cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
200 W self-organized coherent fiber arrays

We report producing 200 W coherent fiber laser arrays without active control. This outcome is obtained via self-organization using a non-fiber coupler for two- to ten-laser arrays.
Self-initializing memory elements

Test generation for sequential circuits is complicated by the fact that the initial internal state of a circuit, after power-up, cannot be predicted. This is commonly referred to as the initializability problem. In this paper, we present a new solution to the initializability problem - self-initializing memory elements (SIME's). SIME's are designed to initialize, at power-up, to a known state. The start-up environment of a memory element is analyzed in detail. This analysis is used to design several different types of SIME's. Each of the designs meet different user requirements. We also discuss the application of SIME's to the problem of test generation for sequential circuits. SIME's have distinct advantages over on-chip reset signals. Compared to off-chip reset signals, they offer a different overhead-benefit trade-off. They may also be used in conjunction with other design for test techniques. In short, they provide a designer with additional flexibility during the design process. >
Allowed Domains for Chiral-Symmetry- and Isospin-Breaking Parameters

In addition to the chiral-symmetry-breaking terms ${\ensuremath{\epsilon}}_{0}{\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{0}+{\ensuremath{\epsilon}}_{8}{\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{8}$ an isospin - breaking term ${\ensuremath{\epsilon}}_{3}{\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{3}$ is included in the study of the (3,\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{}3)\ensuremath{\bigoplus}(\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{}3,3) model. By assuming that the intermediate symmetry is either ${\mathrm{SU}}_{2}$\ensuremath{\bigotimes}${\mathrm{SU}}_{2}$ or ${\mathrm{SU}}_{3}$, allowed domains for the chiral-symmetry- and isospin-breaking parameters are derived. A $\ensuremath{\sigma}$-model Lagrangian is then constructed. The positivity condition for the masses reproduces the general features of the domain structure.
Using virtual and augmented reality in the library

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the background for libraries to consider the benefit of implementing virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) usage. Design/methodology/approach – This paper includes literature review and commentary on this topic that has been addressed by professionals, researchers and practitioners. Findings – VR or AR are not gimmicks, and must be seen as valid additions to the toolkit that may be used by libraries to engage its audience, not only with the latest technology but also with the goal in mind of ensuring a proper approach to teaching information literacy. Originality/value – The value in addressing this topic is to examine the notion of virtual or augmented reality and its suggested uses in libraries to support the teaching of information literacy.
Dirac fermions and superconductivity in the homologous structures (AgxPb1-xSe)5(Bi2Se3)3m (m=1,2)

A newly discovered topological insulator (AgxPb1-xSe)5(Bi2Se3)3m, m=2, has a band gap of 0.5 eV, the largest value ever reported in topological insulators (TIs). We present a magnetoconductivity study of the Dirac electrons of this compound in the quantum diffusion regime. Two dimensional weak antilocalization was observed and identified as destructive interference caused by the Berry phase of this topological state. We find that the phase coherence length of the Dirac electrons is independent of doping and disorder levels. This provides proof for the absence of backscattering arising from the protection of time reversal invariance in TI (AgxPb1-xSe)5(Bi2Se3)3m, m=2. We further report that the homologous compound (AgxPb1-xSe)5(Bi2Se3)3m, m=1 is a superconductor with a transition temperature Tc = 1.7 K. The related structures of these two phases allow lateral intergrowth of crystals to occur naturally, offering an opportunity to observe the Majorana Fermion state at the boundary of two intergrown crystals.
On the parity of partition functions

Let S denote a subset of the positive integers, and let pS(n) be the associated partition function, that is, pS(n) denotes the number of partitions of the positive integer n into parts taken from S. Thus, if S is the set of positive integers, then pS(n) is the ordinary partition function p(n). In this paper, working in the ring of formal power series in one variable over the field of two elements Z/2Z, we develop new methods for deriving lower bounds for both the number of even values and the number of odd values taken by pS(n), for n ≤ N. New very general theorems are obtained, and applications are made to several partition functions.
Normalization of Postinfarct Biomechanics Using a Novel Tissue-Engineered Angiogenic Construct

Background—Cell-mediated angiogenic therapy for ischemic heart disease has had disappointing results. The lack of clinical translatability may be secondary to cell death and systemic dispersion with cell injection. We propose a novel tissue-engineered therapy, whereby extracellular matrix scaffold seeded with endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) can overcome these limitations using an environment in which the cells can thrive, enabling an insult-free myocardial cell delivery to normalize myocardial biomechanics. Methods and Results—EPCs were isolated from the long bones of Wistar rat bone marrow. The cells were cultured for 7 days in media or seeded at a density of 5×106 cells/cm2 on a collagen/vitronectin matrix. Seeded EPCs underwent ex vivo modification with stromal cell–derived factor-1α (100 ng/mL) to potentiate angiogenic properties and enhance paracrine qualities before construct formation. Scanning electron microscopy and confocal imaging confirmed EPC–matrix adhesion. In vitro vasculogenic potenti...
A Comparison of Men Who Committed Different Types of Sexual Assault in a Community Sample

This study extends past research by examining predictors of different types of sexual assault perpetration in a community sample. Computer-assisted self-interviews were conducted with a representative sample of 163 men in one large urban community. As hypothesized, many variables that are significant predictors of sexual assault perpetration in college student samples were also significant predictors in this sample, including empathy, adult attachment, attitudes about casual sex, sexual dominance, alcohol consumption in sexual situations, and peer approval of forced sex. For most measures, the strongest differences were between nonassaulters and men who committed acts that met standard legal definitions of rape. Men who committed forced sexual contact and verbal coercion tended to have scores that fell in between those of the other two groups. The implications of these findings are discussed for community-based sexual assault prevention programs.
The Erosion of Miranda: Stare Decisis Consequences

This Article considers whether the U.S. Supreme Court's unduly-narrow interpretations of Miranda v. Arizona are an appropriate way to revise constitutional doctrine. The Article discusses twenty-seven years of post-Miranda cases that have eroded Miranda's impact without expressly overruling the decision. The Article argues that the Court's course of upholding Miranda while eviscerating its substance poses a threat to the Court's institutional authority, and considers the pragmatic consequences of the Court's Miranda interpretations based on (1) predictability of the law; (2) certainty of the law; (3) reliance on the law; (4) desirability of the law; and (5) integrity of the judicial process. The Article cautions that the Court's treatment of Miranda represents a form of judicial activism that poses a real threat to the Court's institutional integrity.
Studying inhomogeneity of organic coatings using wire beam multielectrode and physicomechanical testing

AbstractThe effect of thickness, curing temperature and solvent on the structural inhomogeneity of several types of organic coatings has been investigated. The local distribution of electrochemical resistance was studied using a wire beam multielectrode array, while the inhomogeneity at a larger scale was examined using ∼3 cm2 area detached coatings. Physicomechanical tests were also employed to address the structural changes occurring because of variation in curing temperature and the type (or absence) of solvent. Results acquired by wire beam electrode and from the detached coatings showed that increasing the thickness and curing temperature improves the homogeneity of the coating as does elimination of solvent. Waterborne coatings exhibited a relatively homogeneous low resistance with a resistance lower than the threshold required for effective corrosion protection. Results of physicomechanical examination suggest that unreacted functional groups and water absorption are of the main causes of formation...
Sticks and stones may break your bones, but words will always hurt you: A review of cyberbullying

In this paper we review the bullying literature, comparing and contrasting traditional face-to-face bullying and online “cyberbullying”. More specifically we deconstruct the current working definitions of both types of bullying and compare the plethora of operational definitions. We explore characteristics of online environments and how these attributes facilitate and accentuate online bullying, while portraying the impact this type of bullying may have on victims as a result of this environment. Next we differentiate between reactive and proactive aggression and how certain bullying techniques are categorized. Finally we examine conflicting data regarding gender differences in cyberbullying roles, discuss parental monitoring, and investigate activism and intervention.
Innovative low activation designs for the LMF target chamber system

Because neutron activation can serious impede access to the proposed laboratory microfusion facility (LMF), the authors examined several low-activation design concepts for the target chamber, shielding, and final optics protection. The reference baseline is an aluminum chamber using low-density frost protection. It uses helium-gas cooling, a vacuum for thermal insulation, and a room-temperature water shield. A composite version of the chamber (also with frost protection) was studied. Two options considered were a thin-walled, laminated composite and a thick-walled cast silica-filled epoxy chamber. The latter was used in a study of the entire experimental facility, using rubber-mounted concrete optics supports. >
Exurbia from the bottom-up: Confronting empirical challenges to characterizing a complex system

Abstract We describe empirical results from a multi-disciplinary project that support modeling complex processes of land-use and land-cover change in exurban parts of Southeastern Michigan. Based on two different conceptual models, one describing the evolution of urban form as a consequence of residential preferences and the other describing land-cover changes in an exurban township as a consequence of residential preferences, local policies, and a diversity of development types, we describe a variety of empirical data collected to support the mechanisms that we encoded in computational agent-based models. We used multiple methods, including social surveys, remote sensing, and statistical analysis of spatial data, to collect data that could be used to validate the structure of our models, calibrate their specific parameters, and evaluate their output. The data were used to investigate this system in the context of several themes from complexity science, including have (a) macro-level patterns; (b) autonomous decision making entities (i.e., agents); (c) heterogeneity among those entities; (d) social and spatial interactions that operate across multiple scales and (e) nonlinear feedback mechanisms. The results point to the importance of collecting data on agents and their interactions when producing agent-based models, the general validity of our conceptual models, and some changes that we needed to make to these models following data analysis. The calibrated models have been and are being used to evaluate landscape dynamics and the effects of various policy interventions on urban land-cover patterns.
The questions verbal children with autism spectrum disorder encounter in the inclusive preschool classroom

This study investigated questions adults asked to children with autism spectrum disorder in inclusive pre-kindergarten classrooms, and whether child (e.g. autism severity) and setting (i.e. adult-to-child ratio) characteristics were related to questions asked during center-time. Videos of verbal children with autism spectrum disorder (n = 42) were coded based on the following question categories adapted from the work of Massey et al.: management, low cognitive challenging, or cognitively challenging. Results indicated that management questions (mean = 19.97, standard deviation = 12.71) were asked more than less cognitively challenging questions (mean = 14.22, standard deviation = 8.98) and less cognitively challenging questions were asked more than cognitively challenging questions (mean = 10.00, standard deviation = 6.9). Children with higher language levels had a greater likelihood of receiving cognitively challenging questions (odds ratio = 1.025; p = 0.007). Cognitively challenging questions had a greater likelihood of being asked in classrooms with more adults relative to children (odds ratio = 1.176; p = 0.037). The findings present a first step in identifying the questions directed at preschoolers with autism spectrum disorder in inclusive classrooms.
The Algebraic Structure in Signal Processing: Time and Space

The assumptions underlying linear signal processing (SP) produce more structure than vector spaces. We capture this structure by describing the space of filters as an algebra and the space of signals as the associated module. We formulate an algebraic approach to SP that is axiomatically based on the concept of a signal model. Signal models for time are visualized as directed graphs. We construct corresponding models for undirected graphs, which we hence call space models, and show that, in particular, the 16 DCTs and DSTs are Fourier transforms for these finite space models. Finally, we discuss the extension of our theory to separable and nonseparable 2-D SP.
Dye Sensitized Solar Cells Incorporating Polyelectrolyte Multilayer Composites

Dye sensitized solar cells (DSSC's) are constructed using TiO2 electrodes synthesized by aqueous liquid phase deposition in combination with microcontact printing techniques or porous thin film template methods. Layer-by-layer deposition of polyelectrolytes is used to produce an ionic conducting solid-state electrolyte thin film, which is enhanced by post-processing in oligoethylene glycol diacid (OEGDA). The impact of TiO2 film architecture, as well as the thin film electrolyte, on device performance is discussed.
Declarative management in Microsoft SQL server

This paper describes the principles and practice of Declarative Management --- a new approach to the management of database systems. The standard approach to database systems management involves a brittle coupling of interactive operations and procedural scripts. Such ad hoc approach results in incorrect administration, which leads to increased management costs. In the Declarative Management paradigm, a user specifies "what" the desired state is, and the system figures out "how" to get there and stay there. Declarative Management represents a fundamental step towards the goal of a self-managing database system. It also has the potential to significantly lower both administrative error and cost. An initial implementation of Declarative Management has been released with the Microsoft SQL Server 2008 database product, and the paper covers the implementation design as well.
Active Dilation of Penetrating Arterioles Restores Red Blood Cell Flux to Penumbral Neocortex after Focal Stroke

Pial arterioles actively change diameter to regulate blood flow to the cortex. However, it is unclear whether arteriole reactivity and its homeostatic role of conserving red blood cell (RBC) flux remains intact after a transient period of ischemia. To examine this issue, we measured vasodynamics in pial arteriole networks that overlie the stroke penumbra during transient middle cerebral artery occlusion in rat. In vivo two-photon laser-scanning microscopy was used to obtain direct and repeated measurements of RBC velocity and lumen diameter of individual arterioles, from which the flux of RBCs was calculated. We observed that occlusion altered surface arteriole flow patterns in a manner that ensured undisrupted flow to penetrating arterioles throughout the imaging field. Small-diameter arterioles ( < 23 lm), which included 88% of all penetrating arterioles, exhibited robust vasodilation over a 90-min occlusion period. Critically, persistent vasodilation compensated for an incomplete recovery of RBC velocity during reperfusion to enable a complete restoration of postischemic RBC flux. Further, histologic examination of tissue hypoxia suggested re-oxygenation through all cortical layers of the penumbra. These findings indicate that selective reactivity of small pial arterioles is preserved in the stroke penumbra and acts to conserve RBC flux during reperfusion.
Dynamic viscoelastic properties of poly(ethylene-propylene) diblock copolymer in the melt state and solutions

Abstract Dynamic mechanical properties of a symmetrical poly(ethylene-propylene) diblock copolymer with a molecular weight of 99 × 10 3 were investigated in the melt state, as well as in solutions in 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene. In the melt state, the frequency dependence of the elastic and loss moduli ( G ′ and G ″, respectively) exhibited a limiting behaviour of G ′ ≈ G ″ ≈ ω 0.5 in the terminal zone, a marker of inhomogeneity. Even solutions of 15 vol% polymer showed such inhomogeneity. These rheological data indicate that the diblock polymer is microphase separated and the phases are strongly segregated. The limiting behaviour in the terminal zone suggests that a lamellar structure is present in the melt.
Patterns of spontaneous production of novel words and gestures within an experimental setting in children ages 1;6 and 2;2.

This study presents an analysis of children’s spontaneous production of words and gestures during an experimental symbol learning task. Namy & Waxman (1998) previously reported that children aged 1;6 interpreted novel arbitrary words (e.g. blicket) and manual gestures (e.g. a dropping motion) as names for object categories (e.g. fruit) but that at 2;2, children interpreted words as names more readily than gestures. Based on this finding and other observational evidence of gesture use, it has been suggested that the younger infants have an initial general symbolic capacity that encompasses both words and gestures. Over time, as infants acquire greater experience with language, words begin to take on a greater priority in the infant’s communicative repertoire. The current study examines this hypothesis by analyzing children’s spontaneous production of the novel symbols in Namy & Waxman’s original task. At 1;6, children rarely produced either the novel words or gestures. At 2;2, children frequently produced both symbolic forms; however, words were produced in a referential manner while gestures were produced in a non-referential manner. These findings are consistent with the argument that over time, words supplant gestures as a symbolic medium.
Risk assessment related to veterinary biologicals: side-effects in target animals.

Summary: Despite established control measures, the large-scale use of veterinary biologicals may involve side-effects. The most common side-effects observed include the following: - injection site reactions - systemic reactions - allergic reactions - effects on the immune system - residual pathogenicity - inadequate inactivation - genetic recombination - contamination. New technologies, new harmonised regulations, and commitment to quality will ensure a continuous supply of safe and innovative products.
Treating Addiction: A Guide for Professionals, by William R. Miller, Alyssa A. Forcehimes, and Allen Zweben

The authors’ aim with this book was to produce a resource that provides a set of practice recommendations grounded in “the best science available” (p. xii). In addition, the authors have elected to...
Forces, Stresses and the (Thermo?) Dynamics of Active Matter

The statistical mechanics and microhydrodynamics of active matter systems have been studied intensively during the past several years, by various soft matter physicists, chemists, engineers, and biologists around the world. Recent attention has focused on the fascinating nonequilibrium behaviors of active matter that cannot be observed in equilibrium thermodynamic systems, such as spontaneous collective motion and swarming. Even minimal kinetic models of active Brownian particles exhibit self-assembly that resembles a gas–liquid phase separation from classical equilibrium systems. Self-propulsion allows active systems to generate internal stresses that enable them to control and direct their own behavior and that of their surroundings. In this Review we discuss the forces that govern the motion of active Brownian microswimmers, the stress (or pressure) they generate, and the implication of these concepts on their collective behavior. We focus on recent work involving the unique ‘swim pressure’ exerted by active systems, and discuss how this perspective may be the basic underlying physical mechanism responsible for self-assembly and pattern formation in all active matter. We discuss the utility of the swim pressure concept to quantify the forces, stresses, and the (thermo?) dynamics of active matter.
Grain Boundary Effects and Failure Evolution in Polycrystalline Materials

Dislocation density based multiple-slip constitutive formulations and specialized computational schemes are introduced to account for large-strain ductile deformation modes in polycrystalline aggregates. Furthermore, new kinematically based interfacial grain boundary regions and formulations are introduced to account for dislocation density transmission, absorption, and pile-ups that may occur due to grain boundary misorientations and properties.
A Social-Cognitive Model of Consumer Well-Being A Longitudinal Exploration of the Role of the Service Organization

This study establishes a social-cognitive model of consumer well-being to explain the psychological mechanism underlying the relationships between service organizations’ marketing strategies and consumer well-being. Using a two-wave longitudinal design, we surveyed 168 clients from a major credit counseling organization. Results show that organizational strategies influence consumers’ domain-specific well-being via social-cognitive variables (including self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and process expectations) and goal-pursuit processes (both goal setting and goal striving). Specifically, organizational strategies, including organizational support and organizational socialization, contribute to consumers’ goal intentions both directly and indirectly via outcome and process expectations at the goal-setting stage. In the goal-striving stage, goal intention leads to goal achievement, a path strengthened by organizational support. Goal achievement contributes to increases in consumers’ domain-specific wel...
The systematic evaluation of landslide incidence and susceptibility in the United States

A landslide overview map of the United States published in 1976, at a scale of 1∶7,500,000, shows areas of landslides and areas susceptible to future landsliding. The map was prepared by classifying geologic units shown on the geologic map of the United States according to high, medium, or low incidence of landslides and susceptibility to landsliding. The compilation showed that landsliding was most prevalent in fine-grained clastic rocks, particularly where they are interbedded with more resistant rocks; in highly sheared rocks, particularly melanges; and in loose slope accumulations of fine-grained surface debris. The influence of climate, structure, and lithology on landsliding in various parts of the country could not be shown on the map. These factors are compared for the Colorado Plateau in the western United States and the Appalachian Highlands in the eastern United States.
Paul Ehrlich: The Prototypic Clinical Pathologist

The well-defined scientific roles of Paul Ehrlich are reviewed in context with modern concepts and practices in immunology.
OSMAS: A Multi-Agent Testbed for Experimenting with Organizational Structures

A multi-agent testbed for experimenting with organizational structures is presented. The testbed is used to experiment with five organizational structures used in Tom Malone’s (1987) study of the efficiency and flexibility of organizational structures. The experiments replace the ordinal distinctions made by Malone of the performance of each structure with a ratio measurement of the differences.
Iatrogenic coronary artery stenosis following aortic valve replacement.

Until recently, coronary arterial perfusion was one of the best methods to protect myocardium during aortic valve replacement. However, the insertion of perfusion cannulas may produce immediate traumatic lesions and late stenosis of the coronary arteries, with grave consequences. Two patients with normal coronary arteries prior to operation developed obstruction of the proximal left main coronary artery following aortic valve replacement. One of these patients represents the first case of iatrogenic coronary arterial stenosis in which the aortic valve was replaced with a porcine bioprosthesis. Accelerating angina pectoris and ventricular arrhythmias were the presenting clinical manifestations. Aorta-coronary bypass grafting to the left anterior descending and circumflex coronary arteries was successfully performed in one patient, while the other patient died before investigative procedures could be undertaken. Any patient whose aortic valve has been replaced and who develops angina pectoris a few months after operation should be suspected of having developed stenosis of the proximal coronary artery. Coronary angiography should be performed promptly. Once the lesion is recognized, the operation should be performed posthaste because these lesions are life threatening owing to their proximal location and rapid evolution.’
Patterns of solid–fluid phase equilibria: II. Interplay with fluid phase criticality and stability

Abstract In an earlier paper, the van der Waals equation of state was used in combination with a common mathematical artifice for the solid-phase fugacity function to map out the slg loci for a model binary homologous series of solvent+solute mixtures as a function of the solute's parametric characterization. The computations suggested new possibilities for solid–fluid phase equilibrium topography, heretofore not reported in the literature. To provide a better understanding of these computations, the authors have computed and mapped out the critical point loci, concurrently applying phase and system stability analysis. These new computations, which confirm the earlier solid–fluid computations, provide a detailed picture of how the solid–fluid topography for this particular series of model mixtures evolves as solvent–solute parametric differences increase.
Management of functional Sprint Fidelis leads at cardiac resynchronization therapy-defibrillator generator replacement: a novel option for preventing inappropriate shocks from lead failure in fragile patients with high risk of sudden death

Background In patients with a functional Sprint Fidelis lead at generator replacement, the manufacturer recommended to either continue to use the existing lead or replace it with a new lead. For those patients who continue to use a functional Fidelis lead, the risk of inappropriate shocks remains present if the lead fails in the future. Objective We evaluated the feasibility of an alternative approach at the time of cardiac resynchronization therapy-defibrillator (CRT-D) generator replacement in patients with a functional bipolar left ventricular (LV) lead for prevention of inappropriate shocks from future Fidelis lead failure. Methods and results During the procedure, the pace/sense IS-1 connection pin of the functional Fidelis lead was intentionally inserted into the LV port of the new CRT-D generator, while the existing bipolar LV lead IS-1 connection pin was inserted into the right ventricular (RV) pace/sense port. After such switching, the existing bipolar LV lead was used for functional LV pacing/sensing, while the Fidelis lead was used for functional RV pacing and high voltage shock only and could no longer be used for the purpose of sensing and detecting. This approach precluded oversensing and inappropriate shocks should the functional Fidelis lead fail in the future. Six fragile patients, who were not considered suitable candidates for lead replacement, underwent the alternative approach. During a follow-up of 35 ± 23 months, the CRT-D system functioned normally in five patients. The Fidelis lead fractured in one patient 7 months after generator replacement. The malfunction was detected promptly and the defected lead was replaced. No inappropriate detections or shock was triggered. Conclusions In CRT-D patients with a functional Fidelis lead and a bipolar LV lead, switching of the Fidelis lead pace/sense IS-1 pin with the bipolar LV lead IS-1 pin at generator replacement did not affect normal system function. This novel approach may be valuable in fragile patients with high risk of sudden death for prevention of inappropriate shocks triggered by oversensing from a malfunctioning Fidelis lead.
Guidelines and Framework for a Large Scale Arabic Diacritized Corpus

This paper presents the annotation guidelines developed as part of an effort to create a large scale manually diacritized corpus for various Arabic text genres. The target size of the annotated corpus is 2 million words. We summarize the guidelines and describe issues encountered during the training of the annotators. We also discuss the challenges posed by the complexity of the Arabic language and how they are addressed. Finally, we present the diacritization annotation procedure and detail the quality of the resulting annotations.
Molecular Methods for Human Leukocyte Antigen Typing: Current Practices and Future Directions

The characterization and clinical assessment of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes has undergone significant advances over the last 50 years. As serological methods have given way to more-advanced molecular methods, our understanding of the complexity and polymorphic nature of the HLA genes has been substantially improved. From its basis in serological and cellular testing in the 1960s (antibody and mixed lymphocyte culture) (1–5), through two-dimensional electrophoresis and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis in the 1970s and '80s (5, 6), the development of PCR in the mid-1980s revolutionized our molecular understanding of the HLA genes. From PCR, methods utilizing sequence-specific oligonucleotide probes (SSOs) and sequence-specific primers (SSPs) provided the means for more directly evaluating the highly variable sequence motifs within the HLA genes (7–10). Subsequently, in the 1990s, Sanger sequence-based typing (SBT) significantly advanced tissue typing and transplantation genetics (11–14) by providing an unprecedented molecular view of HLA polymorphism in the context of exonic variation. Most recently, next-generation sequencing (NGS) appears to definitively address HLA typing complexity, as it provides entire HLA gene characterization and haploid sequence determination.
Marketed Surplus and Price Spread in Different Channels of Maize Marketing

Marketed surplus and price spread in case of maize were studied in the year 2010-2011 in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra. For the study, 60 maize growers were selected from Kannad and Sillod tehsils. Wholesaler and retailer, from Aurangabad market were selected to investigate the cost, margin and price spread in maize marketing. The results revealed that, the size of maize farm was 0.84 hectare. Maize production on farm was 46.15 quintals. Price paid by consumer was Rs. 1010.00 per quintal in channel-I in which producer's share in consumer's rupee was 94.20 per cent. In case of Channel-II, price paid by consumer was Rs.1035.00 per quintal in which the producer's share in consumer's rupee was 87.69 per cent. In regard to Channel-III, price paid by consumer was Rs.1155.00 per quintal in which the producer's share in consumer's rupee was 76.02 per cent. The producer's share in consumer's rupee was highest in Channel-I than that of Channel-II and Channel-III. Net price received by producer was highest in Channel-I and price spread was higher in Channel-III which was Rs.269.29 followed by Rs.127.42 in Channel-II and Rs.58.58 in Channel-I. It was found that, the Channel-I was benefited to producers.
Handheld Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography and Ultra-Wide-Field Optical Coherence Tomography in Retinopathy of Prematurity.

Importance Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a leading cause of childhood blindness worldwide. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has improved the care of adults with vitreoretinal disease, and OCT angiography (OCTA) is demonstrating promise as a technique to visualize the retinal vasculature with lower risk and cost than fluorescein angiography. However, to date, there are no commercially available devices able to obtain ultra–wide-field OCT or OCTA images in neonates. Objective To obtain ultra–wide-field OCT and OCTA images in neonates with ROP using a prototype handheld OCT and OCTA device. Design, Setting, and Participants This observational case series was conducted from March 1 to April 1, 2017, in an academic medical center among 4 neonates with ROP in the neonatal intensive care unit and in the operating room. Main Outcomes and Measures Acquisition of wide-field OCT and OCTA images using a handheld prototype OCTA and ultra–wide-field OCT device. Results Images were obtained from 4 neonates (1 girl and 3 boys; mean age, 38 weeks’ postmenstrual age [range, 34-43 weeks]) with various stages of ROP: 3 in the neonatal intensive care unit and 1 in the operating room. The system can obtain noncontact en face OCT images and horizontal line scans with an approximately 40° field of view and up to 100° (ultra–wide-field) using a contact lens–based approach in a single 2-second scan. In addition, 20° × 20° (approximately 4 × 4-mm) OCTA scans were obtained in patients with ROP in a single 2-second scan. Conclusions and Relevance Optical coherence tomography and OCTA are gaining popularity in pediatric retinal imaging. This study reports on OCTA and ultra–wide-field OCT images in 4 neonates with various stages of ROP that were obtained using a prototype handheld device. Additional studies will be needed to prove the clinical value of this technology.
Completeness for Ancestral Logic via a Computationally-Meaningful Semantics

First-order logic (FOL) is evidently insufficient for the many applications of logic in computer science, mainly due to its inability to provide inductive definitions. Therefore, only an extension of FOL which allows finitary inductive definitions can be used as a framework for automated reasoning. The minimal logic that is suitable for this goal is Ancestral Logic (AL), which is an extension of FOL by a transitive closure operator. In order for AL to be able to serve as a reasonable (and better) substitute to the use of FOL in computer science, it is crucial to develop adequate, user-friendly proof systems for it. While the expressiveness of AL renders any effective proof system for it incomplete with respect to the standard semantics, there are useful approximations. In this paper we show that such a Gentzen-style approximation is both sound and complete with respect to a natural, computationally-meaningful Henkin-style semantics for AL.
Epidemiological Evidence: IgE, Allergies, and Hematopoietic Malignancies

This chapter presents an overview of recent epidemiologic studies that address the association between atopic diseases and IgE and the risk of hematopoietic cancers, including a discussion of potential biological mechanisms. The strongest and most consistent (inverse) associations have been observed between allergic conditions and childhood leukemia, especially acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The cumulative evidence for an inverse association between atopy and non-Hodgkin lymphoma is suggestive, but the inconsistency of the associations with specific types of atopic conditions, the lack of any associations observed in most cohort studies, and the correlation between timing of diagnosis and decreasing IgE levels warrant further clarification. No consistent evidence has been found supporting an association between atopy and either plasma cell neoplasms or Hodgkin lymphoma.
Variation in Practice Pattern of Male Hypogonadism: A Comparative Analysis of Primary Care, Urology, Endocrinology, and HIV Specialists.

The objective of the current study was to measure the adherence of guideline-based evaluation and treatment of hypogonadism by medical specialty. A retrospective review was performed analyzing pati...
Effects of Opioids on Causal Relationships Between Intrinsic Connectivity Brain Networks in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain - A Resting-State fMRI Study (S7.002)

Objective: To investigate whether the use of opioids in patients with chronic low back pain is associated with systematic changes in the spectral characteristics of the brain networks. Background: There is a critical need to understand the effects of opioid analgesics on the brain activity to develop more effective treatments for pain management. To date, limited work has investigated how opioid use modifies brain network properties. Here, we report an initial investigation of systematic differences in pain-related brain networks between chronic pain patients on opioids and those not on opioids. Design/Methods: Resting-state fMRI scans were collected on a 3T scanner in 12 chronic low back pain patients on opioids (7 men, mean age ± SD = 47.58 ± 16.14), and 28 patients not on opioid (13 men, mean age ± SD = 37.68 ± 10.55). Following image preprocessing in SPM, and independent component analysis in GIFT, Granger causality analysis with generalized partial direct coherence method was performed as a frequency-based measure of functional network connectivity to investigate causal relationships between time-courses of pain-related brain networks including the sensorimotor network (SMN), salience network, default mode network (DMN), and central executive network (CEN). Results: Significant group differences in the mutual causal relationships between two network pairs were found. The first pair included the SMN and the DMN. This pair showed altered SMN → DMN in patients not on opioids compared to those on opioids. The second pair involved the DMN and the CEN with altered DMN → CEN between groups ( p t -test). Conclusions: Pilot findings suggest that opioid use in chronic low back pain patients influence the resting-state functional network connectivity particularly along the paths including the SMN, DMN, and CEN. If confirmed in a follow-up work with larger sample size, these results can potentially influence opioid prescribing guidelines in patients with chronic pain. Study Supported by: NIH NIDA K23 DA031808, NIH P01 AT006651, NIH T32DA035165, Redlich Pain Endowment Disclosure: Dr. Jarrahi has nothing to disclose. Dr. Mackey has nothing to disclose.
Mapping the literature of perfusion.

Perfusionists select and operate the equipment necessary for monitoring, supporting, or temporarily replacing the patient's circulatory or respiratory function. There are over 3,000 perfusionists working in U.S. hospitals, medical and perfusionist groups, and as independent contractors. The purpose of this study was to identify the core literature of perfusion and to determine which major databases provide the most thorough access to this literature. This paper is part of the Medical Library Association Nursing and Allied Health Resource Section's project to map the literature of the allied health professions. It uses a bibliometric methodology to identify core journals. A group of forty-three journals was determined to make up the core journal literature of perfusion. MEDLINE provided the best overall indexing coverage for these journals, but librarians and perfusionists will wish to supplement its use with the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature in order to access the journals written primarily for perfusionists. The study results can guide purchasing and database searching decisions of collection development and reference librarians, encourage the database producer to increase coverage of titles that are unindexed or underindexed, and advise perfusionists of the best access to their core literature.
Respiratory symptoms in smokers with normal spirometry: clinical significance and management considerations.

Purpose of review Current respiratory society guidelines recommend confirming the diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with demonstration of airflow obstruction on spirometry. However, multiple recent studies have demonstrated that smokers without overt airflow obstruction on spirometry, termed symptomatic smokers, have evidence of structural lung disease on imaging, have a substantial symptom burden, and also suffer respiratory exacerbations. In this review, we provide an overview of the epidemiology of symptomatic smokers, and address issues of screening and diagnosis, evaluation, and management considerations. Recent findings Two large prospective cohorts of adults with and at risk for COPD quantified the respiratory morbidity of symptomatic smokers. These studies demonstrated that approximately half of smokers without spirometrically defined airflow obstruction have increased respiratory symptoms, poor quality of life, low functional capacity, and suffer from respiratory exacerbations. Symptomatic smokers also have evidence of structural lung disease on imaging, and are at risk for faster lung function decline compared with those without respiratory symptoms. Several methods have been proposed to detect smoking-related lung damage among symptomatic smokers with normal forced expired volume in 1 second (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio. Novel spirometry measures have been reported to diagnose disease before detection using traditional spirometry thresholds. Small airway involvement can be detected earlier using impulse oscillometry and metrics on multiple breath nitrogen washout tests. Imaging biomarkers have been developed that are associated with respiratory morbidity and lung function decline in symptomatic smokers. The translation of novel methods for COPD disease detection into more timely introduction of therapeutics and a consequent reduction in long-term morbidity and mortality has not yet been observed. Summary A better understanding of the pathobiologic basis of disease in smokers without overt airflow limitation, and earlier recognition of lung disease, while also appropriately evaluating for comorbidities that may account for the symptoms, will enhance the management of symptomatic smokers with preserved lung function.
Looking Behind the Iron Curtain.

One of medicine’s greatest strengths is its willingness to reexamine commonly accepted practices. This has been particularly true in the clinical application of screening tests. Frequently, the unsettling controversy that accompanies such reexamination helps shape the improvement that follows. In their article entitled “Screening for Iron Deficiency in Early Childhood by Using Serum Ferritin in the Primary Care Setting,” Oatley et al1 raise a fundamental and likely controversial question about the value of the current practice of measuring the hemoglobin level at 1 year of age. Are we screening for anemia, iron deficiency, or iron deficiency anemia? Only when that question is answered can we rationally choose the right test and the right timing. Current practice, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, is to test for anemia, either with a complete blood count test or a dedicated hemoglobin analyzer, with further testing before or after iron replacement if the hemoglobin level is <11.2 The problem, however, is that the … Address correspondence to Alan R. Cohen, MD, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Abramson Research Center, Room 1416, 3615 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104. E-mail: cohen{at}email.chop.edu
A unique protein kinase C‐dependent pathway for tissue factor downregulation in pericytes

Essentials Many mediators increase tissue factor (TF) expression in a wide variety of cell types. The only known example of TF downregulation is by pericytes during wound healing angiogenesis. Downregulation of TF mRNA and protein in cultured pericytes is Protein Kinase C (PKC) dependent. Pericyte TF regulation is unique, since PKC mediates increased TF in all other cell types tested. SUMMARY: Background Embryonic and tumor-associated angiogenesis are linked to elevated expression of the procoagulant transmembrane receptor tissue factor (TF). In contrast, we have reported that high baseline TF expression by perivascular cells (pericytes) is dramatically reduced during angiogenesis at sites of wound healing. This is the only setting in which active TF downregulation has been reported, thus revealing a novel mechanism of TF regulation. Objectives To define the mechanisms underlying the unique pattern of TF expression in pericytes. Methods TF expression in primary cultures of human pericytes is not altered by angiogenic cytokines or growth factors, but is actively downregulated by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). We characterized TF transcription, protein stability and trafficking in response to PMA. Results Exposure to PMA reduced TF mRNA synthesis and shortened the half-life of TF protein from 11 h to 4.5 h. Addition of PMA rapidly triggered endocytosis of cell surface TF, followed by degradation in lysosomes. Cell surface TF coagulant activity was maintained until internal stores were depleted. Reduction of TF transcription, TF endocytosis and enhanced degradation of TF protein were all blocked by broad-spectrum inhibitors of protein kinase C (PKC). This was a surprising finding, because PKC activation increases TF expression in other cell types that have been tested. Conclusions The unique PKC-dependent pathway of TF downregulation in pericytes suggests that TF downregulation may play a functional role in angiogenesis. Distinct pathways regulating pathological and physiological TF expression could be utilized to modulate TF expression for therapeutic purposes.