cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Medical Practice Impact of Functional Neuroimaging Studies in Patients with Disorders of Consciousness

Functional neuroimaging studies of patients with disorders of consciousness have shown a small number of patients clinically diagnosed as in a vegetative state who, by fMRI or FDG-PET activation patterns, retain ideational capacity to follow commands showing they are aware. This finding impacts medical practice in several ways. The diagnostic criteria for disorders of consciousness must evolve from purely clinical to clinical plus functional neuroimaging. Prognosis is affected because the subgroup who retain this capacity comprise those with a higher likelihood for spontaneous clinical improvement. A few patients can be taught communication systems using fMRI responses, improving patient-centered care by allowing their participation in their own medical treatment decisions involving neurorehabilitation, stimulation, and palliation. A few medicolegal practice issues also are impacted by fMRI studies. But before functional neuroimaging studies can be fully incorporated into medical practice in these patients, they must be better understood, validated, and standardized.
The next generation of highly reliable and secure encryption for the IBM z13

New business opportunities for cloud, analytics, mobile, and social applications depend on a secure computing infrastructure. The introduction of the IBM 4767 cryptographic coprocessor continues IBM leadership in marketplace security. The IBM 4767/Crypto Express5S is a versatile solution, offering three modes of operations on the IBM z13™ System: 1) Accelerator, 2) Common Cryptographic Architecture (CCA) Coprocessor, and 3) Enterprise PKCS #11 (public-key cryptography standard) Coprocessor. The highly programmable cryptographic coprocessor environment features a new ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit), FPGA (field-programmable gate array), and enhanced performance. The innovative internal hardware and firmware can be easily updated to achieve new security standards and requirements as well as new customer-specific functionality. The secure APIs (application programming interfaces) are designed to support standard cryptographic functions as well as specialized banking and financial functions. This is done in a way that allows the sensitive key material never to be exposed outside the physical secure boundary in a clear format. Performance benefits include the incorporation of elliptic curve cryptography (ECC) and format preserving encryption (FPE) in the hardware. For the z13, the number of logical domains has been increased from 16 to 85, allowing more system versatility. This new design also supports SRIOV (single root I/O virtualization) and the ability to customize arbitration to target SRIOV or quality of service.
Hydrothermally Formed Three-Dimensional Nanoporous Ni(OH)2 Thin-Film Supercapacitors

A three-dimensional nanoporous Ni(OH)2 thin-film was hydrothermally converted from an anodically formed porous layer of nickel fluoride/oxide. The nanoporous Ni(OH)2 thin-films can be used as additive-free electrodes for energy storage. The nanoporous layer delivers a high capacitance of 1765 F g–1 under three electrode testing. After assembly with porous activated carbon in asymmetric supercapacitor configurations, the devices deliver superior supercapacitive performances with capacitance of 192 F g–1, energy density of 68 Wh kg–1, and power density of 44 kW kg–1. The wide working potential window (up to 1.6 V in 6 M aq KOH) and stable cyclability (∼90% capacitance retention over 10 000 cycles) make the thin-film ideal for practical supercapacitor devices.
GENE DISPERSAL AND SPATIAL GENETIC STRUCTURE.

Spatial autocorrelation statistics have been studied in theoretical population genetic models and widely used in experimental studies of spatial structure in many plant and animal populations. However, the statistical properties of spatial autocorrelation statistics have remained uncharacterized. Little is known about how values of spatial autocorrelation statistics in population samples depend on the level of dispersal and scheme of sampling. In this paper, we characterize the statistical properties of join-count spatial autocorrelation statistics for population genetic surveys under various conditions of dispersal and sampling. The results indicate generally high statistical power. These results can provide a method to estimate gene dispersal based on standing spatial patterns of genetic variation observed within populations.
Inhibition of Na+-K+-ATPase activates Na+-K+-2Cl- cotransporter activity in cultured ciliary epithelium

Inhibition of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activates Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl- cotransporter activity in cultured ciliary epithelium. Am. J. Physiol. 266 (Cell Physiol. 35): C198-C205, 1994.--86Rb uptake experiments were conducted to measure Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity and Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl- cotransporter activity in a cell line derived from rabbit nonpigmented ciliary epithelium. The presence of a Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl- cotransporter was supported by the observation of a bumetanide-sensitive 86Rb uptake component that was dependent on the extracellular concentration of both sodium and chloride. Potassium influx mediated by the Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl- cotransporter and Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase accounted for approximately 46 and 33% of total potassium uptake, respectively, whereas both ouabain- and bumetanide-resistant uptake accounted for 9%. Inhibition of the Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase had a stimulatory effect on Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl- cotransporter activity, which was dependent on the extent and duration of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase inhibition. Ouabain treatment stimulated the potassium (86Rb) efflux rate and reduced intracellular potassium ([K]i). Potassium channel blockers suppressed the ouabain-activated potassium efflux and inhibited the ouabain-induced activation of the Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl- cotransporter. We conclude that Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase inhibition leads to the opening of potassium channels, which exacerbates the depletion of cellular potassium; Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl- cotransporter stimulation caused by the fall of [K]i overrides the tendency of increased cellular sodium to inhibit the cotransporter.
The Design of Simulation Developing Platform Based on MCU and Embedded System

This paper takes a practical development process as the center to introduce such a SCM and application of embedded system design based on the Proteus simulation developming platform.It puts forward the method to the closed-loop stepper motor for automatic control systems.It takes AT89C51 chip as microprocessor,and uses L297 and L298 chip to drive stepper motor,to apply PID algorithm and achieve closed-loop control systemsimulation of position feedback.
Cinema, theory, and political responsibility in contemporary culture: Art as the absolute commodity: the inter-subjectivity of mimesis in Adorno's Aesthetic Theory

True art challenges its own essence. Adorno, Aesthetic Theory The aesthetic thing The true work of art is never politically correct. Such a statement is not meant to comfort or support the neoconservative critic in higher education today who makes it his or her business to reduce the unmanageable and sometimes irresponsible power of art to some sort of apolitical pap for nourishing the illusions of the status quo. Such an institutionalized art reinforces the belief in a transparent social reality by insisting on the absolute difference between art and life. Reality, it says, is concrete and particular, while art is abstract and universal. No one worships at the altar of the universal with greater show of devotion than the traditionalist; but at the same time the traditionalist secretly laughs at the intellectual Don Quixote who imagines that those things which are universal have anything to do with the way people are required to live in a world that was not constructed to be a work of art. Art, says the traditionalist, is contemplative and useless – a sort of second thought about the course of history after it is no longer possible to do anything about it.
Chapter 3 – Experimental IR spectroscopy of polymers

This chapter examines the instrumentation, sampling, and data processing aspects of infrared spectroscopy in order to develop an understanding of the basis of infrared spectroscopy as a tool for the characterization of polymers. The chapter on infrared instrumentation and sampling techniques has been modified to include innovations in instrumentation such as step-scan and focal array detector imaging interferometers. The sections on data processing and quantitative analysis have been updated to reflect the major impact in this field of fast computers with large memories. The success of every analysis depends on proper utilization of each of these components in the analysis. Infrared (IR) instrumentation has undergone a substantial number of changes as the technique has become more important for materials characterization. The quality of IR spectra is dependent on sample preparation procedures and the performance of the instrumentation. Currently, IR instrumentation being utilized are the following: dispersive instruments, multichannel dispersive instruments, multiplex instruments, and multichannel/multiplex instruments. The guidelines presented in this chapter will help in making appropriate IR measurements by yielding the analytical information necessary to solve problems.
Abstract 5060: Myosin-IIA heavy chain phosphorylation on S1943 regulates tumor cell invasion

Nonmuscle myosin IIA (NMHC-IIA) heavy chain phosphorylation has been shown to regulate motility and chemotaxis in invasive breast cancer cells; phosphorylation on S1943 promotes myosin-IIA filament disassembly in vitro and enhances two-dimensional cell migration. To test the role of NMHC-IIA S1943 phosphorylation in regulating the invasive properties of tumor cells, we produced MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells in which the endogenous NMHC-IIA was stably knocked down via shRNA and replaced with exogenously expressed murine GFP-tagged wild type, phosphomimetic (S1943E) or non-phosphorylatable (S1943A) NMHC-IIA. Since previous studies have shown that the matrix-degrading activity of invadopodia is regulated via a myosin II-FAK-Cas pathway (Alexander et al, Curr Biol 18:1295, 2009), we examined the ability of MDA-MB-231 cells expressing wild type, S1943E or S1943A NMHC-IIA to form invadopodia and degrade matrix. Only 39.4% of S1943A NMHC-IIA expressing cells exhibited matrix degradation as compared to wild type NMHC-IIA (90.5%) and S1943E NMHC-IIA (90.3%). In addition, the average percent degradation area for cells expressing S1943A NMHC-IIA was 15-fold lower than for cells expressing wild type NMHC-IIA, whereas S1943E NMHC-IIA cells exhibited a 2-fold increase in degradation area. There was no significant difference in the numbers of immature invadopodia between the three cell lines. However, S1943A NMHC-IIA cells had significantly fewer mature invadopodia, while S1943E NMHC-IIA cells had increased numbers of mature invadopodia compared to wild type NMHC-IIA cells. To investigate the consequences of altered invadopodia maturation and activity, we examined the secretion of MMP-9 from cells expressing wild type, S1943E or S1943A NMHC-IIA. Gelatin zymography and MMP-9 activity assays of conditioned medium showed that S1943E NMHC-IIA expression enhanced MMP-9 secretion by 2-fold, whereas S1943A NMHC-IIA expression reduced MMP-9 secretion by 4-fold. In experimental metastasis assays in SCID mice, S1943A NMHC-IIA cells rarely formed lung metastases as compared to wild type NMHC-IIA cells, which formed poorly differentiated metastatic foci with some pleural localization. The S1943E NMHC-IIA cells also produced poorly differentiated carcinomas, which primarily localized along the pleural lining. Overall, S1943A NMHC-IIA cells produced approximately 2-fold fewer and S1943E NMHC-IIA cells produced 2-fold greater metastases than wild type NMHC-IIA cells. Together, these observations indicate that NMHC-IIA S1943 phosphorylation contributes to tumor cell invasion and metastasis via the regulation of extracellular matrix degradation. Citation Format: Laura E. Norwood Toro, Jonathan M. Backer, Anne R. Bresnick. Myosin-IIA heavy chain phosphorylation on S1943 regulates tumor cell invasion. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 5060.
Word and Frame Synchronization with Verification for PPM Optical Communications

A method for obtaining word and frame synchronization in pulse position modulated optical communication systems is described. The method uses a short sync sequence inserted at the beginning of each data frame and a verification procedure to distinguish between inserted and randomly occurring sequences at the receiver. This results in an easy to implement sync system which provides reliable synchronization even at high symbol error rates. Results are given for the application of this approach to a highly energy efficient 256-ary PPM test system.
Getting Acquainted with Kant

A central question for Kant scholars concerns whether Kant thinks that experience has nonconceptual content, or whether, on his view, experience is essentially conceptual. McLear argues that in a certain sense this question is ill-conceived. He presents an alternative means of framing what is at issue in terms of a debate about the dependence relations, if any, that exist between different cognitive capacities. We should distinguish between Intellectualism, according to which all objective representation (understood in a particular way) depends on acts of synthesis by the intellect, and Sensibilism, according to which at least some forms of objective representatin are independent of any such acts (or the capacity for such acts). McLear also articulates a challenge to Intellectualist interpretations based on the role that Kant indicates alethic modal conditions play in achieving cognition.
Optimal Security Investments in a Prevention and Detection Game

Most security defenses can be breached by motivated adversaries, therefore in addition to attack-prevention technologies, firms investing in cyber-security for their information technology infrastructure need to consider attack-detection and restoration tools to detect intruders, and restore their system to a safe condition. Attackers face similar investment alternatives; they need to invest resources to finding vulnerabilities in a protected system, and once the protection has been broken, they need to invest in the infrastructure necessary to exploit these attacks and maintain stealthy persistence in the compromised infrastructure. We model this dual considerations as a dynamic programming problem between attackers and defenders and then study the Nash equilibrium of this game. Our goal is to find models and alternatives that can help us understand optimal security investments in prevention and detection against advanced rational adversaries.
Post-quantum hybrid security mechanism for MIMO systems

In this paper, we propose a post-quantum crosslayer key agreement scheme that is robust against Man in the Middle (MitM) attack and the wide deployment of quantum computers. Our security mechanism combines physical layer and cryptographic security techniques to provide best effort security. Physical layer security usually has no assumption on the eavesdropper's, Eve, computational power, nor on Eve's available information. It is unbreakable, provable, and quantifiable. However, physical layer security is limited, hard to prove, and researchers usually consider a passive attacker model. Alternatively, traditional cryptography has worked well in practice, but it is based on the assumption of limited computational power at Eve and it is vulnerable to the large-scale implementation of quantum computers.
Revised graded prognostic assessment (GPA) index for small cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients (pts) with brain metastases (BM).

2090 Background: Pts with SCLC commonly develop BM and the GPA is frequently used as a prognostic index for overall survival (OS). GPA includes 4 groups (GPA scores 0-1.0 (worst), 1.5-2.0, 2.5-3.0,...
Standard intravesical therapies for interstitial cystitis

The treatment of interstitial cystitis is difficult and at time frustrating--both for the patient and for the physician. Treatment is hampered by the lack of a clear understanding of its pathophysiology, which makes it difficult to objectively assess disease severity and/or progression. Intravesical therapy appears to be the most successful approach to the relief of symptoms. Clearly, there are drawbacks to intravesical therapy, particularly Clorpactin lavage. Responses to intravesical lavage are variable in duration, unpredictable, and unamenable to objective measurement. Multiple treatments are frequently needed, as with DMSO, and multiple anesthetics may be required for Clorpactin therapy. There have been no double-blind, placebo-controlled studies comparing the mainstays--Clorpactin and DMSO--of intravesical treatment. It is hoped that current research into the pathogenesis and causation of interstitial cystitis will lead to an improved understanding of this disease or syndrome. The introduction of newer, more specific intravesical therapies will surely follow such advances.
Machine learning for mask/wafer hotspot detection and mask synthesis

Machine learning is a powerful computer science technique that can derive knowledge from big data and make predictions/decisions. Since nanometer integrated circuits (IC) and manufacturing have extremely high complexity and gigantic data, there is great opportunity to apply and adapt various machine learning techniques in IC physical design and verification. This paper will first give an introduction to machine learning, and then discuss several applications, including mask/wafer hotspot detection, and machine learning-based optical proximity correction (OPC) and sub-resolution assist feature (SRAF) insertion. We will further discuss some challenges and research directions.
Degradation of battery separators under charge─discharge cycles

Researchers have reported on the electrochemical aging of lithium-ion batteries. The mechanisms of battery capacity loss, such as consumption of electrolytes and fading of electrodes, commonly seen as fracture of coatings, have been studied intensively. The widely used polymeric separators sandwiched between cathode and anode, which do not directly contribute to the electrochemical properties of the cell, are usually taken as chemically, thermally and structurally stable materials. In this paper, the degradation of a dry processed trilayer separator due to charge–discharge cycles is investigated. It has been found that the separators that underwent higher cycles failed at lower lateral punch force and smaller deformation. Live cell tests also indicate that the deformation and force intensity at the onset of short circuit decreased for a cell after 1200 cycles compared to those for a non-cycled cell, when under lateral indentation. Different characterization methods were used to understand this charge–discharge induced mechanical aging. SEM through-thickness views of the separators show no significant pore size change, but reaction products accumulated in pores of the separator middle layer. FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared) examination of the surfaces of those separators shows there was no apparent chemical bond change on the surface of the separator during charging and discharging process.
Just bananas? Fair Trade banana production in the Dominican Republic.

In an effort to alter exploitative relations that characterize the conventional agro-food system, Fair Trade organizations are promoting an alternative system of certification and labeling for commodities such as coffee, cacao, and bananas that are grown under healthy social and environmental conditions. Labels then identify these products to conscientious consumers who are willing to pay more for them with the expectation that higher prices will deliver additional returns to producers. Yet, do these initiatives offer a real alternative and can they foster positive social change in the agro-food system? Drawing on fieldwork in the Dominican Republic, this paper addresses the implications of Fair Trade at the level of production. I focus on a case study of a certified banana producer group to suggest that production for the Fair Trade market can provide much needed material benefits, strengthen the producers' organization, and open up critical market access to Fair Trade partners. However, I also discuss important limits to the broader potential of Fair Trade initiatives for transforming trade relations. Fair Trade should not be ignored as an alternative mode of production or trade but, rather, a better understanding of how they are experienced by producers can help address the limits of the initiatives.
Compilers and Interpreters

A compiler is a program that translates statements in one language into equivalent statements in another language. Typically, compilers translate programs written in a high-level language into programs that perform that same task in machine language. These machine-language programs can then be run on the computer. A cross-compiler produces machine language that is to be run on a different machine than the one on which the compiler runs. This is helpful when the computer for which the machine language is being produced is not readily available (e.g., a developmental machine).
Experimental Generation of Lamb Wave Dispersion Using Fourier Analysis of Leaky Modes

Conventionally, either swept frequency technique or a combination of swept frequency and geometric analysis is used to produce the experimental Lamb wave dispersion data. This paper proposes a novel method for constructing dispersion curves in solid plates using Fourier analysis of received leaky Lamb wave signals. The Lamb waves are produced by pulsed ultrasound generated using two broad band transducers positioned in a pitch-catch orientation. The relative distances among the plate and the two transducers are set to specific values as per geometric calculations based on beam diffraction. The transducer defocus is used in conjunction with geometric calculation to determine the phase velocity of the Lamb wave mode being monitored. Subsequent to appropriate positioning of the transducers, the plate wave signals are Fourier transformed to obtain a magnitude versus frequency spectrum. Peaks in the spectrum indicate the presence of a Lamb wave root. The feasibility of this method has been tested by successfully constructing a dispersion curve for a steel plate.
Techniques for Ultrastructure Synthesis: Preparation of Second Order Nonlinear Optical Materials

Pi-electron organic materials have long been considered promising candidates for the fabrication of nonlinear optical devices such as electro-optic modulators and frequency doublers.1 The main advantages of organic materials have been stated to be their large optical nonlinearities together with ease and low cost of processing into various device forms. Other advantages include relatively high laser damage thresholds.
Towards More Efficient Requirements Formalization: A Study

[Context and motivation] Validating natural language requirements is an important but difficult task. Although there are techniques available for validating formalized requirements, the gap between natural language requirements and formalism is huge. [Question/ problem] As part of a larger piece of work on temporal requirements consistency checking, we developed a front end to semi-automatically translate natural language requirements into an formal language called Temporal Action Language or \( TeAL \). This work is based on an underlying assumption that human analysts can assist us in filling in the missing pieces as we translate natural language temporal requirements to \( TeAL \).[Principal ideas/results] We performed a study to validate this assumption. We found that using the statements generated by our front-end tool appears to be more effective and efficient than a manual process. [Contribution] We present the design of our front-end and a study that measures the performance of human analysts in formalizing requirements with the help of an automated tool.
Enhancing and Evaluating Identity Privacy and Authentication Strength by Utilizing the Identity Ecosystem

This paper presents a novel research model of identity and the use of this model to answer some interesting research questions. Information travels in the cyber world, not only bringing us convenience and prosperity but also jeopardy. Protecting this information has been a commonly discussed issue in recent years. One type of this information is Personally Identifiable Information (PII), often used to perform personal authentication. People often give PIIs to organizations, e.g., when applying for a new job or filling out a new application on a website. While the use of such PII might be necessary for authentication, giving PII increases the risk of its exposure to criminals. We introduce two innovative approaches based on our model of identity to help evaluate and find an optimal set of PIIs that satisfy authentication purposes but minimize risk of exposure. Our model paves the way for more informed selection of PIIs by organizations that collect them as well as by users who offer PIIs to these organizations.
Aggressive corrosion of steel by a thermophilic microbial consortium in the presence and absence of sand

Abstract Microbiologically influenced corrosion of carbon steel by a thermophilic microbial consortium was investigated in the presence and absence of sand using surface analysis techniques and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The activity of the consortium, involving methanogens, fermenting and sulphidogenic microorganisms, significantly increased average and localised corrosion regardless of the presence of sand deposit. Microbial metabolisms and syntrophic relationships of the consortium species contributing to accelerated corrosion were discussed. Electrochemical reactions are proposed based on the layers of corrosion products deposited on the metal surface. Differences in the microbial community composition and corrosion products stratification were identified between steel samples covered and uncovered with sand. This work is closely related to industrial applications highlighting the importance of conducting tests for under deposit corrosion incorporating microbial consortia isolated from the field environment. Otherwise, the severity of localised corrosion could be severely underestimated.
Serious adverse events are uncommon with combination neonatal antiretroviral prophylaxis: a retrospective case review.

Six weeks of zidovudine (ZDV) is recommended for postnatal prophylaxis of HIV-exposed infants, but combination antiretrovirals are indicated if HIV transmission risk is increased. We investigated the frequency and severity of adverse events (AE) in infants receiving multiple drug prophylaxis compared to ZDV alone. In this retrospective review of 148 HIV-exposed uninfected infants born between 1997–2009, we determined clinical and laboratory AE that occurred between days of life 8–42. Thirty-six infants received combination prophylaxis; among those, a three-drug regimen containing ZDV, lamivudine, and nevirapine was most common (53%). Rates of laboratory AE grade ≥1 were as follows for the combination prophylaxis and ZDV alone groups, respectively: neutropenia 55% and 39%; anemia 50% and 39%; thrombocytopenia 0 and 3%; elevated aspartate aminotransferase 3% and 3%; elevated alanine aminotransferase 0 and 1%; hyperbilirubinemia 19% and 42%. Anemia occurred more frequently in infants who received three-drug prophylaxis compared to infants who received ZDV alone (63% vs. 39%, p = 0.04); all anemia AE were grade 1 or 2 in the three-drug prophylaxis group. Overall, 75% of infants on combination prophylaxis and 66% of infants on ZDV alone developed grade ≥1 AE (p = 0.32), and 17% of infants in either group developed grade ≥3 AE. Stavudine was substituted for ZDV in 23 infants due to anemia or neutropenia. After this antiretroviral change, 50% of evaluable infants demonstrated improvement in AE grade, and 25% had no change. In conclusion, low grade anemia, neutropenia, and hyperbilirubinemia occurred frequently regardless of the prophylactic regimen, but serious AE were uncommon. Although most AE were typical of ZDV toxicity, the combination of ZDV with lamivudine and nevirapine resulted in an increased frequency of low-grade anemia. Further studies are needed to identify prophylactic regimens with less toxicity for infants born to HIV-infected mothers.
An Alternative Implementation of the Differential Operator (Taylor Series) Perturbation Method for Monte Carlo Criticality Problems

The standard implementation of the differential operator (Taylor series) perturbation method for Monte Carlo criticality problems has previously been shown to have a wide range of applicability. In...
A brief history (and geography) of Supergravity: the first three weeks... and after

I summarize, at its 41st--and what would have been Bruno's 94th--birthday, the history of the discoveries of Supergravity and some of its structure and later developments.
Neurotrophin Regulation and Signaling in Airway Smooth Muscle

Structural and functional aspects of bronchial airways are key throughout life and play critical roles in diseases such as asthma. Asthma involves functional changes such as airway irritability and hyperreactivity, as well as structural changes such as enhanced cellular proliferation of airway smooth muscle (ASM), epithelium, and fibroblasts, and altered extracellular matrix (ECM) and fibrosis, all modulated by factors such as inflammation. There is now increasing recognition that disease maintenance following initial triggers involves a prominent role for resident nonimmune airway cells that secrete growth factors with pleiotropic autocrine and paracrine effects. The family of neurotrophins may be particularly relevant in this regard. Long recognized in the nervous system, classical neurotrophins such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nonclassical ligands such as glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) are now known to be expressed and functional in non-neuronal systems including lung. However, the sources, targets, regulation, and downstream effects are still under investigation. In this chapter, we discuss current state of knowledge and future directions regarding BDNF and GDNF in airway physiology and on pathophysiological contributions in asthma.
Effects of Episode-Based Payment on Health Care Spending and Utilization: Evidence from Perinatal Care in Arkansas

We study how physicians respond to financial incentives imposed by episode-based bundled payment (EBP), which encourages lower spending and improved quality for an entire episode of care. Specifically, we study the impact of the Arkansas Health Care Payment Improvement Initiative, a multi-payer program that requires providers in the state to enter into EBP arrangements for perinatal care. Because of its multi-payer nature and the requirement that providers participate, the program covers the vast majority of births in the state. Unlike fee-for-service reimbursement, EBP holds physicians responsible for all care within a discrete clinical episode, rewarding physicians not only for efficient use of their own services but also for efficient management of other health care inputs. In a difference-in-differences analysis of commercial claims, we find that perinatal spending decreased by 3.8% overall in Arkansas after the introduction of EBP, compared to surrounding states. We find that the decrease was driven by reduced spending on non-physician health care inputs, specifically the prices paid for inpatient facility care, and that our results are robust to a number of sensitivity and placebo tests. We additionally find that EBP was associated with a limited improvement in quality of care.
Collaborative Autoethnography as a Pathway for Teacher Learning

In this article, we present lessons learned through the use of Collaborative Autoethnography (CA), a qualitative research method where two international faculty members use their stories constructed from the year-long participation in a Faculty Learning Community (FLC) at a midwestern university in the US. The FLC aimed at providing a safe shared space where international faculty and graduate students discussed the struggles, challenges, and joys of their ‘international-ness’. The autoethnographic reflection illustrates how participation in a FLC has helped them to mediate their initial worries and dilemma of being international faculty (Galina) and reconceptualize teaching (Henny) in a productive way. Additionally, the study demonstrates how reflecting on one’s experience through autoethnography helps them to draw tangible lessons connecting their participation in FLC to their individual teaching contexts and personal struggle in performing a viable teacher identity. The article ends with pedagogical implications on how future FLCs can be better structured to meet the needs of international faculty.
Laboratory Characterization of Moisture-Induced Damage Potential of Asphalt Mixes Using Conventional and Unconventional Performance-Based Tests

Moisture-induced damage is one of the major distresses responsible for premature deterioration of asphalt pavements. The stripping inflection point (SIP) from the Hamburg wheel tracking (HWT) test and tensile strength ratio (TSR) from the indirect tensile strength (ITS) test are the two most commonly used parameters by state Department of Transportation (DOT) to evaluate moisture-induced damage. However, variability in test results and poor correlations with field performance have raised concerns on the reliability of these parameters. Therefore, there is a need to identify relatively simple, reliable and mechanistic methods for evaluating moisture-induced damage potential of asphalt mixes. In this study, new approaches for evaluating the HWT test and ITS test data were introduced and compared with the conventional data analysis procedures. Also, moisture-induced damage was evaluated using a new parameter, namely J-integral ratio (Jc ratio) from Louisiana semi-circular bend (LA-SCB) test. For this purpose, surface course mixes containing warm mix asphalt additive, antistripping agent, polyphosphoric acid and reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) were prepared and tested in the laboratory. Bond strength of the binder-aggregate system was mechanistically quantified using surface free energy (SFE) method. Also, propensity of debonding of binder from aggregate surface in presence of moisture was determined using a similar approach. Relationships between different laboratory-based parameters and the SFE parameters were determined. Different parameters ranked mixes differently based on their failure mechanisms. Based on the results from this study and the DOT practices, the stripping number from HWT, toughness index ratio from ITS and Jc ratio from LA-SCB test exhibited potential for evaluating moisture-induced damage during the mix design phase.
Asset bubbles, financial sector, and current challenges to regulatory framework

The manuscript examines the causes of asset price bubbles and financial crises. It studies the current challenges facing the regulatory framework of the financial system. We argue that the current model of regulations can not stop the emergence of either asset bubbles or financial crises in the future. In a causal relationship, the current system of regulations tends to deal with effects, that is the liquidity shortage during the recessions, and not with the causes which can be referred to as distorted financial intermediation. In fact, regulations seek to cure symptoms rather than disease. The rules look like antibiotics, against which the infection acquires immunity. We intuitively propose the idea/concept of how to modify the current system and believe that this concept should be taken into account when developing an effective regulatory framework for the financial system.
VE-Cadherin and Vesicles Differentially Regulate Lymphatic Vascular Permeability to Solutes of Various Sizes

Lymphatic vascular permeability prevents lymph leakage that is associated with lymphedema, lymphatic malformations, obesity, and inflammation. However, the molecular control of lymphatic permeability remains poorly understood. Recent studies have suggested that adherens junctions and vesicle transport may be involved in regulating lymphatic vessel permeability. To determine the contribution of each transport pathway, we utilized an ex vivo permeability assay to directly measure the solute flux of various molecular weight solutes across a range of pressures in intact murine collecting lymphatic vessels. Pharmacological and biological tools were used to probe the relative contributions of vesicles and junction proteins in the lymphatic vasculature. We show that the permeability of collecting lymphatic vessels is inversely related to the solute molecular weight. Further, our data reveal that vesicles selectively transport BSA, as an inhibitor of vesicle formation significantly decreased the permeability to BSA (∼60% decrease, n = 8, P = 0.02), but not to 3 kDa dextran (n = 7, P = 0.41), α-lactalbumin (n = 5, P = 0.26) or 70 kDa dextran (n = 8, P = 0.13). In contrast, disruption of VE-cadherin binding with a function blocking antibody significantly increased lymphatic vessel permeability to both 3 kDa dextran (5.7-fold increase, n = 5, P < 0.0001) and BSA (5.8-fold increase, n = 5, P < 0.0001). Thus, in the lymphatic vasculature, adherens junctions did not exhibit selectivity for any of the solutes tested here, whereas vesicles specifically transport BSA. Overall, the findings suggest that disease states that disrupt VE-cadherin localization or expression will cause significant leakage of solutes and fluid from the lymphatic vasculature.
Fault Detection and Diagnostics Using Data Mining

The purpose of data mining is to find new knowledge from databases in which complexity or the amount of data has so far been prohibitively large for human observation alone. Self-Organizing Map (SOM) is a special type of Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) used in clustering, visualization and abstraction. In modern process automation systems, it is possible to collect and store huge amounts of measurement data. In this paper, SOM is used successfully to discover the base models from the automation system. Strategies based on data mining techniques are further developed for efficient fault detection and diagnostics. A semi-supervised anomaly detection technique is used with classification rules based on standardized data and domain experts’ analysis to construct the condition monitoring system.
I (heart) social ventures: Identification and social media engagement

Abstract Abstract Purpose The emergence of social media creates new opportunities for social ventures to foster consumer-social venture (C-SV) identification. Despite the great potential of social media to facilitate social interaction, research is limited regarding social media's effectiveness in developing consumer identification. The study posits that C-SV identification is driven by consumer engagement through social media sites and attractiveness of a social venture's identity. Data was collected from 304 social venture consumers who are connected to ventures via social media sites. Findings suggest a positive influence of engagement and attractiveness on C-SV identification. Two aspects of consumer social media experience, escapism and educational value, were found to enhance consumer engagement, while identity similarity and identity distinctiveness contributed to the attractiveness of a social venture's identity. The research provides social ventures with practical knowledge about the strategic use of social media sites as a vehicle for enhancing emotional and behavioral bonds with consumers.
Preliminary Evaluation of a Formal Approach to User Interface Specification

In this paper we report on a research project in which the user interface for a research nuclear reactor was specified using a combination of formal notations. The goal of the project was to evaluate the use of a combination of techniques and to assess their utility in specifying a user interface for a non-trivial safety-critical application. We conclude that the techniques worked well and scale up easily to the size of the application studied.
Public disclosure versus private practice: challenges in business process management

This paper explores the gap between actual work practices and their articulation. Our goal is to bring this gap to the forefront as an important consideration for operational process modeling. Business process models presuppose accurate disclosure of employee work practices. However, the presence of a gap between personal practices and their public disclosure is a challenge for accurately representing the true nature of business operations. We describe a field study of the working practices of a municipal organization where we identified this gap. We then offer several underlying motivations that contribute to the existence of this disparity. These findings hold important implications for global enterprises, and for process modeling efforts in general.
Heterosis and recombination effects on pig growth and carcass traits

The primary objective was to estimate breed, heterosis, and recombination effects on growth and carcass traits of two different four-breed composite populations of pigs. Experiment 1 (Exp. 1) included purebred and crossbred pigs originating from Yorkshire, Landrace, Large White, and Chester White breeds, and Experiment 2 (Exp. 2) included pigs from Duroc, Hampshire, Pietrain, and Spot breeds. Data were recorded on purebred pigs, two-breed cross pigs, and pigs from generations F1 through F6, where F1 pigs were the first generation of a four-breed cross. Pig weights were recorded at birth and at 14, 28, 56, 70, and 154 d of age. Average daily gain was calculated for intervals between weights, and ultrasonic backfat measurements (A-mode) were taken at 154 d of age. Feed intake was measured between 70 and 154 d of age on mixed pens of boars and barrows. Carcass backfat, length, and loin muscle area were measured on barrows at slaughter. Mixed-model analyses were done separately by experiment, fitting an animal model. Fixed effects included farrowing group and sex for growth traits and farrowing group for carcass traits. For ADFI, a weighted mixed-model analysis was done fitting farrowing group as a fixed effect, sire nested within farrowing group as a random effect, and weighting each observation by the number of pigs in each pen. To test feed efficiency, a second analysis of ADFI was done adding ADG as a covariate in the previous model. Included as covariates in all models were direct, maternal, and maternal grandam breed effects, direct and maternal heterosis effects, and a direct recombination effect. Recombination is the breakup of additive x additive epistatic effects present in purebreds during gamete formation by crossbred parents. Effects of direct heterosis significantly increased weights at birth, 14, 56, 70, and 154 d of age in Exp. 1. Effects of direct heterosis significantly increased ADG from birth to 14, 28 to 56, and 70 to 154 d of age in Exp. 1. In Exp. 2, effect of direct heterosis significantly increased weights and ADG at all ages. In Exp. 1, recombination significantly reduced loin muscle area. In Exp. 2, recombination significantly increased weights at birth, 14, 28, and 56 d, ADFI from 70 to 154 d, and ADFI adjusted for ADG. The correlation between maternal heterosis and recombination effects for all traits in Exp. 1 and Exp. 2 was approximately -0.90. Maternal heterosis and recombination effects were estimable, but greatly confounded.
Models of Health-Related Behavior: A Study of Condom Use in Two Cities of Argentina

This study aimed at determining the relative importance of motivational and control factors in the prediction of condom use in a high-risk heterosexual sample from two cities of Argentina. Participants reported their attitudes, norms, control perceptions, intentions, and condom use with regard to main and occasional partners. Control perceptions was the main predictor for intentions to use condoms and actual condom use with both partners. Furthermore, the norm of the partner predicted condom use with the main partner, whereas the norm of family and friends predicted condom use with occasional partners. There were no differences in condom-use determinants across men and women. Interventions for this population should train at-risk heterosexuals to manage the personal and interpersonal difficulties of condom use and warn audiences of implicit theories that associate love and commitment with perceptions that condom use with main partners is unnecessary.
The USSR and satellite communications: Competition and cooperation

Abstract This article examines the USSR's satellite communications provision in the international arena. The author first outlines the Intercosmos programme, collaboration between the USSR and France and India, and maritime satellite communications. He then discusses in detail the INTERSPUTNIK system, and Soviet international coverage and competitiveness in television. In conclusion, the complex interaction and overlap between cooperation and competition in space is explained.
Envisioning education 3.0: : The fusion of behavior analysis, learning science and technology

Worldwide the explosion of digital technologies of all forms puts us in the midst of a revolution in education, across both K-12 and university environments. The use of technology-powered learning holds great promise as an efficacious and egalitarian means to help increasing numbers of people (young and old) obtain or accelerate learning and meet challenges in a changing, competitive world. This transformation in how we view and do education has been referred to as Education 3.0, due to its interactive, self-learning, and personalized nature. Features include omnipresent adaptive digital environments and experiences and the ability of programs to self-learn and precisely adjust to the individual learner. Components such as personalized learning and competency-based education share critical features with behavior analysis. This article highlights the congruence between Education 3.0 and behavior analysis, and the opportunity for behavior analysts to create change.
Farming and non farming neighbors: conflict, coexistence, and communication.

ABSTRACT: Finding ways of helping farmers and non farm neighbors peacefully coexist is important for both farm families and their neighbors. Understanding neighbors9 concerns, and how they are expressed is a necessary element to preventing conflict between farmers and their neighbors. This study uses a phone survey of 601 neighbors of mushroom farms in Chester County, Pennsylvania to examine neighbors9 perspectives on farm/non farm conflict. About 23% of non farm neighbors had a concern about mushroom farms, and about half of these voiced their concern to someone. They were most likely to do so to other neighbors and the least likely to do so directly to the farmer. Yet non farm neighbors who voiced their concerns directly to farmers were the most likely to feel steps were taken to remedy their concerns. This result strengthens the argument that encouraging more direct communication between farmers and their neighbors will help reduce conflict.
A New Exhaust Emissions Concept

This report deals with a new exhaust emission concept, the idea of which is the reduction of raw exhaust emissions and improvement of fuel economy by operating a gasoline engine in its (HC + NO/sub x/) - minimum. This is accomplished with a smooth running control. Further components of this concept are a cylinder individual fuel injection system as well as a dual coolant circulation system.