cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impacts of campus experiences and parental socialization on undergraduates' career choices

The purpose of this study is to assess the impacts of selected aspects of the collegiate experience on changes in undergraduates' occupational preferences and personal goals. It focuses on two general aspects of the undergraduate student's participation in a 4-year college or university environment — the social structure, particularly its normative aspect, as defined by the orientations of faculty and students toward the purposes of a college education; and the individual student's perceptions of the institution's capacity for facilitating the attainment of personal goals. The latter aspect of the college experience is reflected in such things as satisfaction with college, the individual's sense of social integration into the campus environment, and assessments of the extent to which experiences within a particular college have contributed to the attainment of desired personal ends (e.g., occupational training and personal growth). A departure from much of the existing research on college impact is that close attention is paid to the concomitant influences of parental socialization that are present throughout the student's college days. Specific aspects of parental socialization processes are considered, notably those reflected in modes of parent-child relationships and family life-style that contribute to adult development. An important aim of the research is to investigate the extent to which college effects on students' occupational orientations and preferences are mediated by parent-child relationships maintained, in many instances, through continued contacts with parents during the student's college years.
The relationship between the distribution of worker sizes and new worker production in the ant Formica neorufibarbis.

While it is commonly assumed that variation in worker sizes within a single ant colony increases colony efficiency, there is little causal evidence of a link between worker size variation and colony performance. I tested whether the range of worker sizes within colonies of the ant species Formica neorufibarbis affected new worker production. Removing large workers from colonies lowered the rate of new worker production. A study of unmanipulated colonies indicated that colonies did not maintain a full range of worker sizes; mean worker head widths varied from 0.89–1.24 mm. Colonies naturally missing large workers did not have lower rates of worker production, suggesting that the relative size, not the absolute size, of workers within colonies was important. These are the first results to directly link the range of worker sizes to a component of colony fitness in a natural setting.
Features of One-Boson-Exchange Potential Models

We examine a number of features and questions related to realistic one-boson-exchange-potential models for the $N\ensuremath{-}N$ interaction, mainly from a phenomenological viewpoint. They include (i) the validity of the one-pion-exchange region concept and the classical impact-parameter formula, (ii) the effect of a discrete versus continuous mass for the $I=0$, $J=0$ meson field used to simulate the $2\ensuremath{\pi}$ continuum, (iii) the effect of an unconstrained versus constrained vector-meson field, (iv) the influence of "double regularization" upon phase shifts, and (v) the extension of effective-range theory to velocity-dependent interactions. The objectives are to obtain a physical understanding of the $N\ensuremath{-}N$ interaction and to provide heuristic guides to the further development of a quantitative theory of the fundamental nuclear force.
STM tunneling spectroscopy of TiO2(001) in air

Abstract Tunneling spectroscopy was performed on single crystal n-TiO 2 (hydrogen doped) (001) substrates exposed to air at room temperature utilizing a scanning tunneling microscope. Cyclic bias scans have shown consistent hysteresis in the tunneling spectra. In addition to representative tunneling spectra on TiO 2 (001), data are presented which demonstrate the effects of bias scan rate, magnitude and polarity domain on the degree of the observed hysteresis. The origin of this phenomenon is believed to be a manifestation of tip field-induced intra-gap surface and/or near surface states.
The Enduring Legacy of the Turing Machine

The Church-Turing thesis has stood the test of time, capturing computation models Turing could not have conceived of, including digital computation, probabilistic, parallel and quantum computers and the Internet. The thesis has become accepted doctrine in computer science and the ACM has named its highest honor after Turing. Many now view computation as a fundamental part of nature, like atoms or the integers.
The Saccharomyces cerevisiae Actin Patch Protein App1p is a Phosphatidate Phosphatase Enzyme

Phosphatidate phosphatase (PAP) catalyzes the dephosphorylation of phosphatidate to yield diacylglycerol. In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, PAP is encoded by PAH1, DPP1, and LPP1. The presence of PAP activity in the pah1Δ dpp1Δ lpp1Δ triple mutant indicated another gene(s) encoding the enzyme. We purified PAP from the pah1Δ dpp1Δ lpp1Δ triple mutant by salt extraction of mitochondria followed by chromatography with DE52, Affi-Gel Blue, phenyl-Sepharose, MonoQ, and Superdex 200. Liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry analysis of a PAP-enriched sample revealed multiple putative phosphatases. By analysis of PAP activity in mutants lacking each of the proteins, we found that APP1, a gene whose molecular function has been unknown, confers ∼30% PAP activity of wild type cells. The overexpression of APP1 in the pah1Δ dpp1Δ lpp1Δ mutant exhibited a 10-fold increase in PAP activity. The PAP activity shown by App1p heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli confirmed that APP1 is the structural gene for the enzyme. Introduction of the app1Δ mutation into the pah1Δ dpp1Δ lpp1Δ triple mutant resulted in a complete loss of PAP activity, indicating that distinct PAP enzymes in S. cerevisiae are encoded by APP1, PAH1, DPP1, and LPP1. Lipid analysis of cells lacking the PAP genes, singly or in combination, showed that Pah1p is the only PAP involved in the synthesis of triacylglycerol as well as in the regulation of phospholipid synthesis. App1p, which shows interactions with endocytic proteins, may play a role in vesicular trafficking through its PAP activity.
A brief history of dosage compensation

In 1914, H. J. Muller postulated the origin of the Y chromosome as having resulted from restricted recombination between homologous sex chromosomes in the male and the accumulation of deleterious mutations. This evolutionary process leads to dosage compensation. This article lays out a brief history of dosage compensation in genetics.
A novel technique for optical label and payload generation and multiplexing using optical carrier suppression and separation

A novel technique for optical multiplexing of label and payload using optical carrier suppression and separation is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. No power penalty is observed when the payload and label, with signal extinction ratio >11 dB, are transmitted over 60-km standard single-mode fiber with full-dispersion compensation. The technique of the optical label generation offers many advantages compared with previous techniques.
Cutting Edge: Direct Action of Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin on Activated Human CD4+ T Cells

Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) is a cytokine that promotes CD4 + T cell homeostasis and contributes to allergic and inflammatory responses. TSLP can act directly on mouse CD4 + T cells, but in humans, the available data have indicated that TSLP receptors are not expressed on CD4 + T cells and that TSLP instead activates dendritic cells, which in turn promote the proliferation and differentiation of CD4 + T cells. We now unexpectedly demonstrate the presence of TSLP receptors on activated human CD4 + T cells. Strikingly, whereas freshly isolated peripheral blood human T cells show little if any response to TSLP, TCR stimulation allows a potent response to this cytokine. Moreover, TSLP increases the sensitivity of human CD4 + T cells to low doses of IL-2, augmenting responsiveness of these cells to TCR engagement. Our results establish that human CD4 + T cells are direct targets for TSLP.
Lake landscape position: Relationships to hydrologic connectivity and landscape features

To improve our understanding of lake landscape position, we compared four metrics based on different aspects of lake surface hydrologic connections: (1) ‘‘lake hydrology,’’ which is a general measure of lake surface hydrologic position, (2) ‘‘lake order,’’ which measures connections to streams by stream order, (3) ‘‘lake network number,’’ which measures connections to other lakes, and (4) ‘‘lake network complexity,’’ which measures the complexity of connections to other lakes (in a chain or branched). We sampled 71 lakes in northern Michigan, U.S.A. and measured lake landscape position and landscape characteristics around each lake (e.g., land use/cover and geology) to answer two questions: (1) which metric of landscape position explains the most variation in lake water chemistry/clarity? and (2) what landscape and physical features are also related to landscape position? All four landscape position metrics explained significant variation in some water chemistry/clarity variables. However, lake order, the metric based on stream order, consistently explained the most variation, ranging from 22% (dissolved organic carbon) to 53% (conductivity and calcium), with lake hydrology, the metric based on both streams and lakes, explaining similar amounts of variation to lake order, but less overall. Landscape position was also significantly related to both lake morphometry and the proportion of wetland types in buffer areas, which may help explain why landscape position is related to lake water chemistry and clarity variables.
Model predictive control for spacecraft rendezvous and docking with a rotating/tumbling platform and for debris avoidance

A Model Predictive Control (MPC) approach is developed for spacecraft rendezvous and docking to a rotating/ tumbling platform and for debris avoidance maneuvers. With this approach, the constraints on thrust, approach velocity and spacecraft positioning within the Line-of-Sight cone from the docking port are systematically treated. The trajectories are simulated and time-to-dock and fuel consumption are evaluated as cost function parameters are varied. Debris avoidance maneuvers are considered, with the debris in the spacecraft rendezvous path.
Achieving real-time communication over Ethernet with adaptive traffic smoothing

Ethernet continues to be one of the most popular LAN technologies. Due to the low price and robustness resulting from its wide acceptance and deployment, there has been an attempt to build Ethernet-based real-time control networks for manufacturing automation. However, it is difficult to build a real-time control network using the standard UDP or TCP/IP and Ethernet, because the Ethernet MAC protocol, the 1-persistent CSMA/CD protocol has unpredictable delay characteristics. When both real-time (RT) and non-real-time packets are transported over an ordinary Ethernet, RT packets from a node may experience a large delay due to: contention with non-RT packets in the originating node; and collision with RT and non-RT packets from the other nodes. To resolve this problem, we designed, implemented, and evaluated adaptive traffic smoothing. Specifically, a traffic smoother is installed between the UDP or TCP/IP layer and the Ethernet MAC layer, and works as an interface between them. The traffic smoother first gives RT packets priority over non-RT packets in order to eliminate contention within each local node. Second, it smooths a non-RT stream so as to reduce collision with RT packets from the other nodes. This traffic smoothing can dramatically decrease the packet-collision ratio on the network.
Loose strands: searching for evidence of public access ICT impact on development

Telecenters, libraries and internet cafes are often credited as being important venues for making information and communication technologies (ICTs) more widely available for people in developing and developed countries. Although numerous case studies and evaluations show the contribution public venues can make to socio-economic development within certain contexts, the body of research provides a fragmented view of outcomes and impacts of public access ICTs in general. This paper uses a broad outcomes approach to review existing research on the impacts of public access to ICTs, including the extent to which public access ICTs are used and how they contribute to socio-economic development. We find that most research adds primarily to the body of knowledge on public access ICT operational conditions, users and uses. While some insights are provided into what may be classified as outcomes and impacts, there is relatively limited hard evidence at this level.
Influence of metal frequency dispersion on the properties meta-materials with negative refractive index

An analysis of the influence of the metal frequency dispersion on the properties of metamaterials with negative refractive index is presented. Starting from the transmission-reflection coefficients, the effective permittivity, permeability and refractive index is determined.
Ruptured mitral chordae tendineae.

The present study presents pertinent clinical and pathologic findings in 20 cases of ruptured mitral chordae tendineae encountered at the Mayo Clinic between 1934 and 1958 inclusive. Mitral insufficiency results from the rupture of chordae tendineae, the severity being related to the number of chordae ruptured. The resulting heart disease may be severe and may progress to cardiac decompensation and death. Bacterial endocarditis was the major etiologic factor in rupture of the chordae tendineae in this study.
INTERACTION OF ANTIGENS AND ANTIBODIES AT MUCOSAL SURFACES

▪ Abstract Infections often involve the mucosal surfaces of the body, which form a boundary with the outside world. This review focuses on immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibodies because IgA is the principal mucosal antibody class. IgA is synthesized by local plasma cells and has a specific polymeric immunoglobulin receptor-mediated transport mechanism for entry into the secretions. By serving as an external barrier capable of inhibiting attachment of microbes to the luminal surface of the mucosal epithelial lining, IgA antibodies form the first line of immune defense. In addition to this traditional mode of extracellular antibody function, recent evidence suggests that IgA antibodies can also function in a nontraditional fashion by neutralizing viruses intracellularly, if a virus is infecting an epithelial cell through which specific IgA antibody is passing on its way to the secretions. IgA antibodies are also envisaged as providing an internal mucosal barrier beneath the mucosal lining. Antigens intercepted b...
The front-end electronics for the Pierre Auger Observatory surface array

The Pierre Auger Observatory will study ultrahigh-energy cosmic rays, reaching full sensitivity for primaries with energies above 10/sup 19/ eV. The southern hemisphere site observatory is currently under construction. The surface array at this site will contain 1600 water Cherenkov detector stations distributed over 3000 km/sup 2/. In this paper, the front-end electronics of the surface detector stations, which couple analog signal processing with digital triggering, are described. The environmental constraints, history of the development, and the final design being deployed in the field are discussed. Performance characteristics of the electronics are presented.
Privileged Pursuits of Social Justice: Exploring Privileged College Students' Motivation for Engaging in Social Justice

The author of this article explores the motivation factors that lead privileged college students to be involved in social justice efforts. The students participating in this study identified multiple reasons for their initial and continued involvement in social justice work, but all students identified three main sources of motivation: responding to guilt, understanding self as a resource, and being rewarded for social justice work. The students held various attitudes, feelings, beliefs, and understandings about these motivational sources that indicated self-interest was a key component of motivation for their support of social justice. Following a mutual perspective of self-interest, the students disrupted the notion that doing what benefits self must come at a cost to others.
2,3,4,5,6‐Penta‐O‐acetyl‐D‐gluconic Acid and 2,3,4,5,6‐Penta‐O‐acetyl‐D‐gluconyl Chloride

2,3,4,5,6-Penta-O-acetyl-d-gluconic acid and 2,3,4,5,6-penta-O-acetyl-d-gluconyl chloride reactant: 50 g. (0.28 mole) of d-glucono-δ-lactone intermediate: 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-d-gluconic acid monohydrate solvent: petroleum ether product: 2,3,4,5,6-penta-O-acetyl-d-gluconic acid product: 2,3,4,5,6-penta-O-acetyl-d-gluconyl chloride Keywords: acylation; esterification, unsubstituted monobasic acids; hydrolysis, esters and lactones; reduction, miscellaneous; replacement reactions, hydroxy by halogen
A microcomputer-microprocessor-based DC motor speed controller for undergraduate electric machinery laboratory

A microcomputer-microprocessor-based control system is described for speed control of a 7.5 hp separately excited DC motor in the undergraduate electric machinery laboratory at Montana State University. The system uses a Hewlett-Packard (HP) 3497A data acquisition system and a HP/85B microcomputer in conjunction with a Z80 microprocessor. It is used by students to obtain the characteristic of the motor and control its speed under various load conditions. Increased efficiency has been observed in computerized data collection as compared with the traditional method of data collection using analog instrumentation. The control strategy is such that students at the junior level, with limited background in control theory and electronics, can understand its operation. Some experimental results are presented, laboratory experiences are reported, and student responses are evaluated. Additional experiments for the electrical machinery laboratory are also proposed. >
Nephrolithiasis in Children

1. Robert S. Gillespie, MD, MPH* 2. F. Bruder Stapleton, MD† 1. *Senior Fellow, Pediatric Nephrology 2. †Ford/Morgan Professor and Chair, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine; Pediatrician-in-Chief, Children’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center, Seattle, WA After completing this article, readers should be able to: 1. Explain why a careful evaluation for nephrolithiasis is appropriate to help guide treatment and provide prognostic advice. 2. Discuss why patients who have nephrolithiasis should have a thorough metabolic evaluation, ideally while at home, not infected, and consuming their regular diet. 3. Explain how to prevent future stones in a patient who has nephrolithiasis, regardless of cause. 4. Describe the risk of recurrent stones in a patient who has a history of one or more calculi. 5. Discuss the consequences of the presence of urinary calculi. Nephrolithiasis occurs following a complex interaction of environment and heredity. Urinary crystals coalesce and precipitate when physical and biochemical conditions disturb a delicate balance of stone-promoting and -inhibiting factors (Fig. 1). Small urinary calculi may pass unnoticed or appear as sandlike sediment in urine. Larger calculi may cause pain or obstruct urinary flow. The prevalence of urinary stones varies by region, being more common in the southeastern United States. Nephrolithiasis affects boys and girls equally and is identified in 1 in 1,000 to 1 in 7,600 hospital admissions. Stones are found most commonly in Caucasian children and rarely in African-American children. Figure 1. Balance of stone-promoting and -inhibiting factors. The classic adult presentation of sudden, debilitating flank pain is uncommon in children. Nonetheless, some form of abdominal, flank, or pelvic pain occurs in approximately 50% of children who have urolithiasis, most often in older children and adolescents. Urolithiasis in infants may mimic colic. Gross or microscopic hematuria is found in 33% to 90% of children who have urolithiasis and occurs equally across age groups. Urinary tract infection frequently is the presenting sign of urolithiasis in preschool-age children. ### Hypercalciuria Hypercalciuria, the most common metabolic cause of pediatric urinary calculi, is not a single entity but rather a condition associated with many causes (Table …
Tracking in 3D: Image Variability Decomposition for Recovering Object Pose and Illumination

As an object moves through space, it changes its orientation relative to the viewing camera and relative to light sources which illuminate it. As a consequence, the images of the object produced by the viewing camera may change dramatically. Thus, to successfully track a moving object, image changes due to varying pose and illumination must be accounted for. In this paper, we develop a method for object tracking that can not only accommodate large changes in object pose and illumination, but can recover these parameters as well. To do this, we separately model the image variation of the object produced by changes in pose and illumination. To track the object through each image in the sequences, we then locally search the models to find the best match, recovering the object's orientation and illumination in the process. Throughout, we present experimental results, achieved in real-time, demonstrating the effectiveness of our methods.
Loss minimization control of an induction motor drive

A practical method is presented for operation of an inverter-fed induction motor drive at the point of maximum efficiency while maintaining any particular torque-speed load point. The design and operation of an economical, microprocessor-based adaptive controller used to modify a commercially available six-step inverter for minimum loss operation of an induction motor are described. Experimental results are presented in graphical form, making it possible to compare the overall drive system efficiencies of loss minimization control and constant volts/hertz control operation for a standard-efficiency induction motor of 10 hp rating. The greatest potential for energy savings is found to exist for the case of loads with nonlinear torque-speed characteristics, such as a fan or pump load. >
Simulation visualization issues for users and customers

The use of high-end graphics can have a mesmerizing effect on simulation novices and, as such, may blind the user to the actual capabilities and valid usages. The visualization of simulations are distinct from other computer graphic media because they are a representation of an abstract of reality (the model) as opposed to a representation of reality. This paper provides examples of visualization usages that could have a potential negative impact on users' understanding of the simulation. This paper continues on to discuss some of the possible solutions to the issues of poor visual rhetorical choices and provides an aid for non-experts in the form of a "cheat-sheet" designed to allow a non-expert user insight into some visualization problems and tricks. The focus on non-expert users stems from these authors' belief that simulation users, and not the experts, will shape the ultimate future of Modeling and Simulation.
Multispectral Iris Recognition Using Patch Based Game Theory

Multispectral imaging offers potential to improve the recognition performance of an iris biometric system. The novelty of this research effort is that a Coalition Game Theory (CGT) is proposed to select only the important patches that are obtained using the modified Local Binary Pattern (mLBP) operator. The mLBP fuses both the sign and magnitude difference vector in an effort to extract feature from normalized iris images. The CGT selects patches based on the Shapely value that have better individual importance along with a strong interaction with other patches to improve the overall performance. Results show that CGT model maintains better recognition accuracy while reducing the overall surface area needed for recognition purpose.
Understanding Recession and Self-Rated Health with the Partial Proportional Odds Model: An Analysis of 26 Countries.

Introduction Self-rated health is demonstrated to vary substantially by both personal socio-economic status and national economic conditions. However, studies investigating the combined influence of individual and country level economic indicators across several countries in the context of recent global recession are limited. This paper furthers our knowledge of the effect of recession on health at both the individual and national level. Methods Using the Life in Transition II study, which provides data from 19,759 individuals across 26 European nations, we examine the relationship between self-rated health, personal economic experiences, and macro-economic change. Data analyses include, but are not limited to, the partial proportional odds model which permits the effect of predictors to vary across different levels of our dependent variable. Results Household experiences with recession, especially a loss of staple good consumption, are associated with lower self-rated health. Most individual-level experiences with recession, such as a job loss, have relatively small negative effects on perceived health; the effect of individual or household economic hardship is strongest in high income nations. Our findings also suggest that macroeconomic growth improves self-rated health in low-income nations but has no effect in high-income nations. Individuals with the greatest probability of “good” self-rated health reside in wealthy countries ($23,910 to $50, 870 GNI per capita). Conclusion Both individual and national economic variables are predictive of self-rated health. Personal and household experiences are most consequential for self-rated health in high income nations, while macroeconomic growth is most consequential in low-income nations.
Focus on . . . ERISA Section 404(C)

Compliance with Section 404(c) of ERISA has been an important issue in many of the recent high-profile fiduciary breach cases, including Enron and WorldCom. Some experts suggest that fewer than 10 percent of plans that rely on relief under Section 404(c) actually satisfy all of the requirements of the regulations.
A Vegetation Mapping Strategy for Conifer Forests by Combining Airborne LiDAR Data and Aerial Imagery

Abstract. Accurate vegetation mapping is critical for natural resources management, ecological analysis, and hydrological modeling, among other tasks. Remotely sensed multispectral and hyperspectral imageries have proved to be valuable inputs to the vegetation mapping process, but they can provide only limited vegetation structure characteristics, which are critical for differentiating vegetation communities in compositionally homogeneous forests. Light detection and ranging (LiDAR) can accurately measure the forest vertical and horizontal structures and provide a great opportunity for solving this problem. This study introduces a strategy using both multispectral aerial imagery and LiDAR data to map vegetation composition and structure over large spatial scales. Our approach included the use of a Bayesian information criterion algorithm to determine the optimized number of vegetation groups within mixed conifer forests in two study areas in the Sierra Nevada, California, and an unsupervised classificatio...
Survival, longevity, and reproduction of tephritid fruit fly parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) reared from fruit flies exposed to azadirachtin

Eclosion, longevity, and reproduction of three braconid parasitoid species that parasitized tephritid fruit flies exposed to azadiracthin were determined. Psytallia incise (Silvestri) and Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Ashmead) developed in and eclosed from oriental fruit flies, Dacus dorsalis Hendel, exposed to azadirachtin concentrations that completely inhibited adult fly eclosion. Diachasmimorpha tryoni (Cameron) also eclosed from Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) exposed to concentrations of azadirachtin that inhibited fly eclosion. Lifespans of parasitoids that emerged from treated flies were not significantly different from controls. Reproduction of P. incisi that developed in flies exposed to azadirachtin concentrations of > 20 ppm was reduced 63-88%. D. longicaudata and D. tryoni reproduction was unaffected. The potential use ofneem-based insecticides in conjunction with biological control programs is discussed.
Orchiopexy Using Microvascular Surgical Technique

Orchiopexy of high intra-abdominal testes with division of the internal spermatic artery and vein is associated with subsequent testicular atrophy in a significant percentage of cases. We herein describe 2 patients in whom arterial supply and venous drainage to the testis were maintained using microvascular anastomosis. The internal spermatic artery and vein were anastomosed to the deep inferior epigastric artery and vein. Patency of the vascular anastomosis was verified by subsequent radionuclide examinations and selective arteriography in 1 patient.
At the Root of the Repair Debate: Outcomes After Elective Aortic Root Replacements for Aortic Insufficiency With Aneurysm

Background There is growing interest in aortic valve-sparing and valve repair operations, but the ideal operation and timing of intervention in these generally younger patients undergoing operations for aortic insufficiency (AI) and dilated ascending aorta remains controversial. Methods Root replacements at a single institution from 2002 to 2014 were reviewed. Inclusion criteria were age younger than 70 and presence of moderate or greater aortic insufficiency (AI), with or without aortic aneurysm. Of 1,425 root replacements, 220 patients were considered in the final analysis. Results Moderate AI was present in 87 patients and severe AI in 133 patients. The 30-day mortality was 0% in moderate AI patients and 2% (n = 3) in severe AI patients ( p = 0.3). Freedom from reoperation was 95% at 10 years. Severe preoperative AI was associated with worse long-term survival compared with moderate AI (hazard ratio, 2.6; p = 0.04). Patients undergoing root replacement with moderate AI had similar survival compared with the age- and gender-matched United States population (log-rank p = 0.93), whereas patients with severe AI had significantly worse survival (log-rank p = 0.02). Other multivariable predictors of decreased long-term survival were age (hazard ratio, 1.1; p = 0.01) and preoperative renal failure (hazard ratio, 6.9; p Conclusions Elective root replacement operations in patients younger than 70 are associated with low rates of mortality and reoperation, which should be considered the benchmark operation for aortic valve-sparing or repair operations in similar patients. Worse survival was associated with severe AI and older age, suggesting earlier intervention may be an appropriate therapeutic strategy in selected patients.
A First Principles Investigation of Aluminum Clusters: Geometries, Reactivities, Stabilities and Polarizabilities

The local-spin density (LSD) formalism has been used to predict equilibrium geometries, cohesive energies and electron affinities for a variety of aluminum dusters (N =6, 8, 13, 23 and 55). For a 13-atom duster, the icosahedral geometry is energetically more stable than the octahedral geometry. In contrast, for the 55-atom cluster, octahedral symmetry is preferred over icosahedral symmetry. Of the moderate sized dusters that we have studied, we note the 13- and 23- atom clusters exhibit large electron affinities.
ICT use and multidisciplinary healthcare teams in the age of e-health

This paper explores ICTs in the medical field specifically in the Multidisciplinary teams (MDTMs) in healthcare settings. The discussion offers benefits and disadvantages of ICTs along with implications for teams' communication and interaction. The paper also provides a few formidable challenges facing MTDMs while offering suggestions on how to overcome them in an attempt to fully experience and utilize technologies in an effective manner. Finally the paper presents areas for future research given the fact that ICT use in MTDMs will only continue to grow as e-health becomes the norm in patients care and healthcare delivery. In an attempt to accomplish these goals, Retchin's (2008) conceptual framework for inter-professional and co-managed care will be used. Retchin's framework considers the impact of temporality, urgency of care, and structure of authority. Specifically, this framework focuses on how information communication technologies can impact overall patient health care and delivery. In conclusion, the author provides guidelines and recommendations for how physicians and other health practitioners can use technologies to work with each other are provided.
Sealing Glass-Ceramics with Near-Linear Thermal Strain, Part II: Sequence of Crystallization and Phase Stability

The sequence of crystallization in a recrystallizable lithium silicate sealing glass-ceramic Li2O–SiO2–Al2O3–K2O–B2O3–P2O5–ZnO was analyzed by in situ high-temperature X-ray diffraction (HTXRD). Glass-ceramic specimens have been subjected to a two-stage heat-treatment schedule, including rapid cooling from sealing temperature to a first hold temperature 650°C, followed by heating to a second hold temperature of 810°C. Notable growth and saturation of Quartz was observed at 650°C (first hold). Cristobalite crystallized at the second hold temperature of 810°C, growing from the residual glass rather than converting from the Quartz. The coexistence of quartz and cristobalite resulted in a glass-ceramic having a near-linear thermal strain, as opposed to the highly nonlinear glass-ceramic where the cristobalite is the dominant silica crystalline phase. HTXRD was also performed to analyze the inversion and phase stability of the two types of fully crystallized glass-ceramics. While the inversion in cristobalite resembles the character of a first-order displacive phase transformation, i.e., step changes in lattice parameters and thermal hysteresis in the transition temperature, the inversion in quartz appears more diffuse and occurs over a much broader temperature range. Localized tensile stresses on quartz and possible solid-solution effects have been attributed to the transition behavior of quartz crystals embedded in the glass-ceramics.
Periosteal Sleeve Avulsion Fracture of the Quadriceps Tendon

Sleeve fractures at the superior pole of the patella have been previously described in the literature. We present the case of a 15-year-old girl who sustained a patellar sleeve avulsion of the quadriceps tendon 1 month following patellar dislocation without surgical treatment. Open repair of quadriceps tendon was performed with subsequent union. Arthrofibrosis of the knee was noted; two subsequent manipulations and adhesiolysis were performed. At 18-month postinjury, normal motion and strength were present. Special attention to postoperative recovery of range of motion is imperative for good clinical outcome after periosteal sleeve avulsion fractures of the patella.
An Empirical Investigation of the Effect of Formal Specifications on Program Diversity

Formal specification languages are increasingly being employed as an aid in the design and implementation of highly reliable systems. Recent experimental evidence indicates that the syntax and semantics associated with a formal specification language can have a large effect on the subsequent program version. This paper analyses the effect formal specification languages have on program development by examining nine diverse versions of a communication protocol created using three different formal specification languages.
A review of the impacts of fisheries on open-ocean ecosystems

Open-ocean fisheries expanded rapidly from the 1960s through the 1980s, when global fish catches peaked, plateaued and possibly began to decline. While catches remain at best stagnant, fishing effort globally continues to increase. The likelihood of ecosystem impacts occurring due to fishing is related to fishing effort and is thus also expected to be increasing. Despite this rapid growth, ecological research into the impacts of fisheries on open-ocean environments has lagged behind coastal and deep-sea environments. This review addresses this knowledge gap by considering the roles fisheries play in controlling the open-ocean at three ecological scales: (i) species (population or stock); (ii) biological community; and (iii) ecosystem. We find significant evidence for top-down control at the species and community scales. While evidence of ecosystem-level impacts in the open-ocean were not explicit in the literature, we provide examples of these impacts in several marine pelagic systems and encourage further research at this ecological scale. At the species level, fishing can reduce abundance, and alter physiology and life history traits, which, in turn, affect the functional role of the species within the biological community. Fishing may also induce changes to open-ocean community trophodynamics, and reduce biodiversity and resilience in open-ocean ecosystems. Our ability to manage open-ocean ecosystems has significant implications for provisioning of ecosystem services and food security. However, we posit that the monitoring required to assure the sustainability of open-ocean ecosystems is not being undertaken, and will require coordination with the Global Ocean Observing System, industry, and academia.
Vital Signs: Recent Trends in Stroke Death Rates - United States, 2000-2015.

INTRODUCTION The prominent decline in U.S. stroke death rates observed for more than 4 decades has slowed in recent years. CDC examined trends and patterns in recent stroke death rates among U.S. adults aged ≥35 years by age, sex, race/ethnicity, state, and census region. METHODS Trends in the rates of stroke as the underlying cause of death during 2000-2015 were analyzed using data from the National Vital Statistics System. Joinpoint software was used to identify trends in stroke death rates, and the excess number of stroke deaths resulting from unfavorable changes in trends was estimated. RESULTS Among adults aged ≥35 years, age-standardized stroke death rates declined 38%, from 118.4 per 100,000 persons in 2000 to 73.3 per 100,000 persons in 2015. The annual percent change (APC) in stroke death rates changed from 2000 to 2015, from a 3.4% decrease per year during 2000-2003, to a 6.6% decrease per year during 2003-2006, a 3.1% decrease per year during 2006-2013, and a 2.5% (nonsignificant) increase per year during 2013-2015. The last trend segment indicated a reversal from a decrease to a statistically significant increase among Hispanics (APC = 5.8%) and among persons in the South Census Region (APC = 4.2%). Declines in stroke death rates failed to continue in 38 states, and during 2013-2015, an estimated 32,593 excess stroke deaths might not have occurred if the previous rate of decline could have been sustained. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH PRACTICE Prior declines in stroke death rates have not continued in recent years, and substantial variations exist in timing and magnitude of change by demographic and geographic characteristics. These findings suggest the importance of strategically identifying opportunities for prevention and intervening in vulnerable populations, especially because effective and underused interventions to prevent stroke incidence and death are known to exist.
What If Healthy Aging Is the 'New Normal'?

We dedicate this special issue to our colleague, Dr. Lucinda Bryant (1941–2016). She was afounding member of the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Healthy AgingResearch Network (CDC HAN), as well as a dear friend, colleague, mentor, and inspiration to so many.She dedicated her professional life to examining how older people deﬁned their health and, in turn,helped redeﬁne what it means to grow older with grace and wisdom, and strategies for doing so.
Pediatric Physician Management as a Predictor of Clinical Trial Enrollment in Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Patients.

Purpose: The Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) gap describes the drop-off in survivorship improvement among 15–39-year-olds compared with patients with cancer under 15 or over 39. A large body of li...
Pacifism and the Question of Responsibility

This article explores the relationship between pacifism and responsibility through conversations with four white U.S. women formed in historic peace church traditions. The conversations resist the ...
Examining processes of change in an online acceptance and commitment therapy dismantling trial with distressed college students

Abstract This secondary analysis examined the processes of change from a randomized dismantling trial evaluating the Open (i.e., cognitive defusion, acceptance) and Engaged (i.e., values, committed action) components of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Analyses were conducted with 161 distressed college students randomly assigned to a full online ACT program (Full n = 40), online ACT targeting the Open components (Open n = 41) or targeting the Engaged components (Engaged n = 39), or a waitlist condition (Waitlist n = 41). The intervention occurred over six weeks followed by a post-treatment assessment with mental health symptoms as the primary outcome. Consistent with predictions, pre-to post-treatment improvements in global psychological inflexibility, cognitive fusion, acceptance, values, and committed action all predicted pre-to post-treatment improvements in mental health, with most processes continuing to independently predict improvements when included in a single model. The relations between changes in psychological flexibility and mental health were generally equivalent between conditions. Each psychological flexibility process separately mediated improvements in mental health for Engaged versus waitlist and Full versus waitlist conditions. However, global inflexibility, committed action, and values progress did not mediate effects for Open versus waitlist. Overall, results indicate a range of acceptance, defusion, values, and committed action processes are functionally relevant for outcomes with the Engaged components of ACT and Full ACT, but values, committed action, and global psychological inflexibility processes may be more weakly related to the effects of the Open components of ACT alone.
Advances in the Genetics of Non-specific Language Learning Disability

language learning disabilities are a kind of neuropsychological disorders with complex ge-netic basis and genetic heterogeneity. The affected patients show language and speaking disability without other distinct cognitive disabilities. Studies on the susceptible loca and candidate genes will be helpful to understand the pathobiolagical mechanism. That is available to the related subjects such as neuropsychology and cognitive genetics as well. The paper summarizes the recent progress on non-specific language developmental disability in addition to the problems to be resolved and the prospect in the field. Key words: Non-specific language learning disability; Specific language impairment; Developmen-tal dyslexia
Challenges to Federalism and Intergovernmental Relations and Takeaways Amid the COVID-19 Experience

The American democratic system of government is being put to its greatest test since the Great Depression of the 1920s and 1930s, as the country endeavors to cope with the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. That is, considerable pressure continues to build up at the fault lines of governance inherent in the country’s unique federal form of government which explicitly and implicitly expects national, state, and local levels to work together while they also may function as separate, autonomous entities to promote and provide for the general welfare. These fault lines exist where governance and service provision matters necessitate the collective attention and action of two or more levels of government. Both cooperation and conflict are possible interactive outcomes in these situations. This article provides an early assessment of how national, state, and local governments have worked together since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequently a “report card” of sorts on the functioning of intergovernmental relations in the U.S. at the present time. More specifically, the article will examine the current condition of interstate, interlocal, state-local, and national-state relations. While the findings and observations reported here are certainly enlightening, they should be viewed as preliminary. Followed up research should be conducted to determine if there have been any policy learning has occurred and if such information has been used in improve the quality of governance in keeping with citizen expectations of American federalism.
Reproducing poverty and inequality in disaster: race, class Social Capital, NGOs, and urban space in New York City after Superstorm Sandy

Superstorm Sandy made landfall in New York City on 29 October 2012 triggering an urban disaster. The city coordinated a massive disaster response operation with large NGOs and local nonprofits to m...
Ryanodine Receptor Type 2: A Molecular Target for Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane- and Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene-Mediated Cardiotoxicity

Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its metabolite dichlorodiphenyl-dichloroethylene (DDE) are ubiquitously found in the environment and linked to cardiovascular diseases-with a majority of the work focused on hypertension. Studies investigating whether DDx can interact with molecular targets on cardiac tissue to directly affect cardiac function are lacking. Therefore, we investigated whether o,p'-DDT, p,p'-DDT, o,p'-DDE, or p,p'-DDE (DDx, collectively) can directly alter the function of human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) by assessing their effect(s) on hiPSC-CMs Ca2+ dynamics. DDx (0.1-10 µM) affected hiPSC-CMs synchronous Ca2+ oscillation frequency in a concentration-dependent manner, with p,p'-DDT and p,p'-DDE also decreasing Ca2+ stores. HEK-RyR2 cells cultured under antibiotic selection to induce expression of wild-type mouse ryanodine receptor type 2 (RyR2) are used to further investigate whether DDx alters hiPSC-CMs Ca2+ dynamics through engagement with RyR2, a protein critical for cardiac muscle excitation-contraction coupling (ECC). Acute treatment with 10 µM DDx failed to induce Ca2+ release in HEK293-RyR2, whereas pretreatment with DDx (0.1-10 µM) for 12- or 24-h significantly decreased sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ stores in HEK-RyR2 cells challenged with caffeine (1 mM), an RyR agonist. [3H]ryanodine-binding analysis using murine cardiac RyR2 homogenates further confirmed that all DDx isomers (10 µM) can directly engage with RyR2 to favor an open (leaky) confirmation, whereas only the DDT isomers (10 µM) modestly (≤10%) inhibited SERCA2a activity. The data demonstrate that DDx increases heart rate and depletes Ca2+ stores in human cardiomyocytes through a mechanism that impairs RyR2 function and Ca2+ dynamics. IMPACT STATEMENT DDT/DDE interactions with RyR2 alter cardiomyocyte Ca2+ dynamics that may contribute to adverse cardiovascular outcomes associated with exposures.