cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An AraC-Type Transcriptional Regulator Encoded on the Enterococcus faecalis Pathogenicity Island Contributes to Pathogenesis and Intracellular Macrophage Survival

A gene encoding a putative AraC-type transcriptional regulator was identified on the 153-kb pathogenicity island (PAI) found among virulent Enterococcus faecalis strains. In an effort to understand the function of this regulator, designated PerA (for pathogenicity island-encoded regulator), we first examined the expression of the perA gene in the original PAI strain MMH594 and in an unrelated clinical isolate E99 by reverse transcription-PCR. Interestingly, expression analysis revealed no detectable perA transcript in MMH594, whereas a transcript was observed in strain E99. Nucleotide sequence analysis revealed that this altered expression between the two strains was attributable to the differential location of an IS1191 element within the putative promoter region upstream of the perA gene. In order to determine the role of this putative regulator in E. faecalis pathogenesis, a perA-deficient mutant was created in strain E99, and the wild-type and mutant pair were compared for phenotypic differences. In in vitro biofilm assays, the mutant strain showed a significantly higher level of growth medium-specific biofilm formation compared to the wild type. However, in a murine intraperitoneal infection model, the mutant strain was significantly less pathogenic. The mutant was also attenuated for survival within macrophages in vitro. These findings highlight the importance of PerA as a regulator of biofilm formation and survival within macrophages and is likely a regulator controlling determinants important to pathogenesis.
Pain Management in Peripheral Vascular Disease

The progression of peripheral vascular disease exacts a terrible toll in accompanying pain in many patients. Various approaches to interventional pain management (diagnostic and neurolytic lumbar sympathectomy, ra diofrequency lesioning of the sympathetic chain, spinal cord stimulation) are reviewed, compared, and con trasted. The impact of concurrent medications (eg, heparin, low-molecular-weight heparin, coumadin, aspi rin, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) on per forming interventional procedures is also considered. An algorithm for disease management is presented.
Emotional Intuitions and Moral Play

Brosnan's research on chimpanzees and capuchin monkeys provides invaluable clues to unlocking the complex nature of human morality. Elaborating upon her claims, we explore the role of emotions in basic social interactions, social regulation processes, and morality, all of which may be crucial to both human and nonhuman communities. We then turn to a conceptualization of teasing and play as forums for negotiating norms and the boundaries of acceptable behavior, and focus on the role of emotions in assessing the moral character of others. Finally, we consider points of convergence and departure between human responses to relative deprivation and those observed by Brosnan in primates. We conclude that work such as Brosnan's paves the way for fruitful collaborations between scholars of morality from diverse fields.
Ion energy distribution measurements of a radiofrequency plasma source immersed in Vacuum

Summary form only given. Measurements of the ion energy distribution downstream of a rf plasma source are performed using a Retarding Potential Analyzer (RPA). The plasma source is an assembly of six solenoid magnets, an antenna, and a quartz tube that are all surrounded by a steel case to increase the magnetic field strength and uniformity. This source is installed and operated inside the Junior Test Facility (JTF) at the Plasmadynamics and Electric Propulsion Laboratory (PEPL), which is connected to the Large Vacuum Test Facility (LVTF) through a 60cm diameter gate valve. Thus, JTF can utilize LVTF's seven nude cryopumps to hold the background pressure below 5×10-6 Torr during operation. RPA characteristics are collected at a number of operating conditions when the gate valve is both open and closed to investigate the effect of background pressure on ion energy measurements. Electrical characteristics of the discharge are also investigated.
Offset Masking in a Divided Visual Field Study

A problem in divided visual field studies (especially those using event-related potentials as a dependent measure) is the large number of horizontal eye movements participants make during experimental trials. Past attention research suggests that eye movements to lateralised targets should be significantly reduced using a dynamic, offset mask, causing a reduction in attentional capture. The current study attempted to replicate past divided visual field language studies using offset masking procedures. Using a basic offset procedure, eye movements were not reduced in Experiment 1. However, Experiment 2 did show a significant reduction in eye movements using a new dynamic offset masking procedure. Low accuracy rates were a concern throughout. In conclusion, horizontal eye movements can be reduced with a dynamic offset procedure but the low accuracy rates and the inconsistent behavioural findings throughout the study suggest that further study and refinement of the paradigm is needed.
Evaluation of alternative formulae for calculation of surface temperature in snowmelt models using frequency analysis of temperature observations

Abstract. The snow surface temperature is an important quantity in the snow energy balance, since it modulates the exchange of energy between the surface and the atmosphere as well as the conduction of energy into the snowpack. It is therefore important to correctly model snow surface temperatures in energy balance snowmelt models. This paper focuses on the relationship between snow surface temperature and conductive energy fluxes that drive the energy balance of a snowpack. Time series of snow temperature at the surface and through the snowpack were measured to examine energy conduction in a snowpack. Based on these measurements we calculated the snowpack energy content and conductive energy flux at the snow surface. We then used these estimates of conductive energy flux to evaluate formulae for the calculation of the conductive flux at the snow surface based on surface temperature time series. We use a method based on Fourier frequency analysis to estimate snow thermal properties. Among the formulae evaluated, we found that a modified force-restore formula, based on the superimposition of the force-restore equation capturing diurnal fluctuations on a gradually changing temperature gradient, had the best agreement with observations of heat conduction. This formula is suggested for the parameterization of snow surface temperature in a full snowpack energy balance model.
LEARNING TO LEARN TO TEACH: AN "EXPERIMENT" MODEL FOR TEACHING AND TEACHER PREPARATION IN MATHEMATICS

This paper describes a model for generating and accumulating knowledge for both teaching and teacher education. The model is applied first to prepare prospective teachers to learn to teach mathematics when they enter the classroom. The concept of treating lessons as experiments is used to explicate the intentional, rigorous, and systematic process of learning to teach through studying one's ownpractice. The concept of planning teaching experiences so that others can learn from one's experience is used to put into practice the notion of contributing to a shared professional knowledge base for teaching mathematics. The same model is then applied to the work of improving teacher preparation programs in mathematics. Parallels are drawn between the concepts emphasized for prospective teachers and those that are employed by instructors who study and improve teacher preparation experiences. In this way, parallels also are seen in the processes used to generate an accumulating knowledge base for teaching and for teacher education.
Asset and Health Dynamics Among the Oldest Old: An Overview of the AHEAD Study

This chapter provides background information for the study of Asset and Health Dynamics Among the Oldest Old (AHEAD), a prospective panel survey of persons born in 1923 or earlier who were residing in the community at the time of the 1993 baseline. Interviews were sought with both spouses in married households, and an overall total of 8,222 were completed. We review the interdisciplinary scientific issues that motivated the study, describe the fundamental design decisions that structured AHEAD, and summarize the content in the core and experimental modules. The study provides unusually detailed data on cognition, family structure and transfers, and assets. Data are presented on sample selections, response rates, and oversamples of minority groups. Basic descriptive data on the demographic, health, and socioeconomic attributes of respondents also are presented. Plans for future waves of AHEAD are described, including a next-of-kin interview for decreased respondents.
Intracellular CFTR: localization and function.

Bradbury, Neil A. Intracellular CFTR: Localization and Function. Physiol. Rev. 79, Suppl.: S175–S191, 1999. — There is considerable evidence that CFTR can function as a chloride-selective anion cha...
Modeling for structured system interconnect test

With the acceptance of test standards such as IEEE 1149.1, the potential for structured methods for system test is growing rapidly. In particular, interconnect testing based on standardized boundary scan structures will be an important component of a future structured system test methodology. A strategy based on building an interconnect topology model of the system under test and using that model to generate interconnect test patterns at test time provides for a level of system test coverage that is difficult or impossible to obtain from methods based on static stored test patterns. This paper discusses the problem of dynamically generating a model of system interconnect topology for use in structured interconnect test generation and analysis. A solution for the most general case is given and some simple system design for test rules that greatly simplify the process are proposed. Several additional solutions which explore some potential trade-offs are discussed. A practical algorithm that requires minimal storage and reasonable computation is proposed.
The association of septic thrombophlebitis with septic pulmonary embolism in adults.

Abstract: Background : There have been an increasing number of pediatric reports of septic pulmonary embolism in the setting of septic thrombophlebitis adjacent to a primary infectious source. Methods : retrospective review at an urban hospital. A total of five adults with a documented primary infectious source, adjacent septic thrombophlebitis and septic pulmonary embolism were identified between 2000 and 2011. Results : the predominant symptoms on presentation were fever and pleuritic chest pain, followed by chills and cough. S. aureus was the pathogen in 4 patients. Only one case had echocardiographic evidence of endocarditis. All patients received IV antibiotics and anticoagulation therapy. No new embolic events or central nervous system complications were noted. Conclusions : the triad of extrapulmonary infection, contiguous septic thrombophlebitis and septic pulmonary embolism is present in adult as well as pediatric populations. The use of systemic anticoagulation with appropriate antibiotics resulted in clinical and radiologic improvement but no significant complications.
Erosion of magnesium potassium phosphate ceramic waste forms.

Phosphate-based chemically bonded ceramics were formed from magnesium potassium phosphate (MKP) binder and either industrial fly ash or steel slag. The resulting ceramics were subjected to solid-particle erosion by a stream of either angular Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} particles or rounded SiO{sub 2} sand. Particle impact angles were 30 or 90{degree} and the impact velocity was 50 m/s. Steady-state erosion rates, measured as mass lost from a specimen per mass of impacting particle, were dependent on impact angle and on erodent particle size and shape. Material was lost by a combination of fracture mechanisms. Evolution of H{sub 2}O from the MKP phase appeared to contribute significantly to the material loss.
Advances in Development of Axial-Torsional Multi-Sleeve Penetrometer for Extra-Terrestrial Studies

Recent advances in the development of a subsurface characterization device that combines axial and torsional loadings are presented in this paper. The multisleeve penetration system uses interchangeable friction sleeves with a controlled surface roughness that provides unique information regarding geotechnical properties such as shear and interface behavior of granular media. Experimental laboratory tests performed in an axisymmetric device allow for both axial and torsional loading modes to be investigated without the disturbance effects of the penetration process. Studies of the global behavior in both axial and torsional shearing directions allow for direct comparison and fundamentally robust interpretation of the results. Furthermore, micro-scale studies provide useful information regarding the interface shear behavior of the granular media during testing. The results show the potential of the axialtorsional multi-sleeve device to provide information about soil and regolith properties such as shear strength, structure and state of stress as well as practical issues such as ease of excavation and mobility of vehicles. Discrete Element Method simulations provide further insight about the micro-mechanical processes involved in both axial and torsional shearing tests.
Hyperbilirubinemia of newborn infants associated with the parenteral administration of a vitamin K analogue to the mothers.

Seven cases of marked hyperbilirubinemia occurring among premature infants within the first 40 to 72 hours of life are reported. The mothers of these infants had received 72 mg of a vitamin K analogue (Hykinone®) intramuscularly or intravencusly from 2 to 112 hours prior to delivery. The evidence presented indicates that this medication predisposed the infants to hyperbilirubinemia. The hypothesis is presented that the vitamin K analogue passed through the placenta and exerted a hepatotoxic effect upon the newborn infant. Because of possible serious consequences to the infant, new drugs should be used with caution when administered to pregnant women or to newborn infants, and medications should be given in doses no larger than necessary to obtain a desired and proven therapeutic or prophylactic effect.
Training Effects on the Resolution of Moving Targets—Dynamic Visual Acuity

In initial 60-min sessions, the dynamic visual acuity (DVA) of 54 male college observers was determined over a range of target velocities (60, 90, 120, and 150 deg/s) at each of three durations (200, 400, and 600 ms). Following four 30-min practice sessions with the task, a final test session identical to the first was then conducted. Highly significant training effects on DVA were obtained; contrary to previous work, these effects were most marked for observers with initially poorer performance.
Agent-based Cost Model of Inclement Ambient Weather and Transportation Maintenance Data for Budgetary Decision Making

Transportation agencies spend large amounts of maintenance budgets to combat inclement weather such as snow and ice. One method for transportation agencies to reduce the cost of winter maintenance is to implement new technology, equipment, material, and practices in ways that minimize cost while maximizing efficiency. One piece of equipment being considered by transportation agencies is a specialty plow, which allows two traveling lanes to be treated in one pass of the plow truck. An in-field evaluation of this specialty plow was conducted in northeast Ohio to determine if and where specialty plows should be considered based on the benefit-cost analysis. This specialty plow was shown to be utilized differently depending on the amount of snowfall. Using the data collected in the field, a model to determine the average cost associated with the specialty plow in comparison to the standard plow truck is developed. There was an annualized cost savings averaging $22,551 when compared to the equivalent standard trucks needed to match the specialty plow's winter maintenance capabilities. The model allows different weather distributions as inputs to determine potential cost savings, which may aid other agencies when deciding if a specialty plow should be implemented.
Combining Modeling Of Singing Voice And Background Music For Automatic Separation Of Musical Mixtures.

Musical mixtures can be modeled as being composed of two characteristic sources: singing voice and background music. Many music/voice separation techniques tend to focus on modeling one source; the residual is then used to explain the other source. In such cases, separation performance is often unsatisfactory for the source that has not been explicitly modeled. In this work, we propose to combine a method that explicitly models singing voice with a method that explicitly models background music, to address separation performance from the point of view of both sources. One method learns a singer-independent model of voice from singing examples using a Non-negative Matrix Factorization (NMF) based technique, while the other method derives a model of music by identifying and extracting repeating patterns using a similarity matrix and a median filter. Since the model of voice is singer-independent and the model of music does not require training data, the proposed method does not require training data from a user, once deployed. Evaluation on a data set of 1,000 song clips showed that combining modeling of both sources can improve separation performance, when compared with modeling only one of the sources, and also compared with two other state-of-the-art methods.
Between Orientalism and Westernization: Belly Dance as a Transnational American Studies Case

In the last decade, American women’s rising interest in belly dance has drawn the critical attention of American studies scholars. Americanists have traced the transnational development of the dance complex and skilfully critiqued the imperialist politics that are manifest in Western belly dance practice alongside the rhetoric of feminist liberation. With its apparently feminine, mysterious, and exotic qualities, belly dance seems to make a casebook study for Orientalism. Therefore, scholars have tended to view belly dance through this scholarly frame. Yet, if considering only US contexts, utilizing only English-language resources, and only wielding the Western theoretical cannon, even transnational American studies scholarship risks replicating the Orientalist knowledge practices it identifies and condemns in Western women’s belly dance practice and commentary. This essay argues that, despite the conspicuousness of its impact, Orientalism has not been the only civilizational logic operating in the transn...
Natural History of a Legal Suit

Your first notice of involvement in a legal matter if you are the defendant in a lawsuit will be a summons. If you are a fact witness, your first notice may be a subpoena. If you are serving as an expert witness, then your first notice was being contacted by an attorney to consider taking the case. Notification of a malpractice suit is discussed in Chapter 4; fact and expert witness distinctions are discussed in Chapters 2 and 5. However you became involved in the case, for you this particular legal battle has begun. In order to be an effective part of the legal proceedings, up to and including a trial, you need to prepare yourself. You prepare yourself by reviewing the case and then by reviewing the case and planning for trial with the attorney that you are working with.
Shiny Dashboard Sampler

This chapter is not required in order to understand other chapters in this book. While we introduce some new techniques, what you primarily find here is one entire dashboard sample ready to be modified to suit your needs.
Mycobacterium ulcerans toxin, mycolactone may enhance host-seeking and oviposition behaviour by Aedes aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae)

The ecological functions of many toxins continue to remain unknown for those produced by environmental pathogens. Mycobacterium ulcerans, the causative agent of the neglected tropical disease, Buruli ulcer, produces a cytotoxic macrolide, mycolactone, whose function(s) in the environment remains elusive. Through a series of dual-choice behaviour assays, they show that mycolactone may be an interkingdom cue for the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti, seeking blood-meals as well as oviposition sites. Results provide novel insight into the evolution between bacteria and potential vectors. While further studies are needed to determine if mycolactone is an actual signal rather than simply a cue, this discovery could serve as a model for determining roles for toxins produced by other environmental pathogens and provide opportunities for developing novel strategies for disease prevention. The relationship between M. ulcerans, mycolactone, and Ae. aegypti further suggests there could be an amplification effect for the spread of pathogens responsible for other diseases, such as yellow fever and dengue.
Understanding Palliative Care and Hospice: A Review for Primary Care Providers

Palliative care provides invaluable clinical management and support for patients and their families. For most people, palliative care is not provided by hospice and palliative medicine specialists, but rather by their primary care providers. The recognition of hospice and palliative medicine as its own medical subspecialty in 2006 highlighted the importance of palliative care to the practice of medicine, yet many health care professionals harbor misconceptions about palliative care, which may be a barrier to ensuring that the palliative care needs of their patients are identified and met in a timely fashion. When physicians discuss end-of-life concerns proactively, many patients choose more comfort-focused care and receive care more aligned with their values and goals. This article defines palliative care, describes how it differs from hospice, debunks some common myths associated with hospice and palliative care, and offers suggestions on how primary care providers can integrate palliative care into their practice.
Rethinking HIV Risks among Women on the US/Mexico Border: Alcohol and Latina Sex Behavior

C l i n M e d International Library Citation: Parsa M, Woolard R, Corgan D, Villalobos S, Chisolm P, et al. (2015) Rethinking HIV Risks among Women on the US/Mexico Border: Alcohol and Latina Sex Behavior. J Fam Med Dis Prev 1:017 Received: September 25, 2015: Accepted: October 28, 2015: Published: October 31, 2015 Copyright: © 2015 Parsa M. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. Parsa et al. J Fam Med Dis Prev 2015, 1:3
On viscous film flows coating the interior of a tube: Thin-film and long-wave models

A theoretical and numerical investigation of two classes of models for pressure-driven core–annular flow is presented. Both classes, referred to as ‘long-wave’ and ‘thin-film’ models, may be derived from a unified perspective using long-wave asymptotics, but are distinct from one another in the role played by the curved tube geometry with respect to the planar (limiting) case. Analytical and numerical techniques are used to show and quantify the significant differences between the behaviour of solutions to both model types. Temporal linear stability analysis of the constant solution is carried out first to pinpoint with closed-form mathematical expressions the different dynamical regimes associated with absolute or convective instabilities. Numerical simulations for the models are then performed and qualitative differences in the evolution of the free surface are explored. Mathematically, different levels of asymptotic accuracy are found to result in different regularizing properties affecting the long-time behaviour of generic numerical solutions. Travelling wave solutions are also studied, and qualitative differences in the topology of streamline patterns describing the flow of the film in a moving reference frame are discussed. These topological differences allow for further classification of the models. In particular, a transition from a regime in which waves trap a fluid core to one where waves travel faster than any parcel of the underlying fluid is documented for a variant of the primary model. In the corresponding thin-film model, no such transition is found to occur. The source of these differences is examined, and a comparison of the results with those of related models in the literature is given. A brief discussion of the merits of each class of models concludes this study.
Randomized trial comparing group size of periodic in-person sessions in a remotely delivered weight loss intervention.

Few randomized studies have examined differential effects of group size in behavioral weight control, especially in hybrid programs that include Internet treatment approaches. Randomized controlled trial (n = 195) comparing a 4 month hybrid internet weight loss program coupled with monthly face to face groups of 100 persons (Large Group, LG; 1 group) or to the same approach with monthly groups of 20 persons (Small Group, SG; 4 groups). Repeated-measures mixed-model analysis with age and race as covariates were used to estimate primary (weight) and secondary outcomes, and to test group differences in change over time. The sample was 46.3 years old ±10.4, 90.3% female, and 51.9% non-white, with BMI 37.9 ± 8.4 kg/m2. Participants in the LG were more likely to return for the 4-month assessment visit than those in the SG (p = 0.04). Participants randomized to both the LG and SG conditions experienced significant WL over time (no between group difference: −4.1 kg and −3.7 kg, respectively) and weight loss was positively associated with attendance at monthly meetings and logins to the website. Satisfaction with the program was high and similar in both groups (94.4% reported that they were “satisfied” or “very satisfied”). Using a hybrid approach of in-person and online weight loss interventions may be an effective way to reach larger and more diverse populations. Delivering the face to face component of the intervention in groups larger than those traditionally delivered (20–25 people) could increase the cost-effectiveness of group-based behavioral weight loss interventions. NCT01615471 . Registered June 6, 2012. Registered retrospectively.
Modulation of autoimmune diabetes by innate-like B cell derived antibodies specific for N-acetyl-D-glucosamine. (BA7P.148)

The immunodominant epitope of Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is the cell wall associated N-acetyl-D-Glucosamine (GlcNAc) of Group A Carbohydrate (GAC). Previous reports in humans and rodent models have suggested a link between GAS exposure and protection from T1D. Through neonatal immunization with GAS and serum-transfer experiments we find that T1D protection elicited by neonatal GAS exposure is conferred by the antibody (Ab) response to GAC, and the differentiation of unique GlcNAc-specific clonotypes into long-lived plasma cells. Glycan microarray analysis of GAC-specific antibodies indicates they recognize aberrantly truncated mammalian glycans. GlcNAc-terminating glycans exist on a subset of insulin-containing granules and are generated as neoepitpoes during beta cell apoptosis. We find GAC-specific Abs directly block recognition of GlcNAc-modified autoantigens by innate lectins, dampen inflammatory complement activation, and reduce the capacity of dendritic cells to present beta cell antigen. Importantly, T1D patients are deficient in GAS-reactive IgM antibodies. These observations suggest that early exogenous antigen exposure in crucial for developing protective GlcNAc-specific natural antibodies and validate a role for the hygiene hypothesis in T1D. Subsets of GlcNAc-specific antibodies may serve as biomarkers for identifying at-risk patients with natural antibody deficits, and boosting these clonotypes may serve to suppress T1D development
A Case Study and Analysis of a Successful and Collaborative Student-Centered Textbook Reserve Program in a Mid-Size Academic Library

This article presents an innovative textbook reserve program at a mid-sized academic library. Research conducted subsequent to the program’s launch showed a positive correlation between students’ u...
Loving The World: Place Attachment and Environment in Pastoral Theology

In this article, the author maintains that place is more than the backdrop for pastoral care, but an active participant. Explaining place attachment and arguing for care shaped by place, the author...
"Instantaneous superluminality" in a bimetallic wire consisting of a superconducting aluminum wire plated with a thick copper covering

Maxwell's equations applied to a superconducting wire (aluminum) covered with a thick nonsuperconducting sheath (copper), in combination with the superfluid velocity equation for Cooper pairs which obeys DeWitt's minimal coupling rule, implies an instantaneous streamline flow that leads to the phenomenon of "instantaneous superluminality," in which a Cooper pair can disappear from the left end of the wire and instantaneously reappear at the right end of the wire. Relativistic causality is not violated by this superluminal phenomenon, which involves analytic, finite bandwidth waveforms whose spectrum lies below the BCS gap frequency. Experiments are proposed to test these ideas.
The two faces of intentional self-inflicted injury: High in-hospital mortality, low postdischarge mortality, but high readmission rates.

Abstract Background Intentional self-inflicted injuries present unique challenges in treatment and prevention. We hypothesized intentional self-inflicted injuries would have higher in-hospital and postdischarge mortality than nonintentional self-inflicted injuries trauma. Methods Adult patients evaluated 2008 to 2012 were identified in our trauma registry and matched with mortality data from the National Death Index. Intentional self-inflicted injuries were identified using E-Codes. Readmissions were identified and analyzed. Intentional self-inflicted injuries patients who died in-hospital were compared with those surviving to discharge. Univariate analysis was performed using nonparametric tests. Kaplan-Meier curves were plotted to compare mortality ≤5 years postdischarge between intentional self-inflicted injuries and non-intentional self-inflicted injuries patients. Results In the study, 8,716 patient records were evaluated with 245 (2.8%) classified as intentional self-inflicted injuries. Eighteen (7.8%) patients with intentional self-inflicted injuries had multiple admissions, compared with 352 (4.4%) patients with nonintentional self-inflicted injuries with readmissions ( P = . 0210). In-hospital mortality was higher for intentional self-inflicted injuries compared with patients with non-intentional self-inflicted injuries (18.7% vs 4.9%, P 0001). Survival analysis demonstrated that patients with intentional self-inflicted injuries had significantly lower postdischarge mortality at multiple time points. Conclusion Patients with intentional self-inflicted injuries trauma have high in-hospital mortality, but low postdischarge mortality. We attribute this to high lethality mechanisms but appropriate psychiatric treatment and rehabilitation. However, the high intentional self-inflicted injuries readmission rate indicates further study of intentional self-inflicted injuries follow-up is warranted. Better prevention strategies are needed to identify and intervene in patients at-risk for intentional self-inflicted injuries.
Effect on Probabilistic Language Model for Cross-Domain Corpus

Probabilistic language model has been widely used in the field of natural language processing and it should be based on a suitable data corpus. Limited data is a permanent problem of probabilistic language model. Original data corpus can no longer meet requirements as time goes by, the emergence of new terms and technical terminologies. Therefore, cross-domain training is often needed. In this paper, a probabilistic language model is built with \( \) filtering and linear interpolation based on N-grams of words. Then, for three different data domain corpus which each has unique word distribution, based on perplexity analysis, data corpus with similar word distribution can be got. With all this information, the accuracy of cross-domain probabilistic model can be promoted.
Scattering cross sections of acoustic nonlocal inclusions: A fractional dynamic approach

In this work, we present numerical calculations of the acoustic scattering properties of inclusions characterized by fractional order behavior. Fundamental quantities, such as the differential and the total scattering cross sections, are calculated for a wide range of forcing frequencies, and their characteristics are analyzed in the perspective of remote sensing and material characterization applications. The numerical simulations show the occurrence of resonance frequencies related to the fractional order mismatch and suggest the ability of fractional inclusion to induce lensing effects similar to those observed in materials with a negative index of refraction. The tools developed in this framework offer a novel approach for modeling and predicting the transport of field quantities throughout complex inhomogeneous and highly scattering media.
Evaluation of spot size using volumetric repainting technique on a ProteusPLUS PBS Proton Therapy System

Volumetric repainting is considered as one of the techniques for motion mitigation in proton therapy. Faster layer switching time to deliver a volumetric repainting proton plan is very critical to reduce the overall treatment time. Recently, IBA (proton therapy vendor at the Miami Cancer Institute) has implemented a "field regulation" – a new feature to reduce the switching time between layers by applying a magnetic field setpoint to specific groups of magnets. In order to investigate the impact of field regulation and volumetric repainting technique on the spot size, several spot maps were generated. The spot sizes were measured at the isocenter and four off-axis points using the Lynx 2D scintillation detector. The average difference in spot size between two delivery sequences ("down" vs. "up" directions) for given energy at all five locations was 0.6±0.5%. The measurement results from the current study demonstrated that the impact of field regulation on the spot size was very minimal, and this was true for both the volumetric and non-volumetric techniques on a ProteusPLUS proton system with a PBS dedicated nozzle.
Waveguiding properties of perylene microcrystals synthesized by retarding the growth along the π-stack direction

Selective, hard to realize growth retardation of the π-stacking direction over the edge-packing direction has been achieved in perylene microcrystals using an aryl amphiphile. The perylene microcrystals grow predominantly along the edge-packing direction resulting in novel and hitherto unknown perylene square rods. The rods show exciton–polariton waveguiding along the rod axis even though it corresponds to pure edge-packing of the molecules, which is unprecedented in organic microcrystals.
Effects of Repetitive Sit to Stand Training on the Knee Extensor Strength and Walking Ability in Subject with Total Knee Replacement Patients

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to verify the effectiveness of repetitive sit to stand training to improve knee extensor strength and walking ability of total knee replacement patients. Methods: In this study, 12 patients with total knee replacement patients were recruited from a rehabilitation hospital. They were divided into two groups: a repetitive sit to stand group (n=6) and a control group (n=6). They all received 30 minutes of continuous passive motion (CPM). After that, the repetitive sit to stand group performed repetitive sit to stand training, and the control group performed re sistance exercise for 15 minutes five times a week for 2 weeks. After 2 weeks of training, knee extensor strength and spatiotemporal gait parameters were measured. Knee extensor strength was measured by Biodex system 3, walking ability was measured by Biodex gait trainer 2. Paired t test was performed to verify the difference between before and after intervention within the group, and analysis of co variance was used to verify the differences between the two groups. Results: After the training periods, the repetitive sit to stand group showed a significant improvement in knee extensor muscle strength, walking speed, step length of the operated side, and step length of the non-operated side (p<0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that repetitive sit to stand training was more effective in improving knee extensor muscle strength and walking ability. Therefore, to strengthen knee extensor muscles and improve the walking ability of total knee replacement patients, it is necessary to consider repetitive sit to stand training.
Climate justice and home-buyout programs: renters as a forgotten population in managed retreat actions

Abstract For most Americans, the value of their home represents the largest portion of their total wealth; accordingly, homeowners even in very poor areas can obtain some benefit from a home-buyout program as a means to move away from risk and begin again. Renters, however, are an overlooked population during implementation of post-disaster retreat programs that predominantly focus on homeownership. Racism is a substantial factor in homeownership disparities between black and white Americans that can be traced to the post World War II GI Bill—a law that delivered to returning veterans federally-backed home mortgage loans, loans that were largely denied to returning black soldiers. These inequities have not been overcome, leaving minority renters as some of the most vulnerable populations after a disaster. Indeed, some renters may be substantially worse off after a buy-out program is implemented in an area. Renters represent an atypical “trapped” population when it comes to relocation programs because they may be economically forced to move to even more climate vulnerable housing. This paper will explore post-implementation impact on renters of home buy-out and similar retreat programs. We will examine the factors that contribute to this cycle of failed re-location efforts for this sub-group such as the lack of retreat policies aimed at assisting low-income renters, lack or limitations of home or rental insurance, the absence of “duty to warn” obligations from landlords to inform renters of repeated flooding risks at the property, and market failure to encompass climate risks in rental pricing.
Epidural cerebellar stimulation drives widespread neural synchrony in the intact and stroke perilesional cortex.

Cerebellar electrical stimulation has shown promise in improving motor recovery post-stroke in both rodent and human studies. Past studies have used motor evoked potentials (MEPs) to evaluate how cerebellar stimulation modulates ongoing activity in the cortex, but the underlying mechanisms are incompletely understood. Here we used invasive electrophysiological recordings from the intact and stroke-injured rodent primary motor cortex (M1) to assess how epidural cerebellar stimulation modulates neural dynamics at the level of single neurons as well as at the level of mesoscale dynamics. We recorded single unit spiking and local field potentials (LFPs) in both the intact and acutely stroke-injured M1 contralateral to the stimulated cerebellum in adult Long-Evans rats under anesthesia. We analyzed changes in the firing rates of single units, the extent of synchronous spiking and power spectral density (PSD) changes in LFPs during and post-stimulation. Our results show that post-stimulation, the firing rates of a majority of M1 neurons changed significantly with respect to their baseline rates. These firing rate changes were diverse in character, as the firing rate of some neurons increased while others decreased. Additionally, these changes started to set in during stimulation. Furthermore, cross-correlation analysis showed a significant increase in coincident firing amongst neuronal pairs. Interestingly, this increase in synchrony was unrelated to the direction of firing rate change. We also found that neuronal ensembles derived through principal component analysis were more active post-stimulation. Lastly, these changes occurred without a significant change in the overall spectral power of LFPs post-stimulation. Our results show that cerebellar stimulation caused significant, long-lasting changes in the activity patterns of M1 neurons by altering firing rates, boosting neural synchrony and increasing neuronal assemblies’ activation strength. Our study provides evidence that cerebellar stimulation can directly modulate cortical dynamics. Since these results are present in the perilesional cortex, our data might also help explain the facilitatory effects of cerebellar stimulation post-stroke.
Strengths Use, Environmental Factors, and Academic Outcomes in Newly Matriculated College Students

College presents a number of challenges to new students. Few studies have examined how students’ strengths may positively impact their college experience and what factors may promote or impede their success. This study examined the relationship between strengths use and academic satisfaction, academic meaning, and leadership, as well as the influence of two environmental moderators—strengths barriers and environmental support. Participants included 371 newly matriculated undergraduate students at a large, public university in the United States. Results partially supported our hypotheses and revealed a number of important relations. Specifically, strengths use did not predict academic satisfaction; however, strengths barriers negatively predicted academic satisfaction and environmental support positively predicted academic satisfaction. Further, neither strengths barriers nor environmental support moderated the relationship between strengths use and academic satisfaction. Strengths use and environmental support positively predicted academic meaning, and strengths barriers negatively predicted academic meaning. Moreover, strengths barriers and environmental support did not moderate the relation between strengths use and academic meaning. Finally, strengths use positively predicted leadership, and strengths barriers negatively predicted leadership; however, environmental support did not significantly predict leadership. Strengths barriers, and not environmental support, moderated the relation between strengths use and leadership. Implications of these findings are discussed.
Partnership evaluation: An application of a developmental framework to the Governance and Local Development project in Senegal

Abstract This study explores the valued-added of USAID/Senegal’s Governance for Local Development (GOLD) project’s integrated approach to working with four sector projects: two in health, one in water and sanitation, and one in nutrition. The study builds on a partnership evaluation framework that identifies practices related to preconditions, factors linked with success, implementation structures and processes, contribution of collaboration to performance, and collaboration outcomes. A survey instrument developed statements of positive practices and asked respondents to agree or disagree with each one. The analysis includes exploration of differences in perception. Respondents generally expressed agreement with the statements in the survey instrument associated with the various dimensions of effective partnerships. All projects mentioned the presence of partnership champions. Problems with joint action (e.g., planning, budgeting, managing) were the most frequently cited constraints. The study confirms most of the hypotheses embedded in the evaluation framework regarding partnership’s potential for creating synergies and improved outcomes and affirms the framework’s usefulness as a developmental evaluation tool. Positive outcomes result from intentional efforts to build relationships, cultivate champions, and design systems and processes that support a partnership culture and contribute to each partners’ success as well as the success of the partnership itself.
Model Development of Diesel Generator using Volts/Hertz Limiter and Comparing Governor Models for Remote Islanded Microgrids

Diesel generators are an integral component of remote islanded microgrids in rural Alaska. As inverter-based generation is integrated in these microgrids, adequate transient modeling will be necessary as dynamic and transient stability issues can arise with significant contributions of inverter-based generation. A complete transient model of a diesel generator includes models of the machine, exciter, governor, and any relays or other limiting components. Few studies compare the adequacy of various types of diesel generator governor or exciter models or include a volts/hertz (V/Hz) limiting functionality commonly found in diesel generators deployed in such remote islanded microgrids. This paper introduces and compares diesel generator models in response to two load steps against responses from the ACEP PSI lab 400 kVA diesel generator which represents a realistic diesel generator found in remote islanded Alaskan microgrids. A simplified governor model is introduced and compared to the traditional DEGOV governor model, and the functionality of a V/Hz limiter added to a DC4B exciter is demonstrated.
The Sporting Life: Democratic Culture and the Historical Origins of the Scottish Right to Roam

In 2003, the Scottish Parliament enacted the Land Reform (Scotland) Act, which, among other reforms, grants to “everyone” a right to access virtually all land in Scotland for a wide variety of purposes, including recreation, educational activities, and even some commercial or for-profit activities. Legal recognition of this broad-ranging “right to roam” comes after more than a century of debate over the public’s right to access privately-owned land in the Scottish Highlands. This paper is the first historical account of the origins of the remarkable Scottish right to roam. It sets the debate over the right to roam with a clash between two different visions of the sporting life: One, older, rooted in the Victorian and Edwardian periods, viewed the sporting life as one of hunting, aided by the use of modern technology — rifles and such — and much older technology in the form of dogs and horses. The other vision is of more recent vintage. It is a vision of contact with nature through walking, hiking, and similar forms of unmediated interaction with nature. Curiously, both visions of the sporting life claimed the mantle of preservation and conservation. The paper argues that the culture of unmediated contact with nature ultimately prevailed as a democratic culture became more entrenched in both politics and society.
Important Cows and Possum Pests: New Zealand’s Biodiversity Strategy and (Bio)Political Taxonomies of Introduced Species

This paper examines how New Zealand’s conservation discourses and strategies have, since the launch of its Biodiversity Strategy at the turn of the millennium, created and sustained a local taxonomy of species rooted in the overlapping but often clashing logics of biodiversity protection, cultural patrimony, and economic growth. This paper focuses on the taxonomy of introduced land mammals, suggesting that classificatory maneuvers pertaining to introduced species demarcate a specific space of legitimized action with regards to animals while shaping global biodiversity discourses to fit a specific local context. Following the work of Timothy Luke on environing and building on Michel Foucault’s concept of biopower, this paper argues that in propagating a specific national discourse about biodiversity, species, and economic interests—rooted in what I term bio-nationalism—the Biodiversity Strategy has helped expand the scope of governance of New Zealand’s human and nonhuman populations.