cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Association of family history of specific cancers with a younger age of onset of pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Background & Aims: Pancreatic adenocarcinoma has been associated with several familial cancer syndromes that also predispose to other malignancies. Younger ages of onset of pancreatic cancer (PC) have been reported in families with these syndromes. Methods: Six hundred twenty-four consecutive patients (probands) from the Mayo Clinic Pancreatic Cancer Patient Registry who completed questionnaires were analyzed for family history of cancer and cigarette smoking. The ages at diagnosis of those probands who reported a family history (first- or second-degree relative) of PC, breast, ovarian, colorectal cancer, or melanoma were compared with those probands who did not. Multivariable regression analyses were performed with age at diagnosis as the primary outcome variable. Results: As expected, smokers had a younger median age of onset of PC than nonsmokers in dose-dependent fashion ( P = .0003). After controlling for tobacco exposure and gender, those probands with a family history of breast (−3.23 years, P = .001), ovarian (−5.63 years, P = .005), colorectal (−3.19 years, P = .002) cancers, and melanoma (−5.75 years, P = .017) had a younger age of onset of PC than those who did not. Those with a family history of PC (−.61 years, P = .65) exhibited no difference. Probands reporting other cancers in relatives showed no difference (+.78 years, P = .49) in age of onset of PC. Conclusion: A family history of cancers (breast, ovarian, colorectal, melanoma) associated with specific cancer syndromes that are known to contribute also to PC risk is associated with a younger onset of PC. A family history of PC does not appear to affect age of onset of PC.
PREDATION BY ARGYRODES TRIGONUM ON LINYPHIA TRIANGULARIS, AN INVASIVE SHEET-WEB WEAVER IN COASTAL MAINE

Abstract A female Argyrodes trigonum (Theridiidae) was observed feeding on a female Linyphia triangularis (Linyphiidae), a recently established European immigrant in Maine. Multiple observations of Argyrodes spiders inhabiting L. triangularis webs suggest that this invasive sheet-web weaver is not immune to web invasions, kleptoparasitism or predation by A. trigonum. The potential impacts of A. trigonum on the invasion dynamics of L. triangularis are unknown, but likely to be minimal.
Bridge Rail and Approach Railing for Low-Volume Roads in Iowa

Bridge rail and approach guardrails provide safety to drivers by shielding more-hazardous objects and redirecting vehicles to the roadway. However, guardrails increase both the initial and maintenance costs of a bridge while adding another object that vehicles may strike. According to current reports, most existing bridges for low-volume roads (LVRs) in the state of Iowa do not have bridge rails that meet current standards. The primary objective of this research was to provide information about bridge rail and approach guardrail on LVRs in Iowa. In support of this objective, statewide descriptive, statistical, and economic crash analyses were performed. The statewide crash analysis found that the overall number of crashes at or on the more than 17,000 inventoried and other noninventoried LVR bridges in Iowa during an 8-year period was fewer than 350, a number that represents less than 0.1% of the statewide reportable crashes. Statistical analysis showed that the frequency of vehicle crashes was higher on ...
A survey of computational location privacy

This is a literature survey of computational location privacy, meaning computation-based privacy mechanisms that treat location data as geometric information. This definition includes privacy-preserving algorithms like anonymity and obfuscation as well as privacy-breaking algorithms that exploit the geometric nature of the data. The survey omits non-computational techniques like manually inspecting geotagged photos, and it omits techniques like encryption or access control that treat location data as general symbols. The paper reviews studies of peoples' attitudes about location privacy, computational threats on leaked location data, and computational countermeasures for mitigating these threats.
An automated training paradigm reveals long-term memory in planarians and its persistence through head regeneration

Planarian flatworms are a popular system for research into the molecular mechanisms that enable these complex organisms to regenerate their entire body, including the brain. Classical data suggest that they may also be capable of long-term memory. Thus, the planarian system may offer the unique opportunity to study brain regeneration and memory in the same animal. To establish a system for the investigation of the dynamics of memory in a regenerating brain, we developed a computerized training and testing paradigm that avoided the many issues that confounded previous, manual attempts to train planarians. We then used this new system to train flatworms in an environmental familiarization protocol. We show that worms exhibit environmental familiarization, and that this memory persists for at least 14 days - long enough for the brain to regenerate. We further show that trained, decapitated planarians exhibit evidence of memory retrieval in a savings paradigm after regenerating a new head. Our work establishes a foundation for objective, high-throughput assays in this molecularly tractable model system that will shed light on the fundamental interface between body patterning and stored memories. We propose planarians as key emerging model species for mechanistic investigations of the encoding of specific memories in biological tissues. Moreover, this system is lik ely to have important implications for the biomedicine of stem-cell-derived treatments of degenerative brain disorders in human adults.
On the existence of a guanine nucleotide trap, the role of adenosine kinase and a possible cause of excessive purine production in mammalian cells.

It is usually assumed, in part from studies of bacteria, that there is free interconversion of adenosine 59-monophosphate (AMP) and guanosine 59-monophosphate (GMP), and that the balance between the 2 nucleotides is maintained exactly by allosteric controls on the activity of the enzymes involved in the interconversion. However, there are good reasons for believing that in most mammalian cells the conversion of GMP to AMP is not an effective process. Furthermore, the activity of certain other enzymes of the purine scavenger pathways will tend to induce imbalance between AMP and GMP. This imbalance will be compensated, but the compensation mechanism will involve increased production and excretion of purines. It is suggested that the operation of this mechanism in the human would result in gout.
Not macht erfinderisch: Auf der Suche nach brauchbaren Siliconpolymeren

Als Thomas Edison die Gluhlampe entwickelte, sah er bereits die Beleuchtung von Wohnungen und Geschaften, besonders in den Stadten, voraus. Benotigt wurden dafur eine Kraftzentrale, ein Verteilungssystem in den Strasen und schlieslich die Verdrahtung der Gebaude. In allen drei Bereichen sah er sich demselben Problem gegenuber: zur Sicherheit und um Kurzschlusse zu vermeiden, musten die Kupferleitungen isoliert werden. Als man spater elektrische Lokomotiven und anderes schweres Gerat und immer grosere Gleichstromgeneratoren entwickelte und baute, wurde das Problem wegen der hier auftretenden hoheren Temperaturen noch offensichtlicher. Auch heute sind nicht alle Probleme gelost, sie sind aber durch die Entwicklung und Produktion brauchbarer Siliconpolymere, die erhohte Temperaturen aushalten und gleichzeitig ausgezeichnet isolieren, entscharft worden.
U.S. Museums' Use of Declaratory Judgment Actions in Nazi-Looted Art Disputes

Short article for publication in the International Bar Association Legal Practice Division, Art, Cultural Institutions and Heritage Law Newsletter October 2007. It discusses recent declaratory judgment actions filed by U.S. museums faced with Nazi-looted art claims.
Effect of Viscous, Viscoplastic and Friction Damping in Suppressing Structural Response

In this paper the efficiency of various dissipation mechanisms to protect structures from pulse-type and near-source ground motions is examined. Physically realizable pulses are introduced, their resemblance to recorded near-source ground motions is illustrated, and their shaking potential is examined. It is found that the response of structures with low to moderate isolation periods is substantially affected by the high frequency fluctuations that override the long duration pulse, therefore the concept of seismic isolation is beneficial even for motions that contain a long duration pulse. Furthermore, although pulse motions can capture many characteristics of the displacement and velocity time histories recorded near the earthquake source, they are not dependable motions for structural analysis. It is recommended that near source records should be used instead of their pulse approximation. Dissipation forces of friction type are efficient in reducing displacement demands, although occasionally they are responsible for substantial permanent displacements. The study concludes that a combination of relatively low friction and viscous dissipation forces is attractive since base displacements are substantially reduced without increasing appreciably base shears and superstructure accelerations.
Influence of Line Tension on Spherical Colloidal Particles at Liquid-Vapor Interfaces

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging of isolated submicron dodecyltrichlorosilane coated silica spheres, immobilized at the liquid polystyrene- (PS-) air interface at the PS glass transition temperature, T(g), allows for determination of the contact angle θ versus particle radius R. At T(g), all θ versus R measurements are well described by the modified Young's equation for a line tension τ = 0.93 nN. The AFM measurements are also consistent with a minimum contact angle θ(min) and minimum radius R(min), below which single isolated silica spheres cannot exist at the PS-air interface.
P2X purinergic receptor channel expression and function in bovine aortic endothelium.

We examined bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs) for the functional expression of P2X receptors, the ATP-gated cation channels. We identified the P2X subtypes present in BAECs using RT-PCR. mRNA...
Susceptibility of adult Biomphalaria glabrata to Schistosoma mansoni infection

In previous studies true-breeding stocks of Biomphalaria glabrata were derived testing 100% or 0% susceptible as juveniles to a Puerto Rican strain of Schistosoma mansoni. When adults of these genetic stocks of B. glabrata were exposed to miracidia of the same strain of S. mansoni, snails of some of the juvenile-susceptible stocks were found to have become refractory at maturity. True-breeding snail stocks of three susceptibility types were derived by selection and self-fertilization through several generations: juvenile and adult refractory, juvenile and adult susceptible, and juvenile-susceptible/adult-refractory. Crosses demonstrated that the adult insusceptibility observed in some of the juvenile-susceptible stocks was determined by a single dominant gene, with the character showing simple Mendelian inheritance. Snails of a fourth susceptibility type showed juvenile susceptibility but modification of adult susceptibility, with unpredictable infection frequencies and delayed parasite development. Clonal stocks of the various susceptibility types, with their lineage recorded in diagrams, are identified for use in other experimental studies.
MEK Inhibitor GSK1120212-Mediated Radiosensitization of Pancreatic Cancer Cells Involves Inhibition of DNA Double-Strand Break Repair Pathways

Purpose: Over 90% of pancreatic adenocarcinoma PC express oncogenic mutant KRAS that constitutively activates the Raf-MEK-MAPK pathway conferring resistance to both radiation and chemotherapy. MEK ...
Analysis of thermosyphon/heat pipe integration for feasibility of dry cooling for thermoelectric power generation

Abstract Areas of minimal freshwater often struggle to provide the large amounts of water required for industrial processes, such as for the cooling of thermoelectric power plants. In an effort to decrease the water losses of a typical 500 MWe thermoelectric plant, two concepts are investigated: (i) replacing the existing steam condenser with a direct-dry condenser, to provide the phase change and heat rejection of previous once-through and re-circulation cooling systems, and (ii) replacing the conventional wet cooling towers with completely dry indirect cooling of the recirculation water stream. For each concept, innovative hybridization of existing systems with closed two-phase thermosyphons allows for the necessary heat transfer of the power cycle. A modular top-down approach to system design allows for manufacturing and installation simplification, and system performance is considered in terms of thermal and cost analysis. The proposed direct steam condenser with heat rejection to ambient air yields an effectiveness, coefficient of performance, and cost per kWth of 0.55, 376, and $31/kWth, while the dry indirect cooling tower performance specifications are 0.77, 206, and a cost per kWth of $54/kWth, respectively. These values are near-to or exceed federally proposed standards for dry cooling of thermoelectric plants and outperform existing dry-cooling systems, proving the feasibility of each heat rejection design. Hybrid arrangements of the dry condenser and dry cooling towers are also presented and analyzed, which provide easier retrofit, along with lower costs and greater water savings if combined with existing conventional wet cooling components.
Predator Recognition in Prey Animals and the Application in Reintroduction Program

Predator recognition is a hotpot in contemporary ecological research.Some prey species possess genetically programmed abilities to recognize predators,while other studies contrastingly find that some prey may require to learn about particular stimuli to express recognition responses and evidence for social learning about dangerous predators and cultural transmission of predator recognition and teaching has been found in many animals.Present research and development of predator recognition in prey animals outside the country are reviewed in this paper.These results are significant to the theoretical research and practical applications of ongoing rehabilitation as well as reintroduction programs.
Temporary Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: Ten-Year Experience at a Cardiac Transplant Center:

Objective:Advances in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) have enabled rapid deployment in a wide range of clinical settings. We report our experience with venoarterial (VA) ECMO in adult patients over 10 years and aim to identify predictors of mortality.Design:This is a retrospective analysis of all adult patients undergoing VA ECMO at a tertiary care center from January 1, 2004, to December 31, 2013.Results:A total of 224 consecutive cases were reviewed. Eighty (35.7%) patients survived to discharge and 144 (64.3%) patients died. Patients requiring ECMO for heart transplant graft failure had lower mortality (51.6%) compared to all other etiologies (69.1%; P = .02). Forty-two percent (94 of the 224) of the patients required cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) preceding ECMO and had higher rate of in-hospital mortality (74.5%) compared with patients without cardiac arrest (56.9%; P = .01). Patients with less than 30 minutes of CPR had a mortality rate of 40.0% compared to 91.4% for CPR > 30 minutes...
EEG power as a biomarker to predict the outcome after cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation induced global ischemia

Abstract Aims Cardiac arrest (CA) is a major cause of mortality and survivors often develop neurologic deficits. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of CA and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in mice on the EEG and neurologic outcomes, and identify biomarkers that can prognosticate poor outcomes. Main methods Video-EEG records were obtained at various periods following CA-CPR and examined manually to determine the presence of spikes and sharp-waves, and seizures. EEG power was calculated using a fast Fourier transform (FFT) algorithm. Key findings Fifty percent mice died within 72 h following CA and successful CPR. Universal suppression of the background EEG was observed in all mice following CA-CPR, however, a more severe and sustained reduction in EEG power occurred in the mice that did not survive beyond 72 h than those that survived until sacrificed. Spikes and sharp wave activity appeared in the cortex and hippocampus of all mice, but only one out of eight mice developed a purely electrographic seizure in the acute period after CA-CPR. Interestingly, none of the mice that died experienced any acute seizures. At 10 days after the CA-CPR, 25% of the mice developed spontaneous convulsive and nonconvulsive seizures that remained restricted to the hippocampus. The frequency of nonconvulsive seizures was higher than that of convulsive seizures. Significance A strong association between changes in EEG power and mortality following CA-CPR were observed in our study. Therefore, we suggest that the EEG power can be used to prognosticate mortality following CA-CPR induced global ischemia.
Transcriptional control, but not subcellular location, of PGC-1α is altered following exercise in a hot environment

The purpose of this study was to determine mitochondrial biogenesis-related mRNA expression, binding of transcription factors to the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1-α (PGC-1α) promoter, and subcellular location of PGC-1α protein in human skeletal muscle following exercise in a hot environment compared with a room temperature environment. Recreationally trained males (n = 11) completed two trials in a temperature- and humidity-controlled environmental chamber. Each trial consisted of cycling in either a hot (H) or room temperature (C) environment (33 and 20°C, respectively) for 1 h at 60% of maximum wattage (Wmax) followed by 3 h of supine recovery at room temperature. Muscle biopsies were taken from the vastus lateralis pre-, post-, and 3 h postexercise. PGC-1α mRNA increased post (P = 0.039)- and 3 h postexercise in C (P = 0.002). PGC-1α, estrogen-related receptor-α (ERRα), and nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF-1) mRNA was all lower in H than C post (P = 0.038, P < 0.001, and P = 0.030, respectively)- and 3 h postexercise (P = 0.035, P = 0.007, and P < 0.001, respectively). Binding of cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) (P = 0.005), myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2) (P = 0.047), and FoxO forkhead box class-O1 (FoxO1) (P = 0.010) to the promoter region of the PGC-1α gene was lower in H than C. Nuclear PGC-1α protein increased postexercise in both H and C (P = 0.029) but was not different between trials (P = 0.602). These data indicate that acute exercise in a hot environment blunts expression of mitochondrial biogenesis-related mRNA, due to decreased binding of CREB, MEF2, and FoxO1 to the PGC-1α promoter.
Structural Adjustment and Macroeconomic Reform in Vietnam

The economic reforms introduced in Vietnam after 1989 have been remarkably successful. Indeed of the 28 countries currently going through the transition from central planning to a more market-oriented regime, only China compares favourably with Vietnam.1 All of the other 26 countries have performed much worse than Vietnam, including Poland, perhaps the most promising of this large residual group. Yet Vietnam’s story is poorly understood and is not well known outside a small circle of specialists; it deserves to be told. In this essay we focus on the management of structural adjustment in Vietnam, concentrating on the macroeconomic reforms.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Conditional External Cardiac Defibrillator: Expanding Access and Safety During Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the most rapidly growing imaging modality in clinical medicine, including cardiac disorders.1 One of the limitations of MRI is the need to avoid certain metallic objects in close proximity to the MRI machine, including external cardiac defibrillators. Similarly, patients with implantable devices with ferromagnetic components are contraindicated for MRI because of the risks of heating, dislodgement, and other problems. Included in this contraindicated list are patients with implantable cardiac rhythm devices, although it is estimated that a large number of such patients will be indicated for an MRI.2 This has led to medical device manufacturers modifying the designs of pacemaker systems to make them MRI-conditional. The modifications included using less ferromagnetic material, developing lead wires with reduced radiofrequency heating to prevent thermal damage at the point of contact …
Model-free event-triggered control algorithm for continuous-time linear systems with optimal performance

Abstract This paper proposes a new model-free event-triggered optimal control algorithm for continuous-time linear systems. The problem is formulated as an infinite-horizon optimal adaptive learning problem, and we are able to simultaneously address the issue of designing a control and a triggering mechanism with guaranteed optimal performance by design. In order to provide a model-free solution, we adopt a Q-learning framework with a critic network to approximate the optimal cost and a zero-order hold actor network to approximate the optimal control. Since we have dynamics that evolve in continuous and discrete-time, we write the closed-loop system as an impulsive model and prove asymptotic stability of its equilibrium. Numerical simulation of an unknown unstable system is presented to show the efficacy of the proposed approach.
Medical Problems that Might Present with Academic Difficulties

Successful school functioning for children with chronic medical illnesses is a dynamic, ongoing process that requires continuous cooperation and commitment among the home, the medical team, and the school. Having an adequate knowledge of potential illness and treatment effects on academic performance, an appropriately skeptical attitude toward attributing all of the child’s problems to the direct medical effects of the illness, and a willingness to serve as the coordinator among the family, school, and health care team permits the child psychiatrist to play an important role in maximizing the child’s success in school and ultimately their positive adaptation to life in general. This article discusses the effects of chronic medical illnesses or their treatments on children’s academic adaptation both as a primary effect through neurocognitive changes or as a secondary effect related to school absences, illness-induced stress, constraints on physical and social activities, or decreased expectations from family, school, and the health care team.
Dynamics and Collisional Evolution of Closely Packed Planetary Systems

High-multiplicity Kepler systems (referred to as Kepler multis) are often tightly packed and may be on the verge of instability. Many systems of this type could have experienced past instabilities, where the compact orbits and often low densities make physical collisions likely outcomes. We use numerical simulations to study the dynamical instabilities and planet-planet interactions in a synthetically generated sample of closely-packed, high-multiplicity systems. We focus specifically on systems resembling Kepler-11, a Kepler multi with six planets, and run a suite of dynamical integrations, sampling the initial orbital parameters around the nominal values reported in Lissauer et al. (2011a), finding that most of the realizations are unstable, resulting in orbit crossings and, eventually, collisions and mergers. We study in detail the dependence of stability on the orbital parameters of the planets and planet-pair characteristics to identify possible precursors to instability, compare the systems that emerge from dynamical instabilities to the observed Kepler sample (after applying observational corrections), and propose possible observable signatures of these instabilities. We examine the characteristics of each planet-planet collision, categorizing collisions by the degree of contact and collision energy, and find that grazing collisions are more common than direct impacts. Since the structure of many planets found in Kepler multis is such that the mass is dominated by a rocky core, but the volume is dominated by a low-density gaseous envelope, the sticky-sphere approximation may not be valid, and we present hydrodynamic calculations of planet-planet collisions clearly deviating from this approximation. Finally, we rerun a subset of our dynamical calculations using instead a modified prescription to handle collisions, finding, in general, higher multiplicity remnant systems.
Decreased environmental complexity during development impairs habituation of reinforcer effectiveness of sensory stimuli

Previous research has shown that rats reared in simple/impoverished environments demonstrate greater repetitive responding for sensory reinforcers (e.g., light onset). Moreover, the brains of these rats are abnormally developed, compared to brains of rats reared in more complex/enriched environments. Repetitive behaviors are commonly observed in individuals with developmental disorders. Some of these repetitive behaviors could be maintained by the reinforcing effects of the sensory stimulation that they produce. Therefore, rearing rats in impoverished conditions may provide an animal model for certain repetitive behaviors associated with developmental disorders. We hypothesize that in rats reared in simple/impoverished environments, the normal habituation process to sensory reinforcers is impaired, resulting in high levels of repetitive behaviors. We tested the hypothesis using an operant sensory reinforcement paradigm in rats reared in simple/impoverished (IC), standard laboratory (SC), and complex/enrichened conditions (EC, treatments including postnatal handling and environmental enrichment). Results show that the within-session habituation of the reinforcer effectiveness of light onset was slower in the IC and SC rats than in the EC rats. A dishabituation challenge indicated that within-session decline of responses was due to habituation and not motor fatigue or sensory adaptation. In conclusion, rearing rats in simple/impoverished environments, and comparing them to rats reared in more complex/enriched environments, may constitute a useful approach for studying certain repetitive behaviors associated with developmental disorders.
An Enhanced Smith Predictor Based Control System Using Feedback-feedforward Structure for Time-delay Processes

This paper presents enhanced Smith predictor based control systems (SPBCSs) for processes with a time-varying or fixed time delay. This work focuses on improving the arrangement and asynchrony of SPBCS components rather than the design of the predictor and the feedback controller, which have been well discussed in the literature. The proposed control system advances SPBCS through implementation of two design recommendations: (i) replacing the classical feedback controller by a feedback-feedforward control system, and (ii) synchronizing the reference signal and the predicted output. As a result, common shortcomings of SPBCSs or control systems based on Pade approximation, i.e . the trade-off between performance and steady-state error, and instability associated with non-minimum-phase systems do not exist in the proposed SPBCS. The superior performance of the proposed control system is demonstrated with two examples: temperature control of an infrared dryer (a system with fixed time-delay) and air-fuel ratio of a lean-burn spark-ignition engine (a system with time-varying delay and lag). The proposed control system is shown to clearly outperform the conventional SPBCS and Internal Model Control (IMC) PID based on Pade approximation for aforementioned examples and performs satisfactorily in the presence of noises, actuator saturations, and severe model inaccuracies.
Bolstering the Three Pillars of the Essential Architecture of the Massage Therapy Profession: An Interview with Glenn M. Hymel, EdD, LMT

As part of our interview editorial series, we bring forth a discussion with Dr. Glenn M. Hymel, the Founding Executive Editor of the International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. Dr. Hymel embodies the qualities set forth for the American Massage Therapy Association Dianne Polseno Lifetime Achievement Award, which he received in 2017. He has provided leadership and shown outstanding professionalism, and is a dedicated volunteer and a fervent advocate for research and education in the massage therapy profession. In this interview he discusses his massage therapy research, his interests, and his hopes for the future and the profession.
Tumor Angiogenesis Regulated by Gaseous Molecules in Tumor Microenvironment: Oxygen, pH, and Nitric Oxide

Hypoxia and acidosis are hallmarks of metabolic environment in solid tumors and regulate expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a key angiogenesis factor. We developed a novel in vivo microscopy technique to simultaneously measure VEGF promoter activity, pO2 and pH. To monitor VEGF expression in vivo, we engineered human glioma cells that express green fluorescent protein (GFP) under the control of VEGF promoter. Tissue pO2 and pH were determined by phosphorescence quenching microscopy and ratio imaging microscopy, respectively. These techniques have allowed us to show that VEGF transcription in brain tumors is regulated by tissue pO2 and pH via distinct pathways. Nitric oxide (NO) is a multi functional gaseous molecule and regulates various physiological functions. We have shown that NO mediates vessel tone, blood flow, vascular permeability and leukocyte-endothelial interactions in solid tumors. Furthermore, we found that endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) plays predominant role in VEGF-induced angiogenesis and vascular permeability using angiogenic gel model in NOS deficient mice. These findings and the resulting mechanistic insights in the regulation of angiogenesis by gaseous molecules have significant implications for novel tumor detection and treatment strategies.
Frequency and Amplitude Dependence of the Effect of a Weak Oscillating Field on Biological Systems

The frequency and amplitude dependences of the average rate of a reaction catalyzed by a membrane enzyme in a weak oscillating electric field are given. The average rate is a sum of Lorentz curves whose characteristic frequencies are the inverse relaxation times of the kinetic system. The amplitudes of the Lorentzians are quadratic in the field strength. Since the amplitudes can be either positive or negative, the average rate can have a variety of shapes including frequency windows. The theoretical expressions are compared with published experimental ion-transport rates catalyzed by membrane enzymes in erythrocytes and in plant protoplasts. This provides a powerful method for determining the kinetic parameters of an electrically-sensitive enzyme from measurements of the average rate of a catalyzed reaction—even when the relaxation times are much shorter than the time required for the measurements.
Dynamics of HRM Practices and Organizational Performance: Quest for Strategic Effectiveness in Pakistani Organizations

Purpose: Effectiveness of HRM strategy and practices is not established in public organizations of Pakistan. Getting the best and desired outcome is the gap and has been a point of concern for organizations in Pakistan irrespective of size and sector. Purpose of this conceptual paper is to typify different approaches of HRM and look for best fit HRM model to implement effectiveness of HRM practices and generate desired organizational performance in local conditions of developing countries. Design/Methodology/Approach: The literature on three famous HR approaches and models was reviewed and a best fit HRM model is proposed that postulates mutually dependent relationship between HRM practices and organizational performance that aims to maximize the effectiveness of HRM practices. Need is recognized for developing trusted relationship between management and employees in Pakistani organizations. Findings: The paper presents a conceptual trust-oriented HRM model that takes into account the Pakistani mindset that is inconsistent at one time and vibrant at the same time. This research study provides a framework for HR specialists to create and sustain networks and connections with people in a more trusted environment. Limitations and Future Research Directions: Being conceptual, the paper is based on a model developed by this study from literature review. This study feels the need of testing this model in future research. The ideas put forward by this research study are likely to be carried by other studies in near future. Originality/value: The paper is original in its attempt to emphasize trusted relationship between management and employee on Pakistani concepts of human resources.
Gaze-Based Attention-Aware Cyberlearning Technologies

Over a century of cognitive psychology has taught us that attention plays a central role in cognition, especially in learning. Accordingly, the central thesis of this chapter is that next-generation learning technologies should include mechanisms to model and respond to learners’ attentional states. As a step in this direction, this chapter proposes a macro-theoretic framework that encompasses various forms of overt and covert states of attention (e.g., alternative vs. divided attention) and inattention (e.g., zone outs vs. tune outs). It then provides examples of three attention-aware cyberlearning technologies that utilize eye tracking as a window into learners’ attentional states. The first of these is GazeTutor, which uses eye movements to detect overt inattentional lapses and attempts to redirect attention with a set of gaze-reactive dialogue moves. The second system address more covert forms of inattention by using eye movements to detect instances of mind wandering and responding with interpolated questions, self-explanations, and re-reading opportunities. The third example attempts to graduate such technologies from the lab into real-world classrooms by using consumer-off-the-shelf eye trackers as entire classes of students individually interact with a cyberlearning technology. The chapter concludes by suggesting key next-steps for the field of attentional-aware cyberlearning.
The effect of ozone addition on combustion: Kinetics and dynamics

Abstract Ozone addition is a promising method to enhance and control combustion and ignition processes. It can be produced efficiently at atmospheric or elevated pressure conditions and its lifetime is sufficiently long to allow for remote production and transport to reaction zones. Over the past decades, the effect of ozone addition on ignition and combustion processes has been extensively studied from bench top fundamental burners to practical internal combustion engines. Ozone has shown the capability to accelerate ignition and control ignition timing, enhance flame propagation, improve flame stabilization, pre-process fuel to modify emission and reactivity characteristics, and reduce certain pollutant formation. Such enhancement is closely related to ozone chemistry, especially the decomposition of ozone to produce atomic oxygen and the rapid exothermic ozonolysis reactions with unsaturated hydrocarbons. The former requires elevated temperature to release atomic oxygen and initiate fuel/atomic oxygen reactions typically in the preheat zone, while the latter initiates low temperature (even room temperature) direct fuel/ozone reactions. These findings provide new opportunities in the development of strategies to enhance and control combustion/ignition processes. This article provides a comprehensive review of the basic principles of ozone enhanced reactive processes, including fundamental ozone chemistry, ozone generation and quantification, and the progress in the study of ozone addition in combustion systems.
Knowledge and perceptions of Zika virus transmission in the community of Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.

Zika virus is associated with increased cases of both microcephaly and Guillain-Barre syndrome. Community knowledge, perceptions and practices to prevent infection with the Zika virus are not well understood, particularly among high risk populations living in resource-poor and Zika-endemic areas. Our objective was to assess knowledge of symptoms, health effects and prevention practices associated with Zika virus in rural communities on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic. Study participants were contacted while attending community events such as free medical clinics and invited to be interviewed regarding their knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of Zika virus using the World Health Organization’s Zika survey tool. Of the 75 Dominicans that participated, 33% did not know who could become infected with Zika. In addition, only 40% of respondents were able to identify mosquitoes or sexual transmission as the primary routes of infection though 51% of respondents thought that Zika was an important issue in their community. This study found that general knowledge regarding the basic risks and transmission of Zika were not well understood among a sample of rural Dominicans. Our findings highlight disparities in knowledge and perception of risk from Zika in rural areas compared to previous studies conducted in the Dominican Republic. Education about the basic risks and transmission of Zika are critically needed in these remote populations to reduce Zika transmission.
The Association of Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment With Intensity of Treatment Among Patients Presenting to the Emergency Department.

Study objective Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) forms are intended to help prevent the provision of unwanted medical interventions among patients with advanced illness or frailty who are approaching the end of life. We seek to evaluate how POLST form completion, treatment limitations, or both influence intensity of treatment among patients who present to the emergency department (ED). Methods This was a retrospective cohort study of adults who presented to the ED at an academic medical center in Oregon between April 2015 and October 2016. POLST form completion and treatment limitations were the main exposures. Primary outcome was hospital admission; secondary outcomes included ICU admission and a composite measure of aggressive treatment. Results A total of 26,128 patients were included; 1,769 (6.8%) had completed POLST forms. Among patients with POLST, 52.1% had full treatment orders, and 6.4% had their forms accessed before admission. POLST form completion was not associated with hospital admission (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=0.97; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.84 to 1.12), ICU admission (aOR=0.82; 95% CI 0.55 to 1.22), or aggressive treatment (aOR=1.06; 95% CI 0.75 to 1.51). Compared with POLST forms with full treatment orders, those with treatment limitations were not associated with hospital admission (aOR=1.12; 95% CI 0.92 to 1.37) or aggressive treatment (aOR=0.87; 95% CI 0.5 to 1.52), but were associated with lower odds of ICU admission (aOR=0.31; 95% CI 0.16 to 0.61). Conclusion Among patients presenting to the ED with POLST, the majority of POLST forms had orders for full treatment and were not accessed by emergency providers. These findings may partially explain why we found no association of POLST with treatment intensity. However, treatment limitations on POLST forms were associated with reduced odds of ICU admission. Implementation and accessibility of POLST forms are crucial when considering their effect on the provision of treatment consistent with patients’ preferences.
Communicating policy information in a partisan environment: the importance of causal policy narratives in political persuasion

Public opinion is frequently formed in an environment of both partisan signals and other types of policy information. How do people form opinions in such an environment? Much of the literature sugg...
Unequal Associations between Educational Attainment and Occupational Stress across Racial and Ethnic Groups.

Background: Although other mechanisms are also involved, at least one reason high educational attainment (EA) is associated with better health is lower employment stress in individuals with high EA. Minorities’ Diminished Returns, however, refer to the smaller protective health effects of EA for racial- and ethnic-minority individuals, particularly African Americans (AAs) and Hispanics, as compared to Whites. We are, however, not aware of many studies that have explored differential associations between EA and work-related stress across racial and ethnic groups. Aims: We aimed to compare racial and ethnic groups for the association between EA and occupational stress in a national sample of American adults. Methods: The National Health Interview Survey (NHIS 2015), a cross-sectional survey, included 15,726 employed adults. Educational attainment was the independent variable. Occupational stress was the outcome. Race and ethnicity were the moderators. Age, gender, number of jobs, and years in the job were the covariates. Results: Overall, higher EA was associated with lower levels of occupational stress. Race and ethnicity both interacted with EA, suggesting that the association between high EA and reduced occupational stress is systemically smaller for AAs and Hispanics than it is for Whites. Conclusions: In the United States, race and ethnicity limit the health gains that follow EA. While EA helps individuals avoid environmental risk factors, such as occupational stress, this is more valid for non-Hispanic Whites than AAs and Hispanics. The result is additional physical and mental health risks in highly educated AAs and Hispanics. The results are important, given racial and ethnic minorities are the largest growing section of the US population. We should not assume that EA is similarly protective across all racial and ethnic groups. In this context, EA may increase, rather than reduce, health disparities.
In Defence of No Best World

Recent work in the philosophy of religion has resurrected Leibniz’s idea that there is a best possible world, perhaps ours. In particular, Klaas Kraay’s [2010] construction of a theistic multiverse...
Resection margin histology may predict intermediate-term outcomes in children with rectosigmoid Hirschsprung disease

Recent studies suggest that some of the post-surgical morbidity in Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) is due to enteric nervous system structural defects in the proximal, ganglionated bowel that remains after surgery. We hypothesized that resection margin histology would predict intermediate-term outcomes in HSCR patients. Following IRB approval, HSCR patients with rectosigmoid disease born between 2009 and 2016 were reviewed and tissue blocks were obtained for new analyses. Proximal resection margins were analyzed for ganglion size, Hu + neurons/ganglion, and % nitric oxide synthase (NOS) neurons/ganglion as compared to control (non-HSCR) patient samples. Chart reviews were performed for 1- and 2-year outcomes. Patients were contacted for survey to determine Rintala bowel function score. 45 patients had recto-sigmoid disease and were further analyzed. HSCR patients had significantly smaller individual ganglion size (4533 μm2, range 1744–16,287 vs. 6492 μm2, range 1932–30,838, p = 0.0192) and fewer HuC/D + neurons per ganglion (15, range 5.2–34 vs. 21, range 5.2–6.7, p = 0.0214). HSCR patients demonstrated a markedly increased percentage of NOS (relaxation neurotransmitter) neurons (50, range 22–85 vs. 37, range 16–80, p = 0.0266). None of the histology measures correlated with presence/absence of constipation at 1–2 year follow-up (p = NS). However, smaller ganglion size and higher percentage of NOS neurons correlated with decreased patient-reported quality of life (r = 0.3838, r = − 0.1809). 1–2 year follow-up may be insufficient to determine if resection margin histology correlates with outcomes. Patient-reported quality of life surveys, although limited in number, suggest that neurotransmitter imbalance at the resection margin may predict poor outcomes in HSCR patients. This study supports the concept that the ganglionated portion of the remaining colon post-surgery may not sustain normal bowel function.
Enhancing head and helmet-mounted displays using a virtual pixel technology

Head and helmet-mounted displays utilize pixels to display a digitized approximation of the real world. These displays must have a higher pixel density (as compared to a monitor or projected image) to create the same level of perceived resolution. This paper proposes a virtual pixel technology which incorporates a virtual pixel creation function. Each physical pixel’s configuration is based on the virtual pixels that it contributes to, allowing lower pixel density display hardware to produce the approximation of a higher pixel density. The paper provides an overview of the proposed technology and how it is applicable to head/helmet-mounted displays and considerations related thereto.
Magnesium ocular injury – A case report

Abstract Common agents described in ocular chemical and thermal injuries include cleaning agents, fertilizers, refrigerants, cement, preservatives, and fireworks. Visual prognosis is dependent on the concentration, quantity, and pH of the chemical involved as well as the timing and efficacy of treatment. Here we report a case of severe ocular alkali injury in effort to bring attention to the need for early recognition during the advanced burn life support evaluation. The patient is a 22-year-old factory worker who sustained 29.5% partial and full thickness burns while carrying a bucket of powdered magnesium. The magnesium contacted water and ignited onto his face, trunk, and arms. He was initially evaluated in a rural setting where he was immediately intubated and sedated prior to transfer to the regional burn center. Attention was paid to extremity and trunk injuries, however, ocular evaluation and irrigation was not performed until his arrival at the burn center, approximately 6 h later. At that point, he was found to have molten magnesium adhered to bilateral corneas. The patient unfortunately sustained irreversible ocular injury despite amniotic membrane grafts. Awareness of the importance of ocular evaluation during burn resuscitation must be raised in tertiary care centers, emergency medicine, and burn center communities.