cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Citizens’ Perceptions of Government Responsiveness in Africa: Do Electoral Systems and Ethnic Diversity Matter?:

How do electoral systems influence citizens’ perceptions of government responsiveness? It is well known that although majoritarian electoral systems emphasize the directness and clarity of the connection between voters and policy makers, proportional representation systems facilitate the representation of all factions in society. Although there have been a few studies of the direct influence of electoral systems on popular attitudes about the political system, the results have not been consistent. The author finds, however, that election systems also affect perceptions of government responsiveness, but the relationship is highly contingent on the degree of ethnic diversity in a society. Using Afrobarometer survey data collected from 15 sub-Saharan African countries, along with contextual variables, this multilevel analysis finds that at lower levels of ethnic diversity, majoritarian electoral systems are much better at boosting citizens’ external efficacy, whereas at higher levels of ethnic diversity, pro...
Citrate esters as plasticizers for poly(lactic acid)

Citrate esters were used as plasticizers with poly(lactic acid) (PLA). Films were extruded using a single-screw extruder with plasticizer contents of 10, 20, and 30% by weight. All of the citrate esters investigated were found to be effective in reducing the glass transition temperature and improving the elongation at break. It was observed that the plasticizing efficiency was higher for the intermediate-molecular-weight plasticizers. Hydrolytic and enzymatic degradation tests were conducted on these films. It was found that the lower-molecular-weight citrates increased the enzymatic degradation rate of PLA and the higher-molecular-weight citrates decreased the degradation rate as compared with that of unplasticized PLA. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 66: 1507–1513, 1997
Stress and Child Welfare Work

Child welfare workers speak of the satisfaction of knowing they have made a critical difference in children’s lives; at the same time, there is also the difficulty of dealing with the stressful aspects of working in this field. Some level of stress is inherent in child welfare work, and this affects both individuals and organizations. Exposure to details of the suffering of maltreated children is a job requirement for child welfare workers as they carefully investigate maltreatment allegations and interact with people who often do not want to see them and who may threaten them or try to hurt them. In addition to their day-to-day responsibilities, child welfare workers may also have to face the news of a child’s injury or death that they could not prevent. The combination of all of these factors can certainly be extremely taxing, and severely stressful events can result in negative effects on functioning in child welfare workers, such as traumatic stress, depression, and anxiety.
The partichrome analyzer for the detection and enumeration of bacteria.

Abstract : The problem of detecting and counting aerosolized bacteria has been approached in several ways. One of the simplest methods is to collect a sample and examine it microscopically, using a standard bacteriological stain. The automation of such a device requires a processing system to collect and stain the sample and a scanner to recognize the stained organism against a background of unstained particles. The instrument reported here differs from previously described devices for scanning microscopic fields in that instead of responding to particle size or total numbers it responds to color.
Immunotoxicity of mycotoxins.

The immune system is primarily responsible for defense against invading organisms. The effects of several mycotoxins on the immune responses have been investigated; however, most data concern laboratory animals. In some instances, farm animals and cells derived from livestock species have been employed to evaluate the immunotoxicity of mycotoxins. Immune responses are highly variable, and cost considerations usually preclude the use of dairy cattle as experimental models. Immunosuppression caused by aflatoxin B1 has been demonstrated in various livestock species (e.g., turkeys, chickens, and pigs) and also in laboratory animals (mice, guinea pigs, and rabbits). The response of bovine lymphocytes to aflatoxin in vitro is similar to that of other laboratory animals. Trichothecenes are potent immunosuppressive agents that directly affect immune cells and also modify immune responses as a consequence of tissue damage elsewhere. Sheep and calves treated with fusarium T-2 toxin develop leukopenia and decreased functioning of peripheral lymphocytes. Immunosuppressive effects of ochratoxin A, rubratoxin B, and patulin have been reported. Citrinin produced lymphopenia but stimulated responses against antigens. Antibodies against mycotoxins conjugated to proteins have been produced and are useful for analytical purposes.
Interaction of magnetic reconnection and Kelvin‐Helmholtz modes for large magnetic shear: 1. Kelvin‐Helmholtz trigger

At the Earth's magnetopause, both magnetic reconnection and the Kelvin-Helmholtz (KH) instability can operate simultaneously for southward interplanetary magnetic field conditions. The dynamic evolution of such a system can be expected to depend on the importance of KH wave evolution versus reconnection and therefore on the respective initial perturbations. In this study, a series of local three-dimensional MHD and Hall MHD simulations are carried out to investigate the situation where the Kelvin-Helmholtz instability is initially the primary process. It is demonstrated that magnetic reconnection is driven and strongly modified by nonlinear KH waves. The highest reconnection rate is close to the Petschek rate, but the total open flux is limited by the size of the nonlinear KH wave. Most of the total open magnetic flux has no flux rope structure and originates from reconnection at thin current layers which connect adjacent vortices. In contrast, complex flux ropes generated by patchy reconnection within the KH vortices dominate the vicinity of the equatorial plane; however, the associated open flux with flux ropes is a minor contribution to the total open flux. Although the presence of Hall physics leads to a fast early increase of the reconnection rate, the maximum reconnection rate and the total amount of open magnetic flux at saturation are the same as in the MHD case.
Proximal tubules forget "self-eating" when they meet Western meals.

Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved cellular catabolic process in which cytoplasmic components are isolated from the rest of the cell within double-membrane structures (autophagosomes) and degraded through lysosomal degradation. Autophagy is activated under conditions of metabolic stress in
Omnidirectional Sensory and Motor Volumes in Electric Fish

Active sensing organisms, such as bats, dolphins, and weakly electric fish, generate a 3-D space for active sensation by emitting self-generated energy into the environment. For a weakly electric fish, we demonstrate that the electrosensory space for prey detection has an unusual, omnidirectional shape. We compare this sensory volume with the animal's motor volume—the volume swept out by the body over selected time intervals and over the time it takes to come to a stop from typical hunting velocities. We find that the motor volume has a similar omnidirectional shape, which can be attributed to the fish's backward-swimming capabilities and body dynamics. We assessed the electrosensory space for prey detection by analyzing simulated changes in spiking activity of primary electrosensory afferents during empirically measured and synthetic prey capture trials. The animal's motor volume was reconstructed from video recordings of body motion during prey capture behavior. Our results suggest that in weakly electric fish, there is a close connection between the shape of the sensory and motor volumes. We consider three general spatial relationships between 3-D sensory and motor volumes in active and passive-sensing animals, and we examine hypotheses about these relationships in the context of the volumes we quantify for weakly electric fish. We propose that the ratio of the sensory volume to the motor volume provides insight into behavioral control strategies across all animals.
The role of non-opioid analgesic techniques in the management of pain after ambulatory surgery.

Summary As more extensive and painful surgical procedures(e.g., laparoscopic cholecystectomy, adrenalectomy,and nephrectomy, as well as prostatectomy, laminec-tomy, shoulder and knee reconstructions, and hyster-ectomy) are performed on an outpatient or short-staybasis, the use of multimodal perioperative analgesicregimens containing non-opioid analgesic therapieswill probably assume an increasingly important rolein facilitating the recovery process and improving pa-tient satisfaction (3). Optimizing pain management isnecessary to maximize the benefits of ambulatory sur-gery for both patients and health care providers. Ad-ditional outcome studies are needed to validate thebeneficial effects of these newer therapeutic ap-proaches with respect to important recovery variables(e.g., resumption of normal activities and return towork). Although many factors other than pain per se must be controlled to minimize postoperative morbid-ity and facilitate the recovery process after ambulatorysurgery, pain remains a major concern of all patientsundergoing surgical procedures (102).It is clear that the anesthetic technique can influencethe analgesic requirement in the early postoperative
Calyculin synthetic studies. Stereoselective construction of the C(14)-C(25) spiroketal subunit

A convergent, stereocontrolled synthesis of the spiroketal fragment of calyculins A-H has been achieved. Key transformations include the noel iodine monobromide-induced iodocarbonate cyclization of (+)-19, efficient coupling epoxide (+)-4 with the sterically hindered dithiane 15, and a multi-step, one-pot conversion of open-chain precursor (−)-13 to spiroketal (+)-11.
Comment: Does Benefit‐Cost Analysis Stand Alone? Rights and Standing

The issue of standing in benefit cost analysis is not different from the issue of rights. Benefit cost analysis contributes to legal analysis and also rests upon legal analysis. Debates about standing issues can be reinterpreted as questions of the role of benefit cost analysis when rights are uncertain at the margin. This perspective illumines such questions as whether gains to the criminal count and what weight should be given to expert opinion, to irrational fears, and to gains or losses by foreigners. This perspective is also consistent with a rights-based interpretation of 1) the willingness-to-pay approach, 2) an approach that considers distributional consequences, and 3) an approach that ignores distributional consequences when the costs of determining them are likely to be greater than the benefits.
Show, not tell: The value of new media scholarship

In this article, I consider the changing nature of publications in relation to technology and tenure, presenting a taxonomy of scholarly publications: online scholarship, scholarship about new media, and new media scholarship. I offer a focused definition of new media texts as ones that juxtapose semiotic modes in new and aesthetically pleasing ways and, in doing so, break away from print traditions so that written text is not the primary rhetorical means. By applying this definition to scholarly online publications, readers can be better prepared to recognize and interpret the meaning-making potential of aesthetic modes used in new media scholarly texts. I conclude by offering an analysis of a scholarly new media text, “Digital Multiliteracies.” © 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
PEM fuel cell distributed generation system: Modeling and robust nonlinear control

In this paper, we consider a fuel cell based distributed generation system unit which includes a PEM fuel cell, a storage element (battery), and a boost DC-DC converter. A dynamic model of the overall system is developed and a nonlinear robust control design that depends only on signal measurements available in typical practical implementations is proposed. The control design addresses both the fuel cell inputs (hydrogen and oxygen supply pressures) and PWM control of the switch in the boost DC-DC converter. Adaptations are utilized to handle uncertainty in system parameters.
Modeling and Design of Wideband Antennas For Body Area Networks (BANs)

Recently, there has a growing interest in the development and implementation of body area networks. These systems are intended to operate in a similar fashion to wireless land area networks (WLAN) with exception that they are strictly confined to the human body. This type of technology has risen in demand due to the growing abundance of portable computing devices. However, the human body creates a challenging environment for the design of wearable antennas that can communicate efficiently. As a result, a detailed study of the on body communication channel is required. Lastly, many of these systems are intended to operate over a very wide frequency band. Therefore, the design of ultra wide band antennas (UWB) is a pertinent area of research in this technology.
Pharmacological inhibitor of notch signaling stabilizes the progression of small abdominal aortic aneurysm in a mouse model.

Background The progression of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) involves a sustained influx of proinflammatory macrophages, which exacerbate tissue injury by releasing cytokines, chemokines, and matrix metalloproteinases. Previously, we showed that Notch deficiency reduces the development of AAA in the angiotensin II–induced mouse model by preventing infiltration of macrophages. Here, we examined whether Notch inhibition in this mouse model prevents progression of small AAA and whether these effects are associated with altered macrophage differentiation. Methods and Results Treatment with pharmacological Notch inhibitor (DAPT [N‐(N‐[3,5‐difluorophenacetyl]‐L‐alanyl)‐S‐phenylglycine t‐butyl ester]) at day 3 or 8 of angiotensin II infusion arrested the progression of AAA in Apoe −/− mice, as demonstrated by a decreased luminal diameter and aortic width. The abdominal aortas of Apoe −/− mice treated with DAPT showed decreased expression of matrix metalloproteinases and presence of elastin precursors including tropoelastin and hyaluronic acid. Marginal adventitial thickening observed in the aorta of DAPT‐treated Apoe −/− mice was not associated with increased macrophage content, as observed in the mice treated with angiotensin II alone. Instead, DAPT‐treated abdominal aortas showed increased expression of Cd206‐positive M2 macrophages and decreased expression of Il12‐positive M1 macrophages. Notch1 deficiency promoted M2 differentiation of macrophages by upregulating transforming growth factor β2 in bone marrow–derived macrophages at basal levels and in response to IL4. Protein expression of transforming growth factor β2 and its downstream effector pSmad2 also increased in DAPT‐treated Apoe −/− mice, indicating a potential link between Notch and transforming growth factor β2 signaling in the M2 differentiation of macrophages. Conclusions Pharmacological inhibitor of Notch signaling prevents the progression of AAA by macrophage differentiation–dependent mechanisms. The study also provides insights for novel therapeutic strategies to prevent the progression of small AAA.
Concurrent congenital peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia and bochdalek hernia in a neonate

We present the first report of a neonate with, concurrent left sided Bochdalek hernia and peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia.
OXYGEN DIFFUSION COEFFICIENTS FOR BLOOD FLOWING DOWN A WETTED- WALL COLUMN

Using a wetted-wall column one meter in length to produce a falling film, whole blood was oxygenated with a countercurrently flowing stream of pure oxygen. From the derived trans­port equation describing this operation, overall diffusion coefficients were calculated for oxygen in whole blood. For a l-inch diameter column, the arithmetic average value for the diffusion coefficient was 2.07 × 10−5 cm2/sec in the 87 to 96 per cent saturation range. For the 1/2-inch column, the average diffusion coefficient was 2.13 × 10−5 cm2/sec in the 72 to 96 per cent range. An arithmetic average of all the data for both columns in the 72 to 96 per cent range was 2.10 × 10−5 cm2/sec at 30°C with a standard deviation of 0.42 × 10−5 cm2/sec.
Novel Biomarker of Oxidative Stress Is Associated With Risk of Death in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease

Background Free radical scavengers have failed to improve patient outcomes, promoting the concept that clinically important oxidative stress may be mediated by alternative mechanisms. We sought to examine the association of emerging aminothiol markers of nonfree radical mediated oxidative stress with clinical outcomes. Methods and results Plasma levels of reduced (cysteine and glutathione) and oxidized (cystine and glutathione disulphide) aminothiols were quantified by high performance liquid chromatography in 1411 patients undergoing coronary angiography (mean age 63 years, male 66%). All patients were followed for a mean of 4.7 ± 2.1 years for the primary outcome of all-cause death (n=247). Levels of cystine (oxidized) and glutathione (reduced) were associated with risk of death (P +1 SD and Conclusions A high burden of oxidative stress, quantified by the plasma aminothiols, cystine, glutathione, and their ratio, is associated with mortality in patients with coronary artery disease, a finding that is independent of and additive to the inflammatory burden. Importantly, these data support the emerging role of nonfree radical biology in driving clinically important oxidative stress.
Flag Manifolds for the Characterization of Geometric Structure in Large Data Sets

We propose a flag manifold representation as a framework for exposing geometric structure in a large data set. We illustrate the approach by building pose flags for pose identification in digital images of faces and action flags for action recognition in video sequences. These examples illustrate that the flag manifold has the potential to identify common features in noisy and complex datasets.
Use of Potential Gradients in Massive Hydraulic Fracture Mapping and Characterization

Mapping of massive hydraulic fractures allows for their efficient use to stimulate natural gas production in tight formations. A mapping technique has been used by Sandia Laboratories in conjunction with industry in the Green River Basin at Pinedale, Wyo. and in the Wattenburg field near Denver, Colo. Comparison of field data to model calculations shows that the electrical potential gradients produced by the direct electrical excitation of the fracture well and fracture fluid can be used to map and characterize massive hydraulic fractures. The direction and any asymmetry of the fracture can be determined. (10 refs.)
Saturation Properties of 1-Alkyl-3-methylimidazolium Based Ionic Liquids

We study the liquid–vapor saturation properties of room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) belonging to the homologous series 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([Cnmim][NTf2]) using Monte Carlo simulation. We examine the effect of temperature and cation alkyl chain length n on the saturated densities, vapor pressures, and enthalpies of vaporization. These properties are explicitly calculated for temperatures spanning from 280 to 1000 K for RTILs with n = 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12. We also explore how the identity of the anion influences saturation properties. Specifically, we compare results for [C4mim][NTf2] with those for 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([C4mim][BF4]) and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([C4mim][PF6]). Simulations are completed with a recently developed realistic united-atom force field. A combination of direct grand canonical and isothermal–isobaric temperature expanded ensemble simulations are used to construct phase diagrams. Our ...
Reduction of Fruit Set by Repeated Applications of Selected Insecticides to Peaches

While use of organic insecticides has without question resulted in increased agricultural production, it is becoming more apparent with time that some commonly used chemicals may have subtle side effects that are not particularly desirable.
Central difference TVD and TVB schemes for time dependent and steady state problems

We use central differences to solve the time dependent Euler equations. The schemes are all advanced using a Runge-Kutta formula in time. Near shocks, a second difference is added as an artificial viscosity. This reduces the scheme to a first order upwind scheme at shocks. The switch that is used guarantees that the scheme is locally total variation diminishing (TVD). For steady state problems it is usually advantageous to relax this condition. Then small oscillations do not activate the switches and the convergence to a steady state is improved. To sharpen the shocks, different coefficients are needed for different equations and so a matrix valued dissipation is introduced and compared with the scalar viscosity. The connection between this artificial viscosity and flux limiters is shown. Any flux limiter can be used as the basis of a shock detector for an artificial viscosity. We compare the use of the van Leer, van Albada, mimmod, superbee, and the 'average' flux limiters for this central difference scheme. For time dependent problems, we need to use a small enough time step so that the CFL was less than one even though the scheme was linearly stable for larger time steps. Using a total variation bounded (TVB) Runge-Kutta scheme yields minor improvements in the accuracy.
Case records of the Massachusetts General Hospital. Case 2-2013. A 20-year-old man with recurrent ear pain, fever, and headache.

A 20-year-old man was transferred to this hospital because of recurrent ear pain for 8 months despite antibiotics, with new fever and headache. Imaging showed opacification of the middle ears and mastoid air cells and erosion of the right temporal bone.
Collaborative design in the sustainable infrastructure planning game

The pursuit of sustainable large-scale infrastructure systems demands new design tools to exchange information among distributed decision-makers. This paper describes and demonstrates interoperable simulation gaming as a collaborative infrastructure design activity. The Sustainable Infrastructure Planning Game (SIPG) is a prototype implementation using the High Level Architecture (HLA) to exchange technical data between sector-specific simulation models. SIPG considers a 30-year strategic planning exercise for a fictional desert nation with three role-players controlling water, energy, and agriculture sectors. A human subjects experiment with 15 ad-hoc teams shows integrated, synchronous tools facilitate data exchange which, subsequently, is correlated with effective design for common objectives.
Photoluminescence fatigue and inhomogeneous line broadening in semi-insulating Tl6SeI4 single crystals

Photoluminescence (PL) properties of semi-insulating Tl6SeI4 have been investigated. A broad emission band centered at 1.63 ± 0.02 eV was observed in all samples. The PL emission band is excitonic in nature and is tentatively attributed to a bound exciton emission. PL fatigue (a reduction in PL intensity under prolonged laser excitation) was always observed. The amount of PL fatigue depended on excitation power and temperature. PL fatigue kinetics are described by a stretched exponential with nominal lifetimes in the 10–265 s range. The recovery of the PL occurred within a few seconds of light cessation. The magnitude of PL fatigue in different samples correlated with inhomogeneous line broadening of the 1.63 eV emission band, such that broader bands exhibited more fatigue. An additional luminescence band centered at 1.78 eV was observed which increased in intensity under prolonged laser irradiation. The fatigue phenomenon is tentatively attributed to two mechanisms—the formation of photo-induced defects and the formation of quasi-stable particles. Both of these mechanisms introduce additional radiative and non-radiative recombination channels that lead to a decrease in the PL intensity under prolonged laser irradiation. Since inhomogeneous line broadening and PL fatigue are related to the concentration of defects or impurities, the measurement of these two parameters is an effective method to screen sample quality.
Implicit Attitudes Toward Robots

This study explores employing a measurement of implicit attitudes to better understand attitudes and trust levels towards robots. This work builds upon an existing implicit measure (Implicit Associ...
Stable isotope studies of the effect of dietary copper on copper absorption and excretion.

If Cu absorption and endogenous losses vary as a function of the level of dietary Cu, the dietary Cu recommendations should reflect this effect. The effect of the level of dietary copper (Cu) on Cu absorption and endogenous Cu losses was not taken into account when the current dietary Cu recommendations were established (National Research Council, 1980) because such data were not available. Use of 65Cu, a stable isotope of Cu, has made it possible to determine Cu absorption in human subjects. We have conducted absorption studies at widely different levels of dietary Cu, in men and women,in different age groups, and from a variety of diets (Turnlund et al. 1982; Turnlund et al.1983; Turnlund et al.1985; Turnlund et al.1988b; Turnlund et al. 1988a; Jacob et al. 1987; Turnlund et al. 1989). These studies provide data on the effect of the level of dietary Cu on Cu absorption and endogenous losses and information on the effects of age, sex, pregnancy, and dietary components on Cu absorption. The data suggest that there is regulation of Cu retention in humans both at the level of fractional intestinal absorption and at the level of endogenous excretion. The effect of the level of dietary Cu on Cu absorption is considerably greater than other factors, such as dietary components, age, sex, or pregnancy.
Aspiration Therapy for Obesity.

Aspiration therapy is a weight loss therapy in the United States for patients with a body mass index between 35 kg/m2 and 55 kg/m2. Aspiration therapy allows patients to remove up to one-third of calories consumed at a meal and causes patients to eat fewer calories than prior to starting treatment. Studies demonstrate 14.2% to 21.5% total body weight loss in participants who complete 1 year of treatment and maintenance of weight loss in patients treated for 2 years. Aspiration therapy is a safe and effective new treatment of obesity.
Hepatocyte to Biliary Transdifferentiation: To Be(come) or Not to Be(come)?

Transdifferentiation or metaplasia exhibited by major cell types is yet another characteristic that adds to the uniqueness of liver as an organ. A discussion of the various types of transdifferentiation is presented, with special emphasis on hepatocyte to biliary transdifferentiation (HBT). Aspects such as conditions under which transdifferentiation occurs, the extent of its contribution in repair and recovery of the organ, the various animal models available to study this phenomenon, and the mechanisms and drivers behind the process are discussed. Finally, the impact of HBT in human liver disease and its potential usefulness in therapy are discussed.
Ideological Concerns in the Operationalization of Homophobia, Part I: An Analysis of Herek'S Atlg-R Scale:

Utilizing Watson's Ideological Surround Model (Watson, et al., 2003) as a backdrop, the present study examined the structural properties of Herek's (1998) Attitudes Toward Lesbians and Gay Men Scal...
Volume-Rendered Projection-Resolved OCT Angiography: 3D Lesion Complexity Is Associated With Therapy Response in Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Purpose To explore whether quantitative three-dimensional (3D) analysis of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) using projection-resolved optical coherence tomography angiography (PR-OCTA) is associated with treatment response in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). Methods Retrospective, cross-sectional study of 51 eyes of 49 patients undergoing individualized anti-VEGF therapy for nAMD. Patients were classified as "good" or "poor" responders, requiring injections at less or more frequently than 6-week intervals, respectively. Cross-sectional PR-OCTA images were used to measure the distance between Bruch's membrane and highest CNV flow signal. The number of flow layers within the CNV and the distance between these flow layers (CNV flow thickness) were also analyzed. Two masked, independent graders measured the PR-OCTA parameters. We used 3D volume-rendered PR-OCTA to confirm the number of CNV flow layers and further evaluate CNV complexity. Results Poor responders had significantly greater distance between Bruch's membrane and highest CNV flow signal (P < 0.01), greater number of CNV flow layers (P = 0.022), and greater CNV flow thickness (P < 0.01). Volume-rendered PR-OCTA images confirmed the number of CNV flow layers. Conclusions Cross-sectional and 3D volume-rendered PR-OCTA provides a novel approach for quantifying CNV complexity. Our results suggest that CNV acquiring more complex 3D vascular structure are associated with more frequent long-term anti-VEGF therapy, reflecting a particular pattern of normalization or complex CNV remodeling process that characterizes these less responsive eyes.
Effect of Enoxaparin on Bleeding and Thrombosis in Patients Supported with Ventricular Assist Devices

Introduction There is limited literature evaluating the safety of enoxaparin use in patients supported by a ventricular assist device (VAD). The purpose of this study is to evaluate the incidence of bleeding and thrombosis in continuous flow VAD patients bridged with enoxaparin. Hypothesis Use of enoxaparin for bridging in VAD patients will not increase the incidence of major bleeding or thrombotic events (TE) compared to patients who never receive enoxaparin. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study of 198 patients implanted with continuous flow VADs (73% HeartMate II, 27% HVAD) at Loyola University Medical Center between December 2011 and December 2016. Patients were stratified into two groups: those who received bridging with enoxaparin (enoxaparin-bridge, n=74 [37%]) and those who did not (no enoxaparin-bridge, n=124 [63%]). The co-primary outcomes were (1) incidence of major bleeding requiring hospitalization and (2) incidence of TE, defined as hospitalization for VAD pump thrombosis or ischemic stroke. The secondary outcome was major bleeding occurring within seven days of enoxaparin administration. Results Baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups except for a higher rate of concomitant dipyridamole use in the enoxaparin-bridge group (37% vs 23%, p Conclusions VAD patients who received enoxaparin bridging for subtherapeutic INRs were not at an increased risk of major bleeding; however, they did have an increased rate of TE. The significance/causality of the latter remains unclear, as subtherapeutic INRs necessitating bridging may have contributed to an increased risk of clot formation independent of enoxaparin exposure. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Little Talks: A Modular Treatment Approach for Promoting Infant and Toddler Language Acquisition Through Parents’ Preferences and Competencies

The first three years of a child’s life are marked by rapid development, forming trajectories for ongoing development and learning. In the USA, almost half of the population of children under three experience levels of socioeconomic disadvantage that threaten their development and later success, particularly in the areas of language acquisition. Immigrant children are largely represented in this group. Given the pivotal role of parent–child interactions to children’s language development, early intervention should build upon parents’ cultural strengths and values. This chapter presents an overview of the development and evaluation of Little Talks, an intervention designed for home visiting programs serving low-income infants and toddlers. Little Talks was designed in partnership with low-income, ethnic minority parents and Early Head Start home visiting staff to ensure that it would be culturally meaningful and feasible. The Little Talks intervention is coupled with implementation supports to enable home visitors to tailor it to individual children and their parents. Emerging evidence supports Little Talks’ effectiveness in enhancing parents’ involvement in children’s learning activities and in preventing elevations in maternal depression, especially for Spanish-speaking, newly immigrant parents. Promising impacts on children’s communication and language skills have also been observed.
Parametric Cubical Type Theory

We exhibit a computational type theory which combines the higher-dimensional structure of cartesian cubical type theory with the internal parametricity primitives of parametric type theory, drawing out the similarities and distinctions between the two along the way. The combined theory supports both univalence and its relational equivalent, which we call relativity. We demonstrate the use of the theory by analyzing polymorphic types, including functions between higher inductive types, and we show by example how relativity can be used to characterize the relational interpretation of inductive types.
Development of a Telehealth Intervention to Improve Access to Live Donor Kidney Transplantation.

Abstract Background Live donor kidney transplantation (LDKT) is underutilized by patients with end-stage kidney disease due to knowledge, communication, and logistical barriers. Material and Methods The Talking About Live Kidney Donation Social Worker Intervention (TALK-SWI) is a previously validated intervention demonstrated to improve patients' access to and pursuit of LDKT through in-person delivery of education and social support. To help overcome logistical barriers to LDKT, we adapted TALK-SWI into a telehealth intervention employing digital (ie, tablet, smartphone) and telephone technologies. We studied the usability and acceptability of both the mobile device and telephone counseling portions of the intervention among people with kidney disease. For the digital portion, we assessed critical (ie, inability to complete a task) and non-critical (ie, ability to complete a task utilizing an alternative method) errors participants encountered when using the program and their preferences regarding digital materials. Simultaneously, we assessed participants' satisfaction with telephone-adapted counseling compared to the original, in-person counseling. Results The 15 participants testing the digital technology made 25 critical errors and 29 non-critical errors, while they easily completed 156 tasks (out of 210). A majority of participants (73%) preferred the tablet/smart phone education application over traditional materials, and most (80%) indicated they would be more likely to utilize the mobile platform over traditional materials. Participants testing the telephone-adapted (n = 45) and in-person (n = 125) social worker counseling all reported high satisfaction with the intervention. Conclusion We successfully adapted a validated educational and behavioral intervention to improve access to LDKT into a usable and acceptable telehealth intervention.
Neuromorphic technologies for next-generation cognitive computing

We describe IBM's roadmap for Neuromorphic Technologies to drive next-generation cognitive computing, ranging from nanodevice-based hardware for accelerating well-known supervised-learning algorithms (which happen to rely on static, labeled data), to emerging, biologically-inspired algorithms capable of learning from temporal, unlabeled data. The various hardware-centric neuromorphic projects currently underway at IBM Research will be surveyed, with a focus on the use of Non-Volatile Memory (NVM) for on-chip acceleration of the training of Deep Neural Networks (DNNs).
Treatment of antagonism: Motivational Interviewing

Abstract This chapter explores the benefits of using Motivational Interviewing (MI) as a therapeutic approach to treat individuals with antagonistic traits (e.g., grandiose; entitled; manipulative). Previously, MI has successfully helped motivate and initiate changes in populations that tend to have higher mean levels of antagonistic traits, such as individuals with substance use disorders and those who engage in intimate partner violence. This chapter outlines the four phases of MI—engaging, focusing, evoking, and planning—and how these phases would be applied when working with antagonistic clients. Within each phase, specific strategies are explained and subsequently demonstrated through a case example.
GENETICALLY PREDICTED GENE EXPRESSION IN THE BRAIN AND PERIPHERAL TISSUES ASSOCIATES WITH PTSD

Background Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating psychiatric disorder occurring in individuals exposed to trauma. To date, little is known about the genetic aetiology of the disorder, although the latest GWAS (carried out by the PGC-PTSD working group) demonstrates that genetic heritability is in line with other psychiatric disorders. PTSD development involves multi-systemic dysregulation in multiple brain regions and diverse peripheral tissues. Some peripheral systems are particularly interesting since epidemiologic evidence suggests that PTSD patients commonly have cardiovascular, metabolic and immune dysregulation. Methods Transcriptomic Imputation approaches use machine-learning methods to impute gene expression from large genotype data using curated eQTL reference panels. These offer an exciting opportunity to compare gene associations across neurological and peripheral tissues. Here, we apply CommonMind Consortium (CMC) and Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) derived gene expression prediction models to the PGC-PTSD data (9,245 cases/ 24,285 controls). Models included 12 brain regions, five cardiovascular tissues, 2 endocrine tissues, the tibial nerve, adipose tissue and whole blood. Results We identified 24 significant gene-tissue associations, of which 5 were in peripheral tissues (adrenal gland, heart atrial appendage, tibial artery, tibial nerve). We stratified analyses according to trauma type (civilian vs. combat trauma), sex, and self-defined ancestry. Our three strongest associations were identified in military cohorts only, which supports the hypothesis that there is substantial genetic heterogeneity between civilian and combat PTSD risk. We used the PsychENCODE neuronal and non-neuronal reference map for two histone marks associated with transcription and open chromatin (3-trimethyl-lysine 4 (H3K4me3) and H3-acetyl-lysine 27 (H3K27ac) to understand patterns of histone modification among our PTSD-associated genes. Preliminary analyses indicate a significant correlation between PTSD-association statistics and the presence of both histone marks (correlation with neuronal H3K4me3, Pearson R=0.87, p=3.99×10-5). We intend to expand this analysis to include a wider range of histone modification marks. Discussion We will further expand these analyses to identify tissue specific gene clusters and enriched pathways across tissues or in specific tissues. Finally, we will use neuroimaging data and physiological cardiovascular data to functionally validate our results.
The Relationship Between Hospital Interdepartmental Transfers and Patient Experience

This study examined the association between interdepartmental transfers and the perceptions of care received by adult patients who were admitted and discharged from a 300-bed, not-for-profit commun...
One-Pot, One-Step Precatalysts through Mechanochemistry

The development and implementation of transition-metal-based precatalysts have played crucial roles in modern organic synthesis. However, while the use of such species greatly improves sustainabili...
Compounding Violent Extremism

This chapter describes strategies used by the U.S. and its allies to counter violent extremism, a process that has unintentionally created conditions that foment Islamophobia by singling out Islam as a cause of violent extremism. In fact, extremism has come from a broad array of racial, religious, ethnic, and socio-political groups, and very few violent extremists are Muslim. The vast majority of Muslims disapprove of violent extremism. This chapter describes the challenges, limitations, and unintended consequences of the U.S.’s Islam-focused CVE strategies, which in some ways have served to compound rather than counter violent extremism. When Islamic violent extremism is the primary focus of CVE strategies, everyday Muslims often become profiled as terrorists. Even those who have been citizens for generations are expected to prove their loyalty while other forms of violent extremism go unaddressed. This can leave Muslims feeling marginalized, impact how Islamic communities overseas perceive how they will be treated by the U.S. and undermine the U.S.’s key strategy of winning hearts and minds.
The effect of shoe cushioning on gait and balance in females with multiple sclerosis

Gait and balance deficits are significant concerns for people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Shoe cushioning can influence mobility and balance, but its effect on walking and balance remains unknown in MS. This study aimed to determine how shoe cushioning affects gait and balance in females with MS (FwMS). We hypothesized that extra cushioning would improve gait but reduce balance performance. FwMS performed gait (n = 18) and balance (n = 17) assessments instrumented using inertial sensors in two different shoe conditions: a standard-cushioned and an extra-cushioned shoe. Care was taken to ensure minimal differences between shoe types other than midsole cushioning, but shoe construction was not identical between conditions. Spatiotemporal gait parameters were assessed during a 2-min walk test, while postural sway measures were evaluated using the modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction and Balance. In the extra-cushioned shoe, FwMS spent less time in the double support and stance phase with more time in the single support and swing phase. No differences in stride length, gait speed, or elevation at midswing were observed between shoe conditions. Decreased path length, RMS sway, and sway velocity were observed in the extra-cushioned shoe. No differences were observed in the gait cycle’s spatial composition between shoe conditions, but FwMS demonstrated improvements in the gait cycle’s temporal parameters and postural sway in the extra-cushioned shoe. This may suggest a less cautious walking strategy and improved balance when wearing a shoe with extra cushioning.
Entomopathogenic nematode management of small hive beetles ( Aethina tumida ) in three native Alabama soils under low moisture conditions

The goal was to determine the efficacy of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) on Aethina tumida small hive beetle (SHB) in Alabama soils. The objectives were to (i) determine the pupation success of SHB wandering larvae; (ii) determine the efficacy of EPNs on SHB wandering larvae in natural and autoclaved soil; and (iii) determine the efficacy of EPNs on SHB wandering larvae in three Alabama soil types at typical low moisture levels. The Alabama soils were Kalmia loamy sand (KLS), Benndale fine sandy loam (BFSL), and Decatur silt loam (DSL). Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, H. indica, Steinernema carpocapsae, S. feltiae, S. kraussei, and S. riobrave were tested at population densities of 5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 third-stage infective EPN juveniles (IJ3) per 130 cm3 soil. Pupation success in SHB population densities of 5, 10, and 20 wandering larvae per Petri dish were similar. Of the six EPN species, S. carpocapsae achieved the highest efficacy across all EPN population densities in both natural and autoclaved soil. Steinernema riobrave and H. indica achieved the next highest efficacies; however, they were significantly less effective than S. carpocapsae. Steinernema carpocapsae parasitized 87% SHB wandering larvae across all population densities tested. Steinernema carpocapsae achieved the best efficacy colonizing 94% of the SHB in the KLS soil, 80% in the BFSL soil, and 47% in the DSL soil. In conclusions, S. carpocapsae is be a promising biological control EPN to implement into a management system on SHB.
MEC Federation and Mobility Aspects

In the previous chapters, we discussed MEC in virtualized environments (Chap. 6) and in 5G systems (Chap. 7). In order to complete this third part of the book, it’s now worth talking about MEC Federation.
CAPD in the Elderly—Regional Experience

Experience with 775 patients over age 60 years treated by CAPD is reported. After 11.6 months 78% were alive and 32% were still on CAPD. Death was attributed to vascular disease in 62%. By the end of one year, 55% had their first episode of peritonitis, but 88% still had their original catheter. CAPD is a reasonable treatment for elderly patients with ESRD. Except for the expected increased mortality in this age group, the elderly compared favorably with younger patients treated by CAPD.
Isolation of metaphase chromosomes with high molecular weight DNA at pH 10.5.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the isolation of metaphase chromosomes with high molecular weight DNA at pH 10.5. Since DNA is the most interesting molecule in the chromosome from a genetic standpoint, it was felt that the size distributions present in metaphase chromosomes might lead to an insight as to their arrangement and/or packaging. Molecular weight may be estimated by the use of alkaline sucrose velocity gradients similar to the way radiation damage and repair processes have been analyzed. With the excellent methods of obtaining large populations of metaphase chromosomes and the ease of fractionation of these into size groups, the experimental design was to analyze and compare the molecular weight of the DNA in large and small chromosomes. Hopefully if the length of DNA is different, the emerging distributions will fall into a predictable or at least interpretable pattern.
Reaction products from a microwave discharge in N2 and H2S: The microwave spectrum of NS

Abstract The microwave spectrum of NS was reinvestigated in order to provide more accurate molecular constants, and measured and predicted transition frequencies for radio astronomers. The present work provides new measurements of the N = 1-0, 2-1 and 3-2 transitions of 2 Π 1 2 14N32S and the N = 1-0 and 2-1 transitions of 2 Π 1 2 14N34S. The N = 2-1 transitions of both isotopes were also measured for the 2 Π 3 2 state of both isotopes. The analysis follows earlier studies but provides an improvement in the accuracy of the molecular constants which is essential for predicting higher frequency transitions for radio astronomy. The calculated transitions range up to the N = 6-5 levels with an accuracy on the order of 1 MHz.
Note on the Metric and Affine Connections on the Space of Finite Measures

Explicit formulas for the metric and affine connections on the space of finite measures and probability measures are derived in different coordinate systems. They are transformed and compared with previous formulas of Cencov, Amari, and others. These formulas are given for finite sample spaces but in a form that is easily generalizable to infinite sample spaces. An error in Cencov's book is corrected.
Agricultural practices to reduce microbial contamination of nuts.

Abstract: With the increased popularity and consumption of tree nuts, there exists a serious responsibility to ensure a safe product for consumption. The chapter begins with a discussion of crop production practices in the world's major tree nut crops. It then describes the use of Good Agricultural Practices for minimizing the risk of contamination in tree nut orchards in the context of current commercial production systems.