cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Shedding of the zona pellucida by the rat blastocyst

It is known that rat blastocysts shed their zonae pellucidae during the afternoon of day 5 of pregnancy. The aim of the present study was to determine whether one can detect any morphological changes in the zonae before, during, and after shedding. From 74 rats killed between 11:00 and 19:30 hours on day 5 pregnancy, 711 blastocysts were recovered: 407 were zona-encased, 293 were zonafree, and 11 were half-way out of the zona. Preshedding changes were observed in the zonae of 34 of the zona encased blastocysts. The changes were confined to the regions of the embryonic and abembryonic poles. It was concluded that the blastocyst can escape from its zona by way of either the embryonic or the abembryonic pole. The entire process of zona shedding seems to be very rapid, since only 45 blastocysts (i.e., 34 exhibiting preshedding changes and 11 being half-way out of the zona), out of the 711 recovered, were observed during the process of shedding. Theoretically, for every zona-free blastocyst, an empty zona should have been recovered. However, the 293 zona-free blastocysts recovered were matched by only seven empty zonae. The reason for the rapid disappearance of the zona after shedding was not determined.
Toward Interoperable Publish/Subscribe Communication between Wireless Sensor Networks and Access Networks

Traditional wireless sensor networks (WSNs) often do not consider interoperability between WSNs and access networks. To address the issue, this paper investigates interoperable publish/subscribe communication in WSNs. The proposed middleware, called TinyDDS, provides two types of interoperability, programming language interoperability and protocol interoperability, by customizing standard data types, data representation and session protocol. Evaluation results show that TinyDDS simplifies the development of publish/subscribe applications and it is implemented efficient in memory footprint and power consumption.
Multiple estimation of concentrations in immunoassay using logistic models.

Immunoassay techniques yield estimates of concentrations of analytes based on comparison to known concentrations of a reference solution. The use of the nonlinear logistic model makes the error estimates and confidence levels approximate. When the goal of such a study is estimation of several unknowns, methods in common usage do not account for 'simultaneous' inference, i.e. the repeated use of the standard curve for estimating several concentrations. Alternative methods are described which take multiple use of the reference curve into account. Simulations using normally distributed data with variance proportional to a power of the mean compare different methods of obtaining calibration intervals and illustrate the approximate nature of all such techniques. Calibration intervals based on simple, commonly used methods do not provide the coverage promised, even for one-at-a-time estimation, and are not suited for multiple estimation and comparison.
SINNET: Social Interaction Network Extractor from Text

In this paper we present a demo of our system: Social Interaction Network Extractor from Text (SINNET). SINNET is able to extract a social network from unstructured text. Nodes in the network are people and links are social events.
Bioadhesion of various proteins on random, diblock and triblock copolymer surfaces and the effect of pH conditions

The adhesive interactions of block copolymers composed of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) and poly(methyl methacrylate)/poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) with the proteins fibronectin, bovine serum albumin and collagen were studied by atomic force microscopy. Adhesion experiments were performed both at physiological pH and at a slightly more acidic condition ( pH 6.2) to model polymer – protein interactions under inflammatory or infectious conditions. The PMMA/PAA block copolymers were found to be more sensitive to the buffer environment than PMMA/PHEMA owing to electrostatic interactions between the ionized acrylate groups and the proteins. It was found that random, diblock and triblock copolymers exhibit distinct adhesion profiles although their chemical compositions are identical. This implies that biomaterial nanomorphology can be used to control protein – polymer interactions and potentially cell adhesion.
Implementation and experiments with an algorithm for parallel scheduling of complex dags under uncertainty

Our earlier paper introduced a parallel scheduling problem where a directed acyclic graph modeling t tasks and their dependencies needs to be executed on n unreliable workers. Worker i executes task j correctly with probability pi,j. The goal is to find a regimen Σ, that dictates how workers get assigned to tasks (possibly in parallel and redundantly) throughout execution, to minimize the expected completion time. The paper provided a polynomial time algorithm for the problem restricted to the case when dag width and the number of workers are at most a constant, and showed necessity of these restrictions, unless P=NP. The current paper describes algorithm engineering approaches used to produce an efficient implementation of the algorithm, and experiments demonstrating how the algorithm scales.
Response of Liriomyza trifolii (Diptera: Agromyzidae) Larvae to Insecticides, with Notes About Efficacy Testing

Efficacy of 12 insecticides against first- and third-stage larvae of Liriomyza trifolii (Burgess) was determined in the greenhouse. With use of larval emergence and pupariation as the criteria for efficacy, most insecticides provided greater mortality of first-stage larvae. The exception was chlorpyrifos 25W, which was more efficacious against third-stage larvae. When adult emergence from pupae was used as a measure of efficacy, most insecticides provided better control of third-stage larvae than of first-stage larvae. The latter method, adult emergence, should be employed as the criterion for evaluating insecticides against third-stage larvae. The four insecticides providing the greatest mortality of the two larval age classes (first and third stage) were: SD 52618 85W [4H-1,3-thiazine,5,6-dihydro-2-(acinitromethyl)]; methamidophos 4E; methyl parathion 2E (microencapsulated) + permethrin 3.2E; and methyl parathion 2E (microencapsulated.)
Reflections on Realizing the Leaping Development of Agriculture in Hubei Province by Changing the Developing Mode

The leaping developing of agriculture in Hubei province was the result of leaping development of total economic aggregate,regional structure,environmental protection mode and resident living level.The problems and shortages of leaping development of agriculture in Hubei province were analyzed from the aspects of scientific and technological reliance,agricultural fundamental construction,agricultural product bands,total output value of agricultural product processing,resources saving of agricultural production,modern rural service industry,per capita net income of farmer.Corresponding countermeasures were also pointed out as well as the 5 basic directions needed to be insisted to realize the leaping development of agriculture in Hubei province.
Reforming the Care System to Support those Coming to the End of Life: Energetic national collaboration in quality improvement is teaching new insights into how to improve care at the end of life.

Background:Health care has shifted its focus regarding dying patients toward improving care rather than striving for cure.Methods:The Center to Improve Care of the Dying and the Institute for Healt...
Nonprofits as Agents of Public Policy

The previous chapter explained why nonprofit organizations are viewed as social capital assets. This chapter lays out the principal-agent paradigm. The paradigm is the framework through which the nonprofit as a social capital asset becomes an agent. The chapter ends with a brief discussion of some nonprofits as bearers of society’s risks.
Species Range Shifts

Climate determines where plants and animals can live. Plants and animals all have an “address”—the combination of conditions in which they can survive and reproduce. This address is called their niche : by definition, organisms cannot survive outside of their niche. Organisms all around the planet are now moving to track their niche as climate changes. From butterflies in North America and Europe to Aloe dichotoma in South Africa, species are on the move. The results will be large shifts is species' ranges and the rearrangement of plant and animal communities
Pride and Humility

As the previous chapter explores the negative implications or outcomes of inadequate or unhealthy approaches to pride and humility, this chapter examines better or healthier alternatives. The dangers of submission to abusive individuals, institutions, or movements are clear with Ellison and de Beauvoir’s examples, but what might be a healthy submission? In other words, how might one commit herself or himself to anything in a healthy manner? If the confidence of Aristotle’s “great-souled man” is as illusory as that of Machiavelli’s prince, then how might healthy pride be founded? What is an approach to pride and humility that might give the strongest basis for self-worth, the most reliable sense of human limitations and power, the best connection, interaction, and view of others, and provide the most dependable way to address fear?
Long-term depression-associated signaling is required for an in vitro model of NMDA receptor-dependent synapse pruning

Activity-dependent pruning of synaptic contacts plays a critical role in shaping neuronal circuitry in response to the environment during postnatal brain development. Although there is compelling evidence that shrinkage of dendritic spines coincides with synaptic long-term depression (LTD), and that LTD is accompanied by synapse loss, whether NMDA receptor (NMDAR)-dependent LTD is a required step in the progression toward synapse pruning is still unknown. Using repeated applications of NMDA to induce LTD in dissociated rat neuronal cultures, we found that synapse density, as measured by colocalization of fluorescent markers for pre- and postsynaptic structures, was decreased irrespective of the presynaptic marker used, post-treatment recovery time, and the dendritic location of synapses. Consistent with previous studies, we found that synapse loss could occur without apparent net spine loss or cell death. Furthermore, synapse loss was unlikely to require direct contact with microglia, as the number of these cells was minimal in our culture preparations. Supporting a model by which NMDAR-LTD is required for synapse loss, the effect of NMDA on fluorescence colocalization was prevented by phosphatase and caspase inhibitors. In addition, gene transcription and protein translation also appeared to be required for loss of putative synapses. These data support the idea that NMDAR-dependent LTD is a required step in synapse pruning and contribute to our understanding of the basic mechanisms of this developmental process.
Advanced Animal Model of Colorectal Metastasis in Liver: Imaging Techniques and Properties of Metastatic Clones.

Patients with a limited number of hepatic metastases and slow rates of progression can be successfully treated with local treatment approaches1,2. However, little is known about the heterogeneity of liver metastases, and animal models capable of evaluating the development of individual metastatic colonies are needed. Here, we present an advanced model of hepatic metastases that provides the ability to quantitatively visualize the development of individual tumor clones in the liver and estimate their growth kinetics and colonization efficiency. We generated a panel of monoclonal derivatives of HCT116 human colorectal cancer cells stably labeled with luciferase and tdTomato and possessing different growth properties. With a splenic injection followed by a splenectomy, the majority of these clones are able to generate hepatic metastases, but with different frequencies of colonization and varying growth rates. Using the In Vivo Imaging System (IVIS), it is possible to visualize and quantify metastasis development with in vivo luminescent and ex vivo fluorescent imaging. In addition, Diffuse Luminescent Imaging Tomography (DLIT) provides a 3D distribution of liver metastases in vivo. Ex vivo fluorescent imaging of harvested livers provides quantitative measurements of individual hepatic metastatic colonies, allowing for the evaluation of the frequency of liver colonization and the growth kinetics of metastases. Since the model is similar to clinically observed liver metastases, it can serve as a modality for detecting genes associated with liver metastasis and for testing potential ablative or adjuvant treatments for liver metastatic disease.
The Increasing Visibility of Right-Wing Extremist Women in Contemporary Europe: Is Great Britain an Exception?

Over the past few years, attacks by far-right extremists have occurred throughout Europe. In London, David Copeland’s 1999 Compton Street bombing has remained the most notable. As the far right seems to be making political strides and increasing its mostly street-based terror in many European countries, little has been researched about contemporary British right-wing extremism, probably because of the widespread notion that the country is not an ideal breeding ground for this political ideology. Moreover, gender has only recently become a central issue in the observation and examination of far-right terror. Elementary information regarding women in far-right politics and movements is widely lacking. This article critically reviews research trends, extracts information about women’s involvement in far-right extremism and points to essential gaps in existing research.
Learning Through Engagement: A Praxis Approach to Teaching Family Life Education Methodology

Cottle, Boden, and Richards discuss the Engaged Learning effort in the Family Studies emphasis at Utah Valley University. Their discussion includes how this process modified the teaching of FLE methodology to include more high-impact practices with a focus on the class (using meaningful, student-led assignments), the certification (certifying students in a widely used family curriculum), and the experience (teaching diverse families in a field-based setting off campus) and how high-impact elements are integrated into each.
Properties of He 4 Λ

In a study of the interactions of stopped negative kaons in a helium bubble chamber, production and decay branching ratios of $_{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}\mathrm{He}^{4}$ were measured. Relative decay branching ratios agree with earlier results but the production fraction is nearly a factor of two less than the previous measurement. The binding energy of $_{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}\mathrm{He}^{4}$ was determined from both production and decay reactions. The relationship of the difference between these two binding-energy results to the recent observation of an excited state in $_{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}\mathrm{He}^{4}$ or $_{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}\mathrm{H}^{4}$ at 1.09 MeV and the $\overline{K}\ensuremath{\Lambda}$ parity is discussed.
Flow Cytometry Based Detection of MRD in Bone Marrow of Patients with Multiple Myeloma: A Comparison Between Fluorescent-Based Cytometry Versus Cytof

The introduction of novel agents for the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) has shifted the emphasis towards achieving a molecular complete remission (CR). Traditional methods to detect malignant plasma cells (PC) in minimal residual disease (MRD) utilize multicolor flow cytometry (MFC) to detect aberrant phenotypes. However fluorescent-based MFC assays are limited by the number of markers, difficulty in standardization of assays and overlap of signal between the fluorescent channels. These limitations can be overcome by cyTOF, a flow cytometry assay based on time-of-flight mass spectrometry using antibodies labeled with heavy-metal ions, permitting simultaneous assessment of large panels of markers. We have developed a novel highly sensitive mass cytometry protocol for the detection of MRD. BM from 5 MM patients and 1 non-myeloma control were RBC-lysed and labeled with MM markers for MFC and cyTOF. cyTOF is a flow cytometry based on mass spectometry where antibodies are labeled with heavy-metal ions, permitting utilization of more markers without concern for spillover. The MFC panel included CD38, CD138, CD45, CD56, CD19, CD117. Labeled cells for MFC were acquired by BD LSR Fortessa.. The panel for cyTOF comprised markers for cells across the hematopoietic spectrum and those specific for MM. Labeled cells acquired with cyTOF were analyzed using SPADE. Limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) for MFC are based on prior reports. The results were compared with an independent commercial MFC-based assay (Genoptix). Malignant PC could be detected by MFC and cyTOF based assasys (See Figure). We were able to detect MRD in three subjects that had no detectable disease by an independent commercial MFC based assay (Genoptix). This can be attributed to acquiring at least 1x106 for our assays leading to a lower LOD and LOQ (greater sensitivity). Using cyTOF and SPADE, we could detect MRD in 4/5 patients. Overall our panel with cyTOF has a lower LOD than MFC for detection of MRD. Early detection of MRD in MM patients using a highly sensitive flow cytometry like cyTOF will help in risk stratification, predicting relapse and studying response to therapy. Disclosures Chari:Celgene: Consultancy, Membership on an entity9s Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Millennium/Takeda: Consultancy, Research Funding; Onyx: Consultancy, Research Funding; Array Biopharma: Consultancy, Other: Institutional Research Funding, Research Funding; Biotest: Other: Institutional Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding. Jagannath:Bristol Myers Squibb: Honoraria; Janssen: Honoraria; Merck: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria.
A Retroperitoneal Serous Cystadenoma of Müllerian Origin Masquerading as a Massive Renal Cyst.

A 78-year-old woman presented to the urology clinic with a large, symptomatic left-sided abdominal cyst that was believed to be renal in etiology for many years and that had been percutaneously drained 3 times previously with persistent regrowth. The patient underwent laparoscopic resection of this mass, which proved to be a completely distinct retroperitoneal cystic structure and was not renal in nature. Pathologic analysis ultimately revealed a rare occurrence: a benign retroperitoneal Mullerian serous cystadenoma. To our knowledge, this is the first report of such an entity "disguised" as a renal cyst.
NUTRITIONAL ENVIRONMENT INFLUENCES TRANSCRIPTION OF A PANTOCIN A BIOSYNTHESIS GENE IN PANTOEA VAGANS STRAIN C9-1

The histidine-reversible antibiotic pantocin A is produced by Pantoea vagans strain C9-1 and Pantoea agglomerans strains Eh252, EH318 and P10c and contributes significantly to efficacy of biological control of fire blight of pear and apple flowers caused by Erwinia amylovora. Antibiosis by pantocin A is observed on solidified defined media, such as MGA (MOPS gluconate medium amended with asparagine), but not on the solidified peptide-rich medium lysogeny broth (LB). It was not known if lack of antibiosis on LB was due to lack of pantocin A biosynthesis or to histidine in the medium reversing the effects of pantocin A. We used a green fluorescent protein (GFP) promoter probe in C9-1 to monitor transcription of the pantocin A biosynthesis gene paaA. GFP expression was higher in MGA than in LB. Addition of yeast extract or tryptone, components in LB, to MGA significantly decreased transcription of paaA. The observed lack of inhibition of E. amylovora by C9-1 in LB was positively correlated with paaA transcription. Addition of histidine or arginine, amino acids scarce on pome fruit stigmas, to MOPS gluconate medium (MG) decreased transcription of paaA compared to MG without amino acids. In contrast, asparagine and proline, amino acids that are abundant on pome fruit stigmas supported bacterial growth and transcription of paaA, which is in agreement with findings that pantocin A production is a key component of fire blight control by Pantoea spp. on floral stigmas.
Novel and innovative approaches to the treatment of β-thalassemia

Abstract Basic science studies have provided new insights into the pathophysiology of β-thalassemias. Studies of genotypic and phenotypic heterogeneity among patients and better understanding of control of erythropoiesis have provided new targets for designing novel agents that can be tailored to individual patient needs. JAK-2 kinase inhibitors and agents targeting the GDF-11/SMAD pathway are in clinical trials. Recent understanding of the control of switch of HbF to HbA during infancy has provided new targets for development of drugs and gene-editing strategies. Advancement in vector design, purification and transduction of human stem cells have led to multiple gene therapy clinical trials that are exploring the clinical benefits, safety and durability of these approaches. HSCT remains the only curative approach at present and continued improvements in unrelated and haplo-identical transplants is helping to expand the donor pool. Even though the future looks promising, carefully designed clinical trials in adults and children, with suitable end-points are still needed to confirm the efficacy, toxicity of these new agents, and improvements in quality of life of patients with β-thalassemia.
Pollution from Fossil-Fuel Combustion is the Leading Environmental Threat to Global Pediatric Health and Equity: Solutions Exist

Fossil-fuel combustion by-products are the world’s most significant threat to children’s health and future and are major contributors to global inequality and environmental injustice. The emissions include a myriad of toxic air pollutants and carbon dioxide (CO2), which is the most important human-produced climate-altering greenhouse gas. Synergies between air pollution and climate change can magnify the harm to children. Impacts include impairment of cognitive and behavioral development, respiratory illness, and other chronic diseases—all of which may be “seeded“ in utero and affect health and functioning immediately and over the life course. By impairing children’s health, ability to learn, and potential to contribute to society, pollution and climate change cause children to become less resilient and the communities they live in to become less equitable. The developing fetus and young child are disproportionately affected by these exposures because of their immature defense mechanisms and rapid development, especially those in low- and middle-income countries where poverty and lack of resources compound the effects. No country is spared, however: even high-income countries, especially low-income communities and communities of color within them, are experiencing impacts of fossil fuel-related pollution, climate change and resultant widening inequality and environmental injustice. Global pediatric health is at a tipping point, with catastrophic consequences in the absence of bold action. Fortunately, technologies and interventions are at hand to reduce and prevent pollution and climate change, with large economic benefits documented or predicted. All cultures and communities share a concern for the health and well-being of present and future children: this shared value provides a politically powerful lever for action. The purpose of this commentary is to briefly review the data on the health impacts of fossil-fuel pollution, highlighting the neurodevelopmental impacts, and to briefly describe available means to achieve a low-carbon economy, and some examples of interventions that have benefited health and the economy.
Abstract MP85: Fitbit Provides Valid Measures of Sedentary and Physical Activity in Preschool Children

Introduction: Both monitoring and promoting PA in children, two important areas in epidemiologic research, require the use of accurate and feasible measurement tools. The Fitbit activity monitor is...
Glucosamine use and risk of colorectal cancer: results from the Cancer Prevention Study II Nutrition Cohort

Use of glucosamine supplements has been associated with reduced risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) in previous studies; however, information on this association remains limited. We examined the association between glucosamine use and CRC risk among 113,067 men and women in the Cancer Prevention Study II Nutrition Cohort. Glucosamine use was first reported in 2001 and updated every 2 years thereafter. Participants were followed from 2001 through June of 2011, during which time 1440 cases of CRC occurred. As has been observed in prior studies, current use of glucosamine, modeled using a time-varying exposure, was associated with lower risk of CRC (HR 0.83; 95% CI 0.71–0.97) compared to never use. However, for reasons that are unclear, this reduction in risk was observed for shorter-duration use (HR 0.68; 95% CI 0.52–0.87 for current users with ≤ 2 years use) rather than longer-duration use (HR 0.90; 95% CI 0.72–1.13 for current users with 3 to < 6 years of use; HR 0.99; 95% CI 0.76–1.29 for current users with ≥ 6 years of use). Further research is needed to better understand the association between glucosamine use and risk of CRC, and how this association may vary by duration of use.
A Model for Training Science-Based Practitioners in Behavior Analysis

Our goal should not be to train scientist-practitioners but rather to train science-based practitioners, that is practitioners who base their practice on scientifically solid, applied research; and when caught in a tight spot where there is no Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis (JABA) research on which to depend, they base their practice on basic, scientific research, that is the Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior (JEAB) or more realistically B. F. Skinner’s pre-JEAB research.
Nutrition and Women: Facts and Faddism

Women are one of the most nutritionally vulnerable or high-risk groups, particularly during adolescence, childbearing, and nurturing years (Lowenstein, 1977). For the woman, nutritional risk, in its broad- est sense, goes back to her intrauterine existence and infancy. Evi- dence is now amassing to show that her growing years, adult develop- ment, and reproductive experience and outcome are modified by nutritional experiences early in life (World Health Organization, 1961).
Ultrasound Characterization of IM7/PEEK Composite Materials

IM7/PEEK composite materials may experience large mechanical and thermal stresses during service, and their failure mechanisms can be complex and have various modes. In this study, IM7/PEEK specimens for interlaminar shear strength testing were evaluated by both nondestructive ultrasound method and standard destructive test. First, IM7/PEEK specimens were fabricated under various processing parameters including roller speed, torch temperature, roller temperature, compaction level, N2 flow rate, and material tension level. Then ultrasound longitudinal wave velocity that is normal to fiber direction was evaluated and the influence of measuring locations and ultrasound frequencies from 0.5 MHz to 10.0 MHz were studied. Experimental results showed that 5.0 MHz is the most sensitive frequency to fabrication conditions and that ultrasound velocity can be related to some processing parameters such as materials tension, N2 flow rate and temperature. Finally, interlaminar shear strength experiments were carried out by standard short beam bending destructive tests. The relationship between ultrasound velocity and standard destructive tests were analyzed and the potential of ultrasound velocity for interlaminar shear strength evaluation was discussed.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Informality Conceptualized: The Continuum of Formality

The informal economy represents 50-75 percent of all non-agricultural employment in developing nations and 10-20 percent in developed nations. Defined as economic activity that produces legitimate ...
The effects of solution additives and gas-phase modifiers on the molecular environment and conformational space of common heme proteins.

Rationale The molecular environment is known to impact the secondary and tertiary structures of biomolecules both in solution and in the gas phase, shifting the equilibrium between different conformational and oligomerization states. However, there is a lack of studies monitoring the impacts of solution additives and gas-phase modifiers on biomolecules characterized using ion mobility techniques. Methods The effect of solution additives and gas-phase modifiers on the molecular environment of two common heme proteins, bovine cytochrome c and equine myoglobin, is investigated as a function of the time after desolvation (e.g., 100-500 ms) using nanoelectrospray ionization coupled to trapped ion mobility spectrometry with detection by time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Organic compounds used as additives/modifiers (methanol, acetonitrile, acetone) were either added to the aqueous protein solution before ionization or added to the ion mobility bath gas by nebulization. Results Changes in the mobility profiles are observed depending on the starting solution composition (i.e., in aqueous solution at neutral pH or in the presence of organic content: methanol, acetone, or acetonitrile) and the protein. In the presence of gas-phase modifiers (i.e., N2 doped with methanol, acetone, or acetonitrile), a shift in the mobility profiles driven by the gas-modifier mass and size and changes in the relative abundances and number of IMS bands are observed. Conclusions We attribute the observed changes in the mobility profiles in the presence of gas-phase modifiers to a clustering/declustering mechanism by which organic molecules adsorb to the protein ion surface and lower energetic barriers for interconversion between conformational states, thus redefining the free energy landscape and equilibria between conformers. These structural biology experiments open new avenues for manipulation and interrogation of biomolecules in the gas phase with the potential to emulate a large suite of solution conditions, ultimately including conditions that more accurately reflect a variety of intracellular environments.
УТОПИЧЕСКИЕ ИДЕИ В РУССКОЙ АРХИТЕКТУРЕ: КУЛЬТУРОЛОГИЧЕСКИЙ АСПЕКТ

Utopia is one of the most stable archetypical cultural concepts because it reflects the mankind’s desire to improve their world, find a better way of social organization and return to the paradise lost. The idea of the “general welfare domain” had been present in myths and religions of different peoples long before the term “Utopia” appeared as such. Utopian ideals were extremely typical of the European culture due to its extroversion and the aspiration for a more rational existence. Utopia demonstrates a number of very typical features including commonality, special isolation, timelessness (absence of historical times), autarchy (self-sufficiency, independence from the outer world, etc. including the separation from people), urbanism, regimentation and globality. Since XVI-XVII centuries the image of an ideal society has shaped as a city on an island. As a city quite often looks like an ideally transformable space, architectural Utopia plays a very specific role: it personifies the social Utopia. City-planning interpretation of Thomas Moor’s ideas presented a big interest for his contemporaries. Later there were many projects of “ideal” cities that were developed by Italian Renaissance architects. The XVIII century was marked by the appearance of Utopian socialist philosophy. A part of its supporters used to think that metropolitan cities could make a sound foundation for the development of industrial civilization, others advocated the networks of small independent communities. In Russia the first belletristic Utopias appeared in the XVIII century. They continued West-European traditions and preserved all traits of a classical Utopia, however, they acquired national color. All of them pictured an ideal future society that was embodied in new city types. Russian architectural Utopias are closely connected with social processes that predetermined the development of European culture in general. National Utopian architecture had its prime time after the revolution when architects got opportunities to implement their bold ideas
‘We’re coming!’ Danish American identity, fraternity, and political remittances in the era of World War II

Recent research on political transnationalism raises tantalising questions about how people, organisations, and ideologies in both host and homeland countries activate, shape, and constrain politic...
Economic integration agreements, immigrants and trade costs

Using data on the levels of economic integration agreements (EIAs) among 172 countries (35 OECD members and 137 non-members) that span the years 1995–2009, we examine the effects of immigrants and EIA levels on bilateral trade costs between immigrants’ host and home countries and whether the influence of immigrants on trade costs varies across types of EIAs. Results obtained from the estimation of a series of augmented gravity specifications using the multi-level mixed effects model (random intercepts and coefficients) indicate that increases in the level of EIA and in the stock of immigrants are associated with declines in bilateral trade costs (measured both at the aggregate level and across sectors). However, the trade costs-reduction effect of immigrants varies non-linearly with the extent to which their host and home countries are integrated. While heterogeneous across country pairs, the effect of immigrants on trade costs remains strong even among country pairs at the peak EIA level, implying that the effects of immigrants on international economic interactions is both expansive and broader than often understood.
Coral Ecosystem Connectivity Between Pulley Ridge and the Florida Keys

Mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs) have the potential to supply larvae to help sustain spatially discrete shallow-reef populations (Deep Reef Refugia Hypothesis); however, for this to be viable, mesophotic populations must be ecologically connected to shallow-reef populations. Three primary criteria for successful connectivity are: (1) robust populations of shallow-reef species must co-occur at mesophotic depths, (2) shallow and mesophotic habitats must be physically connected by currents, and (3) life history traits of organisms must enable successful delivery of viable larvae from mesophotic to shallow reefs. One such MCE, Pulley Ridge, is located on the west Florida shelf and supports populations of algae, sponges, corals, and fishes, some of which co-occur in mesophotic and shallow reefs. For organisms with short larval durations (hours to <10 days), such as many corals, Pulley Ridge is less likely to function as a larval source for shallow reefs. Genetic differentiation among depth-stratified coral populations in the Florida Keys confirms this reduced connectivity. In comparison, a population of a model fish species, the bicolor damselfish, at Pulley Ridge invests more heavily in reproduction than their shallow-reef counterparts, and biophysical modeling demonstrates that they can seed downstream, shallow reefs. Thus, the degree to which Pulley Ridge can serve as a refuge varies by taxon. For many key reef species, such as corals, population connectivity may be insufficient for Pulley Ridge to serve as a regular larval source. However, for fishes, including the invasive lionfish, Pulley Ridge may already be serving as a source of larvae for shallow-reef populations.
Stereo microscope based OCT system capable of subnanometer vibrometry in the middle ear

A principal tool for the visual inspection of the middle ear in the hearing clinic is the surgical stereo-microscope. We have developed a compact accessory for the surgical microscope that enables volumetric optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging of the middle ear as well as functional vibratory imaging with subnanometer sensitivity. The sensitivity to vibration is achieved by careful engineering of the microscope attachment and frequency-domain processing. The microscope attachment integrates the entire OCT interferometer onto a custom aluminum base that mounts directly to the accessory area at the foot of most surgical microscopes. This approach is effective at removing high-frequency phase-noise, thus enabling near shot-noise limited sensitivity above ~2 kHz even though the OCT system is suspended above the patient by a boom arm. We analyze the vibratory response in the frequency domain, hence our ability to measure vibrations in the tympanic membrane and ossicles is near the shot-noise limit. As a demonstration of this system we have recorded in vivo volumetric images of a healthy human patient as well as the vibratory response at the tympanic membrane down to the hearing threshold. We also show that it is possible to use time averaging to drive the noise floor down below 2 pm which allowed us to make the first measure of distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) using OCT. Finally, the system can easily be taken on and off of the surgical microscope and when in use does not impinge on the normal view through the surgical microscope.
Deep Learning Classification for Epilepsy Detection Using a Single Channel Electroencephalography (EEG)

The classification of brain signals using machine learning techniques is a powerful tool in the detection of brain disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and epilepsy. One of the most often used signals is electroencephalography (EEG). Different classification methods have been applied to the analysis of EEG waves with success, such as the support vec- tor machine. We apply deep learning classification to EEG signals for the detection of epilepsy using a convolutional neural network. Besides that this approach advantageously requires no feature extraction, another novelty of this ap- proach is that high classification accuracy can be achieved using only a single channel EEG. Numerical experimentation on a standard test data set shows a 90% or higher accuracy on average.
Effect of local environment on aggregate electronic properties of P3HT

In recent decades, fluorescent conjugated polymers have been widely studied due to their ability to produce low-cost and lightweight organic electronics. However, given that their solid state packing arrangements are difficult to control or predict, maintaining the desired emissive properties of the materials is challenging. As the emission wavelengths and quantum yields of these materials are highly sensitive to their solid state packing arrangements, pre-aggregation in solution can assist in maintaining properties through the transition between solution and solid state. Here we use poly(3- hexylthiophene) (P3HT), a well-studied organic semi-conductor, to explore the impact of aggregation on the photophysical properties of the material. We have employed various bulk and single molecule fluorescence-based methods to better understand the effect of aggregation on the emission properties of the polymer system. The addition of a highly-polar solvents to induce aggregation leads to strong emission quenching, but no change in the lifetime in solution. However, in the solid state the aggregates exhibit enhanced emission intensity combined with shorter lifetimes as demonstrated by fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM). To better understand the differences of the aggregate properties in the solution and solid state, fluorescence anti-bunching was used to probe the degree of electronic coupling of the polymer chains. Surprisingly, fluorescence anti-bunching measurements reveal the highly collective nature of the P3HT aggregate emission, which likely accounts for its strong fluorescence intensity in the solid state. Studying the aggregated system at both the bulk and single-molecule level will yield a better understanding of the aggregate properties which will lead to better control and higher performance of organic semiconductors in device applications.
Ischemic Heart Disease

History of ischemic heart disease is a significant risk factor for perioperative cardiac complications, including postoperative myocardial infarction, heart failure, arrhythmia, cardiac arrest, and death. A careful history and physical examination in patients with ischemic heart disease, including prior infarction and/or extent of coronary artery disease (CAD), is crucial prior to surgery to better assess and communicate risk to the patient and surgeon, and to suggest management that may mitigate risk perioperatively. This chapter provides suggestions for preoperative evaluation and perioperative management to optimize the care of patients with ischemic heart disease undergoing surgery.
English spelling acquisition by English Language Learners from Spanish-speaking background: The role of cognitive and linguistic resources and L1 reading status

Abstract Specific cognitive and linguistic factors, e.g., phonological memory and vocabulary knowledge to name a few, have been shown to influence spelling development in any native language, as well as among individuals learning an additional one. Spelling acquisition is also dependent on language typology, and may be subject to cross-linguistic transfer based on the level of L1 proficiency (e.g., schooling in L1). The present study examined acquisition of English (L2) spelling by a group of 5th and 6th graders (n = 60) whose L1 (Spanish) continues to be the home language, but whose main language of school instruction is L2. We addressed spelling acquisition based on English Language proficiency levels and L1 reading status (i.e., readers or non-readers in native language). Our results suggest that spelling errors reflected L1 interference or interlingual influences, based on structural differences between English and Spanish. Increased levels of L2 proficiency, however, resulted in more intralingual influences as part of the L2 learning process. Phonological memory was the most significant cognitive element supporting L2 spelling, which concurred with previous research. Reading ability in L1 was another contributor to L2 spelling quality, suggesting cross-linguistic transfer. We discuss the possible continuous role of oral L1 influence in the acquisition of L2 spelling and educational implications.
Removal of infrared divergences in the Beliaev-Dyson equation for Bose-Einstein-condensed systems

Abstract We present a renormalized theory which is free of the infrared (IR) divergences for Bose-Einstein-condensed systems. It is shown that the Beliaev-Dyson equation can be made regular in the IR limit by expressing the Green functions in the form of a series starting from the Bogiliubov approximation. In the resulting equations for Green's functions, all IR divergences are removed completely due to the appearance of natural IR cutoff factors. Our theory is applied to a low-density Bose gas, where we calculate the first three terms in the series expansion of the ground-state energy and chemical potential.
A Novel Basis for δ/3-ThaIassemia in a Chinese Family

We have studied a Chinese family in which β-thalassemia and δβ-thalassemia were found in simple and compound heterozygous states. The δβ-thalassemia heterozygote (the mother) had 22.3% hemoglobin F, of which 40% was Gγ and 60% Aγ; globin chain studies showed an α/β + γ ratio of 1.36. The compound heterozygote for δβ-thalassemia and β-thalassemia (the child) had the clinical picture of thalassemia intermedia and an α/β + γ ratio of 4.44. Gene mapping studies were performed using DNA from the affected child. Seventy kilobases of DNA in the β-globin gene cluster starting upstream from the e-globin gene and ending downstream from the β-globin gene were mapped, and no detectable deletions or rearrangements were detected. In addition, heterozygosity was detected at multiple polymorphic restriction sites in and 3′ to the β-globin gene, which excludes the possibility of a deletion of the entire β-globin gene cluster. This is the first example of a nondeletion δβ-thalassemia associated with increased expression of both Gγ and Aγ genes.
Comparison of short-term outcomes in patients undergoing elective total elbow arthroplasty versus total elbow arthroplasty for fracture

Abstract Background Total Elbow Arthroplasty (TEA) has demonstrated promising functional outcomes for the treatment of complex distal humerus fractures. In many other joints, arthroplasty for trauma is associated with increased risks for acute postoperative complications. The purpose of this investigation is to identify the in-hospital and 30-day postoperative complications for TEA performed because of distal humerus fracture vs. arthritis, and to determine whether acute fracture is associated with differences in complications after TEA. Methods The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program was used to identify patients who underwent TEA from 2006 to 2018. Patients who were diagnosed with distal humerus fractures were identified and compared with patients without acute fracture. Patients without fracture were further divided into those undergoing TEA for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) vs. osteoarthritis (OA). Demographic data, length of hospital stay, readmission rate, reoperation rate, and postoperative complications within 30 days were analyzed by univariate analysis. Multivariable logistic regression was used to isolate the effect of acute fracture on postoperative complications and readmission. Results Six hundred fourty-six patients underwent TEA, and 149 (23.1%) had undergone TEA for distal humerus fracture. Patients undergoing TEA for fracture had an overall adverse event rate of 13.42% compared to a complication rate of 12.47% in patients undergoing primary elective TEA (P = .76). On univariate analysis, patients who underwent TEA for fracture were not significantly more likely to require reoperation within 30 days (1.34% vs. 4.63% for RA and 4.11% for OA, P = .24) or require readmission within 30 days (5.37% vs. 4.63% for RA and 4.88% for OA, P = .52). Multivariable logistic analysis found that TEA for fracture was not independently associated with readmission, reoperation, major complications, or minor complications. Increasing age is associated with increased risk of minor complications. Female gender is associated with decreased risk of major complication, and higher ASA classification was associated with increased odds of readmission. Conclusions Acute fracture is not an independent risk factors for major complications, reoperation, or readmissions in patients undergoing TEA. Level of Evidence Level III; Retrospective Case-Control Study.
Towards situational awareness with multimodal streaming data fusion: serverless computing approach

The availability of large quantities of data has given an impulse for methods and techniques to extract unseen useful knowledge and process it in a fast and scalable manner. In order to extract the most complete possible knowledge from the continuous data stream, it is necessary to use the heterogeneous data sources and process information from multiple modalities. The systems that utilize multimodal data must take advantage of the up-to-date approaches for data storage, usage, cleaning and storage. Neural networks and machine learning approaches are widely used for data-heavy software where pattern extractions and predictions need to be conducted while serverless computing frameworks are being increasingly used for machine learning solutions to optimize cost and speed of such systems. This work presents a framework for processing data from multimodal sources where the task of feature and pattern extraction is performed on a serverless computing platform. The use cases for public safety solutions to increase situational awareness are described and compared with other implementation approaches.