cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Financial impact of alternative approaches to reduce bacterial contamination of platelet transfusions.

BACKGROUND Bacterial contamination of platelets remains the leading infectious risk from blood transfusion. Pathogen reduction (PR), point-of-release testing (PORt), and secondary bacterial culture (SBC) have been proposed as alternative risk control strategies, but a comprehensive financial comparison has not been conducted. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS A Markov-based decision tree was constructed to model the financial and clinical impact of PR, PORt, and SBC, as well as a baseline strategy involving routine testing only. Hospitals were assumed to acquire leukoreduced apheresis platelets on Day 3 after collection, and, in the base case analysis, expiration would occur at the end of Day 5 (PR and SBC) or 7 (PORt). Monte Carlo simulations assessed the direct medical costs for platelet acquisition, testing, transfusion, and possible complications. Input parameters, including test sensitivity and specificity, were drawn from existing literature, and costs (2018 US dollars) were based on a hospital perspective. RESULTS The total costs per unit acquired by the hospital under the baseline strategy, PR, PORt, and SBC were $651.45, $827.82, $686.33, and $668.50, respectively. All risk-reduction strategies decreased septic transfusion reactions and associated expenses, with the greatest reductions from PR. PR would add $191.09 in per-unit acquisition costs, whereas PORt and SBC would increase per-unit testing costs by $31.79 and $17.26, respectively. Financial outcomes were sensitive to platelet dating; allowing 7-day storage with SBC would lead to a cost savings of $12.41 per transfused unit. Results remained robust in probabilistic sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSIONS All three strategies are viable approaches to reducing bacterially contaminated platelet transfusions, although SBC is likely to be the cheapest overall.
Polish-Lithuanian Mercenaries in Muscovy’s Time of Troubles

This article argues for placing greater emphasis on the impact of Polish military intervention upon the course of the Time of Troubles in Muscovy. Before 1610 such intervention took the form of adventurism by Polish nobles leading mercenary bands and operating without the approval of King Sigismund III.
Effects of task-specific obstacle-induced trip-perturbation training: proactive and reactive adaptation to reduce fall-risk in community-dwelling older adults.

Trips account for over half of outdoor falls among community-dwelling older adults. To investigate to what extent obstacle-induced trip-perturbation training could reduce fall-risk among older adults and to see whether training effects could be retained short term. Forty community-dwelling older adults were exposed to 24 repeated trip-perturbations given in a “blocked-and-mixed” manner during over-ground gait. Another trip was given 30 min post-training. For each trip, recovery strategies and outcomes (fall versus no fall) were analyzed. Within-trial changes to proactive and reactive dynamic center of mass stability, pre-trip toe clearance and trunk angle, trunk angle at recovery completion, and recovery step length were analyzed. 48% of participants fell on their novel trip. The fall rate decreased significantly for subsequent trips, with no falls on the last trip. The decreased fall incidence resulted from improved feedforward and feedback adjustments for controlling center of mass stability and body kinematics. Proactive adaptations included reduced forward center of mass velocity, which lessened forward instability, and larger toe clearance, which increased the likelihood of obstacle avoidance. Reactive adjustments included reduced forward instability and improved trunk control (reduced forward rotation) at recovery step completion. Post-training, training effects were retained in terms of fall incidence, with slight decay in toe clearance and reactive stability. Older adults demonstrated appropriate locomotor-based proactive and reactive adaptations to repeated obstacle-induced trips with short-term retention similar to young adults, and thus could reduce their fall-risk through such training.
Health Disparities and Cardiovascular Disease.

The number one leading cause of death in 2017 for Americans was cardiovascular disease (CVD), and health disparities can exacerbate risks. This study evaluates the 2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) (n = 437,436) to estimate population risks for behavioral, socio-economic, psychological, and biological factors. A general linear model with a quasi-binomial link function indicated higher risks for the following groups: smokers (odds ratio, OR = 0.688), individuals with higher body mass index scores (OR = 1.023), persons unable to work (OR = 2.683), individuals with depression (OR = 1.505), workers who missed more days due to mental issues (OR = 1.12), the elderly, males (OR = 1.954), those in race categories “indigenous Americans, Alaskan non-Hispanics”, “Black Hispanics,” or “other, non-Hispanic,” and individuals with lower income. Surprisingly, increased consumption of alcohol was not found to be a risk factor as in other studies. Additional study of alcohol risk factors is needed. Further, Black non-Hispanics were associated with lower rates of CVD/MI (myocardial infarction), a finding that is supported by recent evidence of more unhealthy behaviors in other races. The results of this study highlight 2018 CVD/MI disparities based on the BRFSS and suggest the need for additional policy interventions including education and providing increased access to health care for the disadvantaged. The principles of beneficence and justice require policy interventions such as these.
Advanced Access Scheduling in Primary Care: A Synthesis of Evidence.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Advanced access (AA) scheduling aims to improve primary care throughput by decreasing appointment scheduling wait time for patients. The primary objective of this article is to provide a review and analysis of the evidence comparing AA scheduling in primary care with traditional scheduling. A comprehensive search of electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane, CINAHL, Web of Science, PsychINFO) from 1999 through 2018 was completed to identify all studies that compared practice and patient outcomes before implementation of AA scheduling and after implementation in primary care. PRISMA-P 2015 protocol guidelines for systematic review were used. Of the 177 studies eligible for inclusion, 18 satisfied all inclusion criteria. Findings suggest that AA scheduling may reduce appointment scheduling wait time (83%) and no-show rates (67%), increase patient volume (50%) and productivity of providers (83%), and decrease emergency and urgent care visits (75%). Patient and staff satisfaction, continuity of care, revenue, and quality of care outcomes were mixed in terms of improvement. This author investigated definition controversies, implication to stakeholders, differences in scheduling implementation, and measures and outcomes of AA in primary care. The analysis found that AA scheduling promises to improve access in primary care. Further research must be conducted to better inform healthcare stakeholders on how, where, and with whom AA scheduling systems can be best implemented.
“Along for the Ride”: A Qualitative Study Exploring Patient and Caregiver Perceptions of Decision Making in Cancer Care:

Background. Shared decision making is a cornerstone of an informed consent process for cancer treatment, yet there are often many physician and patient-related barriers to participation in the process. Decisions in cancer care are often perceived as relating to a discrete, treatment decision event, yet there is evidence that decisions are longitudinal in nature and reflect a multifactorial experience. Objective. To explore patient and caregiver perceptions of the choices and decision-making opportunities within cancer care. Design. Qualitative in-depth interviews with 37 cancer patients and 7 caregivers carried out as part of an evaluation of a cancer center's effort to improve patient experience. Results. Participants described decision making related to four distinct phases in complex cancer care, with physicians leading, and often limiting, decisions related to disease assessment and treatment options and access, and patients leading decisions related to physician selection. Though physicians led many decisions, patients had a moderating influence on treatment, such that if patients did not like options presented, they would reconsider their options and sometimes switch physicians. Patients had various strategies for dealing with uncertainty when faced with decisions, such as seeking additional information to make an informed choice or making a conscious choice to defer decision making to the physician. Limitations. Patients were sampled from one academic cancer center that serves a predominantly Caucasian, Asian, and Hispanic/Latino population and received complex treatment. Conclusion. Because of the complexity of cancer treatment, many patients felt as though they were a "passenger" in decision making about care and did not lead many of the decisions, though many patients trusted their doctors to make the best decisions and were comforted by their expertise.
Using subsidies to stabilize peer-to-peer ridesharing markets with role assignment

Abstract Peer-to-peer (P2P) ridesharing is a form of shared-use mobility that has emerged in recent decades as a result of enabling of the sharing economy, and the advancement of new technologies that allow for easy and fast communication between individuals. A P2P ridesharing system provides a platform to match a group of drivers, who use their personal vehicles to travel, with their peer riders who are in need of transportation. P2P ridesharing systems are traditionally categorized as two-side markets, with two mutually exclusive sets of agents, i.e., riders and drivers. Fixing the roles of participants a priori, however, could come at an opportunity cost of missed social welfare/revenue for the system. Consequently, this paper proposes a new market game, and its corresponding mathematical formulation, that outputs matching, role assignment, and pricing. We investigate the stability properties of this market game, and present a mathematical formulation that yields a stable outcome if one exists. Furthermore, we propose a Lagrangian relaxation algorithm to obtain a stable solution for large-scale games with empty cores through subsidizing the system. Using numerical experiments, we demonstrate the benefits of the proposed methodology, and its advantages over previously proposed methods for stabilizing non-bipartite graphs.
How blockchain will transform the healthcare ecosystem

Abstract Blockchain has the potential to fundamentally transform the healthcare ecosystem, impacting all healthcare participants. In this article, we study the potential impact of blockchains on patient-centered care delivery by looking at the ecosystem of blockchain-based solutions being developed for key stakeholders: patients, pharmaceutical firms, hospital systems, and insurance providers. Building from our interviews with senior managers, our actual experience in the healthcare industry, and our academic research, we outline how blockchain will transform healthcare, and we provide guidance as to how those in healthcare need to start thinking about engaging with blockchain technology.
MANGROVE GROWTH DYNAMICS AND SEDIMENT RELATIONS IN SOUTH WESTERN NIGERIA

The mangrove ecosystem is not exempted from the fundamental interlinkages of components ensuring their functionality and development. Proper understanding of the interrelations between sediment parameters and their potential influence on mangrove growth is limited. This study examined mangrove structure across South western Nigeria, their growth dynamics, successional stage and relationship with the underlying sediments. Vegetation measurements and soil sampling (0-30cm) were carried out in one hundred quadrats of 20m by 20m. Sediments underwent laboratory analysis using standard procedures. Multiple regression was used to evaluate the relationship between the sediments and structural parameters at the 0.05 significance level. Ongoing degradation was detected, with evidence of selective harvesting targeted in the critical younger classes of <6cm, 6.1-9cm and 9.1-13cm. Phosphorus, magnesium, pH, salinity, sodium, silt and organic carbon were significant factors, contributing approximately 53 percent to the height. Electrical conductivity, organic carbon, salinity, total acidity, pH and silt were significant factors, contributing approximately 56 percent to the girth. The mangrove forests, though at a matured stage, are endangered. Sediment parameters, especially texture, have a significant influence on mangrove growth. Preparation of specialised sediment treatments for mangrove regrowth sites and also the setting up of conservation sites should be adopted.
UTX promotes CD8 + T cell-mediated antiviral defenses but reduces T cell durability.

Summary Persistent virus infections can cause pathogenesis that is debilitating or lethal. During these infections, virus-specific T cells fail to protect due to weakened antiviral activity or failure to persist. These outcomes are governed by histone modifications, although it is unknown which enzymes contribute to T cell loss or impaired function over time. In this study, we show that T cell receptor-stimulated CD8+ T cells increase their expression of UTX (ubiquitously transcribed tetratricopeptide repeat, X chromosome) to enhance gene expression. During chronic lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infection in mice, UTX binds to enhancers and transcription start sites of effector genes, allowing for improved cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL)-mediated protection, independent of its trimethylation of histone 3 lysine 27 (H3K27me3) demethylase activity. UTX also limits the frequency and durability of virus-specific CD8+ T cells, which correspond to increased expression of inhibitory receptors. Thus, UTX guides gene expression patterns in CD8+ T cells, advancing early antiviral defenses while reducing the longevity of CD8+ T cell responses.
Stewardship of Intersectionality: A Complex Proposition

This chapter argues that intersectionality is both a way of understanding and a tool for social transformation created by and for women of color. Beginning in the mid-1800s, it takes up the issues of how we might think about intersectionality as a critical theory and an emergent field of study. The chapter poses the following questions: what are the political implications of boundary-drawing while preserving feminist commitments to freedom and gender equality and what does intersectionality’s complex evolution tells us about power, feminism’s fundamental unit of analysis? The chapter calls for feminist scholars’ stewardship of this important contribution of Women’s & Gender Studies.
Inpatient versus outpatient intravenous diuresis for the acute exacerbation of chronic heart failure

Abstract Background We established an IV outpatient diuresis (IVOiD) clinic and conducted a quality improvement project to evaluate safety, effectiveness and costs associated with outpatient versus inpatient diuresis for patients presenting with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) to the emergency department (ED). Methods Patients who were clinically diagnosed with ADHF in the ED, but did not have high-risk features, were either diuresed in the hospital or in the outpatient IVOiD clinic. The dose of IV diuretic was based on their home maintenance diuretic dose. The outcomes measured were the effects of diuresis (urine output, weight, hemodynamic and laboratory abnormalities), 30–90 day readmissions, 30–90 day death and costs. Results In total, 36 patients (22 inpatients and 14 outpatients) were studied. There were no significant differences in the baseline demographics between groups. The average inpatient stay was six days and the average IVOiD clinic days were 1.2. There was no significant difference in diuresis per day of treatment (1159 vs. 944 ml, p = 0.46). There was no significant difference in adverse outcomes, 30–90 day readmissions or 30–90 day deaths. There was a significantly lower cost in the IVOiD group compared to the inpatient group ($839.4 vs. $9895.7, p= Conclusions Outpatient IVOiD clinic diuresis may be a viable alternative to accepted clinical practice of inpatient diuresis for ADHF. Further studies are needed to validate this in a larger cohort and in different sites.
Preprint Highlight: Pressure and curvature control of contact inhibition in epithelia growing under spherical confinement.

All living systems evolved molecular mechanisms to respond to their physical surroundings, such as by tuning cell cycle progression as well as transport of different cargo across intracellular compartments. However, it is difficult to determine if such responses are genetically programmed or purely resultant of physical forces. This study deploys a new confinement device that modulates chamber stiffness, curvature, and compression over epithelial tissue. Compression specifically regulated cell cycle progression, while increasing stiffness changed cell aspect ratio. The authors propose a new independent function of previous cooperative pathways that regulate long-range tissue scales (β-catenin) and local spatial changes (YAP/TAZ). This work represents a methodological advance in creating specific physical cues while measuring cellular processes, enabling many future studies combining other chemical and genetic perturbations..
Young motherhood: levels and socioeconomic determinants of adolescent fertility in Ghana

Adolescent fertility levels have shown considerable improvements globally over the past decades. However, adolescent childbearing remains high in developing countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. This study, thus, examines the levels and socioeconomic factors associated with adolescent fertility in Ghana. The study drew on data from the 2003, 2008, to the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Surveys to perform a logistic regression analysis of socioeconomic factors associated with adolescent fertility. The results show that adolescent childbearing levels have not shown any considerable improvements over the study periods (10%, 10%, and 11% for 2003, 2008, and 2014, respectively). Socioeconomic factors such as household wealth status, working status, employer status, and employment period were associated with adolescent fertility. Female adolescents from poor households, employed and self-employed adolescents, as well as regular workers, were linked to higher adolescent fertility risks. Older adolescents, and ever married adolescents also show significantly higher childbearing risks while the risk levels steadily increased over time. Promoting economic empowerment among female adolescents and targeting employed female adolescents in fertility control measures may have considerable positive implications for adolescent fertility levels in Ghana.
Control of hazardous metal emissions from power plants via precombustion coal cleaning

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the fate of various metal species naturally present within coal during coal cleaning and combustion. The research associated with this chapter is divided into three distinct areas. The first involves the EXAFS investigation of the speciation of various elements present in coal and its associated solid combustion byproducts. The second area of research involves the quantification of trace element concentrations in coal and its associated solid combustion byproducts through the application of Particle Induced X-ray and Gamma-Ray Emission (PIXE/PIGE). The final aspect of the project is the determination of the leachability characteristics of individual elements from coal and its combustion byproducts. The overall goal of the project is to determine the effects of coal beneficiation on the concentration, forms-of-occurrence, and overall leachability of individual metals from coal and its solid combustion byproducts. The chapter presents the development of an appropriate ash-leaching procedure for leachability characterization.
Parathyroid Hormone: Structure and Immunoheterogeneity

The amino acid sequence of the NH2-terminal 34 residues of human parathyroid hormone (HPTH) has been determined and duplicated synthetically to produce a peptide that is biologically active. In the amino acid sequences of the bovine and porcine hormones, the glutamic acid function at position 22 has been revised to glutamine. Among these initial 34 residues, HPTH differs from bovine PTH by 5 residues and from porcine PTH by 4 residues.
Ebola virus disease and the search for a cure

Ebola virus disease (EVD) was first identified in 1976 in Yambuku, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo), and is caused by an RNA virus in the filovirus family (1). The current strain circulation in West Africa is very similar to the original strain (>95% homology). The origin of the current outbreak remains unknown, but it is suspected to be from an animal reservoir with intermediary species (2).
Cardiac performance correlates of relative heart ventricle mass in amphibians

This study used an in situ heart preparation to analyze the power output and stroke work of spontaneously beating hearts of four anurans (Rhinella marina, Lithobates catesbeianus, Xenopus laevis, Pyxicephalus edulis) and three urodeles (Necturus maculosus, Ambystoma tigrinum, Amphiuma tridactylum) that span a representative range of relative ventricle mass (RVM) found in amphibians. Previous research has documented that RVM correlates with dehydration tolerance and maximal aerobic capacity in amphibians. The power output (mW g−1 ventricle mass) and stroke work (mJ g−1 ventricle muscle mass) were independent of RVM and were indistinguishable from previously published results for fish and reptiles. RVM was significantly correlated with maximum power output (P max, mW kg−1 body mass), stroke volume, cardiac output, afterload pressure (P O) at P max, and preload pressure (P I) at P max. P I at P max and P O at P max also correlated very closely with each other. The increases in both P I and P O at maximal power outputs in large hearts suggest that concomitant increases in blood volume and/or increased modulation of vascular compliance either anatomically or via sympathetic tone on the venous vasculature would be necessary to achieve P max in vivo. Hypotheses for variation in RVM and its concomitant increased P max in amphibians are developed.
Deterrence, defense spending, and elasticity: Alliance contributions to the public good

There are two methods that are often used to determine the allocation process used by members of an alliance supplying the public good of deterrence. One investigates the cross‐sectional relationship between alliance members’ GNPs and their defense expenditures. This group‐level analysis normally assumes that income remains constant. The second centers on the interaction between the hegemonic state and the other allies. This paper presents a third method: an investigation of the relationship between size (as measured by GNP) and the income elasticity of defense spending. The paper determines the elasticity of defense spending for eighteen developed countries. It finds that smaller allies have greater elasticities than larger allies, and that alliance‐membership serves to lower the alliance members’ elasticity. The implications of these findings for the study of collective goods are discussed.
3-DEOXY-3-FLUOROPYRIDOXAMINE 5'-PHOSPHATE: SYNTHESIS AND CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF A COENZYME B6 ANALOG

The C-3 deoxygenation of CDP-6-deoxy-l-threo-d-glycero-4-hexulose is the key step in the biosynthesis of ascarylose which is a 3,6-dideoxy sugar found in the lipopolysaccharide of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis. This transformation, achieved by the catalysis of CDP-6-deoxy-l-threo-d-glycero-4-hexulose-3-dehydrase (E1) and CDP-6-deoxy-l-threo-d-glycero-4-hexulose-3-dehydrase reductase (E3), is initiated by a reversible dehydration followed by a stepwise electron transfer from NADH to reduce the resulting glucoseen−PMP adduct. An organic radical intermediate has been detected by EPR during E1−E3 catalysis, and its characteristics are consistent with a phenoxyl radical. Its formation has been hypothesized to involve a tautomerization of the glucoseen−PMP intermediate to a PMP−quinone methide species, which then serves as the electron acceptor during the reduction. In order to gain further experimental evidence supporting this proposed mechanism, the title compound (F-PMP) was synthesized and tested for its comp...
Time evolution of the nonadiabatic nonlinear quantum dimer.

We analyze the set of coupled equations which describe the strong interactions between a moving quasiparticle in a solid and vibrations of the solid responsible for self-trapping and other polaronic and solitonic phenomena. The goal of the investigation is the examination of novel effects, if any, of relaxing the traditional (adiabaticity) assumption of disparate time scales for the quasiparticle motion and the vibrations. The study uncovers several striking phenomena including an approach to the self-trapped stationary states of the adiabatic dimer and the coexistence of a static and a dynamic transition in the behavior of the quasiparticle motion.
DNA-sequence asymmetry directs the alignment of recombination sites in the FLP synaptic complex.

Abstract The FLP recombinase promotes site-specific recombination in the 2 μm circle of Saccharomyces cerevisiae . FLP recognizes a 48 bp target site (FLP recombination target, or FRT) consisting of three 13 bp protein binding sites, or symmetry elements, flanking an 8 bp spacer region. Efficient recombination also occurs with DNA substrates that have minimal FRT sites, consisting only of the spacer and two surrounding 13 bp symmetry elements arranged in inverse orientation; thus, the wild-type spacer sequence is the main asymmetric feature of the minimal recombination site. FLP carries out recombination with many minimal target sites bearing symmetric or asymmetric mutant spacer sequences; however, the overall directionality of recombination defined in terms of inversion or excision of a DNA domain is determined by spacer-sequence asymmetry. In order to evaluate the potential influence of spacer-sequence asymmetry on structures formed during early steps in recombination, we used electron microscopy to investigate the structure of the FLP synaptic complex, which is the intermediate protein-DNA complex involved in site pairing and strand exchange. Using linear substrate DNAs that have minimal FRTs with wild-type spacer sequences, we find that 85 to 90 % of the FLP synaptic complexes examined contain the two FRTs aligned in parallel. This strong preference for parallel site alignment stands in contrast with prevailing models for λ integrase-class recombination systems, which postulate antiparallel site alignment, and results from biophysical studies on synthetic, immobile four-way DNA junctions. Our results show that the strong preference for parallel alignment can be attributed to conformational preferences of Holliday junctions present in the synaptosome.
An Alphard Specification of a Correct and Efficient Transformation on Data Structures

In this paper we study the problem of designing and specifying standard program components applicable to a wide variety of tasks; we choose for this study the specific problem domain of data structures for general searching problems. Within this domain Bentley and Saxe [1] have developed transformations for converting solutions of simple searching problems to solutions of more complex problems. We discuss one of those transformations, specify precisely the transformation and its conditions of applicability, and prove its correctness; we accomplish this by casting it in terms of abstract data types–specifically by using the Alphard form mechanism. The costs of the structures derived by this transformation are only slightly greater than the costs of the original structures, and the correctness of the transformation definition together with the correctness of the original structure assure the correctness of the derived structure. The transformation we describe has already been used to develop a number of new algorithms, and it represents a new level of generality in software engineering tools.
Heat Resistaxce of the Spores of Clostridium Botulinum

The study of heat resistance of CI. botulinum in many food products heretofore not tested under conditions as they prevail in the canneries, was undertaken in 1926. This work was delayed because independent workers, using the procedures, which had formerly given satisfactory results, failed to get heat-resistant organisms, and often even sporulation. The purpose of the work to be reported was to supply spores for these canning experiments. A rather complete resume of the literature bearing upon the subject of bacterial spore resistance can be found in Magoon's recent paper 1 and in the chapter on determination of thermal death time by Esty.2 No agreement prevails as to the prerequisites of a good spore medium. For CI. botulinum spores Weiss 3 used brain medium, while Esty and Meyer4 from a study of the heat resistance of 112 strains of CI. botulinum recommend lO^o gelatin veal infusion-peptic-digest as the most reliable substrate. Dickson and his associates5 state, "that the secret of a good spore medium lies in producing a suitable substrate for the rapid and profuse growth of the organism." The majority of strains grew well in peptic-digest glucose broth but some strains required the addition of gelatin, vegetable juice, etc. He states furthermore that the kind of medium in which spores are grown does not seem to influence their heat resistance.
Gender pluralism in problem-solving software

Although there has been significant research into gender regarding educational and workplace practices, there has been little awareness of gender differences as they pertain to software tools, such as spreadsheet applications, that try to support end users in problem-solving tasks. Although such software tools are intended to be gender agnostic, we believe that closer examination of this premise is warranted. Therefore, in this paper, we report an end-to-end investigation into gender differences with spreadsheet software. Our results showed gender differences in feature usage, feature-related confidence, and tinkering (playful exploration) with features. Then, drawing implications from these results, we designed and implemented features for our spreadsheet prototype that took the gender differences into account. The results of an evaluation on this prototype showed improvements for both males and females, and also decreased gender differences in some outcome measures, such as confidence. These results are encouraging, but also open new questions for investigation. We also discuss how our results compare to generalization studies performed with a variety of other software platforms and populations.
Dynamically Removing Partial Body Mass Using Acceleration Feedback for Neural Training

This paper describes a control strategy for an active body suspension system for treadmill based neural rehabilitation or training devices. Using an acceleration feedback, the system behaves like dynamically removing part or all of the body mass of the trainee so that he/she will truly feel like having a reduced mass while being trained for walking, jogging, or other leg activities on a treadmill. It will be shown that the proposed controller can compensate any amount of inertia force which would not be present as if the trainee had a real reduced mass. As a result, the dynamic load on the trainee's body as well as the supporting legs during an exercise will also be reduced correspondingly. Simulation results are presented to demonstrate the benefits of the actively controlled body suspension system.
Conspecific attraction in loggerhead shrikes: implications for habitat conservation and reintroduction

Abstract The loggerhead shrike, Lanius ludovicianus, is a declining songbird that forms breeding aggregations. Despite such reports from several populations, only one statistical analysis of loggerhead shrike territory distribution has been published to date. I use a spatio-temporal simulation technique to test for deviations from randomness in the spatial distribution of point data that takes into account date of nest establishment. I apply this model to data on the distribution of shrike nests in Comanche County, Oklahoma, USA, collected over the 1998 and 1999 breeding seasons. When the data are considered without regard to date of nest-establishment, the results are equivocal; nests are significantly aggregated in 1999, but not 1998. However, when order of nest establishment is taken into account, later nests are significantly more likely to be closer than expected to conspecifics in both years. This is true even when the distribution of simple resources, such as suitable nest-trees, is included in the model. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that loggerhead shrikes ‘prospect’ for suitable habitat using the distribution of breeding conspecifics. This aspect of loggerhead shrike breeding ecology should be considered for both habitat conservation and captive breeding and reintroduction programs for this species.
Comparative cell-specific grazing rates in field populations of ciliates and dinoflagellates

We compared specific feeding rates of ciliates and thecate and gymnodinoid dinoflagellates on the natural food spectrum applying a dual-label isotope method (Daro 1978, Helgolander wiss Meeresunters 31:241-248; Lessard & Swift 1985, Mar Biol 87:289-296) in coastal waters off Oregon, USA. Ciliates had the highest size-specific clearance rates on heterotrophic food sources with an average of 3.9 X 10' body volumes (BV) h-'. Gymnodinoid dinoflagellates strongly selected for phototrophic food sources and showed the highest size-specific clearance rates o n phototrophs with an average of 2.2 X 105 BV h-' The range of clearance rates on photosynthetic organisms in gymnodinoids overlapped with that in the c~llates. We also present evidence for bacterivory in gymnod~noid dinoflagellates with a mean of 2.4 X 104 BV h-', comparable to bacterivory by thecate dinoflagellates, but more than an order of magnitude lower than the mean found for the ciliates studied. Our data indicate that in gymnodinoid dinoflagellates, small cells have higher size-specific clearance rates than larger cells. The composition as well as the size distribution of the grazer populations need to be considered when comparing the grazing impact of ciliates and dinoflagellates on prey populations in the field.
Effects of computer interfaces on computer-based statistical analysis

Thirty-one first-year psychology graduate students in a computer applications course completed a set of structured problems, unstructured problems, and data-screening problems in each of two statistical computing environments: a menu-based interface (SPSS for Windows) and a traditional command-based interface (SPSSx). Performance on the menu-based interface was generally superior to performance on the command-based interface. More of the structured problems were completed successfully within the menu-based interface. The menu-based interface also facilitated error identification, was rated as easier to use, and was preferred nearly 4 to 1 over the command-based interface. For the unstructured problems, students identified more relationships in the data set and issued more statistical commands when working with the menu-based interface. These findings are consistent with the interpretation that because the menu-based interface requires fewer mental resources to be dedicated to the mechanics of analysis, more resources are available to devote to higher level problem solving.
A Two-Dimensional Numerical Investigation of the interaction between Sea Breezes and Deep Convection over the Florida Peninsula

The Colorado State University Regional Atmospheric Modeling System is used to investigate the interaction between sea breezes and deep convection over the Florida peninsula, and it is shown that this model can simulate the broad features of the three characteristic types of convection systems classified by Blanchard and Lopez (1985). In sensitivity tests performed for a variety of wind and thermodynamic profiles and for different soil-moisture contents, it was found that increases in the low-level temperature and in moisture content speeded up the development of convection. It was found that the dry-soil simulation produced rapidly developing sea breezes that moved inland quickly, while the moist soil case produced a much more slowly developing sea breeze. The total rainfall over the peninsula for the dry-soil case was greater than for the moist soil; it is suggested that the enhanced surface heat fluxes for the dry soil case create stronger low-level convergence over the peninsula (than in the moist-soil case) to force the convection.
Exposure to Condensation Moisture of Sheathing in Retrofitted Leaky Wall Assemblies

Exfiltration of moist indoor air during winter conditions may lead to the gradual wetting of the sheathing of wall assemblies that are not airtight. In this study, seven full-scale wood-frame wall specimens were tested to evaluate the impact of both the geometry of the air leakage path and the addition of rigid insulation on the warm side or the cold side of the assembly on the hygrothermal response of wall assemblies. Walls were exposed to 72 days of steady-state winter conditions and 47 days of steady-state late spring conditions. The position of the added rigid insulation and the geometry of the air leakage paths were different in each wall specimen. The moisture content of the fiberboard sheathing was monitored, and the results are presented. The evolution over time of the moisture distribution across the plane of the sheathing is also presented. The duration of exposure to moisture content above 19 and 28% is examined, allowing a comparison of the performance of the specimens. Leaky assemblies with vapor-tight insulation board added on their cold side were exposed to high moisture content longer than the assemblies not reinsulated or reinsulated on their warm side because the assemblies without insulation on the cold side of the sheathing were exposed to a buildup of frost that prevented moisture to be absorbed by the sheathing.
Toxicological mechanisms and potential health effects of deoxynivalenol and nivalenol.

Produced by the mould genus Fusarium, the type B trichothecenes include deoxynivalenol (DON), nivalenol (NIV) and their acetylated precursors. These mycotoxins often contaminate cereal staples, posing a potential threat to public health that is still incompletely understood. Understanding the mechanistic basis by which these toxins cause toxicity in experimental animal models will improve our ability to predict the specific thresholds for adverse human effects as well as the persistence and reversibility of these effects. Acute exposure to DON and NIV causes emesis in susceptible species such as pigs in a manner similar to that observed for certain bacterial enterotoxins. Chronic exposure to these mycotoxins at low doses causes growth retardation and immunotoxicity whereas much higher doses can interfere with reproduction and development. Pathophysiological events that precede these toxicities include altered neuroendocrine responses, upregulation of proinflammatory gene expression, interference with growth hormone signalling and disruption of gastrointestinal tract permeability. The underlying molecular mechanisms involve deregulation of protein synthesis, aberrant intracellular cell signalling, gene transactivation, mRNA stabilisation and programmed cell death. A fusion of basic and translational research is now needed to validate or refine existing risk assessments and regulatory standards for DON and NIV. From the perspective of human health translation, biomarkers have been identified that potentially make it possible to conduct epidemiological studies relating DON consumption to potential adverse human health effects. Of particular interest will be linkages to growth retardation, gastrointestinal illness and chronic autoimmune diseases. Ultimately, such knowledge can facilitate more precise science-based risk assessment and management strategies that protect consumers without reducing availability of critical food sources.
Process evolution to support system of systems engineering

One of the current research areas at the University of Southern California (USC) Center for Systems and Software Engineering (CSSE) is the development of large scale, software intensive systems of systems (SoS). These SoS are a type of Ultra-Large-Scale Software-Intensive System (ULSSIS) that have become increasingly prevalent in both government and commercial sectors. Research activities have focused on cost estimation and risk assessment associated with the development and evolution of these systems. As part of this research, USC CSSE has teamed with others to learn how SoS engineering processes are evolving to support the development of these systems. This paper highlights the findings of these research activities.
Categories of axons in mammalin rami communicantes

The present study is an electron microscope analysis of the rami communicantes and its purpose is to determine the functional categories of unmyelinated axons in these nerves. Our findings indicate that the grey rami of segments T7, T8, or T9 in the cat consist of approximately 5,000 unmyelinated axons and 20 myelinated axons, and that these axons are post-ganglionic sympathetics. Although the numbers are new data, this conclusion confirms classic work. The white rami from the same segments contain approximately 3,200 unmyelinated axons and 1,600 myelinated axons. 80–90% of the myelinated axons are preganglionic sympathetics and the remainder are presumably sensory. This conclusion is also in confirmation of classic work. The new conclusions are that approximately 30% of the unmyelinated axons are preganglionic sympathetics, approximately 60% seem to be post-ganglionic sympathetics and the surprisingly small remainder may be sensory.
The Pathogenesis of Glaucoma in Sturge-Weber Syndrome

What is the cause of glaucoma in Sturge-Weber syndrome? Looking for the answer to this puzzling question, we examined 21 patients with the disease. Sixteen patients had gglaucoma: three bilateral and 13 unilateral. Episcleral hemangiomas were visible in all glaucomatous eyes. In general, the more extensive the hemangioma, the more severe was the glaucoma. During gonioscopy, blood could easily be made to reflux into Schlemm's canal of glaucomatous eyes. Often the canal separated into multiple fine channels. Episcleral venous pressure, which we measured in 11 patients, was high in all glaucomatous eyes. These observations suggest that glaucoma in Sturge-Weber syndrome is caused by elevated episcleral venous pressure. Most likely, veins draining aqueous from the canal of Schlemm are part of an intrascleral or episcleral hemangioma. The canal of Schlemm itself may be part of the hemangioma. Arteriovenous shunts in the hemangioma raise episcleral venous pressure, which in turn elevates intraocular pressure.
Molecular weight distribution of proteins synthesized in single, identified neurons of Aplysia.

Parietovisceral ganglia from Aplysia californica were incubated in medium containing leucine-3H. Single, identified nerve cell somas were isolated from the ganglia, and their proteins extracted and separated by electrophoresis on 5% SDS-polyacrylamide gels. The distribution of total or newly synthesized proteins from the single neurons was determined by staining or slicing and liquid scintillation counting of the gels. Experiments showed that: (a) a number of proteins were being synthesized in abundance in the nerve cells; (b) different, identified neurons showed reproducibly different labeling patterns in the gels; (c) cells R2 and R15, which showed different distributions of radioactivity in the gels, had similar staining patterns; and (d) there was significant incorporation into material of high (>75,000) molecular weight in most of the cells.
Bad Teacher Is Bad for Teachers

Abstract This article establishes a context for evaluating bad teacher characters and provides a close reading of the 2011 film Bad Teacher by focusing on the plot, the depiction of major characters, and aesthetic elements followed by an assessment of the implications of this film for audiences.
Effects of treatments with cyclooxygenase inhibitors on chickens infected with Eimeria acervulina

Reduced weight gains and feed conversions are major sources of economic losses from avian coccidiosis. Experiments were conducted to determine possible involvement of up-regulation of cyclooxygenase (COX) activity during coccidia infections that might contribute to reduced weight gain. In a series of trials, young (3 to 5 wk of age) cockerels infected with Eimeria acervulina, a duodenal parasite, received oral treatments with indomethacin (IM), an inhibitor of both COX-1 and COX-2, or nimesulide (NIM), a specific inhibitor of COX-2. Infection doses varied with experiment (from 10(5) to 10(6) oocysts per chick). Effects of infection on weight gain, duodenal lesions, plasma carotenoids, and levels of NO2+ NO3- were determined at 6 d postinoculation. Total oocysts were enumerated in feces collected from 5 through 8 d postinoculation from separate replicate groups. In no trials did treatment with IM reverse effects of infection on weight gain or significantly reduce lesion scores. However, in all trials, IM treatment reduced oocyst output per chick (Trial 1, 15%; Trial 2, 19%; Trial 3, 53%; Trial 4, 29%; Trial 5, 28.5%). Supplementation of feed with 400 and 100 ppm NIM significantly reduced weight gain of, and increased oocyst output from, infected chicks, whereas supplementation with 50 ppm NIM had no beneficial effects on weight gain or lesion scores, but reduced oocyst shedding. The inability of the IM and NIM treatments to reverse infection-associated weight gain suppression suggests that this pathological effect is not linked to increased prostanoid synthesis as a result of COX-2 up-regulation during infection. The inhibitory effects of IM treatment on oocyst shedding suggest that COX-2 products may have immunosuppressive effects in coccidia infection at local sites of infection. The stimulating effects of high-dose NIM treatments on oocyst shedding suggest that this compound may inhibit synthesis of other prostanoids as well.
Filmmaker to filmmaker : Robert gardner and the cinematic process

Choices made in the reissue of many of Robert Gardner's groundbreaking films—including Dead Birds (1964), Rivers of Sand (1973), and Forest of Bliss (1986)—on DVD demonstrate how new media tools can reinvigorate questions generated by the original works and how they can provide new insight into a filmmaker's praxis. The juxtaposition of differing media and the integration of commentary track conversations in many of these works with media makers and scholars such as Stan Brakhage, Robert Fenz, Ross McElwee, Akos Ostor, and Lucien Taylor provide unique vantage points from which to view the original documentaries and reconsider the lessons they yield. Gardner's concurrent publication of his diary and production notes in the book Impulse to Preserve (2006) contextualizes and personalizes these works, showing how they fit together in a career of innovative ethnographic production that has spanned over 50 years.