cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Uterine Position Determines the Extent of Dopamine Reduction after Chronic Prenatal Cocaine Exposure.

Most studying the consequences of prenatal cocaine (COC) exposure employ rodents or other multiparous organisms in their models. We have previously shown that when pregnant Sprague-Dawley albino rats are administered a 30 mg/kg subcutaneous (s.c.) injection on embryonic day 15 (E15), fetal brain COC levels show a proximal-to-distal (in relation to the cervix) gradient that can vary by as much as 350%. The present study sought to determine whether this gradient translated into a similar gradient in brain dopamine (DA) levels. Pregnant rats were administered COC or saline (SAL) (30 mg/kg COC or 1 ml/kg SAL, b.i.d., E7-E19). On E20, dams were anesthetized with halothane, the fetuses immediately removed, their brains excised, frozen and subsequently processed for DA, dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) or homovanillic acid (HVA). High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis revealed a proximal-to-distal gradient for DA in both COC- and SAL-exposed fetuses. Average fetal DA levels per litter were significantly lower in COC-exposed litters (57.39 +/- 3.67 ng/hemibrain SAL; 48.29 +/- 3.87 ng/hemibrain COC F7,1 = 11.66, p < 0.05). The gradients for DA were in opposite directions such that COC litters showed the lowest levels of DA in the most distal uterine positions, whereas SAL-exposed litters showed the highest DA levels in the same location. These data suggest that a gradient in brain dopamine normally exists for fetuses based upon uterine position, and that cocaine can have selectively greater effects on this level as a function of fetal location.
Trait-Mediated Effects of Parasitic Phorid Flies (Diptera: Phoridae) on Ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) Competition and Resource Access in Coffee Agro-ecosystems

Abstract Predator effects on prey traits change competitive interactions between prey species affecting resource use. Parasitic phorid flies limit competitive-dominant ant activity, potentially meditating competitive interactions between ant species, changing competitive hierarchies, or affecting ant communities. I considered interactions between phorids (Pseudacteon sp.), their ant host (Azteca instabilis F. Smith), and co-occurring ant species in coffee agro-ecosystems testing whether phorids (1) limit A. instabilis recruitment activity, (2) affect competitive interaction between ant species, and (3) are associated with other species’ resource access and therefore have the potential to change competitive hierarchies. I monitored recruitment of A. instabilis and other ants to baits over 90 min on canopy trees with or without phorids. A. instabilis were one-half as abundant with phorids. Other species gained access to baits 12 times more often and were only able to take over baits when phorids were presen...
The Unitary Tax Reconsidered

How to determine the amount of income of essentially integrated multi-jurisdictional business entities that should be taxable by a particular state constitutes one of the most persistent issues in the state tax area. The need to resolve this issue is critical in light of states fiscal needs and the growing interdependence of the global economy. Unitary taxation constitutes a frequently employed approach to the issue. Unitary taxation, particularly its common variant of worldwide formula apportionment, has generated considerable controversy with regard to the appropriateness of its manner of apportionment and the impact it can have upon interstate and international commerce and relations. In this paper examination and analysis are made of: the major issues pertaining to the unitary tax and worldwide formula apportionment, the evolution of the unitary tax and the case law concerning it, as well as alternative courses of action for resolving the unitary tax controversy.
The Lilly Fellowship Program: Training for Rare Book Librarians

Rollo G. Silver, in his “The Training of Rare Book Librarians,” published in 1961, surveyed the need for competent rare book librarians, and commented on the inability of library schools to provide adequate training for those entering the field.1 During the same year, the Lilly Library of Indiana University began a program intended to help alleviate this problem and provide intensive practice and instruction to prospective rare book and manuscript librarians. The Lilly Library Fellowship Program was operated throughout most of the 1960s and provided training and experience to fourteen librarians, who, it was hoped, would go on to work . . .
Preparation of [(η5-C5H5)2TiB6H9]2: A Metallo Derivative of Hexaborane(10)

The complex [(η5-C5H5)2TiB6H9]2 is prepared through the reaction of K[B6H9] with (η5-C5H5)2TiCl in THF. It is a member of a small class of metalloboranes which are edge-bonded derivatives of B6H10. The compound is a paramagnetic dimer, [(η5-C5H5)2TiB6H9]2. The Ti(III) atom is formally a 17-electron species as supported by ESR spectra. There is no evidence for Ti−Ti interaction. The proposed structure resembles that of [{(Ph2Me)3P}2PtB6H9]2.
Large databases in anaesthesiology.

Purpose of review The purpose of this study is to review the current state of large database research in anaesthesiology and to describe the evolution of the National Anesthesia Clinical Outcomes Registry (NACOR) in the USA. Recent findings The Anesthesia Quality Institute of the American Society of Anesthesiologists was created to develop a national anaesthesia registry for the USA. NACOR and the companion Anesthesia Incident Reporting System are now 5 years old and in daily use by hundreds of US practices. The 30 million cases in NACOR are an emerging source for 'big data' research in anaesthesiology. Summary The Information Age is bringing new capabilities for large database research to the specialty of anaesthesiology, driven by the formation of registries capable of capturing a large fraction of all cases performed.
Prediction of stemless humeral implant micromotion during upper limb activities.

Abstract Background Adequate primary stability is essential for the long term success of uncemented stemless shoulder implants. The goal of this study was to evaluate the micromotion of a stemless humeral implant during various upper limb activities. Methods A finite element model was validated by reproducing experimental primary stability testing. Loading from an instrumented prosthesis representing a set of 29 upper limb activities were applied within the validated FE model. Peak micromotion and percentage area for different micromotion thresholds were considered. Findings In all simulated activities, at least 99% of the implant surface experienced micromotion below 150 μm. Micromotion depended strongly on loading with large discrepancies between upper limb activities. Carrying no external weight and keeping the arm at lower angles induced lower micromotion. Activities representative of demanding manual labor generally led to higher micromotion. Axilla crutches led to lower micromotion than forearm crutches. Micromotion increased when a wheelchair was used on slopes above 2% inclination. Interpretation Micromotions below the 150 μm threshold below which bone ingrowth occurs were measured over at least 99% of the implant surface for all simulated activities. Peak micromotion dependence on activity type demonstrates the need to consider physiologic in vivo loading and the full contact interface in primary stability evaluations. Focusing on activities with no hand weight and low arm motions during the rehabilitation period may enhance primary stability. For patients unable to walk without aids, axilla crutches and motorized wheelchairs might be more beneficial than forearm crutches and manual drive wheelchairs respectively.
Institut Pasteur v. United States: the AIDS patent dispute, the Contract Disputes Act and the international exchange of scientific data

In the case of Institut Pasteur v. United States, the Institut Pasteur (Pasteur) claimed that the National Cancer Institute (NCI) had breached express and implied contracts to share research on AIDS virus samples provided to NCI by Pasteur. NCI scientists allegedly used the samples to acquire information which allowed NCI to file patent applications for an AIDS blood test kit. The United States Claims Court dismissed the complaint by holding that the Institut Pasteur had not complied with certain administrative procedures required by the Contract Disputes Act before bringing its suit. The United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit reversed the decision of the Claims Court by holding that the disputed contracts did not fit within the scope of the Contract Disputes Act. Soon after the Court of Appeals decision, President Reagan and Prime Minister Chirac announced a settlement agreement whereby the lawsuit was to be dropped, American and French scientists were to share credit for having discovered the AIDS virus, and both parties to the suit were to share the patent rights for the AIDS blood test kit. This settlement suggest that international legal disputes involving urgent scientific and medical matters may require dispute resolution techniques that serve as alternatives to national courts.
Identical genetic profiles in primary and metastatic bladder tumors.

Abstract Transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder has been shown repeatedly to possess abnormal genetic profiles. During long periods recurrent tumors in the bladder consistently show the same type of genetic profile with each recurrence. We report on a patient with metastatic bladder cancer who had similar genetic profiles of the primary lesion and thoracocentesis fluid from the metastatic site. The significance of these findings is discussed.
Statistical Methods for Cohort Studies of CKD: Prediction Modeling

Prediction models are often developed in and applied to CKD populations. These models can be used to inform patients and clinicians about the potential risks of disease development or progression. With increasing availability of large datasets from CKD cohorts, there is opportunity to develop better prediction models that will lead to more informed treatment decisions. It is important that prediction modeling be done using appropriate statistical methods to achieve the highest accuracy, while avoiding overfitting and poor calibration. In this paper, we review prediction modeling methods in general from model building to assessing model performance as well as the application to new patient populations. Throughout, the methods are illustrated using data from the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort Study.
Suppression of Moisture Sensitivity of Friction in Carbon-Based Coatings

Publisher Summary Tailoring of hydrogenated carbon film properties to minimize environmental effects on friction is accomplished by proper deposition techniques and choice of film composition. Magnetron sputter-deposition results in smooth surfaces and midrange hardness. Sulfur doping of hydrogenated carbon films has been successful in mitigating the humidity effects on friction. The stabilization of low friction in humid air can be attributed to the reduction of water adsorption on the surface. This reduction is verified by results of quartz crystal microbalance and temperature-programed desorption experiments. Even at 90% relative humidity, sulfur-doped films have less than one monolayer of water adsorbed on the surface. This reduction in water coverage is due to the decrease in the residence time of water on the surface. Residence time is related to the strength of the bonding between water molecules and the sulfur-doped surface. These results indicate that sulfur doping results in weaker bonding between water and the film surface.
The Early Years of Trygve Haavelmo

In the 1800s, aside from a few centers of government and company towns, much of Norway remained rural. One such community, Gol, in the county of Buskerud, is a farming and forestry community about an hour’s drive northwest of Oslo. There, a family named Olsen was headed by Halvor (1853–?) and his wife Ingeborg (1857–), formerly Eikro.
QEEG in Seizure Detection

Quantitative EEG (QEEG) refers to a computational method that utilizes mathematical and analytical algorithms to transform and compress raw electroencephalography (EEG) signals into a graphical data representation (Fig. 12.1). The most common clinical use of QEEG is for seizure detection. However, QEEG applications are widespread and range from applications in psychiatric diseases (such as biomarkers and biofeedback) to applications in other neurological diseases (such as dementia and stroke). This chapter will focus on the use of QEEG for seizure identification in critically ill patients. When QEEG is applied in the intensive care unit (ICU) setting, it is sometimes referred to as digital trend analysis (DTA) or digital trending. This chapter will describe the trends used for QEEG seizure identification, summarize the literature, and provide examples of seizures, artifacts, and interictal patterns on QEEG trends.
Risk of Acute Liver Injury With Antiretroviral Therapy by Viral Hepatitis Status.

Author(s): Gowda, Charitha; Newcomb, Craig W; Liu, Qing; Carbonari, Dena M; Lewis, James D; Forde, Kimberly A; Goldberg, David S; Reddy, K Rajender; Roy, Jason A; Marks, Amy R; Schneider, Jennifer L; Kostman, Jay R; Tate, Janet P; Lim, Joseph K; Justice, Amy C; Goetz, Matthew Bidwell; Corley, Douglas A; Lo Re, Vincent | Abstract: BackgroundThe risk of hepatotoxicity with antiretroviral therapy (ART) remains unknown. We determined the comparative risk of acute liver injury (ALI) for antiretroviral drugs, classes, and regimens, by viral hepatitis status.MethodsWe followed a cohort of 10 083 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected persons in Kaiser Permanente Northern California (n = 2099) from 2004 to 2010 and the Veterans Aging Cohort Study (n = 7984) from 2004 to 2012. Within the first year of ART, we determined occurrence of (1) liver aminotransferases g200 U/L and (2) severe ALI (coagulopathy with hyperbilirubinemia). We used Cox regression to determine hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of endpoints among initiators of nucleos(t)ide analogue combinations, antiretroviral classes, and ART regimens, all stratified by viral hepatitis status.ResultsLiver aminotransferases g200 U/L developed in 206 (2%) persons and occurred more frequently among HIV/viral hepatitis-coinfected than HIV-monoinfected persons (116.1 vs 20.7 events/1000 person-years; P l .001). No evidence of differential risk was found between initiators of abacavir/lamivudine versus tenofovir/emtricitabine among coinfected (HR, 0.68; 95% CI, .29-1.57) or HIV-monoinfected (HR, 1.19; 95% CI, .47-2.97) groups. Coinfected patients had a higher risk of aminotransferases g200 U/L after initiation with a protease inhibitor than nonnucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitor (HR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.36-2.96). Severe ALI (30 events; 0.3%) occurred more frequently in coinfected persons (15.9 vs 3.1 events/1000 person-years; P l .001) but was too uncommon to evaluate in adjusted analyses.ConclusionsWithin the year after ART initiation, aminotransferase elevations were infrequently observed and rarely led to severe ALI. Protease inhibitor use was associated with a higher risk of aminotransferase elevations among viral hepatitis-coinfected patients.
Student Facing Dashboards: One Size Fits All?

This emerging technology report reviews a new development in educational technology, student-facing dashboards, which provide comparative performance feedback to students calculated by Learning Analytics-based algorithms on data generated from university students’ use of educational technology. Instructor- and advisor-facing dashboards emerged as one of the first direct applications of Learning Analytics, but the results from early implementations of these displays for students provide mixed results about the effects of their use. In particular, the “one-size-fits-all” design of many existing systems is questioned based on findings in related research on performance feedback and student motivation which has shown that various internal and external student-level factors affect the impact of feedback interventions, especially those using social comparisons. Integrating data from student information systems into underlying algorithms to produce personalized dashboards may mediate the possible negative effects of feedback, especially comparative feedback, and support more consistent benefits from the use of such systems.
Comparison of SIFT, Bi-SIFT, and Tri-SIFT and their frequency spectrum analysis

This paper aims to explore frequency behavior of isotropic (regular SIFT) and anisotropic (Bi-SIFT and Tri-SIFT) versions of the scale-space keypoint detection algorithm SIFT. We introduced a new smoothing function Trilateral filter that can be used in formation of a scale-space as an alternative to the Gaussian scale-space. The number of matching pixels, warping error, and scatteredness are employed in comparison. We made the comparison out of face dataset and object dataset for scale, orientation, and view-angle transformations as well as lighting and compression variations. The comparison results show that anisotropic smoothing detects more keypoints than isotropic one. The Tri-SIFT is more robust to variation in viewpoint angle.
Economics literature on joint production of minerals: A survey

Abstract Processes which produce more than one output jointly are common across a host of industries and play a notable role in mineral supply. Many important commodities including oil and gas, copper and gold, or iron and rare earth elements, are produced together as joint products. Despite its prevalence, joint production has received only minor explicit treatment in the literature on mineral economics. This paper surveys and categorizes the mineral economics literature to highlight notable works and gaps that deserve the attention of future researchers. A key finding of the survey is that little unifying and empirically tested theory explains the behavior of multi-product firms or markets. However, several studies have found that unimportant joint products, sometimes called by-products, tend to be more available in an economic or physical sense than conventional wisdom may hold. Finally, literature on agriculture and fishing economics are provided as an example of how mineral economics might be better integrated into the economics discipline as a whole.
Time in the Worldview of Classical Physics

In classical physics, time became a measurable and calculable quantity. Technical advances in mechanical engineering made possible the construction of increasingly precise chronometers and clocks. With the aid of modern mathematics, time could be measured with arbitrary precision. In the formalism of classical mechanics, time is merely a coordinate in the equations of motion. These equations remain valid under certain transformations—for example, those in which the direction of time is reversed. But the invariance of time as a constant measurable quantity—the notion that time is an absolute, independent, unvarying entity—was fundamental in classical mechanics. Only with the advent of relativity and then quantum theory were these notions of an invariant and independent entity called into question. They have also been considered by modern epistemology, where time is investigated as a form of consciousness.
Protein carboxyl methylation-demethylation may be involved in gene activation.

In 1965 Axelrod and Daly (1) reported the presence of a methanol-forming enzyme in bovine pituitary gland. Subsequent reports by Liss et al. (2–4) and Kim and Paik (5,6) described a protein-carboxyl-O-methyltransferase (EC 2.1.1.24) which catalyzed the transfer of the methyl group from S-adenosylmethionine to the carboxyl side chain of glutamate and/or aspartate in various proteins (Scheme 1). This reaction results in the formation of protein-methyl esters which were first thought to undergo spontaneous hydrolysis to form methanol under physiological conditions. However, Gagnon et al. (7) found that various tissues from the rat contained a protein methyl esterase which would readily hydrolyze protein-methyl esters to produce methanol. Fetters et al. (8) came to similar conclusions. The protein methyl esters which resulted from the methylation of ACTH via a highly purified protein carboxyl methyl transferase from thymus were stable for several hours at pH 6.5 at 37°C. However, the resultant protein methyl esters were hydrolyzed rapidly upon the further addition of nucleoplasm or cytoplasm (Fig. 1). The resultant [3H]methanol was oxidized via an alcohol dehydrogenase or oxidase. Although alcohol dehydrogenase has been found to be primarily a liver enzyme, we found that alcohol was oxidized by extracts prepared from several different tissues, including thymus (8,9).
The management of test results in primary care: does an electronic medical record make a difference?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES It is unknown whether an electronic medical record (EMR) improves the management of test results in primary care offices. METHODS As part of a larger assessment using observations, interviews, and chart audits at eight family medicine offices in SW Ohio, we documented five results management steps (right place in chart, signature, interpretation, patient notification, and abnormal result follow-up) for laboratory and imaging test results from 25 patient charts in each office. We noted the type of records used (EMR or paper) and how many management steps had standardized results management processes in place. RESULTS We analyzed 461 test results from 200 charts at the eight offices. Commonly grouped tests (complete blood counts, etc) were considered a single test. A total of 274 results were managed by EMR (at four offices). Results managed with an EMR were more often in the right place in the chart (100% versus 98%), had more clinician signatures (100% versus 86%), interpretations (73% versus 64%), and patient notifications (80% vs. 66%) documented. For the subset of abnormal results (n=170 results), 64% of results managed with an EMR had a follow-up plan documented compared to only 40% of paper managed results. Having two or more standardized results management steps did not significantly improve documentation of any step, but no offices had standardized processes for documenting interpretation of test results or follow-up for abnormal results. There was inter-office variability in the successful documentation of results management steps, but 75% of the top performing offices had EMRs. CONCLUSIONS There was greater documentation of results managed by an EMR, but all offices fall short in notifying patients and in documenting interpretation and follow-up of abnormal test results.
P055 To be a DSA or not to be a DSA, we need to know!

Aim The accuracy of HLA antibody testing is very important for entering UNOS Unacceptable donor antigens, evaluating organ offers by virtual and prospective crossmatch, and evaluating donor specific antibodies (DSAs) pre and post transplant. It is known that Single Antigen Beads (SAB) often have problems with false positive reactions, when the manufacturing process results in 3–5% denatured HLA determinants on every bead, exposing cryptic, non HLA antigens. This case study demonstrates that SAB false positive HLA antibodies can often be ruled out or verified by using additional tests and analyses, including FlowPRA Screen and LSPRA (phenotype bead) assays and epitope and donor HLA allele analysis, which will reduce the risk of denying lifesaving organ transplants based on false positive HLA antibodies. Methods Deceased donor pronased mononuclear cells from blood, were Flow crossmatched against three sera from a 64% CPRA patient. The results were T cell Negative on all three sera, B cell low positive on one of the sera. By SAB the sera had three potential weak DSAs (B62/2,100 MFI, DRB3*02:02/1,000 MFI, DPB1*01:01/A1*01:03/2,500 MFI, and DPB1*01:01/A1*02:01/1,000 MFI), LSPRA assay, crossmatch results, and epitope and donor alleles analysis, were used to rule out or confirm the potential DSAs. Results The three potential DSAs were ruled out, see the table below. The B cell Low Positive in serum 1 did not make sense, the potential DSAs were stronger in serum 3, the reactivity was nonspecific, which had been observed before. Download high-res image (204KB) Download full-size image Conclusions It is unacceptable that alone, the SAB assay false positive DSAs will deny patients lifesaving organ transplants, when there are tests and analysis methods which can often detect and rule out these antibodies. The SAB assay is a very important test, but unless other testing platforms, like Phenotype beads and FlowPRA screen, are used to identify the false positive antibodies, the SAB assay will lose organ offers for our patients or trigger unnecessary DSA treatments post transplant. S.S. Geier: 2. Consultant; Company/Organization; LABSNE Clinical Consulting Director. 7. Other (Identify); Company/Organization; UNOS Histocompatibility Committee and MPSC ad.
Adverse health outcomes (AHO) after modern cisplatin-based chemotherapy (CHEM) compared to surgery-only: A study of 503 testicular cancer survivors (TCS).

e22068Background: Few studies comprehensively examine AHO in uniformly treated TCS after modern cisplatin-based CHEM compared to surgery-only (SURG). We evaluated AHO in an ongoing North American s...
The Politics of Rulemaking in the United States

Rulemaking is a critical part of American government and governance. This article reviews the political underpinnings of modern rulemaking. Specifically, it highlights the process and impact of age...
Work-in-Progress: New Analysis Techniques for Supporting Hard Real-Time Sporadic DAG Task Systems on Multiprocessors

We consider the problem of globally scheduling hard real-time sporadic DAG task systems on multiprocessors. Existing techniques show that analyzing the DAG model is fundamentally more challenging compared to the ordinary sporadic task model, due to the complex intra-DAG precedence constraints which may cause rather pessimistic schedulability loss. However, such increased loss is counterintuitive because the DAG structure shall better exploit the parallelism provided by the multiprocessor platform. In this work, we present a set of novel scheduling and analysis techniques for better supporting hard real-time sporadic DAG tasks on multiprocessors, through smartly defining and analyzing the execution order of subtasks in each DAG. Interestingly, when each DAG task only contains a single subtask, the proposed utilization-based schedulability test becomes identical to the density test.
Book Review: Eclipse De Siete Lunas by Dina Comisarenco Mirkin

Eclipse de siete lunas: Mujeres muralistas en Mexico , by Dina Comisarenco Mirkin. Mexico City: Artes de Mexico, 2017. 263 pp., $650 (paper), ISBN 9786074612431. Reviewed by Terri Geis. Eclipse de siete lunas: mujeres muralistas en Mexico examines the participation of twenty-four women artists
County-Level Clustering and Characteristics of Repeat Versus First Teen Births in the United States, 2015–2017

Abstract Purpose Approximately 16% of U.S. births to women aged 15–19 years are repeat (second or higher order) births. Repeat teen mothers are at elevated risk for poor perinatal outcomes. Geographic clustering and correlates of repeat teen birth are unknown. Methods Data from birth certificates on N = 629,939 teen births in N = 3,108 U.S. counties in 2015–2017 were merged with data on county-level demographic, socioeconomic, and health provider characteristics. We identified contiguous clusters of counties with significantly elevated rates of first teen births only, repeat teen births, both, or neither between 2015 and 2017 and compared demographic, socioeconomic, and medical provider characteristics of counties between 2010 and 2016 in each cluster type. Results A total of 193 counties (6.21%) had high rates of repeat births only; 504 (16.22%) had high rates of first teen birth only; 991 (31.89%) had high rates of both repeat and first teen births; and 1,420 (45.69%) had neither. Counties with high repeat (vs. first only) birth rates had higher rates of poverty and unemployment, higher levels of income inequality, lower high school graduation rates, a higher share of racial and ethnic minority residents, fewer publicly funded family planning clinics per capita, and more women receiving contraceptive services at publicly funded clinics. Conclusions First and repeat teen births cluster in differentially resourced geographic areas. Counties with high repeat teen birth rates have lower socioeconomic conditions than counties with high rates of first teen births only. These counties are more reliant on publicly funded family planning clinics but have fewer of them per capita.
Public Archaeology: Theoretical Approaches and Current Practices: Edited by Işilay Gürsu. Pp. vi + 102. Monograph 52. London: British Institute at Ankara, and Oxford: Oxbow Books, 2019. £30 (HB). ISBN 9781912090808

In the nearly five decades since McGimsey (1972) published Public Archaeology and gave a name to an emerging field of practice, archaeologists wrestling with practical, ethical, and legal imperativ...
Operating room first case start times: a metric to assess systems-based practice milestones?

Resident competence in peri-operative care is a reflection on education and cost-efficiency. Inspecting pre-existing operating room metrics for performance outliers may be a potential solution for assessing competence. Statistical correlation of problematic benchmarks may reveal future opportunities for educational intervention. Case-log database review yielded 3071 surgical cases involving residents over the course of 5 years. Surgery anticipated and actual start times were evaluated for delays and residents were assessed using the days of resident training performed at the time of each corresponding case. Other variables recorded included day of week, attending anesthesiologist name, attending surgeon name, patient age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification (ASA PS), and in-patient versus day surgery status. Mixed-effect, multi-variable, linear regression determined independent determinants of delay time. The analysis identified day of the week (F = 25.65, P < 0.0001), days of training (F = 8.39, P = 0.0038), attending surgeon (F = 2.67, P < 0.0001), and anesthesiology resident (F = 1.67, P = 0.0012) as independent predictors of delay time for first-start cases, with an overall regression model F = 3.09, r2 = 0.186, and P < 0.0001. The day of the week and attending surgeon demonstrated significant impact of case delay compared to resident days trained. If a learning curve for first-case start punctuality exists for anesthesiology residents, it is subtle and irrelevant to operating room efficiency. The regression model accounted for only 19% of the variability in the outcome of delay time, indicating a multitude of additional unidentified factors contributing to operating room efficiency.
Evaluation of Theoretical and Empirical Characteristics of the Communication, Language, and Statistics Survey (CLASS).

The interaction between language and the learning of statistical concepts has been receiving increased attention. The Communication, Language, And Statistics Survey (CLASS) was developed in response to the need to focus on dynamics of language in light of the culturally and linguistically diverse environments of introductory statistics classrooms. This manuscript presents a cross-cultural evaluation of the characteristics of the CLASS III (third generation of the instrument) and provides a user-friendly cross-culturally valid version of the CLASS. Mixed methods are employed to investigate further characteristics of the CLASS III and provide a scale (CLASS IV) that may be utilized in diverse settings. These research results have implications for instructors, professional developers, and researchers to improve instruction with culturally and linguistically diverse student populations. First published May 2018 at Statistics Education Research Journal Archives
A theory of the setting: The transformation of unrepresented experience and play

ABSTRACTThe psychoanalytic setting can be defined in part by its functions. The setting operates as an auxiliary function for the analyst’s capacities, which include containment, interpretation, as...
Probing the Nature of Neutrinos with a New Force

We discuss the possibility to distinguish between Dirac and Majorana neutrinos in the context of the minimal gauge theory for neutrino masses, the B-L gauge extension of the Standard Model. We revisit the possibility to observe lepton number violation at the Large Hadron Collider and point out the importance of the decays of the new gauge boson to discriminate between the existence of Dirac or Majorana neutrinos.
In utero nutritional stress as a cause of obesity: Altered relationship between body fat, leptin levels and caloric intake in offspring into adulthood

Abstract Aims Emerging evidence suggests that during gestation the in utero environment programs metabolism and can increase risk of obesity in adult offspring. Our aim was to study how alterations in maternal diets during gestation might alter body weight evolution, circulating leptin levels and caloric intake in offspring, leading to changes in body composition. Materials and methods We fed gestating rats either a control diet (CD), high fat diet (HFD) or an isocaloric low protein diet (LPD), and examined the repercussions in offspring fed similar diets post-weaning on birth weight, body weight evolution, body composition, insulin sensitivity, glucose tolerance and in the relationship between plasma leptin concentration and caloric intake in offspring during growth and development. Key finds Offspring from dams fed LPD maintained reduced body weight with greater % lean mass and consumed fewer calories despite having leptin levels similar to controls. On the other hand, offspring from dams fed a HFD were insulin resistant and maintained increased body weight and % fat mass, while consuming more calories than controls despite elevated leptin concentrations. Therefore the uterine environment, modulated primarily through maternal nutrition, modified the relationship between circulating leptin levels, body fat, and caloric intake in the offspring, and dams fed a HFD produced offspring with excess adiposity, insulin resistance, and leptin resistance into adulthood. Significance Our data indicates that in utero environmental factors affected by maternal diet program alterations in the set point around which leptin regulates body weight in offspring into adulthood contributing to obesity.
Connected Health

Connected health bridges the gap between healthcare domain and computing technologies. This special issue presents six research articles that focus on system design and application security for connected health.
Response of potential woody cover of Texas savanna to climate change in the 21st century

Abstract Potential woody cover of savanna ecosystems is highly relevant to their dynamics and management, especially with regard to the widespread phenomenon of woody plant encroachment. Prior studies suggest that water availability is the primary factor limiting potential woody cover. To this end, variations in future water availability due to climate change are likely to alter localized potential woody cover. This study aims to test this hypothesis in the savanna of central Texas, USA during the 21st century, with application of climate projection of Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5). The established relationship between potential woody cover and observed mean annual precipitation (MAP) of 1981-2010 in the study area works as the basis in this study. It turns out that the vast majority of Texas savanna will receive less precipitation in the rest of the 21st century to different degrees, depending on temporal stages and Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs). However, the potential woody cover does not necessarily change with precipitation. The semiarid region of Texas savanna and the very west portion of the mesic region will have lower potential woody cover. Whereas, potential woody cover in the arid region and most of the mesic region will remain the same. It is worth noting that discrepancy in projected potential woody cover maps exists between RCP4.5 and RCP8.5. This discrepancy highlights the varying effect that different government policies of greenhouse gas emission can impose on savanna ecosystems in the long run.
Quantifying and engineering probiotic bacterial adhesion to mucus

Mucus in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is the primary point-of-interaction between humans and their gut microbiota. This not only intimates that mucus ensures protection against endogenous and exogenous opportunists but provision for the human microbiota to reside and flourish. With the emergence of living therapeutics, engineered microbes can deliver and produce increasingly complex medicine, and controlling the mucoadhesive properties of different microbial chassis can dictate dose-response in a patient. Here we present a redesigned, in vitro, plate-based assay to measure the mucus adhesion of various probiotics. Cell-mucus interactions were isolated by immobilizing mucus to the plate surface. Binding parameters were derived for each probiotic strain by measuring cell adhesion over a wide range of cell concentrations, providing dose-dependent adhesion metrics. Surface proteins and cell components known to influence mucoadhesion were then heterologously expressed or altered in Lactococcus lactis MG1363 and E. coli Nissle 1917 to control mucus-binding capacity, avidity, and cooperativity.
Effects of Communication Directionality and AI Agent Differences in Human-AI Interaction

In Human-AI collaborative settings that are inherently interactive, direction of communication plays a role in how users perceive their AI partners. In an AI-driven cooperative game with partially observable information, players (be it the AI or the human player) require their actions to be interpreted accurately by the other player to yield a successful outcome. In this paper, we investigate social perceptions of AI agents with various directions of communication in a cooperative game setting. We measure subjective social perceptions (rapport, intelligence, and likeability) of participants towards their partners when participants believe they are playing with an AI or with a human and the nature of the communication (responsiveness and leading roles). We ran a large scale study on Mechanical Turk (n=199) of this collaborative game and find significant differences in gameplay outcome and social perception across different AI agents, different directions of communication and when the agent is perceived to be an AI/Human. We find that the bias against the AI that has been demonstrated in prior studies varies with the direction of the communication and with the AI agent.
Theory of Sandwich Plates and Shells with an Transversely Incompressible Core

An extremely robust geometrical nonlinear theory of initially imperfect doubly curved sandwich shells with an incompressible core is presented. The aspects of the theory consider dissimilar face sheets with imposed anisotropic laminated composite construction. The core is considered broad in its inherent properties by considering both the weak and strong core types. The influence of the geometric imperfections on the theoretical developments are also included which adds an additional level of complexity. The governing equations are simplified for various specialized cases for two formulations referred to as the mixed formulation and the displacement formulation. These formulations are then broken down individually each for plate and shell-type sandwich construction. Finally, the boundary conditions are briefly discussed.
Determining Factors that Influence Adoption of New Post-Stroke Sensorimotor Rehabilitation Devices in the USA

Rehabilitation device efficacy alone does not lead to clinical practice adoption. Previous literature identifies drivers for device adoption by therapists but does not identify the best settings to introduce devices, the roles of different stakeholders including rehabilitation directors, or specific criteria to be met during device development. The objective of this work was to provide insights into these areas to increase clinical adoption of post-stroke restorative rehabilitation devices. We interviewed 107 persons including physical/occupational therapists, rehabilitation directors, and stroke survivors and performed content analysis. Unique to this work, care settings in which therapy goals are best aligned for restorative devices were found to be outpatient rehabilitation, followed by inpatient rehabilitation. Therapists are the major influencers for adoption because they typically introduce new rehabilitation devices to patients for both clinic and home use. We also learned therapists’ utilization rate of a rehabilitation device influences a rehabilitation director’s decision to acquire the device for facility use. Main drivers for each stakeholder are identified, along with specific criteria to add details to findings from previous literature. In addition, drivers for home adoption of rehabilitation devices by patients are identified. Rehabilitation device development should consider the best settings to first introduce the device, roles of each stakeholder, and drivers that influence each stakeholder, to accelerate successful adoption of the developed device.
Evaluation of sow thermal preference across three stages of reproduction

The metabolic heat production of modern pigs has increased by an average of 16%, compared with sows of 30 years ago. Therefore, it is likely that temperature recommendations require updating to meet the needs of modern pigs. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether different reproductive stages of sows altered thermal preference and if current recommendations required updating. Twenty multiparous sows (3.4 ± 1.2 parity) in different reproductive stages (nonpregnant: n = 7; mid-gestation: 58.5 ± 5.68 d, n = 6; and late-gestation: 104.7 ± 2.8 d, n = 7) were tested. Thermal preference was individually tested, and sows could freely choose a temperature, using a thermal gradient between 10.4 and 30.5 °C. Sows were given 24 h to acclimate to the thermal apparatus. Before testing began, sows were given daily feed allotment and returned to the apparatus. Video from the 24-h test period was used to record sow behavior (time spent inactive), posture (upright and sternal and lateral lying), and location using instantaneous scan samples every 15 min. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED procedure in SAS 9.4. A cubic regression model was used to calculate the sow's most preferred temperature based on the location, or temperature, in which they spent the most time. The preference range was calculated using peak temperature preference ±SE for each sow. The reproductive stage altered where sows spent their time within the thermal gradient (P < 0.01). Late-gestation sows preferred cooler temperatures (14.0 °C) than mid-gestation (14.8 °C; P < 0.01) and nonpregnant sows (14.8 °C; P < 0.01). In summary, sow thermal preferences were within the lower half of the current recommended range (10 to 25 °C). This indicates that temperatures at the higher end of the recommended range could be uncomfortable to sows and that the thermal comfort zone of sows may be narrower than recommendations indicate.
Using the Health Belief Model to examine travelers’ willingness to vaccinate and support for vaccination requirements prior to travel

Data from a survey of 1478 travelers and multistep group structural equation model analysis revealed that the Health Belief Model constructs of cues to action (trust in third-party information sources), perceived severity of and susceptibility to COVID-19, and beliefs about the protection benefits of a COVID-19 vaccine, subsequently elicited willingness to vaccinate and beliefs that others should vaccinate prior to travel and enhanced support for pre-travel vaccination mandates. Also, significant differences in the perceived protection benefits of the vaccine and willingness to vaccinate were found across groups of travelers who travel more or less frequently and those with and without a prior positive test for COVID-19. The study provides a theoretically informed understanding of the dynamics that may enable the success of important health-related travel policy in the wake of COVID-19 and future pandemics and identifies the communication mechanisms that must be leveraged by governments and travel authorities in enforcing policy.
The Quest for a General Theory of Leadership

Contents: Introduction 1. A Quest for a Grand theory of Leadership 2. Leadership and the Human Condition 3. The Theory and Metatheory of Leadership 4. Power 5. Leader-Follower Relations: Group Dynamics and the Role of Leadership 6. A Framework for a General Theory of Leadership Ethics 7. Causality, Change and Leadership 8. A Constructionist Lens on Leadership: Charting New Territory 9. Contemplating Context 10. What We Learned Along the Way: A Commentary 11. Afterword Contributors: J.M. Burns, J.B. Ciulla, R.A. Couto, E. Faier, G.R. Goethals, M. Harvey, G.R. Hickman, D.A. Hicks, C.L. Hoyt, S. Ospina, T.L. Price, R.E. Riggio, G.L.J. Sorenson, M.C. Walker, J.T. Wren
Neonatal cystitis-induced colonic hypersensitivity in adult rats: a model of viscero-visceral convergence.

Background The objective of this study was to determine if neonatal cystitis alters colonic sensitivity later in life and to investigate the role of peripheral mechanisms.
The influence of irradiation and hydration on the transport properties of isotropic and anisotropic membranes

The influence of quaternization on the transport properties of water and sodium chloride under reverse osmosis conditions has been examined for alternating copolymers of styrene and 4-vinyl pyridine. These results demonstrate quite clearly a linear relationship between log P as a function of salt rejection or reciprocal hydration. Such a relationship seems to be quite general for ionic polymers. Also, results with irradiation demonstrate that tensile properties of these copolymers can be improved by about 60% at an optimum dose of about 9 megarads. In addition, the directional permeability of graded membranes has been demonstrated for an alternating copolymer where a gradient of quaternization was imposed on the membrane. Both the water and salt flux were higher along the quaternization gradient than in the reverse orientation of the membrane. Der Einflus der Quaternisierung auf Transporteigenschaften von Wasser und Natriumchlorid unter umgekehrten Osmose-Bedingungen wurde fur alternierende Copolymere von Styrol und 4-Vinylpyridin untersucht. Diese Ergebnisse zeigen sehr deutlich eine lineare Abhangigkeit zwischen log P als Funktion der Salzretention oder der reziproken Hydratation. Solch eine Beziehung scheint fur alle ionischen Polymeren zu gelten. Daruber hinaus zeigen die Ergebnisse, die bei der Bestrahlung der Polymeren erhalten wurden, das die Zugdehnungseigenschaften dieser Copolymeren ungefahr um 60% verbessert werden konnten bei einer optimalen Dosis von ungefahr 9 megarad. Zusatzlich konnte eine gerichtete Permeabilitat von Membranen, in die ein Quaternisierungsgradient eingefugt worden war, bei einem alternierenden Copolymeren gezeigt werden. Der Wasser- und der Salzflus waren bei der Membran in Richtung des Quaternisierungsgradienten hoher als in der umgekehrten Richtung.