cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Classification with spatio-temporal interpixel class dependency contexts

A contextual classifier which can utilize both spatial and temporal interpixel dependency contexts is investigated. After spatial and temporal neighbors are defined, a general form of maximum a posterior spatiotemporal contextual classifier is derived. This contextual classifier is simplified under several assumptions. Joint prior probabilities of the classes of each pixel and its spatial neighbors are modeled by the Gibbs random field. The classification is performed in a recursive manner to allow a computationally efficient contextual classification. Experimental results with bitemporal TM data show significant improvement of classification accuracy over noncontextual pixelwise classifiers. This spatiotemporal contextual classifier should find use in many applications of remote sensing, especially when the classification accuracy is important. >
Beyond Familism: A Case Study of the Ethics of Care of a Latina Caregiver of an Elderly Parent With Dementia

Caregiving for elderly relatives with dementia is described as a stressful and challenging obligation that disproportionately befalls women in families. Studies of Latina caregivers tend to focus on how the cultural value of familism shapes caregiving expectations and experiences. However, these studies tend not to distinguish between familism as ideology and familism as practice to evaluate how caregiving may or may not conform to prescribed cultural scripts nor to examine the ethics of care utilized by family caregivers. Through a case study of a second-generation daughter, we explore the nuances of an ethics of care that constitute her caregiving experiences and the tensions generated by efforts to respect divergent cultural mandates.
Activity Patterns of Pair Programming

This paper reports results from an exploratory study investigating the activity patterns of pair programming using a student project conducted over a period of nine weeks. We found that pair programming engaged in activities that lead to more deeper-level thinking which may enable people to formulate a more complete mental model of the task. We also compared the activity patterns between different pair combinations. We found that there are differences in the patterns among different pair combinations.
Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty in evolving acute myocardial infarction.

Abstract In 29 patients with evolving acute myocardial infarction, acute reperfusion of the infarct-related coronary artery was attempted using percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PICA). Before PTCA, angiography showed 23 totally occluded and 6 severely stenotic infarct-related coronary arteries. PTCA was initially successful in 25 of 29 patients (86%). Reocclusion occurred in 4 patients within 12 hours after successful PTCA and was associated with new electrocardiographic changes or recurrence of symptoms. In 17 patients the infarct-related coronary artery remained patent at early follow-up; late stenosis occurred in 4 patients. Recurrence of stenosis was accompanied by development of angina. No clinical or angiographic features distinguished those with ultimate vessel patency, occlusion or recurrence of stenosis. On follow-up, ventricular function appeared better preserved or improved in those with a patent infarct-related coronary artery than in those with an occluded infarct-related coronary artery. Further studies are warranted to compare PTCA and streptokinase as primary reperfusion modalities in evolving acute myocardial infarction.
Ethylene–propylene–diene terpolymer/silica compound modification with organosilane [bis(triethoxysilylpropyl)disulfide] and improved processability and mechanical properties

Bifunctional silane [bis(triethoxysilylpropyl)disulfide (TESPD)] was added to a silica-containing ethylene–propylene–diene terpolymer mold compound, and its effects with respect to the vulcanization properties, processability, and physical properties were investigated. The addition of TESPD caused reduced heat generation during mixing, low minimum torque, low drop temperature, and low extrusion pressure buildup in the extruder. It also caused a high vulcanization torque, high torque rise, high torque maximum, and high elongational modulus. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
High-Throughput Selection of Retrovirus Producer Cell Lines Leads to Markedly Improved Efficiency of Germ Line-Transmissible Insertions in Zebra Fish

Vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein G-pseudotyped mouse retroviral vectors have been used as mutagens for a large-scale insertional mutagenesis screen in the zebra fish. To reproducibly generate high-titer virus stocks, we devised a method for rapidly selecting cell lines that can yield high-titer viruses and isolated a producer cell line that yields virus at a high titer on zebra fish embryos. Virus produced from this line, designated GT virus, is nontoxic following injection of zebra fish blastulae and efficiently infects embryonic cells that give rise to the future germ line. Using GT virus preparations we generated roughly 500,000 germ line-transmissible proviral insertions in a population of 25,000 founder fish in about 2 months. The GT virus contains a gene trap, and trap events can be detected in the offspring of almost every founder fish. We discuss potential applications of this highly efficient method for generating germ line-transmissible insertions in a vertebrate
The Effects of Age and Working Memory Demands on Automation-Induced Complacency

Complacency refers to a type of automation use expressed as insufficient monitoring and verification of automated functions. Previous studies have attempted to identify the age-related factors that influence complacency during interaction with automation. However, little is known about the role of age-related differences in working memory capacity and its connection to complacent behaviors. The current study aims to examine whether working memory demand of an automated task and age-related differences in cognitive ability influence complacency. Higher degrees of automation (DOA) have been shown to reduce cognitive workload and may be used to manipulate working memory demand of a task. Thus, we hypothesize that a lower DOA (i.e. information acquisition stage with lower level) will demand more working memory than a higher DOA (i.e. decision selection stage with higher level) and that a lower DOA will result in a greater difference in complacency between age groups than a higher DOA.
Integrated Management of Leafy Spurge-Infested Rangeland

LeafyspurgeisaninvasiveEurasianweedonpasturesandrangelandinNorthAmericawhereitreducesgrassforageproduction.Our objective was to determine the effects of multispecies grazing combined with Aphthona flea beetles on leafy spurge-infested rangeland.OntwowesternNorthDakotasitesdividedintofour25-to79-hapastures,twograzingdurationtreatmentswereapplied: season-longwith7to10cowcalfpairsand20to25sheepfromlateMaythroughmid-September,androtationwith18to21cowcalf pairsand45to50sheepfor 3weekstwiceper year.Grazingtreatmentsstartedin1998andcontinuedthrough2002.Aphthonaspp. were released beginning in 1991 and were widespread in both pastures by 1998. Four grazing exclosures were randomly located in each pasture inthe springof1998. Coverofleafyspurge, grass,and forbs,aswell asdensity ofvegetativeandfloweringleafyspurge stems were measured in July 1998 through 2002. Aphthona densities were counted July 1999 through 2002. Grazing initially increased leafy spurge vegetative stem density, but grazing decreased vegetative stem density from 104 in 1999 to 20 stems � m � 2 in 2002. Season-long grazing reduced vegetative stem density by over 30 stems � m � 2 compared to rotation grazing. Leafy spurge floweringstemsdecreasedfrom80stems � m � 2 in1998to4stems � m � 2 in2002inalltreatments.Thedecreasewasmorerapidwhen grazingwascombinedwithAphthona.Initially,Aphthonadensitiesweregreaterinthegrazedareasthantheexclosures,butby2002 more Aphthona were found in the exclosures than the grazed areas. Grazing reduced grass cover and increased forb cover. Results suggest combining multispecies grazing and Aphthona when restoring spurge-infested grasslands produces a synergistic effect.
Electrocardiograms on the HELP System

At LDS Hospital ECGs are obtained using Marquette machines that print out tracings with a preliminary report. The data from the tracing are also stored on a floppy diskette and are subsequently transferred to MUSE (the Marquette Universal System for Electrocardiography). The MUSE system is a minicomputer-based system that allows storage and retrieval of ECG data. After the preliminary interpretations have been reviewed and modified by a cardiologist, the final MUSE ECG interpretations are electronically transmitted to the HELP system where the findings are converted into HELP’s standard PTXT codes. ECG findings and data are thus available to the HELP system for display, printout, and/or inclusion in decision logic.
Modeling Variations in Distal Impact Ejecta/Spherule Layers Through Space and Time

In this section, we summarize theoretical and experimental studies of how impact ejecta should vary with distance from the source crater. We then summarize what has been learned from studies of distal impact ejecta layers and compare these observational data with the theoretical and experimental results. In Sect. 10.2 we present a preliminary model for how distal ejecta vary with distance from the source crater based primarily on younger (Cenozoic and K-T boundary) ejecta layers whose source craters, with one exception, have been identified. We then discuss how well this model conforms to observations of older layers where the source craters are known with less certainty or altogether unknown (and possibly unknowable, especially in the case of Archean layers); and, where possible, we try to use the model to predict the size of and distance to the source crater.
Promotion of N-Methyl-N-Nitrosourea-Induced Thyroid Tumors by Iodine Deficiency in F344/NCr Rats

Six-week-old male F344 rats were each given an injection once iv of N-methyl-N-nitrosourea [(MNU) CAS: 684-93-5] at a dose of 41.2 mg/kg body weight. Two weeks later, groups of rats were placed on iodine-deficient (ID) or iodine-adequate (IA) diets and then sacrificed at 20 and 33 weeks. Other groups received ID or IA diets without MNU. For localizing thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and prolactin, sections of pituitary glands were stained by the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex technique with the use of anti-rat TSH or prolactin antibody. At 20 weeks, rats receiving MNU and ID diets had a 100% incidence of diffuse follicular goiter and multiple follicular adenomas of the thyroid. Focal proliferative thyroid follicular lesions including focal hyperplasias and adenomas per square centimeter of thyroid gland were significantly increased in rats given MNU and ID diets in comparison with rats given MNU and IA diets. At 33 weeks, all MNU rats on ID diets had a significantly increased incidence of thyroid carcinoma of the follicular or papillary types and diffuse pituitary thyrotroph hyperplasia, hypertrophy, and vacuolar degeneration. Rats fed ID diets without MNU had diffuse follicular goiter but no tumors at any time period. MNU given alone in rats fed IA diets induced a 10% incidence of single thyroid adenomas at 20 weeks and 70% at 33 weeks and a 10% incidence of thyroid carcinoma at 33 weeks. Tumors induced in other organs by MNU were not affected by the ID diets. Thus this experiment provided evidence that ID diets are potent promoters of thyroid tumors in this system, but the ID diet itself without carcinogen was not carcinogenic under the conditions of the study.
Experimental and Computational Investigation of Acetic Acid Deoxygenation over Oxophilic Molybdenum Carbide: Surface Chemistry and Active Site Identity

Ex situ catalytic fast pyrolysis (CFP) is a promising route for producing fungible biofuels; however, this process requires bifunctional catalysts that favor C–O bond cleavage, activate hydrogen at near atmospheric pressure and high temperature (350–500 °C), and are stable under high-steam, low hydrogen-to-carbon environments. Recently, early transition-metal carbides have been reported to selectively cleave C–O bonds of alcohols, aldehydes, and oxygenated aromatics, yet there is limited understanding of the metal carbide surface chemistry under reaction conditions and the identity of the active sites for deoxygenation. In this paper, we evaluated molybdenum carbide (Mo2C) for the deoxygenation of acetic acid, an abundant component of biomass pyrolysis vapors, under ex situ CFP conditions, and we probed the Mo2C surface chemistry, identity of the active sites, and deoxygenation pathways using in situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XP...
Correlation of Glucose Regulation and Hemoglobin AIc in Diabetes Mellitus

We studied the increased levels of hemoglobins AIa+Ib and AIc in five hospitalized diabetic patients to determine whether changes in diabetic control would cause parallel changes in the levels of these hemoglobins. Before control of diabetes the mean fasting blood sugar for all patients was 343 mg per deciliter (range, 280 to 450), and hemoglobin AIc concentration 9.8 per cent (range, 6.8 to 12.1). During optimal diabetic control the blood sugar concentration was 84 mg per deciliter (range, 70 to 100), and hemoglobin AIc concentration 5.8 per cent (range, 4.2 to 7.6). Hemoglobin AIc concentration appears to reflect the mean blood sugar concentration best over previous weeks to months. The periodic monitoring of hemoglobin AIc levels provides a useful way of documenting the degree of control of glucose metabolism in diabetic patients and provides a means whereby the relation of carbohydrate control to the development of sequelae can be assessed.
Some Biological and Ecological Aspects of the Dispersal Flight of Scolytus quadrispinosus (Coleoptera: Scolytidae)1

Emergence of Scolytus quadrispinosus Say from fieldcaged, naturally infested brood wood in 1962 and 1963 lasted 78 and 90 days, respectively. Temperature was a prime factor governing daily beetle emergence. During the midrange of the emergence period (July), when the largest numbers of beetles were ready to emerge, little or no emergence occurred on days when the temperature maximum fell below 21°-23°C. This temperature range was suggested also by data from hourly beetle collections during 3 days of the 1963 midemergence period. Both sexes were collected throughout the 1962 emergence period. A male to female sex ratio of 1.0:1.4 was recorded. Polygamy and polyandry were observed in this species. Both sexes fed in approximately the same frequency on hickory twigs. Data indicated the existence of an obligatory maturation feeding period for at least a large percent of female S. quadrispinosus. Morphological evidence for gonad development during this maturation feeding was presented. Maturation feeding was predominantly in current year's growth and preferentially in twigs of Carya ovata (Mill.) K. Koch over Carya cordiformis (Wangenh.) K. Koch. Beetles may construct more than 1 feeding niche during maturation feeding.
Mechanistic Modeling of Hydrolysis and Esterification for Biofuel Processes

We have elucidated the mechanism for ethyl oleate hydrolysis in high temperature water and its reverse reaction, oleic acid esterification in near- and supercritical ethanol in the absence of any other added compounds. Both reactions are acid catalyzed. H+ (from dissociation of water and oleic acid) and oleic acid serve as catalysts for hydrolysis and H+ alone is the catalyst for esterification. The rate equation arising from the proposed mechanism provided a good fit of experimental conversion data for both hydrolysis and esterification. The rate equation accurately predicted the influence of pH on hydrolysis for acidic and near-neutral conditions. The mechanistic model exhibits the ability to make quantitatively accurate predictions within and outside the original parameter space, especially for a multicomponent system. Sensitivity analysis shows that the values of the dissociation constant of oleic acid in ethanol, water, and ethanol–water systems strongly influence the predicted conversions. There is ...
Adrenal sensitivity to ACTH as a function of time after hypothalamic lesion and after hypophysectomy.

SummaryThe adrenocortical response to injected ACTH USP Standard has been studied as a function of time in rats after hypophysectomy or placement of a lesion in median eminence of the hypothalamus. In either case, there is an exponential decrease in sensitivity to ACTH of the adrenal gland, as a function of time. This can be observed in the presence of large adrenal glands, in animals bearing a hypothalamic lesion. The progressive decrease of adrenal sensitivity to ACTH in the lesioned animal makes it desirable to use only an acute preparation as a test for CRF.
Analysis on HIV/STD infection, condom use and its determinants among low-grade female sex workers in rural areas

Objective To understand sexual behavior, HIV/STD infection, condom use and its determinants among low-grade female sex workers(FSWs) in Nanning rural areas. Methods The epidemic cross-sectional investigation in Nanning was conducted by questionnaire and cluster sampling. Blood specimens were collected to measure serology of HIV/STD. Results Of 388 interviewees, 56.45% were elder than 30. HIV, syphilis, HCV infection rate was 3.09%, 15.76%, 4.38%, respectively, and co-infection rate was 3.36%. 61.92% of them reported consistent condom use during the sex trade in the last month and the determinants included: age, awareness of AIDS, the condom use in the last sex trade, peer education in the last year(P0.05).Conclusion The characteristics of interviewees are old-aged, low literacy, mobility, low awareness of AIDS, high rate of HIV/STD infection and low rate of condom use. It's necessary to explore effective intervention measures for low-grade FSWs in rural areas according to the distribution, high-risk behavior and determinants.
Capital Account Liberalization and the Politics of Access to Finance in Latin America

Does capital account liberalization improve access to finance? A rich body of evidence suggests that it does, but there are many empirical discrepancies to this relationship, especially in Latin America. When the financial sector is highly concentrated, the incentives of banks and governments are aligned to enlarge the opportunities to gain from financial openness by suppressing policies that reform the domestic financial sector. The result is that capital account liberalization that occurs in such a context should improve access to credit for governments but impede access to credit among private firms and households.
The Importance of Pesticides in Successful Pest Management Programs

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the importance of pesticides in successful pest management programs. Successful pest management programs are programs that gain producer support. If pest management programs are to be successful then it should have economic advantages, environmental advantages, and be as reliable as or more reliable than previous pest control programs. The importance of pesticides in successful pest management programs is totally dependent upon the usages of those pesticides concerning the total pest complex being based on all available information. A fungicide applied to control plant disease may also control those fungi that may have been preventing economic losses by controlling insect pests. Successful pest management programs require the use of economic injury thresholds, economic thresholds, or the pest level that can be tolerated without significant crop loss. Suppressive applications may in some areas be made area wide and serve as a part of total economic control achieved through a combination of control methods including partial host resistance, manipulation of cultural practices, and partial control by beneficial organisms.
Storytellers: The Factory’s Dramaturgy

The London-based Factory theatre company is renowned for its experiments with an improvisational approach to classics, chance dramaturgy, and a playful relationship between performers and audience. The dramaturgies of three Factory productions, Hamlet (2007), The Seagull (2009), and The Odyssey after Homer (2012), create porous structures that allow classics to be rendered within postdramatic theatre.
PKC412, a Small Molecule Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor, Regulates Survival and Proliferation Pathways in Waldenström Macroglobulinemia

Background: Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinemia (WM) is an incurable lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma with limited options of therapy. Protein kinase C (PKC) is a multigene family that that plays an important role in the regulation of cell growth and tumor progression. PKC412, a derivate of staurosporine, is a competitive inhibitor of ATP binding to PKC subtypes. This PKC inhibitor was used to examine its role in WM. Methods: WM cell lines (BCWM1 and WSU-WM) and IgM secreting low-grade lymphoma cell lines (MEC1, RL) were used. Bone marrow primary CD19+ cells and bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC) were obtained from patients with WM after informed consent. Cytotoxicity and DNA synthesis were measured by MTT assay and thymidine uptake assay. Cell signaling of HSP response, VEGF signaling and AKT pathways were determined by Western Blot analysis. Cell cycle and apoptosis analysis were obtained through flow cytometry. Results: We showed that PKC412 induced cytotoxicity in WM cell lines tested (IC50 of 1uM) with no cytotoxic effect on healthy donor peripheral blood mononuclear cells at concentrations as high as 5uM. Cell proliferation and apoptosis analysis showed similar results, in a time independent manner. A G2/M arrest was observed upon cell cycle analysis, suggesting a possible mechanism for apoptosis. Similarly, the Akt pathway was investigated and was found to show a decrease in its activity in a dose dependent manner. Finally, PKC412 regulated VEGF levels in WM samples indicating an anti-angiogenic activity. Conclusion: PKC412 has a significant effect on the survival and proliferation of WM cells, including regulation of angiogenesis. These studies provide the framework for clinical evaluation of this novel PKC inhibitor in Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia.
Perceived control and voice handicap in patients with voice disorders

Objective The purpose of the study was to replicate and extend previous research on the relation between perceived present control and voice handicap and to further examine the psychometric properties of a present control scale adapted for patients with voice disorders (Misono, Meredith, Peterson, & Frazier, 2016). Method Sample 1 consisted of 1,129 patients recruited from a voice disorder clinic who completed measures of perceived present control, distress, and voice handicap in the clinic. Sample 2 consisted of 62 patients from the same clinic who completed measures of present control, distress, voice handicap, and general control beliefs online at baseline and measures of present control and voice handicap again 3 weeks later (n = 59). Results With regard to the psychometric properties of the voice-adapted present control scale, alpha coefficients were above .80 and the 3-week test-reliability coefficient was .69. There was mixed support for the hypothesized 1-factor structure of the scale. In Sample 1, present control was more strongly associated with lower voice handicap than was distress and accounted for significant variance in voice handicap controlling for distress. In Sample 2, present control at baseline predicted later voice handicap, controlling for general control beliefs and distress. Conclusions Present control appears to be a promising target for adjunctive interventions for patients with voice disorders. An evidence-based online present control intervention (Hintz, Frazier, & Meredith, 2015) is being adapted for this patient population. (PsycINFO Database Record
The Changing Landscape of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Etiology, Genetics, and Therapy

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents one of the leading causes of cancer death and has proved to be highly refractory to treatment. Extensive analysis of the disease has demonstrated that it arises predominantly in response to high-risk etiological challenges, most notably hepatitis virus. However, with evolving vaccination and the obesity epidemic, progressively more cases are associated with underlying metabolic dysfunction. Pathologically diverse forms of HCC are observed, and recent sequencing analysis has defined common events that target well-known cancer pathways including β-catenin/Axin, TP53, and RB/CDKN2A, as well as frequent aberrations in chromatin remodeling factors. However, there are a myriad of low frequency genetic events that make each HCC case unique. Gene expression profiling approaches have successfully been deployed for prognostic assessment of hepatocellular carcinoma and to detect the earliest stages of disease. Despite more extensive research, systemic treatment for HCC is exceedingly limited, with only a handful of drugs providing benefit. Ongoing clinical trials are attempting to exploit specific biological dependencies of HCC to improve the dismal prognosis. Overall, the future of HCC treatment will rely on an understanding of the interplay between etiological factors, molecular features of disease, and rational therapeutic intervention.
Preparation and characterization of isolated low degree of polymerization food-grade maltooligosaccharides.

Abstract Research involving human responses to the consumption of starch and its hydrolysis products would benefit from convenient sources of well defined, low cost, food-grade maltooligosaccharides (MOS). This report addresses such need by presenting an approach to obtain aforementioned MOS. A chromatography-ready MOS sample containing proportionately high amounts of low degree of polymerization (DP) MOS is initially prepared from commercially-available maltodextrins (MD) by taking advantage of the DP-dependent differential solubility of MOS in aqueous-ethanol solutions. The low DP-enriched MOS preparation is subsequently fractionated via preparative column chromatography using cellulose-based stationary phases and step-gradient aqueous-ethanol mobile phases. The resulting fractions yielded isolated food-grade MOS ranging in DP from 3 to 7. NMR spectra of isolated MOS indicated minimal amounts of branched saccharides. Typical yields from a single fractionation protocol (2 g MD starting material), including solvent partitioning through preparative chromatography, ranged from ∼40 mg for DP 4, 5, and 7 to ∼100 mg for DP 3 and 6.
Relationship Between Dose and Health Effects

The health effects produced by chemicals depend on the inherent toxicity of the chemical and the dose received by the exposed individual. Health effects are modified by genetic make-up, life style, nutrition, and interaction with other chemicals. In some situations it may be difficult to impossible to determine through epidemiologic studies whether exposure to chemicals (naturally occurring or synthetic) has caused harm. For all practical purposes, the risk associated with minuscule doses of most chemicals is negligible.
Firefighter attitudes, norms, beliefs, barriers, and behaviors toward post-fire decontamination processes in an era of increased cancer risk

ABSTRACTFirefighters are exposed to carcinogens such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) during fires and from their personal protective equipment (PPE). Recent research has shown that decontamination processes can reduce contamination on both gear and skin. While firefighter cultures that honor dirty gear are changing, little is known about current attitudes and behaviors toward decontamination in the fire service. Four hundred eighty-five firefighters from four departments completed surveys about their attitudes, beliefs, perceived norms, barriers, and behaviors toward post-fire decontamination processes. Overall, firefighters reported positive attitudes, beliefs, and perceived norms about decontamination, but showering after a fire was the only decontamination process that occurred regularly, with field decontamination, use of cleansing wipes, routine gear cleaning, and other behaviors all occurring less frequently. Firefighters reported time and concerns ov...
Some Simple Vacuum Polarization Phenomenology: $e^+ e^- \to$ Hadrons: The $\mu$ - Mesic Atom x-Ray Discrepancy and $g_{\mu}$$^{-2}$

We give a simple phenomenological analysis of hadronic and electronic vacuum-polarization effects. We argue that the derivative of the hadronic vacuum polarization, evaluated in the spacelike region, provides a useful meeting ground for comparing e+e−→hadrons annihilation data (assumed to arise from one-photon annihilation) with the predictions of parton models and of asymptotically free field theories. Using dispersion relations to connect the annihilation and spacelike regions, we discuss the implications in the spacelike region of a constant e+e− annihilation cross section. In particular, we show that a flat cross section between t=25 and t=81 (GeV/c)2 would provide strong evidence against a precociously asymptotic "color" triplet model for hadrons. We then turn to a consideration of the apparent discrepancy between observed and calculated muonic-atom x-ray transition energies. Specifically, we analyze the hypothesis of attributing this discrepancy to a deviation of the asymptotic electronic vacuum polarization from its expected value, a possibility which is compatible with all current high-precision tests of quantum electrodynamics. Under the additional technical assumption that the postulated discrepancy in the electronic vacuum-polarization spectral function increases monotonically with t, the hypothesis predicts a decrease in the expected value of the muon-magnetic-moment anomaly aμ=12(gμ−2) of at least -0.96 × 10−7, which should be detectable in the next round of gμ−2 experiments and which is substantially larger than likely uncertainties in the hadronic contribution to aμ. By contrast, postulating a weakly coupled scalar boson φ to explain the muonic-atom discrepancy would imply a (very small) increase in the expected value of aμ. Both the vacuum-polarization and scalar-boson hypotheses (for Mφ≥1 MeV) predict a reduction of order 0.027 eV in the 2p12−2s12 transition energy in [He4, μ]+, an effect which may be observable.
Just Because It's Digital, Doesn't Mean It's Good: Evaluating Digital Picture Books.

At the current time, the reviews of digital picture books are not based on the reading comprehension process or framed in the context of how readers achieve critical reading comprehension. Rather t...
Die richtigen Rahmenbedingungen für eine erfolgreiche digitale Transformation

Digitale Technologien entfalten ihren grosten Nutzen, wenn sie sicher, grenzuberschreitend und fur alle verfugbar sind. Deshalb mussen auf nationaler wie auf internationaler Ebene Regierungen und Regulierungsbehorden, IT-Industrie und Telekommunikationsanbieter und nicht zuletzt die Nutzer selbst an einem Strang ziehen, um Sicherheit und Datenschutz nachhaltig zu verbessern und den Zugang zu digitalen Technologien auf allen Ebenen zu schaffen. Nur so sichern wir das Vertrauen der Burger, das wir fur den Erfolg der digitalen Transformation so dringend benotigen.
Interracial Communication: A Global Phenomenon in Diverse Socio-political Contexts

The vision for this issue was to create an intellectual space where scholars using diverse methodologies and theoretical frameworks would be afforded the opportunity to showcase their scholarship o...
Dual-specificity phosphatases regulate mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling in adipocytes in response to inflammatory stress.

Abstract Obesity is a strong predictor of heart disease, insulin resistance, and type II diabetes. Chronic, low-grade inflammation links obesity and insulin resistance through mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. Upstream kinases activate MAPK signaling, while MAPK-specific dual-specificity phosphatases (DUSPs) act as key modulators and controllers of MAPK deactivation (i.e. dephosphorylation). Using tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) in 3 T3-L1 adipocytes as a model of inflammation, we report that TNFα-mediated induction of Dusp1, Dusp8 and Dusp16 modulated the transient regulation of MAPK (i.e., ERK, JNK, and p38) phosphorylation and subsequent inflammatory gene expression. All three MAPKs examined were phosphorylated in preadipocytes and adipocytes in response to TNFα, where signaling magnitude and duration were phenotype-specific. Moreover, TNFα increased mRNA abundance of DUSPs in preadipocytes and adipocytes in a phenotype-specific manner, concomitant with dephosphorylation of MAPKs. RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated knockdown of Dusp1, Dusp8 and Dusp16 increased signaling magnitude and duration of ERK, JNK, and p38 that subsequently resulted in significant increases in MAPK-dependent inflammatory gene expression of MCP-1, IL-6, and Cox-2 in response to TNFα. This study highlights important roles for DUSPs as integral components of MAPK signaling and adipocyte inflammatory gene expression.
In acute uncomplicated influenza, single-dose baloxavir decreased time to symptom relief compared with placebo

Source Citation Hayden FG, Sugaya N, Hirotsu N, et al; Baloxavir Marboxil Investigators Group. Baloxavir marboxil for uncomplicated influenza in adults and adolescents. N Engl J Med. 2018;379:913-2...
CD34 immunostain increases the sensitivity of placental diagnosis of fetal vascular malperfusion in stillbirth

Abstract Introduction Postmortem regressive placental changes of stillbirth may obscure the pre-existing placental histomorphology. The objective is to find out whether the use of CD34 immunostain can increase the sensitivity of placental examination in the diagnosis of fetal vascular malperfusion (FVM). Methods Twenty six independent clinical and 46 placental variables of 46 placentas from stillbirths were statistically compared to those of 92 placentas from livebirths. One histologically most unremarkable section per case was stained using double E-cadherin/CD34 immunostain (ECCD34). Clusters of avascular/hypovascular chorionic villi on hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining system and/or CD34 immunostaining, the latter also including endothelial CD34 positive debris in the villous stroma, were regarded as evidence of FVM. Results The gestational age and cesarean section rate were statistically significantly lower and the induction of labor and mild erythroblastosis of fetal blood was higher, but the frequencies of clinical and placental features of umbilical cord compromise were not statistically significant between stillbirths and livebirths, respectively. By using H&E stain, 9 (19.6%) of stillbirths and 30 (32.6%) of livebirths showed clusters of avascular villi on H&E. By CD34, the rates of FVM increased to 23 (50%) and 34 (40%), respectively. The increase was statistically significant for stillbirths only (Chi square = 9.4, p = 0.002). By CD34, new clusters of hypovascular chorionic villi or villi with endothelial fragmentation were found in 23 stillbirth cases (50%) as opposed to livebirths (29 cases, 31.5%)(Chi square = 9.4, p = 0.002). Discussion When compared with H&E stain, the CD34 increases sensitivity and/or upgrades FVM in placental examination in stillbirths but not in livebirths.
Correcting Corrupt Research: Recommendations for the Profession to Stop Misuse of p-Values

p-Values and Null Hypothesis Significance Testing (NHST), combined with a large number of institutional factors, jointly define the Generally Accepted Soft Social Science Publishing Process (GASSSP...
Norwood Operation With Anterior Translocation of Pulmonary Artery

Even in the current era of improved clinical outcome of Norwood operation, postoperative pulmonary artery stenosis, recoarctation of the aorta, ventricular dysfunction, and atrioventricular valve regurgitation remain serious clinical concerns. We present 2 cases of successful total cavopulmonary connection after Norwood operation using the right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery shunt with translocation of the pulmonary bifurcation anterior to the reconstructed neoaortic arch. This modification provided a better surgical access to an obstructive pulmonary artery at staged single ventricle strategy and a space for the growth of the pulmonary arteries.
Predictive Analytics and Medical Malpractice

Insurance as a discipline has long embraced analytics, and market trends signal an even stronger relationship going forward. This article is a case study on the use of predictive analytics in the c...
Modulating the Electronic Properties of Au-MoS2 Interfaces Using Functionalized Self-Assembled Monolayers.

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) is a transition-metal dichalcogenide with many applications including in electronic devices and sensors. A critical issue in the development of these devices is the high...
GAM feature selection to discover predominant factors for mortality of weekend and weekday admission to the ICUs

Abstract “Weekend effect” on mortality is a common controversial topic among many hospitals. Although the mortality of patients associated with weekend Intensive Care Units (ICUs) admission has been demonstrated slightly higher than that of patients admitted on weekdays in many studies, the underlying causal mechanisms and the potential factors are not clear at present. In this study, we extract medical record features from the database and propose a Generalized Additive Model(GAM) feature selection method to identify the main contribution features for analyzing this issue. The GAM feature selection system could rank candidate features by its importance, which turns out to be effective in reducing the complexity of a medical issue. The best lists of features are acquired by the weekday GAM model and the weekend GAM model separately. Fourteen out of forty-one features are identified for the reduced list of features. Both models’ reduced lists of features have ten identical characteristics, and the other four are different. The prediction accuracy with the reduced list of features is 79.90% for the weekday model and 78.56% for the weekend model. The contrast experiment has validated the feature ranking results. Furthermore, variables of the same feature classes are also different from weekday admission to weekend admission. We expect that the proposed GAM feature selection method could contribute to solving more medical issues in the future.
Organization for Six Sigma

Constantly changing managerial and organizational needs of businesses affect the organizational performance at the bottom line. Prior to implementing new practices in business organizations, decision-makers need to make sure that the organizational modifications are successfully done and that the organizational structure is ready to initiate new practices. Without preparing the organizational structure to meet the needs and requirements of the new practices, immediately starting Six Sigma projects may bring unexpected obstacles and issues, as were experienced in Western organizations in the past. Before starting the Six Sigma journey, the top executives need to make sure that the organizational structure is ready for Six Sigma practices. Therefore, this chapter focuses on the needed organizational structure for Six Sigma that should increase success.
Postal delivery disruptions and the fragility of voting by mail: Lessons from Maine

Since the onset in early 2020 of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, mail-in voting rates in states that have held elections have surged, presumably reflecting the fact that voting by mail ...
The Reward System and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Does Trauma Affect the Way We Interact With Positive Stimuli?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a highly prevalent disorder and a highly debilitating condition. Although anhedonia is an important construct of the disorder, the relationship between PTSD...
General Equation to Determine Design Rules for Mitigating Partial Discharge and Electrical Breakdown in Power Module Layouts

Systematic design rules to prevent partial discharge in power modules have been formulated for the first time and incorporated into PowerSynth, an electronic design automation tool. The tool’s existing framework for supporting reliability constraints has been leveraged to incorporate voltage and material specific design rules that are informed by finite element simulations. A new general equation to predict the minimum trace gap for various voltages and encapsulants has been determined from these simulations. The tool can now generate layouts of power modules that can be operated up to 30kV.
A methodology for uncertainty quantification and sensitivity analysis for responses subject to Monte Carlo uncertainty with application to fuel plate characteristics in the ATRC

Abstract Large-scale reactor simulation often requires the use of Monte Carlo calculation techniques to estimate important reactor parameters. One drawback of these Monte Carlo calculation techniques is they inevitably result in some uncertainty in calculated quantities. The present study includes parametric uncertainty quantification (UQ) and sensitivity analysis (SA) on the Advanced Test Reactor Critical (ATRC) facility housed at Idaho National Laboratory (INL) and addresses some complications due to Monte Carlo uncertainty when performing these analyses. This approach for UQ/SA includes consideration of Monte Carlo code uncertainty in computed sensitivities, consideration of uncertainty from directly measured parameters and a comparison of results obtained from brute-force Monte Carlo UQ versus UQ obtained from a surrogate model. These methodologies are applied to the uncertainty and sensitivity of keff for two sets of uncertain parameters involving fuel plate geometry and fuel plate composition. Results indicate that the less computationally-expensive method for uncertainty quantification involving a linear surrogate model provides accurate estimations for keff uncertainty and the Monte Carlo uncertainty in calculated keff values can have a large effect on computed linear model parameters for parameters with low influence on keff.
A pictorial review of ultrasonography of the FIGO classification for uterine leiomyomas

Uterine leiomyomas are the most common gynecological and pelvic neoplasm, reported in up to 80 percent of women by age 50. While the majority are asymptomatic, uterine leiomyomas, depending on size, number, and location can result in bulk symptoms, abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB), infertility or recurrent pregnancy loss. Ultrasonography (USG) remains first-line for the diagnosis of leiomyomas and is the most appropriate imaging modality for the initial assessment of abnormal uterine bleeding. In an effort to standardize nomenclature and identify causes of AUB, the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) developed a classification system based on the acronym PALM-COEIN (polyp; adenomyosis; leiomyoma; malignancy and hyperplasia; coagulopathy; ovulatory dysfunction; endometrial; iatrogenic; and not yet classified). For the L category of leiomyoma, when present, a secondary and tertiary subclassification system is described distinguishing submucosal masses from others and categorizing the relationship of the mass to the endometrium and serosa. With advancements in newer minimally to non-invasive techniques developed for the management of leiomyomas, uniform characterization, mapping, and classification of leiomyomas is necessary to decide the optimal therapeutic approach. While this classification system has recently been reviewed on MR, to our knowledge, it has not been reviewed on ultrasound in the radiology literature. We hereby present a pictorial review of USG images of all the FIGO categories of leiomyomas to provide a standard guide for radiology reporting.
Glycemic Control and Aspirin Resistance in Patients Taking Low-Dose Aspirin for Pre-eclampsia Prevention.

OBJECTIVES To assess the association between aspirin and glycemic control in diabetic, pregnant patients, and the risk for aspirin resistance in those with poor glycemic control across gestation taking low-dose aspirin (LDA) for pre-eclampsia (PEC) prevention. STUDY DESIGN We performed a secondary analysis of samples collected during the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units trial of LDA for PEC prevention. A subset of insulin-controlled diabetic patient samples on placebo or 60 mg aspirin daily were evaluated. Glycosylated hemoglobin was measured at randomization, mid-second trimester, and third trimester time points. Thromboxane B2 (TXB2) measurements were previously assessed as part of the original study. Primary outcome was the effect of LDA on glycosylated hemoglobin levels compared with placebo across gestation. RESULTS Levels of glycosylated hemoglobin increased across gestation in the placebo group (2,067.7 [interquartile range, IQR: 1,624.6-2,713.5 µg/mL] vs. 2,461.9 [1,767.0-3,209.9 µg/mL] vs. 3,244.3 [2,691.5-4,187.0 µg/mL]; p < 0.01) compared with no difference in levels of glycosylated hemoglobin across gestation in the LDA group (2,186.4 [IQR: 1,462.3-3,097.7 µg/mL] vs. 2,337.1 [1,327.7-5,932.6 µg/mL] vs. 2,532.9 [1,804.9-5,511.8 µg/mL]; p = 0.78). Higher levels of glycosylated hemoglobin were associated with increased TXB2 levels prior to randomization (r = 0.67, p < 0.05). Incomplete TXB2 was higher in pregnancies with increasing levels of glycosylated hemoglobin compared with those with decreasing levels of glycosylated hemoglobin across gestation (69.2 vs. 18.1%, p = 0.02). CONCLUSION LDA exposure may be beneficial to glycemic control in this patient population. Additionally, poor glycemic control is associated with a higher level of TXB2 in diabetic pregnant patients on LDA. Higher doses of aspirin may be required in these patients to prevent development of PEC. KEY POINTS · Low-dose aspirin may improve glycemic control.. · Poor glycemic control increases risk for aspirin resistance.. · Higher doses of aspirin may be required for pre-eclampsia prevention..
Encyclopedia of Pest Management

Auxiliaries: Deodorants, Diluents, Solvents, Stickers, Surfactants, and Synergists | Allergenic Reactions to Pesticides and Pests | Biological Control of Plant Pathogens (Fungi) | Biological Control of Plant Pathogens (Viruses) | Compatibility of Chemical and Biological Pesticides | Cosmetic Standards (Blemished Food Products and Insects in Foods) | Destruction of Natural Enemies by Pesticides | Ecological Aspects of Pest Management | Field Crop Pest Management (Insects and Mites) | Field Crop Pest Management (Plant Pathogens) | GIS and Gps Systems in Pest Control | Glasshouse Crop Pest Management (Insects and Mites) | Historical Epidemics (E.G., Irish Potato Famine) | History of Biological Controls | Insect Pest Management | Insect Pest Management for Lawns | Legal Aspects of Pest Management and Pesticides | Lethal Genes for Use in Insect Control | Natural Enemy Monitoring for Pest Management | Neurological Effects of Insecticides | Ornamental Crop Pest Management (Insects) | Ornamental Crop Pest Management (Plant Pathogens) | Postharvest Insect Control with Inert Dusts | Principles of Pest Management with Emphasis on Plant Pathogens | Regulating Pesticides (Laws and Regulations) | Reproductive and Developmental Effects from Occupational Pesticides Exposure | Soil Erosion and Pesticide Translocation Control | System and Management of Integrated Plant Control | Vegetable Crop Pest Management (Weeds) | Weed Management: Introduction and Mechanical and Cultural Approaches | Worker Protection Standard
Polypeptide Synthesis, Solid‐Phase Method

Solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) has continued to evolve since originally conceived by R.B. Merrifield in 1959. This article is a general introduction into the current state of the art of SPPS. The review covers synthesis strategies, including protecting group combinations, coupling chemistry, monitoring, solid supports, cleavage, and purification. The most troublesome side reactions are also covered. Finally, the prognosis for future developments in SPPS is discussed. Keywords: solid-phase; synthesis; peptide; protein; review; Merrifield