cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Closing the gap in understanding the regulation of intercellular communication.

See article by Van Rijen et al. [2] (pages 941–951) in this issue. Of the various ways that cells ‘talk’ to one another, intercellular communication via gap junctions is certainly the most direct. Composed of arrays of densely packed channels that link the cytoplasmic compartments of neighboring cells, gap junctions provide a direct route by which cells can exchange ions and small molecules (up to ∼1 kDa in mass) [1]. Different patterns and distributions of gap junctions between like and disparate cell types may create both preferential communication pathways and communication boundaries within a tissue or organ. In the heart, gap junctions are responsible for intercellular transfer of current and, thus, control the precise spatiotemporal pattern of electrical activation to coordinate the contractile activities of individual cells and ensure effective pump function. Gap junctional coupling has traditionally been regarded as a ‘passive’ electrophysiological property of heart muscle which, like cell size and shape, functions as an important determinant of impulse propagation but one not subject to active regulation, at least not in the way that ion channels responsible for depolarization and repolarization undergo rapid transitions in functional state during the cardiac cycle. We now know that this outmoded view of gap junction channels is inaccurate. Rather than being fixed passive conduits, gap junction channels are, in fact, regulated by complex mechanisms that are only now being identified. A paper in the current issue of Cardiovascular Research by van Rijen et al. [2] adds new information to the increasingly complex picture of regulation of intercellular communication at gap junctions. The contribution by van Rijen et al. [2] must be regarded in the context of the larger picture of gap junction channel diversity. At least 13 members of the connexin family of gap junction channel proteins have been cloned and sequenced … * Corresponding author. Present address: Department of Pathology, Box 8118, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110, USA. Tel.: +1-314-362-7728; fax: +1-314-362-4096 saffitz{at}pathology.wustl.edu
A Preliminary Analysis of the Relationship between Altered States of Consciousness, Healing, and Social Structure

This report addresses the cross-cultural relationship among altered states of consciousness, healing, and other social factors. Anthropologists have been interested in this topic generally from the viewpoint of cross-cultural psychology and the efficacy of symbolic action (Dow 1986a; Finkler 1985). In social structural terms, it has been demonstrated by Bourguignon (1968, 1973a, 1979) that levels of stratification covary with different categories of trance behavior. However, Bourguignon does not specifically pursue the topic of healing within this framework of findings. In Winkelman's (1990) crosscultural study of the characteristics of magico-religious practitioners, he reports that the types of activities (including healing) performed by such practitioners seem to correspond to levels of political integration. He is primarily concerned with the typology of these specialists, and not with the social concomitants of trance
Water uptake and storage by rhizosheaths of Oryzopsis hymenoides: a numerical simulation

Rhizosheaths (sheaths of sand grains that form around the roots of some grasses) are common in perennial grasses that colonise sandy substrates. It has been hypothesised that rhizosheaths increase water availability by increasing the efficiency of water absorption. Others have suggested that rhizosheaths act as storage reservoirs for water. In either case rhizosheaths undoubtedly play an important role in the water relations of these grasses. In an attempt to evaluate the main function of rhizosheaths, we developed a finite element cylindrical water flow model which enabled us to simulate water uptake by Oryzopsis hymenoides (Roem, and Shult.) Ricker. This model allowed us to estimate total water uptake by root systems with and without rhizosheaths and to compare these values to the extra water stored within the rhizosheath. The results of this study suggest that the presence of rhizosheaths is more important in reducing the total resistance to water flow within the rhizosphere than in enhancing water storage.
Sequential feature selection methods for Parkinsonian human sleep analysis

This paper focuses on the selection of quantitative features from the polysomnogram (psg) to enhance automated/computerized approaches in analyzing the human sleep cycle for pathology identification. Validation of the utilization of the psg as a metric for pathology identification is cited by Bliwise et al. [1]. The pathological case investigated in this study was pre-Parkinsonian disease. This case is of interest because, to the author's knowledge, studies to investigate quantitative features to describe the human sleep cycles of pre-Parkinsonian disease patients, to date of this writing, have not been published.
Optical processing for 3D digital imaging

Conventional optical imaging systems perform both information sensing and image formation functions. The optical system is generally designed to implement processing for image formation with a goal of optimizing analog image quality measures. Digital image involves a fundamental paradigm shift in which the "image" is no longer synonymous with the focal plane field distribution. A digital system may be designed to optimize information transfer from the source to the computational layer without regard to focal plane image quality measures. In this view of the imaging system as a communication channel careful attention must be given to models of how information is encoded in the source space and extracted from the processing system. This paper considers alternative models for source coding and discusses how these models impact information transfer and conventional image quality measures. We also consider system performance when conventional image formation is unnecessary. The shift to digital image dramatically impacts the goals and role of analog processing in optical system components. We describe information theoretic analyses of system performance for coherence and focal imaging of multidimensional spatial and spatio-spectral objects and we present experimental examples for visible and mid-IR radiators.
Some flexible information retrieval systems using structure matching procedures

The comparison between stored information identifications and requests for information is one of the principal tasks to be performed in automatic information retrieval. In so-called descriptor systems, where information is represented by sets of independent key words, this operation is relatively simple, since it consists of a comparison between the respective "vertors" of key words. In many retrieval systems it has been found necessary or expedient to use more complicated constructs for the identification of information. Notably "role" indicators are often added to identify various types of key words, and "links" specify a variety of relations between key words. A complete identification for a document or an item of information is often represented by a graph, consisting of nodes and branches between nodes, to identify respectively the key words and relations between key words. The matching of such information graphs with graphs representing requests for information is a relatively complicated and time consuming operation, particularly since the request structure can be made to match the information structure only partially and incompletely.
Assimilating compact phase space retrievals of atmospheric composition with WRF-Chem/DART: a regional chemical transport/ensemble Kalman filter data assimilation system

Abstract. This paper introduces the Weather Research and Forecasting Model with chemistry/Data Assimilation Research Testbed (WRF-Chem/DART) chemical transport forecasting/data assimilation system together with the assimilation of compact phase space retrievals of satellite-derived atmospheric composition products. WRF-Chem is a state-of-the-art chemical transport model. DART is a flexible software environment for researching ensemble data assimilation with different assimilation and forecast model options. DART's primary assimilation tool is the ensemble adjustment Kalman filter. WRF-Chem/DART is applied to the assimilation of Terra/Measurement of Pollution in the Troposphere (MOPITT) carbon monoxide (CO) trace gas retrieval profiles. Those CO observations are first assimilated as quasi-optimal retrievals (QORs). Our results show that assimilation of the CO retrievals (i) reduced WRF-Chem's CO bias in retrieval and state space, and (ii) improved the CO forecast skill by reducing the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and increasing the Coefficient of Determination (R2). Those CO forecast improvements were significant at the 95 % level. Trace gas retrieval data sets contain (i) large amounts of data with limited information content per observation, (ii) error covariance cross-correlations, and (iii) contributions from the retrieval prior profile that should be removed before assimilation. Those characteristics present challenges to the assimilation of retrievals. This paper addresses those challenges by introducing the assimilation of compact phase space retrievals (CPSRs). CPSRs are obtained by preprocessing retrieval data sets with an algorithm that (i) compresses the retrieval data, (ii) diagonalizes the error covariance, and (iii) removes the retrieval prior profile contribution. Most modern ensemble assimilation algorithms can efficiently assimilate CPSRs. Our results show that assimilation of MOPITT CO CPSRs reduced the number of observations (and assimilation computation costs) by ∼ 35 %, while providing CO forecast improvements comparable to or better than with the assimilation of MOPITT CO QORs.
Energy-Based Similitude for Shake Table Testing of Scale Woodframe Structures

The development and refinement of performance seismic design is underway, thus understanding the dynamic behavior of woodframe structures has become critical. Although several full scale shake tabl...
Category captain management: an idea whose time has come in the pharmaceutical industry?

Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to explore the degree to which the drug industry is changing from a product orientation to a more strategic category captain management (CCM) approach.Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on secondary research sources.Findings – The paper shows that the drug industry is starting to move toward a more strategic approach to partner with downstream customers as opposed to a sales‐oriented approach.Practical implications – The paper suggests that there is another fundamental way to compete for the drug industry, more as partners than just suppliers.Social implications – There are significant social implications. The drug industry has been battered for serious faults regarding regulatory issues. The industry has come under scrutiny for questionable marketing conduct. By providing more than just physical product and hard sell tactics, CCM can serve as an alternative model for the drug industry to compete.Originality/value – The paper is unique in that timing is ...
Seven privacy worries in ubiquitous social computing

Review of the literature suggests seven fundamental privacy challenges in the domain of ubiquitous social computing. To date, most research in this area has focused on the features associated with the revelation of personal location data. However, a more holistic view of privacy concerns that acknowledges these seven risks is required if we are to deploy privacy respecting next generation social computing applications. We highlight the threat associated with user inferences made possible by knowledge of the context and use of social ties. We also describe work in progress to both understand user perceptions and build a privacy sensitive urban enclave social computing system.
Generational Comparisons of Public Employee Motivation

This cross-sectional study reports the similarities and differences between three age cohorts of public employees—Generation X, Baby Boomers and Matures—on 15 motivational factors. While substantial differences are broadly observed between the generations outside the public sector organizational context, these age-based categories of public employees are nearly identical in the governmental workplace. The few differences found can be ascribed to life and career stages as opposed to cohort-specific sociological influences. The principal implications for recruiting, motivation, training, retention, and human resource processes are discussed.
methylKit: a comprehensive R package for the analysis of genome-wide DNA methylation profiles

DNA methylation is a chemical modification of cytosine bases that is pivotal for gene regulation, cellular specification and cancer development. Here, we describe an R package, methylKit, that rapidly analyzes genome-wide cytosine epigenetic profiles from high-throughput methylation and hydroxymethylation sequencing experiments. methylKit includes functions for clustering, sample quality visualization, differential methylation analysis and annotation features, thus automating and simplifying many of the steps for discerning statistically significant bases or regions of DNA methylation. Finally, we demonstrate methylKit on breast cancer data, in which we find statistically significant regions of differential methylation and stratify tumor subtypes. methylKit is available at http://code.google.com/p/methylkit.
Adaptive significance of venom glands in the tadpole madtom Noturus gyrinus (Siluriformes: Ictaluridae)

Piscine venom glands have implicitly been assumed to be anti-predatory adaptations, but direct examinations of the potential fitness benefits provided by these structures are relatively sparse. In previous experiments examining this question, alternative phenotypes have not been presented to ecologically relevant predators, and the results are thus potentially confounded by the presence of sharp, bony fin spines in these species, which may also represent significant deterrents to predation. Here, I present the results of experiments exposing Micropterus salmoides (largemouth bass) to tadpole madtoms (Noturus gyrinus) with one of several fin spine phenotypes (intact, stripped, absent), which indicate that the venom glands of this species do provide a significant fitness benefit, relative to individuals having fin spines without venom glands or no spines at all. Intact madtoms were repeatedly rejected by the bass and were almost never consumed, while alternative phenotypes were always consumed. Madtoms with stripped fin spines showed increases in predator rejections relative to spineless madtoms and control minnows, but non-significant increases in handling time, contrasting with previous results and predictions regarding the adaptive benefit of these structures. Comparisons with a less venomous catfish species (Ameiurus natalis) indicate that a single protein present in the venom of N. gyrinus may be responsible for providing the significant selective advantage observed in this species. These results, considered in conjunction with other studies of ictalurid biology, suggest that venom evolution in these species is subject to a complex interplay between predator behavior, phylogenetic history, life history strategy and adaptive responses to different predatory regimes.
Reading the Lumpenproletariat: Zoe Leonard's Kampala Photographs

Whereas Karl Marx saw the Lumpenproletariat as lacking class consciousness and doubted that it could help advance the struggle for revolutionary freedom, Frantz Fanon identified a uniquely subversive potential in this group of dispossessed agents. This article revisits the question of the Lumpenproletariat in our current moment of global capital. It takes up Zoe Leonard’s Analogue series (2007) and focuses on a sequence of photographs within it that represent the transnational traffic in used clothing—a circuit that links Shenzhen to Brooklyn to Kampala. With a close analysis of Leonard’s photographs, the article argues that this American–African economy works two effects. As a commodity dump, it factors into the ruin of Ugandan textile traditions. Yet as consumers select their wares from the jumbled mass of castoffs, they fashion new styles and invent new meanings.
Sturm—Liouville Operators

Sturm—Liouville equations arise in many applications of electromagnetics, including in the formulation of waveguiding problems using scalar potentials, and using scalar components of vector fields and potentials. Sturm— Liouville equations are also encountered in separation-of-variables solutions to Laplace and Helmholtz equations, making a connection with certain special functions and classical polynomials. Spectral theory of the Sturm— Liouville operator is well developed and useful and is intertwined with the spectral theory of compact, self-adjoint operators through the inverse and resolvent operators. Accordingly, eigenfunctions of the regular Sturm— Liouville operator are found to be complete in certain weighted spaces of Lebesgue square-integrable functions, and generalizations to accommodate a continuous spectrum in the singular case are possible.
Global R/sup d/ optimization when probes are expensive: the GROPE algorithm

A global optimization algorithm is introduced which generalizes H.J. Kushner's (1964) univariate search. It aims to minimize the number of probes required for a given confidence in the results. All known probes contribute to a stochastic model of the underlying score surface, and this model is interrogated for the location most likely to exceed the current result goal. The surface is assumed to be fractal, leading to a piecewise Gaussian model, where the local regions are defined by the Delaunay triangulation of the probes. The algorithm balances the competing aims of (1) sampling in the vicinity of known peaks, and (2) exploring new regions. Preliminary tests on a standard 2-D search problem were very encouraging. >
Relationship Between Suicidality and Disability When Accounting for Depressive Symptomology

We examined suicidality and disability status in 485 U.S. adults. Compared with participants without disabilities, participants with disabilities (n = 92) had significantly higher suicidality score...
Conversational Strategies for Robustly Managing Dialog in Public Spaces

Open environments present an attention management challenge for conversational systems. We describe a kiosk system (based on Ravenclaw‐Olympus) that uses simple auditory and visual information to interpret human presence and manage the system’s attention. The system robustly differentiates intended interactions from unintended ones at an accuracy of 93% and provides similar task completion rates in both a quiet room and a public space.
Cross-phase modulation enhancement via a resonating cavity: semiclassical description

We evaluate the advantages of performing cross-phase modulation (XPM) on a very-far-off-resonance atomic system. We consider a ladder system with a weak (few-photon level) control coherent field imparting a conditional nonlinear phase shift on a probe beam. We find that by coupling to an optical resonator, the optimal XPM is enhanced proportional to the finesse of the resonator by a factor of F/4π. We present a semiclassical description of the system and show that the phenomenon is optimal in the self-defined condition of off-resonance effective cooperativity equal to one.
Hierarchical Organization of Multiminicomputer Systems

Diskutiert wird der Rechenbedarf fur die Klasse von Anwendungen, die eine Mischung von on-line und off-line Berechnungen umfassen. Ein solcher Bedarf wird am besten befriedigt durch ein System, das lokale und dedizierte Leistungen mit zentralen und mehrfachbenutzten kombiniert. Dies fuhrt naturlich zur Realisierung einer hierarchischen Struktur. Das hierarchische Konzept umfast sowohl die Hardwareais auch die Softwarekonfiguration, besonders wenn die letztere in einem prozesstrukturierten System verwirklicht ist. Systemeigenschaften werden beschrieben am Beispiel des hierarchischen “Minicomputer Interfacing Support System” (MISS), das an der Universitat von Chicago entwickelt wurde.
Spectral Encoding: A Novel Platform for Endoscopy and Microscopy

Spectral encoding is a single optical fiber imaging approach that projects different wavelengths to distinct locations on a sample, enabling a wide variety of reflectance and fluorescence medical imaging devices for macroscopic imaging and microscopy.
A RANDOMIZED TRIAL OF CARDIAC REHABILITATION FOR ADOLESCENTS AND ADULTS WITH CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs improve exercise capacity and quality of life while reducing mortality in adults with acquired heart disease. These programs have not been extensively studied in adults with congenital heart disease (CHD). We performed a prospective, randomized, controlled trial
Value of the Ber-EP4 Antibody in Differentiating Epithelial Pleural Mesothelioma From Adenocarcinoma: The M.D. Anderson Experience and a Critical Review of the Literature

Although most studies have indicated that Ber-EP4 immunostaining can assist in differentiating epithelial pleural mesotheliomas from adenocarcinomas that metastasize to the pleura, the percentage of positive cases has varied greatly among different studies. Authors of a recent publication concluded that Ber-EP4 has no diagnostic utility in separating these conditions. To determine whether Ber-EP4 has any value in distinguishing mesothelioma from adenocarcinoma, 70 formalin-fixed epithelial pleural mesotheliomas, 20 pulmonary adenocarcinomas, 59 nonpulmonary adenocarcinomas, 4 squamous cell carcinomas of the lung, 6 transitional cell carcinomas, and 31 adenocarcinomas of unknown origin that metastasized to the pleura were stained with this antibody. Reactivity was observed in 18 (26%) of 70 mesotheliomas and in all 20 (100%) of the pulmonary adenocarcinomas, in 55 (93%) of the 59 nonpulmonary adenocarcinomas, in 4 (100%) of 4 squamous cell carcinomas of the lung, in 4 (67%) of 6 transitional cell carcinomas, and in 26 (84%) of 31 adenocarcinomas of unknown origin that metastasized to the pleura. The staining in the mesotheliomas was focal and restricted to a limited number of cells, in contrast with staining in the pulmonary adenocarcinomas in which it was invariably diffuse. The extent of the staining in the nonpulmonary adenocarcinomas and the metastatic adenocarcinomas of unknown origin was less consistent--negative or focal in some cases and diffuse in others. Therefore, while Ber-EP4 seems to be helpful in separating epithelial pleural mesotheliomas from lung adenocarcinomas, its value in distinguishing mesotheliomas from other tumors metastatic to the pleura is more limited and depends largely on the site of origin of the metastatic tumor.
The practice and effect of "soul hut for nurse"

Objective To explore the effective management method to relieve nurses' working stress.Method We established the "soul hut for nurses" to regulate nurses' emotion,relieve their mental stress and improve their psychological diathesis by using the mechanism of reading therapy with the carrier of written language.Result This practice created an effective way of communication,which let nurses master the techniques of self-regulation,enhanced group cohesion and improved working efficiency.Conclusion Because all the nursing staff have received secondary education and possess the ability of reading and comprehension,it is feasible to expand the practice of "soul hut for nurses" in the whole hospital.
Investigation on Detergent Residue in Disinfecting Tableware in Shenzhen City

[Objective]To understand the detergent residue in disinfecting tableware in Shenzhen city. [Methods]The disinfecting tableware were sampled from 41 disinfecting tableware manufacturers in Shenzhen.The detection was conducted according to methods of sampling and test for detergent residue in Hygienic standard for disinfection of dinner and drinking set and blue spectrophotometry for anion synthetic detergent methylene in Standard examination methods for drinking water. [Results]Among 41 sets(205 samples) of disinfecting tableware,the total qualified rate of detection results for alkyl benzene sulfonate(ABS) was 87.8%,and the qualified rate of chopsticks was the lowest(46.3%). [Conclusion]The qualified rate of detergent residue in disinfecting tableware is low in Shenzhen city,and the related problems need to get solved soon.
Evaluation of a Flipped Drug Literature Evaluation Course

Objective. To evaluate a flipped drug literature evaluation course for first-year pharmacy students. Design. A drug literature evaluation course was flipped during the 2014 winter semester. Homework from 2013 was transformed into activities and lectures were transformed into multiple short YouTube videos. Assessment. Average examination scores increased from 75.6% to 86.1%. Eighty-two of 94 students completed the postcourse survey in 2014. Compared to traditional lecture, 59.8% of students indicated they preferred the flipped course. Additionally, students felt the course was important, the in-class activities were helpful, and some of the YouTube videos could be improved. We found length of the video to be significantly correlated with the percentage of videos viewed. Conclusion. The flipped model should be considered in drug literature evaluation courses that seek to increase the amount of active learning in the classroom.
Relationship between the Activities of Daily Living Questionnaire and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment

Abstract Introduction The Activities of Daily Living Questionnaire (ADL-Q) is an informant report questionnaire assessing functional impairment in daily living skills. Previous research has demonstrated correlations between ADL-Q and cognitive screening measures among patients with dementia. This study examined the relationship between ADL-Q and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), a brief cognitive screening. Methods Records of 448 individuals from an outpatient neurology clinic were reviewed. Pearson correlations were calculated between ADL-Q scores and MoCA scores. Linear regression models were fit using demographic information to predict ADL-Q scores. MoCA scores were then added to the models to determine the increase in predictive value of the MoCA. Results Lower MoCA scores were associated with higher levels of functional impairment. For each model, adding the MoCA significantly improved model fit. Discussion Low scores on the MoCA, among patient's presenting for memory complaints, should raise concerns about functional decline and prompt for further assessment of functional ability.
On the Admittance of the Infinite Cylindrical Antenna

It is shown that, due to an incorrect asymptotic evaluation of certain integrals, the analytical results of Chen and Keller for the admittance of the infinite cylindrical antenna give an incorrect result for the conductance, although the susceptance is correct.
High-contrast imaging in the cloud with klipReduce and Findr

Astronomical data sets are growing ever larger, and the area of high contrast imaging of exoplanets is no exception. With the advent of fast, low-noise detectors operating at 10 to 1000 Hz, huge numbers of images can be taken during a single hours-long observation. High frame rates offer several advantages, such as improved registration, frame selection, and improved speckle calibration. However, advanced image processing algorithms are computationally challenging to apply. Here we describe a parallelized, cloud-based data reduction system developed for the Magellan Adaptive Optics VisAO camera, which is capable of rapidly exploring tens of thousands of parameter sets affecting the Karhunen-Loeve image processing (KLIP) algorithm to produce high-quality direct images of exoplanets. We demonstrate these capabilities with a visible wavelength high contrast data set of a hydrogen-accreting brown dwarf companion.
4.14 – Fatigue of Brittle Materials

Author(s): Ritchie, Robert O. | Abstract: The quest for structural materials that can operate at higher and higher temperatures remains a persistent challenge in materials science. To achieve major increases in service temperatures, e.g., for aerospace propulsion systems, ceramic- and intermetallic-matrix composites offer perhaps the best prospects, although their cost is often prohibitive for many applications. For this reason, much recent work has focused on their monolithic counterparts. Despite significant advances in the development of such monolithic ceramics and intermetallics for structural use, their widespread adoption has been severely limited by their generally low ductility and poor fracture toughness, particularly at lower temperatures. In addition, it is now appreciated that these materials can be susceptible to premature failure by cyclic fatigue.
A Novel Experimental Setup to Analyze Model Thin Films Representing Cores for an Ultrasonic Radiation Study of Petroleum Reservoirs

An apparatus was developed for a visual representation of conventional core flooding tests using a Model Thin Film (MTF) setup. The configuration was intended to provide direct visual representation of a flooding process. For our purposes, we investigated asphaltene deposition on a thin-film core sample, by evaluating the oil recovery before and after subjecting rock samples to a sonication process to remove asphaltene deposits, part of an ongoing project. The process involved saturating a specific volume of core sample with an asphaltic crude oil sample and recording flow pressures throughout the process. In order to have a full grade asphaltene deposition on the core sample, an alkane reagent, heptane, was used as a solvent to subsequently flood the rock system. After the formation of the skin and asphaltic sediments, we conducted an oil flood and monitored flow pressures, higher inlet pressures confirmed plugging and asphaltic deposition in the rock matrix. The model thin film setup proved to be a very good demonstrational and experimental apparatus, as it provided excellent visual information relating to the oil flood, and allowed routine experimental pressure, temperature and flow readings to be taken. The prospect of obtaining accurate experimental results from the model thin film is bright. This apparatus is designed to be used for the ultrasonic radiation study of petroleum reservoirs.
President Ford’s National Influenza Immunization Program: A Special Case

Despite many obstacles, Ford’s NIIP resulted in huge numbers of vaccinations. The pandemic, however, did not develop, and other considerations, some of them political, brought Ford’s program into disrepute. It would be an exaggeration to say that it caused Ford’s defeat in the election of 1976, but certainly it contributed.
WOMEN AS DIVINERS AND AS CHRISTIAN CONVERTS IN RURAL SOUTH AFRICA, c. 1880–1963*

This article argues that rural South African women's importance as spiritual actors in the period from the late nineteenth through the mid-twentieth centuries stemmed from their ability to embrace hybrid spiritual identities that corresponded closely to the lived reality of African rural life, and that by embracing those identities, women expanded their roles as social healers. Professing a belief in Christianity did not prevent individuals from practicing as diviners, nor did it prevent Christians from consulting diviners to determine the causes of death or misfortune. Similarly, young women who converted to Christianity often maintained close ties to non-Christian families and bridged spiritual lives on the mission stations with life in their families. Over this time period, women became cultural mediators who borrowed, adopted, and combined spiritual beliefs to provide more complete answers to problems faced by rural African families in South Africa.
Loss of p16INK4A Expression and Homozygous CDKN2A Deletion Are Associated with Worse Outcome and Younger Age in Thymic Carcinomas.

Abstract Introduction Thymic carcinomas are aggressive tumors. Biomarkers and alternative treatment modalities are needed. We studied the expression of p16 and cytogenetic abnormalities of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A gene ( CDKN2A ) and correlated findings with clinical features and outcome in a large cohort of thymic carcinomas. Methods Thymic carcinomas (1963–2013) were stained with p16. Fluorescence in situ hybridization was utilized to assess for the presence of CDKN2A gene (at 9p21). Statistical analysis was performed. Results A total of 27 patients (including 15 men) with thymic carcinoma at a median age of 51.7 years at time of surgery and available follow-up information were included. Loss of p16 expression was found in 12 of 26 cases (46.2%) and was associated with worse recurrence and metastasis–free survival ( p = 0.01), which in multivariate analysis was independent of resection status ( p = 0.007) and T stage ( p = 0.01). Four of 22 tumors (18.2%) showed homozygous CDKN2A deletion that was correlated with loss of p16 expression (p=0.02). In tumors of the squamous cell carcinoma subtype, loss of p16 expression was associated with worse recurrence and metastasis–free survival ( p = 0.006) and overall survival ( p = 0.0009). Patients with thymic squamous cell carcinomas lacking p16 expression were younger ( p = 0.006). Although similar trends for younger age were noted in patients with thymic squamous cell carcinomas with homozygous CDKN2A deletion, the small number of such cases (n = 2) did not allow for statistical analysis. Conclusions Loss of p16 expression and homozygous deletion of CDKN2A are promising prognostic biomarkers in thymic carcinoma. On the basis of our findings, a subset of thymic carcinomas have the potential to respond to CDK4/6 inhibitors; however, further functional studies are needed.
All Patents Great and Small: A Big Data Network Approach to Valuation

Measuring patent value is an important goal of scholars in both patent law and patent economics. However, doing so objectively, accurately, and consistently has proved exceedingly difficult. At least part of the reason for this difficulty is that patents themselves are complex documents that are difficult even for patent experts to interpret. In addition, issued patents are the result of an often long and complicated negotiation between applicant and patent office (in the United States, the United States Patent & Trademark Office), resulting in an opaque “prosecution history” upon which the scope of claimed patent rights depends. In this article, we approach the concept of patent value by using the relative positions of issued United States patents embedded within a comprehensive patent citation network to measure the importance of those patents within the network. Thus, we tend to refer to the “importance” of patents instead of “value,” but there is good reason to believe that these two concepts share a very similar meaning. Our study examines both patent litigation and patent importance, and suggests that litigated patents tend to be more important than non-litigated patents, and the higher the federal court level in which patent litigation takes place the more important the patents there litigated tend to be. These findings are consistent with the findings of influential studies on patent value carried out by Allison et al. in 2004 and 2009, in which litigated patents were generally found to be more valuable than non-litigated patents and those litigated most often were found to be especially valuable. Our findings also reveal marked differences in the mean and median importances of patents litigated in different federal district courts. Finally, we find several geographic clusters of federal district courts characterized by the litigation of disproportionately important patents. These clusters do not cleanly correspond to traditional assumptions about where, geographically, important technologies, and the owners of patents that claim them, tend to be located. Somewhat unexpectedly, the largest federal district court cluster for highly important patent litigation spans the southern-central United States. Future studies will attempt to address a number of additional questions that arise out of our findings in this article.
Tangibles vs. Mouse in Educational Programming Games: Influences on Enjoyment and Self-Beliefs

Computer Science (CS) and related skills such as programming and Computational Thinking (CT) have recently become topics of global interest, with a large number of programming games created to engage and educate players. However, there has been relatively limited work to assess 1) the efficacy of such games with respect to critical educational factors such as enjoyment and programming self-beliefs; and 2) whether there are advantages to alternative, physically embodied design approaches (e.g., tangibles as input). To better explore the benefits of a tangible approach, we built and tested two versions of an educational programming game that were identical in design except for the form of interaction (tangible programming blocks vs. mouse input). After testing 34 participants, results showed that while both game versions were successful at improving programming self-beliefs, the tangible version corresponded to higher self-reports of player enjoyment. Overall, this paper presents a comparison between the efficacy of tangible and mouse design approaches for improving key learning factors in educational programming games.
For whom does benevolent paternalistic leaders’ procedural justice matter?

This study examined employees’ identification with leader and the cultural value of traditionality as moderating factors for the benevolent paternalistic leadership - supervisor procedural justice ...
Effects of Exercise on Non-motor Symptoms in Parkinson’s Disease

Patients with Parkinson's disease experience disabling non-motor symptoms, including autonomic dysfunction, cognitive decline, and sleep disorders. Pharmacologic treatments for these symptoms are often ineffective or have intolerable side effects. Therefore, non-pharmacologic interventions are an attractive alternative. Exercise in particular has the potential to alleviate the progressive impairment related to these non-motor symptoms. In this commentary, we explore available research that addresses the impact of exercise and physical activity on autonomic dysfunction, cognitive impairment, and sleep disorders in Parkinson's disease and suggest areas in need of further study. Many gaps remain in our understanding of the most effective exercise intervention for these symptoms, the mechanisms underlying exercise-induced changes, and the best way to monitor response to therapy. However, available research suggests that exercise is a promising approach to improve non-motor symptoms in patients with Parkinson's disease.
A novel camera localization system for extending three-dimensional digital image correlation

The monitoring of civil, mechanical, and aerospace structures is important especially as these systems approach or surpass their design life. Often, Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) relies on sensing techniques for condition assessment. Advancements achieved in camera technology and optical sensors have made three-dimensional (3D) Digital Image Correlation (DIC) a valid technique for extracting structural deformations and geometry profiles. Prior to making stereophotogrammetry measurements, a calibration has to be performed to obtain the vision systems’ extrinsic and intrinsic parameters. It means that the position of the cameras relative to each other (i.e. separation distance, cameras angle, etc.) must be determined. Typically, cameras are placed on a rigid bar to prevent any relative motion between the cameras. This constraint limits the utility of the 3D-DIC technique, especially as it is applied to monitor large-sized structures and from various fields of view. In this preliminary study, the design of a multi-sensor system is proposed to extend 3D-DIC’s capability and allow for easier calibration and measurement. The suggested system relies on a MEMS-based Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) and a 77 GHz radar sensor for measuring the orientation and relative distance of the stereo cameras. The feasibility of the proposed combined IMU-radar system is evaluated through laboratory tests, demonstrating its ability in determining the cameras position in space for performing accurate 3D-DIC calibration and measurements.
Threads of empire: loyalty and tsarist authority in Bashkiria, 1552–1917

Charles Steinwedel’s Threads of Empire is a detailed survey of the relationship between ruling elites of the Russian Empire and the ethnically diverse population of Bashkiria (Ufa and Orenburg Prov...
The System of Automatic Incorporation in Selected States

An introduction to the constitutional systems of the countries selected for this case study is essential to an understanding of the problems referred to in subsequent chapters concerning the application of ILO conventions in such countries. The general outline of the constitutional systems of automatic incorporation of the United States, Argentina, Mexico, France, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Italy will be provided in this chapter. Later chapters will consider the problems of the self-executing nature of treaty provisions and the rank of treaty provisions in those countries.
Local Probe Methods and Miniaturization

Miniaturization was one of the key elements for the tremendous development and wide dissemination of microtechnology. Miniaturization is at present mainly seen in the context with data processing, communication and consumer electronics. Therefore, microtechnology predominately means microelectronics. Micromechanics on the other hand still burns on a modest flame and does not receive the same attention, neither in science nor in technology circles. There is not yet a vast hungry industry pressing for progress. Nevertheless, there are very promising beginnings. The overall importance of mechanics, especially nanomechanics, might eventually very well match that of nanoelectronics.
How places make us: novel LBQ identities in four small cities

Japonica Brown-Saracino presents a highly substantive, empirical account of the effects of city ecology on sexual identity in four small U.S. cities – San Luis Obispo (SLO), CA; Portland, ME; Green...
Predicting the Extended Time Use of College Students With Disabilities

This study investigated the extent to which standardized reading performance, individual perceptions of reading and test taking skills, and test anxiety predict the amount of extended time needed t...
A Study of the Relationships among Student Expectations about Teacher Nonverbal Immediacy, Student Perceptions of Teacher Nonverbal Immediacy, and Affective Learning in Distance Learning and the On-Site Classroom

This thesis explored the relationships among three communication variables in college-level instruction: students' expectancy about teachers' nonverbal immediacy, students' actual perceptions of teachers' nonverbal immediacy, and students' affective learning. Community college students enrolled in either distance learning or a traditional classroom course completed pre-course and mid-course questionnaires to indicate their expectations and observations of the nonverbal immediacy behaviors of their teachers. Analysis showed that students expected and perceived less nonverbal immediacy from tele-course teachers than from on-site teachers, but that perceptions significantly exceeded expectations. Research findings indicated that students' expectancies about teachers' nonverbal immediacy may influence the measurement of affective learning.
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy with DD-MVAC and bevacizumab in high-risk urothelial cancer: Results from a phase II trial at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center.

4523 Background: DD-MVAC has shown an improved 5-year survival in metastatic urothelial cancer; however, there is no prospective data on its use in the neoadjuvant setting. Previous work suggested ...
Orbital atherectomy versus rotational atherectomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract Background Coronary artery calcification is associated with poor outcomes in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Atheroablative techniques such as orbital atherectomy (OA) and rotational atherectomy (RA) are routinely utilized to treat these calcified lesions in order to optimize lesion preparation and facilitate stent delivery. Objectives The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to compare the performance of OA versus RA in patients with calcified coronary artery disease (CAD) undergoing PCI. Methods We conducted an electronic database search of all published data for studies that compared OA versus RA in patients with calcified coronary artery disease undergoing PCI and reported on outcomes of interest. Event rates were compared using a forest plot of odds ratios using a random-effects model assuming interstudy heterogeneity. Results A total of five observational studies (total number of patients = 1872; OA = 535, RA = 1337) were included in the final analysis. On pooled analysis, OA compared to RA was associated with a significant reduction in fluoroscopy times (OR = −6.33; 95% CI = −9.90 to −2.76; p Conclusion Except for lower fluoroscopy time with OA, there are no significant differences between OA and RA in relation to procedural, periprocedural, and thirty day outcomes among patients with calcified CAD undergoing PCI.
A Micro-Pulse Differential Absorption Lidar Test Network

The National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) and Montana State University (MSU) have developed a test network of five micro-pulse Differential Absorption Lidar (DIAL) instruments to continuously measure high-vertical-resolution water vapor in the lower atmosphere. The instruments are accurate, low-cost, operate unattended, and eye-safe – all key features to enable larger ‘national-scale’ networks needed to characterize atmo-spheric moisture variability which influences important processes related to weather and climate.
Dual Frequency Hierarchical Modular Multilayer Battery Balancer Architecture

This article presents a dual frequency hierarchical modular multilayer balancer (MMB) architecture capable of performing electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and self-heating for battery systems. The MMB comprises two layers of balancing circuits: a cell-level balancer operates at a few MHz with miniaturized size; and a string-level balancer operates at a few hundred kHz to achieve high efficiency and rapid balancing. By reusing the balancer circuitry, the cell-level balancer can perform EIS, and the string-level balancer can perform battery self-heating. The key contributions of this article include: first, the circuit topology and multi-input–multi-output (MIMO) power flow control of the dual frequency hierarchical balancer; second, a miniaturized common-mode (CM) Class-D based 4-port cell-level balancer for wide bandwidth EIS; and third, a high efficiency multiactive-bridge (MAB) based 12-port string-level balancer for self-heating. A MMB prototype with a 12-port 200 kHz string-level balancer and four 4-port 13.56 MHz cell-level balancers is built and tested with a battery string comprising sixteen Li-ion battery cells. The MMB is capable of performing EIS up to 100 kHz and self-heating across a wide frequency range (100 Hz–18 kHz). The 100-W 12-port string-level balancer achieves 93% peak efficiency. The 30-W 4-port cell-level balancer achieves 74% peak efficiency. Experimental results validated the performance and functionality of the MMB system.
Just Us Dialogues: Harnessing the Transformational Power of Discourse to Prevent Violence.

Anchor Institutions (AIs) provide tremendous value and benefit to the communities where they reside through initiatives, partnerships, and investments. As an academic medical center, Johns Hopkins ...