cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Trunk Orientation Induces Neglect-Like Lateral Biases in Covert Attention:

The purpose of this study was to resolve a paradox in the literature on the effects of body orientation on spatial attention. Neuropsychological studies have found that real or simulated trunk rotation relieves contralesional inattention in patients with unilateral neglect, suggesting that trunk orientation affects how attention is allocated to space. However, in two previous studies, trunk orientation did not affect spatial attention in other populations. In this study, we investigated the effects of trunk orientation on the performance of a covert attention task by neurologically intact adults. The covert attention task allowed the evaluation of the effects of trunk orientation on both the allocation of attention to space and the ability to shift that attention to new locations. As in previous research, trunk orientation did not affect participants' response times (RTs) to validly cued targets. However, rotating participants' trunks to the left increased their RTs to invalidly cued targets on the right ...
Dielectric fluids in motion

The behavior of transformer oil and other dielectric fluids used for the cooling and insulation of power system equipment is significantly influenced by motion enforced by the action of circulating pumps. Two important factors impact the situation. First, charges generated by streaming electrification in critical parts of the hydraulic circuit having high velocity and/or turbulence can accumulate to distort the electric field in positions where dielectric integrity is prejudiced. However, the dielectric strength of the fluid is also altered per se by the actions of the flow in a complex, but predictable, manner. Both of these aspects need to be understood to permit informed design, operation and monitoring of forced-cooled equipment. >
Authoring Tool for Business Performance Monitoring and Control

To monitor and warrant the performance of concerned business operations, formal representation for business performance models are needed so business analysts can describe what they expect from business service providers. This paper proposes a metamodel and an authoring tool for describing business performance for business services in the context of SOA. A business performance model explicitly captures the intentions of the consumers of the target business services. The authoring tool simplifies the modeling of the performance models. With our proposed mechanism, computational models for business performance management are generated. The separation of concerns in terms of business performance models and computational models allows for seamless transitions from business level performance models to runtime.
Modulation of the fertilizing ability of spermatozoa from roosters carrying the Sd (sperm degeneration) allele.

Roosters carrying the Sd (sperm degeneration) allele produce spermatozoa that die prematurely in vivo. Consequently, these mutants are subfertile. The objective of the present study was to determine whether or not subfertility could be modulated. A previous study found that the proximal efferent ducts of mutants were characterized by a reduced surface-to-volume ratio. We hypothesized that if subfertility was exacerbated by hemicastration of chicks, which increases daily sperm production in adults, then a relationship between efferent duct function and sperm longevity would be likely. In experiment 1, hemicastration of chicks exacerbated the subfertility of adults (p 0.05). In summary, the subfertile status of Sd roosters was dynamic and appeared to depend upon the interaction of testicular output, efferent duct structure, and seminal plasma protein. Thus the study of this dysfunction may help to identify factors responsible for sperm maturation in the domestic fowl.
Incremental Processing of Continual Range Queries over Moving Objects

Efficient processing of continual range queries over moving objects is critically important in providing location-aware services and applications. A set of continual range queries, each defining the geographical region of interest, can be periodically (re)evaluated to locate moving objects that are currently within individual query boundaries. We study a new query indexing method, called CES-based indexing, for incremental processing of continual range queries over moving objects. A set of containment-encoded squares (CES) are predefined, each with a unique ID. CESs are virtual constructs (VC) used to decompose query regions and to store indirectly precomputed search results. Compared with a prior VC-based approach, the number of VCs visited in a search operation is reduced from (4L2-1)/3 to log(L)+1, where L is the maximal side length of a VC. Search time is hence significantly lowered. Moreover, containment encoding among the CESs makes it easy to identify all those VCs that need not be visited during an incremental query (re)evaluation. We study the performance of CES-based indexing and compare it with a prior VC-based approach
Yohimbine and serotonergic agonists: Stimulus properties and receptor binding

The present investigation was designed to compare the discriminative stimulus properties of yohimbine and purported agonists at the serotonin (5-HT)1A receptor. To that end, groups of rats were trained with yohimbine, 8-OH-DPAT, and ipsapirone, respectively. Tests of generalization were then conducted, and the interaction between clonidine and yohimbine was examined. Drugs examined behaviorally were also characterized in terms of their relative affinities at the 5-HT1A, 5-HT1B, and 5-HT2 receptors by means of standard radioligand binding techniques. A high degree of generalization was observed between each of the training drugs and in tests of gepirone and buspirone. Comparisons of the behavioral and receptor binding data argue against stimulus control mediated solely by a 5-HT1A-based mechanism. The observed pattern of interaction of clonidine with yohimbine in rats trained with the latter drug suggests that clonidine may function as a partial agonist. Whatever the mechanistic basis for the present discrimination data, we are left with the puzzle of why yohimbine, widely regarded as anxiogenic, should share stimulus properties with anxiolytic drugs.
Inflammasome-Derived IL-1β Regulates the Production of GM-CSF by CD4+ T Cells and γδ T Cells

Recent findings have demonstrated an indispensable role for GM-CSF in the pathogenesis of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. However, the signaling pathways and cell populations that regulate GM-CSF production in vivo remain to be elucidated. Our work demonstrates that IL-1R is required for GM-CSF production after both TCR- and cytokine-induced stimulation of immune cells in vitro. Conventional αβ and γδ T cells were both identified to be potent producers of GM-CSF. Moreover, secretion of GM-CSF was dependent on IL-1R under both IL-12– and IL-23–induced stimulatory conditions. Deficiency in IL-1R conferred significant protection from experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, and this correlated with reduced production of GM-CSF and attenuated infiltration of inflammatory cells into the CNS. We also find that GM-CSF production in vivo is not restricted to a defined CD4 + T cell lineage but is rather heterogeneously expressed in the effector CD4 + T cell population. In addition, inflammasome-derived IL-1β upstream of IL-1R is a critical regulator of GM-CSF production by T cells during priming, and the adapter protein, MyD88, promotes GM-CSF production in both αβ and γδ T cells. These findings highlight the importance of inflammasome-derived IL-1β and the IL-1R/MyD88 signaling axis in the regulation of GM-CSF production.
Rigorous determination of the stability of linear n-node circuits from network determinants and the appropriate role of the stability factor K of their reduced two-ports

The generally accepted method of ascertaining the stability of microwave circuits, i.e. reducing the complicated N-node networks to Two-Ports between input and output, and requiring that K>1 and.
Evolution of the nomenclature for the hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes.

The hereditary forms of colorectal cancer have been given many names historically as the manifestations have been gradually understood. Lynch syndrome has had several names, most prominently ‘Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer’ or HNPCC. Clarification of the genetic basis and full phenotypic expression of this disease mandates a more clinically useful name that clarifies the consideration of non-colonic cancers in a family history, and unifies the diagnosis around the germline mutation in a DNA mismatch repair (MMR) gene. The term ‘Lynch syndrome’ is proposed for the autosomal dominant disease caused by a germline mutation in a DNA MMR gene.
Counterfeit Products on the Internet: The Role of Seller-Level and Product-Level Information

The Internet makes it possible for counterfeiters to sell imitation goods without prior consumer inspection. Counterfeiters leveraging this opportunity may use product presentation and Web site signals to represent counterfeit goods as genuine. Based on deception and signaling theories, it is proposed that counterfeiters use product presentation to manipulate signals that might otherwise identify a product as a fake and Web site trust signals to present themselves as legitimate business entities. An experiment demonstrates that advanced product presentation has a positive influence on user perceptions of the authenticity of products and increases user willingness to buy on-line. The absence of Web site trust signals provides significant evidence of the untruthfulness of a seller and decreases users' willingness to buy on-line. The results of this study provide the basis for a cautionary note to on-line buyers and will help prevent deception by sellers of counterfeit products who use advanced presentation techniques.
A Case Study of the Variational Assimilation of GPS Zenith Delay Observations into a Mesoscale Model

Abstract Results from a case study of the four-dimensional variational assimilation of total zenith delay (TZD) observations from a dense global positioning system (GPS) network into the Pennsylvania State University–National Center for Atmospheric Research Fifth-Generation Mesoscale Model are reported. TZD is made up of the rescaled pressure and precipitable water at the site of the GPS receiver. Profiler-wind and radio acoustic sounding system (RASS) virtual temperature observations are also included in the assimilation experiments. Four experiments are performed. The study targets the 12-h period from 0000 to 1200 UTC 6 December 1997, characterized by the passage of a frontal system that produced intense rainfall over southern California. Forecasts prior to data assimilation underestimate the observed 6- and 12-h accumulated rainfall for most of the domain. The (sole) assimilation of TZD observations is found to have a small but beneficial impact on the short-range precipitation forecast. Measured agai...
An Innovative Model of Depression Care Delivery: Peer Mentors in Collaboration with a Mental Health Professional to Relieve Depression in Older Adults.

Objectives Traditional mental health services are not used by a majority of older adults with depression, suggesting a need for new methods of health service delivery. We conducted a pilot study using peer mentors to deliver depression care to older adults in collaboration with a mental health professional. We evaluated the acceptability of peer mentors to older adults and examined patient experiences of the intervention. Methods Six peer mentors met 30 patients for 1 hour weekly for 8 weeks. A mental health professional provided an initial clinical evaluation as well as supervision and guidance to peer mentors concurrent with patient meetings. We measured depressive symptoms at baseline and after study completion, and depressive symptoms and working alliance at weekly peer-patient meetings. We also interviewed participants and peer mentors to assess their experiences of the intervention. Results Ninety-six percent of patients attended all eight meetings with the peer mentor and PHQ-9 scores decreased for 85% of patients. Patients formed strong, trusting relationships with peer mentors. Patients emphasized the importance of trust, of developing a strong relationship, and of the credibility and communication skills of the peer mentor. Participants described benefits such as feeling hopeful, and reported changes in attitude, behavior, and insight. Conclusions Use of peer mentors working in collaboration with a mental health professional is promising as a model of depression care delivery for older adults. Testing of effectiveness is needed and processes of recruitment, role definition, and supervision should be further developed.
Novel light diffusing fiber for use in medical applications

ABSTRACT Fiber-based cylindrical light diffusers are often used in photo dynamic therapy to illuminate a luminal organ, such as the esophagus. The diffusers are often made of plastic and suffer from short diffusion lengths and low transmission efficiencies over a broad spectrum. We have developed Fibrance TM , a glass-based fiber optic cylindrical diffuser which can illuminate a fiber from 0.5 cm to 10 meters over a broad wavelength range. With these longer illumination lengths, a variety of other medical applications are possible beyond photodynamic therapy. We present a number of applications for Fibrance ranging from in situ controllable illumination for Photodynamic Therapy to light guided anatomy highlighting for minimally invasive surgery to mitigating hospital acquired infections and more. Keywords : Anatomy Illumination, Photodynamic Therapy, Phototherapy, Surgical Risk Mitigation, Hospital Acquired Infections 1. INTRODUCTION For the past 45 years, Corning Incorporated has made significant contributions to optical communications through its continued research, development, and innovations in optical fiber development and manufacturing. An optimal telecommunication fiber transports most of the light inputted into the system through the fiber such typical loss is less a few percent per km of the fiber. Therefore, losses at short di stance such as a few 10s of meters are negligible. Although we do not live in an optimal world, Corning Incorporated has developed and created extremely low loss optical fibers, even at tight bend radii
Both Rb and E7 Are Regulated by the Ubiquitin Proteasome Pathway in HPV-containing Cervical Tumor Cells

High-risk human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are etiologically linked to human cervical and oral cancers. The E6 and E7 oncoproteins encoded by HPV target host cell tumor suppressor proteins. E6 induces proteolysis of p53 through the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Recent studies showed that overexpression of E7 caused proteolytic degradation of the tumor suppressor Rb. However, unlike p53, Rb is not regulated by proteolysis in normal cells. In addition, it was unclear whether in its natural context E7 regulates Rb through the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Therefore, we sought to determine whether Rb is regulated by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway in HPV-containing tumor cells. We carried out a detailed analysis in Caski cells, that are derived from HPV-containing cervical cancer tissues. Studies with various protease inhibitors revealed that Rb is regulated specifically by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway in HPV-containing cervical tumor cells. Several inhibitors of the 26S proteasome significantly increased the level of Rb in the Caski cells. Rb controls cell growth by forming complexes with the E2F-family transcription factors. Surprisingly, in spite of a significant accumulation of the hypophosphorylated form of Rb, no Rb/E2F complex was detectable in the proteasome inhibitor treated cells. Further analysis revealed that there was an increased accumulation of the E7 oncoprotein. We showed that the proteasome inhibitors simultaneously blocked the proteolysis of E7 and Rb, suggesting that E7 is also regulated by the ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis in cervical cancer cells. Taken together, this study suggests that targeted inhibition of Rb proteolysis will be required for restoring Rb function in HPV-containing cervical cancer cells.
An alternative method for measuring air-handling unit static pressure following ASHRAE Standard 37: Scenario 1—horizontal ducts with elbows (RP-1581)

ASHRAE Standard 37 (ASHRAE 2005) describes the air-side testing setup for the indoor side (i.e., air-handling unit) of a residential air-conditioning or heat pump system for energy performance testing. Furthermore, ASHRAE Standard 37 requires a straight downstream duct that forms a vertical test section of a specified length based on the air-handling unit outlet geometry for measuring the outlet static pressure. A potential problem is that adding this duct to the unit may result in an overall test apparatus height that exceeds psychrometric test room dimensions. One possible solution investigated in this project is to create a horizontal test section by the addition of an elbow placed after the unit. The air-handling unit outlet static pressure can then be measured in this horizontal test section, which has the same length requirements as that specified by ASHRAE Standard 37 for the vertical section. This horizontal duct orientation with an elbow is referred to as Scenario 1, while a second approach based...
Extending Dynamic Range of Block Copolymer Ordering with Rotational Cold Zone Annealing (RCZA) and Ionic Liquids

Scalable and low-cost methods to align and orient block copolymer (BCP) films and membranes are critical for their adaptation for nonlithographic applications. Cold zone annealing (CZA) can align BCP microdomains and is scalable via roll-to-roll (R2R) manufacturing. However, the efficacy of orientation by CZA is strongly dependent on the thermal zone velocity (Vcza). Optimization of this rate can be time-consuming and tedious. To address this shortcoming, we report rotational or radial CZA (RCZA) that provides a combinatorial approach to efficiently determine how linear Vcza rate impacts microdomain orientation. RCZA rapidly identifies the optimal CZA velocities for perpendicular orientation of cylinders in polystyrene-block-poly(methyl methacrylate) films that previously required tens of measurements [Macromolecules 2012, 45, 7107], demonstrated here with much finer velocity resolution using three overlapping radial regimes. Notably, the efficacy of CZA for perpendicular alignment rapidly decays for Vcza...
Minimal Effect of Daytime Napping Behavior on Nocturnal Sleep in Pregnant Women.

Study Objectives:To assess whether daytime naps negatively impact nocturnal sleep.Design:Longitudinal, prospective cohort design.Participants:161 pregnant women recruited and evaluated in early ges...
Virtually Tsina/oy: Performing and Negotiating Diasporic Hybridity Online

Due to their diasporic hybridity, Tsina/oys, which literally means Chinese Filipina/os, continue to look for ways to (re)define their multicultural identities. Tsinoy.com, an online community for Tsina/oys around the world, provided a space where Tsina/oys examined their identities, cultures, and linguistic practices to (re)construct what it means to be “Tsina/oy.” Using cyberethnography, I show how Tsinoy.com functioned not only as a forum for Tsina/oys to celebrate their diasporic hybrid identities, but it also served as a space to discuss the multiple tensions they experienced.
Improve fab performance by using a unique system that support overall equipment efficiency methodology

In advanced semiconductor manufacturing, capital equipment drives the largest cost in producing products. The best way to increase productivity capabilities while using the same existing capacity (number of tools) is by maximizing the tools' utilization or availability and minimizing the running loss. Indeed, sometimes the tools are not fully utilized. So why invest in more expensive capital equipment when you may be able to get the extra capacity benefits that you need by improving equipment performance?
A Novel Striated Muscle-Specific Myosin-Blocking Drug for the Study of Neuromuscular Physiology.

The failure to transmit neural action potentials (APs) into muscle APs is referred to as neuromuscular transmission failure (NTF). Although synaptic dysfunction occurs in a variety of neuromuscular diseases and impaired neurotransmission contributes to muscle fatigue, direct evaluation of neurotransmission by measurement of successfully transduced muscle APs is difficult due to the subsequent movements produced by muscle. Moreover, the voltage-gated sodium channel inhibitor used to study neurotransmitter release at the adult neuromuscular junction is ineffective in embryonic tissue, making it nearly impossible to precisely measure any aspect of neurotransmission in embryonic lethal mouse mutants. In this study we utilized 3-(N-butylethanimidoyl)-4-hydroxy-2H-chromen-2-one (BHC), previously identified in a small-molecule screen of skeletal muscle myosin inhibitors, to suppress movements without affecting membrane currents. In contrast to previously characterized drugs from this screen such as BTS, which inhibit skeletal muscle myosin ATPase activity but also block neurotransmission, BHC selectively blocked nerve-evoked muscle contraction without affecting neurotransmitter release. This feature allowed a detailed characterization of neurotransmission in both embryonic and adult mice. In the presence of BHC, neural APs produced by tonic stimulation of the phrenic nerve at rates up to 20 Hz were successfully transmitted into muscle APs. At higher rates of phrenic nerve stimulation, NTF was observed. NTF was intermittent and characterized by successful muscle APs following failed ones, with the percentage of successfully transmitted muscle APs diminishing over time. Nerve stimulation rates that failed to produce NTF in the presence of BHC similarly failed to produce a loss of peak muscle fiber shortening, which was examined using a novel optical method of muscle fatigue, or a loss of peak cytosolic calcium transient intensity, examined in whole populations of muscle cells expressing the genetically-encoded calcium indicator GCaMP3. Most importantly, BHC allowed for the first time a detailed analysis of synaptic transmission, calcium signaling and fatigue in embryonic mice, such as in Vamp2 mutants reported here, that die before or at birth. Together, these studies illustrate the wide utility of BHC in allowing stable measurements of neuromuscular function.
Coronary Artery Disease Complexity on the Outcomes of a Staged Approach of PCI Followed by Minimally Invasive Valve Surgery.

ObjectiveA staged approach of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) followed by minimally invasive valve surgery (MIVS) is an alternative to the combined coronary artery bypass graft and valve s...
Descending Influences on Vestibulospinal and Vestibulosympathetic Reflexes

This review considers the integration of vestibular and other signals by the central nervous system pathways that participate in balance control and blood pressure regulation, with an emphasis on how this integration may modify posture-related responses in accordance with behavioral context. Two pathways convey vestibular signals to limb motoneurons: the lateral vestibulospinal tract and reticulospinal projections. Both pathways receive direct inputs from the cerebral cortex and cerebellum, and also integrate vestibular, spinal and other inputs. Decerebration in animals or strokes that interrupt corticobulbar projections in humans alter the gain of vestibulospinal reflexes and the responses of vestibular nucleus neurons to particular stimuli. This evidence shows that supratentorial regions modify the activity of the vestibular system, but the functional importance of descending influences on vestibulospinal reflexes acting on the limbs is currently unknown. It is often overlooked that the vestibulospinal and reticulospinal systems mainly terminate on spinal interneurons, and not directly on motoneurons, yet little is known about the transformation of vestibular signals that occurs in the spinal cord. Unexpected changes in body position that elicit vestibulospinal reflexes can also produce vestibulosympathetic responses that serve to maintain stable blood pressure. Vestibulosympathetic reflexes are mediated, at least in part, through a specialized group of reticulospinal neurons in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) that project to sympathetic preganglionic neurons in the spinal cord. However, other pathways may also contribute to these responses, including those that dually participate in motor control and regulation of sympathetic nervous system activity. Vestibulosympathetic reflexes differ in conscious and decerebrate animals, indicating that supratentorial regions alter these responses. However, as with vestibular reflexes acting on the limbs, little is known about the physiological significance of descending control of vestibulosympathetic pathways.
Can Timelessness through Prototypicality Support Sustainability? A Strategy for Product Designers

Abstract‘Timelessness’ in design has been linked to environmental sustainability through an increased product lifetime-of-use. However, timelessness may be difficult for product designers to achieve. One approach to creating aesthetic timelessness is visual simplicity—yet ‘simple’ can be a challenge to define, let alone to create. Underutilized concepts from the field of cognitive psychology such as categorization levels and prototype effects shed light on the way our minds process visual meaning in everyday objects, and the cognitive efficiency found in these concepts may be interpreted as a type of simplicity. If designers apply these concepts to product designs to prolong positive aesthetic experience, product lifetime can potentially be extended. Products and contexts that are potentially suitable or unsuitable for this approach are identified and discussed.
P: Modular and Safe Asynchronous Programming

We describe the design and implementation of P, an asynchronous event-driven programming language. P allows the programmer to specify the system as a collection of interacting state machines, which communicate with each other using events. P unifies modeling and programming into one activity for the programmer. Not only can a P program be compiled into executable code, but it can also be validated using systematic testing. P was first used to implement and validate the USB device driver stack that ships with Microsoft Windows 8 and Windows Phone. P is now also being used for the design and implementation of robotics and distributed systems inside Microsoft and in academia.
Human Endothelial Cell Collection from the Middle Cerebral Artery in Acute Ischemic Stroke.

Background Endovascular treatment for large-vessel acute ischemic stroke (AIS) has rapidly emerged. However, the understanding of the complex biology involving endothelial cells (ECs) remains scarce. Methods Using stent retrievers during endovascular thrombectomy (ET) in patients with AIS, ECs were segregated, centrifuged in a dissociation buffer, and suspended in endothelial specific antibody solution. Subsequently, fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) and microscopic analyses were performed. Results Three stent-retriever devices (2 Solitaire, 1 Trevo) were collected as separate deployments. Of 5.0% (±.48%) total events using FACS, 6.8% (±.68%) of cells were specific for ECs using fluorescent markers and were further visualized on fluorescence microscopy for consistence with the positive controls. Conclusions We describe a novel, minimally invasive biopsy technique to collect and harvest ECs from stent retrievers during ET and validate the approach in the treatment of AIS. Further work for detailed characterization and viability assessment of ECs is needed to compare their biology with in vitro and animal models.
New Product Failure Rates — Facts and Fallacies

(1979). New Product Failure Rates — Facts and Fallacies. Research Management: Vol. 22, No. 5, pp. 9-13.
Inactivating mutations in Drosha mediate vascular abnormalities similar to hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia

The transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) family of cytokines critically regulates vascular morphogenesis and homeostasis. Impairment of TGF-β or BMP signaling leads to heritable vascular disorders, including hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). Drosha, a key enzyme for microRNA (miRNA) biogenesis, also regulates the TGF-β and BMP pathway through interaction with Smads and their joint control of gene expression through miRNAs. We report that mice lacking Drosha in the vascular endothelium developed a vascular phenotype resembling HHT that included dilated and disorganized vasculature, arteriovenous fistulae, and hemorrhages. Exome sequencing of HHT patients who lacked known pathogenic mutations revealed an overrepresentation of rare nonsynonymous variants of DROSHA Two of these DROSHA variants (P100L and R279L) did not interact with Smads and were partially catalytically active. In zebrafish, expression of these mutants or morpholino-directed knockdown of Drosha resulted in angiogenesis defects and abnormal vascular permeability. Together, our studies point to an essential role of Drosha in vascular development and the maintenance of vascular integrity, and reveal a previously unappreciated link between Drosha dysfunction and HHT.
Optimal Reproductive Tactics

In a stable nongrowing population, reproductive value, vx, is defined as ‘age-specific expectation of future offspring’ at any given age, x. Current investment in present offspring is known as reproductive effort. Reproduction has costs: investing in offspring at the present time reduces ability to invest in offspring in the more distant future. These tradeoffs dictate an optimal reproductive tactic, which maximizes the sum of present and future progeny at every age, and in doing so, maximizes lifetime reproductive success. In populations that are not stable, the verbal definition of reproductive value is ‘the present value of all expected future offspring’. In a growing population, present offspring are worth more than future progeny, whereas the reverse is true in a declining population.
Using Data from a State Travel Demand Model to Develop a Multi-Criteria Framework for Transload Facility Location Planning

The majority of freight is transported within the U.S. by road. However, the use of alternative modes, such as rail and barge, is associated with lower transportation and infrastructure maintenance...
Counseling and Case Managing

Working with homeless persons is more than just a job: it is reaching out to people in extreme crisis; it is creating a bond to restore stability; it is showing that society can respond to the needs of its most destitute members. Working with homeless people involves the most delicate interpersonal problems and the least tractable interorganizational conflicts—it involves being there after others have left.
Handwerk als globaler Wirtschaftstrend

Die Finanz- und Wirtschaftskrisen fuhren, gemeinsam mit dem Entstehen einer multipolaren Weltordnung, zur Ruckbesinnung globaler Machte auf die heimischen Grundlagen ihres Wohlstandes. Anstatt multinationalen Groskonzernen weiterhin Vorrang einzuraumen, schlagt das Pendel nun zuruck: die Politik der Grosmachte entdeckt die Klein- und Mittelbetriebe als Grundlage ihrer langfristigen „Resilienz“ in der internationalen Konkurrenzsituation wieder. Sowohl die USA wie China versuchen derzeit, das deutsche Modell der dualen Ausbildung des Handwerks und der Facharbeit zu importieren und fur sich fruchtbar zu machen.
Neuroprotective Factors and Retinal Degenerations

Mammalian neurons are postmitotic and, in general, are nonrenewable, so an individual cell must be capable of surviving a wide range of environmental conditions for many decades, if not a lifetime. Retinal neurons are isolated to some extent from fluctuations in levels of many circulating molecules by a specific blood-retinal barrier, a structure analogous to the blood-brain barrier elsewhere in the central nervous system (CNS). This barrier provides protection to the retina by selectively transporting those molecules required for normal metabolism and filtering out components that could be detrimental to the health of the tissue.
Hepatic Retransplant: What Have We Learned?

Hepatic retransplant accounts for 5% to 15% of liver transplants in most series and is associated with significantly increased hospital costs and inferior patient survival when compared with primary liver transplant. Early retransplants are usually due to primary graft nonfunction or vascular thrombosis, whereas later retransplants are most commonly necessitated by chronic rejection or recurrent primary liver disease. Hepatic retransplant remains the sole option for survival in many patients facing allograft failure after liver transplant. With improved techniques to match retransplant candidates with appropriate donor grafts, it is hoped that the outcomes of retransplant will continue to improve in future.
The Other as Patient

In the writings of postmodern thinkers such as Levinas and Derrida, our fellow humans are referred to as the “Other,” as a mystery which lies forever beyond my self and my measures. This paper intends to explore the implications of this postmodern perspective for patient care. (For earlier attempts at clinical implications of the “Other,” the reader may consult Heaton, 1988 and Gans, 1988.)
Modeling Cyber Attacks at Intelligent Traffic Signals

Transportation networks are considered one of the critical physical infrastructures for resilient cities (cyber-physical systems). In efforts to minimize adverse effects that come with the advancem...
To Be Guided by Instinct.

To Be Guided by Instinct The resident senses that the elderly patient, dying and in pain, needs her daughter nearby but is hesitant to ask her to cancel a planned vacation. Should he ask the daught...
Place of Death and Dying: Introduction

The subject of death is of a considerable interest to all of us, as it has been since the beginning of civilization. However, the place of dying has seldom been studied in the field of environmenta...
Surgical Care for Women with Endometrial Cancer in Florida.

Objective: The goal of this research was to analyze if disparities in route of hysterectomy for endometrial cancer exist in Florida. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, Florida inpatient and ambulatory surgery databases (2014-2016) were examined to find cases of patients with endometrial cancer who underwent hysterectomy in the state. Logistic regression models were used to compare patient- and hospital-level factors associated with having minimally invasive surgery (MIS) versus open surgery, and complications in patients having open hysterectomy versus MIS. Results: Overall, 6513 patients met the inclusion criteria. MIS was performed in 81.4% of cases. The odds of using a minimally invasive approach to hysterectomy (vaginal, robotic, or laparoscopic) were significantly lower for black women (odds ratio [OR]: 0.41; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.34-0.50) as well as for other non-white patients (OR: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.49-0.84). Patients with Medicaid (OR: 0.42; 95% CI: 0.30-0.59) or Medicare managed care (OR: 0.73; 95% CI: 0.59-0.91), or who received care at a teaching hospital (OR: 0.82; 95% CI: 0.68-0.98) or government hospital (OR: 0.50; 95% CI: 0.38-0.65) were also less likely to receive MIS. Patients receiving care at a high-volume (OR: 1.69; 95% CI: 1.30-2.20) or medium-volume (OR: 3.11; 95% CI: 2.37-4.08) hospital, or patients who were located in the Central (OR: 1.71; 95% CI: 1.17-2.48) or Peninsula (OR: 1.73; 95% CI: 1.17-2.56) regions, compared to the Florida Panhandle, had greater odds of receiving MIS. Conclusions: Although Florida has a high adoption of MIS for treating endometrial cancer, disparities persist. Efforts of state-level entities should focus on improving access to minimally invasive hysterectomy for racial minorities with endometrial cancer.
Making the Tangible Intangible [Turnstile]

On 16 November 2018, international delegates at the General Conference on Weights and Measures in Versailles, France, unanimously voted to redefine the kilogram, the ampere, the kelvin, and the mole. The changes will take effect on 20 May 2019. The new kilogram will be based on Planck’s constant. One way to measure it will be a Kibble balance. Discusses the issues involved with these initiatives and examines the implications for scientific measurements.
MNIST-C: A Robustness Benchmark for Computer Vision.

We introduce the MNIST-C dataset, a comprehensive suite of 15 corruptions applied to the MNIST test set, for benchmarking out-of-distribution robustness in computer vision. Through several experiments and visualizations we demonstrate that our corruptions significantly degrade performance of state-of-the-art computer vision models while preserving the semantic content of the test images. In contrast to the popular notion of adversarial robustness, our model-agnostic corruptions do not seek worst-case performance but are instead designed to be broad and diverse, capturing multiple failure modes of modern models. In fact, we find that several previously published adversarial defenses significantly degrade robustness as measured by MNIST-C. We hope that our benchmark serves as a useful tool for future work in designing systems that are able to learn robust feature representations that capture the underlying semantics of the input.
P53 Awareness and Perceptions of Maine SNAP-Ed Among Maine SNAP Recipients

Background Contracted by the State of Maine—DHHS Office for Family Independence (OFI), Altarum has served as the external evaluator for Maine Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) since 2013. Objective Assess awareness, perceived value, and barriers to accessing Maine SNAP-Ed direct education classes among Maine SNAP recipients. Study Design, Settings, Participants Altarum conducted a cross-sectional telephone survey using a list of adult Maine SNAP recipients provided by the State of Maine–DHHS OFI. Measurable Outcome/Analysis Respondents were asked about awareness, perceived value, and barriers to participation in Maine SNAP-Ed direct education classes. Results were weighted to reflect characteristics of Maine SNAP recipients. Descriptive statistics and 95% confidence intervals were calculated to identify significant differences between groups. Results Approximately half of Maine SNAP recipients (49%) were aware of Maine SNAP-Ed. Many SNAP recipients (45%) learned about SNAP-Ed classes through other assistance programs (e.g., WIC). A majority (61%) recognized one or more of Maine SNAP-Ed's direct education classes by name. Only 7% of SNAP recipients had taken a Maine SNAP-Ed direct education class. However, most SNAP recipients (72%) were “somewhat” or “very interested” in learning how to eat healthy. Those who had taken a Maine SNAP-Ed class reported that the program helped them plan healthy meals for themselves and their family (96%), try a new recipe (91%), and think about making healthier food choices (91%). Barriers to participation mentioned by those who had not taken a Maine SNAP-Ed class included: being unaware that nutrition education classes were offered (52%), difficulty with the locations (43%), disbelieving classes would change behaviors (40%), and being too busy (35%). Approximately 4 in 10 who had not participated (41%) were uninterested in taking a nutrition education class. Conclusion The majority of Maine SNAP recipients were aware of SNAP-Ed and interested in learning to eat healthy. Maine SNAP-Ed may be able to increase program participation by addressing identified barriers.
The Application of Electrofocusing to the Fractionation of Proteins

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the application of electrofocusing to the fractionation of proteins. The electrofocusing technique is used to isolate α-mannosidase, β - N -acetylglucosaminidase, and α - and β -galactosidase from jack-bean meal as well as α-galactosidase from Mortierella vinacea. The glycosidases are useful for hydrolyzing the carbohydrate moieties of glycoproteins. Electrofocusing is particularly valuable at the final stage of the purification procedure and is the most simple and practical method of estimating the isoelectric points of the proteins. The α-galactosidase in the extract of mycelium was first fractionated by ammonium sulfate precipitation, and then purified by DEAE-Sephadex column chromatography. The conditions for the DEAE-Sephadex chromatography were determined by the pI values of the α-galactosidase and the contaminating proteins. The pI of Mortierella vinaceae α-galactosidase was found to be 5.3 by electrofocusing. After the DEAE-Sephadex chromatography, it was finally purified by electrofocusing, using carrier ampholytes with the pI distributed between pH 4 and 6
Acquired factor VIII inhibitor in a patient with multiple sclerosis treated with interferon β-1a

Abstract Acquired Factor VIII inhibitor is a rare acquired clotting disorder which has been seen in the setting of particular medications, autoimmune disease, and malignancy. Reports of this disorder in patients receiving immunomodulatory therapies for multiple sclerosis are rare. We present a case of a 48 year-old woman with likely development of acquired Factor VIII inhibitor in the setting of interferon beta monotherapy for multiple sclerosis, and discuss the pathogenesis of this disorder which involves shifts in helper T cell populations and increased production of immunoglobulins.
The entorhinal cortical alvear pathway differentially excites interneuron subtypes in hippocampal CA1

Abstract The entorhinal cortex alvear pathway is a major excitatory input to hippocampal CA1, yet nothing is known about its physiological impact. We investigated the alvear pathway projection and innervation of neurons in CA1 using optogenetics and whole cell patch clamp methods in transgenic mouse brain slices. Using this approach, we show that the medial entorhinal cortical alvear inputs onto both CA1 pyramidal cells and stratum oriens interneurons were monosynaptic, had low release probability, and were mediated by AMPA receptors. Optogenetic theta burst stimulation was unable to elicit suprathreshold activation of CA1 pyramidal neurons but was capable of activating CA1 stratum oriens interneurons. CA1 stratum oriens interneuron subtypes were not equally affected. Higher burst action potential frequencies were observed in parvalbumin-expressing interneurons relative to vasoactive-intestinal peptide-expressing or a subset of oriens lacunosum-moleculare interneurons. Furthermore, alvear excitatory synaptic responses were observed in greater than 70% of PV and VIP interneurons and less than 20% of O-LM cells. Finally, greater than 50% of theta burst-driven inhibitory postsynaptic current amplitudes in CA1 PCs were inhibited by optogenetic suppression of PV interneurons. Therefore, our data suggest that the alvear pathway primarily affects hippocampal CA1 function through feedforward inhibition of select interneuron subtypes.
Discrepancy between perceived diet quality and actual diet quality among US adult cancer survivors.

Little is known about cancer survivors’ self-perception of their dietary quality compared with their measured diet quality and how those perceptions may influence their actual diet. This study aimed to fill this gap using national large datasets. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 2005 to 2014 were used. The healthy eating index (HEI) based on 24-h dietary recall was used to measure diet quality. Logistic regression models were fit to examine the influence of the misperception of eating healthiness on diet quality. The agreement between self-perceived and actual diet quality was low (Kappa = 0.06, 95% CI: 0.02, 0.09) among cancer survivors. Over-rating diet quality was associated with a 5.39 lower total HEI score (P < 0.0001), 1.00 lower HEI score for empty calorie intake (P = 0.0028), 0.15 lower score for vegetable intake (P = 0.108), and 0.29 lower score for fruit intake; under-rating one’s diet quality was associated with a 7.12 higher total HEI score (P < 0.0001), 2.57 higher HEI score for empty calorie intake (P < 0.0001), 0.02 higher score for vegetable intake (P = 0.904), and 0.84 higher score for fruit intake (P = 0.001). Our multinomial regression estimates suggested that each 10-year increase in age was associated with an increase in the odds of being an over-rater vs. a correct-rater (OR: 11.4, 95% CI: 10.01, 10.2). Hispanics were more likely than non-Hispanic whites to over-rate their diet quality (OR: 1.792, 95% CI: 1.062, 3.024). Tailored nutrition interventions and guidance aimed at reducing the divergence between self-assessed and actual diet quality have the potential to improve cancer survivorship and narrow racial/ethnic and socioeconomic disparities.
Automated determination of n -cyanobiphenyl and n -cyanobiphenyl binary mixtures elastic constants in the nematic phase from molecular simulation

New applications of liquid crystalline materials have increased the need for precise engineering of elastic properties. Recently, Sidky et al. [H. Sidky, J. J. de Pablo, and J. K. Whitmer Phys. Rev. Lett., 2018, 120, 107801] presented methods by which the elastic coefficients of molecular models with atomistic detail can be accurately calculated, demonstrating the result for the ubiquitous mesogen 5CB. However, it is beneficial to future applications to demonstrate how the process may be refined into a precise tool for engineering functional materials. In this work, these techniques are applied to the homologous series of nCB materials and their binary mixtures, focusing on the standard bend, twist, and splay deformations, using an automated process. Our results show exceptional agreement with published experimental measurements for the nCBs and present a path forward to computational molecular engineering of liquid crystal elasticity for novel molecules and mixtures.
Understanding How Cumulative Victimization Predicts Future Victimization Risk: Relevance of Cognitive Versus Social Mediation:

Cumulative victimization represents the summation of victimization experiences across multiple contexts, with greater accumulation generally predicting greater dysfunction than less accumulation of...
Leisure and China in the global context: Introduction to the special issue

The purpose of the special issue “Leisure and China in the Global Context” is to present cutting-edge research on leisure in China and among Chinese populations abroad. The special issue was develo...
Numerical Notation: A Comparative History

This book is a cross-cultural reference volume of all attested numerical notation systems (graphic, non-phonetic systems for representing numbers), encompassing more than 100 such systems used over the past 5,500 years. Using a typology that defies progressive, unilinear evolutionary models of change, Stephen Chrisomalis identifies five basic types of numerical notation systems, using a cultural phylogenetic framework to show relationships between systems and to create a general theory of change in numerical systems. Numerical notation systems are primarily representational systems, not computational technologies. Cognitive factors that help explain how numerical systems change relate to general principles, such as conciseness or avoidance of ambiguity, which apply also to writing systems. The transformation and replacement of numerical notation systems relates to specific social, economic, and technological changes, such as the development of the printing press or the expansion of the global world-system.