cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multimodal Deep Learning

Deep networks have been successfully applied to unsupervised feature learning for single modalities (e.g., text, images or audio). In this work, we propose a novel application of deep networks to learn features over multiple modalities. We present a series of tasks for multimodal learning and show how to train deep networks that learn features to address these tasks. In particular, we demonstrate cross modality feature learning, where better features for one modality (e.g., video) can be learned if multiple modalities (e.g., audio and video) are present at feature learning time. Furthermore, we show how to learn a shared representation between modalities and evaluate it on a unique task, where the classifier is trained with audio-only data but tested with video-only data and vice-versa. Our models are validated on the CUAVE and AVLetters datasets on audio-visual speech classification, demonstrating best published visual speech classification on AVLetters and effective shared representation learning.
On vulnerability analysis of several password authentication protocols

In this work, we argue that the usage of computationally intensive mathematical operations in password authentication protocols can lead to security vulnerability in the protocol. We formulate a generalized algorithm for cryptanalysis to perform clogging attack (a form of denial of service) on protocols which use the computationally intensive modular exponentiation to guarantee security. We then apply this technique to cryptanalyze four recent password authentication protocols, and observe all four of them to be prone to the clogging attack. The first one by Yang et al. is a password-based authentication scheme to preserve identity privacy. This protocol does not use timestamps. The second protocol we consider for analysis is by Islam. This is a smart card-based remote user password authentication protocol that uses timestamps. The third protocol by Jiang et al. is a password-based authentication protocol that does not use smart cards. Finally, the last protocol we consider for analysis is by Wang et al. This is a recent smart card-based authentication protocol claimed to be immune to the DoS attack. The protocols differ in either their usage of factors (smart cards, memory drives etc.), or their way of communications (usage of encryption, nonces, timestamps etc.). But their similarity lies in their usage of the computationally intensive modular exponentiation as a medium of authentication. We conclude that the strengths of all the protocols, e.g., Yang et al. (usage of nonce, and encryption), or, e.g., Islam (usage of timestamps) can be combined to prevent the clogging attack on the protocols.
The Business of People: An Inclusive Ninety-Nine Percent Movement

Inclusivity is perhaps the single most important human need to facilitate and demonstrate fairness for all members in an open and free society. When this principle need is compromised by appearances of unscrupulous self-interested privileged elites to perpetuate a systemic widening disparity between social-economic classes favoring exclusivity, it is imminently imperative to galvanize public opposition to mitigate this threat. A society that is governed by its collective citizenry should never be marginalized by its institutions or the people that run them. No institution should be more esteemed than human beings.
Mechanisms of sinus node cycle length changes during ventricular fibrillation

We have previously shown that up to one-third of patients develop no change or an increase in sinus node cycle length (SNCL) during ventricular fibrillation (VF). The purpose of the present study was to investigate the mechanism of SNCL changes during VF in a swine model. We hypothesized that changes in SNCL during VF are vagally-mediated. In 33 anesthetized pigs DC current was used to induce VF for 10 s followed by defibrillation. SNCL changes were assessed during VF and compared to baseline. Animals that had ventriculo-atrial conduction during VF were excluded. Post-defibrillation, the pigs were randomized to receive atropine, propranolol, atropine + propranolol or placebo followed by repeat VF induction and measurement of SNCL changes. Ventriculo-atrial conduction was present in 14 pigs prohibiting SNCL measurements. In the remaining 19 animals, 10 demonstrated SNCL shortening (S-Group) and 9 demonstrated non-shortening (NS-Group). Atropine decreased the absolute change in SNCL from 51.2 to 26.6 ms (n = 6; p = 0.03). It attenuated the SNCL shortening previously observed in the S-Group (−99.2 ms versus −47.9 ms, p = 0.04) and reversed the SNCL prolongation initially observed in the NS-Group (27.1 ms versus −6.5 ms, p = 0.13). Similarly, atropine + propranolol decreased the absolute change in SNCL from 33.3 to 12.2 ms (n = 4; p = 0.05). No significant changes were noted with propranolol or placebo. The SNCL changes during VF appear to be vagally-mediated. The clinical implications vis-a-vis defibrillation threshold and future device programming await future studies.
Applications of Algal Biofilms for Wastewater Treatment and Bioproduct Production

Developing full-scale algal growth systems on attached platforms is motivated by the need to reduce energy requirements and costs associated with conventional algae cultivation, harvesting, and downstream processes. Bioproducts from algae include fuels, feeds, pigments, and additional sustainable bioproducts, which serve as substitutes for petroleum-based chemicals. In addition, the development of robust algal biofilm technology offers the potential advantages of operating in deeper water columns, treating wastewaters that are characterized by high turbidity and/or color, and requiring less footprint area. The use of wastewater for algae cultivation has major advantages compared with using defined media added to clean water that include supplying both macro- and micronutrients that offset the cost of commercial fertilizers, utilizing currently existing infrastructure for handling, transporting, and containing large quantities of wastewater, recycling nutrients, and collecting revenues for wastewater remediation that offset the cost of cultivation. This chapter presents an examination of the current knowledge base for algae biofilms specifically related to developing an algae-based biorefinery that integrates wastewater treatment with bioproduct production. Topics examined include mathematical modeling challenges for predicting performance, scaling for production of large amounts of algae biomass, and culturing algae for municipal and industrial wastewater treatment. Results of the examination indicate needs for standardization of parameters for measuring and monitoring biofilm processes, for characterization of mixed algae cultures, and for the development of mathematical models that can predict the growth and yield of mixed algal cultures as biofilms. Results also indicate that the integration of wastewater treatment and bioproducts production has promising benefits with regard to reducing energy requirements and costs of an algal-based industry, with associated benefits of environmental sustainability.
Revitalizing SEC Rule 14a-8's Ordinary Business Exemption: Preventing Shareholder Micromanagement by Proposal

Who decides what products a company should sell, what prices it should charge, and so on? Is it the board of directors, the top management team, or the shareholders? In large corporations, of course, the answer is the top management team operating under the supervision of the board. As for the shareholders, they traditionally have had no role in these sort of operational decisions. In recent years, however, shareholders have increasingly used SEC Exchange Act Rule 14a-8 (the so-called shareholder proposal rule), to not just manage but even micromanage corporate decisions. The rule permits a qualifying shareholder of a public corporation registered with the SEC to force the company to include a resolution and supporting statement in the company’s proxy materials for its annual meeting. In theory, Rule 14a-8 contains limits on shareholder micro-management. The rule permits management to exclude proposals on a number of both technical and substantive bases, of which the exclusion in Rule 14a-8(i)(7) of proposals relating to ordinary business operations is the most pertinent for present purposes. Rule 14a-8(i)(7) is intended to permit exclusion of a proposal that “seeks to ‘micro-manage’ the company by probing too deeply into matters of a complex nature upon which shareholders, as a group, would not be in a position to make an informed judgment.” Unfortunately, court decisions have largely eviscerated the ordinary business operations exclusion. Corporate decisions involving “matters which have significant policy, economic or other implications inherent in them” may not be excluded as ordinary business matters, for example, which creates a gap through which countless proposals have made it onto corporate proxy statements. This article proposes an alternative standard that is grounded in relevant state corporate law principles, while also being easier to administer than the existing judicial tests. Under it, courts first look to the state law definition of ordinary business matters. The court then determines whether the matter is one of substance rather than procedure. Only proposals passing muster under both standards should be deemed proper.
Addressing Language Variety in Educational Settings: Toward a Policy and Research Agenda

Improving minority academic achievement is a primary goal for education policy makers. Despite resource allocations, gaps in minority accomplishments persist. Emerging research suggests language va...
Mercury bioaccumulation in an estuarine predator: Biotic factors, abiotic factors, and assessments of fish health.

Estuarine wetlands are major contributors to mercury (Hg) transformation into its more toxic form, methylmercury (MeHg). Although these complex habitats are important, estuarine Hg bioaccumulation is not well understood. The longnose gar Lepisosteus osseus (L. 1758), an estuarine predator in the eastern United States, was selected to examine Hg processes due to its abundance, estuarine residence, and top predator status. This study examined variability in Hg concentrations within longnose gar muscle tissue spatially and temporally, the influence of biological factors, potential maternal transfer, and potential negative health effects on these fish. Smaller, immature fish had the highest Hg concentrations and were predominantly located in low salinity waters. Sex and diet were also important factors and Hg levels peaked in the spring. Although maternal transfer occurred in small amounts, the potential negative health effects to young gar remain unknown. Fish health as measured by fecundity and growth rate appeared to be relatively unaffected by Hg at concentrations in the present study (less than 1.3 ppm wet weight). The analysis of biotic and abiotic factors relative to tissue Hg concentrations in a single estuarine fish species provided valuable insight in Hg bioaccumulation, biomagnification, and elimination. Insights such as these can improve public health policy and environmental management decisions related to Hg pollution.
Is there a future for biologics in the management of chronic rhinosinusitis

Background Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a heterogeneous inflammatory condition of the sinonasal mucosa consisting of poorly defined subtypes and characterized by variable clinical manifestations, responses to therapy, and underlying pathophysiologies. In the related disorder of asthma, progress has been made in defining disease subtypes on both clinical and pathophysiologic levels, facilitating the development of targeted biologic pharmacotherapy. The potential role of these drugs for the management of CRS will be reviewed. The objective of this work is to highlight the emerging therapeutic targets in CRS in light of evolving treatment options for asthma and enhanced understandings of the clinical manifestations and pathophysiology of CRS. Methods This article is a review of recent studies regarding current and future advances in biomarker-directed therapies in the medical treatment of CRS. Results Various biologic therapies used in the management of asthma have demonstrated clinical promise for CRS, particularly within the CRS with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) phenotype. Several randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies increasingly support the targeting of immunoglobulin E (IgE) and interleukin (IL)-5 pathways to improve outcome measures in CRSwNP patients. The IL-4/IL-13 pathway and other type 2 inflammatory pathways have also shown potential as targets for CRSwNP, but all pathways require further investigation. Conclusion Recalcitrant CRS in the United States and Europe is most commonly associated with nasal polyposis and a type 2 cytokine skewing in the tissue, resulting in tissue infiltration of eosinophils, mast cells, and basophils. Targeting biomarkers of the associated type 2 pathways may be a practical treatment option for recalcitrant CRSwNP in the future.
The reactivity of the lysyl residues of cytochrome b5.

Abstract The modification of α- and e-amino groups in cytochrome b5 with acetic anhydride, succinic anhydride, and 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene 1-sulfonic acid (trinitrobenzene sulfonate) was described. Acylation of these residues increases the rate of heme dissociation from the protein in the presence of urea, without altering the spectrum or enzymatic reduction of the cytochrome. Trinitrophenylation of all of the α- and e-amino groups results in a marked alteration of the protein structure. Even more extensive changes in the protein structure occurred when trinitrophenylation was carried out in the absence of the heme. The kinetics of trinitrophenylation showed that 3 of the lysyl residues in cytochrome b5 are particularly reactive. These residues are largely confined to the heme peptide core rather than to the lysyl residues near the amino- and carboxyl-terminal ends of the protein. Because the completely acetylated apocytochrome b5 recombines with heme to yield a cytochrome b5 with unaltered spectral properties, the α- and the e-amino groups are not involved directly in either heme binding or the catalytic activity of cytochrome b5.
The redox thermodynamics for dioxygen species (O2, O2-., HOO., HOOH, and HOO-) and monooxygen species (O, O-., .OH, and -OH) in water and aprotic solvents.

Biological systems activate dioxygen (O2) by reduction via electron transfer and H-atom transfer to give intermediates that may be further activated by transition metals in proteins and metabolic co-factors. The reaction thermodynamics for these processes are influenced by the solution matrix and its acidity. Thus, the redox thermodynamics of O2 are directly dependent upon proton activity, O2 + 4H+ + 4e- → 2 H2O E°’ (1) which in turn depends upon the reaction matrix. Table 1 summarizes the pKa’ values for a series of Br0nsted acids in several aprotic solvents and water.1 In acetonitrile the activity values for pKa’ range from -8.8 for (H3O)ClO4 to 30.4 for H2O. This means that the formal potential (E°’) for reaction 1 in acetonitrile (MeCN) is +1.75 V vs. NHE in the presence of 1M(H3O)ClO4 and -0.56 V in the presence of IM (Bu4N)OH.
Anterior Transposition of Anomalous Tortuous Vertebral Artery Causing Cervical Radiculopathy: A Report of 2 Cases and Review of Literature

Objective Cervical radiculopathy secondary to compression from vertebral artery (VA) tortuosity is a rare entity. We describe successful transposition through an anterolateral approach of tortuous VA loops causing cervical radiculopathy. Methods Two patients with cervical radiculopathy (first case at C5-6 and second case at C3-4) secondary to anomalous VA loop compression underwent anterolateral approaches to the cervical spine for decompression and VA transposition. The anterior transverse foramina were drilled to unroof the VA loop, which was dissected free from the exiting nerve root. Results In both cases, the affected cervical nerve root was successfully decompressed with both radiographic and clinical improvements in radiculopathy symptoms. We found 8 other cases of VA transposition via either an anterolateral approach or a posterolateral approach described in the literature. Our second case of anterolateral VA transposition at the C3-4 level is the first case at this level and the highest level reported in the literature. Conclusions Decompression using an anterolateral approach with direct microvascular transposition of the VA is a safe and effective treatment of this pathology and addresses the cause of radiculopathy more directly than the posterolateral approach.
Henauhof and the Federsee in the Regional Landscape

The fieldwork at Henauhof Nordwest was originally motivated by two main goals. At the more general level, the research was designed to investigate the role of the Federsee in the Mesolithic land use patterns in southwestern Germany. The abundant surface finds around the former shores of this lake testify to the importance of this region in the settlement system, and the differences in habitat and site type in comparison to the sites of the Danube and its tributaries —lakeshore versus river valley, open-air versus cave or rocksheiter—offered the potential of considerable differences in activities among the sites. The lack of well-published excavations and, more generally, of organic finds, however, limited our knowledge of the nature of activities performed there. Consequently, work was focused on the waterlogged peat deposits along the former shores, with the hope that such a good preservational context would provide the desired information.
Signal transduction pathways in non-small cell lung cancer: Characterization of adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma histologic subtypes

1155 Protein functions are intertwined with their cellular, tissue and physiologic context. They exist in a continuous flux of expression levels and activity, forming interconnecting circuits of protein-protein interactions occurring both inside and outside cells. Proteins provide packets of information through binding partner modifications such as phosphorylation, cleavage or changes in conformation. Phosphorylation plays an integral role in regulating protein function, controlling many cellular processes including metabolism, transcription, cell cycle progression, cell movement, apoptosis and differentiation. Cancer is a reflection of dysregulation of these intercellular communications, with defective or hyperactive signal pathways resulting from genetic defects being selected for during carcinogenesis. Reverse phase protein microarrays present an ideal opportunity for real time analysis of the information flow through the protein network by comparing the relative abundance of total (activated and non-activated) protein versus phosphorylated (activated) protein. Characterizing and profiling levels of activation of protein pathways in normal states, and then understanding how these pathways are deranged under the influence of disease processes, can in turn provide targets for therapeutic drug discovery. To further elucidate the pathways dysregulated in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) we performed laser capture microdissection to obtain pure populations of tumor cells from 6 human specimens of NSCLC (3 adenocarcinoma/3 squamous cell carcinoma) collected at Duke University Medical Center. Approximately 12,000 microdissected cells were lysed in 30 μL. 100 nL of each lysate was arrayed onto nitrocellulose-coated glass slides to create reverse phase microarrays to study the expression and phosphorylation of dozens of signaling pathways, including growth factor receptor signaling, TGF-β receptor signaling, T cell receptor signaling, cell survival and apoptosis control. Preliminary results reveal signaling seen in key phospho-specific endpoints such as ERK, ERB2, p38, GSK3β, PDGF, Caspases, BAD, STAT1, EGFR and NFKB. These data will ultimately be correlated with tumor type and patient outcome. This pilot study reports preliminary findings of a study set that will include 50 adenocarcinoma and 50 squamous cell lung cancer samples. Carcinogenesis is a complex succession of events that occurs over decades; a unique combination of mutations individual to each patient. Our ability to identify and characterize signal transduction pathway derangements through protein microarrays represents a potential to personalize cancer treatment, opening the doorway for new combinatorial or targeted therapies. The impact this could have in treating NSCLC, a disease with dismal 5-year survival rates, is of unquestionable value.
Demo Abstract: RIO-40C - A Low-Cost Wearable Sunlight Exposure Monitor for Skincare

During summer season, or all year long in tropical regions, theintense sunlight can be an invitingly trap for your health. Whileoutdoor activities are usually more enjoyable under a bright sun,it can hide a silent and deadly villain. Unlike extreme heat ordehydration, the eects of excessive UV exposure is not immediately perceived by your body. Nevertheless it has long-term and extremely dangerous consequences, such as skin cancer. In thisdemonstration we present RIO-40C, a smart sunburn monitor. RIO-40C is a low-cost, wearable, IoT solution that provides personalizedUV monitoring. It is aimed to aware the user about possible treatsand help him plan his schedule to avoid health issues. It also provides a behavior database to guide decision makers to develop UV aware urban infrastructure.
Decreased alcohol consumption after pairing alcohol-related cues with an inhibitory response

Prior research indicates that repeatedly pairing a stopping response with alcohol-related stimuli using a modified Go/No-Go (GNG) task decreases self-reported drinking by modifying implicit alcohol...
Rumination and Psychopathology: Are Anger and Depressive Rumination Differentially Associated with Internalizing and Externalizing Psychopathology?

Existing literature on rumination has predominately focused on depressive rumination; thus, there is little research directly comparing different forms of rumination as correlates of psychopatholog...
Agile Digital Skills Examination for the Digital Economy: Knowledge and social capital management frameworks through social networking

Abstract Emerging technologies embody innovation; acquisition of flexible skills (technology-agnostic) makes new graduates more employable. Social media is one such technology. Although emerged as a leisure communication medium, it has reached business and entrepreneurial spaces. Yet, few business schools maintain an innovation-led approach to teaching their graduates (particularly destined for leadership roles such as MBAs) social networking skills. In addition to career management opportunities reflected through social capital formation, social network has the potential to serve as knowledge accumulation platform and enable lifelong learning. This chapter proposes such framework and opens further questions for researchers for investigation.
Best tools and practices for synchronous (real-time) teaching online

When done properly, online learning (especially in synchronous mode) can add a lot value to the learning process. It is not a mere replacement for "traditional" learning - it offers unique advantages, which, in certain circumstances, can make it even better than learning in physical classrooms.
Mother Knows Best? Mother and Child Report of Behavioral Difficulties of Children of HIV-Infected Mothers

Children of HIV-infected mothers have more psychosocial adjustment difficulties than do those of noninfected mothers. In this study, child psychosocial adjustment in children of HIV-infected women is examined across the three stages of HIV-infected: asymptomatic, symptomatic and AIDS. Participants were 99 HIV-infected women and 148 noninfected women. Children were not identified as being HIV infected. Mother and child reports of behavioral difficulties are compared, and competing hypotheses about mother report of child behavior difficulties are tested. Results indicate an ascending linear trend for child report of internalizing and externalizing difficulties from the noninfected stage through increasingly severe stages of HIV-infection. According to mother report, child externalizing and internalizing difficulties are nonlinear, as mothers report an increase through the infected symptomatic stage, then a decrease in the AIDS stage. Implications for assessment, prevention and intervention in families with maternal HIV infection are discussed.
Pineal—Reproductive Interactions

The Syrian hamster has been an extremely valuable experimental animal for clarifying the role of the pineal gland in the control of reproductive physiology. It was the first mammalian species in which a functional link between the pineal gland and the reproductive system was unequivocally established. The first of these reports appeared in the mid-1960s (Czyba et al., 1964; Hoffman and Reiter, 1965a, 1966). In order to appreciate how little was known of the pineal—reproductive interactions only 15 years ago, the reader is referred to a chapter (Reiter and Hoffman, 1968) that appeared in the predecessor of the present book. In this review only four papers concerned with the influence of the pineal gland on sexual physiology are cited. In the intervening years numerous workers have utilized the Syrian hamster to define not only the interaction of the pineal secretory products with the reproductive system, but the mechanisms involved as well (Reiter, 1980a,b, 1981b; Stetson and Tate-Ostroff, 1981). It is the advances within the last 15 years that will receive primary consideration in the present resume.
Field Mapping and Performance Characterization of Commercial Eddy Current Probes

The reliability of eddy current nondestructive evaluation (NDE) depends not only on correct operator procedure but also on probe quality. With the increasing emphasis on detecting smaller flaws, the logical question is, “How can probe quality be measured quantitatively?” Electrical parameters are commonly measured to determine proper impedance matching of the probes to detection instruments. While this is important, impedance matching by itself is not necessarily an assurance of satisfactory eddy current probe performance.
Comparison of the spin-transfer torque mechanisms in a three-terminal spin-torque oscillator

We have studied magnetization dynamics in three-terminal spin-torque oscillators (STOs) and present a direct method to compare the efficiencies of exciting oscillations in STOs through two mechanisms of spin transfer torque: the spin filtering torque (SFT) and the spin-orbit torque (SOT). The devices are composed of spin-valves patterned on a Pt wire that can be excited by a SFT and/or a SOT, depending on the pathway of the DC current. By varying the device and wire size, we tune and compare the efficiencies of both mechanisms in terms of current and current density. To a first approximation, for sufficiently narrow Pt wires (compared to the dimension of the spin-valve), significantly more current is required to excite the devices with SFT than with SOT, whereas in terms of current density, the SFT is up to three times more efficient than the SOT in the system studied. We investigate the limits of this comparison using control samples where the spin-valve is replaced by a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) or where the Pt wire is replaced by a Cu wire. A three terminal STO made with a MTJ is the most appropriate device to compare the efficiencies of both spin transfer mechanisms in order to avoid additional spin transfer torque induced by current shunted through the magnetic pillar.
Update in the Management of Chronic Hepatitis B in Pregnancy

Vertical transmission accounts for almost half of the chronic hepatitis B infections worldwide. Therefore, management of HBV in pregnancy presents a unique opportunity for intervention, so that vertical transmission and overall HBV could be reduced. There is limited data on outcomes of acute HBV. There were several observational and prospective studies on effects of chronic HBV during pregnancy, modes of mother to child transmission (MTCT), role of obstetric interventions, indications for antiviral therapy during pregnancy which demonstrated variable findings. Our purpose is to summarize and update the data published in the recent years on the topic. Pregnant women with acute HBV had fewer symptoms but were prone to become chronic HBV carriers compared to non-pregnant women with acute HBV infection. HBV transmission could occur at any time during pregnancy via germ cell, intra-uterine, or peri-natal transmission. Avoidance of invasive procedures during pregnancy and elective Cesarean section have shown evidence in minimizing the risk of MTCT. Antiviral therapy during third trimester at 30–32 weeks of gestation in pregnant mothers with high viremia > 200,000 IU/mL was associated with significantly lowered risk of MTCT. Among lamivudine, telbivudine, and tenofovir that are considered safe during pregnancy, tenofovir is the preferred drug of choice due to higher resistance barrier and efficacy. Immuno-prophylaxis with HBIG and HBV vaccine is recommended within 12 hours after birth to all neonates born to HBV infected mothers. The large global burden of chronic HBV could be reduced with judicious implementation of various steps and strategies during pregnancy. The review provides an update in the management of HBV infection during pregnancy that have demonstrated improved maternal and fetal outcomes. The endemicity rates are variable across various geographic regions, the highest seen in China and South East Asia where the HBV prevalence rate is 10–20% in women of child-bearing age in contrast to 0.4% in USA. Global elimination of HBV by 2030 has been taken up a target goal by several countries in the world and the crucial step is to reduce MTCT by implementing screening and treatment strategies in pregnant mothers. Current research is focused to eliminate cccDNA to achieve true viral cure of HBV.
Developed Market Crises and International Stock Market Return Comovements

This paper examines how international stock market return comovements vary with developed market uncertainty during 2001-2006 when major crises, such as 9/11 and a series of accounting scandals, originated in developed markets. I find a significantly negative relation between developed market uncertainty and future developed-emerging return comovements. The developed-to-emerging return linkage, beta, decreases by around 62% when the average developed market uncertainty increases from one standard deviation below its mean to two standard deviations above its mean. The developed-emerging return correlation also decreases in a similar way. In contrast, the comovements among developed markets rise with developed market uncertainty. The findings provide a new view of contagion effects and support a few idiosyncratic-risk based or trading-based contagion theories which suggest that, during crises, stock market comovements can either increase or decrease excessively.
Video-Based Driver’s Hand Tracking using Fast Normalized Cross Coefficient with Improved Computational Efficiency:

Driver distraction is one of the major causes for fatal car accidents. In a distracting activity, manual distraction is a triggered response of other types of distraction, such as cognitive and vis...
Examining help-seeking patterns within modern and traditional resources for support in Afghanistan

Little is known about who and what Afghans turn to cope with mental distress precipitated by ongoing socio-political and economic problems. In a cross-sectional survey, the authors examined help-seeking behaviour for mental distress in 306 Afghans residing in Kabul, Afghanistan, and how their choice of what to access for help is influenced by various social and mental health-related factors. Factors predicting the use of six distinct resources for support were examined, including biomedical and behavioural health and community-based resources. Results indicated that Afghans mostly draw on their faith, followed by social support, to cope with mental distress. Higher distress symptoms had a moderate, but statistically significant influence, on seeking help across all resources, whereas demographic factors only predicted encounters with primary care physicians. Female gender predicted social support seeking, and income increased the likelihood of encounters with herbalists. Meeting the psychosocial needs of Afghans through promoting a more integrated mental healthcare system is discussed. Key implications for practice Help-seeking for mental distress among Afghans in Kabul is highly pluralistic Although religious activities were the most widely used coping resource, those seeking care outside, from biomedical practitioners and traditional healers were, on average, more distressed. An integrated mental health system that embraces both modern and traditional healing practices may be more efficacious than medicalised mental health systems in meeting the unmet psychosocial needs of Afghans.
Lessons of Belonging and Citizenship Among Hijas/os de Inmigrantes Mexicanos

de inmigrantes Mexicanos (daughters and sons of Mexican immigrants in JL ^ the U.S.). This article is based on a larger study I conducted on how U.S. born young adults learn to form a sense of national belonging in relation to their U.S-Mexican communities in the greater borderland areas1 of California. My social analysis, based on ethnographic histories, interviews, and fieldwork participation with hijas/os de inmigrantes Mexicanos, shows how meanings of citizenship are broadly learned and negotiated in a xenophobic U.S. society. For example, Consuelo was one of several hijas/os de inmigrantes Mexicanos who openly related how ideologies and everyday life experiences with family shaped a sense of citizenship (i.e., social, cultural, and civic). Narratives of immigrant Mexican offspring concerning national belonging are important because they attest to the power and inequalities immigrant families and communities experience in their quest for social mobility and well-being in the U.S. As members of a significant racialized and marginalized group, their narratives speak to what Suzanne Oboler (2006: 10-11) calls the "dilemma of belonging" and the structural conditions that Latino families and community members face in attempting to become socially, culturally, and politically embedded in society. I will provide a context for the use of cultural citizenship as a framework for this study. Based on the narratives of hijas/os de inmigrantes Mexicanos related to their
Negative emotions as predictors of behavioral outcomes in middle school physical education

Discrete emotions provide a lens for understanding students’ subjective experiences in physical education (PE). Enjoyment of PE is one discrete emotion that receives a great deal of attention becau...
Exploring the influence of intonational structure on perception of contrastive vowel length in Tokyo Japanese

A recent topic of interest in the literature is how intonational/prosodic structure influences speech perception. We test how perception of a phonemic vowel length contrast in Japanese is influenced by the implied prosodic position of a target sound in a carrier phrase, with the target drawn from a vowel duration continuum. Based on previous findings in English [Steffman, JASA (2019)], we predicted that listeners should require longer vowel duration to categorize a vowel as phonemically long when it is in phrase-final position, reflecting an expectation of phrase-final lengthening. We manipulated implied position by changing only pitch in a carrier phrase, as informed by Japanese intonational phonology. The carrier phrase was otherwise identical across conditions. Additionally, psychoacoustic effects of pitch on perceived duration are unlikely to influence categorization as predicted by the prosodic account, making this a good test case for prosodic patterns’ independent influence in speech perception and the processing of durational cues. Results will be discussed in terms other recent findings related to intonation and perception of duration, and implications for the interface of prosody and speech perception more generally.
“I Just Want to Finish High School like Everybody Else”: Continuation High School Students Resist Deficit Discourse and Stigmatization

Alternative education provides different and powerful opportunities for learning. In this article, the author focuses on students who resist stereotypes that are produced and maintained by dominant...
IPSC Models of Chromosome 15Q Imprinting Disorders: From Disease Modeling to Therapeutic Strategies.

The chromosome 15q11-q13 region of the human genome is regulated by genomic imprinting, an epigenetic phenomenon in which genes are expressed exclusively from one parental allele. Several genes within the 15q11-q13 region are expressed exclusively from the paternally inherited chromosome 15. At least one gene UBE3A, shows exclusive expression of the maternal allele, but this allele-specific expression is restricted to neurons. The appropriate regulation of imprinted gene expression across chromosome 15q11-q13 has important implications for human disease. Three different neurodevelopmental disorders result from aberrant expression of imprinted genes in this region: Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS), Angelman syndrome (AS), and 15q duplication syndrome.
Rural-urban Differences in Illinois Health Department Capability to Address the COVID-19 Pandemic

Purpose: County-level health departments (HD) have lead roles in COVID-19 response, with actions guided by 15 federal capabilities We sought to assess Illinois HD perception of preparation and ability to accomplish these, and how perceptions might vary by population size and rurality Methods: We attempted contact with all 96 certified HD (4/6-24/2020) and administered a survey asking 4 identical questions regarding each capability: 1) adequacy of past preparation (pastPreparation);2) current ability to accomplish (currAbility);3) sufficiency of current resources (Resources);and 4) sufficiency of local cooperation and support (Cooperation;all Likert 1-5) Rurality was assessed with Rural-Urban Continuum Codes (levels 1-9;stratified as metropolitan [1-3] and nonmetropolitan [4-9]);and population data obtained from the Census Bureau T-test, chi-square and regression analyses were conducted with SAS Results: We received 34 surveys representing 40/100 counties with HDs (11 metropolitan and 23 nonmetropolitan) Respondents/non-respondents did not differ by population or rurality Ave-currAbility (currAbility averaged across all 15 capabilities) was positively associated with population (+3 57E-6;p=0 027), and nonmetropolitan counties reported significantly lower ave-Cooperation (3 37 [95% CI 3 16-3 57] vs 3 93 [3 47-4 38]) For individual capabilities, nonmetropolitan HDs reported significantly lesser Resources for capabilities #2-Community Recovery, #3-Emergency Operation Coordination, and #5-Fatality Management;and lesser Cooperation for #2, #8 and #9-Medical Countermeasure and Material Dispensing, #10-Medical Surge, and #15-Volunteer Management Conclusions: Though metropolitan areas experience greater numbers of COVID-19 cases, many rural communities experience comparably high infection rates Though statewide HD response is critical, many nonmetropolitan HDs report comparatively lesser ability to meet this challenge
Cells in New Light: Ion Concentration, Voltage, and Pressure Gradients across a Hydrogel Membrane.

The ionic compositions of the intra- and extracellular environments are distinct from one another, with K+ being the main cation in the cytosol and Na+ being the most abundant cation outside of the...
Does having a hunter identity influence land management behaviors of family forest owners

Hunters are often assumed to possess conservation and stewardship values. Research on whether these values translate into active land management is scant and inconclusive, particularly as it relate...
A Pig in a Poke? Shuanghui's Acquisition of Smithfield

This case stars Long Wan, chairman and CEO of Shuanghui International (Shuanghui), as he works through the postmerger integration of the newly acquired US-based Smithfield Foods (Smithfield). Wan must address many potential hurdles as he sought to integrate two very different companies, on two different continents, separated by a world of cultural and political differences. With its headquarters in rural Virginia and its folksy southern American history, was integration with a formerly state-owned Chinese meat processor possible? On a strictly practical note, how could he best help the two companies realize their production and capacity synergies and unlock their joint value as harmoniously as possible? Excerpt UVA-S-0330 Jul. 23, 2020 A Pig in a Poke? Shuanghui's Acquisition of Smithfield It was September 24, 2013. Long Wan, chairman and CEO of Shuanghui International (Shuanghui), China's largest pork processor, was turning 73 years old. But Wan wasn't having a birthday party. He was too busy attending to the details of a different momentous occasion: Shuanghui's USD7.08billion acquisition of US-based Smithfield Foods (Smithfield), one of the world's largest integrated pork production, processing, and packing companies. Wan had outbid other potential buyers in the international pork industry, including the better-known Brazil-based JBS S.A. and Thailand-based Charoen Pokphand Foods, by paying a 30.9% premium over Smithfield's trading price as of May 28, 2013. To fund the acquisition, Shuanghui had borrowed USD4billion from more than 10 foreign banks. (Notably, no domestic Chinese banks were among the lenders.) The acquisition had also been subject to a rigorous and lengthy approval process by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), which had closely examined national food security concerns and considered the potential for fear on the part of US consumers about the takeover of an iconic American brand by an unknown Chinese entity. Before the deal, Wan and his team's due diligence had revealed Smithfield's existing strengths and rich promise. For the year ended December 31, 2012, Smithfield had revenues of more than USD13billion and net income of USD361million—a decline from the previous year's revenues of USD12.2billion and net income of USD521million (Exhibit1). But the company had recovered from the massive losses it had suffered as a result of the 2008–09 global economic downturn (2009 and 2010 net income was −USD198.4million and −USD101.4million, respectively), and Smithfield retained its reputation as a purveyor of reliably high-quality meat. Given China's growing appetite for pork (Exhibit2), and the long-term flatness in America's pork consumption (Exhibit3), Wan postulated that excess US production could be exported to meet the demands of the Chinese market (Exhibit4). . . .
Emotion recognition in individuals with cocaine use disorder: the role of abstinence length and the social brain network

Emotion recognition is impaired in drug addiction. However, research examining the effects of cocaine use on emotion recognition yield mixed evidence with contradictory results potentially reflecting varying abstinence durations. Therefore, we investigated emotion recognition and its neural correlates in individuals with cocaine use disorder (CUD) parsed according to abstinence duration. Emotion recognition performance was compared between current cocaine users (CUD + , n = 28; cocaine-positive urine), short-term abstainers (CUD-ST, n = 23; abstinence < 6 months), long-term abstainers (CUD-LT, n = 20; abstinence ≥ 6 months), and controls (n = 45). A sample subset (n = 73) underwent structural magnetic resonance imaging to quantify regional gray matter volume (GMV) using voxel-based morphometry. CUD + demonstrated greater difficulty recognizing happiness than CUD-ST and controls, and sadness and fear compared to controls (p < 0.01). For fear, CUD-ST also performed worse than controls (p < 0.01), while no differences emerged between CUD-LT and controls. Whole-brain analysis revealed lower GMV in the bilateral cerebellum in CUD + compared to CUD-LT and controls; a similar pattern was observed in the amygdala (CUD + < CUD-LT) (pFWE < 0.01). Collapsed across all participants, poorer recognition for happiness was associated with lower right cerebellar GMV (pFWE < 0.05). Emotion recognition is impaired with current cocaine use, and selective deficits (in fear) may persist with up to 6 months of abstinence. Lower cerebellar GMV may underlie deficits in positive emotion recognition. Interventions targeting emotional-social-cognitive deficits, especially among active users, may enhance treatment success for individuals with CUD.
CHK yourself, before you wreck yourself: targeting the DNA damage response in secondary pulmonary hypertension.

Despite the debilitating and lethal nature of pulmonary hypertension (PH) secondary to interstitial lung disease (group 3 PH),1 research into the treatment of this unique category of vasculopathy remains in a relatively nascent stage compared with that of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH, group 1). A clue to uncovering the underlying pathophysiology of this particular subtype of group 3 PH, however, may be found in overlapping interest in the DNA damage response (DDR) shared by both pulmonary fibrosis and PH researchers.2 Primarily a pathway dedicated to preventing DNA damage to cellular progeny, the DDR functions via a complex network of cell cycle checkpoint signalling and DNA repair mechanisms. In the context of malignancy, these non-redundant pathways can be exploited by dependent cancerous cells to thwart apoptosis, thus promoting survival and eventual metastasis. Therapeutically, a key target of the DDR is the family of checkpoint kinases: CHK1 primarily affecting the prevention of DNA damage being replicated (resulting in G1/S-phase cell cycle arrest), and CHK2 mediating transmission to the next generation of cells (a G2/M-phase checkpoint).3 While there are examples of CHK regulation related to end-organ fibrosis, to date, there is a dearth of literature describing the role of CHK in lung fibrosis. …
Why Women are not in The Live Poker Room and The Evidence on How This Could Change

A disproportional number of women who play poker can be found in the live poker room. Despite the interest of casinos to draw more women to poker, the strategies implemented to increase interest and participation in poker tournaments for women has not improved turnout. This is the second phase of an exploratory study to examine industry barriers for women in poker. A survey was administered in which 309 poker players were questioned as to their poker habits, 35% female, 55% male. This study reveals key findings that are statistically significant as women have key factors that vary their experiences to men, which has little coverage in previous academic studies. Key findings include; (1) Women are more likely to play tournament style games that range from $100-$499 buy in levels than men, (2) Women are more likely to experience intimidation in the live poker room and of all poker players who experience negative experiences (intimidation, bullying, theft, etc.), women are more likely to feel the issue was NOT resolved to their satisfaction. This secondary study furthers the initial exploratory study and will provide implications for growth to this key segment of the $40 billion-dollar industry.
Abdominal compartment syndrome associated with Norovirus infection

Norovirus infection is a leading cause of infectious gastroenteritis and is typically self-limited. Abdominal compartment syndrome is rare in the pediatric population. To date, there have been no reports of abdominal compartment syndrome secondary to Norovirus infection. This patient is a 7-year old female who presented with abdominal compartment syndrome and fulminant sepsis attributed to acute Norovirus infection. The patient was successfully treated with decompressive laparotomy, delayed abdominal closure, and supportive therapy. The patient's post-operative course was notable for acute hepatitis and pancreatitis, which resolved without further intervention. The patient was discharged home after a prolonged hospital stay in good condition.