparticles (NPs). After deposition, applying a voltage between 5 and 10 V in air for 0 to 1000 s resulted in one-dimensional (1D) Ag NP chains spanning across the IDA gap. The Ag NP chains form on IDAs functionalized with thiols and Au NP-seeded at about 5 V and at 10 V for the other nonseeded surfaces. Ag NP chains do not form at all up to 10 V when IDAs are treated with ozone or water soaking to remove possible CTA+ ions from the surface, when Ag deposition takes place in the absence of CTAB, or when the voltage is applied under dry N2 (low humidity). Chain formation occurs by Ag moving from the positive to negative electrode. Coating the devices with a negatively charged surfactant, sodium dodecyl sulfate, also results in Ag NP chains by Ag moving from ...
Focal conflict analysis: A method of supervision in psychoanalytic psychotherapy

The focal conflict model is an instrument for analyzing therapeutic process that is used with brief segments of interview data transcribed from audiorecordings. It has proven to be especially valuable as a supervisory tool within a psychodynamic training milieu. The focal conflict model can provide the supervisee with meaningful data about the patient's conflicts and predominant dynamic preoccupations, as well as various defensive and adaptive strategies. Supervisor and supervisee alike, also report that the focal conflict model can provide them with important data by which they can monitor intrapsychic change as well as the immediate effect of certain therapeutic interventions.
The stories politicians tell: symbolic power and narrative performance in American democracy

Every political science student learns the ‘rational voter’ model of democratic politics. Political office-seekers present the electorate with packages of proposed policies. Voters then rationally ...
The Counselor's Companion : What Every Beginning Counselor Needs to Know

Contents: Preface. Part I: What Are the Primary Roles and Responsibilities of the Professional Counselor? On Being a Professional Counselor. The Demands and Obligations of Ethical Counseling. The Legal Intrigues of Counseling Practice. Multicultural Intricacies in Professional Counseling. Supervision, an Essential for Professional Development. Collaborative Supervision for the Novice Supervisor. Part II: What Are the Essential Elements of Counseling With Which All Counselors Must be Familiar? Understanding Human Growth and Development. Counseling Across the Lifespan. Major Forces Behind Counseling Approaches. Individual and Social Aspects of the Helping Relationship. The Cultural Kaleidoscope: Eyeing Diverse Populations. Approaches to Group Work. Fundamentals of Group Work. Multicultural Components of Group Work. Counseling in the World of Work. Multicultural Issues in Career and Lifestyle Counseling. Fundamentals of School Counseling. Approaches to Family Counseling. Understanding and Assessing Psychopathology. Part III: What Are the Fundamental Components of Appraisal and Research That New Counselors Should Use in Their Practice? Foundations of Measurement and Psychometrics. Testing and Assessment in Counseling Practice. Quantitative Research Designs. Fundamentals of Qualitative Research. Part IV: What Are the Special Topics and Important Trends That Counselors May Encounter? A Look at Consultation. Crisis Intervention in Counseling. Addictions Counseling. Ecological-transactional and Motivational Perspectives in Counseling. Neuroscience in Psychotherapeutic Practices. Developmental Counseling and Therapy. Counseling for Wellness. Spirituality and Pastoral Counseling Practices. Appendix A: Preparing for the National Counselor Exam. Appendix B: Your Online Companion in Electronic Case Management: An Introduction to Penelope Software. Appendix C: Helps, Hints, and FAQs About Working in a Managed Care Environment.
Research Needs in the Insulation Industry

Research needs and existing programs supporting the role of insulation products in buildings are discussed from the component, envelope and total energy system viewpoint. Needs which dictate continued industry effort to develop knowledge of the thermal performance of individual building components (walls, attics, etc.) are outlined, and a specific research program in the area of attic thermal performance is described. Needs are also outlined for work to more adequately describe interaction effects which occur when components are combined into total envelopes. This theme is carried further to describe work needed to quantify the effects that heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning equipment, distribution equipment, and control devices have on energy consumption. Throughout, note is also taken of the desirability of coupled programs of experimental and analytical research aimed at developing experimentally validated mathematical models of components, total envelopes, and total building energy systems which can be used with confidence to generalize the experimental results.
Indapamide: Clinical Pharmacology, Therapeutic Efficacy in Hypertension, and Adverse Effects

Indapamide will soon be marketed in the United States as an oral antihypertensive agent and diuretic. Its molecular structure includes both a polar sulfamoyl chlorobenzamide moiety and a lipid-soluble methylindoline moiety. It differs chemically from the thiazides in that it does not possess the thiazide ring system and it contains only one sulfonamide group. Indapamide is rapidly and well absorbed after oral ingestion, and it has a long terminal half-life in whole blood which permits once daily administration. Indapamide is extensively metabolized by the liver with excretion of unchanged drug accounting for approximately 5% of the total dose. Although indapamide is thought to exert its antihypertensive effect by its diuretic action, several investigations employing laboratory animal preparations have documented a direct vascular action. It has been categorized as a calcium channel blocking agent and this may account for a portion of its antihypertensive effectiveness. In both the treatment of edema and as an antihypertensive agent, indapamide appears to be comparable to hydrochlorothiazide, chlorthalidone and furosemide and seems to have no clinically important advantage over these agents. Side effects associated with indapamide are minimal and appear to be comparable to those observed with other antihypertensive diuretics. Based on few published studies, indapamide appears to be a useful long acting antihypertensive and diuretic agent that is well tolerated and associated with minimal biochemical abnormalities or side effects.
Hermite series solutions of differential equations

A standard approach both for the numerical solution as well as the deduction of certain theoretical properties of partial differential equations is their replacement by appropriate difference equations. Another standard approach is the use of Fourier transforms. These two approaches could be combined if the transformed equation could be replaced by a difference equation which could then be solved. IJnfortunately, this combination is usually of little use for numerical considerations since the Fourier transform of a good approximation to the solution of an equation is not gcncrally a good approximation to the Fourier transform of the solution and vise versa However, there is one type of approximating function which is well qualified to give a good approximation both to the solution and to its Fourier transform, and that is a partial sum of a Hermite Series. This is true because the Hermite functions are eigenfunctions of the Fourier transform corresponding to eigenvalues of modules 1. Thus solutions in terms of Hermite series of the transformed equation may be interesting from a numerical point of view. The transformed equation of a partial differential equation with constant coefficients is just an equation of the form
The role of p23,30-bearing human macrophages in antigen-induced T lymphocyte responses☆

Abstract The effect of anti-p23,30, a rabbit antiserum to the human Ia-like antigen p23,30, on two macrophage-dependent T-cell functions, proliferation in response to soluble antigens, and production of lymphocyte mitogenic factor (LMF) was studied. T cells depleted of macrophages neither proliferate nor secrete LMF, and these functions are restored by addition of as few as 0.5% adherent macrophages. Treatment of macrophages with anti-p23,30 and C, however, abolishes their capacity to reconstitute these T-cell functions. In contrast, treatment of T cells with anti-p23,30 and C did not affect their capacity to respond in the presence of untreated adherent cells. We conclude that the presence of p23,30-bearing macrophages is critical for the expression of these antigen-induced T-cell responses.
Diagnostic bias in organizational consultation

Abstract This article is intended to improve consultation practice by explaining the significance of models, heuristics, and diagnostic aids in organizational diagnosis. The role of diagnostic models in determining the consultant's frame of reference is explained. Evidence that organizational consultants consciously use diagnostic models is provided by citing two independent studies that revealed about 70% of the consultants reported that a diagnostic model was used. The availability, representativeness, and anchoring heuristics used by diagnosticians are summarized and examples of their use are cited. Readers are warned that bias occurs from misapplying the heuristics. However, guidance on correctly applying the heuristics is provided. The development and improvement of diagnostic expertise is explained from the perspective of learning through education as well as feedback received from clients, colleagues (as shadow consultants and as consulting team members), and self. Thus, written from the perspective of a consultant, the article provides a practical presentation on diagnostic bias, supported by theory and empirical research. It should appeal not only to a consulting constituency (i.e. practicing consultants, consultant trainers, and novice consultants), but also to the large number of potential clients (i.e. organizational decision-makers). Future research directions are discussed in terms of (1) the research that has identified relationships between consultant characteristics (e.g. Jungian constructs) and diagnostic information, and (2) the potential of expert systems in organizational diagnosis.
Dynamic Response of a Transit Rail Vehicle on a Roller Rig

(1983). Dynamic Response of a Transit Rail Vehicle on a Roller Rig. Vehicle System Dynamics: Vol. 12, No. 1-3, pp. 155-159.