cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Patient-centred communication and provider avoidance: Does body mass index modify the relationship?

Objective:Poor quality communication with healthcare providers has been associated with provider avoidance. Because obesity is stigmatised in healthcare settings, this association may differ for patients who are overweight or obese compared to patients who are normal weight. Our objective was to determine if associations between patient-centred communication and provider avoidance differed by body mass index (BMI) category.Methods:We used data from the Health Information National Trends Survey 3, a cross-sectional data set that is nationally representative of the USA. We examined adjusted associations between patient-centred communication (measured using a six-item scale) and healthcare provider avoidance, stratified by BMI category (normal weight, overweight or obese).Results:The association between patient-centred communication and provider avoidance was similar in normal weight (adjusted odds ratios [AOR] = .65; 95% CI, .51–.83), overweight (AOR = .69; 95% CI, .55–.86) and obese (AOR = .55; 95% CI, .43...
The effect of aggregation and release on platelet prothrombin-converting activity.

Platelets provide a procoagulant activity for the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin during normal hemostatis. This activity designated as platelet prothrombin-converting activity (PPCA) was monitored as rate of thrombin production in a two-stage assay using gel- filtered bovine platelets, factor Xa, and prothrombin. Expression of PPCA was not associated with ADP-induced release or platelet shape change but was associated with aggregation. Release of the contents of dense bodies, measured by release of 14C-5-hydroxytryptamine, was not required for expression of PPCA during platelet aggregation. During the PPCA assay, 5-hydroxytrypamine was released, but only after onset of thrombin production. Furthermore, the release of 5-hydroxytryptamine was retarded during the assay by the addition of 2 mM theophylline and 100 nM prostaglandin E1 without a comparable reduction in PPCA. In addition, 125I-factor-Xa was bound in greater amounts to platelets (aspirin-treated) after ADP-induced aggregation (without detectable release) than to unactivated control platelets. Finally, the PPCA of the ADP-activated platelets was saturated with respect to factors Xa and Va at less than 1 nM concentrations, indicating that the aggregation induced by ADP leads to the exposure of specific procoagulant sites by some process other than dense body secretion.
Macrophage Factor X Activator Formation: Metabolic Requirements for Synthesis of Components

The in vitro production of factor VII-like material and of tissue factor activity by murine thioglycollate exudate macrophages was measured by amidolytic assays. Tissue factor activity was inducible by endotoxin, and its induction was inhibited by 1 microgram/mL of actinomycin D, 10 micrograms/mL of cycloheximide, and 0.2 micrograms/mL of tunicamycin. Soluble factor VII-like material was secreted by macrophages into culture supernatants. The amount produced was not influenced by further activation of the cells by endotoxin, nor was its production inhibited significantly by 1 microgram/mL actinomycin D or 0.2 micrograms/mL tunicamycin. The production of the factor VII-like material was inhibited by 10 micrograms/mL of cycloheximide, and its appearance in culture supernatants was enhanced significantly by the addition of vitamin K1. When lysates of activated macrophages were suspended in ultracentrifuged culture supernatants, a particulate factor X activator was formed. Centrifugation at 100,000 g pelleted the factor X activator and left no factor VII-like material in the supernatant. The data indicate that thioglycollate-induced exudate macrophages make and excrete factor VII-like material, and this production is not modulated by further activation. However, activation of the macrophages induces tissue factor production. The factor X activator appears to result from the interaction and complexing of the soluble factor VII-like material and the membrane-bound tissue factor.
Ultrastructural and Biochemical Alterations of Cellular Organelles by Prenatal Exposure to Toxic Trace Metals

There are relatively few studies concerning either the ultrastructural or biochemical effects of toxic elements on subcellular organelles. Ultrastructural studies which show cellular vesiculation, mitochondrial damage and cellular necrosis have been reported for lead and arsenate. Ultrastructural/biochemical data are available for the effects of methylmercury on fetal organisms. These studies show cellular vesiculation of hepatocytes, decreased synthesis of protein and DNA associated with inhibition of mitochondrial biogenesis and respiratory function. One, or a combination of these effects, appears to be responsible for the known reduction in fetal size at doses of methylmercury below which overt teratogenic or maternal toxicity are observed.
Emily Brontë, [‘A Diary Note’ — No. 5] (1845), in The Shakespeare Head Brontë, vol. ii, pp. 49–50

My birthday — showery, breezy, cool. I am twenty-seven years old to-day. This morning Anne and I opened the papers we wrote four years since, on my twenty-third birthday. This paper we intend, if all be well, to open on my thirtieth — three years hence, in 1848. Since the 1841 paper the following events have taken place. Our school scheme has been abandoned, and instead Charlotte and I went to Brussels on the 8th of February 1842.
Josephson-CMOS integrated circuits

We report the development of the first-ever monolithically integrated Josephson-CMOS circuits for digital memory, detector, and magnetometry applications at 4 K. The technology combines a 1.2 /spl mu/m dual-poly, n-well CMOS process, and a Nb/AlO/sub x/Nb trilayer process yielding Josephson junctions with critical current densities of 0.4-0.8 kA/cm/sup 2/. We discuss the nonhysteretic, low-voltage (1 V) operation of CMOS devices at 4 K, and the gigahertz operation of the Josephson-CMOS interface circuits and bit-line current-sensing circuits of a Josephson-CMOS RAM. >
The Algerian war in French-language comics: postcolonial memory, history, and subjectivity

English texts on French-language comics are not particularly visible in the landscape of university presses. Mark McKinney (The Colonial Heritage of French Comics, Liverpool University Press, 2011)...
Expression Profiling of Nonpolar Lipids in Meibum From Patients With Dry Eye: A Pilot Study.

Purpose The purpose of this investigation was to characterize differentially expressed lipids in meibum samples from patients with dry eye disease (DED) in order to better understand the underlying pathologic mechanisms. Methods Meibum samples were collected from postmenopausal women with DED (PW-DED; n = 5) and a control group of postmenopausal women without DED (n = 4). Lipid profiles were analyzed by direct infusion full-scan electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). An initial analysis of 145 representative peaks from four classes of lipids in PW-DED samples revealed that additional manual corrections for peak overlap and isotopes only slightly affected the statistical analysis. Therefore, analysis of uncorrected data, which can be applied to a greater number of peaks, was used to compare more than 500 lipid peaks common to PW-DED and control samples. Statistical analysis of peak intensities identified several lipid species that differed significantly between the two groups. Data from contact lens wearers with DED (CL-DED; n = 5) were also analyzed. Results Many species of the two types of diesters (DE) and very long chain wax esters (WE) were decreased by ∼20% in PW-DED, whereas levels of triacylglycerols were increased by an average of 39% ± 3% in meibum from PW-DED compared to that in the control group. Approximately the same reduction (20%) of similar DE and WE was observed for CL-DED. Conclusions Statistical analysis of peak intensities from direct infusion ESI-MS results identified differentially expressed lipids in meibum from dry eye patients. Further studies are warranted to support these findings.
Are Multiple Tropical Cyclone Events Similar among Basins

AbstractThe present study intercompares multiple tropical cyclone event (MTCE) characteristics among each global tropical cyclone (TC) basin using best-track data. Specific focus is placed on examining the number of MTCEs and TCs during MTCEs, the zonal distance between TCs during MTCEs, and the spatiotemporal separation between genesis events during MTCEs. The results suggest that the ratio of MTCEs relative to single TCs is substantially higher in the eastern North Pacific (ENP), western North Pacific (WNP), and south Indian Ocean (SI) basins compared to the North Atlantic (NA) and South Pacific (SP). The prolific nature of ENP, WNP, and SI MTCE activity results in approximately half of TCs occurring during MTCEs. During new TC genesis, the majority of preexisting TCs are generally located westward at a consistent zonal distance from new TC genesis for MTCEs within each basin with median values between −1620 and −1961 km. TC-induced Rossby wave dispersion may set this zonal length scale as implied by it...
Teaching Tips: Digital Teaching Tips (Series of 12)

As opportunities for online teaching grow at George Mason University, faculty require an array of resources to help them promote quality in online course design and in online teaching. Such resources include low-touch ("do-it-yourself") resources (e.g., tip sheets, templates), intermediate-touch resources (e.g., faculty learning communities, Online Course Development Institute, online course reviews), and high-touch resources (e.g.,one-on-one instructional design consultations). As part of the suite of low-touch resources for faculty, the Office of Digital Learning (ODL) has launched an ongoing series of Digital Teaching Tip Sheets, to provide introductory tips and guidance for online teaching at George Mason University. These tip sheets provide engaging infographics highlighting basic information about best practices for online teaching and learning, as well as where to locate relevant resources at Mason. Each tip sheet features quotes from experienced Mason online instructors in which they share their tips or examples of best practices from their online courses. The tip sheets address common questions and challenges, particularly for new online instructors, such as time management, accessibility, instructor presence, online discussions, and the online student experience. There are now 12 Digital Teaching Tip Sheets available, with additional tip sheets currently in preparation. The Share-A-Thon will provide an opportunity for the Office of Digital Learning to showcase these resources to Mason faculty, and to learn from faculty their particular needs for additional topics to include in the ongoing Digital Teaching Tip Sheet series.
Vitamins and Athletes

The maintenance of normal metabolic function in the body is regulated by small amounts of chemically unrelated compounds, called vitamins. These substances act as cofactors in many body processes including carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism. Vitamins are also involved in human growth. Several of the vitamins are synthesized in the body in amounts sufficient to maintain normal function. Other vitamins, termed essential, cannot be made by the body and must be acquired from an exogenous source. The amounts of these vitamins needed to meet the known nutritional needs of healthy people have been estimated. These recommended dietary allowances (RDA) can be attained by eating a proper well-balanced diet.1
The Earth's Crust and Upper Mantle: New geophysical methods are beginning to reveal essential details about the earth's outer layers.

New geophysical methods are beginning to reveal essential details about the earth's outer layers.
Extrinsic Reinforcement in the Classroom: Bribery or Best Practice

The debate over the effects of the use of extrinsic reinforcement in classrooms, businesses, and societal settings has been occurring for over 30 years. Some theorists have cautioned against the us...
The effect of impact angle on knee tolerance to rigid impacts.

A high number of lower extremity injuries still occurs in head on collisions, even though the number of deaths from traffic accidents is decreasing. Knee injuries occurred in about 10% of traffic accidents that took place in 1979-1995. Fractures of the femur and patella are the most common knee injuries. This study examined the hypothesis that the fracture pattern of the patella would vary with the direction of the impact, and also that the patella is more likely to be fractured from an oblique angle versus an axial impact. Results of the study indicate that the data from the fracture experiments of knees showed a strong correlation with direction of impact and age of the individual.
Spatial kinetics studies in liquid-metal fast breeder reactor critical assemblies

Recent measurements in the zero-power physics reactor have been used to study the effect of spatial decoupling in fast reactor critical assemblies of various sizes and compositions. Flux distributions in these assemblies had varying degrees of sensitivity to perturbations. Decoupling was investigated using rod-drop, boron-oscillator, and noise-coherence techniques, which emphasized different times following perturbations. Equilibrium flux distributions were also measured for subcritical configurations with inserted control rods. For most assemblies, accurate reactivity measurements were obtained by analyzing the power history from a single detector using inverse kinetics methods, assuming an instantaneous efficiency change for the detector. The instantaneous efficiency change assumption broke down, however, in assemblies with zones in which normal plutonium fuel was replaced by /sup 235/U fuel or fuel with a high /sup 240/Pu content. Flux redistributions caused by perturbations in these cores took several minutes to evolve.
Precision Medicine and the Risk to Privacy

The decreasing cost of genome and exome sequencing, including direct-to-consumer testing, produces information asymmetry between applicants and life insurance companies, which increases the risk of adverse selection. Rather than requiring applicants for life insurance to undergo genetic testing, life insurers ought to revise their policies and not use the results of genetic tests in the medical records of applicants for underwriting. Prohibitions on access to genetic test results already have been adopted without great upheaval in several other countries. There are two main reasons why this new approach should be used in the United States. First, genetic test results do not provide essential information that is not already available through traditional underwriting measures. Second, because many individuals at genetically increased risk of serious disorders currently decline testing out of fear of the economic consequences, policies prohibiting the use of genetic test results in life insurance will encourage genetic testing and facilitate timely surveillance and necessary medical intervention, thereby saving lives.
Thyrotoxicosis in Pregnancy

Thyroid disease is a common endocrinopathy seen in pregnancy with hypothyroidism being the most common followed by thyrotoxicosis. The most common etiology of thyrotoxicosis in pregnant women is Graves’ disease, followed by transient thyrotoxicosis of pregnancy. Laboratory testing, history, and physical exam can delineate the differential diagnosis in most cases. Imaging is often not required. Untreated thyrotoxicosis can lead to adverse outcomes for both the mother and fetus, and patients can present on a wide spectrum of severity of thyrotoxicosis spanning from mild subclinical hyperthyroidism to thyroid storm with multi-organ failure. Treatment of hyperthyroidism, if warranted, is typically pharmacological therapy with antithyroidals called thionamides. Frequent monitoring is crucial for successful therapy to ensure the most optimal outcomes. The following chapter is a review of these concepts covering diagnosis, maternal and fetal risks of thyrotoxicosis, treatment, and follow-up.
Answering implicit questions: the case of namely

Though several prior works use English namely as evidence for the semantics of other elements, its own syntax and semantics have been mostly unexamined. In this paper, we focus on two central questions which we claim to be interrelated. First, what is the semantic contribution of namely ? Second, how does namely combine with the surrounding material compositionally to produce appropriate overall sentence meanings? Given the apparent similarity of namely to fragments and Sluicing, one answer suggested in previous literature (e.g. Onea & Volodina ( 2011 ), Weir ( 2014 ), Ott ( 2016 )) is that an example like Someone coughed, namely Bill. involves deletion of silent linguistic material . . . Bill coughed . Here, we argue against this idea, arguing that namely introduces an answer to an implicit specificational question combining with its complement (i.e. Bill in the above example) directly, similar to Qu-Ans analysis of fragments ( Groenendijk & Stokhof ( 1984 ), Jacobson ( 2016 )).
How should sugar-sweetened beverage health warnings be designed? A randomized experiment.

Abstract Health warnings are a promising strategy for reducing consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), but uncertainty remains about how to design warnings to maximize their impact. Warnings already implemented in Latin America use nutrient disclosures, while proposed U.S. warnings would describe the health effects of consuming SSBs. We sought to determine whether warning characteristics influence consumers' reactions to SSB health warnings. A national convenience sample of U.S. adults (n = 1360) completed an online survey in 2018. In a factorial design, we randomly assigned participants to view SSB health warnings that differed in: 1) inclusion of health effects (“Drinking beverages with added sugar contributes to obesity, diabetes, and tooth decay”); 2) inclusion of a nutrient disclosure (“High in added sugar”); 3) inclusion of the marker word “WARNING;” and 4) shape (octagon vs. rectangle). The primary outcome was perceived message effectiveness (PME, range 1–5). PME was higher for warnings that included health effects (average differential effect [ADE] = 0.63, p
Development of a target-free high-throughput screening platform for the discovery of antileishmanial compounds.

ABSTRACT Leishmania parasites are the causative agents of a wide spectrum of human diseases. The clinical manifestations of leishmaniasis range from self-healing skin lesions to fatality. The World Health Organization has classed leishmaniasis as a category 1 neglected tropical disease. Leishmaniasis represents a major international health challenge, affecting 12 million people per year and with nearly 310 million people at risk. The first-line chemotherapies used to treat leishmaniasis are intravenous pentavalent antimonials; however, these drugs are highly toxic. As the use of oral treatment options such as paromomycin and miltefosine has increased, the incidence of disease relapse has increased and drug resistance to antimonials has developed, emphasizing the importance of identifying new chemotherapies. A novel, target-free fluorometric high-throughput screen with an average Z-score of 0.73 +/- 0.13 has been developed to identify small molecules with antileishmanial activity. Screening of 10,000 small molecules from the ChemBridge DIVER-set™ library cassette #5 yielded 210 compounds that killed 80% of parasites, resulting in a hit rate of 2.1%. One hundred and nine molecular scaffolds were represented within the hit compounds, and one scaffold that exhibited potent antileishmanial activity was 2,4-diaminoquinazoline. Host cell toxicity was determined prior to in-vitro infection of human THP-1 macrophages with Leishmania donovani mCherry expressing promastigotes; successful drug treatment was considered when the half maximal inhibitory concentration was
Environmental regulatory spillovers, institutions, and clean technology innovation: A panel of 32 countries over 16 years

Abstract The empirical literature on environmental regulatory-induced innovation is extensive and finds equivocal results, following the seminal works by Lanjouw and Mody (1996) who show a positive innovation effect and Jaffe and Palmer (1997) who largely find a negative effect of regulations on environmental technology innovation. Yet most of the literature explores domestic regulatory effects on domestic firms’ innovations, while the small amount of studies on cross-border induced innovation is typically confined to a small group of OECD countries. Our departure is to conceive of a global cleantech paradigm whereby domestic firms are induced by foreign country environmental regulations, under the important condition that institutional quality distance between the sending and receiving country is not very far apart. In short, this article demonstrates an important relationship between environmental regulations, institutional quality, and clean technology innovations. Our main hypothesis is that institutional distance moderates the inducement effect of foreign regulations on domestic innovators. To test this hypothesis, we collect a sample of 32 countries, including select OECD countries and the colloquially-named “BRICS” countries. The results of our models suggest there is indeed a significant inducement effect across borders from foreign regulations. These findings are important for both innovators and policymakers. While the former already appear to participate in the global clean technology paradigm, the latter should be aware of the potential ramifications of pioneer regulations for the global clean technology innovation frontier.
Analyzing a follow-up needs assessment: Increased use of internet-based APSA educational programs by pediatric surgeons

Abstract Purpose Needs assessment is a critical component of educational program design. Follow-up is important for improvement. Two electronic educational programs, Exam-based Pediatric surgery Educational Reference Tool (ExPERT) and Pediatric Surgery Not a Textbook (NaT), offered by the American Pediatric Surgical Association (APSA) have been functional for over three years, allowing for follow-up assessment. Methods A 22-question survey was distributed via email to APSA members. Questions included practice demographics, learning preferences and APSA material use. Mann–Whitney analysis was performed (p Results 294 members responded. 43% were in academic practice with a pediatric surgery fellowship. Top preferences for obtaining/maintaining medical knowledge were national meetings (27%), ExPERT (24%), and the NaT (20%). Comparatively, in a 2014 assessment, electronic programs were less desired (16%). Cost was cited by > 1/3 for not subscribing to ExPERT or NaT. Question discussions were often read regardless of response. > 86% would subscribe to APSA resources if there were no CME requirement. The most frequently cited knowledge gap was fetal therapy (30%). Conclusions This is the first publication documenting increased acceptance of electronic educational platforms for pediatric surgeons. Well-utilized and valued, the data justify and encourage continued development of electronic educational resources. Room for improvement exists in affordability, knowledge gaps, and individualizing curriculum development. Level of evidence IV
Protein Secondary Structure Prediction using Multi-input Convolutional Neural Network

Protein secondary structure prediction is a difficult problem to solve since there are no clear boundaries between protein features and coil states. Moreover, it is financially expensive and takes a long time to perform manual experiments on each protein in the lab. Predicting protein structures computationally is promising and practical. Convolutional neural network is an efficient method for learning sophisticated features since the complexity does not increase with performance. In this paper, we have constructed deep convolutional neural networks for protein inconsequential structure illusion from its dominant structure. The proposed approach attains better results with 1% higher accuracy by using primary structure as an input, and about 2% higher accuracy by adding one information of protein property, outperforming the existing solutions.
Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block for laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy: Continuous catheter infusion provides no additional analgesic benefit over single-injection ropivacaine.

BACKGROUND Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks are useful for adjunctive pain control following laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy (LLDN). The objective was to determine if TAP catheter provides additional analgesia compared with single-injection TAP block alone for kidney donors. METHODS In this prospective, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial, LLDN patients received a single TAP injection of 30 mL 0.2% ropivacaine and had a catheter inserted into the TAP space. Postoperatively, either 0.2% ropivacaine (TAP catheter group; TAP-C) or saline (TAP saline group; TAP-S) was infused at 10 mL/h. Pain scores, narcotic usage, nausea, and sedation were evaluated at 1, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 hours. RESULTS The study population included 70 patients (35 randomly assigned to each group). No differences in pain scores, narcotic usage, nausea, or sedation were observed at any time point (with the exception of lower median pain score for TAP-S at 60 hours; 3.2 vs 3.9 for TAP-C; P = .03). CONCLUSIONS The lower pain score for placebo group at 60-hour postoperative is likely clinically insignificant. The TAP catheter infusion provided no benefit over a single-injection TAP block; thus, the added risk and cost are not supported. Liposomal bupivacaine should be evaluated in future studies.
Spatial coherence of the thermal emission of a sphere

Analytical expressions for calculating the energy density and spatial correlation function of thermal emission by a homogeneous, isothermal sphere of arbitrary size and material are presented. The spectral distribution and the power law governing the distance-dependent energy density are investigated in the near-field and far-field regimes for silicon carbide (dielectric), silicon (semiconducting), and tungsten (metallic) spheres of various size parameters ranging from $X=0.002$ to 5. The spatial coherence of the thermal field emitted by spheres of different size and material is also studied in both radial and polar directions, and the effect of localized surface phonons (LSPhs) on the correlation length and angle is elucidated. It is shown that the energy density follows a power law of ${d}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$ ($d$ is the observation distance) in the far field independent of the size and material of the sphere. The power law in the near field is strongly dependent on the material, size parameter, and the ratio $\frac{d}{a}$ ($a$ is the sphere radius). In the near field, the energy density follows a power law of ${d}^{\ensuremath{-}6}$ when $X\ensuremath{\ll}1$ and $\frac{d}{a}\ensuremath{\gg}1$ (similar to an electric point dipole). With increasing $X$ or decreasing $\frac{d}{a}$, the contribution of multipoles to the energy density increases resulting in an increase in the power of $d$ until the power law converges to that for a semi-infinite medium (${d}^{\ensuremath{-}2.5}$, ${d}^{\ensuremath{-}0.5}$, and ${d}^{\ensuremath{-}3.5}$ for silicon carbide, silicon, and tungsten, respectively, in the intermediate near field, and ${d}^{\ensuremath{-}3.5}$, ${d}^{\ensuremath{-}3.5}$, and ${d}^{\ensuremath{-}2.5}$ for silicon carbide, silicon, and tungsten, respectively, in the extreme near field.). It is also found that the spatial correlation length in the radial direction is approximately on the order of \ensuremath{\lambda}, 0.1\ensuremath{\lambda}, and 0.001\ensuremath{\lambda} in the far-field, intermediate near-field, and extreme near-field regimes, respectively, when the multipolar LSPhs are not supported. The correlation angle in the extreme near field is strongly dependent on the sphere size parameter, such that it decreases by three orders of magnitude (from 0.5\ensuremath{\pi} to 0.001\ensuremath{\pi}) when $X$ increases from 0.002 to 5. The dependence of the correlation angle on $X$ decreases significantly in the intermediate near-field and far-field regimes, and the correlation angle retains the same order of magnitude (0.15\ensuremath{\pi} \ensuremath{-} 0.7\ensuremath{\pi}) for all considered $X\mathrm{s}$ in these two regimes. While the excitation of dipolar LSPhs does not affect the correlation length and angle of the thermal field, the multipolar LSPhs reduce the spatial coherence in both directions.
BeeCluster: drone orchestration via predictive optimization

The rapid development of small aerial drones has enabled numerous drone-based applications, e.g., geographic mapping, air pollution sensing, and search and rescue. To assist the development of these applications, we propose BeeCluster, a drone orchestration system that manages a fleet of drones. BeeCluster provides a virtual drone abstraction that enables developers to express a sequence of geographical sensing tasks, and determines how to map these tasks to the fleet efficiently. BeeCluster's core contribution is predictive optimization, in which an inferred model of the future tasks of the application is used to generate an optimized flight and sensing schedule for the drones that aims to minimize the total expected execution time. We built a prototype of BeeCluster and evaluated it on five real-world case studies with drones in outdoor environments, measuring speedups from 11.6% to 23.9%.
Auto-Type: Synthesizing Type-Detection Logic for Rich Semantic Data Types using Open-source Code

Given a table of data, existing systems can often detect basic atomic types (e.g., strings vs. numbers) for each column. A new generation of data-analytics and data-preparation systems are starting to automatically recognize rich semantic types such as date-time, email address, etc., for such metadata can bring an array of benefits including better table understanding, improved search relevance, precise data validation, and semantic data transformation. However, existing approaches only detect a limited number of types using regular-expression-like patterns, which are often inaccurate, and cannot handle rich semantic types such as credit card and ISBN numbers that encode semantic validations (e.g., checksum). We developed AutoType, a system that can synthesize type-detection logic for rich data types, by leveraging code from open-source repositories like GitHub. Users only need to provide a set of positive examples for a target data type and a search keyword, our system will automatically identify relevant code, and synthesize type-detection functions using execution traces. We compiled a benchmark with 112 semantic types, out of which the proposed system can synthesize code to detect 84 such types at a high precision. Applying the synthesized type-detection logic on web table columns have also resulted in a significant increase in data types discovered compared to alternative approaches.
Political and Ethical Challenges of 2025: Utopian and Dystopian Views

A perfect storm of political and ethical challenges may be brewing up through 2025. First, the chapter constructs two opposed scenarios. The utopian or optimistic scenario is progressive and globalizing in orientation and expects the future to transform corporate sustainability radically to social advantage. The dystopian or pessimistic scenario is conservative and even nationalistic and populist in orientation and expects the future to be chaotic for corporate sustainability to social disadvantage. These designed extremes frame a dialogue. Second, each citizen chooses a political and ethical stance in light of expectations about the future and capacity to influence that future. The analysis details three stances at individual citizens and aggregating political party levels. The greater social division increases the importance of a neutral median voter perspective but increases the likelihood of a centrist party disappearing. A business manager assesses how corporate social responsibility (CSR) views and political criticism of capitalism and wealth affect corporate sustainability.
Physical space analysis of cross-scale turbulent kinetic energy transfer in premixed swirl flames

Abstract Understanding the cross-scale kinetic energy transport in turbulent flames is critical for physically-accurate modeling. This paper presents an experimental analysis of cross-scale kinetic energy transport in turbulent premixed swirl flames at Karlovitz numbers between 10 and 20 via physical space filtering. High-resolution tomographic particle image velocimetry and formaldehyde planar laser induced fluorescence measurements are used to obtain 3D velocity fields, as well as estimates for the progress variable and density fields. Filtering these fields at scales in the range of the laminar flame thickness ( 0.9 Δ / δ L 0 2.2 ) allows the kinetic energy transfer across the filter scale to be quantified. Mean kinetic energy transfer from sub-filter scales to larger scales (i.e. back-scatter) occurs internal to the flame structure across the range of conditions studied, with the maximum back-scatter occurring towards the center of the flame. Compared to equivalent non-reacting cases, considerably more back-scatter occurred in the reacting flows across all cases studied. At lower Karlovitz number, the magnitude of the back-scatter monotonically increased with increasing filter scale. At higher Karlovitz number, the back-scatter magnitude saturated at filter scales around Δ / δ L 0 ≈ 1.8 . A scaling is proposed that quantifies the relative significance of the swirl-induced pressure gradient relative to the flame-induced pressure gradient on the pressure-work source of kinetic energy, indicating that swirling flow can significantly affect the kinetic energy dynamics. Overall, the results demonstrate that combustion significantly impacts the cross-scale kinetic energy transfer at scales in the range of the laminar flame thickness for conditions and configurations of practical relevance. These conclusions have implications for LES modelling strategies, providing evidence that models should allow for up-scale energy transfer in the vicinity of the flame.
Separase cleaves the kinetochore protein Meikin at the meiosis I/II transition

To generate haploid gametes, germ cells undergo two consecutive meiotic divisions requiring key changes to the cell division machinery. Here, we demonstrate that the protease separase rewires key cell division processes at the meiosis I/II transition by cleaving the meiosis-specific protein Meikin. Separase proteolysis does not inactivate Meikin but instead alters its function to create a distinct activity state. Full-length Meikin and the C-terminal Meikin separase cleavage product both localize to kinetochores, bind to Plk1 kinase, and promote Rec8 cleavage, but our results reveal distinct roles for these proteins in controlling meiosis. Mutations that prevent Meikin cleavage or that conditionally inactivate Meikin at anaphase I result in defective meiosis II chromosome alignment in mouse oocytes. Finally, as oocytes exit meiosis, C-Meikin is eliminated by APC/C-mediated degradation prior to the first mitotic division. Thus, multiple regulatory events irreversibly modulate Meikin activity during successive meiotic divisions to rewire the cell division machinery at two distinct transitions.
Abdominal cesarean section at the Cleveland Maternity Hospital

Abstract A series of 1,317 cases of abdominal cesarean section operated upon between the years 1932 and 1941 has been studied. This study included mortality and morbidity, the causes of morbidity and other considerations.
Integrated optics: Nanostructured silicon success

An inverse-design approach yields ultra-compact, high-performance photonic components from patterns of complex, subwavelength voids etched into silicon.
Identifying interesting instances for probabilistic skylines

Significant research efforts have recently been dedicated to modeling and querying uncertain data. In this paper, we focus on skyline analysis of uncertain data, modeled as uncertain objects with probability distributions over a set of possible values called instances. Computing the exact skyline probabilities of instances is expensive, and unnecessary when the user is only interested in instances with skyline probabilities over a certain threshold. We propose two filtering schemes for this case: a preliminary scheme that bounds an instance's skyline probability for filtering, and an elaborate scheme that uses an instance's bounds to filter other instances based on the dominance relationship. We experimentally demonstrate the effectiveness of our filtering schemes on both real and synthetic data sets and show the efficiency of our schemes compared with other algorithms.
Data and Information Management

This chapter deals with data and information management, which is an approach that reserves the use of data for singular pieces of knowledge and information for data that have been connected to other knowledge bases or otherwise purposely processed for use. Emergency response is always a data- and information-intensive effort, not only in terms of the level of detail, but also in terms of the diversity of data and information that must be collected, evaluated, and acted upon. The management of data and information is absolutely critical to the success of emergency response. Access to global data banks and information networks enhances the potential for improvement in the efficiency and the comprehensiveness of decision-making. The most sophisticated technology for retrieving and processing information is neither a guarantor of competence nor can it correct the consequences of incompetence. Computers are powerful tool in terms of flexibility, efficiency, and range of applications. For computerization of various elements of health, safety, and emergency-response programs, particular attention is given in defining capabilities that provide timely and practical information to emergency response personnel without conflicting with the needs of other computer-assisted corporate functions and operations.
Measuring teachers' algebraic reasoning: development and preliminary validation of a video assessment task

As members of the STAAR (Supporting the Transition from Arithmetic to Algebraic Thinking) IERI research team, we designed and empirically tested measures of middle school mathematics teachers' knowledge and skill in areas that have been identified by research, and established by standards, as key aspects of teaching that impact student learning. We begin by reviewing literature related to our theoretical framework. Next we describe the assessment items completed by teachers participating in the research project, describe the development process of the research team's scoring rubric, and report results from principal component analyses of responses. We found preliminary evidence that the assessment does measure important facets of pedagogical content knowledge and teachers' reflection-in-action when they are engaged in the authentic task of evaluating student performance on a mathematical task.
Robust Image Coding and Transport in Wireless Networks Using Non-Hierarchical Decomposition

This paper proposes the use of multiple description coding for reliable image transmission in wireless networks. Specifically, we propose to use non-hierarchical decomposition to split an original image into several equally important sub-images, which are then coded and transmitted independently. The decomposition is accomplished by down-sampling the original image using multiple interleaving sampling lattices. We also present a method for estimating the original image from partially received sub-images. Finally, we examine the trade-offs between coding efficiency and reconstruction quality achievable by using different pre-filters in the decomposition process.
Supplement to the AHA Guidelines for the Management of Transient Ischemic Attacks

To the Editor: I read with interest the recent supplement to the guidelines on management of patients with transient ischemic attacks.1 However, with regard to carotid endarterectomy (CE), I was disappointed that Albers et al made no attempt to interpret the clinical trial results in the context of real-world surgical performance. For example, in the updated section on CE for 50% to 69% symptomatic stenosis, the authors state that symptomatic patients with 50% to 69% benefit from surgery and that these patients should be considered for CE. However, should clinicians conclude that because patients in the surgical arm of the North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial (NASCET) had a marginal statistically significant benefit ( P =0.045) that this result is clinically meaningful and that this can be routinely achieved in clinical practice? One must keep in mind that the benefit of surgery in the 50% to 69% group was very modest. For the …
Habitat Selection, the Included Niche, and Coexistence in Plant-Specialist Frogs from Madagascar

ABSTRACT Classic niche partitioning suggests that coexistence among asymmetric competitors is facilitated by differential resource use. Coexistence is also possible, however, whena species only has access to resources that are shared with a competitor, providing it is the superior competitor on that resource (the ‘included niche’). To testpredictions of these two coexistence mechanisms, we studied habitat selection of two closely related sympatric plant-specialist frogs from Madagascar (Guibemantisbicalcaratus and Guibemantis punctatus). Both species live and breed only in the water-ﬁlled leaf axils of Pandanus plants, and previous experiments with their tadpolesdemonstrated asymmetric competition. In a 3-yr ﬁeld study, we: (1) monitored the biotic and abiotic conditions of 348 plants; (2) surveyed these plants for frogs; (3)undertook a mark-recapture study; and (4) conducted an experiment where we manipulated the amount of detritus in plants. We identiﬁed several differences in theconditions of the habitats selected by both species (e.g., plant height, canopy cover over the plant, abundance of heterospeciﬁcs). Co-occurrence was neverthelesscommon, and G.punctatuspersisted almost exclusively in plants it shared with G.bicalcaratus. As predicted by theory, G.punctatuswas the superior competitor, at leastin the tadpole stage. The inferior competitor (G.bicalcaratus) had access to exclusive resources not available to G.punctatus, by virtue of a faster developmental rate thatpermitted reproduction in lower quality plants. While there was some evidence of weak niche partitioning, we conclude that coexistence in these plant-specialist frogs isprimarily via an included niche mechanism.Abstract in French is available at http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/loi/btp.Key words: coexistence mechanisms; developmental constraints; Guibemantis; niche partitioning; Pandanus; patch quality; phytotelmata; spatial isolation.
Phosphate desorption studies on three highly weathered tropical soils

Abstract Phosphate (P) desorption studies were carried out on two ultisols and an oxisol. The desorption patterns were observed at five levels of P concentration (5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 mg P/ml). Three desorption phases are described.
Photosynthetic bacterium growing under carbon monoxide.

OXIDATION and utilization of carbon monoxide by bacteria have often been observed1–4. The metabolism of these bacteria was assumed to be chemolithotrophic because of the absence of any added organic energy source.
Genetic engineering, a hope for sustainable biofuel production: review

The use of recently developed genetic engineering tools in combination with organisms that have the potential to produce precursors for the production of biodiesel, promises a sustainable and environment friendly energy source. Enhanced lipid production in wild type and/or genetically engineered organisms can offer sufficient raw material for industrial transesterification of plant-based triglycerides. Bio-diesel, produced with the help of genetically modified organisms, might be one of the best alternatives to fossil fuels and to mitigate various environmental hazards. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ije.v3i2.10644 International Journal of the Environment Vol.3(2) 2014: 311-323
The Design of a Continuous Recording In Vivo Method of Measuring Sensible Perspiration Over a Limited Area

The objective of this study was to develop a continuous recording, in vivo method of measuring sensible perspiration over a limited area. The study required thedesign and construction of a suitable electrical circuit and electrolytic cell containing a methanol–acetone–oxalic acid mixture which was sensitive to small amounts of water. The immediate desired application was for the evaluation of antiperspirant preparations. The perspiration was collected by passing dry nitrogen gas through a skin cell which enclosed a small area of skin and delivered the moisture-laden gas to the electrolytic solution. Two such systems were combined through suitable electrical connections to compare, simultaneously and continuously, two adjacent areas of skin.
Effect of Incomplete Milking on the Incidence of Udder Irritation and Subsequent Milk Yield of Dairy Cows

Summary Incomplete milking of dairy cows was practiced for ten-day periods to determine its effect on udder irritation and subsequent milk yield. Two or four pounds of milk were left in the udders at each milking. One group of cows was free from all mastitis infections, whereas most of the cows in the second group had persistent mastitis infections other than Streptococcus agalactiae . Each ten-day incomplete milking period was preceded and followed by a seven-day normal milking period. Leaving 4lb of milk in the udder at each milking resulted in a greater permanent reduction in milk yield than did leaving 2lb in the udder. The leucocyte counts, Whiteside ratings, and CMT ratings did not increase during the periods of incomplete milking. The cows with persistent mastitis infections showed higher values for all three indicators of udder irritation than cows free from infections.
The CX transition in CaKr+ and CaAr+

Abstract An electronic transition in the isolated CaKr + ion with an origin at 14217 cm −1 has been observed in the resonant photodissociation spectrum. A short vibrational progression yields excited state vibrational constants of ω ′ e = 60 cm −1 and ω e x ′ e = 2.78 cm −1 and a diabatic binding energy of 330 ± 100 cm −1 . The excited state in this transition arises from the Ca + 3 p 6 3 d [ 2 D ] + Kr [ 1 S ] atomic limit and is tentatively assigned as a 2 Σ + state. A single weak hot band feature places the ground state vibrational frequency, ΔG″ 1 2 , at 74 cm −1 . The analogous transition in CaAr + has also suffered analysis. The X 2 Σ + ground state of the CaKr + ion is bound by 840 ± 100 cm −1 almost the same as that found for CaAr + , 890 ± 100 cm −1 .