cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transnational Competence in an Emergent Epoch

The article elaborates a framework for understanding the relevance of transnational competence to the dynamics that mark the transformations of our time. Nongovernmental stakeholders interacting through dense civil-society networks that permeate domestic-foreign frontiers bear increasing responsibility for the course of events. Based on linked interests, interorganizational knowledge generation and aggregation, partnerships, and interpersonal/intercultural interactions, they are deeply involved in addressing the many challenges posed by an ever more interdependent world. Transnational competence lubricates transterritorial networks and projects. Here, the authors extend earlier work that posited a worldwide skill revolution both by developing explicit dimensions of transnational competence and by introducing a behavioral component. The new framework provides analytical groundwork for explaining why some people, groups, and networks are more effective than others in forging meaningful transnational solidarities, negotiating and benefiting from the intensifying experience of globalization, and waging successful transnational campaigns. The article also probes how the spread of transnational competence is being facilitated by global migration and transmigration trends. The final section explores the governance implications of expanding transnational competency for the emergent epoch.
Modeling Transmembrane Transport through Cell Membrane Wounds Created by Acoustic Cavitation

Cells exposed to acoustic cavitation and other mechanical stresses can be transiently permeabilized to permit intracellular uptake of molecules, including drugs, proteins, and genes. Microscopic imaging and other studies suggest that intracellular loading occurs through plasma membrane wounds of submicrometer radius that reseal over time through the aggregation and fusion of lipid vesicles trafficked to the wound site. The goal of this study was to 1), determine the size of membrane wounds as a function of time after in vitro sonication of DU145 prostate cancer cells under conditions that caused extensive acoustic cavitation; and 2), theoretically model transport processes leading to intracellular loading. Our overall hypothesis was that intracellular loading is governed by passive diffusion through porous membrane wounds of up to 300-nm radius containing pores that permit entry of molecules up to at least 28-nm radius over a timescale of minutes. Experimental measurements showed intracellular loading of molecules with radii from 0.6 to 28 nm, where most loading occurred after sonication over a timescale up to minutes and where smaller molecules were taken up to a greater extent and over a longer timescale than larger molecules. Theoretical modeling predicted that membrane wounds would have a 300-nm radius initially and then would shrink, with a half life of 20 to 50 s. Uptake was shown to occur predominantly by diffusion and the increasing levels of uptake with decreasing molecular size was explained primarily by differences in molecular diffusivity and, for the largest molecule, geometrical hindrance within the wound. Mathematical modeling was simplified, because transport through porous wounds of possibly complex internal nanostructure was governed largely by transport at the edge of the wound, and depended only weakly on the size, number, and distribution of nanopores within the wound under the conditions relevant to this study. Overall, this study developed a theoretical framework for analysis of transmembrane transport through cell membrane wounds and thereby provided quantitative estimates of their size and lifetime.
QPSK modulators for digital cellular communication

Two quaternary-phase-shift-keying (QPSK) modulator ICs are described. These devices use a dual conversion architecture and image rejection techniques to integrate the modulation and upconversion functions of a digital cellular transmit chain. They feature low power dissipation and wideband operation while maintaining suppression of higher harmonics. For 2nd through 4th harmonics, 30 dBc of suppression are guaranteed. For the 5th harmonic and higher harmonics, 50 dBc are required. The modulation carrier is suppressed by greater than 30 dB as well. A sleep state dissipating less than 60 mW can be activated by applying a voltage to a single pin. A second version of the modulator includes an on-chip 90-degree phase shifter. Both devices are packaged in surface-mount small-outline packages. >
Vessel-sparing prostate radiotherapy: dose limitation to critical erectile vascular structures (internal pudendal artery and corpus cavernosum) defined by MRI.

Purpose: Most evidence suggests that impotence after prostate radiation therapy has a vascular etiology. The corpus cavernosum (CC) and the internal pudendal artery (IPA) are the critical vascular structures related to erectile function. This study suggests that it is feasible to markedly decrease radiation dose to the CC and the IPA and directly determine the impact of dose limitation on potency. Methods and Materials: Twenty-five patients (10 external beam, 15 brachytherapy) underwent MRI/CT-based treatment planning for prostate cancer. In addition, 10 patients entered on the vessel-sparing protocol underwent a time-of-flight MRI angiography sequence to define the IPA. The distance from the MRI-defined prostate apex to the penile bulb (PB), CC, and IPA was measured and compared to the distance from the CT-defined apex. Doses (D5 and D50) to the PB, CC, and IPA were determined for an 80 Gy external beam course. In 5 patients, CT plans were generated and compared to MRI-based plans. Results: The combination of coronal, sagittal, and axial MRI data sets allowed superior definition of the prostate apex and its relationship to critical vascular structures. The apex to PB distance averaged 1.45 cm (0.36 standard deviation) with a range of 0.7 cm to 2.1 cm. Peak dose (D5) to the proximal CC in the MRI-planned 80 Gy course was 26 (9) Gy (0.36 of CT-planned dose), and peak dose to the IPA was 39 (13) Gy (0.61 of CT-planned dose). Conclusion: The distance between the prostate apex and critical vascular structures is highly variable. Current empiric rules for CT contouring (apex 1.5 cm above PB) overestimate or underestimate the distance between the prostate apex and critical vascular structures. When defined by MRI T2 and MRI angiogram with CT registration, limitation of dose to critical erectile structures is possible, with a more significant gain than has been previously reported using dose limitation by commonly applied intensity modulated radiation therapy studies based on CT imaging. These techniques make “vessel-sparing” prostate radiotherapy feasible. © 2005 Elsevier Inc.
Relations between auditory nerve endings and cell types in the cat's anteroventral cochlear nucleus seen with the Golgi method and nomarski optics

Rapid Golgi impregnations of the ascending branches of the auditory nerve fibers and of the types of neurons in the anteroventral cochlear nucleus (AVCN) were studied. Entire ascending branches could be observed, some of these branches project to each subdivision, others do not. There are two main typesof large neurons: the bushy and stellate cells. Criteria were established for identifying unimpregnated bushy and stellate perikarya by means of Nomarski optics, and these criteria were checked by Momarski observations on neurons which had either impregnated dendrites and unimpregnated cell bodies or impregnated portions of perikarya. In this way, the relations of unimpregnated cell bodies to auditory nerve endings were observed. Furthermore, with Nomarski optics, the cytoarchitectonic subdivisions of AVCN could be determined. Differences in the end-bulbs and collateral endings formed by the auditory nerve fibers were distinguished in three of the cytoarchitectonic subdivisions of the AVCN. End-bulbs in the anterior division were much larger than those in the dorsal and ventral parts of the posterior division. The large end-bulbs of Held in the anterior division of the AVCN were consistently associated with the perikarya of bushy cells and not with those of stellate cells. The large end-bulbs are not observed in the posterior division. Thus, bushy cells in the posterior division, although morphologically similar to those in the anterior division, must have a different synaptic organization. This difference may correspond to electrophysiological distinctions in the time-patterns of response recorded in these regions following acoustic stimulation.
International Organisation of Women and Mathematics Education

At ICME 9, the International Organisation for Women and Mathematics Education (IOWME) met for four different symposia gatherings at which women and men from 24 countries came together to consider issues of equity and social justice in mathematics education. Presenters from Australia, England, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Israel, India, Japan, Singapore, the USA, Wales, and the West Indies reported upon their research findings. The sessions were extremely well attended, with members from 24 countries joining in with the debates. The symposia, organised by Leone Burton, from the UK, the outgoing convenor of IOWME, provided an extremely important forum for members to consider patterns of mathematics achievement and participation of girls and boys, women and men, and students of different cultural and social class groups across the world. All of the previous IOWME meetings have resulted in a publication and the sessions in Japan will form the basis of a book: Which Way Social Justice in Mathematics Education? This will appear in 2003 in the series for which Leone Burton is the series editor, called International Perspectives on Mathematics Education, published by Greenwood.
Tissue reactions after subcutaneous and intraosseous implantation of mineral trioxide aggregate and ethoxybenzoic acid cement.

Biocompatibility of mineral trioxide aggregate and ethoxybenzoic acid cement was investigated by subcutaneous and intraosseous implantation of the materials in rats. Tissue reactions were studied at 15, 30, and 60 days after implantation. Subcutaneous implantation of mineral trioxide aggregate initially elicited severe reactions with coagulation necrosis and dystrophic calcification; the reactions, however, subsided to mostly moderate with time. Subcutaneous implantation of ethoxybenzoic acid cement initially elicited mostly moderate reactions that subsided to mild in time. Osteogenesis was not observed with either material upon subcutaneous implantation indicating that neither material is osteoinductive. Reactions to intraosseous implants of both materials were less intense than with subcutaneous implantation. Osteogenesis occurred in association with intraosseous implants indicating that both materials are osteoconductive.
On the Feedback Control of Distributed Parameter Systems

ABSTRACT In this paper a method for determining control laws for distributed parameter systems is discussed. The method leads to feedback control systems which are completely stable and have improved speeds of response over those of the corresponding uncontrolled systems. Specific results are obtained for systems describable by parabolic and hyperbolic partial differential equations with controls introduced at the boundary and in the interior of the systems' spatial domains. Numerical examples are also given to substantiate the validity of certain theoretical results.
International Briefing 17: Training and Development in New Zealand.

New Zealand is one of the world's most geographically isolated and least crowded countries. New Zealand organizations are increasingly becoming aware of the importance of training and development as the country becomes more technologically sophisticated, multiethnic and older. The country needs higher productivity, business investment and skills development. Both the government and the corporate sector work to strengthen system capability and quality, to increase opportunities for on-the-job experience and to raise the skills of all New Zealanders for participation in a knowledge society.
Method for Identifying Vehicle Movements for Analysis of Field Operational Test Data

The independent evaluation of a roadway-departure crash-warning system will involve identifying and classifying conflicts and near-collisions from a vast quantity of field data. The classification of these events includes identifying vehicle movements such as negotiating a curve, making a turn, changing lanes, and merging. A unified algorithm that relies solely on vehicle kinematic data is developed for identifying such movements. The method works reliably for various types of road surfaces, road types, speeds, and conditions. The algorithm relies on metrics such as heading angle, lateral position, radius of curvature, and peak yaw rate—calculated from yaw rate and vehicle speed data—to classify vehicle-movement events from a large file of vehicle data. Tuning parameters for the algorithm, set both analytically and empirically, are provided. The results of the tests show that the algorithm makes correct identifications of vehicle movement about 80% of the time. The highest success is for turns, followed b...
Localized density matrix minimization and linear-scaling algorithms

We propose a convex variational approach to compute localized density matrices for both zero temperature and finite temperature cases, by adding an entry-wise ? 1 regularization to the free energy of the quantum system. Based on the fact that the density matrix decays exponentially away from the diagonal for insulating systems or systems at finite temperature, the proposed ? 1 regularized variational method provides an effective way to approximate the original quantum system. We provide theoretical analysis of the approximation behavior and also design convergence guaranteed numerical algorithms based on Bregman iteration. More importantly, the ? 1 regularized system naturally leads to localized density matrices with banded structure, which enables us to develop approximating algorithms to find the localized density matrices with computation cost linearly dependent on the problem size.
Molecular Basis of Cardiac Development

Abstract Development of the mature heart is a complex process that turns a field of mesodermal progenitors into a four-chambered organ with divided circulation. When this process goes awry, cardiac anomalies arise, and abnormalities of the heart present at birth, or congenital heart disease (CHD), have been described for centuries. CHD is highly prevalent, representing the most frequent birth defect worldwide. Tremendous strides have been made in understanding the developmental biology of cardiac morphogenesis and the human genetics of CHD. These fields of research are beginning to merge to provide an understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying CHD. In this chapter, we present the major developmental and molecular pathways of heart formation and how they are related to human CHDs that arise when these pathways are perturbed. While CHD is generally considered conceptually as a single disease, it is much more accurate to consider CHD as a compilation of numerous distinct specific diseases, each with their own developmental and molecular etiology.
OBSERVATIONS ON EVOLUTIONARY RATES IN HYPSODONTY

An examination of fossil horse teeth from the American Cenozoic faunas reveals a gradual increase in hypsodonty (the height of the crown of the cheekteeth) from late Lower Miocene to Pleistocene time. This is illustrated in the equine (Merychippus, Calippus, Pliohippus, Equis) -and hipparion (Merychippus, Hipparion, Neohipparion, Nannippus) groups of hypsodont horses. There is some increase in crown height in the other groups of horses but it is only slight or is associated with an increase in the dimensions of the tooth as a whole. Hypsodonty is displayed also in other families of North American plains animals (Castoridae, Heteromyidae, Geomyidae, Mylagaulidae, Rhinocerotidae, Caimelidae, Antilocapridae, etc.) at that time, but for the 'most part it is less accentuated and not as well documented as in the Equidae. In this report attention is directed to a combination of phenomena closely associated with this evolutionary progression in the horses. Simpson (1944, p. 16) states that"hypsodonty is an important unit character on the criterion of selection value, but morphologically it is the resultant of two other characters which are correlated in one way and uncorrelated in another, and genetically it is undoubtedly controlled by at least two and probably many genes that simultaneously control other, quite distinct phenotypic characters." In this connection it may be useful to enumerate some of the featires in the skulls and dentitions of Cenozoic horses that seem to have direct bearing on the inception and evolution of hyposodonty in the Equinae. Development of the crochet and the hypostyle as employed in the closure of the preand postfossettes was essential in the formation of a basic pattern for an effective triturating surface. From this basic pattern, then, in certain Lower Miocene species of Parahippus, the teeth in a succession of species and genera evolved into structurally sound hypsodont teeth. An additional strengthening factor was the deposition of cement which filled the inflection's and fossettes and even reinforced the outer surface of the tooth. Other important considerations in this evolutionary process would be, the gene or genes controlling an increase in the depth of the facial and the mandibular regions to accommodate higher crowned teeth, and those controlling thedeposition of enamel and dentine. Origin and evolution in Tertiary mammals, particularly in the hypsodont horses, has usually been correlated with a change in diet. This dietary change probably involved a shift from browsing on softer herbaceous plants to grazing on harsh or siliceous grasses which acted as abrasive agents on the teeth. Only a few authors have mentioned sand mixed in the food of the grazers as an additional source of abrasive material. These changes in turn, are associated directly with increasing aridity on the Great Plains of the middle and late Tertiary. It is observed that the appearance of widespread sandy deposits, together with the appearance of bunch grass (Stipidium,l Elias, 1935), and increasing aridity, are contemporary with the development of hypsodonty. M.
Interaction studies of methyl parathion, carbofuran, permethrin, and piperonyl butoxide applied to Southwestern Corn Borer Larvae (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Binary mixtures of two different ratios (4:1, 9:1) of methyl parathion with piperonyl butoxide or with permethrin, carbofuran with piperonyl butoxide or permethrin and permethrin with piperonyl butoxide were applied topically to the third instar south-western corn borer ( Diatraea grandiosella Dyar). A synergistic (i.e., significantly greater mortality than that predicted by the hypothesis of independent joint action) interaction resulted from the combination of carbofuran plus either permethrin or piperonyl butoxide at both the 4:1 and the 9:1 ratios. Synergism was observed at the 9:1 ratio of methyl parathion plus permethrin or piperonyl butoxide. The 4:1 combinations of methyl parathion plus permethrin and piperonyl butoxide resulted in an antagonistic (i.e., significantly less mortality than that predicted by the hypothesis of independent joint action) interaction. Antagonistic interactions also were observed with combinations of permethrin plus piperonyl butoxide at both ratios. These results suggest that the combinations of carbofuran plus either piperonyl butoxide or permethrin and the 9:1 combination of methyl parathion plus piperonyl butoxide or permethrin might profitably be tested in actual field situations.
Parental Choice of Recall Method for HPV Vaccination: A Pragmatic Trial

OBJECTIVES: Completion rates for the human papillomavirus vaccine (HPV) series among adolescents remain low. Effectiveness of recall with parents choosing the method (preference-based recall) for increasing HPV series completion is unstudied. Within a cluster-randomized trial, we examined effectiveness of preference-based recall compared with usual care for increasing series completion and the association of recall choices with completion. METHODS: All Kaiser Permanente Colorado pediatric practices ( n = 7) were randomized to intervention ( n = 4) or control ( n = 3) by using covariate-constrained randomization. From January to June 2013, parents at intervention practices whose adolescents received HPV 1 were asked the recall method they preferred for subsequent doses and if they also wanted their child reminded. Completion rates were assessed 1 year after HPV 1. RESULTS: At intervention practices, 374 (43%) of 867 patients were enrolled; 39% preferred text, 18% e-mail, 9% auto-dialer, and 34% 2-methods; 19% chose to have adolescent also recalled. Intervention adolescents were more likely to complete (63% vs 38%) than were controls (adjusted risk ratio 1.47 [1.38–1.57]) and less likely to be late in completing the series (45% vs 57%, P = .02). Rates of completion were similar between different recall methods, but significantly higher for those preferring e-mail and phone compared withother methods (90% vs 60%. P = .008). Completion rates were similar for adolescents who also received recalls (62%) versus those who did not (63%). CONCLUSIONS: Preference-based recall was effective in increasing HPV series completion rates, with point estimates substantially higher than for most published studies of reminder/recall.
DYNAMIC BEHAVIOR AND CONSTITUTIVE MODEL OF BASALT FIBER REINFORCED CONCRETE UNDER IMPACT LOADING

The impact behavior of basalt fiber reinforced concrete(BFRC) subjected to various high strain rates was investigated using a 100-mm-diameter split Hopkinson pressure bar(SHPB) apparatus.And it was compared with that of plain concrete.A new nonlinear viscoelastic constitutive model for BFRC was proposed and validated with experimental data.Fiber orientation effect was emphasized in the model.The experimental results show that the addition of short basalt fiber can significantly improve the impact compressive strength and energy-absorption capacity of the concrete.Comparison of model output with experimental data indicates that this nonlinear viscoelastic constitutive model is able to describe high-strain-rate mechanical behavior of BFRC reasonably.
Adaptive Memory: Animacy Enhances Free Recall but Impairs Cued Recall.

Recent research suggests that human memory systems evolved to remember animate things better than inanimate things. In the present experiments, we examined whether these effects occur for both free recall and cued recall. In Experiment 1, we directly compared the effect of animacy on free recall and cued recall. Participants studied lists of objects and lists of animals for free-recall tests, and studied sets of animal-animal pairs and object-object pairs for cued-recall tests. In Experiment 2, we compared participants' cued recall for English-English, Swahili-English, and English-Swahili word pairs involving either animal or object English words. In Experiment 3, we compared participants' cued recall for animal-animal, object-object, animal-object, and object-animal pairs. Although we were able to replicate past effects of animacy aiding free recall, animacy typically impaired cued recall in the present experiments. More importantly, given the interactions found in the present experiments, we conclude that some factor associated with animacy (e.g., attention capture or mental arousal) is responsible for the present patterns of results. This factor seems to moderate the relationship between animacy and memory, producing a memory advantage for animate stimuli in scenarios where the moderator leads to enhanced target retrievability but a memory disadvantage for animate stimuli in scenarios where the moderator leads to impaired association memory.
LKB1 Regulates Mitochondria-Dependent Presynaptic Calcium Clearance and Neurotransmitter Release Properties at Excitatory Synapses along Cortical Axons

Individual synapses vary significantly in their neurotransmitter release properties, which underlie complex information processing in neural circuits. Presynaptic Ca2+ homeostasis plays a critical role in specifying neurotransmitter release properties, but the mechanisms regulating synapse-specific Ca2+ homeostasis in the mammalian brain are still poorly understood. Using electrophysiology and genetically encoded Ca2+ sensors targeted to the mitochondrial matrix or to presynaptic boutons of cortical pyramidal neurons, we demonstrate that the presence or absence of mitochondria at presynaptic boutons dictates neurotransmitter release properties through Mitochondrial Calcium Uniporter (MCU)-dependent Ca2+ clearance. We demonstrate that the serine/threonine kinase LKB1 regulates MCU expression, mitochondria-dependent Ca2+ clearance, and thereby, presynaptic release properties. Re-establishment of MCU-dependent mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake at glutamatergic synapses rescues the altered neurotransmitter release properties characterizing LKB1-null cortical axons. Our results provide novel insights into the cellular and molecular mechanisms whereby mitochondria control neurotransmitter release properties in a bouton-specific way through presynaptic Ca2+ clearance.
What is fundamental for the maintenance of excellence in scientific periodicals

I am honored to contribute to this centenary edition of what will mark a landmark in the publication of medical science for the Revista de Medicina from the University of Sao Paulo Medical School. In response to the question, “What is fundamental for the maintenance of excellence in scientific periodicals?”, as an author, clinician scientist, and the Editor in Chief of the American Journal of Ophthalmology, my answer has remained the same. The criteria for meaningful scientific contributions in clinical medicine are threefold. [...]
The BizCafe Interpretive Simulation case study to teach strategic entrepreneurship

The BizCafe Interpretive Simulation is a good resource for teaching a restaurant business start-up. The simulation replicates the real life business of running a coffee shop. Each student will assume the role of coffee shop manager, and will make all the decisions necessary to survive in a competitive environment. The decisions encompass several aspects of the restaurant business. In the start-up period, determining the hours of operation, coffee prices, and wages are among the decisions. As in real life, some of the decisions—like whether or not to buy a pastry oven—are irreversible, with ramifications that will impact revenues and costs throughout the duration of the simulation. However, coffee prices and wages can be changed, based on analysis of the competitive set. As in any business venture, this is a contest to see who can survive. In this competitive set, there will be winners and losers, based on who has made the best decisions.
Treatment of Pre-pubertal Patients with Growth Hormone Deficiency: Patterns in Growth Hormone Dosage and Insulin-like Growth Factor-I Z-scores.

OBJECTIVE To describe the range of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) z-score values (IGF-Iz) and growth hormone (GH) dose adjustments in pre-pubertal patients with GH deficiency (GHD) treated with GH in a single tertiary care center. METHODS This is a retrospective review of GH-treated patients of ages ≤9 years with GHD, seen in an endocrinology clinic in 2013-2014. Patient demographics and pre-treatment anthropometrics, GH treatment duration, IGF-Iz, and GH dosage (mg/kg/week) were extracted. Multipredictor linear regression was used to evaluate the associations between IGF-Iz and GH dosage and subject gender, race, insurance type, age, and clinical characteristics. Logistic regression was used to calculate the odds ratio of direction of GH dose adjustment (decrease/no change versus increase) and IGF-Iz category based on patient clinical characteristics, accounting for provider random effect. RESULTS Forty-one percent (57/139) of IGF-Iz were outside the "normal" range of between -2 and +2 standard deviation; the majority of IGF-Iz beyond the "normal" range (93%) were supraphysiologic [>+2 standard deviation score (SDS)]. Of the IGF-Iz >+2, 10/53 (18%) were followed by a GH dose increase and 30/53 (57%) had no dose change. Patient clinical characteristics and demographics did not significantly increase the odds of being in the IGF-Iz >+2 SDS category or having a dose increase in multipredictor logistic regression models. CONCLUSION GH dosages and IGF-Iz varied, without significant patient clinical predictors. IGF-Iz was frequently supraphysiologic, and these levels often did not prompt a reduction in GH dose, likely influenced by a variety of factors. Our study emphasizes the need for better understanding of long-term safety and efficacy of maintaining supraphysiologic levels of IGF-Iz.
The Impact of Building Energy Standards on Energy Use and Demand

Although energy requirements, and the associated energy costs, have always been of some concern to building designers energy criteria are a relatively new addition to building standards. It took the formation of OPEC and the oil embargo in late 1973 to focus attention on energy use use in buildings and to initiate efforts to develop standards.
An Algorithm for the Use of Embolic Protection During Atherectomy for Femoral Popliteal Lesions

Abstract Objectives This study sought to identify an algorithm for the use of distal embolic protection on the basis of angiographic lesion morphology and vascular anatomy for patients undergoing atherectomy for femoropopliteal lesions. Background Atherectomy has been shown to create more embolic debris than angioplasty alone. Distal embolic protection has been shown to be efficacious in capturing macroemboli; however, no consensus exists for the appropriate lesions to use distal embolic protection during atherectomy. Methods Patients with symptomatic lower extremity peripheral artery disease treated with atherectomy and distal embolic protection were evaluated to identify potential predictors of DE. Plaque collected from the SilverHawk nose cone subset was sent to pathology for analysis to evaluate the accuracy of angiography in assessing plaque morphology. Results Significant differences were found in lesion length (142.1 ± 62.98 vs. 56.91 ± 41.04; p = 0.0001), low-density lipoprotein (82.3 ± 40.3 vs. 70.9 ± 23.2; p = 0.0006), vessel runoff (1.18 ± 0.9 vs. 1.8 ± 0.9; p = 0.0001), chronic total occlusion (131 vs. 10; p = 0.001), in-stent restenosis (33 vs. 6; p = 0.0081), and calcified lesions (136 vs. 65; p Conclusions Chronic total occlusion, in-stent restenosis, thrombotic, calcific lesions >40 mm, and atherosclerotic lesions >140 mm identified by peripheral angiography necessitate concomitant filter use during atherectomy to prevent embolic complications.
The relationship between young children’s language abilities, creativity, play, and storytelling

This study examined the connection between young children’s social play, creativity, storytelling, and language abilities. Participants were 56 primarily European American preschool children. First...
Learning Networking by Reproducing Research Results

In the past five years, the graduate networking course at Stanford has assigned over 200 students the task of reproducing results from over 40 networking papers. We began the project as a means of teaching both engineering rigor and critical thinking, qualities that are necessary for careers in networking research and industry. We have observed that reproducing research can simultaneously be a tool for education and a means for students to contribute to the networking community. Through this editorial we describe our project in reproducing network research and show through anecdotal evidence that this project is important for both the classroom and the networking community at large, and we hope to encourage other institutions to host similar class projects.
Open access outreach: SMASH vs. Suasion

Some librarians became open access (OA) supporters because they were outraged—and budgetarily hamstrung—by certain commercial publishers’ artificially inflated prices. (We know they are artificially inflated, unjustified production costs because these publishers have jaw-dropping profit margins, higher than those of Disney, Starbucks, Google, and even Apple.1) Other librarians were won over to OA by its more altruistic aspects, by the promise of a world rich in knowledge. However, in their outreach to patrons, librarians cannot rely on the arguments that swayed them. What convinced a librarian to embrace OA may not convert a student, a faculty member, or an administrator. Therefore, librarians must consider what rhetoric works on whom and craft different arguments for different audiences.
Adaptive Time Integration for Hyperbolic Conservation Equations

We introduce a fundamentally new time integration method for hyperbolic conservation laws based on self-adaptivity of the temporal method itself. The adaptivity is based upon the smoothness of the solution measured locally in time. Our approach can be contrasted with the usual global selection of a time integration methods and error-based time step selection methodology. A challenge to this approach is maintaining the adaptivity and the conservation form. These methods are challenged with several standard problems as well as high-resolution experimental data of shock-driven mixing (Richtmyer-Meshkov).
Intraoperative cardiac arrest etiologies in head and neck surgery: A comprehensive review.

Background The etiologies of intraoperative cardiac arrest within otolaryngology are not well understood as they are rare events. Methods A comprehensive review of the etiologies and corresponding pathophysiologic neural mechanisms of intraoperative cardiac arrest in otolaryngologic surgery are examined. Results The occurrence of this rare complication has been described in a range of head and neck procedures, including but not limited to suspension laryngoscopy and oncologic resections in the neck, maxilla and thyroid. Three anatomically distinct pathways leading to intraoperative cardiac arrest are described: direct vagal stimulation, the trigeminocardiac reflex and the baroreceptor reflex. All three share the final common pathway of parasympathetic signaling to the sinoatrial node via the cardiac fibers of the vagus nerve. Conclusion With a firm understanding of the mechanistic underpinning of this rare phenomenon, otolaryngologic surgeons can be better prepared for its occurrence.
Effects of Experience on Host-Plant Selection

Anyone who has watched insects selecting their host plants in nature is aware of the variability of responses shown by the insects with respect to attraction, landing, acceptance, and oviposition or feeding. Some of this variation results from genetic differences among individuals, and some of it is due to variation among plants that we usually cannot detect (Singer and Parmesan, 1993). However, a third variable may be even more important, and that is the effect of past experience on the herbivore. The experiential effects may be short-term and readily reversible or they may be long-term and less readily reversed. In almost all cases, plant chemicals are involved, and the experiences can profoundly influence which of the various available host plants will be selected at any given time.
Epidemiology of traumatic brain injury-associated epilepsy and early use of anti-epilepsy drugs: An analysis of insurance claims data, 2004-2014.

Abstract Background About 2.8 million TBI-related emergency department visits, hospitalizations and deaths occurred in 2013 in the United States. Post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE) can be a disabling, life-long outcome of TBI. Objectives The purpose of this study is to address the probability of developing PTE within 9 years after TBI, the risk factors associated with PTE, the prevalence of anti-epileptic drug (AEDs) use, and the effectiveness of using AEDs prophylactically after TBI to prevent the development of PTE. Methods Using MarketScan® databases covering commercial, Medicare Supplemental, and multi-state Medicaid enrollees from 2004 to 2014, we examined the incidence of early seizures (within seven days after TBI) and cumulative incidence of PTE, the hazard ratios (HR) of PTE by age, gender, TBI severity, early seizure and AED use (carbamazepine, clonazepam, divalproex sodium, gabapentin, lamotrigine, levetiracetam, oxcarbazepine, phenytoin, pregabalin, topiramate, acetazolamide). We used backward selection to build the final Cox proportional hazard model and conducted multivariable survival analysis to obtain estimates of crude and adjusted HR (cHRs, aHRs) of PTE and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results The incidence of early seizure among TBI patients in our study was 0.5%. The cumulative incidence of PTE increased from 1.0% in one year to 4.0% in nine years. Most patients with TBI (93%) were not prescribed any AED. Gender was not associated with PTE. The risk of PTE was higher for individuals with older age, early seizures, and more severe TBI. Only individuals using prophylactic acetazolamide had significantly lower risk of PTE (aHR = 0.6, CI 0.4-0.9) compared to those not using any AED. Conclusion The probability of developing PTE increased within the study period. The risk of developing PTE significantly increased with age, early seizure and TBI severity. Most of the individuals did not receive AED after TBI. There was no evidence suggesting AEDs helped to prevent PTE with the possible exception of acetazolamide. However, further studies may be needed to test the efficacy of acetazolamide in preventing PTE.
Exploring crown-ether functionalization on the stabilization of hexavalent neptunium

Crown-ether molecules are used in radiochemical separations due to their high selectivity for a range of metal cations. Previous investigations regarding the interactions of 18-crown-6 (18C6) with 237Np suggested the formation of a Np(v) inclusion complex, but also reported rapid reduction of Np(vi) to Np(v) in the presence of the ether molecule. Herein, we investigate the impact of crown ether functionalization by exploring the Np(v) and Np(vi) dicyclohexano-18-crown-6 (DCH-18C6) systems. Two [X(DCH-18C6)]2[Np(vi)O2Cl4] compounds (X = K (1) and Na (2)) were crystallized and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. Additional studies of Np(vi), Np(v), and Np(v)/Np(vi) in solution indicated redox stability in the presence of functionalized crowns and preferential crystallization of Np(vi) DCH-18C6 solids. These results indicate that functionalization of the crown can lead to higher resistance to radiolysis and increased stability of the Np(vi) oxidation state in solution.
Using "Research Boxes" to Enhance Understanding of Primary Literature and the Process of Science.

Helping undergraduate students engage with primary literature and understand the process of science are high-priority skills in most life science courses. Collaborative learning activities that enhance these skills will continue to be in high demand by instructors at all levels. Here we present a “Research Box” learning activity that helps students engage with primary research articles in a guided and collaborative fashion. Students summarize key components of an empirical study in a one-page figure. An assessment rubric is also included that can be easily modified by instructors to meet their specific needs. Assessment data from two institutions reveal that students value this activity and report that it increases their confidence at understanding primary research articles and experimental results. The Research Box activity is easy to implement, can be completed in a single class period, and provides instructors with a well-defined way to assess student comprehension of experimental design and data interpretation.
Beyond rehabilitation: A prevention model of reserve and brain maintenance in multiple sclerosis

Persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience cognitive and physical decline despite more effective disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), and symptomatic treatments currently have limited efficacy. The best treatment of MS disability may, therefore, be prevention of decline. Here, we present a working model of reserve and brain maintenance, with a focus on modifiable risk and protective factors. At disease onset, patients have varying degrees of reserve, broadly conceptualized as the dynamic availability of cerebral resources to support functional capacity. A clinical focus on prevention aims to minimize factors that deplete reserve (e.g. disease burden, comorbidities) and maximize factors that preserve reserve (e.g. DMTs, cardiovascular health). We review evidence for cardiovascular health, diet, and sleep as three potentially important modifiable factors that may modulate cerebral reserve generally, but also in disease-specific ways. We frame the brain as a limited capacity system in which inefficient usage of available cerebral capacity (reserve) leads to or exacerbates functional deficits, and we provide examples of factors that may lead to such inefficiency (e.g. poor mood, obesity, cognitive-motor dual-tasking). Finally, we discuss the challenges and responsibilities of MS neurologists and patients in pursuing comprehensive brain maintenance as a preventive approach.
Engineered nanoparticles for systemic siRNA delivery to malignant brain tumours

Improved delivery materials are needed to enable siRNA transport across biological barriers, including the blood-brain barrier (BBB), to treat diseases like brain cancer. We engineered bioreducible nanoparticles for systemic siRNA delivery to patient-derived glioblastoma cells in an orthotopic mouse tumor model. We first utilized a newly developed biomimetic in vitro model to evaluate and optimize the performance of the engineered bioreducible nanoparticles at crossing the brain microvascular endothelium. We performed transmission electron microscopy imaging which indicated that the engineered nanoparticles are able to cross the BBB endothelium via a vesicular mechanism. The nanoparticle formulation engineered to best cross the BBB model in vitro led to safe delivery across the BBB to the brain in vivo. The nanoparticles were internalized by human brain cancer cells, released siRNA to the cytosol via environmentally-triggered degradation, and gene silencing was obtained both in vitro and in vivo. This study opens new frontiers for the in vitro evaluation and engineering of nanomedicines for delivery to the brain, and reports a systemically administered biodegradable nanocarrier for oligonucleotide delivery to treat glioma.
Nucleus Accumbens as a Novel Target for Deep Brain Stimulation in the Treatment of Addiction: A Hypothesis on the Neurochemical and Morphological Basis

Addiction is a major cause of mortality and morbidity. Apart from psychotropic substances, alcohol and nicotine remain the common addictive materials responsible for the majority of deaths. Conventional conservative therapies are beneficial to certain populations, but the majority may require interventional treatments such as deep brain stimulation (DBS) in view of increasing mortality from drug abuse in recent years. We present a brief review on a novel neuromodulation target of the nucleus accumbens (NA) and its promising role in the management of addiction. The three stages of the addiction cycle are known to be mediated by dopaminergic pathways located in the mesolimbic dopamine system with connections to dorsal striatum, extended amygdala, cingulate gyrus, orbitofrontal cortex, prefrontal cortex, and ventral tegmental area. Recent advanced neuroimaging in humans and several animal studies demonstrated NA to be a vital anatomical area modulating this network. DBS of NA in animals reduced addictive behavior to alcohol, cocaine, and other narcotics significantly. The accidental observation that DBS of NA for psychiatric illnesses induced relief from addiction to alcohol and smoking has encouraged further research of late. Bilateral NA ablative surgery had shown nonrelapse in more than 50% of cases. Small series of patients have benefited so far from DBS of NA, but larger numbers are required to provide evidence-based treatment. The modulation of dopaminergic pathways through DBS of NA as a valid treatment for addiction is substantiated extensively by animal studies and also in a few clinical studies. However, this needs to be validated by a well-structured, multicenter controlled study in a large group of patients suffering from substance abuse.
Empirical validation of building energy modeling for multi-zones commercial buildings in cooling season

Abstract Recent nationwide efforts have provided reliable empirical data for ASHRAE standard 140, “Standard Method of Test for the Evaluation of Building Energy Analysis Computer Programs,” to enable improved accuracy of building energy modeling (BEM) engines and improved characterization of their accuracy. Use of reliable empirical validation datasets in the evaluation of BEM tools will lead to more consistent and validated simulation engines across all software vendors. This will expedite the use of BEM in designing new buildings and retrofitting existing buildings, which delivers more energy-efficient buildings. In this study, a set of validation tests was performed in an occupancy-emulated small office building during a cooling season based on the test plan carefully designed per ASHRAE standard 140. Without making any calibration effort, major building simulation modules such as main heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system and infiltration model are validated with actual experimental data. Finally, an EnergyPlus simulation model was built based on as-built drawings, HVAC specifications, and measured data. Hourly simulation outputs were compared with the measured datasets from the tests to examine the goodness of fit. The generated experimental datasets and model input documentation of the test building will help industries and researchers to validate new BEM tools and improve their simulation engines. The validated simulation models can be leveraged as a rigorously validated benchmark commercial building.
Parallelität: Affine Geometrie

Gerade und Inzidenz sind die einfachsten geometrischen Begriffe. In unserem Anfangskapitel werden wir aber noch den Begriff der Parallelitat hinzunehmen, der spater als ein Spezialfall der Inzidenz erkannt wird. Damit gelangen wir in die Affine Geometrie, die unserer Anschauung sehr nahe ist. Noch wichtiger: Aus ihr lasst sich die Lineare Algebra anschaulich begrunden, denn die anschauliche Vektoraddition hat mit Parallelogrammen zu tun, die Skalarmultiplikation mit zentrischen Streckungen und Strahlensatzen. Damit konnen wir im zweiten Schritt die Affine Geometrie in die Lineare Algebra einbetten und geometrische Sachverhalte algebraisch ausdrucken. Das betrifft besonders die Symmetriegruppe, die Gruppe aller Transformationen, die Geraden und Parallelen erhalten: Wir konnen sie algebraisch kennzeichnen. Der algebraische Standpunkt gestattet es uns, ohne zusatzliche Muhe in zweierlei Hinsicht uber die Anschauung hinauszugehen und damit die Geometrie auch auf nicht-anschauliche Sachverhalte anwenden zu konnen: Die Dimensionszahl darf beliebig sein, auch groser als zwei oder drei, und die reellen Zahlen, die das eindimensionale Kontinuum beschreiben, konnen durch einen beliebigen Korper ersetzt werden.
Cost of Occupational Incidents for Electrical Contractors: Comparison Using Robust-Factorial Analysis of Variance

AbstractConstruction accidents can negatively affect the performance of a project. Evaluating the financial consequences of these accidents is an effective method for measuring their impacts on own...