cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Numerical Representation from Infancy to Middle Childhood: What Develops?

This paper examines the development of numerical representation from the perspective of skills for determining numerosity, and of skills for understanding changes in numerosity, and proposes a model for integrating them. The concept of numerical representation presented here is consistent with Neisser’s (in this volume) discussion of the acquisition of “a system of relationships among symbols” and of Gardner’s description of stages in such acquisitions (this volume). The acquisition of a symbolic system like number names or numerals, including such features as place value, is a related and important issue in the development of numerical representation (which is treated in part by Sinclair et al, in this volume), but is not treated in this paper. The research to be presented here is organized around three types of number skills, whose acquisition will be used to index developmental changes in the underlying numerical representation. The first is discrimination: the discrimination characteristic of numbers (the ability to say whether two things are the same or different) can apply to multiple arrays or to a single array over time (more than before).
Ablation of Type III Adenylyl Cyclase in Mice Causes Reduced Neuronal Activity, Altered Sleep Pattern, and Depression-like Phenotypes

Abstract Background Although major depressive disorder (MDD) has low heritability, a genome-wide association study in humans has recently implicated type 3 adenylyl cyclase (AC3; ADCY3 ) in MDD. Moreover, the expression level of AC3 in blood has been considered as a MDD biomarker in humans. Nevertheless, there is a lack of supporting evidence from animal studies. Methods We employed multiple approaches to experimentally evaluate if AC3 is a contributing factor for major depression using mouse models lacking the Adcy3 gene. Results We found that conventional AC3 knockout (KO) mice exhibited phenotypes associated with MDD in behavioral assays. Electroencephalography/electromyography recordings indicated that AC3 KO mice have altered sleep patterns characterized by increased percentage of rapid eye movement sleep. AC3 KO mice also exhibit neuronal atrophy. Furthermore, synaptic activity at cornu ammonis 3–cornu ammonis 1 synapses was significantly lower in AC3 KO mice, and they also exhibited attenuated long-term potentiation as well as deficits in spatial navigation. To confirm that these defects are not secondary responses to anosmia or developmental defects, we generated a conditional AC3 floxed mouse strain. This enabled us to inactivate AC3 function selectively in the forebrain and to inducibly ablate it in adult mice. Both AC3 forebrain-specific and AC3 inducible knockout mice exhibited prodepression phenotypes without anosmia. Conclusions This study demonstrates that loss of AC3 in mice leads to decreased neuronal activity, altered sleep pattern, and depression-like behaviors, providing strong evidence supporting AC3 as a contributing factor for MDD.
The Pharmacologic Management of Insomnia in Patients with HIV

Insomnia is common in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seropositive populations. Some studies have estimated as many as 70% of HIV patients experience insomnia at some point during their illness. Insomnia has been linked to reduced quality of life as well as treatment non-adherence in these patients. However, there has been very limited research on the treatment of insomnia in this setting. Lacking treatment trials, we carried out a review of the available literature relevant to the pharmacologic treatment of insomnia in HIV seropositive individuals in order to provide guidance for the clinical management of this complex population. A systematic MEDLINE search was performed using as search terms each of the FDA approved or commonly prescribed insomnia medications and "insomnia and HIV." In addition, we reviewed the published literature on HIV therapies and common comorbid conditions and their interactions with insomnia therapies. We found 4 primary factors affecting the pharmacotherapy of insomnia in individuals with HIV: (1) medications used to treat HIV; (2) antibiotics used to treat opportunistic infections; (3) the HIV infection itself; and (4) conditions frequently associated with HIV infection. The means by which these factors affect the expected risk-benefit profile of insomnia therapies is discussed, and recommendations are made for choosing medications in patients encountered in clinical practice.
Development of cardiovascular drugs: the U.S. regulatory milieu from the perspective of a participating nonregulator.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for assuring that drugs, devices, and biologicals available in the U.S. are effective and acceptably safe for their intended uses. Both law and regulation define the procedures to be followed by the FDA in judging the effectiveness and safety of therapies. The FDA comprises a cadre of highly skilled public servants who receive and evaluate alldata collected by the manufacturer during therapy, not just the portion that reaches publication. To assist in reaching final conclusions about approvability, the FDA can empanel legally constituted advisory committees and external consultants when the need is perceived for additional specific scientific/technical expertise and substantial experience in clinical practice. Evidentiary standards for marketing approval of drugs, biologicals, and devices generally require direct demonstration of clinical benefit, rather than inferences drawn from “surrogate” pharmacologic/device-mediated effects, sufficient exposure to enable a reasonable assessment of countervailing risk, consideration of specific design elements in the pivotal clinical trials (including prespecified hypotheses [implicitly incorporated in “primary end points”], rigorous plans for statistical analyses, and so on), and assessment of persistence of effectiveness and associated stability of safety over time. Finally, sufficient information must be available so that practitioners can receive written instructions for use (the label) adequate to support the likelihood that recipients of the therapy will receive the expected benefits within the envelope of the stated risks. This article will discuss and expand on these issues, with examples.
Abstract A08: Clonal evolution enhances leukemia propagating cell activity in T-cell acutelymphoblastic leukemia through AKT/mTORC1 pathway activation

This abstract is being presented as a short talk in Session 3: Mechanisms of Resistance. A full abstract is printed in the Proffered Abstracts section (PR06) of the Conference Proceedings. Citation Format: Jessica Blackburn, Sali Liu, Kimberly Dobrinski, Sarah Martinez, Finola Moore, Riadh Lobbardi, David Langenau. Clonal evolution enhances leukemia propagating cell activity in T-cell acutelymphoblastic leukemia through AKT/mTORC1 pathway activation. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: The Translational Impact of Model Organisms in Cancer; Nov 5-8, 2013; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Res 2014;12(11 Suppl):Abstract nr A08.
Governance Responses to the Economic Crisis in the United States

An early draft of this paper was given at the Korea Institute of Public Administration (KIPA)Conference in Seoul in October 9, 2009.
Immune Mobilization of Autologous Peripheral Blood Progenitor Cells: IL-2 with GM-CSF and G-CSF Results in Effective Mobilization without Delay in Engraftment.

We initiated an immune mobilization trial in an attempt to mobilize cytotoxic effector cells, along with CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cells. A Prospective Phase I trial was initiated using dose escalation of IL-2, in combination with GM-CSF and G-CSF. IL-2 began on Day 0 and continued as a daily SQ injection for 11 days. On Day 7, GM-CSF (7.5 mcg/kg/d) and G-CSF (5 mcg/kg/d) were initiated for 5 days (Days 7–11). On Day 11, leukapheresis was started if the peripheral blood CD34 + cell count was > 5 cells/mcl. The endpoint of collection was ≥ 3 × 10 6 CD34+ cells/kg. After collection, patients received melphalan (200 mg/m 2 ) followed by infusion of cryopreserved stem cells. Post-transplant GM-CSF began on Day +5 and terminated once the ANC reached 5000 cells/mcl. To date, 9 patients have been treated (myeloma, n = 8; NHL, n = 1) and 7 patients are evaluable. Six patients received IL-2 at Dose Level 1 (6 × 10 5 IU/m 2 /d). The remaining 3 patients received IL-2 at Dose Level 2 (1 × 10 6 IU/m 2 /d). The MTD of IL-2 has not been reached. One patient (NHL) was removed from the study due to progressive disease. The remaining 8 patients completed the regimen. Toxicities have been mild and have included Grade 2 fever (n=1) on Dose Level 2. All patients were successfully mobilized. The median number of CD34+ cells/kg and MNC/kg collected were 3.4 × 10 6 (range 2.8 – 4.4 × 10 6 /kg) and 9.5 × 10 8 (range 0.4 – 1.7 × 10 9 ), respectively. Two large volume leukaphereses were required (median; range 1 – 3). Following transplant, the ANC recovered on Day 13 (median; range: 10 – 14 d) and platelets recovered on Day 12 (median; range 0 – 13 d). These preliminary results demonstrate that immune mobilization and collection of an adequate number of hematopoietic progenitor cells is feasible without suppression of hematopoiesis. Toxicities are minimal but the MTD of IL-2 has not yet been reached. Post-transplant engraftment is not delayed. As patient accrual continues, we are currently evaluating the qualitative and quantitative components of the collected cells, including Th1 vs. Th2 cells and the types of dendritic cells mobilized.
Utilization, Spending, and Price Trends for Quinolones in the US Medicaid Programs: 25 Years’ Experience 1991–2015

Background Given that the quinolones is one of the antibacterial classes most frequently used to treat patients with bacterial infections in the United States, any change in prescribing patterns of quinolones will impact Medicaid medical expenditures.
Abstract B82: Provision of free breast and cervical cancer screening programs in medically underserved communities: Evidence from the screen, same-day results and treat model in Texas

PURPOSE This evidenced-based community cancer screening model provides free breast and cervical cancer screenings with same-day results and health education consultations to women living in communities identified as medically underserved in Texas. METHODS A volunteer-led collaboration comprised of a team of multidisciplinary healthcare professionals (i.e., pathologists, breast and gynecologic oncologists, radiologist, health educators, lay health advisors and doctoral students), organized a trademarked screening model that targeted medically underserved screening-eligible women between 21-65 years with: 1) clinical breast exams and mobile mammography unit with a radiologist on-board, 2) Papanicolaou (pap) test, 3) same-day pap results, 4) group health education consultations, and 5) navigation to treatment/follow-up care and medical home that accommodated fourteen languages. RESULTS More than (N=750) women attended free one-day screening programs during a three-year period. Never or rarely been screened (N=673) women received breast exam, pelvic and pap tests. Women (N=55) had abnormal pap tests, of these (N=28) undertook same-day colposcopy, a visual inspection of cervix with biopsy, and (N=9) a Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure. Mammograms (N=76) and breast Fine Needle Aspirations (N=2) were provided for those with a palpable breast neoplasm. Breast abnormalities (N=15) and malignancies (N=4) were detected. Women received Human Papillomavirus (N=25), HIV (N=42), Syphilis (N=42) and Hepatitis C (N=107) testing based on availability. All women attended at least three of eight health education sessions on topics on risk-reduction behaviors and clinical research participation related to cancer and chronic diseases. Women were predominately Hispanic, low-income, uninsured or under-insured, and between ages 40-49. CONCLUSIONS Barriers that impede medically underserved women from seeking cancer screenings are well-documented, including cost, health insurance and healthcare availability for vulnerable populations. Providing free cancer screening days with same-day results where the most vulnerable women live coupled with culturally-tailored health education content can encourage continued healthcare utilization and preventative screening seeking behavior. Citation Format: Jameisha B. Brown. Provision of free breast and cervical cancer screening programs in medically underserved communities: Evidence from the screen, same-day results and treat model in Texas. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Ninth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2016 Sep 25-28; Fort Lauderdale, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2017;26(2 Suppl):Abstract nr B82.
What African American Mothers Perceive They Socialize Their Children to Value When Telling Them Brer Rabbit Stories

Sociologists and psychologists observe that African American mothers socialize their children to enduring Black “cultural motifs” and “styles of behavior” rather than “informed Black values.” Yet, ...
An in-depth exploration of residents’ perceived impacts of transient vacation rentals

ABSTRACTThe recent explosion of transient vacation rental (TVR) accommodations has been aided by websites like AirBnB, Vacation Rentals By Owner (VRBO), and HomeAway and this segment continues to grow in popularity. Many communities have enacted bans on TVRs with little empirical data to support decisions. This study explores TVR-related impacts as perceived by residents, and why those particular impacts are perceived. A series of 12 semi-structured, in-depth interviews of key resident stakeholders on Oahu, Hawai’i, United States (US) were conducted. Thematic analysis revealed residents perceived both positive and negative impacts in the economic, environmental, and sociocultural realms. Extended quotes from interviewees reveal the connection of perceived impacts to the presence of TVRs in residential zoned areas and the lack of a proprietor to manage the property and tourists like a traditional bed and breakfast (B&B). Findings provide a baseline for future research examining the unique impacts of this a...
Quantifying the effect of asperity size and shape on thermal contact conductance of metal-metal contacts through direct numerical simulations

Abstract The thermal contact conductance (TCC) between two metallic rough surfaces is dictated both by the size and shape of the asperities on the surface. In this study, scale-resolved direct numerical simulation of thermal transport across the interface was conducted to isolate and quantify their effects. The mean roughness height (indicator of asperity size) and the mean absolute slope (indicator of asperity shape) of the asperities—two common surface topography descriptors—were treated as parameters, in addition to the contact pressure. Microscale models of the interface geometry were generated by statistically reconstructing the surface pairs from the aforementioned topography inputs, followed by generation of unstructured meshes that resolved all fine-scale features of the interface, including the air pockets. Steady state conjugate heat conduction computations were conducted, and the TCC values were extracted. The extracted TCC values were found to be in good agreement with experimental measurements. Examination of trends revealed the TCC to be a strong function of asperity size and a weak function of asperity shape. The extracted TCC data was finally reduced and curve-fitted by correlating it to two non-dimensional parameters: the number of contacts and the mean absolute slope. The accuracy of this correlation (curve-fit) was tested, and the TCC values predicted by it were found to be well within the statistical uncertainty of the raw DNS results. The curve-fit represents a simple, yet valuable tool for future researchers to estimate the TCC of metal-metal interfaces of any topography characterized by common topography descriptors.
Exploring the feasibility of information communication technologies in the context of academic help seeking

This study sought to investigate whether the popularity of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) would impact the behavioral intention (BI) to use of these technologies to aid in the task of academic help-seeking (AHS). Out of the ICTs available today, the most popular is text-messaging, especially among a sizable percentage of the college population. Approximately 600 students at a small, private junior college in eastern North Carolina were invited to participate in this study with a target of 248 responses needed to comprise an adequate sample. A total of 259 usable surveys (n = 259) were received and analyzed. Qualitative data collection instruments consisted of an open-ended questionnaire and other open-ended responses that were solicited throughout the data collection phase. Quantitative data collection instruments consisted of a 22-item Likert-scale survey and a forced-choice ordinal scale instrument that measured computer user self-efficacy (CUSE) and experience using technology (EUT). Situated in the context of academic help-seeking (AHS), vignettes were developed, validated and administered to offer AHS scenarios where a problem was presented and the participants were then asked to reveal which type of ICT and which source of academic help (formal or informal help) he or she would utilize in each particular situation.
Zebrafish swimming in the flow: a particle image velocimetry study

Zebrafish is emerging as a species of choice for the study of a number of biomechanics problems, including balance development, schooling, and neuromuscular transmission. The precise quantification of the flow physics around swimming zebrafish is critical toward a mechanistic understanding of the complex swimming style of this fresh-water species. Although previous studies have elucidated the vortical structures in the wake of zebrafish swimming in placid water, the flow physics of zebrafish swimming against a water current remains unexplored. In an effort to illuminate zebrafish swimming in a dynamic environment reminiscent of its natural habitat, we experimentally investigated the locomotion and hydrodynamics of a single zebrafish swimming in a miniature water tunnel using particle image velocimetry. Our results on zebrafish locomotion detail the role of flow speed on tail beat undulations, heading direction, and swimming speed. Our findings on zebrafish hydrodynamics offer a precise quantification of vortex shedding during zebrafish swimming and demonstrate that locomotory patterns play a central role on the flow physics. This knowledge may help clarify the evolutionary advantage of burst and cruise swimming movements in zebrafish.
Impact of new technologies on stress, attrition and well-being in emergency call centers: the NextGeneration 9–1-1 study protocol

Our public health emergency response system relies on the “first of the first responders”—the emergency call center workforce that handles the emergency needs of a public in distress. Call centers across the United States have been preparing for the “Next Generation 9-1-1” initiative, which will allow citizens to place 9–1-1 calls using a variety of digital technologies. The impacts of this initiative on a workforce that is already highly stressed is unknown. There is concern that these technology changes will increase stress, reduce job performance, contribute to maladaptive coping strategies, lower employee retention, or change morale in the workplace. Understanding these impacts to inform approaches for mitigating the health and performance risks associated with new technologies is crucial for ensuring the 911 system fulfills its mission of providing optimal emergency response to the public. Our project is an observational, prospective cohort study framed by the first new technology that will be implemented: text-to-911 calling. Emergency center call takers will be recruited nationwide. Data will be collected by online surveys distributed at each center before text-to-911 implementation; within the first month of implementation; and 6 months after implementation. Primary outcome measures are stress as measured by the Calgary Symptoms of Stress Index, use of sick leave, job performance, and job satisfaction. Primary analyses will use mixed effects regression models and mixed effects logistic regression models to estimate the change in outcome variables associated with text-to-911 implementation. Multiple secondary analyses will examine effects of stress on absenteeism; associations between technology attitudes and stress; effects of implementation on attitudes towards technology; and mitigating effects of job demands, job satisfaction, attitudes towards workplace technology and workplace support on change in stress. Our public health dependence on this workforce for our security and safety makes it imperative that the impact of technological changes such as text-to-911 are researched so appropriate intervention efforts to can be developed. Failing to protect our 9–1-1 call takers from predictable health risks would be similar to knowingly exposing field emergency responders to a toxic situation without following OSHA required training and practice standards assuring their protection.
Yoga as a survivorship tool in cancer patients and caregivers.

90Background: Preliminary data suggest that yoga is one of the most popular complementary and alternative therapies and most likely to improve quality of life. In spite of the methodologic limits,s...
Use of electron spin resonance to study Bacillus megaterium spore membranes

Abstract Membranes from dormant and heat-activated spores were labelled with the fatty acid spin probe 5-doxyl stearate and analyzed using electron spin resonance spectroscopy. Membranes from dormant spores were slightly less fluid above 23° than membranes from heat-activated spores. Also L-proline caused a much larger increase in the upper transition temperature than did D-proline when added to membranes from heat-activated spores. Thus a compound known to trigger germination in this strain may interact stereospecifically to alter the biophysical properties of the spore membranes.
On Extraneous Fixed-Points of the Basic Family of Iteration Functions

Let K denote either the reals or the complex numbers. Consider the root-finding problem for an analytic function f from K into itself via an iteration function F. An extraneous fixed-point of F is a fixed-point different than a root of f. We prove that all extraneous fixed-points of any member of an infinite family of iteration functions, called the Basic Family in Kalantari et al. (1997). are repulsive. This generalizes a result of Vrscay and Gilbert (1988) who prove the property only for the second member of the family which coincides with the well-known Halley's method. Our result implies that a convergent orbit corresponding to any specific member of the Basic Family will necessarily converge to a zero of f. The Basic Family is a fundamental family with several different representations. It has been rediscovered by several authors using various techniques. The earliest derivation of this family is from an analysis of Schroder (1870). But in fact the Basic Family and its multipoint versions are all derivable from a determinantal generalization of Taylor's theorem (Kalantari (1997)).
Wenn ich einen Stuhl sehe - sehe ich dann wirklich nur ein Zeichen? / When I See a Chair - Must I See a Sign of It?

In the debate among proponents of semiotics, product language and a semantics for design, I am responding to Susann Vihma's invitation to a "further discussion" and will address three issues: the (in)adequacy of semiotic theories for design, my concept of meaning, and her interpretation of the task of product semantics. Vihma and I have a common concern/or meaning in design. Our differences stem mainly from diverging epistemological commitments, in her case to the ontology of semiotic theory, in my case to a human-centered approach to design. This journal article is available at ScholarlyCommons: http://repository.upenn.edu/asc_papers/39
STATISTICS AT THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the course presented and the history of the Department of Statistics at the Ohio State University. The Department of Statistics at the Ohio State University was created in 1970 in the form of a division of the College of Mathematical and Physical Sciences and was given its present departmental status in 1974. The department offers about 25 courses per quarter with Fall, 1980 enrollments of approximately 1600 students in the undergraduate service courses and another 200 in the graduate service courses. There are more than a dozen courses specifically designed for statistics majors, but these also attract a few students from other disciplines. In addition to the statistics teaching and consulting in the department, there are more than 100 courses in statistics given by various other departments in the university. There are also consulting services in the colleges of Agriculture, Medicine, Social Sciences, and Education, providing a fairly large amount of local consulting on statistical problems.
Comparative Analysis of Fuel Composition and Physical Properties of Biodiesel, Diesel, Kerosene, and Jet Fuel

Biodiesel is an important alternative fuel synthesized by the trans-esterification of vegetable oils, animal fats, and recycled greases. In this experiment, students prepared biodiesel through the ...
A method for tethering single viral particles for virus-cell interaction studies with optical tweezers

Direct optical trapping of single viral particles allows characterization of individual particles in suspension with single-molecule sensitivity. Alternative to direct optical trapping of particles, individual particles may be tethered specifically in suspension for manipulation by optical tweezers indirectly, which could be useful for studies of virus-cell interactions. One specific example is the interactions between cell surface receptors and the envelope glycoproteins (Env) on the surface of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). Env binds to cellular receptors and undergoes a series of conformational changes, culminating in fusion of the viral and cellular membranes that mediates viral entry into cells. In addition to being required for cellular infection, Env is also the sole target for neutralizing antibodies. Thus, significant research has focused on elucidating the structure of Env and the mechanism of HIV-1 entry. However, current methods are unable to resolve the dynamics and stoichiometry of Env binding to cellular receptors during the entry process. Fluorescence and electron microscopy have visualized Env clusters in the viral membrane, but the extent to which these clusters actually bind to cellular receptors, and the mechanism of cluster formation, remain unclear. We describe the development of an optical tweezers technique that can potentially address these questions by delivering a single HIV-1 virion to a live cell with minimal perturbation to the system. Our method can be used to quantitatively probe the physical interactions between Env and cellular receptors in their native environment, which may reveal critical parameters in HIV-1 entry. Furthermore, our method can be used to investigate other protein-protein interactions in the context of live cells, such as the recognition of particulate antigens by B cells, thus offering insight into fundamental features of protein-mediated receptor activation.
Maximum-a-Posteriori Cosmic Ray Muon Trajectory Estimation with Energy Loss for Muon Tomography Applications

Recent cosmic ray muon tomography applications use detectors that measure position and direction of the individual muons before and after traversing the imaged object. However, muon reconstruction techniques are limited in resolution due to low muon flux and the effects of a single Coulomb scattering assumption. In the present work, the use of a Bayesian framework and a Gaussian approximation of multiple Coulomb scattering (MCS) is explored for maximum-a-posteriori estimation of the most likely path of a cosmic ray muon traversing a uniform and non uniform medium and undergoing MCS. Results were generated using a validated Geant4 workspace. The algorithm is expected to be able to predict muon tracks with improved accuracy and to increase the useful muon flux by 30% over a traditional point-of-closest-approach (PoCA) method. The effect of energy loss due to ionization is investigated, and an energy loss relation is derived and validated.
Putting the P Value in its Place

ABSTRACTAs the debate over best statistical practices continues in academic journals, conferences, and the blogosphere, working researchers (e.g., psychologists) need to figure out how much time and effort to invest in attending to experts' arguments, how to design their next project, and how to craft a sustainable long-term strategy for data analysis and inference. The present special issue of The American Statistician promises help. In this article, we offer a modest proposal for a continued and informed use of the conventional p-value without the pitfalls of statistical rituals. Other statistical indices should complement reporting, and extra-statistical (e.g., theoretical) judgments ought to be made with care and clarity.
Assessment of Learning in Digital Networks

This chapter provides both conceptual and empirical information about the skillset of Learning in Digital Networks – Information Communications Technologies (LDN-ICT). Data are drawn from the pilot phase of the ATC21STM project research and development process, and were collected from August to November 2011 across Australia, Finland, Singapore and the U.S.A. (The acronym ATC21STM has been globally trademarked. For purposes of simplicity the acronym is presented throughout the chapter as ATC21S.) The paper concludes with a discussion of ideas about reporting and use of the consequent development progression which underlies the construct.
The removal of all proximal aneurysmal aortic tissue does not affect anastomotic degeneration after open juxtarenal aortic aneurysm repair

Abstract Objective For the open treatment of juxtarenal aortic aneurysms (JRAAs), some argue for the removal of all proximal aneurysmal aortic tissue to prevent future degeneration, whereas others deem it unnecessary. This study sought to compare perioperative and long-term outcomes of two different approaches to treatment of JRAAs. Methods Patients who underwent open JRAA repair from 2007 to 2015 at our institution were reviewed and stratified by operative technique: plication of the aneurysm cuff with graft sewn up to the renal arteries (PLI) vs a beveled anastomosis with left renal artery bypass (LRB). Patients who underwent additional mesenteric bypasses were excluded. Primary outcomes included death, anastomotic degeneration, and decline in renal function. Univariate and Kaplan-Meier analyses were performed. Results There were 199 patients identified, 56% PLI (n = 112) and 44% LRB (n = 87). The majority were male (68%), white (89%), and smokers (58%). Mean age was 71.5 ± 8.5 years. LRB patients were more likely to have chronic kidney disease (29% vs 13%; P = .01) and larger juxtarenal diameters (median, 25 mm vs 28 mm; P = .001). LRB patients had longer postoperative length of stay (median, 8 days vs 7 days; P = .003) and longer operative times (median, 4.7 hours vs 3.7 hours; P Conclusions The more complex technique involving LRB was not protective against long-term anastomotic degeneration, decline in renal function, or mortality. In addition, LRB led to longer length of stay and operative times, with increased risk of perioperative acute kidney injury. In an era when fewer open aortic repairs are being performed, it is reasonable to consider the PLI technique in the treatment of JRAAs, particularly in patients with baseline chronic kidney disease.
Using a Learning Management System Common Template in Teaching Adult Basic Education: Opportunities and Challenges.

Since the Texas Legislature has mandated, via the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, to provide best practices for using technology for developmental education, we report on a solution used...
Rethinking (and Retheorizing) Transgender Media Representation: A Roundtable Discussion

This roundtable began as the first panel of the International Communication Association dedicated exclusively to transgender studies. The articles of the panel investigated various domains of mediated representation, from television to newspapers to online pornography to Tumblr blogs. The differences in media, methods, and theoretical frameworks across the articles allowed for the panel to cover a broad swath of transgender representation in the current media environment. At the same time, their intersections allowed for conversation to move beyond theoretical understandings of media representation inherited from feminist and LGB studies to think about what transgender-specific modes of representation may be, how they differ from other modes of representation, and how the consequences of these transgender-specific modes may also, therefore, differ. After some time away to reflect, the panelists sat back down to answer important questions about how their work pushes both the theory and the practice of transgender media representation forward.
THE PRESENT STATUS OF THE RECONSTITUTION OF A FUNCTIONAL INNER MITOCHONDRIAL MEMBRANE

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the present status of the reconstitution of a functional inner mitochondrial membrane. A systematic study of the topography of the inner mitochondrial membrane consists of two parts: (1) the analytical approach and (2) the reconstitutional approach. The analytical approach is based on the finding that sub-mitochondrial particles prepared by sonic oscillation are inside-out. This presents a unique opportunity to analyze the two sides of the inner mitochondrial membrane by comparing the response of various functions in mitochondria and in submitochondrial particles to various probes that cannot penetrate from one side of the membrane to the other. To test the conclusions of the topographical analyses, it is desirable to ascertain that the individual membrane components can be removed and reinserted in the proper place yielding particles that are capable of catalyzing oxidative phosphorylation. The location of the coupling factors and of succinate dehydrogenase on the M-side of the membrane and of cytochrome c and cytochrome c1 on the C-side of the membrane is well established. Cytochrome oxidase is located on both sides of the membrane.
Partnering With Massage Therapists to Communicate Information on Reducing the Risk of Skin Cancer Among Clients: Longitudinal Study.

Background: Skin cancer affects millions of Americans and is an important focus of disease prevention efforts. Partnering with non–health care practitioners such as massage therapists (MTs) can reduce the risk of skin cancer. MTs see clients’ skin on a regular basis, which can allow MTs to initiate “helping conversations” (ie, brief behavioral interventions aimed at reducing the risk of skin cancer). Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate (1) the feasibility of recruiting, enrolling, and retaining Arizona MTs in an online electronic training (e-training) and (2) the preliminary efficacy of e-training on knowledge, attitudes/beliefs, and practice of risk reduction for skin cancer. We explored MTs’ ability to assess suspicious skin lesions. Methods: We adapted the existing educational content on skin cancer for applicability to MTs and strategies from previous research on helping conversations. We assessed the feasibility of providing such e-training, using Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) tools for data capture. We assessed the preliminary efficacy using established self-report surveys at baseline, immediately post training, and at 3 and 6 months post training. Results: A total of 95 participants enrolled in the study, of which 77% (73/95) completed the assessments at 6 months (overall attrition=23%). Project satisfaction and e-training acceptability were high. Knowledge, personal behaviors (skin self-examination, clinical skin examination, sun protection frequency), and practice attitudes (appropriateness and comfort with client-focused communication) of risk reduction for skin cancer improved significantly and were sustained throughout the study. Conclusions: The e-training was feasible and could be delivered online successfully to MTs. Participants were highly satisfied with and accepting of the e-training. As such, e-training has potential as an intervention in larger trials with MTs for reducing the risk of skin cancer.
Secondary Intraocular Lens Implant with Soemmering Ring Debulking

Current standard of care generally dictates that unilateral pediatric cataracts be removed by 6 weeks old and bilateral cataracts by 10 weeks old. There are numerous intricacies that arise when implanting an intraocular lens in a pediatric patient, including lens power, age of appropriate implantation, and the anatomical location of the IOL. Ideally, young children are left aphakic and placed in aphakic contact lenses or spectacles. Once the patient is old enough, or no longer tolerates aphakic correction, secondary IOL placement becomes important in order to mitigate the risk of amblyopia. Many surgeons will decide to place a secondary IOL in the sulcus or anterior chamber if enough fibrosis of the capsule has taken place since the original cataract extraction. However, the preferred position in both children and adults is placement of the IOL within the capsular bag. In order to do this, a dense Soemmering ring can be debulked, the anterior and posterior leaflets separated, and the lens placed within the newly opened bag.
Cancer cell migration in collagen-hyaluronan composite extracellular matrices

Abstract Hyaluronan (HA) is a key component in the tumor microenvironment (TME) that participates in cancer growth and invasiveness. While the molecular weight (MW) dependent properties of HA can cause tumor-promoting and -repressing effects, the elevated levels of HA in the TME impedes drug delivery. The degradation of HA using hyaluronidases (HYALs), resulting in fragments of HA, is a way to overcome this, but the consequences of changes in HA molecular weight and concentration is currently unknown. Therefore, it is critical to understand the MW-dependent biological effects of HA. Here we examine the influence of HA molecular weight on biophysical properties that regulate cell migration and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. In our study, we used vLMW, LMW and HMW HA at different physiologically relevant concentrations, with a particular interest in correlating the mechanical and structural properties to different cell functions. The elastic modulus, collagen network pore size and collagen fiber diameter increased with increasing HA concentration. Although the collagen network pore size increased, these pores were filled with the bulky HA molecules. Consequently, cell migration decreased with increase in HA concentration due to multiple, long-lived and unproductive protrusions, suggesting the influence of steric factors. Surprisingly, even though elastic modulus increased with HA molecular weight and concentration, gel compaction assays showed an increased degree of ECM compaction among HMW HA gels at high concentrations (2 and 4 mg mL−1 [0.2 and 0.4%]). These results were not seen in collagen gels that lacked HA, but had similar stiffness. HA appears to have the effect of decreasing migration and increasing collagen network contraction, but only at high HA molecular weight. Consequently, changes in HA molecular weight can have relatively large effects on cancer cell behavior. Statement of significance Hyaluronan (HA) is a critical component of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Overproduction of HA in the TME results in poor prognosis and collapse of blood vessels, inhibiting drug delivery. Hyaluronidases have been used to enhance drug delivery. However, they lead to low molecular weight (MW) HA, altering the mechanical and structural properties of the TME and cancer cell behavior. Understanding how HA degradation affects cancer cell behavior is critical for uncovering detrimental effects of this therapy. Very little is known about how HA MW affects cancer cell behavior in tumor-mimicking collagen-HA composite networks. Here we examine how MW and HA content in collagen-HA networks alter structural and mechanical properties to regulate cell migration and matrix remodeling in 3D TME-mimicking environments.
A modified sub-assembly approach for hurricane induced wind-surge-wave vulnerability assessment of low-rise wood buildings in coastal communities

Abstract The coastal low-rise buildings account for large amounts of property loss during hurricanes, which makes it essential to perform vulnerability assessments of buildings and communities to estimate the possible structural damage and economical loss. Fragility assessment and loss prediction are usually performed with the sub-assembly (SA) approach in the HAZUS-MH model. However, hydrodynamic forces caused by surge and waves are excluded, and damages from wind and flood are assumed independent of each other. In the present study, a modified sub-assembly (MSA) approach is proposed based on the SA approach for the hurricane-induced wind-surge-wave vulnerability assessments for buildings and communities considering the hurricane-induced wind-surge-wave loadings without the predefined assumption. The physics-based high-fidelity finite element models are established, and the structural performances are analyzed for three typical coastal residential wood buildings under individual wind or surge-wave loadings and combined wind-surge-wave loadings. Building type is found to be a key factor influencing the vulnerabilities of the buildings, and building elevation is an effective method to mitigate building damages from surge-wave loadings as well as hurricane-induced wind-surge-wave loadings. Profound influences of wind profile shifting under combined wind-surge-wave loading are observed on elevated buildings' vulnerabilities at some stillwater levels for different building types. The MSA approach outperforms the SA approach in the building vulnerability prediction at the hurricane-induced wind-surge-wave scenarios, especially for the elevated buildings. A smaller wind speed interval is recommended to help with the building vulnerability prediction accuracy of the MSA approach. The vulnerability assessment of a coastal community further validates the accuracy of the proposed MSA approach.
A Note on Replies

In G. Lakoff (1972) it is proposed that the logical form of sentences should include representation of illocutionary forces, viz., $$\left\{ {\begin{array}{*{20}c} {{\text{order}}} \\ {{\text{ask}}} \\ {{\text{state}}} \\ \end{array} } \right\}\left( {x,y,S_1 } \right),$$ where the performative verbs are predicates, x and y are arguments to be carried by grammatical rules into I and you respectively, and S1 is the direct object of the higher verb and, when expanded, will represent the propositional content of S.
Congenital Uterine Anomalies

Congenital uterine anomalies are the most common anomaly of the female reproductive tract, affecting 3–8 % of fertile and infertile women. Uterine anomalies are traditionally classified as hypoplasia or agenesis, unicornuate, didelphys, bicornuate, septate and arcuate, and diethylstilbestrol exposed. These anomalies are associated with normal reproductive outcomes and adverse reproductive outcomes such as pregnancy loss and preterm delivery and are not typically associated with infertility. Although females with obstructive uterine anomalies tend to present during adolescence due to pelvic pain or dysmenorrhea, nonobstructive uterine anomalies may not be identified until a woman presents for evaluation of first or second trimester pregnancy loss, preterm delivery, or infertility. Imaging modalities commonly employed to evaluate congenital uterine anomalies include two-dimensional ultrasonography (2DUS), three-dimensional ultrasonography (3DUS), hysterosalpingography, saline-infusion ultrasonography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). As 3DUS is increasingly utilized in pelvic imaging, this modality is becoming the next level of testing after 2DUS when a uterine anomaly is suspected. For more complex congenital anomalies, additional imaging such as MRI may be warranted. Detailed imaging of the reproductive tract is essential to make the correct diagnosis of a uterine anomaly, determine if surgical intervention is recommended, and educate the patient about the reproductive implications of the diagnosis.
Tracking Service Availability in Long Running Business Activities

An important factor in the successful deployment of federated web services-based business activities will be the ability to guarantee reliable distributed operation and execution under scalable conditions. For example advanced failure management is essential for any reliable distributed operation but especially for the target areas of web service architectures, where the activities can be constructed out of services located at different enterprises, and are accessed over heterogeneous networks topologies. In this paper we describe the first technologies and implementations coming out of the Obduro project, which has as a goal to apply the results of scalability and reliability research to global scalable service oriented architectures. We present technology developed for failure and availability tracking of processes involved in long running business activities within a web services coordination framework. The Service Tracker, Coordination Service and related development toolkits are available for public usage.
Implementing product-line features by composing aspects

Emerging e-commerce systems are highly dynamic and require even more flexibility and reduced time to market than that traditionally provided by product-line development and component-based software engineering (CBSE). In this paper we describe our work on agent-based, product-line CBSE for flexible e-commerce systems. We are integrating several technologies for product-line analysis and component design, implementation, and customization to create a basis for systematic product-line development. Largely independent work on reuse (“domain analysis”) and object-oriented technology (“design and code”) has matured to the degree that integration of the techniques promises a coherent approach. We outline a practical development process that structures a set of common and variable features supporting a product line, to produce reusable elements (“aspects”). These aspects can be combined into customized components and frameworks to support the product line.