cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Laugh Riot: Photoshopping as Vernacular Discursive Practice

This essay examines “photoshopping” as an important emerging genre of vernacular practice on the Internet. By sharing digitally altered images across networks, users engage in a vernacular process that creates and participates in discourses concerning shared expectations and communal values. To demonstrate this process, this essay analyzes how photoshopping was used as a response to the pepper-spraying of a group of peaceful protesters on theUniversityofCalifornia,Davis, campus. Enabled by the affordances of networked communication, this essay argues that photoshopping represents a powerful new form of vernacular expression for the digital age.
The role of thromboprophylaxis in cancer patients: emerging data

Purpose of review Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a frequent cause of morbidity and mortality in cancer patients. A significant proportion of cancer-associated VTE occurs in the ambulatory setting and is associated with poorer outcomes and reduced survival. Risk for VTE is influenced by patient, cancer and treatment-specific factors. Recent findings Recent studies have identified biomarkers associated with increased VTE risk in malignancy, including leukocyte and platelet counts, tissue factor, prothrombin split products, D-dimer, P-selectin, factor VIII and C-reactive protein. Recent and ongoing clinical trials have focused on VTE prophylaxis with low-molecular weight heparins in high-risk cancer outpatients, particularly those with pancreatic cancer. These studies have yielded encouraging preliminary results but whether thromboprophylaxis provides significant benefit to unselected cancer outpatients remains unclear. Summary A risk stratification model incorporating known risk factors and biomarkers can identify those patients at highest risk. This review focuses on emerging data regarding risk assessment and benefit of thromboprophylaxis in patients with cancer.
Electrochemical Characterization of Liquid Phase Exfoliated Two-Dimensional Layers of Molybdenum Disulfide

We report on the electrochemical charge storage behavior of few-layered flakes of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) obtained by liquid phase exfoliation of bulk MoS2 powder in 1-dodecyl-2-pyrrolidinone. The specific capacitances of the exfoliated flakes obtained using a 6 M KOH aqueous solution as an electrolyte were found to be an order of magnitude higher than those of bulk MoS2 (∼0.5 and ∼2 mF cm–2 for bulk and exfoliated MoS2 electrodes, respectively). The exfoliated MoS2 flakes also showed significant charge storage in different electrolytes, such as organic solvents [1 M tetraethylammonium tetrafluoroborate in propylene carbonate (Et4NBF4 in PC)] and ionic liquids [1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (BMIM-PF6)]. The values of specific capacitances obtained using Et4NBF4 in PC and BMIM-PF6 were ∼2.25 and ∼2.4 mF cm–2, respectively. An analysis of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy using an equivalent circuit modeling was performed to understand the charge storage mechanism of these exfolia...
The rise and fall of i-STAT point-of-care blood gas testing in an acute care hospital.

In response to a $350,000 laboratory budget cut and closure of an intensive care unit-based laboratory and a desire to maintain turnaround times of 10 minutes or less, a multidisciplinary group developed and implemented point-of-care (POC) testing. Only blood gases (pH, PO2, and PCO2) and ionized calcium values were deemed essential stat tests. Three commercially available POC blood gas devices were evaluated; all yielded results comparable to in-house reference methods. The 1 device with a US Food and Drug Administration-approved method for ionized calcium testing and with an existing interface for laboratory information systems was selected. Fiscal analysis predicted annual savings of approximately $225,000. POC blood gas analysis was implemented in April 1996 coincident with closure of the intensive care unit-based laboratory. Clinical laboratories and POC blood gas test volumes remained constant through August 1998; in contrast, the number of ionized calcium tests decreased dramatically after April 1996. In August 1998, clinically significant (i.e., artificial ventilation parameters would have been altered based on test results) discrepant PCO2 values were observed sporadically and noted only with patient specimens, not with commercial controls or electronic simulators. Because investigation failed to identify the cause, use of the POC device was discontinued in September 1998.
Laboratory-generated Coronal Mass Ejections

We have begun a series of laboratory experiments focused on understanding how coronal mass ejections (CME) interact and evolve in the solar wind. The experiments make use of the Helicon-Cathode (HelCat) plasma facility, and the Plasma Bubble eXperiment (PBeX). PBeX can generate CME-like structures (sphereomak geometry) that propagate into the high-density, magnetized background plasma of the HelCat device. The goal of the current research is to compare CME evolution under conditions where there is sheared flow in the background plasma, versus without flow; observations suggest that CME evolution is strongly influenced by such sheared flow regions. Results of these studies will be used to validate numerical simulations of CME evolution, in particular the 3D BATS-R-US MHD code of the University of Michigan. Initial studies have characterized the plasma bubble as it evolves into the background field with and without plasma (no shear).
A hybrid electric vehicle powertrain with fault-tolerant capability

This paper presents a fault-tolerant design of powertrain for series hybrid electric vehicles (SHEVs). Through introduction of a common redundant phase leg for the rectifier, the inverter and the buck/boost converter of the standard drive system, a design with minimal cost increase has been realized. The new topology features superior fault-handling capability, post-fault operation at rated power throughput, and improved reliability. The operating principle and control strategy of the fault-tolerance are presented. A Markov reliability model is constructed to quantitatively assess the reliability of the proposed powertrain. Numerical simulation based on a Saber model has been conducted and the results have verified the feasibility and performance of the proposed SHEV drive system with fault-tolerant capability.
Developing Strategies for Predicting and Preventing Readmissions in Vascular Surgery

The escalating cost burden of hospital readmission has prompted recent nationwide efforts aimed at reducing the incidence of this important quality measure. Because patients undergoing vascular surgery account for a significant proportion of readmissions, vascular surgeons may face reduced reimbursements in the near future if these trends continue. However, risk factors associated with readmission remain poorly defined, and further research is needed to identify interventions that will prevent readmission following vascular procedures. Accordingly, this manuscript will (1) propose a conceptual model to explain the driving forces behind readmissions in vascular surgery, (2) review current evidence directed at identifying risk factors and evaluating interventions to reduce readmissions across different medical and surgical specialties, and (3) identify key areas in patient care where targeted research or interventions may be implemented in vascular surgery.
A New Test Pattern Generation System

This paper discusses the main shortcomings of existing software test pattern generation systems and describes the development of a new system. The new system will be developed in two phases. The first phase is called the scan-in/scan-out test generation sub-system. This sub-system will be used for testing designs which have 100% scan-in/scan-out (reading or writing of every register from external world is possible). The second phase will include the development of efficient general functional models. The test generation system to be developed in the first phase will be updated to incorporate the capability of handling such models. The functional models include general-combinational, register, counter, ROM, RAM, and microprocessor. In this paper, only, an outline of some of the distinct features of the system will be described.
Zhenzhi and Acknowledgment in Wang Yangming and Stanley Cavell

This article highlights sympathies between Wang Yangming's notion of zhenzhi (real knowing) and Stanley Cavell's concept of acknowledgment. I begin by noting a problem in interpreting Wang on the unity of knowing and acting, which leads to considering how our suffering pain figures in our “real knowing” of another's pain. I then turn to Cavell's description of a related problem in modern skepticism, where Cavell argues that knowing another's pain requires acknowledging it. Cavell's concept of acknowledgment answers to Wang's insistence that knowing and acting are one, and corrects Antonio Cua's very different appropriation of “acknowledgment” to explain Wang's doctrine.
A dhāraṇī for each day of the week: The saptavāra tradition of the Newar Buddhists*

The paper discusses a group of dhāraṇīs associated with the seven days (saptavāra) of the week, with each dhāraṇī being recited on a specific day. The visual forms of the dhāraṇīs were represented in miniature paintings in manuscripts of the saptavāra texts and in woodcarvings on the struts of two Newar Buddhist monasteries in Kathmandu. The paper shows that even though two members of the saptavāra group were originally male, eventually all members came to be conceived of as feminine in Nepal. It further provides evidence that the group is likely to have become known in Nepal by at least the late sixteenth century.
Role of MAP kinase in mesoderm induction and axial patterning during Xenopus development

We have examined the role of MAP kinase during mesoderm induction and axial patterning in Xenopus embryos. MAP Kinase Phosphatase (MKP-1) was used to inactivate endogenous MAP kinase and was found to prevent the induction of early and late mesodermal markers by both FGF and activin. In whole embryos, MKP-1 was found to disrupt posterior axial patterning, generating a phenotype similar to that obtained with a dominant inhibitory FGF receptor. Overexpression of either constitutively active MAP kinase or constitutively active MAP kinase (MEK) was sufficient to induce Xbra expression, while only constitutively active MEK was able to significantly induce expression of muscle actin. When MAP kinase phosphorylation was used as a sensitive marker of FGF receptor activity in vivo, this activity was found to persist at a low and relatively uniform level throughout blastula stage embryos. The finding that a low level of MAP kinase phosphorylation exists in unstimulated animal caps and is absent in caps overexpressing a dominant inhibitory FGF receptor provides a basis for our previous observation that overexpression of this receptor inhibits activin induction. These results indicate that FGF-dependent MAP kinase activity plays a critical role in establishing the responsiveness of embryonic tissues to mesoderm inducers.
Static and dynamic membrane properties of large-terminal bipolar cells from goldfish retina: experimental test of a compartment model.

Mennerick, Steven, David Zenisek, and Gary Matthews. Static and dynamic membrane properties of large-terminal bipolar cells from goldfish retina: experimental test of a compartment model. J. Neurop...
Reduction of Stigma in Schools: An Evaluation of the First Three Years.

High school is a profoundly social experience for students. Having friends is central to being “visible”—to having an identity—in school (Eder, 1985). Social positioning, friendship groups, romance dramas, and the battle to “fit in” gain the attention and drain the energy of students far more than do academic pursuits. Schools are the environments in which youth “struggle to define themselves in relation to others” (Wilkinson & Pearson, 2009, p. 545), and as “sexuality becomes increasingly central to identity and social relationships...schools are critical social contexts in which dominant beliefs about sexuality are played out” (546). Thus, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) youths’ social relations are fraught not only with the usual adolescent tensions, but also include fears of having their sexual or gender identity discovered, of losing friends, of being marginalized. For youth who are “out,” or who are judged by peers to fail in their performance of heterosexuality or hegemonic gender, taunting and harassment, isolation, and marginalization are daily occurrences (Adelman & Woods, 2006). A middle school teacher participating in this study reported her observation of peer dynamics:
Crushing of GFRP by a Rotary Shearing Crusher

The effects of crushing conditions on crushing rate, crushing energy and the particle size distribution of crushed products, in the crushing of GFRP by a rotary shearing crusher were investigated. The crushing rate increased with the decrease of clearance between the fixed and rotating blades and with the increase in the opening of the screen. The crushing energy and the particle size distribution depended on the opening of the screen, but their dependences on the clearance were found to be small. A crushing mechanism which could explain the influence of the clearance on the crushing rate was proposed.
Effects of Different Sowing Date and Seedling Number per Hole on Yield and Growth Period of K-you 267

The cultivation experiment of new hybrid rice variety,K-you 267 was conducted to investigate the effects of different sowing date and seedling number per hole on yield and growth period of K-you 267 in Guiyang in 2003.The results showed that the average yield of different treatments was 631.1kg/667m~(2),10.4% higher than the average yield of CK(Shanyouwan 3).The best yield gained from the treatment with sowing date,on 31,March,24 days seedling age and single seedling per hole was(688.6kg/667m~(2)),6.54% higher than the best yield of CK from the treatment with sowing date on 5 May,15 days seedling age and three seedlings per hole.The cultivation technique for young seedling of K-you 267 was discussed.
New Insights into Dialysis Vascular Access: Molecular Targets in Arteriovenous Fistula and Arteriovenous Graft Failure and Their Potential to Improve Vascular Access Outcomes

Vascular access dysfunction remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in hemodialysis patients. At present there are few effective therapies for this clinical problem. The poor understanding of the pathobiology that leads to arteriovenous fistula (AVF) and graft (AVG) dysfunction remains a critical barrier to development of novel and effective therapies. However, in recent years we have made substantial progress in our understanding of the mechanisms of vascular access dysfunction. This article presents recent advances and new insights into the pathobiology of AVF and AVG dysfunction and highlights potential therapeutic targets to improve vascular access outcomes.
The Specific Binding of Biebrich Scarlet to the Active Site of α-Chymotrypsin

This paper reports on the presence of a strong binding site for the dye Biebrich Scarlet, (6-[2-hydroxy-1-naphthyl]azo)-3,4'-azodibenzene sulfonic acid, on α-chymotrypsin. The 1:1 protein-dye complex is characterized by a Kdiss of 8.8 ± 0.1 x 10-5 m in 0.1 m phosphate buffer at pH 7.6 and 22°. Complex formation is associated with a red shift in the visible spectrum of the dye, and a characteristic difference spectrum with a maximum at 550 mµ and a Δe m of 11,700. The dye is displaced from chymotrypsin by substrates, competitive inhibitors, and active site reagents, such as N-trans-cinnamoylimidazole and phenylmethanesulfonylfluoride. Thus, the binding site for Biebrich Scarlet overlaps the active site region in α-chymotrypsin. The dye does not bind strongly to chymotrypsinogen, or to trypsin, and shows no significant spectral perturbation in the presence of these proteins, under the conditions used in this study.
The Near-Death Experience and Its Consequences

The collapse in demand for sociology degrees had many consequences. With the collapse in enrollments sociologists had to cater to student preferences. Elite departments, which were not dependent on undergraduate enrollments, were partly immune from these pressures, but throughout the discipline and in the American Sociological Association, tolerance was practiced. This in turn led to a sense of fragmentation as new ways of doing sociology became tolerated. Nevertheless, the caste system, a labor cartel of elite departments, strengthened, and the culture of elite sociology, centered on its top journals, diverged from the rest of sociology. The hig- rejection rates of these journals promoted the development of groupuscules or small bodies of researchers who could review one another favorably.
Polypropylene nanocomposites reinforced with low weight percent graphene nanoplatelets

Abstract Polypropylene (PP) based graphene nanocomposites (NCs) find diverse applications in material science such as a material for making lightweight storage tanks. Herein, NCs with graphene nanoparticles (GnPs) and PP were prepared, using solution mixing method. GnPs have a slight effect on the crystalline structure of PP, as shown by X ray diffraction (XRD) results; thereby rendering the functionality of PP intact. There were little changes in the rheological behavior of the composite and the frictional losses incurred due to mobility of polymer chains were reduced with an increase in the GnP loading from 0.5% to 5%—a range not yet explored.
Accelerated generation of Characteristic Basis Functions using randomized Singular Value Decomposition

It has been demonstrated in the literature on Characteristic Basis Function Method (CBFM) that higher compression rate can be achieved by using larger blocks while carrying out domain decomposition in the context of CBFM [1]. However, the increased degrees of freedom (DOFs) in large domains make the generation of the Characteristic Basis Functions (CBFs) very time- and memory-consuming for the following reasons: (a) Impedance matrices for each domain need to be calculated; (b) Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) must be carried out to remove the redundancy between the CBFs. To mitigate the above problem, Multilevel CBFM (MLCBFM) has been proposed. Also, similar to MLCBFM, a hybrid approach namely the hybrid CBFM/ACA/UV method has been developed recently to address the same issue [2]. By using the UV technique, the computational time and memory complexity required by the matrix filling process can be decreased from O(BN RWG 2) to O(BN RWG logN RWG ), where B is the number of blocks andN RWG is the average number of RWGs in each block. Compared to MLCBFM, the hybrid CBFM/ACA/UV has the advantage that it does not require the generation of either the CBFs or the reduced matrix at the lower level (two-level domain decomposition policy is normally adopted for MLCBFM).
Development of coated conductors by inclined substrate deposition

Abstract Inclined substrate deposition (ISD) offers the potential for rapid production of high-quality biaxially textured buffer layers suitable for YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7− δ (YBCO)-coated conductors. We have grown biaxially textured magnesium oxide (MgO) films on Hastelloy C276 (HC) substrates by ISD at deposition rates of 20–100 A/s. Scanning electron microscopy of the ISD MgO films showed columnar grain structures with a roof-tile-shaped surface. X-ray pole figure analysis revealed that the c -axis of the ISD MgO films is titled at an angle ≈32° from the substrate normal. A small full-width at half maximum of ≈9° was observed for the φ -scan of MgO films. YBCO films were grown on ISD MgO buffered HC substrates by pulsed laser deposition and were determined to be biaxially aligned with the c -axis parallel to the substrate normal. The orientation relationship between the ISD template and the top YBCO film was investigated by X-ray pole figure analysis and transmission electron microscopy. A transport critical current density of J c =5.5×10 5 A/cm 2 at 77 K in self-field was measured on a YBCO film that was 0.46-μm thick, 4-mm wide, 10-mm long.
Erratum to: Mitigation of Intergranular Stress Corrosion Cracking in Al–Mg by Electrochemical Potential Control

Intergranular stress corrosion cracking in the Al–Mg alloy AA5456-H116 is suppressed via cathodic polarization in 0.6 M NaCl, saturated (5.45 M) NaCl, 2 M MgCl2, and saturated (5 M) MgCl2. Three zones of intergranular stress corrosion cracking (IG-SCC) susceptibility correlate with pitting potentials of unsensitized AA5456-H116 and pure β phase (Al3Mg2) in each solution. These critical potentials reasonably describe the influence of α Al matrix and β phase dissolution rates on IG-SCC severity. Complete inhibition occurred at applied potentials of −1.0 V and −1.1 V versus saturated calomel electrode (V SCE) in 0.6 M NaCl. Whereas only partial mitigation of IG-SCC was achieved at −0.9 V SCE in 0.6 M NaCl and at −0.9, −1.0, and −1.1 V SCE in the more aggressive environments. Correlation of pitting potentials in bulk environments with IG-SCC behavior suggests an effect of bulk environment [Cl−] and pH on the stabilized crack tip chemistry.
Coke vs. Pepsi: Brand Compatibility, Relationship Power, and Life Satisfaction

Individuals often evaluate, purchase, and consume brands in the presence of others, including close others. Yet relatively little is known about the role brand preferences play in relationships. In the present research, the authors explore how the novel concept of brand compatibility, defined as the extent to which individuals have similar brand preferences (e.g., both partners prefer the same brand of soda), influences life satisfaction. The authors propose that when brand compatibility is high, life satisfaction will also be high. Conversely, because low brand compatibility may be a source of conflict for the relationship, the authors propose that it will be associated with reduced life satisfaction. Importantly, the authors predict that the effects of brand compatibility on conflict and life satisfaction will depend upon relationship power. Across multiple studies and methodologies, including experimental designs (studies 2, 3, 5) and dyadic data from real-life couples (studies 1, 4, 6), the authors test and find support for their hypotheses. By exploring how a potentially unique form of compatibility influences life satisfaction, including identifying a key moderator and an underlying mechanism, the current research contributes to the literatures on branding, close relationships, consumer well-being, and relationship power.
Lymphoid cell interactions in cell-mediated immunity.

A key question about cell-mediated immunity is whether it can be induced and effected without participation of bone marrow derived lymphocytes (B cells). The experiments of Cerottini, et al. (1,2) and Sprent and Miller (3) would answer, yes, for they suggest that thymus derived lymphocytes (T cells) can be specifically induced and can carry out allogeneic target cell lysis without B cell participation. The experiments of MacLennan, et al. (4–7) and of van Boxel, et al. (8), however, imply that in the effector step of cell-mediated target cell lysis, the T lymphocyte is not needed. In addition, for several systems antibody can specifically trigger normal lymphoid populations to lyse target cells (9–13).
Revolution and Cure: Molyneux’s Problem, Denis Diderot’s Letter on the Blind, and Royall Tyler’s The Algerine Captive

This essay traces the influence of Enlightenment philosophy, specifically Denis Diderot’s Letter on the Blind, on Royall Tyler’s American novel The Algerine Captive. Focusing on the largely overlooked role of disability in the novel, I argue that The Algerine Captive reflects a medical and moral model of disability that draws on Diderot’s representation of blindness as a biological defect and a moral lack. Tyler explores American anxieties over whether the new nation would survive the political divisions pervading the country following the Revolutionary War. While sympathy was touted as a means of unity by both political leaders and authors, Diderot’s Letter and Tyler’s The Algerine Captive reflect the view of blindness as a disruption to sympathy. I interrogate this framework to show how it promotes the necessity of medical and moral intervention to enable both sight and sympathy. According to the novel, sympathy, like sight, can only be achieved through proper training, by learning to “see” others, and the supposed equality and freedoms of America, correctly.
A HTS synchronous machine with rotating armature for wind power applications

This paper deals with a new topology for high-temperature Superconducting (HTS) machines. In order to achieve high torque and optimum flux density, an innovative approach is proposed to the invert the entire concept of the rotating parts of a Synchronous machine. Here, it is proposed to rotate the stator of the Synchronous machine and allow the Superconducting coils to remain static. The result will altogether nullify the necessity of the complicated cryo-coolers that normally need to be rotated along with the superconducting windings. Thus, one obtains a simpler machine in terms of construction which still maintains high efficiency because of the use of Superconducting coils. It is proposed that this type of machine may be suitable for offshore wind turbine applications with a geared drive. This, in turn, will reduce the high COE (Cost of Energy)associated with Superconducting machines. A prototype of the proposed concept with 4 Hz frequency has been analyzed through 2D-FEA and provides satisfactory results to go forward with this idea. We intend to optimize the current prototype to obtain a better torque output than the PM machines available at present in the market. The finished system will include a DC to DC converter, slip rings on the line and diode bridge rectifier to produce a power adequate to be fed to the grid. Furthermore, one may be able to integrate a battery storage system and a feedback loop for the power supply to the converters and make this a standalone system for offshore applications. Keeping this in our mind, in this paper, we have emphasized on the analysis and challenges faced in this particular machine prototype.
Optimizing the preparation and stability of decorated antiretroviral drug nanocrystals.

Aim While the therapeutic potential for current long-acting (LA) antiretroviral therapy (ART) is undeniable, ligand-decorated nanoformulated LA-ART could optimize drug delivery to viral reservoirs. The development of decorated ART hinges, however, on formulation processes and manufacture efficiencies. To this end, we compared manufacture and purification techniques for ligand-decorated antiretroviral drug nanocrystals. Materials & methods Ligand-decorated nanoparticle manufacturing was tested using folic acid (FA) nanoformulated cabotegravir. Results Direct manufacturing of FA-cabotegravir resulted in stable particles with high drug loading and monocyte-macrophage targeting. A one step 'direct' scheme proved superior over differential centrifugation or tangential flow filtration facilitating particle stability and preparation simplicity and efficiency. Conclusion Direct manufacturing of FA nanoparticles provides a path toward large-scale clinical grade manufacturing of cell-targeted LA-ART.
School Rampage in International Perspective: The Salience of Cumulative Strain Theory

This chapter is an international extension of previous work, in which the authors developed a sequential explanatory model of the factors implicated in American school rampages (cases in which three or more people are killed or injured by current or former students of the targeted school or college) and identified the following cumulative stages: chronic strain, uncontrolled strain, acute strain, the planning stage, and the massacre. Here, recent cases of rampage school shootings outside of the United States are examined, applying the same selection criteria as the previous American study, in order to determine the extent to which the multi-stage explanatory model may be generalized internationally. Despite important international variations, the model is found to apply remarkably well to international incidents of multiple-victim school shootings and suggest implications for prevention and future research.
7 – Incomplete Tables

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the incomplete contingency tables in which some cells are ignored. The cells may be ignored because they are unobserved, because they pertain to events that cannot occur, or because they are unusual in other respects. Incomplete tables can also arise in multinomial response problems. In a quasi-independence model, the row marginal totals for the table of estimated means j are equal to the observed row marginal totals of the table, and the column marginal totals for the table of estimated means are equal to the observed column marginal totals njB. Analysis of incomplete multi-way tables by hierarchical models is quite similar to the analysis of complete multi-way tables by hierarchical models. Occasional new complications involve difficulties in the determination of degrees of freedom for chi-square statistics and in the estimation of λ-parameters. If the λ-parameters are not uniquely determined by the cell means that are positive, then interpretation of parameters may become quite complex.
Factors Influencing the International Spread of Equine Diseases

In an era of increasing globalization, the risk of spread of infectious diseases in humans and animals, including equids, has never been greater. International movement of equids and trade in semen are the most important factors responsible for the dissemination of various equine pathogens. Other factors that can or do have the potential to influence the global distribution of equine infectious diseases include: multinational trade agreements, emergent diseases, mutation of pathogens, climate related phenomena, migration of amplifying/reservoir hosts or vectors, availability of new vectors, vaccine contamination and agroterrorism. The relative importance of each of these factors is considered in relation to the spread of equine diseases.
Predictors of Attrition in Longitudinal Neuroimaging Research: Inhibitory Control, Head Movement, and Resting-State Functional Connectivity

Attrition is a major problem in longitudinal neuroimaging studies, as it may lead to unreliable estimates of the stability of trait-like processes over time, of the identification of risk factors for clinical outcomes, and of the effects of treatment. Identification of characteristics associated with attrition has implications for participant recruitment and participant retention to achieve representative longitudinal samples. We investigated inhibitory control deficits, head motion, and resting-state functional connectivity within the cognitive control network (CCN) as predictors of attrition. Ninety-seven individuals with remitted major depressive disorder or healthy controls completed a functional magnetic resonance imaging scan, which included a go/no-go task and resting-state functional connectivity. Approximately 2 months later, participants were contacted and invited to return for a second scan. Seventeen individuals were lost to follow-up or declined to participate in the follow-up scan. Worse inhibitory control was correlated with greater movement within the scanner, and each predicted a greater likelihood of attrition, with movement mediating the effects of inhibitory control on attrition. Individuals who dropped out of the study exhibited greater movement than nondropouts across 9 of the 14 runs of the scan, with medium-to-large effect sizes. Finally, exploratory analyses suggested that attenuated resting-state connectivity with the CCN (particularly in bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex) was associated with greater likelihood of attrition after accounting for head motion at several levels of analysis. Inhibitory control and movement within the scanner are associated with attrition, and should be considered for strategic oversampling and participant retention strategies to ensure generalizability of results in longitudinal studies.
Abstract # 2060 Microglia are extrinsically primed by the aged microenvironment

Microglia are responsible for propagating inflammatory signals from the periphery to the brain, where they drive the behavioral sickness response. With normal aging, these cells develop a pro-inflammatory, “primed” profile with increased expression of inflammatory mediators. A critical question is if this priming can be reversed. CSF1R antagonism results in elimination of microglia in the adult brain followed by rapid repopulation. Therefore, we hypothesized CSF1R antagonist-mediated microglial depletion in the aged brain would result in repopulation of new, unprimed microglia. Here we provide evidence that microglia in adult and aged mice were robustly eliminated following oral administration of CSF1R antagonist PLX5622. When antagonism was stopped, microglia repopulated the adult and aged brain at the same rate and efficiency with new cells no longer burdened with lipofuscin, the hallmark lipid debris of aging. However, RNA-Seq analysis of FACS-sorted microglia revealed these new microglia had the same primed mRNA profile. Moreover, RNA-Seq analysis of the brain microenvironment provided evidence of astrogliosis in aged mice independent of microglial depletion/repopulation. Lastly, peripheral immune challenge still caused an exaggerated microglial inflammatory response in the aged brain with prolonged behavioral deficits. These data are interpreted to indicate the microenvironment of the aged brain significantly influences the profile of repopulating/proliferating microglia. Taken together, aged microglia proliferate and repopulate the CNS, but the repopulating microglia still adopt a pro-inflammatory profile characteristic of aging.
Transculturation of the Hero in G. Belger’s Novel “The Home of the Wanderer”

Using the methods of literary analysis, the author tries to trace the evolution of the hero of the novel by G. Belger in the aspect of the transcultural approach. The central object of the study was the “House” archetype. The author comes to the conclusion that the elements of different levels associated with this archetype - from ontological categories (“here-being”, “there-being”) to symbols allow explicating Belger’s idea of Allness, which serves as an alternative to Homelessness and Findability.
Exploring the differences in perceptions of work importance and job usefulness to society between self-employed and employed individuals

Abstract A quintessential bane in the modern workforce is finding meaningful work, or work that is perceived to meaningfully contribute to society. Given that entrepreneurial undertakings are characterized by both fulfillment and challenges, whether self-employed individuals perceive their work to be more important or useful to society than those who are employed is an open question. Using two samples – 33,162 participants from 35 European countries in the 2015 European Work Conditions Survey (EWCS 2015), and 8110 participants from 36 countries in the 2015 International Social Survey Programme (2015 ISSP) – we examine the association between self-employment and the importance and usefulness to society that individuals assign to their work. We find that though there are no substantive differences between self-employed and employed individuals on doubts about the importance of their job (from EWCS 2015 sample), however, self-employed individuals do perceive their jobs to be more useful to society (from 2015 ISSP sample).
Programmable Daisychaining of Microelectrodes to Secure Bioassay IP in MEDA Biochips

As digital microfluidic biochips (DMFBs) make the transition to the marketplace for commercial exploitation, security and intellectual property (IP) protection are emerging as important design considerations. Recent studies have shown that DMFBs are vulnerable to reverse engineering aimed at stealing biomolecular protocols (IP theft). The IP piracy of proprietary protocols may lead to significant losses for pharmaceutical and biotech companies. The microelectrode dot array (MEDA) is a next-generation DMFB platform that supports real-time sensing of droplets and has the added advantage of important security protection. However, real-time sensing offers opportunities to an attacker to steal the biochemical IP. We show that the daisychaining of microelectrodes and the use of one-time programmability in MEDA biochips provides effective bitstream scrambling of biochemical protocols. To examine the strength of this solution, we develop a Satisfiability (SAT)-based attack that can unscramble the bitstreams through repeated observations of bioassays executed on the MEDA platform. Based on insights gained from the SAT attack, we propose an advanced defense against IP theft. Simulation results using real-life biomolecular protocols confirm that while the SAT attack is effective for simple instances, our advanced defense can thwart it for realistic MEDA biochips and real-life protocols.
The Strongest Risk Factor for Operative Mortality in Acute Type A Aortic Dissection is Acidosis: Validation of Risk Model.

Multiple risk factors for operative mortality in the setting of acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) have been described. Recently, the combination of severe acidosis and malperfusion was found to significantly impact operative mortality following surgery for ATAAD and a treatment algorithm was proposed. The purpose of this study is to validate these findings in our institution. A retrospective chart review was performed for patients who underwent ATAAD repair between Feb 1997 and Jan 2018. Preoperative nadir pH, bicarbonate, base deficit, organ malperfusion, and other relevant parameters were collected. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to evaluate operative mortality. A total of 298 patients underwent ATAAD repair. The highest operative mortality (18/49; 37%) was noted in patients with severe acidosis (base deficit ≤ −10). There were 96 patients (32%) with malperfusion. In patients with abdominal malperfusion, this trend is even more pronounced. Multivariable logistic regression showed that severe acidosis is associated with higher operative mortality, odds ratio of 13.9 (P = 0.001). The presence of diabetes and advanced age were also associated with higher operative mortality. These findings validate the previously reported findings that severe acidosis is a strong predictor of operative mortality, and risk increases with associated organ malperfusion. This supports the suggestion that base deficit, which is easily performed at the bedside, should be used clinically to predict operative mortality and should be collected in aortic dissection databases.
Winning the fight against biofilms: the first six-month study showing no biofilm formation on zwitterionic polyurethanes.

Biofilms have been a long-standing challenge for healthcare, water transport, and many other industries. They lead to bacterial growth and infections in animals, food products, and humans, cause premature removal of the implanted materials or devices from patients, and facilitate fouling and corrosion of metals. Despite some published and patented methods on minimizing the effects of biofilms for a short period (less than two weeks), there exists no successful means to mitigate or prevent the long-term formation of biofilms. It is even more challenging to integrate critical anti-fouling properties with other needed physical and chemical properties for a range of applications. In this study, we developed a novel approach for combining incompatible, highly polar anti-fouling groups with less polar, mechanically modifying groups into one material. A multifunctional carboxybetaine precursor was designed and introduced into polyurethane. The carboxybetaine precursors undergo rapid, self-catalyzed hydrolysis at the water/material interface and provide critical anti-fouling properties that lead to undetectable bacterial attachment and zero biofilm formation after six months of constant exposure to Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus epidermidis under the static condition in a nutrient-rich medium. This zwitterionic polyurethane is the first material to demonstrate both critical anti-biofilm properties and tunable mechanical properties and directly validates the unproven anti-fouling strategy and hypothesis for biofilm formation prevention. This approach of designing ‘multitasking materials’ will be useful for the development of next generation anti-fouling materials for a variety of applications.
A method to quantify regional axonal transport blockade at the optic nerve head after short term intraocular pressure elevation in mice

Abstract Axonal transport blockade is an initial step in retinal ganglion cell (RGC) degeneration in glaucoma and targeting maintenance of normal axonal transport could confer neuroprotection. We present an objective, quantitative method for assessing axonal transport blockade in mouse glaucoma models. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was elevated unilaterally in CD1 mice for 3 days using intracameral microbead injection. Longitudinal sections of optic nerve head (ONH) were immunofluorescently labeled for myelin basic protein (MBP) and amyloid precursor protein (APP), which is transported predominantly orthograde by neurons. The beginning of the myelin transition zone, visualized with the MBP label, was more posterior with elevated IOP, 288.8 ± 40.9 μm, compared to normotensive control eyes, 228.7 ± 32.7 μm (p = 0.030, N = 6 pairs). Glaucomatous regional APP accumulations in retina, prelaminar ONH, unmyelinated ONH, and myelinated optic nerve were identified by objective qualification of pixels with fluorescent intensity greater than the 97.5th percentile value of control eyes (suprathreshold pixels). This method segregated images with APP blockade from those with normal transport of APP. The fraction of suprathreshold pixels was significantly higher following IOP elevation than in normotensive controls in the unmyelinated ONH and myelinated nerve regions (paired analyses, p = 0.02 and 0.003, respectively, N = 12), but not in retina or prelaminar ONH (p = 0.91 and 0.08, respectively). The mean intensity of suprathreshold pixels was also significantly greater in glaucoma than in normotensive controls in prelaminar ONH, unmyelinated ONH and myelinated optic nerve (p = 0.01, 0.01, 0.002, respectively). Using this method, subconjunctival glyceraldehyde, which is known to worsen long-term RGC loss with IOP elevation, also produced greater APP blockade, but not statistically significant compared to glaucoma alone. Systemic losartan, which aids RGC axonal survival in glaucoma, reduced APP blockade, but not statistically significant compared to glaucoma alone. The method provides a short-term assessment of axonal injury for use in initial tests of neuroprotective therapies that may beneficially affect RGC transport in animal models of glaucoma.
The Impact of the European Patent System on SMEs and National States and the Advent of Unitary Patent

A centralized and federal patent system in the EU changes economic and constitutional law structures by creating a ‘nationalized’ international patent. As the underlying economic policy has concentrated on the development needs of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), accounting for 99% of all businesses in Europe, statistical analysis and data of their patenting activity and patent ownership are used to assess whether the new regime can help or hinder SMEs and the states in which they are based. Due consideration is given to the monopoly effect of patents and the adversarial nature of the judicial, federal system that is introduced in the absence of a federation of states. Although there are always costs and benefits in such a system, new legal/institutional developments amplify existing imbalances in technological and economic capacities between and within member states, and between them and non-EU states.
Examining Criminogenic Risk Levels Among People with Mental Illness Incarcerated in US Jails and Prisons.

This study examines criminogenic risk levels of individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) involved in the justice system compared to justice-involved individuals without mental illness. The sample (N = 436) consisted of ninety-three individuals with SMI incarcerated in a county jail in a mid-size Midwest city, 217 individuals with SMI incarcerated in a state prison in the US Northeast, and 126 individuals without mental illness incarcerated in a state prison in the US Southwest. Results indicated that people with SMI incarcerated in jail and prison had higher overall criminal risk levels than prison inmates without mental illness. Results further demonstrated that, on average, higher percentages of persons with SMI had high/very high criminogenic risk scores. Finally, we noted that persons with SMI scored higher on most of the eight criminogenic risk domains measured by the Level of Service Inventory. These findings are possibly the most compelling to date in the growing body of literature demonstrating that justice-involved people with SMI have elevated criminogenic risk comparable to or greater than their non-mentally ill peers involved in the justice system. Consequently, treatment programs and interventions for justice-involved individuals with SMI need to explicitly target criminogenic needs into treatment efforts.
Whole-body 18-F-FDG-PET in patients with leptomeningeal disease and correlation with MRI.

OBJECTIVE Studies evaluating leptomeningeal disease on whole-body 18F-FDG PET are lacking. The purpose was to evaluate PET imaging of leptomeningeal disease and investigate the incremental utility of newer PET reconstructions in leptomeningeal disease. METHODS PET imaging of 56 patients with leptomeningeal disease detected initially on MRI (n = 53) or cytopathology (n = 35) were retrospectively reviewed. Regular 3-dimensional iterative reconstruction (3D IR, n = 56) and advanced reconstruction (AdvRecon, n = 41) PET images were evaluated by readers blinded to clinical and MRI findings for uptake involving cauda equina, posterior fossa and spinal cord. Spinal cord uptake pattern was classified as normal (uptake liver, conus and cervical cord uptake > liver and multifocal/diffuse uptake > liver. SUVmax ratios of conus/liver, conus/left atrium and conus/cervical cord were compared between 3D IR and AdvRecon datasets. RESULTS Cauda equina uptake was seen in 64% and 78% on 3D IR and AdvRecon; posterior fossa uptake was seen in 52% and 54% on 3D IR and AdvRecon, respectively. Twelve percent had cauda equina or posterior fossa uptake visible only on AdvRecon. On 3D IR, normal spinal cord uptake was most common (27%); on AdvRecon, conus and cervical cord uptake > liver was most common (32%). Seven of 11 patients with normal spinal cord uptake on 3D IR were upgraded to increased uptake on AdvRecon. AdvRecon showed significantly higher conus/liver, conus/blood pool and conus/cervical cord SUVmax ratios (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION Abnormal uptake in cauda equina, posterior fossa and spinal cord uptake are visible on FDG PET in leptomeningeal disease with increased conspicuity advanced PET reconstructions.
Life, Death, and Zombies: Revisiting Traditional Concepts of Nonprofit Demise

There is a robust literature examining financial vulnerability and demise of nonprofit organizations, particularly in the United States. However, much of this knowledge stems from inconsistent definitions of nonprofit demise. Using eight comparative case studies, this study revisits traditional definitions of nonprofit life and death to better reflect actual organizational operating status. Following this reclassification, findings from this study show that certain internal and external characteristics are more important in determining a nonprofit’s operational status. In particular, nonprofits whose missions involve a particular regulation are more likely to close due to mission completion or obsolescence; however, these nonprofits also tend to either reincarnate or expand scope if other factors are favorable. The findings also appear to show that the existence of conflict or competition with an outside entity boosts nonprofit cohesion. Internal tensions, however, are particularly harmful.