cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Development and evaluation of an assignment heuristic for allocating cross-trained workers

Abstract An assignment heuristic is developed for allocating cross-trained workers to multiple departments at the beginning of a shift. The cross-trained workers may have different levels of qualification in different departments. With non-linear departmental objective functions and binary decision variables, the problem's formulation represents a variant of the generalized assignment problem, whose difficulty is well known. The new assignment heuristic is based on a linear assignment approximation that takes advantage of the special structure of the cross-utilization problem. It is shown that this assignment heuristic is superior to a classical Lagrangian heuristic and a simplistic Greedy approach. Experimental evaluations are facilitated by the development of a technique that provides tight bounds for the problem. Based on a standard measure of performance, assignment heuristic solutions average within 0.09% of upper bounds across a variety of problem characteristics.
How the HR function can build the capability to change

Purpose – The aim of the article is to determine the function of HR as a strategic partner to senior management and how it can be positioned to proactively build an organization's capability to change.Design/methodology/approach – The paper is conceptualized based on the Peter Senge's “fifth discipline” in relation to the learning organization and its implications on organizational change. A conceptual framework has been proposed based on both the literature and management practice.Findings – HR professionals need to change their role in helping organizations grow their change capability through drawing out the lessons from previous organizational change, planning a role in defining the behavioral challenges for each individual, creating a series of interventions that will support individuals in making the behavioral transition to the future, and deploying tools that link and track an individual's behavior change to the new results a team is delivering.Originality/value – Organizations still need to learn...
Awareness of tobacco advertising, perceived harms of smoking, and beliefs about tobacco control among a sample of Shanghainese in China

This study aims to examine beliefs among residents of Shanghai, China concerning tobacco advertising and control policies concurrent with new restrictions on tobacco use and advertising in the city. A total of 518 residents of Shanghai completed a telephone interview survey. We found that 51% of participants had seen or heard of the Zhonghua cigarette brand’s ‘Love China’ tobacco ad campaign in the past 2 years, 59% believed that the campaign would influence people to buy this specific cigarette brand as a gift, and 30% believed that it would encourage smoking. More than 75% of respondents would support legislation banning tobacco advertising in all public places, and 88% would support legislation prohibiting smoking in all public places. Multivariate analyses indicated that those who were female, more than 50 years, have accepted college and above education, and perceived greater benefits to smoking cessation were more likely to support banning tobacco advertising and prohibiting smoking in public places. Nonsmokers were more likely to support prohibiting smoking in public places. The findings suggest that although tobacco advertising is widely prevalent in Shanghai, it is disliked by the public. Respondents showed high levels of support for tobacco control policies.
Separation of factors required for cleavage and polyadenylation of yeast pre-mRNA.

Abstract Cleavage and polyadenylation of yeast precursor RNA require at least four functionally distinct factors (cleavage factor I [CF I], CF II, polyadenylation factor I [PF I], and poly(A) polymerase [PAP]) obtained from yeast whole cell extract. Cleavage of precursor occurs upon combination of the CF I and CF II fractions. The cleavage reaction proceeds in the absence of PAP or PF I. The cleavage factors exhibit low but detectable activity without exogenous ATP but are stimulated when this cofactor is included in the reaction. Cleavage by CF I and CF II is dependent on the presence of a (UA)6 sequence upstream of the GAL7 poly(A) site. The factors will also efficiently cleave precursor with the CYC1 poly(A) site. This RNA does not contain a UA repeat, and processing at this site is thought to be directed by a UAG...UAUGUA-type motif. Specific polyadenylation of a precleaved GAL7 RNA requires CF I, PF I, and a crude fraction containing PAP activity. The PAP fraction can be replaced by recombinant PAP, indicating that this enzyme is the only factor in this fraction needed for the reconstituted reaction. The poly(A) addition step is also dependent on the UA repeat. Since CF I is the only factor necessary for both cleavage and poly(A) addition, it is likely that this fraction contains a component which recognizes processing signals located upstream of the poly(A) site. The initial separation of processing factors in yeast cells suggests both interesting differences from and similarities to the mammalian system.
Discrimination of “specific” and “nonspecific” binding in two-dimensional photonic crystals

In this paper, we propose a design for a 2D slab photonic crystal (PhC) virus sensor and an associated signal analysis methodology that together enable single-virus detection while rejecting false positives that occur due to non-specific interactions of serum proteins and small molecules with the sensor surface. The slab-PhC design takes advantage of both the optical and geometrical properties of its incorporated structures by physically limiting virus infiltration to only the most sensitive region of the PhC sensor, while allowing simultaneous measurement of both site-selective virus infiltration and non-specific small molecule accumulation across the device. Notably, the proposed sensor transducer is compatible with both standard semiconductor fabrication procedures and lab-on-a-chip style microfluidic delivery systems. 3D finite-difference time-domain electromagnetic field computation results are presented, the outcomes of which indicate that both specific (target) virus capture and non-specific (non-target) binding can be simultaneously measured and discerned from one another. This type of capacity for background-corrected, single-pathogen target detection would provide a new and novel advancement toward sensitive, label-free virus diagnostics.
Notes on the Authenticity of the so Tan Manuscript of the LAO-TZU

Among the numerous extant manuscripts of the Lao-tzu, Tao te ching perhaps the best known, apart from the famous Ma wang tui manuscripts discovered in Hunan province in 1973 and the Hsiang erh chu manuscript from Tun Huang (important primarily for its commentary), is the long fragment known as the So Tan manuscript, currently in the private collection of Mr. John B. Elliott and through his generosity on extended loan to the University Art Museum at Princeton. The manuscript is said to have been a part of the Tun Huang finds of the turn of the century. It appears to be one of the few of those manuscripts that remained in China after its discovery rather than immediately finding its way to France, England, or some other Western country. It moved from private collector to private collector, from Peking to Hong Kong to Japan and back again, only becoming a part of the John B. Elliott collection relatively recently.
The pedagogy and the practice of community visioning: evaluating effective community strategic planning in rural Montana

Community visioning is increasingly used as a community development technique in a variety of settings. Sixteen communities in rural eastern Montana participated in a multi-phase poverty reduction program from 2006 to 2008 that culminated in a community vision process. Regional workshops were delivered to community visioning coordinators at the onset to explain principles of visioning and coaching, set expectations, and provide concrete guidelines and ideas on ways to implement the program. Using a case study approach, we conducted a series of focus group interviews to better understand the usefulness of the workshops, and the changes and actions that resulted from visioning. Results show the importance of a coordinated training program prior to the visioning program in each community and how intangible outcomes, including increased trust, improved relationships, and a sense of ownership in the process, were also significant factors both during and subsequent to the visioning program.
Prostatitis, interstitial cystitis, chronic pelvic pain, and urethral syndrome share a common pathophysiology: lower urinary dysfunctional epithelium and potassium recycling.

S we fail to “see the forest for the trees.” In recent years, medical science has made substantial advances in understanding the pathophysiology of interstitial cystitis (IC). The disease still goes unrecognized in most affected individuals, however. Of the clinical symptoms of IC, urinary frequency/urgency has an obvious source, but pain can be referred to one or more locations throughout the pelvis in any combination.1–3 Unless the pain is perceived in the bladder or urethra, its origin is more difficult to identify. As a result, the patient who has frequency/urgency and/or pelvic pain may receive any of a variety of diagnoses. An abundance of recent data shows that many patients aged 55 years or younger, male or female, who present to a physician with a complaint of urinary urgency and/or pelvic pain in any combination suffer from one primary pathophysiologic disorder: an epithelial dysfunction in the lower urinary tract.2–6 This disorder can be called “lower urinary dysfunctional epithelium” (LUDE). On the basis of extensive evidence of the biochemical events that trigger symptoms and injure tissue in LUDE, a new paradigm can be constructed for IC that will aid in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease process. The goal of this review was to place new research findings into a broad and evidence-based perspective that will help the physician to diagnose IC readily and to direct therapy that relieves the patient’s symptoms and results in a real impact on disease outcome.
Seismic Hazard in the Eastern United States

The U.S. Geological Survey seismic hazard maps for the central and eastern United States were updated in 2014. We analyze results and changes for the eastern part of the region. Ratio maps are pres...
Efeitos da experiência clínica na percepção de profissionais do pré-atendimento na utilização de serviços especiais

Considerando que as atitudes e expectativas que o professor tem na sala de aula afetam diretamente o desempenho do aluno, este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito cognitivo da experiencia clinica acumulada no atendimento com sujeitos portadores de necessidade especiais por profissionais de ciencias do exercicio. Estudantes universitarios com e sem experiencia em atividades laborais adaptadas participaram do estudo. Foram fornecidas informacoes que abrangiam as atitudes e percepcoes sobre o ambiente da sala de aula, orientacoes pedagogicas, inclusao e autoeficacia. Os resultados foram analisados e usados para implicacoes pedagogicas. Os resultados sugerem que os pre-educadores tendem a sentir-se despreparados e mal equipados para trabalhar em um ambiente educacional de inclusao. Portanto, os programas colaborativos de formacao de pre-professores deveriam contemplar os cursos de formacao educacional, com experiencias praticas para o attendimento em ambientes de inclusao social, tais como estagio, experiencia de campo e experiencia clinica. Alem disso, os cursos escola-universidade podem oportunizar experiencias que facilitem os resultados beneficos para futuros educadores, bem como a atuacao junto a populacoes com necessidades especiais.
Are Readable Judicial Opinions Cited More Often

Are judges, lawyers, and law professors more likely to cite readable judicial opinions? To answer this question, I created a dataset of nearly one hundred opinions and analyzed them based on their readability. It turns out readability doesn’t correlate with the number of citations. Instead, variables such as the number of words and the opinion’s subject matter correlate with citations.To be sure, readability is subjective. But linguists have created objective measures of readability — such as the number of passive sentences in the opinion and the Flesch-Kincaid grade level. I use these measures throughout. Part I provides background information on readability. Part II summarizes the data, and Part III presents the results.
Tannin-Insect Interactions

Significant evidence exists that dietary tannin can reduce growth and fecundity of some insect species. However, few studies have identified clear physiological or toxicological impacts of tannins on insect herbivores; some have suggested that tannins are positive nutritional factors. Insect species that feed on tanniniferous plant tissues often appear able to tolerate dietary tannins and may even be stimulated to feed by their presence. Alkaline midgut pH, surfactants, and the peritrophic membrane all may help these species tolerate moderate tannin concentrations in the diet. Reduced growth of adapted species at high tannin concentration may represent metabolic costs, not direct tannin effects. New evidence suggests an important impact of dietary tannin on microbial enemies of insects. The study of tannin-insect interactions has been hampered by poor communication between chemists and biologists.
Making the shortest-paths approach to sum-of-pairs multiple sequence alignment more space efficient in practice

The MSA program, written and distributed in 1989, is one of the few existing programs that attempts to find optimal alignments of multiple protein or DNA sequences. MSA implements a branch-and-bound technique on a variant of Dijkstra's shortest paths algorithm to prune the basic dynamic programming graph. We have made substantial improvements in the time and space usage of MSA. On some runs, we achieve an order of magnitude reduction in space usage and a significant multiplicative factor speedup in running time. To explain these improvements, we give a much more detailed description of MSA than has been previously available.
Immunohistochemical and Biochemical Studies Demonstrate a Distinct Profile of α-Synuclein Permutations in Multiple System Atrophy

Although alpha-synuclein (alpha-syn) has been implicated as a major component of the abnormal filaments that form glial cytoplasmic inclusions (GCIs) in multiple system atrophy (MSA), it is uncertain if GCIs are homogenous and contain full-length alpha-syn. Since this has implications for hypotheses about the pathogenesis of GCIs, we used a novel panel of antibodies to defined regions throughout alpha-syn in immunohistochemical epitope mapping studies of GCIs in MSA brains. Although the immunostaining profile of GCIs with these antibodies was similar for all MSA brains, there were significant differences in the immunoreactivity of the alpha-syn epitopes detected in GCIs. Notably, carboxy-terminal alpha-syn epitopes were immunodominant in GCIs, but the entire panel of antibodies immunostained cortical Lewy bodies (LBs) in dementia with LBs brain with similar intensity. While the distribution of alpha-syn labeled GCIs paralleled that previously reported using silver stains, antibodies to carboxy-terminal alpha-syn epitopes revealed a previously undescribed burden of GCIs in the MSA hippocampal formation. Finally, Western blots demonstrated detergent insoluble monomeric and high-molecular weight alpha-syn species in GCI rich MSA cerebellar white matter. Collectively, these data indicate that alpha-syn is a prominent component of GCIs in MSA, and that GCIs and LBs may result from cell type specific conformational or post-translational permutations in alpha-syn.
Distribution of Diastase in Serum, Plasma, Whole Blood and Red Blood Cells.∗

SummaryDistribution studies of diastase in serum, plasma, whole blood and red blood cells from the same specimen of human blood were made in 26 subjects. It was shown that the plasma values approach those of the serum, while the whole blood values are considerably lower. The red cells contain no diastase.
Immunogenicity of haemophilus influenzae type b vaccines in children with hepatoportoenterostomies

To assess the immunogenicity of HIB vaccines in patients in whom hepatoportoenterostomies were performed for biliary atresia, eight such children received Haemophilus influenzae type b-polyribosylribitol phosphate (HIB-PRP) vaccine and had pre- and postvaccination total serum anti-PRP antibody concentrations determined by radioimmunoassay. Preimmunization anti-PRP antibody levels ranged from less than 0.125 to 0.40 microgram/ml [geometric mean antibody titer (GMT) 0.106 microgram/ml], while postvaccination levels ranged from 0.161 to 1.192 micrograms/ml (GMT = 0.489 microgram/ml). Five children who did not achieve postimmunization anti-PRP antibody levels greater than 1.0 microgram/ml received 15 micrograms of either PRP coupled to diphtheria toxoid (PRP-D) or PRP coupled to an outer membrane protein complex of Neisseria meningitidis group B (PRP-NOMP) conjugate vaccine. Anti-PRP antibody levels 1 month after immunization with HIB conjugate vaccines ranged from 1.51 to 10.35 micrograms/ml (GMT = 3.386 micrograms/ml). Patients with extrahepatic biliary atresia and hepatoportoenterostomies who previously received the HIB-PRP vaccine should be revaccinated with PRP protein conjugate vaccines to ensure adequate protection against H. influenzae type b disease.
Dichlorido-1κCl,3κCl-hexa­kis­[1,1,2,2,3,3(η5)-cyclo­penta­dien­yl]di-μ2-oxido-1:2κ2O:O;2:3κ2O:O-trizirconium(IV)

The title compound, [Zr3(C5H5)6Cl2O2], exists as discrete mol­ecules possessing a series of three Cp2Zr units (Cp is cyclo­penta­dien­yl) bridged by oxide ligands and end-capped by chloride ligands. The Cp planes in the central and terminal zirconocene units form dihedral angles of 53.3 (2) and 53.5 (2)°, respectively. The two Zr—O—Zr bridge angles are nearly linear and form a planar Zr3O2 core. The mol­ecule bears C2 symmetry with the central Zr atom lying on a crystallographic twofold axis.
In-Situ, Time Resolved, Kinetics of Reactions in Co-Ge thin Films

We report the first kinetic study of metal-semiconductor interface reactions using in-situ, time resolved, laser interferometry. Diffusion couples with Co/Ge thicknesses of 1500 A/1500 A were sputter deposited on silicon wafers, and vacuum-annealed at temperatures between 300°C-400°C. Under these conditions polycrystalline CoGe was expected to form [1]. Real time laser (HeNe 6328 A) interferograms for each anneal were recorded in-situ. These data were supplemented by information from AES and X-ray. For temperatures below 400°C the diffusion controlled formation of CoGe was observed. The composition was confirmed by Auger depth profiling that showed uniform Co and Ge concentrations when the reaction went to completion. The well defined interferences fringes were formed by the dissolution of amorphous Ge. The activation energy = 1.6 eV for the formation of CoGe were determined with precision from the temperature dependence of the time required to anneal the fixed λ/4 distance between adjacent minima and maxima of the interferogram. We discuss the evidence for formation of an intermediate Co-rich compound following the initial diffusion of Co into Ge. The results of these experiments indicate that optical interferometry will be a valuable adjunct to other techniques used to study metal-semiconductor interface reactions.
Utilization of vit. A and carotene by normal and deficient sheep.

SummaryVit. A alcohol attained a maximum absorption at 12 hours post treatment, while beta carotene was absorbed at a slower more sustained rate. On the other hand, Vit. A alcohol and acetate were absorbed at comparable rates. The comparative value of Vit. A alcohol and beta carotene as measured by hepatic storage was markedly different for normal and Vit. A deficient sheep indicating that deficiency may impair carotene utilization.
The Distribution and Resources of Benthic Algae in the Protected Zhongjieshan Islands Area

The benthic marine alga resources were investigated in the coastal water in Zhongjieshan Islands,Zhoushan,from July 2008 to September 2010.Total of 78 species benthic marine algae were found,subordinated to Cyanopyta(1 genus,1 species),Chlorophyta(9 genera,15 species),Pheophyta(32 genera,47 species)and Rhodophyta(12 genera,15 species),and 5 species were new records in this region.The warm temperate zone species were predominantly found in the benthic algae in Zhongjieshan Islands.The benthic marine algae showed an increase in species number from the high tide to low tide vertically and sharply.Compared with the past data,benthic algae in Zhongjieshan Islands have a more substantial reduction in resources.
The Culture of the Civil Service

The Japanese seem to agree that politics are the link between the will of the people and the objectives and designs of public programs. But there also appears to be a greater acceptance than in the United States that the administration of public programs is very important and that there should be a strong and effective career civil service to carry out that work. In other words, the Japanese are less inclined to believe that good public programs stop at the point of political decision-making, or that politicians are the best people to manage public services.
The feudal model and the study of modern organizations

This article investigates the possibility of studying modern organizations with the feudal model. We introduce feudalism as an ideal type and explain why it is necessary for understanding organizations. The model synthesizes several perspectives on intra-organizational conflict. After defining the feudal model and tracing its theoretical roots, we review several empirical studies to identify the conditions under which feudal conflicts arise. These factors include decentralization, structural interdependence, uncertainty and informal power. The feudal model highlights several overlooked aspects of organizations, including personal relations, the manipulation of formal rules, bribery, corruption and sabotage. However, given the model's limitations, we propose a “segmented approach” to social analysis, which emphasizes the need for multiple models to explain any organization, past or present.
KetoCal®, a novel ketogenic diet therapy for brain cancer

3887 The ketogenic diet (KD) is a high fat/low carbohydrate diet that has been used for decades to manage epileptic seizures in children. Our recent findings suggest that the bioenergetic transition from glucose to ketone bodies will metabolically target brain tumors through integrated anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic, and pro-apoptotic mechanisms. This study evaluated the efficacy of KetoCal®, a new specially formulated commercial ketogenic diet for children, on the growth and angiogenic properties of a mouse astrocytoma (CT-2A) and a human glioma (U87-MG) that were orthotopically implanted in C57BL/6J and BALBc/J (SCID) mice, respectively. KetoCal®was administered to the mice in a restricted amount to maintain body weight at approximately 80% of the standard (high carbohydrate) chow-fed control group. Circulating glucose and ketone body levels were monitored as measures of energy consumption. Protein and gene expressions for succinyl-CoA-acetoacetate-CoA transferase (SCOT) and betahydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (β-OHBDH), key enzymes for ketone metabolism, were investigated in tumors and contra-lateral normal brain tissue. The tumors were analyzed for microvessel density (Factor VIII) as a marker for tumor angiogenesis. KetoCal® significantly decreased the intracerebral CT-2A and U87-MG growth by about 70% and 35%, respectively, and significantly enhanced survival relative to the control groups. The diet significantly reduced blood glucose while elevated β-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase levels. SCOT and β-OHBDH expressions were significantly lower in the tumors than in the brain suggesting that the brain tumor cells have impaired ability to metabolize ketone bodies for energy. Microvessel density was significantly lower in the KetoCal® groups than in the control groups. These results indicate that KetoCal® has anti-tumor and anti-angiogenic effects in experimental mouse and human brain tumors, and should have clinical efficacy for managing malignant human brain cancer. Supported by the National Institutes of Health grants (HD39722) and (CA102135), and a grant from the American Institute of Cancer Research.
Chronic eccentric arm cycling improves maximum upper-body strength and power

Eccentric leg cycling (cycle ergometry adapted to impose muscle lengthening contractions) offers an effective exercise for restoring lower-body muscular function, maintaining health, and improving performance in clinical and athletic populations. We extended this model to the upper body and evaluated the effectiveness of a 7-week eccentric arm cycling (ECCarm) intervention to improve upper-body muscular function. We also explored whether ECCarm would alter arterial function. Participants performed ECCarm (n = 9) or concentric arm cycling (CONarm; n = 8) 3×/week while training intensity increased (5–20 min, 60–70% upper-body peak heart rate). Maximum elbow extensor strength, upper-body concentric power, and peripheral and central arterial stiffness were assessed before and after training. During training, heart rates and perceived exertion did not differ between groups (~68% upper-body peak heart rate, ~12 Borg units, both P > 0.05), whereas power during ECCarm was ~2× that for CONarm (122 ± 43 vs. 59 ± 20 W, P 0.05). Upper-body eccentric exercise improved dynamic muscular function while training at low exertion levels. Results occurred with minimal soreness and without compromising arterial function. ECCarm findings parallel eccentric leg cycling findings and indicate that eccentric cycle ergometry offers a robust model for enhancing upper-body muscular function. ECCarm could have applications in rehabilitation and sport training.
Wafer-scale encapsulation of fully differential electrodes for mutli-axis inertial sensing

This work demonstrates, for the first time, a wafer-scale encapsulation process incorporating fully circumferential electrodes (in-plane and out-of-plane) for applications towards multi-axis inertial sensing. Bottom and top electrodes were incorporated in the device package utilizing epitaxial silicon deposition. By this method, we present fully differential, vacuum-encapsulated, oxide-coated polysilicon resonators.
Optical Properties of Semiconductor Nanowires: Insights into Band Structure and Carrier Dynamics

Abstract This chapter describes how optical experiments on single semiconductor nanowires and nanowire heterostructures have illuminated both new physics and influenced the development of new growth methods that have resulted in nanowires of high quality. New physics here means the understanding of fundamental properties including band structures, the roles of symmetry and of strain in core/shell structures, the dynamics of excited electron–hole plasmas, and the exploration of more complex nanowire heterostructures like quantum well tubes. We will concentrate in this chapter mainly on the III–V materials such as wurtzite and zincblende InP, GaAs and GaAs/AlGaAs core/shell, and core/multishell heterostructures, where incredible improvements in materials quality have enabled the development of many new applications in recent years, from high efficiency solar cells, single nanowire lasers at room temperature, and single photon emitters, to a variety of chemical and biological sensors. We end the chapter with a brief mention of very recent experiments on some very new nanowire materials like InGaAs and GaAsSb whose bandgaps move distinctly into infrared wavelength regime.
Hybrid neural network using binary RRAM devices

RRAM (memristive) neural networks have shown great potential to implement massively parallel neuromorphic systems. In this work, we propose a hybrid neural network architecture that utilizes reliable binary RRAM devices to perform semianalog computing. The presented system is tested for dictionary learning and analog image compression, where the effect of synaptic weight precision is analyzed.
Introduction: What Happened to Ecstasy? Mysticism, Ecstasy, and the Constructivist Loop

This chapter introduces the problem, the suppression of the study of ecstatic religious experience over the past decades. Both Religious Studies and Theology have avoided the topic by marginalizing states of mystical ecstasy, declaring them irrelevant, functions of a category “sunk in disrepute.” Yet according to a recent Pew research poll, almost 50% of Americans reported that they had a mystical or ecstatic experience. Part of the problem is the dominant Religious Studies methodology of constructivism, which limits ecstatic states to the imitations of texts. This chapter describes the “constructivist loop,” the major problem with this perspective. Such constructivist assumptions have limited the study of ecstatic and mystical states.
Glyburide priming of beta cells. Possible involvement of phosphoinositide hydrolysis.

Abstract In the simultaneous presence of 5.5 mM glucose, exposure of isolated perifused islets to the sulfonylurea glyburide (500 nM) acutely stimulated insulin release and amplified the subsequent insulin secretory responses to 10 mM glucose or 10 mM arginine. This sensitizing effect of glyburide developed within 10 min, was maintained for at least 40 min after glyburide removal from the perifusion medium, and was attenuated by the calcium channel blocker hitrendipine. In islets whose inositol-containing lipids were prelabeled during a 2-hr incubation period with myo[2- 3H ]inositol, glyburide induced a concentration-dependent increase in labeled inositol phosphate accumulation. Nitrendipine abolished this stimulatory effect of glyburide. In perifused islets, the stimulatory effect of glyburide on phosphoinositide (PI) hydrolysis persisted after its removal from the medium and the duration of this effect paralleled the duration of sensitization. These findings suggest that glyburide-induced increases in PI hydrolysis account, at least in part, for its acute stimulatory effect on insulin output and its ability to sensitize islets to subsequent stimulation.
Measurement of Ligand Binding to Tubulin by Sulfhydryl Reactivity

Ligand binding can induce shifts in protein conformation. In the case of tubulin, these drug-induced confirmational changes can prevent or stabilize microtubule polymerization. 5',5'-Dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoate) (DTNB) reacts with free and accessible sulfhydryls and stoichiometrically produces a detectable product, which allows an exact measurement of reacted thiols. Since binding of small ligands may alter conformational dynamics, it may also affect the reactivity of thiols on tubulin. Differences in DTNB reactivity with thiols upon ligand binding can therefore be used to deduce binding characteristics. We will describe two methods that use tubulin cysteine reactivity with DTNB in the presence of drug to define ligand-binding characteristics.
Driverless Ambulances: A Possibility, but Will Patients Ride?:

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) provide a needed and necessary service in the healthcare industry worldwide. However, many EMS agencies find themselves understaffed to fill the needs of the commun...
CNS Melioidosis in a Traveler Returning From Cabo, Mexico

Melioidosis is caused by the gram-negative bacillus Burkholderia pseudomallei, endemic to northern Australia and Southeast Asia. We present a patient who traveled to Mexico, returned to the United States, and developed progressive manifestations of melioidosis, culminating as central nervous system disease. Standard therapy was contraindicated, and a prolonged intensive phase was employed.
Magnetic resonance elastography of brain: Comparison between anisotropic and isotropic stiffness and its correlation to age.

Purpose Noninvasive measurement of mechanical properties of brain tissue using magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) has been a promising method for investigating neurologic disorders such as multiple sclerosis, hydrocephalus, and Alzheimer's. However, because of the regional and directional dependency of brain stiffness, estimating anisotropic stiffness is important. This study investigates isotropic and anisotropic stiffness as a function of age as well as the correlation between isotropic and anisotropic stiffness. Methods MRE and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) were performed on 28 healthy subjects with age ranges between 18-62 y. Isotropic and anisotropic stiffness was measured and compared with age for different regions of interest such as the thalamus, corpus callosum, gray matter, white matter, and whole brain. Results Isotropic stiffness in gray matter (rs = -0.57; P = 0.001) showed a significant decrease with age. Anisotropic stiffness in gray matter showed a significant decrease with age in C11 through C66 and in the thalamus, only in C33 . Between anisotropic and isotropic stiffness, gray matter showed a significant positive correlation in C11 through C66 , C22 and C66 showed a significant negative correlation in the thalamus and whole brain, and C44 showed a negative correlation in the corpus callosum. No significant difference between genders was observed in any measurements. Conclusion This study demonstrated a change in isotropic and anisotropic stiffness with age in different regions of the brain along with a correlation of anisotropic stiffness to isotropic stiffness.
Caloric Intake Relative to Total Daily Energy Expenditure Using a Spinal Cord Injury-Specific Correction Factor: An Analysis by Level of Injury

ObjectiveThe aims of the study were to evaluate the influence of level of spinal cord injury (SCI) on caloric intake relative to total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) and body composition, and to develop a SCI–specific correction factor for the TDEE estimation.DesignIndividuals with paraplegia (PARA
A database of handwriting samples for applications in forensic statistics.

Abstract Handwriting samples were collected from 90 adults for the purpose of developing statistical approaches to the evaluation of handwriting as forensic evidence. Each participant completed three data collection sessions, each at least three weeks apart. At each session, a survey was completed and three writing prompts were each transcribed three times. In total, the repository includes 2430 handwriting sample images as well as demographic and session specific information for all 90 participants. The writing samples were scanned and instructional header text was cropped out to obtain the raw writing data as image files. Survey data are provided in table format. Reliable methods for data management were incorporated through systematic document generation, QR code text embedding, and the development of an application to facilitate data entry and automated file naming and handling. The data presented in this article were collected by researchers at the Center for Statistics and Applications in Forensic Evidence (CSAFE) at Iowa State University.
Probabilistic Interpolation Recoder for Energy-Error-Product Efficient DBNs with p-bit Devices

In this paper, a probabilistic interpolation recoder (PIR) circuit is developed for deep belief networks (DBNs) with probabilistic spin logic (p-bit)-based neurons. To verify the functionality and evaluate the performance of the PIRs, we have implemented a $784 \times 200 \times 10$ DBN circuit in SPICE for a pattern recognition application using the MNIST dataset. The PIR circuits are leveraged in the last hidden layer to interpolate the probabilistic output of the neurons, which are representing different output classes, through sampling the p-bit's output values and then counting them in a defined sampling time window.The PIR circuit is proposed as an alternative for conventional interpolation methods which were based on using a resistor-capacitor tank to integrate each neuron's output, followed by an analog-to-digital converter to generate the digital output. The circuit simulation results of PIR circuit exhibit at least 43%, 66%,and 70% reductions in power, energy, and energy-error-product,respectively, compared to previous techniques, without using any of the area-consuming analog components in the interpolation circuit. In addition, the PIR circuits have an inherent single stuck-at fault tolerant features to tolerate either transient or permanent faults at the circuit's output. Reliability properties of the PIR circuits for single stuck-at faults are shown to be enhanced relative to conventional interpolation without requiring hardware redundancy.
Mano Suave–Mano Dura: Legitimacy Policing and Latino Stop-and-Frisk:

Stop-and-frisk and other punitive policing practices disproportionately affect marginalized communities of color. In response to calls for reform, police departments have implemented community poli...
Percutaneous thermal ablation alone or in combination with cementoplasty for renal cell carcinoma osseous metastases: Pain palliation and local tumour control.

INTRODUCTION To evaluate the safety and efficacy of minimally invasive percutaneous thermal ablation alone or in combination with cementoplasty for pain palliation and local tumour control of renal cell carcinoma osseous metastases. METHODS Imaging-guided thermal ablation was performed in 59 renal cell carcinoma osseous metastatic tumours in 23 patients (concomitant cementoplasty in 43 tumours) selected following multidisciplinary consultations to achieve local tumour control and pain palliation (75%, 44/59) or pain palliation alone (25%, 15/59) in this retrospective study. Tumour characteristics, procedural details and complications were documented. Pain palliation was assessed using pre- and post-procedural Numeric Rating Scale scores at 1-week, 1-month, 3-month and 6-month time intervals. Pre- and post-procedural cross-sectional imaging was reviewed to assess local tumour control rates at 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month post-treatment time intervals. RESULTS All procedures were technically successful and performed as pre-operatively planned. The median pre- and post-procedural Numeric Rating Scale scores were 8.0 and 3.0 (at all time intervals), respectively (P < 0.001). Local tumour control rates were 100% (40/40), 100% (36/36) and 85% (28/33) at ≥3 months, ≥6 months and ≥12 months post-procedural time intervals, respectively. There was 1 minor complication (1.7%, 1/59). CONCLUSIONS Percutaneous thermal ablation alone or in combination with cementoplasty is safe and effective for pain palliation and local tumour control of renal cell carcinoma osseous metastases.
Pathways linking school-based ethnic discrimination to Latino/a adolescents' marijuana approval and use

Latino/a adolescents are a growing part of U.S. public high schools, and many experience stressors related to their ethnicity within their schools that can contribute to risky behaviors such as drug use. Marijuana remains the most common illicit drug that Latino/a adolescents use. Using a sample of 121 Latino/a 9th grade students, the current study examined pathways linking perceived peer- and educator-perpetrated ethnic discrimination with marijuana approval and use. Findings revealed that perceived peer-perpetrated ethnic discrimination was linked with lower school belonging (βapproval model = −.21, p = .031; βuse model = −.18, p = .013), and lower school belonging was related to higher marijuana approval (β =−.22, p = .030), but not use. Additionally, those students with lower school belonging were more likely to experience greater depressive symptoms (βapproval model = −.45, p < .001, β use model = −.50, p < .001) and had more close friends who smoked marijuana (βapproval model = −.28, p = .002, βuse model = −.35, p < .001). Higher depressive symptomology was associated with more marijuana use (β = .32, p = .008). Having more substance-using friends was linked with higher marijuana approval (β = .24, p = .010) and use (β = .44, p < .001). Educator-perpetrated ethnic discrimination was not associated with any of the constructs under study. Findings highlight both internalizing and externalizing pathways through which peer-perpetrated ethnic discrimination may contribute to Latino/a adolescents’ marijuana approval and use. Results have the potential to inform intervention efforts aimed at curtailing Latino/a adolescents’ marijuana use.
Maritime dependency and economic prosperity: Why access to oceanic trade matters

Abstract Maritime trade and access to deep-water territory are important when determining a country's economic success. Today, as much as 75% of international trade takes place over water due to the fuel efficiency of seaborne freight and worldwide dependency on water as a means of transportation. Issues in economic geography such as being landlocked and maritime trade are directly related to global development patterns. A country's ability to participate in international trade and transport goods overseas is integral in the modern global economy. Maritime dependency is the ability of a country to participate in maritime trade as determined by their geographic access to international waters and trade dependency. Access to maritime shipping and global participation in maritime trade is key to attracting global capital. This study explores the relationship between five major factors in maritime dependency and economic prosperity. Findings suggest a significant relationship between maritime dependency and gross domestic product (GDP) per capita. Results from this analysis were indexed and an Index of Maritime Dependency was created and mapped to display the geographical distribution of maritime dependency.
Probability Maximization via Minkowski Functionals: Convex Representations and Tractable Resolution

In this paper, we consider the maximization of a probability $\mathbb{P}\{ \zeta \mid \zeta \in \mathbf{K}(\mathbf x)\}$ over a closed and convex set $\mathcal X$, a special case of the chance-constrained optimization problem. We define $\mathbf{K}(\mathbf x)$ as $\mathbf{K}(\mathbf x) \triangleq \{ \zeta \in \mathcal{K} \mid c(\mathbf{x},\zeta) \geq 0 \}$ where $\zeta$ is uniformly distributed on a convex and compact set $\mathcal{K}$ and $c(\mathbf{x},\zeta)$ is defined as either {$c(\mathbf{x},\zeta) \triangleq 1-|\zeta^T\mathbf{x}|^m$, $m\geq 0$} (Setting A) or $c(\mathbf{x},\zeta) \triangleq T\mathbf{x} -\zeta$ (Setting B). We show that in either setting, $\mathbb{P}\{ \zeta \mid \zeta \in \mathbf{K(x)}\}$ can be expressed as the expectation of a suitably defined function $F(\mathbf{x},\xi)$ with respect to an appropriately defined Gaussian density (or its variant), i.e. $\mathbb{E}_{\tilde p} [F(\mathbf x,\xi)]$. We then develop a convex representation of the original problem requiring the minimization of ${g(\mathbb{E}[F(\mathbf{x},\xi)])}$ over $\mathcal X$ where $g$ is an appropriately defined smooth convex function. Traditional stochastic approximation schemes cannot contend with the minimization of ${g(\mathbb{E}[F(\cdot,\xi)])}$ over $\mathcal X$, since conditionally unbiased sampled gradients are unavailable. We then develop a regularized variance-reduced stochastic approximation ({\textbf{r-VRSA}}) scheme that obviates the need for such unbiasedness by combining iterative {regularization} with variance-reduction. Notably, ({\textbf{r-VRSA}}) is characterized by both almost-sure convergence guarantees, a convergence rate of $\mathcal{O}(1/k^{1/2-a})$ in expected sub-optimality where $a > 0$, and a sample complexity of $\mathcal{O}(1/\epsilon^{6+\delta})$ where $\delta > 0$.
The road to project success: the role of risk awareness and risk management in managing overconfidence among project managers

This study investigates the direct relationship between risk management and project success with the mediating role of risk awareness on that direct relationship; and the moderating role of manager's overconfidence on that mediating relationship. The study used multiple regression and mediation-moderation analyses on close-ended questionnaire data from a sample of project managers in the education industry. Results suggests that project managers can expect higher chances of project success when they are able to manage risk effectively, as evidenced by the significantly positive relationship between risk management and project success. Managers must have good risk awareness, as evidence by the effect of risk awareness as a significant mediator that strengthens the relationship between risk management and project success and managers must manage their confidence, as evidence by the effect of manager's overconfidence behavior as a significant moderator that weakens the mediation relationship between risk awareness, risk management and project success.
Property without Rights: Origins and Consequences of the Property Rights Gap

Major land reform programs have reallocated property in more than one-third of the world's countries in the last century and impacted over one billion people. But only rarely have these programs granted beneficiaries complete property rights. Why is this the case, and what are the consequences? This book draws on wide-ranging original data and charts new conceptual terrain to reveal the political origins of the property rights gap. It shows that land reform programs are most often implemented by authoritarian governments who deliberately withhold property rights from beneficiaries. In so doing, governments generate coercive leverage over rural populations and exert social control. This is politically advantageous to ruling governments but it has negative development consequences: it slows economic growth, productivity, and urbanization and it exacerbates inequality. The book also examines the conditions under which subsequent governments close property rights gaps, usually as a result of democratization or foreign pressure.
DNA testing information on YouTube: Inadequate advice can mislead and harm the public

Direct-to-consumer (DTC) DNA (i.e., genetic) testing has become very popular, with close to 30 million Americans having used these services. The 100 most widely viewed DNA YouTube testing videos were analyzed to determine whether they are providing adequate information for consumers. The top 100 videos had more than 300 million cumulative views, showing the popularity and reach of the information source. While many videos addressed the specimen collection process, family roots and ancestry, and the prospect of uncovering unexpected information about family or health leading to possible distress, almost none of the videos addressed accuracy or confidentiality issues, which are major issues of DNA testing. It is recommended that further information on those issues be made readily available, and more vigilant oversight by regulatory agencies be implemented. Such oversight should include monitoring what information is and is not readily provided by each company, and the veracity of information being communicated to existing and prospective consumers. We also recommend that for medical issues, clinical genetic testing, along with genetic counseling by genetic counselors, be the method of choice.