cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bivalve grazing can shape phytoplankton communities

The ability of bivalve filter feeders to limit phytoplankton biomass in shallow waters is well-documented, but the role of bivalves in shaping phytoplankton communities is not. The coupled effect of bivalve grazing at the sediment-water interface and sinking of phytoplankton cells to that bottom filtration zone could influence the relative biomass of sinking (diatoms) and non-sinking phytoplankton. Simulations with a pseudo-2D numerical model showed that benthic filter feeding can interact with sinking to alter diatom:non-diatom ratios. Cases with the smallest proportion of diatom biomass were those with the fastest sinking speeds and strongest bivalve grazing rates. Hydrodynamics modulated the coupled sinking-grazing influence on phytoplankton communities. For example, in simulations with persistent stratification, the non-sinking forms accumulated in the surface layer away from bottom grazers while the sinking forms dropped out of the surface layer toward bottom grazers. Tidal-scale stratification also influenced vertical gradients of the two groups in opposite ways. The model was applied to Suisun Bay, a low-salinity habitat of the San Francisco Bay system that was transformed by the introduction of the exotic clam Potamocorbula amurensis. Simulation results for this Bay were similar to (but more muted than) those for generic habitats, indicating that P. amurensis grazing could have caused a disproportionate loss of diatoms after its introduction. Our model simulations suggest bivalve grazing affects both phytoplankton biomass and community composition in shallow waters. We view these results as hypotheses to be tested with experiments and more complex modeling approaches.
An Unsusual Case of Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding.

Background Amyloidosis is a multisystem disease, and can present with multitude of nonspecific symptoms. Gastrointestinal amyloidosis is common, and gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding in these patients has a wide differential diagnosis. The present case features the distinctive endoscopic finding of submucosal hematoma as a clue to immunoglobin light chain (AL) amyloid involvement of the gastrointestinal tract. Case report An 81-year-old woman with AL amyloidosis was transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU) for evaluation of GI bleeding. Prior to the bleeding episode, the patient had undergone paracentesis for management of her ascites related to restrictive cardiomyopathy. Initial evaluation was negative for any intra-abdominal catastrophe related to her recent paracentesis. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was negative for any source of bleeding. However, colonoscopy showed a ruptured submucosal hematoma, which is a rare but classical finding in patients with amyloidosis. The patient was managed conservatively and did not have any further episodes of bleeding in the hospital. She unfortunately died due to her primary illness 6 weeks after discharge from the hospital. Conclusions The finding of submucosal hematoma on endoscopy is a rare but sentinel sign for amyloidosis involvement in the GI tract.
Excited State Electron Transfer of All-Inorganic Heterobinuclear TiOMn2+ Chromophore Anchored on Silica Nanoparticle Surface

The oxo-bridged heterobinuclear chromophore TiOMn2+ has been covalently anchored onto a silica nanoparticle surface, allowing for the preparation of optically transparent solid state samples. Optical spectra of the material yield a broad metal-to-metal charge-transfer (MMCT) transition in the UV with a tail extending to 550 nm. Fitting the absorption band to a Gaussian curve gives a maximum at 44 610 (±230) cm–1 (587 (±20) M–1 cm–1) with a full width at half-maximum of 17 320 (±160) cm–1, and yields an electronic coupling constant, HABopt, of 4200 cm–1 by Hush analysis. Transient absorption measurements of transparent pressed pellets in vacuum yield a 2.43 (±0.20) μs lifetime at room temperature. The temperature dependence of the lifetime in the range of 10–40 °C gives an activation energy of 1.67 (±0.36) kcal/mol and pre-exponential factor A of 7.3 (±4.4) × 106 s–1. This temperature dependence results in an electronic coupling constant HABkin of less than 1 cm–1. The disparity between the large electroni...
Abstract 5162: COX-2 downregulation protects SUM-149 cells following targeting of choline phospholipid metabolism

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Enzymes in the choline phospholipid metabolism pathway such as choline kinase (Chk) and phopholipase D1 (PLD1) are being evaluated as novel targets in cancer therapy since these enzymes are overexpressed in aggressive cancers including breast cancer. We have previously shown that single and double downregulation of Chk and PLD1 significantly reduced cell proliferation in breast cancer cells. We also observed a close association between Chk and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), an inducible enzyme that mediates the inflammatory response and plays a role in cancer invasion, angiogenesis and metastasis. COX-2 inhibition is also being considered as a strategy for cancer prevention or treatment. Here we investigated the effect of the COX-2 downregulation combined with PLD1 and Chk downregulation using siRNA, on cell proliferation to achieve improved control and minimize compensatory responses that allow the cell to survive or adapt. The triple negative inflammatory breast cancer cell line, SUM149, was used in this study. Cells were transfected with 25 nM siRNA against COX-2 (siRNA-cox2), PLD1 (siRNA-pld1) or Chk (siRNA-chk) either singly or combined for 48 h. Untreated cells and the transfection reagent (DharmaFECT) treatment were used as negative controls. Immunoblot analysis was done after 48 h transfection using antibodies specific to COX-2, PLD1, Chk-α, and GAPDH (as a loading control). Proliferation/viability of cells was determined using the CCK-8 assay (cell counting kit-8, Dojindo) at day 2 and day 5 after transfection. After 48 h transfection with siRNA-pld1 or siRNA-chk, PLD1 or Chk-α protein were downregulated significantly and COX-2 protein was upregulated. When we combined downregulation of Chk or PLD1 with COX-2 dowregulation, we established significantly lower COX-2 protein levels compared to single knockdown of Chk and PLD1. COX-2 downregulation alone did not significantly reduce proliferation. Downregulation of PLD1 or Chk, however, significantly reduced proliferation compared to untreated cells (PLD1: –75%, Chk: –68%). When we combined COX-2 downregulation with PLD1 or Chk downregulation, cell survival was significantly higher than with just PLD1 or Chk alone (PLD1: –46%. Chk: –28%). These results suggest that COX-2 downregulation rescues cells following downregulation of PLD1 or Chk in SUM149 cells, identifying a different facet of COX-2 in the choline phospholipid pathway. This work supported by R01 CA82337 Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5162. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-5162
Analysis of turbo-generator unit vibration causedby primary frequency modulation and the treatment

The vibration of the No.1 and 2 shafts jumped suddenly during the primary frequency modulation of the 350 MW unit and the vibration protection acted. To solve the above problem, various experiments were made and the reason of vibration was found out and settled and thus ensuring the stable operation of the unit.
Semen manipulation: improved sperm recovery and function with a two-layer Percoll gradient

The authors compared a simple, two-layer Percoll density gradient technique with the swim-up technique for semen preparation in 128 men. In samples from normospermic (n = 55), oligospermic (n = 26), and asthenospermic (n = 29) men, the Percoll technique significantly improved yield, percent motility, and absolute number of motile sperm re-covered, but in samples from oligoasthenospermic men (n = 18), only percent motility was improved. The Percoll density gradient also selected sperm with markedly improved function as assessed by both the sperm penetration assay and the fertility index. In 37 samples negative on the sperm penetration assay when processed with the swim-up technique, 19 (51%) became positive when processed with the Percoll technique. The Percoll density gradient is an improved method for semen manipulation as it allows greater recovery of sperm with higher motility and improved sperm function.
Relationships between photoperiodism and circadian rhythms of activity in the house finch.

1. The Bunning hypothesis proposes that many rhythmic physiological processes, including photoperiodic responsiveness, are all based upon a single, endogenous circadian time-measuring system (‘die physiologische Uhr’). We have attempted to test this hypothesis by examining correlations between the circadian waking-sleeping rhythm of the house finch ( Carpodacus mexicanus ), and the circadian rhythm of sensitivity to light, which underlies the photoperiodic testicular responses of this species. 2. Experimental techniques included (1) comparisons of locomotor activity patterns induced by specific non-daily light cycles which stimulate gametogenesis (LD 6:30 and 6:54) with those induced by other cycles which are non-inductive (LD 6:18, 6:42 and 6:66); (2) comparisons of gametogenesis resulting from light cycles which produce large phase-lead in the activity rhythms and thereby result in photic stimulation late in the ‘subjective day’ (LD 6:20 and 3:23) with results from similar cycles which cause no phase lead (LD 6:16 and 3:19); and (3) comparisons of gametogenesis under free-running (unsynchronized) conditions in which a 6 hr. stimulus was intermittently administered early in the ‘subjective day’, with other treatments in which the same stimulus was administered late in the ‘subjective day’. 3. In all experimental series, when only group responses are considered, there were clear and strong correlations between testicular growth and the patterns observed in locomotor activity. The nature of the large intra-group variability, however, convinces us that the Bunning hypothesis, as here interpreted, is inadequate to account for all the results. Either the two circadian rhythms may be independent, similar systems; or, if there is a single ‘master clock’, the two manifestations of this timing system are apparently not phase-locked under artificial laboratory conditions. It is not clear to us how these two alternatives are experimentally distinguishable.
Part 1. If We Frame It, They Will Respond: Undergraduate Student Responses to the Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education

ABSTRACTThere remains significant confusion surrounding the purpose, audience, and proposed application of the Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education. This exploratory study addresses the question of whether undergraduate students can understand the language and concepts in this document. By presenting student responses to pretest questions recorded at the beginning of a semester-long research methods course, this article shows that students can, even on first impression, begin to make sense of the complexity and richness found in the Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education.
Shell choice in Pagurus longicarpus hermit crabs: does predation threat influence shell selection behavior?

Pagurus longicarpus hermit crabs depend on empty gastropod shells for protection against predation. Hermit crabs avoid gastropod shells in which holes have been drilled by naticid gastropods, and hermit crabs forced to occupy drilled shells are more vulnerable to predation by green crabs, Carcinus maenas. In this study, we examined the effect of predator cues on P. longicarpus shell investigation behavior and shell choice. In paired laboratory shell choice trials, we examined hermit crab response to green crab chemical cues. We compared hermit crabs from two sites differing in the percentage of Littorina littorea shells with drill holes. The percentage of time hermit crabs spent occupying intact shells increased significantly in the presence of predator cues. The effect of predator cues on the amount of time hermit crabs spent investigating shells differed between individuals from the two sites. Predator effluent had a marginal effect on the proportion of hermit crabs initially choosing intact shells and within 15 min most hermit crabs in both treatments occupied intact shells due to shell switching. These results indicate that predation cues alter P. longicarpus shell choice behavior favoring intact shells, which provide greater protection. In summary, predation appears to be a key factor influencing hermit crab shell selection behavior.
Intestinal obstruction associated with a hiatus in the broad ligament; a case report.

Abstract 1. 1. Hiatus of the broad ligament can be classified as congenital or acquired. 2. 2. In the congenital variety the defect is usually in an avascular area in the mesosalpinx. 3. 3. Previously performed uterine suspension, especially of the Baldy-Webster type, is the most frequent cause of the acquired variety. Nineteen such cases have been reported. 4. 4. In 44 of the 49 reported cases, the presenting symptoms were those of intestinal obstruction.
The Firm As a Nexus of Organizational Theories: Sociological Perspectives on the Modern Law Firm

A law firm is an organization staffed, owned, and managed by professionals; as such, law firms sit at the nexus of two distinct strands of academic inquiry: work on the professions and work on organizations. Law firms are governed by distinct rules, perform specialized work, and must integrate professional norms with organizational goals—and thus they present a unique challenge to researchers. This article reviews the organizational literature examining the structure and behavior of corporate law firms, connects this work to the sociological literature on the legal profession, and suggests new ways to combine these approaches and thereby deepen our understanding of the law firm as a unique organizational form.
Wound Infiltration With Extended-Release Versus Short-Acting Bupivacaine Before Laparoscopic Hysterectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract Study Objective To evaluate if preincision infiltration with extended-release liposomal bupivacaine provides improved overall pain relief compared with 0.25% bupivacaine after laparoscopic or robotic-assisted hysterectomy. Design A single-center double-masked randomized controlled trial (Canadian Task Force Classification I). Setting A tertiary-care community hospital. Patients Patients recruited from July 2015 through January 2016. Sixty-four patients were randomized, and 59 were analyzed for the primary outcome. Interventions Women scheduled to undergo multiport laparoscopic or robotic-assisted total hysterectomy for benign indications were randomized to receive preincision infiltration with undiluted liposomal bupivacaine or 0.25% bupivacaine. Measurements and Main Results The primary outcome was overall average pain intensity by numeric rating scale (0–10) using the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) via telephone survey on postoperative day (POD) 3. A sample size of 28 per group (N = 56) was planned to detect a 30% change in pain scores. Secondary outcomes were overall average and worst numeric pain scores on PODs 1, 2, and 14; pain scores in hospital; BPI pain interference scores; and total opioid use. There were no demographic differences between the 2 groups. For the primary outcome, we found a decrease in the average (p = .02) pain scores on POD 3 in the liposomal bupivacaine group. We also found a decrease in worst pain scores on POD 2 (p = .03) and POD 3 (p = .01). There were no differences in pain scores while in the hospital or on POD 1 or POD 14. There were no differences in BPI pain interference scores, opioid use, or reported adverse effects. Conclusion For laparoscopic and robotic-assisted multiport hysterectomies, there is evidence of decreased average postoperative pain with liposomal bupivacaine compared with 0.25% bupivacaine for port-site analgesia on POD 3, but no difference in opioid use or measures of functioning.
Cholinergic Mechanisms in the Visual System of Rat

The rich cholinergic innervation of subcortical visual structures is not associated with the primary optic projection (Bigl, V. and Schober, W., Exp. Brain Res., 27, 211–219, 1977) but ACh is regarded as the transmitter released from reticular connections to the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN). A direct monosynaptic AChEcontaining pathway from the mesencephalic reticular formation (MRF) to the LGN has been described in the rat (Shute, C.C.D. and Lewis, P.R., Brain 90, 497–520, 1967), but could not be confirmed by recent horseradish peroxidase studies (Luth, H.J., Seidel, J. and Schober, W., Acta Histochem., 60, 91–102, 1977). To provide quantitative data on the structural basis of cholinergic modulation of visual input, this communication describes biochemical and quantitative histochemical results on changes in ChAT and AChE activities in some visual structures after partial or total deafferentation. The results indicate: (i) The cholinergic fibres found within the optic nerve are partly of central and partly of retinal origin. (ii) About 30% of ChAT activity of the LGN seems to be related to afferents from the MRF. Lesions placed in this structure at the level of Nc. ruber induce bilateral loss, and lesions at the level of the sensory root of the Vth nerve, uni(ipsi)lateral loss of AChE and ChAT activity in the LGN (dorsal and ventral part) and in the superior colliculus. (iii) The large proportion of ChAT remaining in the LGN seems to be localized in intrinsic neurones. The facilitatory influence of MRF stimulation on synaptic transmission in the LGN has been shown to be due to disinhibition rather than to postsynaptic excitation (Singer, W., Physiol. Rev., 57, 386–420, 1977) but, on the other hand, LGN cells are excited by microiontophoretically applied ACh. The synaptic mechanism by which ACh acts in LGN transmission thus remains to be unravelled.
Benchmarking viromics: an in silico evaluation of metagenome-enabled estimates of viral community composition and diversity.

Author(s): Roux, Simon; Emerson, Joanne; Eloe-Fadrosh, Emiley; Sullivan, Matthew | Abstract: Background: . Viral metagenomics (viromics) is increasingly used to obtain uncultivated viral genomes, evaluate community diversity, and assess ecological hypotheses. While viromic experimental methods are relatively mature and widely accepted by the research community, robust bioinformatics standards remain to be established. Here we used in silico mock viral communities to evaluate the viromic sequence-to-ecological-inference pipeline, including ( i ) read pre-processing and metagenome assembly, ( ii ) thresholds applied to estimate viral relative abundances based on read mapping to assembled contigs, and ( iii ) normalization methods applied to the matrix of viral relative abundances for alpha and beta diversity estimates. Results: . Tools specifically designed for metagenomes, specifically metaSPAdes and MEGAHIT, were the most effective at assembling viromes. Read pre-processing, such as partitioning, had virtually no impact on assembly output, but may be useful when hardware is limited. Viral populations with 2–5x coverage typically assembled well, whereas lesser coverage led to fragmented assembly. Strain heterogeneity within populations hampered assembly, especially when strains were closely related (average nucleotide identity, or ANI ≥ 97%) and when the most abundant strain represented l 50% of the population. Viral community composition assessments based on read recruitment were generally accurate when the following thresholds for detection were applied: ( i ) ≥ 10kb contig lengths to define populations, ( ii ) coverage defined from reads mapping at ≥ 90% identity, and ( ii ) ≥ 75% of contig length with ≥ 1x coverage. Finally, although data are limited to the most abundant viruses in a community, alpha and beta diversity patterns were robustly estimated (±10%) when comparing samples of similar sequencing depth, but more divergent (up to 80%) when sequencing depth was uneven across the dataset. In the latter cases, the use of normalization methods specifically developed for metagenomes provided the best estimates. Conclusions: . These simulations provide benchmarks for selecting analysis cut-offs and establish that an optimized sample-to-ecological-inference viromics pipeline is robust for making ecological inferences from natural viral communities. Continued development to better accessing RNA, rare, and/or diverse viral populations and improved reference viral genome availability will alleviate many of viromics remaining limitations.
Levity polymorphism

Parametric polymorphism is one of the linchpins of modern typed programming, but it comes with a real performance penalty. We describe this penalty; offer a principled way to reason about it (kinds as calling conventions); and propose levity polymorphism. This new form of polymorphism allows abstractions over calling conventions; we detail and verify restrictions that are necessary in order to compile levity-polymorphic functions. Levity polymorphism has created new opportunities in Haskell, including the ability to generalize nearly half of the type classes in GHC's standard library.
Ultrasonography. Update on liver technique.

Ultrasound remains a solid member of the imaging arsenal when the liver is considered. Recent literature involving ultrasonographic evaluation of the liver has included such topics as the monitoring of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) for dysfunction by Doppler, a noninvasive way to screen for impending occlusion. 2 , 4 , 9 , 10 , 13 , 17 , 25 Evaluation of patients with liver disease both before and after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) has also been a topic of much interest in recent literature. 7 , 8 , 12 , 14 , 18 , 24 , 26 , 30 Other topics of recent interest have included the use of ultrasound to detect liver metastases in patients being considered for liver resection. 15 , 19 , 27 , 28 The ultrasound recognition of veno-occlusive disease of the liver after bone marrow transplantation has also been studied. 31 These studies rely heavily on color and Doppler techniques.
Alzheimer's Disease in Social Media: Content Analysis of YouTube Videos.

Background: Approximately 5.5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in 2017. YouTube is a popular platform for disseminating health information; however, little is known about messages specifically regarding AD that are being communicated through YouTube. Objective: This study aims to examine video characteristics, content, speaker characteristics, and mobilizing information (cues to action) of YouTube videos focused on AD. Methods: Videos uploaded to YouTube from 2013 to 2015 were searched with the term “Alzheimer’s disease” on April 30th, 2016. Two coders viewed the videos and coded video characteristics (the date when a video was posted, Uniform Resource Locator, video length, audience engagement, format, author), content, speaker characteristics (sex, race, age), and mobilizing information. Descriptive statistics were used to examine video characteristics, content, audience engagement (number of views), speaker appearances in the video, and mobilizing information. Associations between variables were examined using Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests. Results: Among the 271 videos retrieved, 25.5% (69/271) were posted by nonprofit organizations or universities. Informal presentations comprised 25.8% (70/271) of all videos. Although AD symptoms (83/271, 30.6%), causes of AD (80/271, 29.5%), and treatment (76/271, 28.0%) were commonly addressed, quality of life of people with AD (34/271, 12.5%) had more views than those more commonly-covered content areas. Most videos featured white speakers (168/187, 89.8%) who were adults aged 20 years to their early 60s (164/187, 87.7%). Only 36.9% (100/271) of videos included mobilizing information. Videos about AD symptoms were significantly less likely to include mobilizing information compared to videos without AD symptoms (23/83, 27.7% vs 77/188, 41.0% respectively; P=.03). Conclusions: This study contributes new knowledge regarding AD messages delivered through YouTube. Findings of the current study highlight a potential gap between available information and viewers’ interests. YouTube videos on AD could be beneficial if the messages delivered meet users’ needs and provide mobilizing information for further resources. Study findings will be useful to government agencies, researchers, nonprofit organizations that promote information about AD, and those responsible for social media to provide useful and accurate health information for the public.
Tannerella forsythia-produced methylglyoxal causes accumulation of advanced glycation endproducts to trigger cytokine secretion in human monocytes

The periodontal pathogen Tannerella forsythia has the unique ability to produce methylglyoxal (MGO), an electrophilic compound which can covalently modify amino acid side chains and generate inflammatory adducts known as advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs). In periodontitis, concentrations of MGO in gingival-crevicular fluid are increased and are correlated with the T. forsythia load. However, the source of MGO and the extent to which MGO may contribute to periodontal inflammation has not been fully explored. In this study we identified a functional homolog of the enzyme methylglyoxal synthase (MgsA) involved in the production of MGO in T. forsythia. While wild-type T.forsythia produced a significant amount of MGO in the medium, a mutant lacking this homolog produced little to no MGO. Furthermore, compared with the spent medium of the T. forsythia parental strain, the spent medium of the T. forsythia mgsA-deletion strain induced significantly lower nuclear factor-kappa B activity as well as proinflammogenic and pro-osteoclastogenic cytokines from THP-1 monocytes. The ability of T. forsythia to induce protein glycation endproducts via MGO was confirmed by an electrophoresis-based collagen chain mobility shift assay. Together these data demonstrated that T. forsythia produces MGO, which may contribute to inflammation via the generation of AGEs and thus act as a potential virulence factor of the bacterium.
Epitaxial Fe16N2 thin film on nonmagnetic seed layer

Metastable α″-Fe16N2 has attracted much interest as a candidate for rare-earth-free hard magnetic materials. We demonstrate that Fe16N2 thin films were grown epitaxially on Cr seed layers with MgO (001) substrates by facing-target sputtering. Good crystallinity with the epitaxial relation MgO (001)[110] ∥ Cr (001)[100] ∥ Fe16N2 (001)[100] was obtained. The chemical order parameter, which quantifies the degree of N ordering in the Fe16N2 (the N-disordered phase is α′-Fe8N martensite), reaches 0.75 for Cr-seeded samples. Cr has a perfect lattice constant match with Fe16N2, and no noticeable strain can be assigned to Fe16N2. The intrinsic saturation magnetization of this non-strained Fe16N2 thin film at room temperature is determined to be 2.31 T by polarized neutron reflectometry and confirmed with vibrating sample magnetometry. Our work provides a platform to directly study the magnetic properties of high purity Fe16N2 films with a high order parameter.
Developing Conflict Analysis as a Surrogate Safety Measure Using an Expert Survey

Background Conflict analysis appears more important for pedestrian and bicyclist safety assessment than crashes alone because willingness to walk and bicycle depends significantly on perceptions of safety. Understanding and identifying the rate of conflicts on a segment of intersection also may provide a better source of data for local decision-makers because crash data due to its infrequent occurrence rate may not identify a location as dangerous until a fatality or injury occurs. Conflicts between vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists occur at both intersections and street segments. The study seeks to develop a surrogate safety measure using conflict analysis, which considers conflict categories (severity of conflicts) and safety impact. Methods The research team identifies conflict characteristics that influence the potential seriousness of the conflict and five conflict types: Pedestrian – Vehicle Bicyclist – Vehicle Pedestrian – Bicyclist Vehicle – Bicyclist (Overtaking) Bicyclist – Pedestrian (Overtaking) The study surveys a panel of 132 experts from national transportation, planning, and public health agencies and advocacy organizations to calibrate the conflict safety and severity for each of these categories. The electronic survey uses a scenario approach to gather their feedback and obtains a response rate of 36% (n=47). The survey uses skip-logic, which allows respondents to self-identify their areas of expertise and directs them to the appropriate survey questions. Results The experts evaluate different levels of the conflict characteristics to grade the conflict severity based on the vulnerable road user and place it into one of four categories, A to D, and evaluate the likelihood the crash occurrence safe (no likelihood), moderately safe (low likelihood) or not safe (high likelihood). For pedestrian-vehicle conflicts, two findings stand out. Severity level increases even as the distance between pedestrian and vehicles decreases when emergency evasive actions must be taken. For short distances, irrespective of evasive action type, the survey respondents rated the conflict type as category A and labeled the situation not safe. The survey respondents give more weight to separation distance when rating a conflict situation for crash likelihood. The research team has developed a survey form and an Android app that can be used to collect conflict data in the field. Conclusions Coupled with crash data, understanding the conflict patterns and their possible causes can help transportation agencies make strategic decisions about active transportation investments. Moreover, conflict measures can act as a sketch planning level performance measure to understand potential safety issues related to transportation facilities.
Wertfragen: Rechtssicherheit in virtuellen Netzwelten

Die Globalisierung der Wissensgesellschaft schafft nicht absehbare neue Innovationspotentiale und virtuelle Wertschopfungen. Sie schafft aber ebenso neue Sicherheitsrisiken, die rechtliche Regulie-rung erfordern. Auch die Kommunikationsmarkte virtueller Netzwelten florieren nur bei technischer und rechtlicher Sicherheit. Der Verbraucher wird die Kommunikation-und Informationstech-nologien nur nutzen, wenn klassische Rechtsguter wie z.B. Wurde der Person, Eigentum und Geschaftsbedingungen auch in ihren vir-tuellen Versionen geschutzt sind. Rechtssicherheit wird damit zu einem wichtigen Wirtschaftsfaktor fair die Akzeptanz der neuen Technologien.
Anatomy of the Lumbar Spinal Canal

An understanding of the anatomy of the lumbar spinal canal in achondroplasia is necessary for the planning of the treatment of spinal stenosis and other neurological symptoms. With this knowledge a systematic approach to these problems is possible. Due to the defect in enchondral ossification, there are resultant vertebral abnormalities. Three areas will be covered: 1) spine length, 2) sagittal deformities, and 3) the cross-sectional area.
Nurses' Perceptions of a Care Plan Information Technology Solution With Hundreds of Clinical Practice Guidelines in Adult Intensive Care Units: Survey Study.

Background: The integration of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) into the nursing care plan and documentation systems aims to translate evidence into practice, improve safety and quality of care, and standardize care processes. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate nurses’ perceptions of the usability of a nursing care plan solution that includes 234 CPGs. Methods: A total of 100 nurses from 4 adult intensive care units (ICUs) responded to a survey measuring nurses’ perceptions of system usability. The survey included 37 rated items and 3 open-ended questions. Results: Nurses’ perceptions were favorable with more than 60.0% (60/100) in agreement on 12 features of the system and negative to moderate with 20.0% (20/100), to 59.0% (59/100) in agreement on 19 features. The majority of the nurses (80/100, 80.0% to 90/100, 90.0%) agreed on 4 missing safety features within the system. More than half of the nurses believed they would benefit from refresher classes on system use. Overall satisfaction with the system was just above average (54/100, 54.0%). Common positive themes from the narrative data were related to the system serving as a reminder for complete documentation and individualizing patient care. Common negative aspects were related to duplicate charting, difficulty locating CPGs, missing unit-specific CPGs, irrelevancy of information, and lack of perceived system value on patient outcomes. No relationship was found between years of system use or ICU experience and satisfaction with the system (P=.10 to P=.25). Conclusions: Care plan systems in ICUs should be easy to navigate; support efficient documentation; present relevant, unit-specific, and easy-to-find information; endorse interdisciplinary communication; and improve safety and quality of care.
Home, Cambridge, Paris: A Family

As a philosopher of mathematics and science, I have been teaching at the Pennsylvania State University for almost 40 years, and interacting with colleagues at the University of Paris, the University of Rome, the University of London, Cambridge University, Hebrew University and the Leibniz Archives and the University of Hannover. My philosophical focus was always on the growth of knowledge, the creativity of mathematics and the sciences, with issues of proof and justification lurking in the background. I have been especially interested in the way that mathematicians establish correlations and productive ambiguities that link different fields, as well as combining mathematics with the sciences: how do these correlations develop and how do they falter? I have studied the way that mathematical models link the world and formal discourse; how mathematicians make the infinite and the infinitesimal tractable; and how symmetry and periodicity are given mathematical expression, as they are encountered in the world. My historical studies extend generally from around 1600 to the present, in mathematics, though my historical interests in philosophy go further back, to Pythagoras, Plato and Aristotle, late antiquity and the Middle Ages. As a literary critic, I have found the same habits of mind that drive mathematical discovery in works of poetry. As a poet, I have also noticed that the vocabulary of mathematics, science and philosophy finds its way into my poems, even when I am writing about everyday matters, matters of the heart. During the same period, I married the medievalist Robert R. Edwards, and raised four children on the outskirts of a college town, re-creating for them the house of childhood and haphazardly cultivating a back yard that really is a middle term between the town and the wild. Between the trees, we see fields of soy and corn, and then the line of the Tussey Ridge, beyond which stretch hundreds of miles of forest.
Endocrine Care of Transgender Adults

Since the mid-twentieth century, transgender individuals have become increasingly visible. Strong advocacy group efforts and increasing government support have improved access to medical care for people with gender dysphoria. Physicians should be aware of the unique conditions and challenges affecting this population. Healthcare professional organizations such as the American Medical Association (AMA), the Endocrine Society, and the World Professional Association for Transgender Health have concluded that hormonal and surgical treatment of gender dysphoria is medically necessary to prevent long-term morbidity. Furthermore, physicians caring for transgender persons must have sufficient experience to recognize gender dysphoria as a spectrum of conditions, and should be adept in tailoring therapy to the individual patient. Many, but not all, gender dysphoric individuals presenting for care will ultimately seek endocrine therapy for the modulation of endogenous hormone production and exogenous hormone supplementation, to improve their quality of life.
Mitigation of line edge roughness and line width roughness in block copolymer directed self-assembly through polymer composition molecular weight manipulation

The semiconductor community is well aware of the challenges that exist in developing lithographic methods that can pattern features at sub-20 nm periodic feature spacing (pitch, L0). Optical lithography already utilizes complex multiple patterning schemes to overcome diffraction limitations at 193-nm exposure wavelengths, and the delayed insertion of EUV lithography will likely require the use of multiple patterning or other assistive processes to further reduce the achievable feature sizes. An alternative to these techniques employs the directed self-assembly (DSA) of block copolymers. Block copolymers (BCPs) can naturally micro-phase separate into morphologies such as lamellae, cylinders, spheres, and gyroids at length scales down to sub-10 nm dimensions. Using the ability of BCPs to micro-phase separate in conjunction with alignment methods such as graphoepitaxy and chemoepitaxy to produce well-ordered structures, a process referred to as DSA, offers a possible method for producing sub-20 nm features in conjunction with optical patterning processes at greatly reduced cost and complexity. One of the many challenges in implementing line-space type DSA processes is the lack of methods for effective modulation and tuning of the pattern pitch (L0) produced by a given BCP. Previous studies have shown that blending homopolymer into the BCP thin films can allow for tuning of both: (1) L0 to be larger than that provided naturally by the BCP's molecular weight (MW) and (2) the relative size line-space size ratio. However, this tuning ability comes at the expense of increased line edge roughness (LER) and line width roughness (LWR). It has also been shown that either higher or lower MW BCP can be blended into a primary BCP in order to modulate and tune the pattern pitch produced from the BCP mixture, but the effects of this BCP blending on pattern LER and LWR have not been explored or reported in detail. In this study, coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations of BCP DSA on a chemoepitaxial underlayer were implemented to characterize the impacts that blending controlled amounts of two different MW BCPs together have on DSA pattern LER and LWR. The blends shown here had LER and LWR values as much as 20% higher than those of pure, monodisperse BCPs; however, reducing the MW difference between the 2 BCPs could reduce this effect.
Granger mediation analysis of multiple time series with an application to functional magnetic resonance imaging

This paper presents Granger mediation analysis, a new framework for causal mediation analysis of multiple time series. This framework is motivated by a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) experiment where we are interested in estimating the mediation effects between a randomized stimulus time series and brain activity time series from two brain regions. The independent observation assumption is thus unrealistic for this type of time-series data. To address this challenge, our framework integrates two types of models: causal mediation analysis across the mediation variables, and vector autoregressive (VAR) models across the temporal observations. We use "Granger" to refer to VAR correlations modeled in this paper. We further extend this framework to handle multilevel data, in order to model individual variability and correlated errors between the mediator and the outcome variables. Using Rubin's potential outcome framework, we show that the causal mediation effects are identifiable under our time-series model. We further develop computationally efficient algorithms to maximize our likelihood-based estimation criteria. Simulation studies show that our method reduces the estimation bias and improves statistical power, compared with existing approaches. On a real fMRI data set, our approach quantifies the causal effects through a brain pathway, while capturing the dynamic dependence between two brain regions.
O21 Progress towards Therapeutic Drug Monitoring via breath analysis

Background Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM) is essential aspect for the clinical management of patients. However, despite the clear advantages of TDM, it faces several challenges to being more widely used in the clinic. Specially challenging is the case of TDM in children, as they experience rapid physiologic developments, leading to great pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic variability. Breath analysis provides a patient-friendly approach to support TDM. To explore this possibility, we are currently running a pilot study, whereby we analyze the exhaled breath of pediatric patients receiving anti-seizure or chemotherapy drugs requiring TDM. Methods We analyzed by secondary electrospray ionization-high resolution mass spectrometry (SESI-HRMS) exhaled breath of pediatric patients under therapy for Valproic acid (VPA; n = 27), Lamotrigine (n = 19), Levetiracetam (n = 15), Oxcarbazepine (n = 11) and Methotrexate (n = 4). Systemic blood concentrations were measured simultaneously to the breath test. In the case of VPA, we constructed a regression model to predict systemic blood concentrations based on the signal intensity of breath mass spectral features. For the rest of the drugs listed, due to its current limited size, we conducted preliminary data visualization approaches. Results We found that exhaled metabolites of VPA allow to predict free VPA blood concentrations with a root-mean-square error of 1.5 mg/L for concentrations in the range 0–12 mg/L. This prediction is accomplished within 20 minutes, comprising the breath test and data analysis. For Levetiracetam, Lamotrigine and Oxcarbazepine the data analysis is still ongoing. For MTX we found breath metabolites clearly altered as a result of the drug administration. However, a great inter-individual variability was also observed. Conclusion We conclude that breath analysis may support current TDM approaches. This will lead to new opportunities to guide the dose of drugs with a high level of accuracy, in real-time and non-invasively. Disclosure(s) PS gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Fondation Botnar (Switzerland) and the Swiss National Science Foundation (320030_173168 and PCEGP3_181300). PS is part of the board of directors of Deep Breath Initiative AG. JU was supported by research fellowship of the University Children’s Hospital Basel. VS and JVDA were supported by the Eckenstein-Geigy Foundation. *AD and PS: shared senior authorship
Effects of dietary 5-methoxyindole-2-carboxylic acid on brain functional recovery after ischemic stroke

Abstract Stroke leads to devastating outcomes including impairments of sensorimotor and cognitive function that may be long lasting. New intervention strategies are needed to overcome the long-lasting effects of ischemic injury. Previous studies determined that treatment with 5-methoxyindole-2-carboxylic acid (MICA) conferred chemical preconditioning and neuroprotection against stroke. The purpose of the current study was to determine whether the preconditioning can lead to functional improvements after stroke (done by transient middle cerebral artery occlusion). After 4 weeks of MICA feeding, half the rats underwent ischemic injury, while the other half remained intact. After one week recovery, all the rats were tested for motor and cognitive function (rotorod and water maze). At the time of euthanasia, measurements of long-term potentiation (LTP) were performed. While stroke injury led to motor and cognitive dysfunction, MICA supplementation did not reverse these impairments. However, MICA supplementation did improve stroke-related impairments in hippocampal LTP. The dichotomy of the outcomes suggest that more studies are needed to determine optimum duration and dosage for MICA to lead to substantial motor and cognitive improvements, along with LTP change and neuroprotection.
Cost Overruns and Formal Risk Assessment Program in US Rail Transit Projects

AbstractCost overrun in rail transit projects in the United States is a pervasive and constant phenomenon, yet there has been a lack of rigorous statistical analysis on project costs. This has been...
Natural amenities-driven migration and tourism entrepreneurship: Within business social dynamics conducive to positive social change

Abstract This study examines the within tourism businesses social dynamics that lead to positive community social change via the reduction of barriers between amenity migrants and locals. The overarching study question is: What social dynamics happen within amenity migrant owned tourism businesses that are reducing social barriers between migrants and locals and leading to positive social change in the community? Findings show the existence of a dynamic interplay between the amenity migrants and locals who are working together that reflect rational (providing opportunities for locals to become tourism producers, promoting mutual understanding and respect, widening the participation of locals in decision-making) and emotional (welcoming nature, sympathetic understanding, emotional closeness) dimensions, reducing their differences and creating positive social change in the community.
Analysis and Design of a Three-Phase Cuk-derived PFC Converter

A new three-phase Cuk-derived power factor corrected (PFC) converter with three switches in wye configuration for aircraft application is presented. The proposed converter benefits limited components for its operation and only one semiconductor from each phase is in conduction throughout the converter operation which will reduce the converter conduction losses further reduces thermal management. In addition, the control effort required for converter operation is very less as all switches are driven by one gate signal. The output inductor of the converter is designed for discontinuous current operation for the entire power range to realize natural PFC at AC power source. With the use of only one sensor in contradictory of using five sensors in conventional PFC converter, the proposed system is more economical, and more reliable. A detailed discussion on the converter steady-state operation for one switching cycle is presented, and the design expressions are derived to ease the converter design. Further, the feasibility of the proposed scheme and the design are verified with both simulation and experimental results, and they confides good agreement with the analysis and confirms the design.
Normative standards for coral reef conditions: a comparison of SCUBA divers by specialization level.

Previous research suggests that recreationists develop preferences for certain resource characteristics as they become more specialized. In this study, normative standards for resource conditions a...
Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase

Keywords: iron; heme proteins; oxygenases; enzyme; nitric oxide synthase; EC 1.14.13.39