cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Partial Portal Decompression on Portal Blood Flow and Effective Hepatic Blood Flow in Man: A Prospective Study

Abstract With the advent of transjugular intrahepatic portasystemic stent shunt and the wider application of the surgically placed small diameter prosthetic H-graft portacaval shunt (HGPCS), partial portal decompression in the treatment of portal hypertension has received increased attention. The clinical results supporting the use of partial portal decompression are its low incidence of variceal rehemorrhage due to decreased portal pressures and its low rate of hepatic failure, possibly due to maintenance of blood flow to the liver. Surprisingly, nothing is known about changes in portal hemodynamics and effective hepatic blood flow following partial portal decompression. To prospectively evaluate changes in portal hemodynamics and effective hepatic blood flow brought about by partial portal decompression, the following were determined in seven patients undergoing HGPCS: intraoperative pre- and postshunt portal vein pressures and portal vein-inferior vena cava pressure gradients, intraoperative pre- and postshunt portal vein flow, and pre- and postoperative effective hepatic blood flow. With HGPCS, portal vein pressures and portal vein-inferior vena cava pressure gradients decreased significantly, although portal pressures remained above normal. In contrast to the significant decreases in portal pressures, portal vein blood flow and effective hepatic blood flow do not decrease significantly. Changes in portal vein pressures and portal vein-inferior vena cava pressure gradients are great when compared to changes in portal vein flow and effective hepatic blood flow. Reduction of portal hypertension with concomitant maintenance of hepatic blood flow may explain why hepatic dysfunction is avoided following partial portal decompression.
PKCθ Synergizes with TLR-Dependent TRAF6 Signaling Pathway to Upregulate MUC5AC Mucin via CARMA1

CARD-containing MAGUK protein 1 (CARMA1) plays a crucial role in regulating adaptive immune responses upon T-cell receptor (TCR) activation in T cells. Its role in regulating host mucosal innate immune response such as upregulation of mucin remains unknown. Here we show that CARMA1 acts as a key signaling mediator for synergistic upregulation of MUC5AC mucin by bacterium nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) and phorbol ester PMA in respiratory epithelial cells. NTHi-induced TLR-dependent TRAF6-MKK3-p38 MAPK signaling pathway synergizes with PKCθ-MEK-ERK signaling pathway. CARMA1 plays a crucial role in mediating this synergistic effect via TRAF6, thereby resulting in synergistic upregulation of MUC5AC mucin. Thus our study unveils a novel role for CARMA1 in mediating host mucosal innate immune response.
Bone resorption restored in osteopetrotic mice by transplants of normal bone marrow and spleen cells

Capacity to resorb bone and calcified cartilage was restored permanently in mice with inherited osteopetrosis by the intravenous administration of cell suspensions prepared from spleen and bone marrow of normal littermates. Beginning near active growth plates as early as 2 weeks after transplantation, replacement of the abnormal spongiosa continued until medullary cavitites were fully expanded.
A factor analytic study of influences on patterns of help-seeking among treated and untreated alcohol dependent persons

Influences on seeking help from professional alcohol treatment and from Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) were investigated using problem drinkers (N = 167) with different help-seeking experiences (no assistance, AA only, or treatment plus AA) and current drinking statuses (sustained abstinence for > 2 years or active problem drinking). Depending on their help-seeking experiences, participants rated barriers to or reasons for seeking help from treatment and AA, which were factor analyzed. Common impediments to help-seeking included privacy concerns and participants' beliefs that they could solve their problem on their own and that it was not serious enough to seek help. Common reasons for help-seeking included social and other functional problems related to drinking. There were also influences unique to treatment (e.g., cost) and to AA (e.g., group format). Help-seeking factors did not vary by drinking status. The implications for increasing help-seeking among problem drinkers are discussed.
An application of order restricted inference methodology to a problem in psychiatry

Using data which reflects upon the genetic makeup of patients, Cadoret, Woolson and Winokur (1977) test two theories regarding the genetic makeup of patients suffering from unipolar affective disorder. This hypothesis test is a good example of a problem in order restricted inference. Using some recently developed techniques in order restricted inference we analyze these data and compare the analyses.
All-electron LCGTO calculations for uranium dioxide

The linear combinations of Gaussian-type orbitals–fitting function (LCGTO-FF) technique is used to study the zero-pressure properties of crystalline uranium dioxide, a prototypical heavy element bearing Mott–Hubbard insulator. The effects of several common approximations are examined: (1) scalar vs. full relativity; (2) paramagnetic vs. spin polarized; and (3) local density approximation (LDA) vs. generalized-gradient approximation (GGA). UO2 is incorrectly predicted to be a metal for all approximations considered here, as expected for a Mott–Hubbard insulator. The lattice constant and bulk modulus obtained using the highest level approximations are, however, in excellent agreement with experiment. This suggests that the strong correlation effects that are generally believed to produce the observed band gap do not have a significant impact on the binding properties of UO2, contrary to the results of recent LDA+U calculations. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Quant Chem 80: 824–830, 2000
Hypnosis in film and television.

Abstract When a hypnotist appears on screen, expect evil. If his induction features ‘magnetic’ hand passes, he's probably about to compel someone to commit a crime. If he hypnotizes with an intense stare, his intent is likelier seduction—in fact many screen inductions are identical to the eye contact ethologists have labeled “the copulatory gaze.” This paper explores to role of hypnosis in more than 230 films in which it has been depicted and categorizes the—mostly negative—stereotypes about it. A handful of exceptions in which hypnosis is positive and/or realistic are examined. The discussion compares this to the role of psychotherapy and dreams in cinema. It discusses why hypnosis is so maligned and whether there is anything practitioners can do to alter the stereotype.
Morbidity, mortality and diet as indicators of physical and economic adaptation among Bolivian migrants

Abstract Bolivian peasants are migrating from marginal farming areas in the highlands to newly accessible settlement areas in the tropical lowlands. Local census health data and a community nutrition survey indicate that the migrants have a better diet and participate more in the market economy than do peasants in the highlands, but probably at the expense of a higher toddler mortality rate among their children.
The specific cross-linking of two proteins from the Escherichia coli 30 s ribosomal subunit

Abstract The reaction of Escherichia coli 30 s ribosomal subunits with any one of the three different N,N′ -phenylenedimaleimides (1,2-, 1,3- or 1,4- ) leads to the rapid and nearly quantitative cross-linking of two specific proteins, S18 and S21, of this subunit. Both of these proteins contain exposed sulfhydryl groups through which the cross-linking is presumed to occur. With all three of the reagents the reaction is irreversible and is 80% complete in one minute at 37 °C, and about 95% or more in ten minutes. The cross-linked product has been identified by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and its molecular weight estimated to be very nearly equal to the sum of the molecular weights of proteins S18 and S21. Based on an examination by one-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis no other proteins on either the 30 s or 50 s subunits, or the 70 s ribosome, are crosslinked to any detectable degree with any of these reagents. The results suggest that proteins S18 and S21 are perhaps located adjacent to each other and at, or near, the surface of the 30 s subunit.
Lower bound on neutrino pair emission

Weak neutral currents affect the rates with which stars lose energy by emitting neutrino pairs. These rates can be calculated once the parameters of the underlying theory are fixed. Here we show that any new gauge theory will have a minimum rate, equal to half the old rate. The proof rests on the (assumed) μe universality of neutral currents. We also speculate on the possible existence of new types of neutrinos which may considerably enhance stellar cooling. The minimum becomes ((n+1)(n+2)) times the old rate, where n=number of new neutrinos.
Long-term sensory deprivation prevents dendritic spine loss in primary somatosensory cortex

In the cerebral cortex of humans and other mammals, rapid synapse formation during early postnatal life is followed by a substantial loss of synapses through adolescence and into adulthood. The mechanisms that underlie this phenomenon are unknown. It is generally believed that experience leads to an increase in the number of synapses and that's certainly true in early postnatal life but a study in young adolescent mice paints a very different picture. Long-term sensory deprivation increased dendritic spine numbers (hence synaptic links) by reducing the rate of spine elimination. At distinct stages of life it seems that the more experience one has, the more synapses will be lost in the brain. These results emphasize the importance of childhood experience in sculpting neuronal connectivity while the brain is up to the task. A substantial decrease in the number of synapses occurs in the mammalian brain from the late postnatal period until the end of life1,2,3,4,5. Although experience plays an important role in modifying synaptic connectivity6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17, its effect on this nearly lifelong synapse loss remains unknown. Here we used transcranial two-photon microscopy to visualize postsynaptic dendritic spines in layer I of the barrel cortex in transgenic mice expressing yellow fluorescent protein. We show that in young adolescent mice, long-term sensory deprivation through whisker trimming prevents net spine loss by preferentially reducing the rate of ongoing spine elimination, not by increasing the rate of spine formation. This effect of deprivation diminishes as animals mature but still persists in adulthood. Restoring sensory experience after adolescent deprivation accelerates spine elimination. Similar to sensory manipulation, the rate of spine elimination decreases after chronic blockade of NMDA (N-methyl-d-aspartate) receptors with the antagonist MK801, and accelerates after drug withdrawal. These studies of spine dynamics in the primary somatosensory cortex suggest that experience plays an important role in the net loss of synapses over most of an animal's lifespan, particularly during adolescence.
AKT and PAX3-FKHR cooperation enforces myogenic differentiation blockade in alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma cell.

The chimeric PAX3-FKHR transcription factor is present in a majority of alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMS), an aggressive skeletal muscle cancer of childhood. PAX3-FKHR-mediated aberrant myogenic gene expression resulting in escape from terminal differentiation program is believed to contribute in ARMS development. In skeletal muscle differentiation, activation of AKT pathway leads to myogenic gene activation and terminal differentiation. Here, we report that AKT acts, in part, by modulating PAX3-FKHR transcriptional activity via phosphorylation in the maintenance of the myogenic differentiation blockade in established mouse models of ARMS cells. We observed that low levels of AKT activity are associated with elevated levels of PAX3-FKHR transcriptional activity, and AKT hyperactivation results in PAX3-FKHR phosphorylation coupled with decreased activity once cells are under differentiation-permissible conditions. Subsequent data shows that attenuated AKT activity-associated PAX3-FKHR activity is required to suppress the function of MyoD, a key myogenic regulator of muscle differentiation. Conversely, decreased PAX3-FKHR activity results in the eradication of MyoD expression and subsequent suppression of the myogenic differentiation. Thus, AKT regulation of the PAX3-FKHR suppresses myogenic gene expression in ARMS cells, causing a failure in differentiation. Evidence is presented that provides a novel molecular link between AKT and PAX3-FKHR in maintaining myogenic differentiation blockade in ARMS.
Robot motion planning with uncertainty in the geometric models of the robot and environment: A formal framework for error detection and recovery

This paper addresses robot motion planning with uncertainty in sensing, control, and the geometric models of the robot and environment. To this end, a formal framework for error detection and recovery is proposed.
Studies of duplex (Copper-coated) wires for use in intrauterine devices

The observation that copper wires wound onto intrauterine devices occasionally fragment after prolonged in vivo use led us to develop and study duplex wires. These duplex wires provide an exposed active surface of copper plated onto an inert inner core to maintain structural integrity. The intrauterine dissolution rates of copper from such a duplex wire was independent of whether stainless steel, Inconel, or Tophet-M was used as the core and did not differ from the rate measured using pure copper wire. The effects of these several wires on the uterus and the surface changes produced by the biological environment were studied and no differences were detected. It appears that IUDs could be wound with such a duplex wire to provide improved fragmentation resistance as compared with pure copper wire.
Predictive source coding techniques using maximum likelihood prediction for compression of digitized images

A predictive compression technique is examined, using maximum likelihood prediction of the image pixel based on the Markov mesh model, that encodes the differences via Gordon block-bit-plane (GBBP) encoding. The procedure is very efficient in that it requires a bit rate near the entropy of the source. For images with many quantization levels, maximum likelihood prediction can be cumbersome to implement. Thus, a suboptimal procedure called differential bit-plane coding (DBPC) is investigated. This is easily implemented, even for a large number of quantization levels, and is reasonably efficient.
A three-dimensional study of metal grains in equilibrated, ordinary chondrites

Metal particles in Guarena (H6), Colby (L6) and St. Severin (LL6) were studied by optical microscopy and by electron microprobe analysis. Observations from successive polished sections through the metal particles show that kamacite and taenite grains, which often appear to be isolated particles, are connected directly or by intervening sulfides. Also tetrataenite rims are widest when adjacent to sulfide or kamacite. These observations indicate that transfer of Ni during cooling when kamacite-taenite phase growth takes place does not occur through the silicate phases but proceeds through metal and sulfide phases or along grain boundaries. By utilizing the central Ni content of taenite grains from successive sections, metallographic cooling rates were determined more precisely than by using one arbitrary section. Cooling rates determined in this manner for Guarena, Colby, and St. Severin are 4.3 K, 4.0 K, and 1.0 K per million years, respectively.
Atmospheric attenuation length for relativistic solar protons

We compute the mean attenuation length lambda(f) in earth's atmosphere for the protons produced in the solar flare of 29 September, 1989. We use data obtained with three pairs of neutron monitors. The detectors in the pair have very similar values of the geomagnetic vertical cutoff rigidity R(0) and overlapping asymptotic cones of acceptance but they differ in terms of the altitudes of the observing sites. We apply the Wilson et al. (1967) method to compute the values of lambda(f) for the three representative pairs which cover a range of solar proton rigidities. The computed mean values of lambda(f) are significantly larger than the consensus value of (100 +/- 5) g/sq cm reported in the literature. Also, they exhibit a linear correlation with R(0).
Some Limitations of the Case Method: Experiences in a Management Development Program

The case method as used by faculty “stars” in a management development program may (1) facilitate learning that does not question the underlying values of executives or the policies of their organizations and (2) inhibit the learning that would enable the executives to question these basic factors and to improve the application of new learning in the home organization.
Embedding New IT Artifacts into Design Practice for Knowledge Creation

Designers create knowledge through interaction with artifacts in their environment. Information systems literature addresses how IT artifacts are embedded in practice, and how new IT artifacts are accepted and adapted. However, there is little attention to the processes that enable new IT artifacts to become embedded in practice when existing IT artifacts are already entrenched in design activity. Knowledge-creating design practice involves intimate cognitive relationships between designers and artifacts, and it is no trivial task to migrate invested knowledge from existing artifacts that are embedded in practice to new artifacts which take time to master in order to create knowledge. Using an in-depth case study of Frank Gehry, a world-renown and radically innovative architect, we illustrate four phenomena associated with the embedding of a new, fundamentally more complex computer-aided design system into the practice of designers: (1) motivating the new artifact; (2) anchoring the new artifact in the old; (3) building trust in the new artifact; (4) unlearning past practices
The neurobiology of stress and gastrointestinal disease

The role of stress in the modulation of the most common gastrointestinal disorders has traditionally been considered a domain of psychology, and has frequently been lumped together with the role of psychiatric comorbidity. Among clinicians, the term “stress” is generally taken as synonymous with psychological (“exteroceptive”) stress. Based on the deeply ingrained Cartesian view in medicine and gastroenterology, stress and psychological factors have been considered fundamentally separate and unrelated to the “real” biological changes underlying organic disease. However, recent breakthroughs in the understanding of the neurobiology of the organism's response to acute and chronic stress, and the evolving understanding of elaborate brain-gut interactions and their modulation in health and disease, are beginning to require a reassessment of chronic stress in the pathophysiology and management not only of functional but also of “organic” gastrointestinal disorders. Certain stressful life events have been associated with the onset or symptom exacerbation in some of the most common chronic disorders of the digestive system, including functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGD), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), and peptic ulcer disease (PUD). Even though methodological differences in reported studies which do and do not support such an association remain to be resolved, the association of sustained stressful life events preceding symptom exacerbation is based on several well designed surveys in patients with FGD,1-4with post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome (IBS),4 and with IBD.5-8 In addition, acute life threatening stress episodes in adult life (rape, post-traumatic stress syndrome) are an important risk factor in the development of functional gastrointestinal disorders.9 Finally, early life stress in the form of abuse plays a major role in the susceptibility of individuals to develop functional as well as IBD10-14 later in life. Thus, depending on the type of stressor, the lag time between the stressful event …
Optical Focusing in Scattering Media with Photoacoustic Wavefront Shaping (PAWS)

Optical focusing beyond superficial depths in biological tissue is challenging due to the strong optical scattering. We show by using photoacoustic signals as feedback for wavefront shaping, diffuse light can be focused in scattering media.
Atomic imaging and modeling of passivation, functionalization, and atomic layer deposition nucleation of the SiGe(001) surface via H 2 O 2 (g) and trimethylaluminum dosing

Abstract Passivation, functionalization, and atomic layer deposition (ALD) via H2O2(g) and trimethylaluminum (TMA) dosing were studied on the clean Si0.6Ge0.4(001) surface at the atomic level using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and scanning tunneling spectroscopy (STS). Chemical analysis of the surface was performed with in-situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) while density functional theory (DFT) was employed to model the bonding of H2O2(g) chemisorbates to the substrate. A room temperature saturation dose of H2O2(g) covers the surface with a monolayer of OH and O chemisorbates. XPS and DFT demonstrate that the room temperature H2O2/SiGe surface is composed of only Ge OH and Ge O bonds while annealing induces an atomic layer exchange bringing Si to the surface to bond with OH or O while pushing Ge subsurface. The resulting Si OH and Si O surface is optimal because it can be used to nucleate high-k ALD and Si dangling bonds are readily passivated by forming gas. After H2O2(g) functionalization, TMA dosing, and a subsequent 230 °C anneal, ordering along the dimer row direction is observed on the surface. STS verifies that the TMA/H2O2/SiGe surface has an unpinned Fermi level with no states in the band gap demonstrating the ability to serve as an ideal template for further high-k deposition.
Caprine Arthritis-Encephalitis Virus Envelope Surface Glycoprotein Regions Interacting with the Transmembrane Glycoprotein: Structural and Functional Parallels with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 gp120

A sequence similarity between surface envelope glycoprotein (SU) gp135 of the lentiviruses maedi-visna virus and caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus (CAEV) and human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) gp120 has been described. The regions of sequence similarity are in the second and fifth conserved regions of gp120, and the similarity is highest in sequences coinciding with β-strands 4 to 8 and 25, which are located in the most virion-proximal region of the gp120 inner domain. A subset of this structure, formed by gp120 β-strands 4, 5, and 25, is conserved in most or all lentiviruses. Because of the orientation of gp120 on the virion, this highly conserved virion-proximal region of the gp120 core may interact with the transmembrane glycoprotein (TM) together with the amino and carboxy termini of full-length gp120. Therefore, interactions between SU and TM of lentiviruses may be structurally related. Here we tested whether the amino acid residues in the putative virion-proximal region of CAEV gp135 comprising putative β-strands 4, 5, and 25, as well as its amino and carboxy termini, are important for stable interactions with TM. An amino acid change at gp135 position 119 or 521, located in the turn between putative β-strands 4 and 5 and near β-strand 25, respectively, specifically disrupted the epitope recognized by monoclonal antibody 29A. Thus, similar to the corresponding gp120 regions, these gp135 residues are located in close proximity to each other in the folded protein, supporting the hypothesis of a structural similarity between the gp120 virion-proximal inner domain and gp135. Amino acid changes in the amino- and carboxy-terminal and putative virion-proximal regions of gp135 increased gp135 shedding from the cell surface, indicating that these gp135 regions are involved in interactions with TM. Our results indicate structural and functional parallels between CAEV gp135 and HIV-1 gp120 that may be more broadly applicable to the SU of other lentiviruses.
Time to onset of regional relaxation: feasibility, variability and utility of a novel index of regional myocardial function by strain rate imaging.

Abstract Objectives Time to onset of regional relaxation (TR) has been proposed as a novel index of regional myocardial function. This study sought to prospectively establish the feasibility and variability of TRin healthy volunteers (CONTROL) and to examine its utility in patients with inducible ischemia (PATIENT). Background Strain rate imaging (SRI) depicts myocardial deformation and enables quantitation of regional myocardial function with high temporal and spatial resolution. Thus, regional mechanical events can be accurately timed with SRI. The time point of regional transition from contraction to relaxation is altered in pathologic states. Methods Resting mean segmental TRwas determined in 60 subjects: 20 in the CONTROL group and 40 in the PATIENT group. TRwas also measured at peak dobutamine stress in the PATIENT group. An automated image analysis program determined the time point of transition from regional contraction to relaxation activity, and calculated TR, defined as the time, in milliseconds, from the electrocardiogram R-wave to this transition point. Results Automated TRmeasurements were feasible in more than 90% of the segments in CONTROL and PATIENT groups. Mean TRwas 353 ± 24 ms and was shorter in the mid segments compared to apical and basal segments. Intra- and interobserver variability were low (6% and 9%, respectively). In the PATIENT group, the percent decrease in TRduring dobutamine stress was significantly higher in normal compared to ischemic segments (30% vs. 19%, respectively, p = 0.01). A percent change >20% in TRidentified patients with an ischemic response during dobutamine infusion (sensitivity 92%, specificity 75%). Conclusions TR, a novel quantitative index of regional myocardial function, can be determined with low variability and satisfactory feasibility in routine clinical settings. Percent change in TRidentifies ischemic segments during dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) and may allow quantitative assessment of DSE.
IS PASSIVE SURVEILLANCE ALWAYS INSENSITIVE?AN EVALUATION OF SIIIGELLOSIS SURVEILLANCE IN OKLAHOMA

The authors studied the reporting of shigellosis in Oklahoma to evaluate the sensitivity of the state-based passive surveillance system for shigellosis. They found that passive surveillance for shigellosis can be more sensitive than has been previously observed. Laboratory-based reporting was found to be far superior to reporting by physicians.
Single-Component Routes to Perovsktte Phase Mixed Metal Oxides

Crystalline perovskite phase mixed metal oxides have been prepared at low temperatures from single-component mixed metal-organic precursors specifically designed for this purpose. Pyridine solutions of divalent metal α-hydroxycarboxylates of general empirical formula A(O2CMe2OH)2 where A = Pb, Ca, Sr, Ba; Me = methyl, react with metal alkoxide compounds such as B(OR')4, where B = Ti, Zr, Sn with the elimination of two equivalents of alcohol to form species with a fixed A:B stoichiometry of 1:1 according to the equation below. $$Eq1A(O_2C(CMe_2)OH)_2 + B(OR')_4 ---> A(O_2CCMe_2O)_2B(OR')_2 +2HOR$$ (1) Hydrolysis of these solutions with an excess of water results in homogeneous clear solutions from which white or pale yellow solids can be isolated, by evaporation of the volatile components in vacuo. Thermolysis at 350°C in O2 resulted in formation of crystalline perovskite phase products for the representative examples PbTiO3, PbZrO3, BaTiO3 CaTiO3 and BaSnO3. It is also demonstrated that non-integral stoichiometry phases can be prepared by reactions between controlled stoichiometric precursors. The crystalline phases PbZr0.52Ti0.48O3 and Ba0.6Sr0.4TiO3 were prepared at 350° C by the reactions of the appropriate amounts of the individual, 1:1 stoichiometric mixed metal intermediates A(O2CCR2O)2B(OR')2.
The keeping Fresh Storage Technology and Appraisae of Strawberry

By summarizing the research production of the keeping f re sh storage technology of strawberry in recent 20 years,the technology cost,degre e of difficulty,effect and application scope were compared.And the technology p attern of strawberry storage was put forward.
Jennifer Lee and Min Zhou's The Asian American Achievement Paradox

Why is an increasingly diverse American society simultaneously becoming more economically stratified? The dynamic and ever-shifting causes and consequences of rising income inequality demand that w...
Cognitive context detection using pupillary measurements

In this paper, we demonstrate the use of pupillary measurements as indices of cognitive workload. We analyze the pupillary data of twenty individuals engaged in a simulated Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) operation in order to understand and characterize the behavior of pupil dilation under varying task load (i.e., workload) levels. We present three metrics that can be employed as real-time indices of cognitive workload. In addition, we develop a predictive system utilizing the pupillary metrics to demonstrate cognitive context detection within simulated supervisory control of UAS. Further, we use pupillary data collected concurrently from the left and right eye and present comparative results of the use of separate vs. combined pupillary data for detecting cognitive context.
An algorithmic approach for creating diverse stochastic feeder datasets for power systems co-simulations

Performing co-simulation studies on transmission and distribution systems software environments requires linking the transmission system elements in the former with highly detailed distribution network models and probabilistic load models in the latter. This paper presents a two-step algorithm for: (i) creating a scalable distribution system in a bottom-up approach to match the connected load at the transmission system bus; and (ii) populating the distribution system with active power loads possessing time varying load profiles. We demonstrate an application of the algorithm by creating a detailed distribution topology populated with residential loads expanded from a selected transmission node in a standard test system. All codes are written using the Python coding environment.
Local flow topology and velocity gradient invariants in compressible turbulent mixing layer

The local flow topology is studied using the invariants of the velocity gradient tensor in compressible turbulent mixing layer via direct numerical simulation (DNS) data. The topological and dissipating behaviours of the flow are analysed in two different regions: in proximity of the turbulent/non-turbulent interface (TNTI), and inside the turbulent region. It is found that the distribution of various flow topologies in regions close to the TNTI differs from inside the turbulent region, and in these regions the most probable topologies are non-focal. In order to better understand the behaviour of different flow topologies, the probability distributions of vorticity norm, dissipation and rate of stretching are analysed in incompressible, compressed and expanded regions. It is found that the structures undergoing compression–expansion in axial–radial directions have the highest contraction rate in locally compressed regions, and in locally expanded regions the structures undergoing expansion–compression in axial–radial directions have the highest stretching rate. The occurrence probability of different flow topologies conditioned by the dilatation level is presented and it is shown that the structures in the locally compressed regions tend to have stable topologies while in locally expanded regions the unstable topologies are prevalent.
Social Science Pre-Service Teachers' Preparation to Teach About Asia: A Research Study

Asia is the world’s largest continent, both in terms of land mass and human population; yet, many of the schools in the United States still embrace a Eurocentric curriculum, and resultantly, U.S. citizens remain largely ignorant about topics pertaining to Asian nations including their geography, histories, politics, economics, religions, and cultures. The ignorance is particularly troubling considering the ever-increasing prominence that Asian nations play in global affairs. A crucial first step in broadening students’ knowledge about Asian topics would be to improve the preparation of pre-service teachers, due to the influence that teachers have in determining students’ educational experiences. Therefore, this phenomenological study sought to inquire about the shared experiences that a group of Social Science Education (SSE) seniors had, at a large public university located in the southeastern region of the United States, with regards to how they felt their program prepared them to teach accurately and confidently about topics and issues related to Asia. It was discovered that although the pre-service teachers within the SSE program expressed great confidence in the pedagogical skills they acquired through their teacher education program, they felt their lack of subject knowledge made them ill prepared to teach about Asian related content.
Toward Accurate and Efficient Feature Selection for Speaker Recognition on Wearables

Due to the user-interface limitations of wearable devices, voice-based interfaces are becoming more common; speaker recognition may then address the authentication requirements of wearable applications. Wearable devices have small form factor, limited energy budget and limited computational capacity. In this paper, we examine the challenge of computing speaker recognition on small wearable platforms, and specifically, reducing resource use (energy use, response time) by trimming the input through careful feature selections. For our experiments, we analyze four different feature-selection algorithms and three different feature sets for speaker identification and speaker verification. Our results show that Principal Component Analysis (PCA) with frequency-domain features had the highest accuracy, Pearson Correlation (PC) with time-domain features had the lowest energy use, and recursive feature elimination (RFE) with frequency-domain features had the least latency. Our results can guide developers to choose feature sets and configurations for speaker-authentication algorithms on wearable platforms.
The effect of family policies and public health initiatives on breastfeeding initiation among 18 high-income countries: a qualitative comparative analysis research design.

The objective of this study is to examine the effects of macro-level factors – welfare state policies and public health initiatives – on breastfeeding initiation among eighteen high-income countries. This study utilizes fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis methods to examine the combinations of conditions leading to both high and low national breastfeeding initiation rates among eighteen high-income countries. The most common pathway leading to high breastfeeding initiation is the combination of conditions including a high percentage of women in parliament, a low national cesarean section rate, and either low family spending, high rates of maternity leave, or high rates of women working part-time. The most common pathway leading to low breastfeeding initiation includes the necessary condition of low national adherence to the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative. This research suggests that there is a connection between broad level welfare state polices, public health initiatives, and breastfeeding initiation. Compliance with the WHO/UNICEF initiatives depends on welfare regime policies and overall support for women in both productive and reproductive labor.
Detection of fake online hotel reviews

Individuals use online reviews to make decisions about available products and services. In recent years, businesses and the research community have shown a great amount of interest in the identification of fake online reviews. Applying accurate algorithms to detect fake online reviews can protect individuals from spam and misinformation. We gathered filtered and unfiltered online reviews for several hotels in the Charleston area from yelp.com. We extracted part-of-speech features from the data set, applied three classification models, and compared accuracy results to related works.
Differences in segmental coordination and postural control in a multi-joint dance movement: développé arabesque.

Analysis of skill at multiple points on the learning continuum provides insight into how complex limb and postural organization is modified with extended practice. Dancers at three skill levels were compared performing a domain-specific movement (developpe arabesque) to identify motor control parameters underlying skill acquisition of a sequential multi-joint trunk and extremity movement. It was hypothesized that general organization would be similar between groups, but that segmental coordination and postural control would differ with skill level. Twenty-seven expert, advanced, and intermediate dancers performed six repetitions of an arabesque sequence with the right limb. Data were acquired with a five-camera motion analysis system. Differences between groups in pelvis and gesture limb displacement, joint coordination patterns, and variability were determined using ANOVA with post hoc comparisons where applicable. Subjects displayed similar movement organization and timing. Differences were found in postural pelvic control and intra- and inter-limb coordination. These differences were most apparent during the arabesque phase. Control of the pelvis appears to be a key area that requires prolonged practice to master.
Some Invariance Principles

This chapter deals with the asymptotic behavior of the partial sums of functionals of a Markov chain, and in part is an explanation of the central limit theorem for these processes. Markov (1906) introduced his chains in order to extend the central limit theorem; this chapter continues his program. Section 3 contains an arcsine law for functional processes. The invariance principles of Donsker (1951) and Strassen (1964), to be discussed in B & D, are extended to functional processes in Section 4. For an alternative treatment of some of these results, see (Chung, 1960, Section I.16).
The Relational Economy

In Buddhist philosophy, what really “is” are relations and processes. Things exist in a state of dependence on the relations that constitute them. The intrinsic worth of relationality, and the responsiveness of humans to this worth through gratitude, compassion and care, form the basis for ethics which permeates the ground of being. The insights of relationality extend to big, human-made and materially oriented institutions such as corporations and economies. Recognition of symmetric mutuality opens our thinking to ways in which co-workers might treat one another with respect. The recognition of asymmetric mutuality further opens up the possibility of thinking about relations of respect among people with different levels of power and different roles. Not all workers in an enterprise have equal abilities in leadership, inventiveness or finance. Enterprises can be structured in ways that take advantage of people’s different qualities of power, while still retaining a fundamental attitude of mutuality.
Exploring the Unique Characteristics of LSPR Biosensing

Plasmonic biosensors based on the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of metal nanoparticles have been developed using both nanoparticle arrays and single nanoparticles. We introduce LSPR biosensing by describing the initial experiments performed using both model systems and disease biomarkers. LSPR shift-enhancement methods, exploitation of the short electromagnetic field decay length, and single nanoparticle sensors are discussed as pathways to further exploit the strengths of LSPR biosensing. Coupling molecular identification to LSPR spectroscopy is a significant aspect of biosensing. Therefore, examples from surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy and laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry are provided. This chapter highlights examples which emphasize the unique characteristics of LSPR biosensing.
Improving service encounters through resource sensitivity: The case of health care delivery in an Appalachian community

Pierre Bourdieu's work on the political economy of symbolic power is particularly relevant to marketing and public policy aimed at ameliorating consumer vulnerability and persistent social inequiti...
Real-world outcomes of genetic testing in a GU genetics clinic and evaluation of current guidelines.

668Background: Several known hereditary cancer syndromes confer an increased risk for genitourinary (GU)-related malignancies. Various guidelines indicate when to refer patients to genetic counseli...
NSF's support for education and training of the optics and photonics workforce

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is committed to creating an educated and skilled workforce in optics and photonics at all levels from K-12 students to Associate Degrees and PhDs through a variety of decentralized funding opportunities as described in this paper and associated presentation. NSF has special funding mechanisms for teachers through the Research Experiences for Teachers (RET) program and for undergraduate students through the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program. NSF reaches out to community colleges to support a variety of associate-level programs for technicians through its Advanced Technology Education (ATE) program. Lastly through multi-institutional and multidisciplinary ten-year investments via the Engineering Research Centers (ERC) program, NSF is preparing a cadre of next-generation optics and photonics engineers and scientists with the technical knowledge and entrepreneurial skills to address critical global challenges and to succeed in a competitive and interconnected world.
Dual-Mode Operation and Transition in Axisymmetric Scramjets

Dual-mode operation and mode transition are experimentally investigated in optical axisymmetric scramjets in Mach 4.5 flows. The axisymmetric scramjet emphasizes generic combustion and flameholding...
Lateral and Inferior Implant Malposition in Prosthetic Breast Reconstruction: Incidence and Risk Factors

Implant malposition is one of the most common causes for revision after prosthetic breast reconstruction. There is a paucity of research on the incidence, etiology and risk factors for implant malposition in this setting. Methods Retrospective review of a single surgeon's prosthetic breast reconstructions was performed. Variables collected included age, BMI, radiation, chemotherapy, implant characteristics and malposition location (inferior or lateral). Binary logistic regression identified risk factors for malposition. Chi-square test assessed malposition rate as a function of implant volume to BMI subgroups. Results Of 836 breasts, 82 (9.8%) exhibited implant malposition. Risk factors for any malposition were older age (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.02-1.07), BMI<25 (OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.00-2.70) and bilateral reconstruction (OR 13.41, 95% CI 8.50-21.16). Risk factors for inferior malposition were older age (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01-1.06), BMI<25 (OR 3.43, 95% CI 1.88-6.26) and bilateral reconstructions (OR 11.50, 95% CI 6.79-19.49), while risk factors for lateral malposition were only older age (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.02-1.08) and bilateral reconstructions (OR 7.08, 95% CI 4.09-12.26). Post-mastectomy radiation was protective against lateral malposition (OR 0.30, 95% CI 0.10-0.88). Stratification by implant volume and BMI demonstrated patient subgroups with distinct patterns of malposition (incidence 0.0% versus 10.9%, P = 0.001). Conclusions This is the first study to identify risk factors for implant malposition after prosthetic breast reconstruction. Different risk factors contributed to malposition in different directions. The effect of implant size on malposition was mediated through BMI, highlighting the interplay of implant and patient characteristics with respect to malposition.
Overview of Quantitative Methodologies to Understand Antimicrobial Resistance via Minimum Inhibitory Concentration

The development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents a significant threat to humans and food animals. The use of antimicrobials in human and veterinary medicine may select for resistant bacteria, resulting in increased levels of AMR in these populations. As the threat presented by AMR increases, it becomes critically important to find methods for effectively interpreting minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) tests. Currently, a wide array of techniques for analyzing these data can be found in the literature, but few guidelines for choosing among them exist. Here, we examine several quantitative techniques for analyzing the results of MIC tests and discuss and summarize various ways to model MIC data. The goal of this review is to propose important considerations for appropriate model selection given the purpose and context of the study. Approaches reviewed include mixture models, logistic regression, cumulative logistic regression, and accelerated failure time-frailty models. Important considerations in model selection include the objective of the study (e.g., modeling MIC creep vs. clinical resistance), degree of censoring in the data (e.g., heavily left/right censored vs. primarily interval censored), and consistency of testing parameters (e.g., same range of concentrations tested for a given antibiotic).
Variation in Incoming Academic Preparation: Consequences for Minority and First-Generation Students

Recent efforts to promote diversity in the sciences, technology, engineering and math (STEM) disciplines include widening access to colleges and universities for capable but academically underprepared students. Equally important in these efforts is to provide students with support after acceptance, particularly in large, introductory STEM courses. We found that under-represented minority students and first-generation college attendees underperformed relative to their peers across STEM courses, and incoming preparation was the chief culprit in explaining these academic performance gaps, even after controlling for social psychological factors. We conclude that institutions should reconsider how they provision underprepared students with opportunities to excel in STEM. To address the variation in incoming academic preparation among students, we advocate for institutional resources supporting supplemental instruction, bridge programs, and evidence-based teaching practices.