cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Precipitin-like reactions of polysaccharides with gelatin in aqueous solution

Abstract The following polysaccharides and polysaccharide derivatives give precipitin-like reactions with gelatin in distilled, de-ionized water: glycogen, soluble starch, lichenan; phosphates of soluble starch, glycogen, and dextran; phosphono- D -mannan, and phosphono- D -galactan. Uronic acid-containing, and sulfated polysaccharides which elicited precipitin reactions were: dextran sulfate (mol. wt. 2 x 10 6 ), agar, poly- D -galacturonic acid, gum karaya, L -arabinan, pectin, gum tragacanth, and gum arabic. The following acidic polysaccharides and phosphorus-containing biopolymers elicited precipitin reactions, but only at high concentrations of gelatin (10—30 mg of gelatin per mg of polymer): dextran sulfates (mol. wt. 1.8 x 10 4 and 5 x 10 5 ), fucan, carrageenans, chondroitin sulfate, hyaluronic acid, sodium pectate, D -xylan, RNA, DNA, poly(adenylic acid), phosvitin, and ovalbumin. With the exception of dextran sulfates and fucan-gelatin interactions, all polymer-gelatin precipitin reactions were inhibited, either partially or totally, in the presence of 0.145 M sodium chloride. In contrast, the dextran sulfates and fucan showed enhanced precipitation with gelatin in the presence of 0.145 M sodium chloride. All polymer-gelatin precipitin reactions were inhibited by 1.0 M urea or 0.3 M byguanidine. The complex, phenol-extracted, bacterial lipopolysaccharides of Salmonella and Escherichia genera also elicited precipitin reactions with gelatin in distilled, de-ionized water, whereas the corresponding lipopolysaccharide preparations extracted with 5% trichloroacetic acid (TCA) failed to elicit precipitin reactions. Both trypsin-digested and 5% TCA-extracted lipopolysaccharides from Serratia marcescens elicited precipitin curves similar to the acidic polysaccharide-gelatin precipitin curves. Soluble starch, glycogen, and lipopolysaccharides of E. coli 0111:B4 gave rise to characteristic u.v.-scattering spectra when complexed with gelatin. The i.r. absorption spectra of gelatin and gelatin- D -glucan complexes indicated spectral shifts on complexation in the regions of 1650–1450 cm −1 and 1100–900 cm −1 . Optical rotatory dispersion spectra were used to detect formation of a complex between gelatin and neutral D -glucans. The effects of sodium chloride, urea, and guanidine hydrochloride, in conjunction with u.v. difference spectra, on various biopolymeric, gelatin complexes are discussed in terms of the electrostatic and hydrogen-bonding forces most probably responsible for specific polymer-gelatin, precipitin-reactions.
DIMENSIONS OF EDUCATIONAL ATTITUDES: FACTORIAL CONGRUENCE OF TWO SCALES

A second-order factor analysis of responses to Kerlinger's ES-VII and Oliver and Butcher's Survey of Opinions about Education was performed. Both scales were designed to measure “Attitudes toward Education”. Seven first-order factors emerged, as follows: (1) Career Training; (2) Moral vs. Religious Training; (3) Corporal Punishment; (4) Individualized Instruction; (5) Subject Matter and Knowledge; (6) Expansion of Education; and (7) School as a Social Force. Two second-order factors emerged. The first was a bipolar factor involving Kerlinger's concept of “Traditionalism” and Oliver and Butcher's “Tendermindedness”. The second combined Kerlinger's “Progressivism” with Oliver and Butcher's “Radicalism”.
Implementing multiply-accumulate operation in multiplication time

Multiply-accumulate is an important and expensive operation. It is frequently used in digital signal processing and video/graphics applications. As a result, any improvement in the delay for performing this operation could have a positive impact on clock speed, instruction time and processor performance. In this paper, we show how, by extending our view of a parallel multiplier, we can apply recent innovations in parallel multiplier design to multiply-accumulators. This application results in multiply-accumulators that are as fast as multipliers of the same size (these multipliers have been shown to result in provably optimal delays faster than current designs). This allows a single (optimal multiply-accumulate) circuit to be used for both operations without delay penalty. As a result, multiply-accumulate can be efficiently and effectively implemented as an instruction in RISC CPUs. Additionally, the circuit design reduces the number of devices needed over current fast multiplier designs, so that real estate and power savings also result.
Causes and consequences of single-male and multimale mating in free-ranging patas monkeys, Erythrocebus patas

Abstract Patas monkeys and many forest guenon species live in one-male groups throughout the year. During some conceptive seasons, extragroup males enter the troop singly or in small groups to copulate with females, although this multimale state persists only as long as the conceptive season lasts. Our goals in this study were to (1) examine how the number of males in the group affected levels of intrasexual mate competition in males and females, (2) identify the proximate factors accounting for changes from single- to multimale mating, and (3) develop a model comparing the proximate factors leading to single- and multimale mating in patas monkeys with those for forest guenons. We studied the copulatory patterns of 23 female and 11 male patas monkeys during three breeding seasons in Laikipia, Kenya, and used rates and patterning of mate guarding, copulation harassment and wounding as indices of intrasexual competition. We observed multimale mating during the 1995 conceptive season, and single-male mating during 1997 and 1998. We found that moderately strong intrasexual competition in males led to infrequent high-intensity encounters across all mating seasons, and that males competed to control access to groups of females year round. Female intrasexual competition for mates was low, but slightly more vigorous during single-male mating seasons. Our model suggests that specific demographic and ecological conditions, combined with a single life history variable, interbirth interval, explain observed variation in mating systems of groups of patas monkeys and forest guenons.
Maternal and congenital toxoplasmosis, currently available and novel therapies in horizon

Over one billion people worldwide are predicted to harbor Toxoplasma infection frequently with unknown lifelong health consequences. Toxoplasmosis is an important cause of foodborne, inflammatory illnesses, as well as congenital abnormalities. Ubiquitous Toxoplasma has a unique tropism for central nervous system with a mind-bugging effect and is transmitted sexually through semen. Currently available therapies are ineffective for persistent chronic disease and congenital toxoplasmosis or have severe side effects which may result in life-threatening complications. There is an urgent need for safe and effective therapies to eliminate or treat this cosmopolitan infectious and inflammatory disease. This investigation discusses pathogenesis of maternal and congenital toxoplasmosis, the currently available therapies in practice, and the experimental therapeutic modalities for promising future trials.
Detecting information-dense texts in multiple news domains

We introduce the task of identifying information-dense texts, which report important factual information in direct, succinct manner. We describe a procedure that allows us to label automatically a large training corpus of New York Times texts. We train a classifier based on lexical, discourse and unlexicalized syntactic features and test its performance on a set of manually annotated articles from business, U.S. international relations, sports and science domains. Our results indicate that the task is feasible and that both syntactic and lexical features are highly predictive for the distinction. We observe considerable variation of prediction accuracy across domains and find that domain-specific models are more accurate.
Roles of MicroRNAs in the life cycles of mammalian viruses

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small noncoding RNAs expressed by plants, animals, and some viruses. miRNAs generally function as part of miRNA-induced silencing complexes to modestly repress mRNAs with imperfect sequence complementarity. Over the last years, many different roles of miRNA mediated regulation in the life cycles of mammalian viruses have been uncovered. In this chapter, I will mainly explore four different examples of how cellular miRNAs interact with viruses: the role of miR-155 in viral oncogenesis, viral strategies to eliminate cellular miR-27, the contribution of miR-122 to the replication of hepatitis C virus, and miRNAs as an experimental tool to control virus replication and vector transgene expression. In the final part of this chapter, I will give a brief overview of virally encoded microRNAs.
An Euler Relation for Valuations on Polytopes

Abstract A locally finite point set (such as the set Z n of integral points) gives rise to a lattice of polytopes in Euclidean space taking vertices from the given point set. We develop the combinatorial structure of this polytope lattice and derive Euler-type relations for valuations on polytopes using the language of Mobius inversion. In this context a new family of inversion relations is obtained, thereby generalizing classical relations of Euler, Dehn–Sommerville, and Macdonald.
Structured space-time block codes with optimal diversity-multiplexing tradeoff and minimum delay

It is well-known that using multiple antennas can substantially increase the data rate and robustness of communication systems in a fading environment. It was recently established that there is a tradeoff between these two types of gains, termed diversity-multiplexing tradeoff. We develop a family of short structured space-time block codes that achieves the optimal tradeoff for the two-transmit two-receive antenna system with the minimum delay of two necessary for optimality. It uses the idea of rotation of cross-diagonal entries of an uncoded system to achieve spreading of information across space and time to obtain the maximum diversity while preserving multiplexing gain. Rotation angles that are optimal in terms of a determinant criterion and universal for all rates are identified. Performance analysis and simulation results are presented to demonstrate the achieved tradeoff.
Lunar floor-fractured craters: Classification, distribution, origin and implications for magmatism and shallow crustal structure

[1] Floor-Fractured Craters (FFCs) are a class of lunar craters characterized by anomalously shallow floors cut by radial, concentric, and/or polygonal fractures; additional interior features are moats, ridges, and patches of mare material. Two formation mechanisms have been hypothesized—floor uplift in response to shallow magmatic intrusion and sill formation, and floor shallowing in response to thermally driven viscous relaxation. This study combines new Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter (LOLA) and Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera (LROC) data to characterize and categorize the population of FFCs and map their distribution on the Moon, and uses variations in floor-fractured crater morphology and regional distribution to investigate the proposed formation mechanisms. The population of FFCs was categorized according to the classes outlined by Schultz (1976). The distribution of these FFC categories shows an evolution of crater morphology from areas adjacent to lunar impact basins to areas in the lunar highlands. We propose that this trend is supportive of formation by shallow magmatic intrusion and sill formation—crustal thickness determines the magnitude of magmatic driving pressure, and thus either piston-like floor uplift for high magnitude, or a convex floor profile for low magnitude. Predictions from previous studies modeling viscous relaxation are inconsistent with the observed altimetric profiles of FFCs. Hence our analysis favors FFC formation by shallow magmatic intrusion, with the variety of FFC morphologies being intimately linked with location and crustal thickness, and the driving pressure of the intrusion. Data from the GRAIL (Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory) mission will help to test these conclusions.
Bionik der Verpackung: Grenzflächen des Lebens

Die Verpackungszyklen des Lebens kennen keine Abfallberge und Folgekosten. Ihr unermesslicher Reichtum an bewahrten Verpackungstechniken sollte eine Herausforderung fur jeden Verpackungsingenieur sein. Mit Beispielen aus diesem Naturfundus wurde ein kleiner Einblick in die technischen Leistungen der Naturverpackungen gegeben. Die Bionik der Verpackung ist auf dem Weg, diese effizienten Naturvorbilder systematisch zu erforschen und fur technische Anwendungen mit den Mitteln des Ingenieurs aufzubereiten.
Advances in vascular imaging

The improvement of vascular imaging has allowed the acquisition of vascular images with higher resolution while minimizing the risks and discomfort to patients. As imaging developments continue to progress, establishment of valid clinical-based evidence, before the application of each innovation, will assure maintenance of the current trend. Also, as the vascular surgeon adopts a more comprehensive approach in the care of vascular patients, a high-quality endovascular suite will provide an environment for integration of both traditional open and evolving endovascular procedures.
China's New Demographic Reality: Learning from the 2010 Census.

China conducted its sixth modern census in 2010 recording a total of 1.34 billion people. This article presents an overview of the early census results. The data are of reasonable quality but contain some apparent defects where adjustments may be required. The census confirms that China has entered the era of demographic modernity and depicts the vast transformation of the countrys rural-urban distribution. Life expectancy has risen by 3–4 years in the decade since the last census while fertility remains well below replacement -- probably as low as 1.5 births per woman -- and the sex ratio at birth is still significantly elevated. Low fertility and falling old-age mortality are leading to continued and rapid population aging. Several coastal provinces grew by as much as 40 percent in the last decade while a number of inland provinces have recorded population decline. China has reached an overall urban proportion of 50 percent.
Ligand Binding Reduces Conformational Flexibility in the Active Site of Tyrosine Phosphatase Related to Biofilm Formation A (TpbA) from Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Tyrosine phosphatase related to biofilm formation A (TpbA) is a periplasmic dual-specificity phosphatase (DUSP) that controls biofilm formation in the pathogenic bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa. While DUSPs are known to regulate important cellular functions in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes, very few structures of bacterial DUSPs are available. Here, we present the solution structure of TpbA in the ligand-free open conformation, along with an analysis of the structural and dynamic changes that accompany ligand/phosphate binding. While TpbA adopts a typical DUSP fold, it also possesses distinct structural features that distinguish it from eukaryotic DUSPs. These include additional secondary structural elements, β0 and α6, and unique conformations of the variable insert, the α4–α5 loop and helix α5 that impart TpbA with a flat active-site surface. In the absence of ligand, the protein tyrosine phosphatase loop is disordered and the general acid loop adopts an open conformation, placing the catalytic aspartate, Asp105, more than 11 A away from the active site. Furthermore, the loops surrounding the active site experience motions on multiple timescales, consistent with a combination of conformational heterogeneity and fast (picosecond to nanosecond) timescale dynamics, which are significantly reduced upon ligand binding. Taken together, these data structurally distinguish TpbA and possibly other bacterial DUSPs from eukaryotic DUSPs and provide a rich picture of active-site dynamics in the ligand-free state that are lost upon ligand binding.
An Enhanced Hail Detection Algorithm for the WSR-88D

Abstract An enhanced hail detection algorithm (HDA) has been developed for the WSR-88D to replace the original hail algorithm. While the original hail algorithm simply indicated whether or not a detected storm cell was producing hail, the new HDA estimates the probability of hail (any size), probability of severe-size hail (diameter ≥19 mm), and maximum expected hail size for each detected storm cell. A new parameter, called the severe hail index (SHI), was developed as the primary predictor variable for severe-size hail. The SHI is a thermally weighted vertical integration of a storm cell’s reflectivity profile. Initial testing on 10 storm days showed that the new HDA performed considerably better at predicting severe hail than the original hail algorithm. Additional testing of the new HDA on 31 storm days showed substantial regional variations in performance, with best results across the southern plains and weaker performance for regions farther east.
Pre‐transplant wasting (as measured by muscle index) is a novel prognostic indicator in lung transplantation

Background Frailty in non-transplant populations increases morbidity and mortality. Muscle wasting is an important frailty characteristic. Low body mass index is used to measure wasting, but can over- or underestimate muscle mass. Computed tomography (CT) software can directly measure muscle mass. It is unknown if muscle wasting is important in lung transplantation. Aim and Methods The aim of this single-center, retrospective cohort study was to determine whether pre-transplant low muscle mass (as measured by CT using Slice-O-matic software at L2–L3 interspace) was associated with post-transplantation mortality, hospital and intensive care unit length of stay (LOS), duration of mechanical ventilation, or primary graft dysfunction. Lung transplant recipients from 2000 to 2012 with a CT scan less than six months prior to transplant were included. Univariate, multivariate, and Kaplan–Meier analyses were conducted. Results Thirty-six patients were included. Those with low muscle index (lower 25th percentile) had a worse survival (hazard ratio = 3.83; 95% confidence interval 1.42–10.3; p = 0.007) and longer hospital LOS by an estimated 7.2 d (p = 0.01) when adjusted for age and sex as compared to those with higher muscle index. Conclusion Low muscle index at lung transplantation is associated with worse survival and increased hospital LOS.
Chromatin Remodeling Complexes

The packaging of chromosomal DNA by nucleosomes not only condenses and organizes the genome but also blocks access of DNA-binding proteins to regulatory DNA elements. However, this process also allows nucleosomes and other chromatin components to actively participate in the regulation of transcription, DNA replication, DNA repair, and other chromosomal processes. To enable dynamic regulation of nucleosomes, cells have evolved a set of specialized chromatin remodeling complexes (termed Remodelers) that use the energy of ATP hydrolysis to slide, destabilize, eject, or edit/restructure nucleosomes. Here, we address many aspects of Remodeler function, including their composition, specialization, mechanisms, and regulation. We also address their roles in embryonic stem cells, differentiation, development, cancer, and human disease syndromes.
Humanized Mice in Dermatology Research

INTRODUCTION The term “humanized mice” refers to immunodeficient mice containing human cells or tissues or to mice (immunodeficient or not) that have been genetically modified to express human genes. Humanized mouse models are increasingly utilized in many areas of research, such as infectious disease, autoimmune disease, cancer biology, and drug development. Because humanized mice recapitulate human physiology and pathology better than traditional mouse models do, they are employed both in disease modeling and in preclinical investigations of novel therapies. As these models are increasingly utilized in dermatology research, it is important for dermatology researchers and clinicians to have a rudimentary understanding of humanized mice. In this article, we review the basic biology of humanized mice and provide examples of their use in dermatology research.
Patient height as a risk factor for poor outcome in acute type B aortic dissection

BACKGROUND Height has been shown in epidemiological studies to have mixed associations with long-term mortality. Shorter stature is related to higher all-cause and coronary disease mortality, and taller stature is related to higher cancer and aortic aneurysm mortality. We evaluated height as a predictor of acute aortic dissection complexity and long-term mortality in a cohort of patients with acute type B aortic dissection. METHODS Between February 2001 and January 2014 we treated 461 acute type B aortic dissections. Median age was 60 years (range 16 to 98). 175/461 (38%) were female, and 286 (62%) were male. Patients with uncomplicated dissection were managed medically, with blood pressure control and anti-impulse therapy as the main objectives. Patients with symptomatic malperfusion were managed by a variety of techniques, including open aortic surgical repair or stent grafting, branch vessel bypasses and flap fenestration as appropriate. Patients were followed with imaging and management of new symptoms. The upper quartile of height in our population (>180 cm) was considered tall for the analysis. RESULTS Malperfusion or persistent symptoms were present in 154/461 (33.4%) patients at some time during the acute presentation. Presence of malperfusion-related complications was monotonically related to height, with complication rates of 23% in patients with height less than 165 cm, 31% in those with height between 166 and 173 cm, 39% at height between 173 and 180 cm, and 40% above 180 cm of height (P 180 cm (HR 1.60, P<0.02). Five year survival estimates (adjusted for GFR and presence of complications) were 81% in the group with 180 cm or less in height and 63% in the group with height above 180 cm. CONCLUSIONS Optimal management of acute type B aortic dissection is controversial. Identifying correlates of complicated acute dissection, such as height, could help to clarify the setting in which intervention is most appropriate. Height above 180 cm is an independent risk factor for long-term mortality, and should be considered in planning the management of acute type B aortic dissection.
Effects of Surface Modification Conditions on Hydrophobicity of Silica-based Coating Additives

Superhydrophobic silica (SHS) powders are being evaluated as a potential additive to the polyurethane topcoats used in Chemical Agent Resistant Coating (CARC) systems, with the goal of improving water repellency and corrosion protection characteristics. The current generation of CARC topcoats is already highly loaded with solids, and thus there is a premium on minimization of the total SHS powder required to achieve the desired properties. Therefore, efficient surface modification of the silica and proper dispersion in the coating will be required. The effect of a dispersant on the surface modification of silica particles by chlorosilanes was addressed in this study. The properties of various SHS powders were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis and mass spectroscopy. Correlations between powder modification conditions and the ultimate effects of the modified particles on hydrophobicity of CARC topcoats were assessed. The use of contact and rolling angle measurements along with scanning electron microscopy are discussed as they pertain to the ability to quantify the effects of modified silicas on corrosion prevention coatings. Furthermore, a systematic approach to modifying and testing both powders and top coats of corrosion prevention systems is presented.
Could dynamic strength of a bonding material in an electronic device be assessed from static shear-off test data?

A simple and physically meaningful analytical predictive model is suggested to estimate the ultimate drop height in drop tests from the shear-off test data. The incentive for such an effort is due to the fact that shear-off tests are much easier to design, organize and conduct than drop tests. The analysis is limited to elastic stresses. The general concept is illustrated by a numerical example.
A Physiological Perspective for Utility or Futility of Alcohol-Based Hand Rub Gel Against Nausea–Vomiting: Is it P-6 Acupoint or Transnasal Aroma?

Nausea-vomiting is a common and unpleasant phenomenon with numerous underlying mechanisms and pathways that are not always well elucidated. In clinical practice, refractory nausea-vomiting is encountered in several settings. Antiemetic medications may reduce these symptoms but are not always effective in all patients. In the absence of a well-defined optimal strategy for management of nausea-vomiting, the search for better approaches to treat this distressing symptom continues. One of the alternative treatment approaches is a compounded formulation called ABHR gel that is comprised of multiple antiemetic medications and has been shown to be useful for symptomatic relief in some patients with refractory nausea-vomiting. It has been suggested that alternative mechanisms should be explored to explain the perceived efficacy of ABHR gel, because transdermal absorption leading to nil-to-minimal or subtherapeutic blood concentrations of active ingredients does not explain the role of ABHR gel in the treatment of nausea-vomiting. In the current paper, we discuss possible mechanisms that may explain ABHR transdermal gel's efficacy. Compounded ABHR transdermal gel formulation's efficacy in antagonizing nausea-vomiting that has been recently questioned may be explained by alternative mechanisms mediated through the P-6 acupoint stimulation and facial-nasal, cooling-related counterstimulation.
Lubricating Oil Dominates Primary Organic Aerosol Emissions from Motor Vehicles

Motor vehicles are major sources of primary organic aerosol (POA), which is a mixture of a large number of organic compounds that have not been comprehensively characterized. In this work, we apply a recently developed gas chromatography mass spectrometry approach utilizing "soft" vacuum ultraviolet photoionization to achieve unprecedented chemical characterization of motor vehicle POA emissions in a roadway tunnel with a mass closure of >60%. The observed POA was characterized by number of carbon atoms (NC), number of double bond equivalents (NDBE) and degree of molecular branching. Vehicular POA was observed to predominantly contain cycloalkanes with one or more rings and one or more branched alkyl side chains (≥80%) with low abundances of n-alkanes and aromatics (<5%), similar to "fresh" lubricating oil. The gas chromatography retention time data indicates that the cycloalkane ring structures are most likely dominated by cyclohexane and cyclopentane rings and not larger cycloalkanes. High molecular weight combustion byproducts, that is, alkenes, oxygenates, and aromatics, were not present in significant amounts. The observed carbon number and chemical composition of motor vehicle POA was consistent with lubricating oil being the dominant source from both gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles, with an additional smaller contribution from unburned diesel fuel and a negligible contribution from unburned gasoline.
Measuring the Construct of Warranting Value and Testing Warranting Theory

Warranting theory has been used extensively to explain how people evaluate information across a variety of online settings. However, no validated measurement instrument exists to assess the construct of warranting value that is at the core of the theory. Two studies were conducted to develop and validate a General Warranting Value Scale and three scales that assess specific forms of information control: Modification Control, Dissemination Control, and Source Obfuscation. In addition, we tested predictions of warranting theory using multiple stimuli and samples—including a nationally representative sample of adults. Overall, evidence for scale validity was obtained: Confirmatory factor analyses were consistent with measurement model fit. All scales were sensitive to theoretically predicted manipulations and were correlated with theoretically predicted outcomes.
Outcomes mapping: a method for dental schools to coordinate learning and assessment based on desired characteristics of a graduate.

This project, utilizing a seldom-used approach to dental education, was designed to define the desired characteristics of a graduating dental student; convert those characteristics to educational outcomes; and use those outcomes to map a dental school’s learning and assessment programs, based on outcomes rather than courses and disciplines. A detailed rubric of the outcomes expected of a graduating dental student from this school was developed, building on Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) standards and the school’s competencies. The presence of each characteristic in the rubric was mapped within and across courses and disciplines. To assess implementation of the rubric, members of two faculty committees and all fourth-year students were asked to use it to rate 1) the importance of each characteristic, 2) the extent to which the school teaches and assesses each, and 3) the extent to which each counts toward overall assessment of competence. All thirty-three faculty members (100 percent) on the committees participated, as did forty-six of the fifty-five students (84 percent). The groups gave high scores to the importance of each characteristic, especially for knowledge and technical competence (then separate categories but merged in the final rubric) and for self-assessment, as well as the extent to which they are being taught and assessed. Respondents most commonly named critical thinking as the area that should be emphasized more. Mapping the curriculum and creating its related database allow the faculty and administration to more systematically coordinate learning and assessment than was possible with a course-based approach.
Unpacking the Effect of Decentralized Governance on Routine Violence: Lessons from Indonesia

Summary We study the effect of decentralization on routine violence in Indonesia. We unpack decentralization along multiple dimensions and consider the individual effects of local elections, the creation of new administrative units, fiscal transfers, and local public service delivery. We use comprehensive data from Indonesia’s National Violence Monitoring System (NVMS), a new dataset that records the incidence and impact of violence in Indonesia. We use these data to examine the relationship between the different dimensions of decentralization and different types of local violence in Indonesian districts during 2001–10. Our analyses suggest that there is a positive association between local service delivery and at least some forms of violence. We argue that the positive effect of service delivery on violence is due to newly generated distributive conflicts among local ethnic groups around the control over and access to services. By comparison, district splitting and the introduction of direct elections of district heads are negatively associated with some forms of violence. There is little evidence that fiscal transfers, in general, mitigate conflict.
Measuring the speed of surface waves in a two-layer gelatin phantom in water

Surface wave speed is measured in a two-layer gelatin phantom in water on three different surfaces with a scanning ultrasound transducer. The gelatin concentrations of the two layers of the phantom are 15% and 10% and the three surfaces are the two outside surfaces of the 15% and 10% layers and the interface between the two. The speed measured on the outside surface of the 15% layer is faster than on the 10% layer, but both of them are slower than the surface wave speed measured on the interface surface. The relationship between the surface wave speeds on the two outside surfaces can be explained by the different gelatin concentrations. The wave speed on the interface surface is the fastest among the three surfaces and may be explained by the Stoneley wave theory. The study is meaningful for understanding the acoustic wave propagation on the surface of internal organs such as heart, kidney and lungs.
From algorithms to gates: developing a pedagogical framework for DSP hardware design

In this paper, we present a pedagogical framework for teaching DSP hardware design and provide the necessary technical infrastructure for enabling this methodology. Many curriculums include extensive training in DSP theory and in VHDL modeling of hardware; however, there are few opportunities given to the student to combine these two skills into a working knowledge of DSP hardware design. Our framework allows students to expand their previous knowledge into a more complete understanding of the entire design process from specification and simulation through synthesis and verification.
HTKS Game for executive functions disorder using NAO Robot

This paper proposes the incorporation of Head, Toes, Knees, and Shoulders (HTKS) task switching game using NAO robot for children affected from Executive Functions disorder. In HTKS game children will be instructed to touch either their head, knees, toes or shoulder by imitating the actions performed by the NAO Robot. We have implemented the HTKS task switching game using Choregraphe and python. Following the game, we have implemented evaluation system using Kinect camera and unity engine to evaluate whether children are performing the task correctly. This therapy targets executive functions such as cognitive controls which compromises of attention control, inhibitory control and working memory.
The Microbiome: More than Bacteria

We read with great interest the comment by Dr. White (T. C. White, Microbe 4:536, 2009) regarding the bacterial microbiome and the response from Dr. Garges (S. Garges, Microbe 5:141, 2010). Dr. White made an important observation that the microbiome studies published so far have focused almost exclusively on the bacterial component. This has been our experience too, and in recent meetings, e.g., 20th European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ECCMID, Vienna, Austria, April 2010) and ASM General Meeting (May 2010), symposia focusing on microbiome were bacteriocentric, and the term “microbiome” was interchangeably used for “bacterial microbiome,” while ignoring the fungal component. The recent study published by the Human Microbiome Project (HMP) describing the catalog of genomes present in the gastrointestinal tract (The Human Microbiome Jumpstart Reference Strains Consortium, Science 328:994–999, 2010) also focuses on bacteria.
An Interactive View of Reading Comprehension: Implications for Assessment.

Purpose This clinical focus article explores further the multidimensional view of reading comprehension put forward by Catts and Kamhi (2017) in this clinical forum and its implications for reading...
The hospital cost of two-stage reimplantation for deep infection after shoulder arthroplasty.

Background The cost of treating infection after hip and knee arthroplasty is well documented in the literature. The purpose of this study was to determine the cost of two-stage reimplantation for deep infection after shoulder arthroplasty. Methods Between 2003 and 2012, 57 shoulders (56 patients) underwent a two-stage reimplantation for deep periprosthetic shoulder infection; implants placed at reimplantation included anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (a-TSA) in 58%, reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (r-TSA) in 40%, and hemiarthroplasty (HA) in 2%. During the same timeframe, 2953 primary shoulder arthroplasties (2589 patients) were performed at the same institution (a-TSA in 55%, r-TSA in 28%, and HA in 17%). Total direct medical costs were calculated by using standardized, inflation-adjusted costs for services and procedures billed during hospitalization and were adjusted to nationally representative unit costs in 2013 inflation-adjusted dollars. Results The mean hospital cost (per shoulder) for two-stage reimplantation was $35,824 (95% CI: 33,363 to 38,285) and was significantly higher than for primary procedures (mean: $16,068; 95% CI: 15,823 to 16,314). Both Part A and Part B costs were significantly higher in two-stage reimplantation (p respectively . Conclusions The hospital cost of two-stage reimplantation for the treatment of an infected shoulder arthroplasty is about two times higher than the cost of a primary shoulder arthroplasty.
Neuropsychological Testing in Sports Concussion Management: An Evidence-Based Model when Baseline Is Unavailable

Since Barth and colleagues’ seminal study used baseline neuropsychological testing as a model for sports concussion management, many collegiate sports medicine programs have adopted variations of their approach. However, no evidence-based strategy has yet been clearly articulated for the use of neuropsychological tests in concussion management that involves consideration of cases in which no baseline testing has been conducted. In this chapter, we articulate an evidence-based model for neuropsychological sports concussion management in collegiate athletes for cases in which baseline data are not available. The model involves an algorithm that is based upon base rates of impairment in a typical neurocognitive sports concussion battery, with decision rules that differ slightly for males and females. Although we use our population of collegiate athletes and the tests we administer as a framework to provide concrete values to the proposed algorithm, our evidence-based model could easily be applied to other sports concussion populations and neurocognitive test batteries. Our proposed neuropsychological concussion management guidelines provide an evidence-based model, while at the same time remain consistent with trends in the literature, suggesting that increasingly individualistic clinical concussion management approaches are most prudent.
Extra-pair paternity in a long-distance migratory songbird beyond neighbors’ borders and across male age classes

Roughly 90% of socially monogamous bird species exhibit some degree of extra-pair paternity (EPP), although the extent and the underlying mechanisms vary among species. We analyzed spatial and demo...
Identification-based theory of reputation

A renewed discussion in organizational studies has focused on contrasting conceptualizations of organizational reputation as a more simple and generalized construct versus a more multidimensional a...
Foundations of Threat Assessment and Management

In June of 2014 a Seattle Pacific University student tackled and pepper-sprayed an active shooter on campus who had killed one person and injured two others (“1 dead, others hurt,” 2014). In April of 2015 in Washington State, a North Thurston High School teacher confronted and overpowered a 16-year-old school shooter who had fired two shots inside the high school (“Teacher Tackles Shooter,” 2015). In the summer of 2015, a heavily armed gunman opened fire on a high-speed train traveling from Amsterdam to Paris before being challenged by passengers, two of whom were US soldiers ( “The Men Who Averted,” 2015). These disruptions were heroic, incredibly brave, and saved countless lives. The right people were in the right place at the right time; they recognized the signs of the attack and made the decision to challenge the offender.
How Nurses Can Partner With National Institutes of Health StrokeNet to Deliver Best Research and Care to Stroke Patients

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) StrokeNet is a cooperative research network supported by National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke and was established to facilitate maximization of efficiencies in stroke treatments. The main components include the National Coordinating Center at the University of Cincinnati, the National Data Management Center at the Medical University of South Carolina, and 25 Regional Coordinating Centers across the United States. Site selection is based on many criteria, a few being strong stroke research abilities and geographical location. The network was NIH funded and began building its infrastructure in 2013.1 Centers are submitting competitive renewal applications in the fall of 2017 for a second 5-year award. Benefits of the stroke research network are beginning to come to fruition. For decades, bedside and clinic nurses have inadvertently been exposed to clinical research involving alteplase and other investigational interventions to improve stroke outcomes. Nurses’ learning has likely been enhanced by working with various treatments and the need to acquire keen assessment skills. Benefits of first-hand involvement have increased understanding of processes, such as urgency of treatment times and risks of bleeding. These components are now recognized as stroke care standards.2 Guideline development by a group of experienced research nurses has facilitated knowledge dissemination.3 It is difficult to imagine that even indirect exposure to investigational treatments does not benefit nurses and ultimately patients. Being at the forefront of stroke research continues to have potential to expose nurses to the next generation of clinical practice. Comprehensive stroke centers are required by The Joint Commission to demonstrate use of evidence-based care stroke guidelines and participate in research.4 Nurses play a significant role in research and in strategies to limit bias and enhance objectivity of an investigation. However, there are times when nurses may struggle ethically with …
How can transcranial magnetic stimulation be used to causally manipulate memory representations in the human brain

We present a focused review on the utility of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for modulating memory, with a particular focus on multimodal approaches in which TMS is paired with neuroimaging methods (electroencephalography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)) to manipulate and measure working memory processes. We contrast the utility of TMS for manipulating memory with other forms of noninvasive brain stimulation, as well as different forms of TMS including single-pulse, paired-pulse and repetitive TMS protocols. We discuss the potential for TMS to address fundamental cognitive neuroscience questions about the nature of memory processes and representations, while acknowledging the considerable variability of behavioral and neural outcomes in TMS studies. Also discussed are the limitations of this technology, current advancements that have helped to defray the impact of these limitations, and suggestions for future directions in research and methodology. This article is categorized under: Neuroscience > Clinical Neuroscience Neuroscience > Cognition Psychology > Memory.
The Development of Emotion

In the preceding chapter, five components of emotion were defined. The developmental issues related to the individual components were discussed, as well as possible models of development. For the sake of simplicity, each component was dealt with separately. Not considered were the various interconnections among these components or how development might affect the interconnections. It is now necessary to consider developmental models in terms of the connections among these features.
Fertility considerations and attitudes about family planning among women with cystic fibrosis.

Abstract Objective Our objective was to explore knowledge, attitudes and beliefs about pregnancy and contraceptive decision-making among reproductive-aged women with cystic fibrosis. Study design In this qualitative study, we used purposive sampling of reproductive age women enrolled in the Adult Cystic Fibrosis program at Penn Medicine. We conducted semistructured one-on-one interviews lasting 30–60 min. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results We interviewed 24 women. Participants described shortened life span, personal health status and impact of cystic fibrosis on a potential child as three factors that were central to family planning. Future pregnancy intentions, perception of fertility including misconceptions and provider counseling influenced related contraception utilization. Conclusions Women with cystic fibrosis described thoughtful considerations about desired pregnancies to be planned during times of optimal health. Gaps in knowledge may limit a woman’s ability to make the most informed family planning decisions. Implications Having cystic fibrosis directly affects women’s decisions around pregnancy and family planning. Understanding what motivates women with cystic fibrosis to use or not to use contraception can improve family planning care delivery to this population.
Acute Leukemia: Diagnosis and Treatment.

Abstract Objective To provide an overview of acute leukemia, comparing incidence, presenting symptoms, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of the major subtypes. Data Sources Review of articles dated 2010 to present in PubMed and CINAHL, and National Comprehensive Cancer Network Guidelines. Conclusion The diagnosis of acute leukemia is comprised of a variety of hematopoietic neoplasms that are both complex and unique. Each subtype of acute leukemia has defining characteristics that affect prognosis and treatment. Implications for Nursing Practice Nurses play an integral role in the care of the patient with acute leukemia during and beyond hospitalization. Therefore, baseline knowledge of these diseases is essential. Early symptom recognition is central in the management of oncologic emergencies.
ABC Implies There are Infinitely Many non-Fibonacci-Wieferich Primes

Abstract We define X-base Fibonacci-Wieferich primes, which generalize Wieferich primes, where X is a finite set of algebraic numbers. We show that there are infinitely many non-X-base Fibonacci-Wieferich primes, assuming the abc-conjecture of Masser-Oesterle-Szpiro for number fields. We also provide a new conjecture concerning the rank of the free part of the abelian group generated by all elements in X and give some heuristics that support the conjecture.
OUTCOMES OF MITRAL VALVE SURGERY DURING AN ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION

Acute mitral valve insufficiency (AMVI) is a catastrophic complication of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). We hypothesize improvements in medical and surgical treatment have reduced hospital and 1-year mortality. Using the New Jersey MIDAS database, we identified 831 patients admitted
Relationship between caregiver burden and psychological distress among stem cell transplant (SCT) recipients prior to transplant.

12120Background: SCT is a potentially curative therapy for patients with hematologic malignancies that involves prolonged hospitalization, intensive follow-up, and a considerable risk of morbidity ...
Bone Fracture Enhanced Blood-Brain Barrier Breakdown in the Hippocampus and White Matter Damage of Stroke Mice.

Background: Tibia fracture (BF) before stroke shortly causes long-term post-stroke memory dysfunction in mice. The mechanism is unclear. We hypothesize that BF enhances neuroinflammation and blood brain barrier (BBB) breakdown in the hippocampus and white matter (WM) damage. Methods: Mice were assigned to groups: BF, stroke, BF+stroke (BF 6 h before stroke) and sham. BBB integrity was analyzed 3 days after the surgeries and WM injury was analyzed 3 days and 8 weeks after the surgeries. Results: Stroke and BF+stroke groups had more activated microglia/macrophages and lower levels of claudin-5 in the ipsilateral hippocampi than the BF group. BF+stroke group had the highest number microglia/macrophages and the lowest level of claudin-5 among all groups and had fewer pericytes than BF group. Stroke and BF+stroke groups had smaller WM areas in the ipsilateral basal ganglia than the sham group 8 weeks after the injuries. The BF+stroke group also had smaller WM areas in the ipsilateral than sham and BF groups 3 days after the injuries and in the contralateral basal ganglia than stroke and BF groups 8 weeks after the injuries. Conclusions: BF exacerbates neuroinflammation and BBB leakage in the hippocampus and WM damage in basal ganglia, which could contribute to the long-lasting memory dysfunction in BF+stroke mice.