cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Food skin testing in patients with idiopathic anaphylaxis

Abstract Avoidance is the key treatment of anaphylaxis if an allergen exists; thus, we have evaluated 102 patients with the initial diagnosis of idiopathic anaphylaxis with a battery of 79 food-antigen skin prick tests selected to include foods reported or suspected of provoking anaphylaxis. Only those patients whose episodes consisted of at least two of the following were included in the study: angioedema with or without hives, laryngeal edema leading to severe dyspnea, hypotension, or loss of consciousness. Detailed history, physical examination, and conventional laboratory tests ruled out known causes of anaphylaxis. Thirty-two patients (31%) had positive tests to one or more food antigens. In five of these patients, subsequently eating a food that elicited a positive test provoked an anaphylactic reaction. Two patients eliminated the foods completely, stopped having reactions, and refused challenge. In these seven patients, 10 different antigens provoked anaphylaxis: aniseed, cashew nut, celery, flaxseed, hops, mustard, mushroom, shrimp, sunflower, and walnut. We conclude that a battery of selected food-antigen skin prick tests provided a useful method for identifying an offending antigen in these patients and that some (7% in our series) cases of "idiopathic" anaphylaxis by history are not truly idiopathic.
Efficient generation of coherent blue light at 440 nm by intracavity-frequency-tripling 1319-nm emission from a Nd:YAG laser.

A new route for efficiently generating coherent blue light has been explored based on intracavity effective third-harmonic generation in one partly periodically poled KTiOPO4 crystal placed inside the cavity of a diode-pumped Nd:YAG laser. To achieve efficient conversion, we use a dual-temperature oven to separately control the phase-matching conditions for the two second-order nonlinear processes. In addition, a Fabry–Perot cavity at 660?nm is incorporated into the crystal to increase the blue power significantly. When the laser is Q switched to produce long pulses, an average power of 118?mW is generated at 440?nm at a pump power of 10?W.
Model order estimation of 2D autoregressive processes

The work on model order estimation by Bayesian predictive densities of 1-D real autoregressive processes is extended to 2-D complex autoregressive processes. According to the procedure, the best model is the one which most accurately predicts the data yet to be observed and whose parameters are estimated from the data already observed. The derivation steps of the algorithm are demonstrated and verified by computer simulations. The computer simulations show that the algorithm based on this approach yields good results. >
Globalization and Regional Change in the U.S. Furniture Industry

Furniture manufacturing has experienced rapid globalization in recent years. This is mainly the result of global production networks established by large manufacturers and retailers seeking to reduce costs in a highly competitive environment. The industry's globalization has been facilitated by technological innovations and the global reduction of trade and investment barriers. In the U.S., furniture-producing regions are experiencing tumultuous change. Growing numbers of firms are outsourcing production to China, which is now responsible for about half of all U.S. furniture imports. Employment levels have plummeted. However, an analysis of spatial patterns of employment, output, and capital investment in U.S. furniture manufacturing shows that regional change is not uniform. Southern regions characterized by larger firms specializing in wooden case goods production have been especially vulnerable to job loss.
BioFilter: an architecture for parallel deployment and dynamic chaining of standalone bioinformatics tools

A large number of bioinformatics analysis tools available today are processor intensive. Keeping in mind that the amount of biological data to be analyzed is growing steadily, and these tools are not easily deployable on Beowulf clusters, we propose BioFilter. BioFilter is a software implementation of an architecture that provides a framework for the deployment of these tools on a cluster thereby providing large performance increases. Another facet of bioinformatics analysis is that the tools, in general, are not used in isolation, but are used collaboratively during an analysis. Our architecture provides a way to create pipelines of different analysis tools chained together in a cluster environment, passing the output from one analysis tool as the input to another analysis tool.
Lifespan-on-a-chip: microfluidic chambers for performing lifelong observation of C. elegans †

This article describes the fabrication of a microfluidic device for the liquid culture of many individual nematode worms (Caenorhabditis elegans) in separate chambers. Each chamber houses a single worm from the fourth larval stage until death, and enables examination of a population of individual worms for their entire adult lifespans. Adjacent to the chambers, the device includes microfluidic worm clamps, which enable periodic, temporary immobilization of each worm. The device made it possible to track changes in body size and locomotion in individual worms throughout their lifespans. This ability to perform longitudinal measurements within the device enabled the identification of age-related phenotypic changes that correlate with lifespan in C. elegans.
Planning minimum reactive compensation to mitigate voltage instability

This paper proposes a new optimization based algorithm to plan the minimum amount of switched shunt and series capacitors to restore the voltage stability of a power system after severe contingencies. Through parameterization of severe contingencies, the continuation method is applied to find the critical point. Then, the backward/forward search algorithm with linear complexity is used to select candidate locations for switched shunt and series capacitors. Next, a mixed integer programming formulation is proposed for computing locations and amounts of switched shunt and series capacitors to withstand a planned set of contingencies. A linear programming formulation is utilized to further refine the compensation amounts. The approach is illustrated using the New England 39-bus system.
The Orientation and Interaction of Ethylenediamine Copper (II) with Montmorillonite

The d(001) spacings for a series of montmorillonite samples containing increasing amounts of Cu(eu)) + were recorded after exposure to 50% humidity, 10% humidity, and air that had been saturated with ethylene glycol. It was found that Cu(en)~ + is too large to fit between the montmoril- lonite particles and that in those samples with large amounts of ethylenediamine Cu(II) added, the clay platelets are associated with stronger interactions than those with small amounts of Cu(II) complex added. Infrared spectroscopy and electron spin resonance analysis indicate that the absorbed copper (II) complex is the square planar bis ethylenediamine Cu(II) and that the complex ion is oriented so that the dz~ orbital is perpendicular to the clay surface. The montmorillonite particles may act as ligands and coordinate with Cu(en)~ + ions.
Value-of-Information based Middleware for Autonomic Querying of Distributed Sensor Databases

With particular focus on distributed situational awareness in defense and security applications, we propose a value-ofinformation based middleware framework as a paradigm shift from crawl-index based centralized search. The proposed approach seeks to improve efficiency in search and retrieval by transforming sensors into programmable information points and enabling ubiquitous data and software flows through the infrastructure of the distributed network. We explain the different components of such a middleware framework to organize, tag and notify emerging spatial, temporal and causal patterns from the sensor measurements. We conclude the paper with a brief discussion on the top-down programming model that can realize the framework as a reconfigurable sensor query system.
Using Simulation of Apparatus Set-up to Improve Safety

There is increased focus on improving both safety and learning outcomes of undergraduate chemistry laboratory experiences. Incorrect setting and/or misuse of equipment occurs commonly and can even lead to accidents. This article describes how this was addressed by the development of pre-lab activities that require students to read a detailed step by step word document with instructions and appropriate diagrams describing the set-up of the apparatus, watch a video demonstrating the same and then demonstrating that they could set-up the apparatus by successfully completing an online simulated assembly of the apparatus. Following the pre-lab activities, students undertook the lab and were required to set up the apparatus on their own but to seek instructor’s help as needed. It was observed that the class was able to set-up the apparatus within fifteen minutes. This is in contract to the usual time of around one hour taken traditionally. The time saved was used was used to link the theory underlying the lab to a novel application of nanoparticles to accomplish distillation at room temperature. Students were also surveyed on their perception of the pre-laboratory activities. An overwhelming majority of the students felt that the pre-lab activities were valuable and better prepared them to set-up the simple distillation apparatus correctly and that similar pre-lab activities be developed for other laboratory exercises.
Lateral and Vertical Scaling of $\hbox{In}_{0.7} \hbox{Ga}_{0.3}\hbox{As}$ HEMTs for Post-Si-CMOS Logic Applications

In this paper, we have experimentally investigated the impact of lateral and vertical scaling of In0.7Ga0.3As high-electron-mobility transistors (HEMTs) onto their logic performance. We have found that reducing the In0.52Al0.48As insulator thickness results in much better electrostatic integrity and improved short-channel behavior down to a gate length of around 60 nm. Our nearly enhancement-mode 60-nm HEMTs feature VT = -0.02 V, DIBL = 93 mV/V, S = 88 mV/V, and ION/IOFF = 1.6 times104, at V DD = 0.5 V. We also estimate a gate delay of CV/I = 1.6 ps at VDD = 0.5 V. We have benchmarked these devices against state-of-the-art Si CMOS. For the same leakage current, which includes the gate leakage current, the InGaAs HEMTs exhibit 1.2times more current drive (ION) than the state-of-the-art 65-nm low-power CMOS technology at V DD = 0.5 V.
Fossil-calibrated phylogeny and historical biogeography of Southeast Asian water monitors (Varanus salvator Complex)

We utilize robust geographical genetic sampling, a multilocus dataset, a new synthesis of numerous fossil calibration points, a time-calibrated phylogeny, and the Dispersal–Extinction–Cladogenesis model to test the prediction that widespread Southeast Asian water monitor species initially diversified on the Asian mainland and subsequently invaded the island archipelagos of the Philippines, Sundaland, and Wallacea. Our results strongly contradict these expectations and instead infer an initial water monitor radiation of range-restricted but highly divergent evolutionary lineages (now recognized as endemic species) in one archipelago around 3.6 mya, followed by an out-of-the-Philippines reinvasion of the mainland (2.2 mya), resulting in a few, widespread species that now inhabit most the islands of the Sunda Shelf and the Southeast Asian mainland as far north as Myanmar, as well as an out-of-the-Philippines invasion of Sulawesi (2.1 mya). Our analyses both confirm the importance of island archipelagos as drivers of diversification for mainland biodiversity and emphasize the global evolutionary significance and conservation priority of the Philippines for understanding processes of diversification in island archipelagos.
Potential cost-effectiveness of colorectal cancer chemoprevention with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the Western world. Screening for colorectal neoplasia, including the removal of adenomas, is highly effective and cost-effective in reducing colorectal cancer incidence and mortality. However, only a minority of the population is currently screened. Based on data from animal models, observational studies and randomized trials in humans, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs appear to have great promise as chemopreventive agents against colorectal cancer. The critical factors that will determine the roles of aspirin, other nonselective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors in colorectal cancer chemoprevention include the magnitude of their protective effect, their risks, their costs, the treated population’s characteristics, treatment adherence rates and how chemoprevention compares with established screening strategies.
Calculation of the wave propagation angle in complex media: Application to turning wave simulations

SUMMARY The wave propagation angle is one of the key factors in seismic processing methods. For the dual-domain propagators, it is sometimes necessary to acquire the wave propagation angle in the space-frequency domain instead of the wavenumber domain or the angle domain. We propose a method dealing with this problem, in which the wavefield gradient is used for the calculation of the wave propagation angle. The wavefield gradient can be directly obtained by either the finite difference approximation or the marching expression of the propagator. This method is not applicable in the case of extremely low frequency due to the comparability between the wavelength and the grid interval. Combined with the superwideangle one-way propagator, this approach is instrumental in simulating the turning wave, which is hard to be handled by the traditional one-way propagator. Numerical examples show the good performance of the superwide-angle one-way propagator with our approach involved. The turning wave is modelled accurately; as a result, a high-quality image of the overhanging salt flank can be obtained.
Regulation of Cdc28 Cyclin-Dependent Protein Kinase Activity during the Cell Cycle of the Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The cyclin-dependent protein kinase (CDK) encoded by CDC28 is the master regulator of cell division in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. By mechanisms that, for the most part, remain to be delineated, Cdc28 activity controls the timing of mitotic commitment, bud initiation, DNA replication, spindle formation, and chromosome separation. Environmental stimuli and progress through the cell cycle are monitored through checkpoint mechanisms that influence Cdc28 activity at key cell cycle stages. A vast body of information concerning how Cdc28 activity is timed and coordinated with various mitotic events has accrued. This article reviews that literature. Following an introduction to the properties of CDKs common to many eukaryotic species, the key influences on Cdc28 activity—cyclin-CKI binding and phosphorylation-dephosphorylation events—are examined. The processes controlling the abundance and activity of key Cdc28 regulators, especially transcriptional and proteolytic mechanisms, are then discussed in detail. Finally, the mechanisms by which environmental stimuli influence Cdc28 activity are summarized.
The prognostic value of copeptin in patients with acute chest pain

The prognostic value of copeptin in acute chest pain is an area of rapid growth and research interest. Copeptin has already established a role in early diagnosis and rule out of acute myocardial infarction, but as its use increases much of the attention has been directed at the prognostic value of copeptin. This article reviews the growing body of evidence supporting the use of copeptin to further risk-stratify chest pain patients. The studies included address a variety of populations ranging from all patients presenting with chest pain to those who are at high risk, diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome or found to have left ventricular dysfunction. Many of the studies compare and combine the prognostic value of copeptin with other prognostic markers such as troponin, brain natriuretic peptide and Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events scores. Caveats of copeptin are also discussed such as gender differences, cutoff points and the importance of timing in the copeptin assay.
Nonlinear MHD waves on an interface of finite thickness with compressibility and resonant damping

Weakly nonlinear surface waves rippling an MHD tangential discontinuity (TD) of finite thickness are studied. The waves are two-dimensional and evanescent in the direction normal to the inhomogeneous layer. A novel approach is utilized to treat weakly nonlinear evanescent wave fields in physical space. The evolution equation obtained, which governs the interface displacement as a function of time and position, extends previous results of Ruderman and Goossens, valid for propagation along a unidirectional magnetic field in a stationary incompressible plasma, to a TD of general field geometry in a compressible plasma in the presence of stable velocity shear. Certain conservation properties of the evolution equation are presented, including the Hamiltonian formulation. Exploratory numerical results are reported. The model is of potential use in the analysis of observed quasi-stationary perturbations at the earth's magnetopause.
Beyond the Comtean Schema: The Sociology of Culture and Cognition Versus Cognitive Social Science

In this essay, I argue that the very form of the grammatical construction “a sociology of culture and cognition” (which is a specification of the more general schema “a sociology of [X]”) is symptomatic of a deeply entrenched form of “Primitive Classification” (which I will refer to as the “Comtean schema”) that governs the way in which sociologists conceive of their place in, and engage with other denizens of, the social science landscape. I will also argue that while this style of disciplinary engagement might have worked in the past when it came to dealing with the standard (nineteenth-century) social science disciplines and even some latetwentieth-century upstarts, it will not work as a way to engage the now-sprawling postdisciplinary field that I will refer to as “Cognitive Social Science” (CSS). The takeaway point is that if sociologists want to be part of CSS (and it is in their interest to be part of it because this constitutes the future of the behavioral sciences), then they will have to give up the Comtean-schematic thought style.
Truncated gag products encoded by Gv-1-responsive endogenous retrovirus loci.

Abstract The conversion of endogenous or exogenous murine retroviruses to a leukemogenic phenotype involves recombination with retroviral sequences present in host genomic DNA. In the 129 Gix+ inbred strain, these endogenous sequences are replication defective but still express retroviral proteins under the apparent transcriptional control of the Gv-1 regulatory locus. To study the protein-coding potential of Gv-1-regulated endogenous retroviral loci, we used oligonucleotide probes directed to env deletion breakpoints identified in previously characterized cDNA clones. Four endogenous retroviral loci were isolated from a library of 129 Gix+ genomic DNA with these probes. Three loci cloned with the env deletion probe del env-1 had virtually identical proviral inserts by restriction analysis. A unique locus was identified and cloned with the del env-2 probe, which must therefore represent a Gv-1-responsive element. Restriction enzyme and nucleotide sequence analyses indicated that the del env-1 and del env-2 loci represented members of the polytropic and modified polytropic classes of endogenous retrovirus, respectively. Despite this divergence, members of both classes contained identical deletions of 19 nucleotides within p30gag and of 1,474 nucleotides from p10gag into the reverse transcriptase-coding region of pol, suggesting that a recombination event had occurred between these proviral sequences prior to insertion within the genome. The del env-1 and del env-2 loci retained coding capacity for truncated gag polyproteins, confirmed by in vitro translation and immunoprecipitation of the protein products. Nucleotide sequence comparison of the untranslated leader (L) regions of the del env-1 and del env-2 loci to a replication-competent ecotropic virus indicated regions that might be important to dispersion of these endogenous retroviral elements throughout the host genome.
From Single-Parties to Electoral Authoritarianism: The Institutional Sources of Hegemony and Competitiveness in Post Cold War Africa

This paper studies the subset of African electoral authoritarian regimes that have transitioned from established single-party rule. Extended periods of single-party rule provide regimes with the time to develop robust institutional structures for the retention of elites and social mobilization. This paper highlights differences in party institutionalization and patterns of social incorporation as key factors that explain both the extent of electoral coercion and the size of incumbent hegemony during multiparty elections. Single-party regimes that forged credible internal structures and invested more heavily into rural sectors were more likely to transition to more competitive, yet still hegemonic forms of electoral authoritarianism. The paper compares nine cases of former single-party regimes within a typological space that along with single-party structure incorporates the role of economic performance, opposition capacity, and international leverage as potential causal factors.
Computer simulation of drivetrain torsional vibration in heavy and medium duty trucks

Simulation sur ordinateur des vibrations de torsion de la transmission des camions moyens et lourds
Review Essay: Robert Merges, Justifying Intellectual Property

This paper offers and extended review and discussion of Robert Merges' "Justifying Intellectual Property." In the bulk of the review, I focus on what I take to be some of the book's most innovative contributions: his use of Locke, his use of Kant instead of Hegel, and his focus on mid-level principles. I conclude by offering a critique of two aspects of the argument that strike me as problematic. First, Merges endorses the presence of stronger IP rights than rights-holders will actually be able to use (due to enforcement costs). I suggest that this strategy is vulnerable to sudden reductions of enforcement costs enabled by technological advances. Second, Merges' reliance on markets over regulatory interventions runs up against two limitations. On the one hand, market actors are not always rational, and so markets may not always tend to just outcomes, even if in theory they should. On the other hand, the reliance on markets assumes the IP goods are fungible such that market substitution is possible. This may often be the case with many kinds of goods, but for important kinds of IP, this assumption seems unwarranted.
Lingering Risk: Bariatric Surgery Before Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Abstract Background Obesity continues to increase in the United States with an estimated 35% obesity and 8% bariatric (body mass index >40) rate in adults. Bariatric patients seek advice from arthroplasty surgeons regarding the temporality of bariatric surgery (BS), yet no consensus currently exists in the literature. Methods A total of 39,014 patients were identified in a claim-based review of the entire Medicare database with International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes to identify patients in 3 groups. Patients who underwent BS before total knee arthroplasty (group I: 5914 experimental group) and 2 control groups that did not undergo BS but had either a body mass index >40 (group II: 6480 bariatric control) or Results Group I had the greatest female predominance, youngest age, and highest incidence of: deficiency anemia, cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease, liver disease, ulcer disease, polysubstance abuse, psychiatric disorders, and smoking. Medical and surgical complication incidences were greatest in group I including: 4.98% deep vein thrombosis; 5.31% pneumonia; 10.09% heart failure; and 2-year infection, revision, and manipulation rates of 5.8%, 7.38%, and 3.13%, respectively. These values were significant elevation compared to III and slightly greater than II. Conclusions This study demonstrates that BS before total knee arthroplasty is associated with greater risk compared to both nonobese and obese patients. This is possibly due to a higher incidence of medical or psychiatric comorbidities determined in the Medicare BS patients, wound healing difficulties secondary to gastrointestinal malabsorption, malnourishment from prolonged catabolic state, rapid weight loss before surgery, and/or age.
Eosinopenia Due to Glucose Administration.

Summary1. The absolute eosinophile count in the dog varies markedly from animal to animal. The variability of the eosinophile count in the dog is reflected by a mean adjusted coefficient of variation of ± 11.1%.2. Hyperglycemia produced by the oral or intravenous administration of glucose in the unanesthetized dog causes an eosinopenic response presumably mediated through activation of the pituitary-adrenal mechanism. In this respect hyperglycemia may be construed as a non-specific stress factor.
Erythrocyte Metabolism and Enzyme Defects

Erythrocytes rely on metabolic processes to maintain cellular shape and flexibility and to keep essential constituents in reduced, active form. When these processes do not function properly, problems may occur in a number of reactions in a metabolic pathway. Enzyme defects have been associated with each of the major erythrocyte metabolic processes, although not all enzymopathies are associated with hematologic problems inpatients. Common enzyme defects include pyruvate kinase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiencies. Other defects impair the red blood cell’s ability to reduce oxidants and preserve heme iron in afunctional state. Enzymes involved in catalyzing reactions of nucleotide metabolism also have been associated with defects.
Cochlear Neural Degeneration Without Hair Cell Loss in Two Patients with Aminoglycoside Ototoxicity

The temporal bones of two young adults who developed auditory toxicity during or shortly after a course of aminoglycoside therapy were examined by using light microscopy. Although the organs of Corti were essentially normal, the total number of cochlear ganglion cells was about one-third lower than the number observed in comparable subjects with normal hearing.
Student perceptions of group experience in online RN-to-BSN research course

Objective: The overall aim of this pilot study was to explore students’ perception of teaching, social, cognitive and learner presence within an RN to BSN asynchronous online nursing research course. Methods: This descriptive correlational study used an online survey. Students’ perceptions of learning effectiveness regarding group size and class size were assessed with the Revised Community of Inquiry (RCOI), which measures the dimensions of Teaching Presence (TP), Social Presence (SP), Cognitive Presence (CP), and Learner Presence (LP). Results: Among the total of 121 enrolled RN to BSN students, 67 students participated in this study (response rate of 55.4%). The findings of ANOVA indicated no statistical differences (p > 0.05) in learning effectiveness among the different group sizes. However, groups with 5 members showed the highest scores of RCOI total (M=149.5), TP (M=36.82), SP (M=35.25), and CP (35.57). In contrast, groups with 3 members showed the lowest scores of RCOI total (M=137.19), TP (M=33.21), and CP (M=32.32). Additionally, the findings of t-tests indicated no statistical differences ( p > .05) in learning effectiveness between the different group sizes. Conclusions: The findings of the current study imply that learning effectiveness was not associated with group sizes or class sizes. However, the findings suggest that the use of group collaboration promotes teaching, social, cognitive, and learner presence.
Observation of Unique Coupling-Independent Resonances in Coupled Spiral Resonators

A coupled spiral interferometer (CSPIN) is a coupled resonator optical waveguide (CROW) that consists of a waveguide coiled upon itself in a spiral with adjacent arms close enough that light is continuously coupled between arms. This distributed coupling gives CSPINs a distinct set of properties, some similar to a ring resonator and to CROWs, others unique, depending on the number of arms and the intra-arm coupling distribution. In this paper, we show via numerical simulations that as a result of the waveguide's inherent modal index dispersion, for any large enough value of the intra-arm coupling the wavelength can always be adjusted such that light is trapped optimally in the spiral. Similarly, when used as a sensor for any intra-arm coupling there are wavelengths where the sensitivity (or slope of a resonance) is maximum. This set of properties gives the CSPIN a significant edge over other resonators, which require a precise coupling ratio to accomplish these same functions, which is difficult to achieve reproducibly in practice. To verify these and other CSPIN properties predicted in earlier publications, we report the fabrication and characterization of the first CSPINs. The devices, fabricated on a silicon-on-insulator substrate, exhibit the resonance spectra predicted by theory, as well as the aforementioned independence of sensitivity on coupling.
The impact of unionization on labor’s share of income

This study examines the effect of unions on labor’s share of income. Because economic conditions within each industry are important in addressing this issue, this analysis incorporates a more disaggregated approach than has been previously used. Cross-sectional data for the 1950s — a period of more stable unionization — permit an examination of the long-run effect of wage increases on labor’s share. The empirical analysis suggests that higher labor prices have no long-run impact on labor’s share in manufacturing.
Estudo sobre o uso de tablets como ferramenta de suporte à interação de pessoas cegas com painéis digitais

Blind people still face difficulties in the use of technological devices, especially those with a touch screen, like tablets. Currently these people depend on screen-reading software as an accessibility tool. One of the most popular for mobile devices is the Apple VoiceOver. When improving accessibility in such context, the autonomy of blind people in digital environments is improved considerably, specially due to the popularization of touch screen devices. Considering the interaction among groups of people, shared message boards are also surging as an interaction technology solution in different contexts. In this work we present a study about the use of a tablet as a support tool to the use of a digital board, the board Smarter Board. The study count on the participation of 12 blind people that used the Smarter Board with the support of an iPad during an assistive technology event. Results show that the use of tablets as an interaction mediator with shared-message boards is promising.
How Climate Change affects Microbial Ecosystems (and Vice Versa)

The American Academy of Microbiology (AAM) periodically hosts colloquia that bring together experts on important topics in microbial sciences. The conclusions are published in short reports (FAQs) that explain the issues in language that is accessible to the general public. These FAQs are often used by teachers, politicians, and others who are interested in the topics.
A few noteworthy points in clinical voice studies

随着社会的进步和信息化水平的提高,人们的社会交往越来越频繁和广泛,对嗓音质量和语言表达的要求也越来越高.在西方发达国家嗓音医学已有50余年的历史,并有专门的言语病理专业和专业协会.我国嗓音医学目前还处于起步发展阶段,同发达国家相比还存在明显的差距,但发展迅速.根据我在国内外科研和临床工作的见闻,谈谈对嗓音医学中出现新亮点的认识和体会.
The treatment of Wilms tumor : results of the National Wilms Tumor Studies

The survival expectancy for Wilms tumor patients has increased dramatically from about 50% at the beginning of the National Wilms Tumor Study (NWTS) trials to a current expectancy in the 90% range. This increase has been accomplished while treatment for most patients was being reduced in intensity. The result is a reduction in short- and long-term toxicity and cost.
Clusters of Galaxies and the Hot Intracluster Medium

The luminous material in clusters of galaxies falls primarily into two forms - the visible galaxies and the X-ray emitting intracluster medium. The hot intracluster medium is the major observed baryonic component of clusters, with a mass equal to or greater than that of the stellar matter. In this paper changes in the efficiency of galaxy formation for different clusters and the origin of the intracluster medium are discussed.
Abstract 4569: Use of ACPD and ICA-1 as inhibitors of atypical proteinkinase C-zeta (ζ) and iota (ι) in metastasized melanoma cells

The number of melanoma cases report is increased every year. Malignant melanoma is very common among all Caucasian populations worldwide. New cases in these populations are expected to be doubled every 10-20 years. According to the NIH Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) program, 73,870 new cases and 9,940 deaths were reported in 2015 in USA [http://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/melan.html (11/10/2015)]. It is not totally understood which intracellular chemicals are involved in certain signaling pathways and which governs the metastasis of melanoma cancer cells. Even though PKC- iota (ι) was not reported in normal melanocytes, it was detected in high amounts in both transformed melanocytes and melanoma metastases. PKC- zeta (ζ) was also reported in both normal melanocytes and melanoma metastases [Melanoma Res. 12:201-209 (2002)]. We believe these atypical PKCs play an important role in cell motility of melanoma therefore we tested two inhibitors for them. The objective of this study was to test the inhibition effectiveness of ACPD [Diabetes. 63:2690-2701 (2014)] on both PKC-ι and PKC-ζ and ICA-1 [Int. J. Biochem. Cell Biol.43:784-794(2011)] as an inhibitor of PKC-ι. SK-MEL-2 metastasis melanoma cells and PCS-200-013 normal melanocyte cells were cultivated and treated with ACPD and ICA-1 in separate sets of flasks for three consecutive days while taking the cell count for every 24 hrs. Preliminary results of this experiment shows statistically significant decrease in cell number in SK-MEL-2 cells while no change in PCS-200-013. Future investigations will involve examining the effects of ACPD and ICA-1 on cell motility. Our preliminary results confirms the cell population of melanoma cells have an inversely proportional relationship with the drug concentrations. In conclusion, ACPD and ICA-1 are capable of decreasing the cell proliferation of melanoma cancer cells. Citation Format: Wishrawana S. Ratnayake, Mildred Acevedo-Duncan. Use of ACPD and ICA-1 as inhibitors of atypical proteinkinase C-zeta (ζ) and iota (ι) in metastasized melanoma cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 4569.
Aggregate Demand and Goods-Market Equilibrium

Now that we have seen what determines the supply of goods produced in the domestic economy, we can turn to the other side of the market: the total demand for those goods. In this chapter, we will derive the aggregate demand for domestic goods under the simplifying assumption that the domestic interest rate is determined as an exogenous policy variable by the central bank. We will then put our description of aggregate demand together with that of aggregate supply from the preceding chapter to complete our first model of short-run macroeconomic equilibrium. We will use this model to explore how the domestic economy responds to a variety of shocks, both to the supply and the demand side of the economy, and we will trace the effects of such shocks not just on the market for domestic goods but also on the labor market and the economy's balance of payments accounts. We begin by examining in Section I the factors that influence the aggregate demand for domestic goods by domestic as well as foreign residents. In Section II, we will put aggregate supply and demand together to show how the equilibrium values of the domestic price level and level of output are determined, as well as those of a variety of other macroeconomic variables that are of interest to policy makers in emerging and developing countries. Section III examines how all these endogenous variables respond to a wide range of both nonpolicy and policy shocks.
The acute inhibition of enteric glial metabolism with fluoroacetate alters calcium signaling, hemichannel function, and the expression of key proteins.

Our study shows that the acute impairment of enteric glial metabolism with fluoroacetate (FA) alters specific glial functions that are associated with the modification of neurotransmission in the g...
Incidence of Canned Food Spoilage at the Retail Level1

Swelled cans were collected over a 17-month period from outlets of two supermarket food chains. Each swelled can was classified by product and the probable cause of the swelled condition. Using weekly sales volume data for each outlet, the incidence rate of swelled cans for each type of food was estimated. The incidence rates ranged from 2.1 to 78.4 swelled cans per 100,000 units sold, depending upon the type of food. Of the 1.104 swelled cans collected, 314 (28.4%) were found to have major container defects which were assumed to have resulted in the swelled condition. Microbiological analyses were performed on the products in the remaining 790 cans; the following results were obtained: (a) typical leaker spoilage, 86%; (b) typical underprocessing spoilage, 7%; (c) thermophilic spoilage, 1% and (d) nonmicrobial swells, 6%. Using vacuum testing and double seam measurements, the causes of the leakage were determined as follows: (a) poor or questionable quality canner's end double seam, 51%; (b) leaks at locations other than the double seam, 26% and (c) poor or questionable quality manufacturer's end double seam, 4%. It was concluded that examining swelled cans of low-acid foods at the retail level is a valid method for evaluating the canning operation of commercial food processing.
Analysis of home dust for Staphylococcus aureus and staphylococcal enterotoxin genes using quantitative PCR.

Background The bacterium Staphylococcus aureus (SA) is known to induce allergic inflammatory responses, including through secreted staphylococcal enterotoxin (SE) superantigens. To quantify indoor environmental exposures to these potential allergens, which may be associated with worse asthma, we developed a method for the assessment of S. aureus and SE in home dust and applied it to a study of homes of inner-city adults with asthma.
The Provincialism Problem: Then and Now

Published in the September 1974 issue of Artforum, my article “The Provincialism Problem” argued that a world art system, centered on the New York artworld, condemned artists elsewhere to misleadin...
Carbon Dioxide Exposure Resulting From Hood Protective Equipment Used in Joint Arthroplasty Surgery

Abstract Background To protect both the surgeon and patient during procedures, hooded protection shields are used during joint arthroplasty procedures. Headache, malaise and dizziness, consistent with increased carbon dioxide (CO2) exposure, have been anecdotally reported by surgeons using hoods. We hypothesised increased CO2 concentrations were causing reported symptoms. Methods Six healthy subjects (4 male) donned hooded protection, fan operating at highest setting. Cycle ergometer configured for upper body exercise at workloads of 12 and 25 watts (W) simulated physical activity encountered during arthroplasty. Inspired O2 and CO2 concentrations at the nares were continuously measured at three activity levels: rest, 12W, 25W. At each activity level, the fan was deactivated and time to 0.5% and 1% CO2 were measured. Results At rest inspired CO2 was 0.14 ± 0.04%. Exercise had significant effect on CO2 compared with rest (0.26 ± 0.08% at 12W, p=0.04; 0.31 ± 0.05% at 25W, p=0.003). Inspired CO2 concentration increased when fan was turned off (rest 0.13 ± 0.04% to 1.09 ± 0.33%, p Conclusions During simulated joint arthroplasty, CO2 remained within Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards with the fan at highest setting. With fan deactivation, CO2 concentration rapidly exceeds OSHA standards.
Effect of ash on hydrothermal liquefaction of high-ash content algal biomass

Abstract Previous studies demonstrate that the high ash contents appeared to inhibit the formation of biocrude oil in the hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) processes. In order to investigate the effect of ash contents on the HTL reaction, mixed-culture algal biomass from wastewater systems (AW) was separated into two fractions (AW-41.8 and AW-38.5) and converted into biocrude oil via HTL at 300 °C for a 60 min reaction time (the previously determined optimum condition). Compared to AW biomass before screen pretreatments, the ash contents of AW-41.8 and AW-38.5 were respectively decreased from 53.3 wt% to 41.8 wt% and 38.5 wt%. Moreover, the higher heating value (HHV) of resulting biocrude oil was increased from 27.5 MJ/kg to 32.3 MJ/kg, and the fraction of light oil (boiling point of 110–300°C) was increased from 31 wt% to 49 wt%. The above results indicate that algal biomass with certain amounts of ash contents can be converted into biocrude oil with reasonable quality and quantity. To explore the range of concentrations of ash where it may present a positive effect on the biocrude oil yield or quality, further HTL conversions with pure algal feedstock and representative ash contents were conducted. The HHV and boiling point distribution of the algal biocrude oil was hardly affected when the ash contents in the algal feedstock was below 40 wt%. This fact substantiates the feasibility of using high-ash algae from wastewater treatment systems for HTL feedstocks and diminishes the necessity of multi-step pretreatments and modifications of high-ash algal biomass for biofuel application.
Erratum to: Lessons learned from comparing molecular dynamics engines on the SAMPL5 dataset.

Author(s): Shirts, Michael R; Klein, Christoph; Swails, Jason M; Yin, Jian; Gilson, Michael K; Mobley, David L; Case, David A; Zhong, Ellen D
A portable, four-wavelength, single-cell photoacoustic spectrometer for ambient aerosol absorption

Aerosols directly affect Earth's climate by scattering and absorbing solar radiation. Although they are ubiquitous in Earth's atmosphere, direct, in situ, wavelength-resolved measurements of aeroso...
Multi-scale evaluation of the effect of ras on the fracture properties of asphalt mixtures

Abstract A comprehensive laboratory testing program was conducted to examine the blending between recycled asphalt shingles (RAS) and virgin asphalt binders and to evaluate the effect of RAS on resistance of asphalt mixes to fatigue and low-temperature cracking. To this end, atomic force microscopy (AFM) was utilized to study the blending between the RAS and the virgin asphalt binders. Manufacturing waste RAS and tear-off RAS were used in this paper. A new sample-preparation procedure was developed to simulate the blending between the RAS and the virgin asphalt binders that occurs during the asphalt mixture production. The stiffness and the adhesive properties were evaluated along the blending zone between the RAS and virgin binders. Several asphalt mixtures were also used to evaluate the effect of the incorporation of RAS on the mix performance, including a control mixture with virgin materials only, and two mixtures containing 5% RAS materials. The resistance of the asphalt mixtures to fatigue cracking was evaluated using the semi-circular bend (SCB) test. In addition the potential for low-temperature cracking was evaluated using the asphalt concrete cracking device (ACCD). The AFM test results showed that very limited to no blending between manufacturing waste or tear-off RAS materials and the virgin binder considered. The asphalt mixture test results also showed that the use of tear-off RAS in asphalt mixes significantly reduced their resistance to low-temperature and fatigue cracking, which can be attributed to the very limited blending observed in the AFM experiments between the RAS and the virgin asphalt binders.
Future Teachers’ Use of Multiplication and Fractions When Expressing Proportional Relationships

The purpose of this study was to investigate how six future middle grades mathematics teachers used explicit, quantitative definitions for multiplication and for fractions when reasoning about proportional relationships. The future teachers were recruited from a preparation program in the United States based on their performance on a fractions survey. The data collection consisted of 1-hour semi-structured interviews with each future teacher. An explanatory case study was used to make comparisons across the future teachers. Results revealed that explicit use of the quantitative definition of multiplication is a helpful organizing tool for future teachers to generate and explain equations for proportional relationships.
Usability Assessment of Secure Messaging for Clinical Document Sharing between Health Care Providers and Patients

Background Web-based patient portals feature secure messaging systems that enable health care providers and patients to communicate information. However, little is known about the usability of these systems for clinical document sharing. Objective This article evaluates the usability of a secure messaging system for providers and patients in terms of its ability to support sharing of electronic clinical documents. Methods We conducted usability testing with providers and patients in a human–computer interaction laboratory at a Midwestern U.S. hospital. Providers sent a medication list document to a fictitious patient via secure messaging. Separately, patients retrieved the clinical document from a secure message and returned it to a fictitious provider. We collected use errors, task completion, task time, and satisfaction. Results Twenty-nine individuals participated: 19 providers (6 physicians, 6 registered nurses, and 7 pharmacists) and 10 patients. Among providers, 11 (58%) attached and sent the clinical document via secure messaging without requiring assistance, in a median (range) of 4.5 (1.8–12.7) minutes. No patients completed tasks without moderator assistance. Patients accessed the secure messaging system within 3.6 (1.2–15.0) minutes; retrieved the clinical document within 0.8 (0.5–5.7) minutes; and sent the attached clinical document in 6.3 (1.5–18.1) minutes. Although median satisfaction ratings were high, with 5.8 for providers and 6.0 for patients (scale, 0–7), we identified 36 different use errors. Physicians and pharmacists requested additional features to support care coordination via health information technology, while nurses requested features to support efficiency for their tasks. Conclusion This study examined the usability of clinical document sharing, a key feature of many secure messaging systems. Our results highlight similarities and differences between provider and patient end-user groups, which can inform secure messaging design to improve learnability and efficiency. The observations suggest recommendations for improving the technical aspects of secure messaging for clinical document sharing.