cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modest net autotrophy in the oligotrophic ocean

The metabolic state of the oligotrophic subtropical ocean has long been debated. Net community production (NCP) represents the balance of autotrophic carbon fixation with heterotrophic respiration. Many in vitro NCP estimates based on oxygen incubation methods and the corresponding scaling relationships used to predict the ecosystem metabolic balance have suggested the ocean gyres to be net heterotrophic, however all in situ NCP methods find net autotrophy. Reconciling net heterotrophy requires significant allochthonous inputs of organic carbon to the oligotrophic gyres to sustain a preponderance of respiration over in situ production. Here we use the first global ecosystem-ocean circulation model that contains representation of the three allochthonous carbon sources to the open ocean, to show that the five oligotrophic gyres exhibit modest net autotrophy throughout the seasonal cycle. Annually integrated rates of NCP vary in the range ~1.5 - 2.2 mol O2 m-2 yr-1 across the five gyre systems, however seasonal NCP rates are as low as ~1 ± 0.5 mmol O2 m-2 d-1 for the North Atlantic. Volumetric NCP rates are heterotrophic below the 10% light level, however become net autotrophic when integrated over the euphotic zone. Observational uncertainties when measuring these modest autotrophic NCP rates as well as the metabolic diversity encountered across space and time complicate the scaling up of in vitro measurements to the ecosystem scale and may partially explain the previous reports of net heterotrophy. The oligotrophic ocean is autotrophic at present; however it could shift towards seasonal heterotrophy in the future as rising temperatures stimulate respiration.
Targeting Persistent Human Papillomavirus Infection

While the majority of Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are transient and cleared within a couple of years following exposure, 10–20% of infections persist latently, leading to disease progression and, ultimately, various forms of invasive cancer. Despite the clinical efficiency of recently developed multivalent prophylactic HPV vaccines, these preventive measures are not effective against pre-existing infection. Additionally, considering that the burden associated with HPV is greatest in regions with limited access to preventative vaccination, the development of effective therapies targeting persistent infection remains imperative. This review discusses not only the mechanisms underlying persistent HPV infection, but also the promise of immunomodulatory therapeutic vaccines and small-molecular inhibitors, which aim to augment the host immune response against the viral infection as well as obstruct critical viral–host interactions.
Informatics Approaches to Address New Challenges in the Classification of Lymphoid Malignancies

PurposeLymphoid malignancies are remarkably heterogeneous, with variations in outcomes and clinical, biologic, and histologic presentation complicating classification according to the World Health Organization guidelines. Incorrect classification of lymphoid neoplasms can result in suboptimal therapeutic strategies for individual patients and confound the interpretation of clinical trials involving personalized, class-based treatments. This review discusses the potential role of pathology informatics in improving the classification accuracy and objectivity for lymphoid malignancies.DesignWe identified peer-reviewed publications examining pathology informatics approaches for the classification of lymphoid malignancies, reviewed developments in the lymphoma classification systems, and summarized computational methods for pathologic assessment that can impact practice.ResultsComputer-assisted pathology image analysis algorithms in lymphoma most commonly have been applied to follicular lymphoma to address bio...
Non-viral based miR delivery and recent developments.

Abstract miRNAs are promising therapeutic targets or tools for the treatment of numerous diseases, with most prominently, cancer. The inherent capacity of these short nucleic acids to regulate multiple cancer-related pathways simultaneously has prompted strong research on understanding miR functions and their potential use for therapeutic purposes. A key determinant of miR therapeutics’ potential for treatment is their delivery. Viral and non-viral vectors attempt to address the major limitations associated with miR delivery, but several hurdles have been identified. Here, we present an overview on the general limitations of miR delivery, and the delivery strategies exploited to overcome them. We provide an introduction on the advantages and disadvantages of viral and non-viral vectors, and we go into detail to analyze the most prominently used non-viral systems. We provide with an update on the most recent research on this topic and we describe the mechanism and limitations of the lipid-, polymer- and inorganic material- based miR delivery systems.
Abstract 430: Myeloid RANK Deletion Accelerate the Development of Atherosclerosis in ApoE Deficient Mice with Chronic Kidney Disease

Objective: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) greatly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality. Mounting data has identified the receptor activator of NF-κB (RANK) pathway as an important mediator of the accelerated atherosclerosis and vascular calcification observed in CKD. Here we investigated the role of myeloid RANK in a model of CKD accelerated atherosclerosis and vascular calcification in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice (apoE -/- ). Methods and Results: We used the Lys M promoter to conditionally delete granulocyte and monocyte RANK in atherogenic apoE -/- mice. To induce CKD RANK (flox/flox) LysM (cre/+) Apoe (-/-) (apoE ΔRANK ) and LysM (cre/+) Apoe (-/-) (apoE CTL ) underwent a two-step surgical procedure to achieve 5/6 th nephrectomy. Additional control animals underwent sham surgeries. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels were elevated approximately two-fold in the CKD mice relative to sham-operated mice regardless of genotype. CKD was accompanied by a trend toward lower body weight, as well as slightly elevated circulating phosphate levels at the time of sacrifice. CKD induced a 47% elevation of plasma cholesterol levels in the apoE ΔRANK and apoE CTL mice, with no significant difference in cholesterol levels between the apoE ΔRANK and apoE CTL CKD mice. Interestingly, CKD resulted in elevated triglycerides in apoE ΔRANK mice, but not in apoE CTL mice. CKD mice age 22 and 34 weeks had larger average lesional cross-section areas in the root of the aorta as compared to sham operated mice (p ΔRANK mice were significantly larger than those from apoE CTL CKD mice. In all genotypes and disease conditions we observed very little vascular calcification. Conclusions: These results suggest an atheroprotective role for myeloid RANK signaling in CDK-dependent lesion acceleration.
In search of the elusive epidermal stem cell.

Recent studies are beginning to reveal that our basic concepts of epidermal stem cell biology may be based on somewhat tenuous ground. For example, it is often assumed that colony-forming cells represent epidermal stem cells, although this has not proved to be the case in hematopoietic cell lineages. In addition, although most stem cells are not cycling, label-retaining cells are used as a primary measure of epidermal stem cells. Moreover, the locations of stem cell niches in epidermis are still being debated. Finally, while putative stem cell markers abound, the most effective isolation procedure for stem cells has not been determined, and the relative efficiency of various methods of stem cell isolation remains unknown. With a functional assay for epidermal stem cells (analogous to the in-vivo competitive assay used for hematopoiesis), we appear to be in a better position to more clearly define the molecular signature of the true long-term repopulating cell/stem cell of the epidermis. Nonetheless, significant progress has been made in regenerative therapy of the epidermis for ulcer and burn treatment, and for corrective gene therapy for inherited skin diseases
Teaching Multilingual Learners Across the Curriculum: Beyond the ESOL Classroom and Back Again

Language and literacy are situated in specific classroom contexts and are ac- quired as students engage with the subject matter and tasks of these courses. Therefore, all faculty—not just those who teach courses devoted to teaching English to speakers of other languages (ESOL)—are responsible for contributing to multilingual students' acquisition of language and literacy. Drawing on qualitative research studies, including first-hand accounts of students and faculty who discuss their expectations and experiences in un- dergraduate courses across the curriculum, this article explores how faculty can facilitate the learning of multilingual students. Analyzing a variety of pedagogical strategies that faculty across disciplines have enacted in their own teaching, we find confirmation for our theory that when writing is assigned for the purpose of fostering learning, and when instructors provide supportive feedback in response to what students have written, writ- ing can serve as a powerful means for promoting language acquisition. Significantly, this across-the-curriculum research indicates that when faculty transform their pedagogy to meet the needs of ESOL students, all students benefit. This research also has critical im- plications for the philosophical and pedagogical perspectives that bear on ESOL teaching.
Verbal understanding: Integrating the conceptual analyses of Skinner, Ryle, and Wittgenstein.

Gilbert Ryle’s (1949) and Ludwig Wittgenstein’s (1953; 1958; 1974/78) conceptual analyses of verbal understanding are presented. For Ryle, the term understanding signifies simultaneously an acquired disposition and a behavioral episode. For Wittgenstein, it signifies simultaneously a skill and a criterial behavior. Both argued that episodes of understanding comprise hetero-genious classes of behaviors, and that each member of such a class is neither a necessary nor a sufficient condition of understanding. Next, an approach integrating the analyses of Ryle and Wittgenstein with that of Skinner is presented. Lastly, it is argued that this integrated analysis adequately counters Parrott’s (1984) argument that understanding, for Skinner, is potential behavior and not an event.
Analysis, Optimization, and Demonstration of a Vehicular Detection System Intended for Dynamic Wireless Charging Applications

To overcome the range limitation associated with electric vehicles (EVs), the emerging technology of dynamic wireless power transfer (DWPT) can be employed. Electrified road infrastructure and wirelessly charged vehicle constitute a complex dynamic system whose successful operation requires coordination between the two subsystems and a certain level of knowledge regarding the EV position and speed on the road. A comprehensive vehicular detection system (DWPT-VDS) operating on magnetic principle and intended for DWPT applications is proposed in this paper. The following functionalities are integrated into the DWPT-VDS: a vehicle detection mechanism, the measurement of the vehicle lateral misalignment, vehicle speed measurement, driver information system (DIS), as well as the wireless communication between a roadside power controller and the DIS. When integrated with a DWPT charging system, the DWPT-VDS allows some critical functions, such as correction of the lateral position of the vehicle by the driver, an extended range of full-power reception for a misaligned vehicle, as well as the smooth transition between adjacent pads. This paper presents a comprehensive study of different coil structures and algorithms for speed and misalignment estimation in a DWPT-VDS, along with their comparison. The objective is to maximize the misalignment detection range for a given size of test coils and provide a robust solution for vehicles with different ground clearances. A three-coil system for vehicle misalignment and speed detection is selected as part of a proof-of-concept design. Part of the system is embedded in the road, and the rest is mounted on a wirelessly charged electric bus. The implemented system has been successfully tested in an outdoor environment. A DIS visualizing speed and misalignment information is also developed and tested to help the driver align the vehicle with the road-embedded primary pads.
The role of vertical larynx movement in the tense-lax contrast of Seoul Korean stops across phrasal position

In contemporary Seoul Korean (SK), phrasal tone patterns are co-active with tone patterns that distinguish tense and lax stops. Utilizing real-time MRI, the current investigation of the SK stops elucidates the articulatory synergies that distinguish tense versus lax and how they function within SK’s Accentual Phrase (AP) prosodic system. The f0 and corresponding larynx height values were measured from sequences containing the three oral stops of SK placed in AP-initial and AP-internal prosodic positions. Larynx height was obtained by finding the intensity centroid within a locally selected region in the MR image around the larynx. We find a strong positive correlation between f0 and larynx height, indicating that vertical larynx movement is engaged in some tonal manipulation. We confirm the categorical consonant effect on f0 AP-initially (tense >> lax), compared to a gradient effect AP-internally (tense >= lax). In AP-initial position, the larynx height results mirror the f0 results, suggesting that the f0 goals associated with tenseness result in large part from a vertical larynx position manipulation. In AP-internal position, however, larynx height does not differentiate tense versus lax consonants, suggesting that some other articulatory activity, such as vocal fold stretching, is responsible for its f0 variations. [Work supported by NIH.]In contemporary Seoul Korean (SK), phrasal tone patterns are co-active with tone patterns that distinguish tense and lax stops. Utilizing real-time MRI, the current investigation of the SK stops elucidates the articulatory synergies that distinguish tense versus lax and how they function within SK’s Accentual Phrase (AP) prosodic system. The f0 and corresponding larynx height values were measured from sequences containing the three oral stops of SK placed in AP-initial and AP-internal prosodic positions. Larynx height was obtained by finding the intensity centroid within a locally selected region in the MR image around the larynx. We find a strong positive correlation between f0 and larynx height, indicating that vertical larynx movement is engaged in some tonal manipulation. We confirm the categorical consonant effect on f0 AP-initially (tense >> lax), compared to a gradient effect AP-internally (tense >= lax). In AP-initial position, the larynx height results mirror the f0 results, suggesting that the f...
Clifford group and stabilizer states from Chern-Simons theory

The construction of generators of the Clifford group and of stabilizer states from Chern-Simons theory is presented for the Kac-Moody algebras SU(2)1, U(N)N,N(K+N) with N = 2 and K = 1, and SU(N)1 extending results of Salton, et. al.
And the beat goes on

A flexible, conductive, 3D-printed patch restores conduction after cardiac injury in a canine model.
Technology Use and Firms with Female Principal Owners in Kenya

Firm-level data from Kenya indicates that establishments rely on technologies such as computers, generators and cell-phones to conduct operations when regulations, infrastructure and security pose significant hurdles in the business environment. Such obstacles increase the probability of technology ownership; obstacles related to infrastructure reduce the probability that firms own technology. Results indicate that while all firms rely on technology in the face of obstacles, those with female owners experience net effects that are statistically distinct from those experienced by male counterparts. A gender-of-owner disaggregated Oaxaca-Blinder type decomposition of differences in technology ownership indicates that up to 18 percent of the total gap is unexplained by differences in measurable characteristics between firms that are female-owned and those that are not, suggesting that female-owned firms own technology to a greater extent than is warranted by the level of their observed covariates.
Function, Survival, and Care Utilization Among Older Adults With Hematologic Malignancies.

Background/objectives Cancer-focused organizations now recommend routine assessment of instrumental activities of daily living (iADLs) for all older patients with cancer, along with assessment of basic activities of daily living (ADLs) if possible. However, little is known regarding the role of iADLs in predicting survival and acute-care utilization in populations of older adults with different hematologic malignancies. Design Prospective cohort study. Setting and participants A screening geriatric assessment was conducted for adults 75 years and older with hematologic malignancies (n = 464) presenting for initial consultation at a large tertiary cancer hospital in Boston, MA. Measurements Univariable and multivariable analyses assessed the association of dependency in ADLs and dependency in iADLs with survival and care utilization (emergency department [ED] visits and unplanned hospitalizations). Results Subjects were a mean age of 79.7 years and had a mean follow-up of 13.8 months. Overall, 11.4% had dependency in ADLs and 26.7% had dependency in iADLs. Only iADL dependency was associated with higher mortality (hazard ratio = 2.34 [95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.46-3.74]) independently of age, comorbidity, cancer aggressiveness, and treatment intensity. The effect was dose dependent, and impairments in shopping, meal preparation, and housework were all independently associated with a higher hazard of death. iADL dependency was also associated with higher odds of ED visits (odds ratio [OR] = 2.76 [95% CI = 1.30-5.84]) and hospitalizations (OR = 2.89 [95% CI = 1.37-6.09]). Several geriatric domain impairments, including probable cognitive impairment and physical dysfunction, were associated with iADL dependency. Conclusion These findings suggest that older adults with hematologic malignancies and iADL dependency experience higher mortality and acute-care utilization, arguing that iADLs should be formally assessed as part of routine oncology care. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:889-897, 2019.
Structure of strongly turbulent premixed n-dodecane–air flames: Direct numerical simulations and chemical explosive mode analysis

Abstract Structure of strongly turbulent premixed n-dodecane/air flames with high Karlovitz numbers (Ka) is studied based on three-dimensional (3D) direct numerical simulation (DNS) datasets. Heat release and fuel consumption rates in these flames are observed to be enhanced compared to what can be conventionally described as increases in flame surface area. To explain the cause for the burning rate enhancement, temperature and species mass fractions are first investigated to reveal the overall flame structure. The chemical explosive mode analysis (CEMA) is then employed to identify local combustion modes, including local assisted ignition, auto-ignition, and extinction, each of which is found to play a role in the overall burning rates. The spatial distribution of the local modes is found to be drastically different from that in comparable laminar flames where the local extinction mode is mostly absent. For the high-Ka cases (Ka = 103 and 104), the extinction mode is shown to be comparable to or more important than the auto-ignition mode for heat release and fuel consumption rates. In contrast, the auto-ignition mode plays a more important role in heat release than the extinction mode in laminar and the relatively low-Ka flames (Ka = 102). In addition, two types of mixture pockets are identified by CEMA: pockets of reactants in bulk products and pockets of hot products in bulk reactants. The dynamics of these pockets are strongly affected by the local modes of the spatially adjacent mixtures. While the pockets of reactants in bulk products are almost always consumed by auto-ignition and/or inward flame propagation, the pockets of products in bulk reactants may either grow themselves due to outward flame propagation or contract volumetrically due to local extinction. In contrast to the conventional understanding, local extinction can promote the overall burning process, as it enables mixing of the radicals and sensible energy from the product pockets into the surrounding reactants, thus facilitating their ignition. Clearly, such effects must be considered in order to closely model these flames.
Translating genomic testing results for pediatric critical care: Opportunities for genetic counselors

Genomic sequencing (GS), such as whole genome and exome sequencing, is rapidly being integrated into pediatric critical care settings. Results are being used to make high impact decisions including declarations of futility, withdrawal of care, and rationing of scarce resources. In this qualitative study, we conducted interviews with clinicians involved in the care of critically ill children with congenital heart disease (CHD) to investigate their views on implementation of GS into clinical practice. Interviews were transcribed and inductively analyzed for major themes using grounded theory and thematic analysis. Three major themes emerged surrounding the use of genomic information in the high-stakes, time pressured decision making that characterizes clinical care of critically ill children with CHD: (a) that clinicians felt they did not have sufficient training to accurately assess genetic results despite pressure to incorporate results into clinical decisions; (b), that they desire knowledge support from genetic specialists, such as genetic counselors, who both understand the critical care context and are available within the time constraints of critical care clinical pressures; and (c), that clinicians feel a pressing need for increased genetics education to be able to safely and appropriately incorporate GS results into clinical decisions Our data suggest that genetics specialists may need a stronger presence in the pediatric critical care setting.
Reckoning with Hate: Faithful Routes Away from the Charlottesville Rally

Ripples of both alarm and hope regarding United States race relations, have circled out from Charlottesville, Virginia subsequent to violent demonstrations held on August 11 and 12, 2017. This article tells less well-known stories out of Charlottesville, recounting faith groups’ prayers and vigils through the summer of 2017, and one Christian social work educator’s experience of witness with her faith community during the August 12th rally. The article also highlights several loving and creative responses that individuals, groups, and organizations made on August 12th and in the subsequent year after the rally to assist the injured, address the trauma, and begin to rebuild a sense of safety and normalcy in the community. The unfolding Charlottesville story offers an anti-racist case study of one community’s efforts under extreme conditions to reconcile and heal racist wounds.
Non-local complex potential theory of dissociative electron attachment: inclusion of two vibrational modes

The nonlocal complex potential theory is developed to treat the dissociative electron attachment to molecules when more than one vibrational mode is allowed in the neutral molecule. Temperature-averaged cross sections for electron attachment to CF3Cl are obtained assuming two vibrational degrees of freedom.
Play Attention: Thinking Like a Game Designer with Online Instructional Design

Game-based learning is an excellent way to build motivation in virtual environments. As instructional designers, we have used theories from education and game mechanics to design game-based learning in online higher education courses. In this chapter, we explain why game-based learning can be impactful and describe strategies for thinking like a pedagogue and a game designer simultaneously. First, we describe how Self-Determination Theory (SDT) can be leveraged to enhance the design of games and game elements in learning, and explain how SDT can be used to enhance students’ intrinsic motivation to learn. Then, we focus on the principles of game mechanics and gameplay as applied to online higher education, and review how game-based learning is currently being implemented in educational contexts. Last, we propose a way for educators to use motivational and pedagogical theory, as well as the principles of game mechanics and gameplay, to optimally include game elements into learning to enhance student motivation. At the end of this chapter, we describe two projects we worked on where we used the principles and methods outlined in this chapter to design game-based learning at a small scale (i.e., within a learning activity) and a large scale (i.e., within a full course) in online higher education.
The Sears List of Subject Headings: Social and Cultural Dimensions in Historical, Theoretical, and Design Contexts

The Sears List of Subject Headings was first published in 1923 to provide guidance to subject catalogers in small libraries in the United States. The Sears List, now in its 22nd edition, is still widely used for subject cataloging in small- and medium-sized libraries and in children’s and school libraries, but the Sears List is not nearly as widely studied as the more comprehensive Library of Congress Subject Headings. This paper aims to expand the critical discussion of the Sears List and to contextualize the List in contemporary cultural and social dimensions by reviewing its history, theory, and design. The paper looks specifically at how Black people and culture, Indigenous peoples and cultures, and LGBTQ+ people and cultures are represented in the Sears List throughout its history and how warrant, design, and theory inform this representation.
Mourning the Loss of the Idealized Self: A Transsexual Passage

Abstract The few published psychoanalytic writings that exist regarding transsexual men and women tend to focus on the etiology of their gender identities and almost invariably define these patients as inherently pathological. Such myopic viewpoints leave no room for analysis and discussion of the transsexual patient's normal developmental process. In this paper, I use a Kleinian framework to depathologize the coping strategies employed by transsexual patients and to illustrate the importance of mourning in the development of a positive transsexual identity. A clinician who is able to sit comfortably with contradiction may facilitate the transsexual patient's mourning process—saying goodbye to the persecutory object of the past and letting go of the idealized image of the future.
Deposit formation from lubricant degradation: a uniform layer deposition model

Reported is a new model describing deposit formation and ageing along the so-called universal mass deposition curve. The penn state micro-oxidation (PSMO) apparatus produced model deposits at varied test durations in order to study the ageing mechanism of thin film deposits from mineral base oil. Along the ‘universal’ mass deposition curve, mass deposition rates were correlated to film chemistry. Formed by concerted oxidation-polymerisation reactions, chemical group and elemental content analyses were performed by Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy-attenuated total reflectance and energy dispersive spectroscopy, respectively. The results showed that deposit formation initiates as a film — uniform in composition. After an induction period, the film growth accelerates then slows and eventually falls off, with a decrease in mass often observed. These stages reflect underlying physical and chemical changes as the deposit progresses from an initial polymeric, lacquer-type deposit, towards a final dark, carbonaceous deposit, along the universal mass deposition curve. Carbonyl, hydroxyl and sp3 hybridised carbon were identified as the main functional groups found across all deposit types albeit at different levels. Correlative behaviour was observed between changes in functional group infrared intensities and O-atom and C-atom content. These trends are interpreted as reflecting concerted deoxygenation and dehydrogenation processes, throughout the deposit, over the course of ageing, thus providing a foundation for the uniform layer model. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Scholarly nursing practice from the perspectives of experienced nurses.

Title. Scholarly nursing practice from the perspectives of experienced nurses Aim. This paper is a report of a study to describe scholarly nursing practice from the perspectives of experienced nurses. Background. Theoretically, nursing scholarship has been well-described in the literature and flourishes in academic environments. Nursing organizations and nurse leaders worldwide have embraced the value of and need for scholarship to advance the profession. However, the concept of scholarship has yet to be empirically examined within the practice setting from the perspectives of experienced nurses. Method. A qualitative descriptive research design was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 36 experienced nurses purposively sampled from four acute care hospitals in north-eastern United States of America. The focus of the interviews was to understand how these nurses viewed themselves and their practice. The data were collected between 2004 and 2006 and analysed using content analysis. Findings. Participants clearly articulated personal attributes and professional behaviours that characterized scholarly nursing practice. Two overarching inter-related categories emerged: ‘Who I Am’ and ‘What I Do’. Themes within ‘Who I Am’ were Active Learner, Out of the Box Thinker, Passionate about Nursing, Available and Confident. Themes within ‘What I Do’ were Being a Leader, Caring, Sharing Knowledge with Others, Evolving and Reflecting on Practice. Conclusion: Scholarly nursing practice needs to be empirically examined worldwide. Additional studies should focus on scholarly nursing practice with nurses in varying stages of career development, in various types of practice settings, and in different cultures.
Reducing Workplace Barriers to Enhance Job Satisfaction: An Important Post-Employment Service for Employees with Chronic Illnesses.

The article describes an empirical investigation of the factors associated with job satisfaction among employed people with chronic illnesses (n = 41). Results indicated that job satisfaction is a function of the number of job mastery and accessibility jperformance of essential function barriers occurring in the workplace. Hence, reduction of workplace barriers is an important post-employment service goal for employees with chronic illnesses. High priority post-employment services include (a) objective assessment of barriers to productivity in the workplace and (b) job accommodation and career counseling interventions to reduce or remove the barriers. © 1998 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.
Abstract T MP89: A Comparison of Stroke Core Measure Performance Between Comprehensive Stroke Centers and Primary Stroke Centers

Objectives: Performance on the eight Stroke Core Measures (SCM) is a major benchmark used to determine how organizations deliver stroke care. We now compare performance on these SCMs between certified Primary Stroke Centers (PSCs) and Comprehensive Stroke Centers (CSCs). Our hypothesis was that CSCs would achieve higher levels of meeting the SCMs compared to PSCs. Methods: We analyzed performance data on the eight SCMs between the 1046 Joint Commission (JC) certified PSCs and 74 JC certified CSCs using data available in 2013. Data were reported by the hospital via a third-party vendor to the JC. Comparisons were performed using Chi-square analyses. Results: Significant differences between CSC and PSC performance, with CSCs performing better, were seen in the following four SCMs: STK-4, thrombolytic therapy administered to eligible patients (CSC compared to PSC, 94.4% vs 84.2%, p = 0.0002); STK-6, discharge on statin (98.1% vs 97%, p = 0.009); STK-8, stroke education (95.2% vs 93.3%, p = 0.003); and STK-10, assessed for rehabilitation (99.7% vs 98.6%, p = 0.0001). For STK-5, antithrombotic Rx by day 2, PSCs performed better than CSCs (98.5% vs 97.9%, p = 0.02). For STK-1, venous thrombosis prophylaxis, STK-2, discharge on antithrombotic therapy, and STK-3, anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation/flutter, the performance rates between PSCs and CSCs was not significantly different (p > 0.25). Conclusions: CSCs performed better than PSCs for 4 SCMs, as well as PSCs for 3 measures, and not as well as PSCs for one SCM. Overall both types of stroke centers met the SCMs in >93% of cases with one exception (thrombolytic therapy at PSCs). Although CSCs see more complex patients than PSCs, they are still able to provide basic care with a high degree of compliance with SCMs.
Review on robust watermarking of compressed and encrypted JPEG2000 images

Digital asset management system (DAMS) handles digital assets. For ownership declaration or copyright management, DAMS need to watermark the digital assets. For more efficiency and protection, it is necessary to watermark the digital assets in the compressed-encrypted domain. In compression process, encoding information using fewer bits than original representation and encryption is carried out by mixing the compressed bit stream. Attempting to watermark over this compressed-encrypted domain can cause degradation of the quality of the media. So it is necessary to choose an encryption media that provide both security and efficient watermarking. The extraction of the watermark can be done in decrypted domain. In this paper stream cipher is the encryption algorithm. Here the robust watermarking algorithm for JPEG2000 compressed and encrypted image using three different existing watermarking schemes. Watermarking in the compressed,encrypted content saves the computation complexity as it doesn't require decompression or decryption and also preserves the confidentiality of the contents
Immunofluorescence analysis of the cytoskeleton during oogenesis and early embryogenesis.

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the immunocytochemical techniques used for the visualization of actin filaments and microtubules during oogenesis and early embryogenesis. It examines the cytoskeletal and nuclear organization in living Drosophila embryos and oocytes. Drosophila ovaries are composed of a series of parallel ovarioles, each of which is divided into an anterior and posterior compartment. Oogenesis is initiated within the anterior compartment, or germarium, by a stem cell division that produces a cystoblast and regenerates the stem cell. The cystoblast proceeds through four incomplete mitotic divisions, producing a cyst of 16 cells that are interconnected by large cytoplasmic bridges, called ring canals. In these systems, direct comparisons to in vivo data can be used to determine the fidelity of immunocytochemical techniques. The results obtained by using the procedures are remarkably similar to the in vivo data, indicating that these techniques preserve most aspects of cytoskeletal organization. The chapter describes the cytoskeletal biology of oogenesis and embryogenesis and presents the tissue-specific isolation and fixation protocols used in these systems. The procedures common to immunolabeling both egg chambers and embryos are described.
Effects of Age, Colony, and Sex on Mercury Concentrations in California Sea Lions

We measured total mercury (THg) concentrations in California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) and examined how concentrations varied with age class, colony, and sex. Because Hg exposure is primarily via diet, we used nitrogen (δ 15N) and carbon (δ 13C) stable isotopes to determine if intraspecific differences in THg concentrations could be explained by feeding ecology. Blood and hair were collected from 21 adult females and 57 juveniles from three colonies in central and southern California (San Nicolas, San Miguel, and Ano Nuevo Islands). Total Hg concentrations ranged from 0.01 to 0.31 μg g−1 wet weight (ww) in blood and 0.74 to 21.00 μg g−1 dry weight (dw) in hair. Adult females had greater mean THg concentrations than juveniles in blood (0.15 vs. 0.03 μg−1 ww) and hair (10.10 vs. 3.25 μg−1 dw). Age class differences in THg concentrations did not appear to be driven by trophic level or habitat type because there were no differences in δ 15N or δ 13C values between adults and juveniles. Total Hg concentrations in adult females were 54 % (blood) and 24 % (hair) greater in females from San Miguel than females from San Nicolas Island, which may have been because sea lions from the two islands foraged in different areas. For juveniles, we detected some differences in THg concentrations with colony and sex, although these were likely due to sampling effects and not ecological differences. Overall, THg concentrations in California sea lions were within the range documented for other marine mammals and were generally below toxicity benchmarks for fish-eating wildlife.
Dosage compensation of the Drosophila white gene requires both the X chromosome environment and multiple intragenic elements.

The X-linked white gene when transposed to autosomes retains only partial dosage compensation. One copy of the gene in males expresses more than one copy but less than two copies in females. When inserted in ectopic X chromosome sites, the mini-white gene of the CaspeR vector can be fully dosage compensated and can even achieve hyperdosage compensation, meaning that one copy in males gives more expression than two copies in females. As sequences are removed gradually from the 5' end of the gene, we observe a progressive transition from hyperdosage compensation to full dosage compensation to partial dosage compensation. When the deletion reaches -17, the gene can no longer dosage compensate fully even on the X chromosome. A deletion reaching +173, 4 bp preceeding the AUG initiation codon, further reduces dosage compensation both on the X chromosome and on autosomes. This truncated gene can still partially dosage compensate on autosomes, indicating the presence of dosage compensation determinants in the protein coding region. We conclude that full dosage compensation requires an X chromosome environment and that the white gene contains multiple dosage-compensation determinants, some near the promoter and some in the coding region.
The murine Niemann-Pick type C lesion affects testosterone production

We have determined the effects of the Niemann-Pick type C (NPC) lesion, which impairs transport of cholesterol from lysosomes, on the androgenic status of male NPC mice. The mice have low serum testosterone levels resulting from decreased testosterone secretion. Testosterone secretion is reduced in NPC mouse testes incubated with 8-bromo-cAMP, 20 alpha-hydroxycholesterol, and pregnenolone compared to testosterone release by normal mouse testes under identical conditions. Ultrastructural examination of testes revealed a paucity of lipid droplets, extensive accumulation of inclusion bodies, and distorted endoplasmic reticulum in Leydig cells of adult NPC mice. The hypoandrogenemia caused systemic deficiencies in NPC mice. Seminal vesicles, a testosterone-responsive tissue, were underdeveloped in NPC male mice. The testosterone-responsive kidney beta-glucuronidase activity was also underexpressed. Seminal vesicle mass and beta-glucuronidase activity were increased by testosterone treatment of NPC mice. Many ...
Interleukin-6 secretion in vitro is up-regulated in ectopic and eutopic endometrial stromal cells from women with endometriosis

An in vitro model developed to compare human endometrial and endometriosis stromal cells was used to examine basal and stimulated expression of interleukin (IL-6). Stromal cells isolated from normal endometrium (NE) exhibited the lowest level of IL-6 secretion (84 pg/10(6) cells-48 h), whereas those cells isolated from endometriosis implants (EI) secreted the highest concentration of this inflammatory cytokine (46,284 pg/10(5) cells-48 h; P < 0.01). Eutopic endometrial stromal cells from women with endometriosis (EE) expressed an intermediate concentration of IL-6 (831 pg/10(6) cells-48 h). Stimulation of the various cultures with IL-1 beta dramatically augmented stromal cell production of IL-6. The mean concentrations of stimulated IL-6 secretion were 16,257, 37,800, and 264,290 pg/10(5) cells-48 h for NE, EE, and EI cells, respectively (P < 0.03). Exposure of the cell cultures to 10 nmol/L estradiol had little direct effect on IL-6 production. The results indicate that endometrial stromal cells isolated from tissues of women with and without endometriosis express IL-6 under basal and cytokine-stimulated conditions. Differential responsiveness among the three cell sources indicates that NE, EE, and EI cells have intrinsic quantitative differences in cytokine regulation.
Dynamic User Level and Utility Measurement for Adaptive Dialog in a Help-Desk System

The learning and self-adaptive capability in dialog systems has become increasingly important with the advances in a wide range of applications. For any application, particularly the one dealing with a technical domain, the system should pay attention to not only the user experience level and dialog goals, but more importantly, the mechanism to adapt the system behavior to the evolving state of the user. This paper describes a methodology that first identifies the user experience level and utility metrics of the goal and sub-goals, then automatically adjusts those parameters based on discourse history and thus directs adaptive dialog management.
No Jack Kennedy: Mitt Romney's “Faith in America” Speech and the Changing Religious-Political Environment

In December of 2007, Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney traveled to Texas to give an address on religion and politics. The speech was heralded by many as Romney's “JFK moment.” This study explores the campaign religion speeches of Kennedy and Romney by considering various issues concerning context, audience, and content of the two speeches. Guiding this analysis is Roderick Hart's work on the civil-religious contract and Kenneth Burke's work on dramatistic analysis, which are utilized to demonstrate that—despite the media's proclamations—Romney's speech represented a stark shift from Kennedy's rhetorical approach. Implications are drawn concerning the differences between the two speeches and an understanding of the confessional political style guiding the intersection of religion and politics today.
The Co-occurrence of Child Maltreatment and Domestic Violence: Examining Both Neglect and Child Physical Abuse

Research supports a substantial overlap between domestic violence and child maltreatment. However, few studies examine the characteristics of families in which both domestic violence and child maltreatment are present, with most studies exploring only child physical abuse. This study examined differences in demographic characteristics, parental problems, and maltreatment characteristics for families involving physical abuse or neglect and woman battering compared to families with the same type of maltreatment but no known woman battering present. Descriptive analyses found more differences between families with domestic violence and neglect and neglect-only than between co-occurring physical abuse and physical abuse-only families. Analyses looking at the association or interaction between the type of maltreatment and presence of domestic violence found a significant association between marital status, father's biological relationship to the child, mother-as-perpetrator, and age of the children with co-occurrence of domestic violence for neglect but not for physical abuse.
Enzymatic Hydrolysis of the α-Protein of Epidermis *

Treatment of the highly aggregated S-carboxymethyl derivative of the α-protein of epidermis with trypsin or chymotrypsin results in progressive hydrolysis to small peptides with no helical structure. However, experiments done at 4°C at enzyme-to-protein ratios of 1/1000 for short periods of time resulted in the formation of three distinct components of varying size. X-ray diffraction and amino acid analyses of protein from the components indicate that the α-protein breaks down into fragments of helical and non-helical structure.
Nonisothermal elastoviscoplastic snap-through and creep buckling of shallow arches

The problem of buckling of shallow arches under transient thermomechanical loads is investigated. The analysis is based on nonlinear geometric and constitutive relations, and is expressed in a rate form. The material constitutive equations are capable of reproducing all non-isothermal, elasto-viscoplastic characteristics. The solution scheme is capable of predicting response which includes pre and postbuckling with creep and plastic effects. The solution procedure is demonstrated through several examples which include both creep and snap-through behavior.
Melting curve and related thermodynamic properties of He3 below 1°K

Measurements of the melting curve of He3 have been made between 16.6° mK and 0.7°K. The liquid and solid molar volumes at melting have been extended from 0.33°K to below 0.03°K, and the molar volume change on melting ΔVm obtained. An increase in ΔVm from 1.20 cm3/mole at 0.33°K to 1.28 cm3/mole at 0.06°K is found, with an extrapolation to 1.27 cm3/mole atT=0. Examination of the thermodynamic consistency of the data indicates that our melting curve slopes are accurate, within experimental error, down to a temperature of 0.04°K. The demagnetization apparatus is described, with considerable attention devoted to thermometry, thermal equilibrium, and experimental techniques. Construction details of the high-sensitivity capacitive strain gauge are given.
Eruptive Xanthomas Masquerading as Molluscum Contagiosum

Eruptive xanthomas are cutaneous manifestations of hyperlipidemias in which lipids accumulate in large foam cells within the skin. They classically present as crops of 1- to 4-mm yellow-orange papules and are often associated with extreme hypertriglyceridemia. We describe a 12-year-old boy with autism who was thought to have widespread molluscum contagiosum for a year before dermatologic consultation was obtained. Recognition of eruptive xanthomas led to the discovery of massive hypertriglyceridemia (serum triglycerides 6853 mg/dL) and diabetes mellitus. Through medical intervention, including insulin and fenofibrate therapy, and dietary modification with weight loss, the xanthomas cleared during the subsequent months, and his serum triglyceride levels nearly normalized.
The raisons d'être for international management as a field of study

Abstract What justifies international management as a field of study? What differentiates international management from international business? These, and other issues of domain and curricular coverage are discussed in this introductory essay.
ON THE STOCHASTIC NATURE OF THE ACQUISITION OF ELECTRICAL CHARGE AND RADIOACTIVITY BY AEROSOL PARTICLES.

Abstract The distributions of charge and radioactivity in an aerosol arising from the stochastic nature of the acquisition processes are discussed. Three illustrations are given. The electrical charge distribution resulting from the unipolar diffusion charging of a monodisperse aerosol is derived. The kinetics of the adsorption of radioactive iodine and RaA on a monodisperse aerosol and the resultant distribution of radioactivity are described.