cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Beyond Law and Order: The Origins of the Jogo do Bicho in Republican Rio de Janeiro*

At the beginning of Brazil's First Republic (1889–1930), the clandestine lottery called the jogo do bicho or ‘animal game’, which still exists today, gained enormous popularity in Rio de Janeiro, the city of its origin, and soon in the whole of Brazil. Reconstructing the spread and persecution of the jogo do bicho during its first decades reveals the social process of urbanisation evident in the daily, often informal and quasi-legal, interactions between the state and popular commerce in Latin America. The ambivalent official stance and public sentiment that developed toward this lottery suggest that ‘law and order’ concerns in themselves do not explain the criminalisation of vernacular practices.
Lipoprotein effects on aβ accumulation and degradation by microglia in vitro

An inflammatory response involving activated microglia in neuritic beta-amyloid plaques is found in Alzheimer's disease (AD) brain. Because HDL lipoproteins have been shown to carry the beta-amyloid peptide (Abeta) in plasma and CSF, we have investigated the influence of plasma high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and lipidated ApoE and ApoJ particles on the interaction of cultured rat microglia with Abeta1-42. Microglia degraded Abeta via a pathway sensitive to cytochalasin D and the scavenger receptor inhibitor, fucoidan. HDL increased the degradation of Abeta and the ratio of multimeric/monomeric Abeta in a dose-dependent manner. In contrast, lipidated ApoJ and ApoE decreased the degradation of Abeta, and the effects were ApoE isoform-dependent. Immuno-electron microscopy revealed internalized Abeta in endosomes and lysosomes as well as cell-associated Abeta in deep invaginations, which may be related to caveolae and surface-connected compartments. These data suggest that lipoprotein-dependent Abeta trafficking to microglia could be relevant to plaque pathogenesis in AD.
An automated method to assay locomotor activity in third instar Drosophila melanogaster larvae.

Abstract Introduction The purpose of these studies was to describe a novel application of an automated data acquisition/data reduction system, DanioVision™ by Noldus. DanioVision™ has the ability to detect changes in locomotor activity in third instar Drosophila melanogaster larvae. The noncompetitive GABAA receptor antagonist picrotoxin (PTX), was used as a pharmacologic agent to decrease locomotor activity. Methods Two strains of Drosophila were used in these studies; wild-type flies and flies with a mutation in the Rdl gene (RdlMD-RR). RdlMD-RR Drosophila are naturally occurring mutants that express an aberrant form of the GABAA receptor, which has a lower affinity for PTX, but not GABA itself. Larvae, extracted from food in 20% sucrose, were randomly placed into vials containing vehicle or PTX (0.03–3 mM). After incubation of 2–24 h, individual larvae were put in each well of a 6-well culture plate previously coated with 2% agar, the plate was then placed in the DanioVision™ apparatus. The activity of individual larva was recorded for 5 min, digitized and analyzed using Ethovision® XT software. Results Incubation of third instar wild-type larvae in 1 mM PTX for 4 or 24 h decreased activity; whereas, a 2 h incubation in PTX was without effect. PTX caused a concentration-dependent decrease in activity as demonstrated by consistently reduced locomotor activity with 1.0 and 3.0 mM: 0.3 mM resulted in variable decreases in locomotor activity and 0.03 mM yielded no effect. By contrast, PTX did not affect activity in RdlMD-RR larvae even at the highest concentration, 3.0 mM. Discussion Using an automated data acquisition system, it was found that PTX decreases activity in third instar Drosophila larvae due to a selective blockade of the GABAA receptor. The method will reduce the likelihood of human error and bias, as well as increase the speed and ease of data collection and analysis.
Supernova feedback in a local vertically stratified medium: interstellar turbulence and galactic winds

We use local Cartesian simulations with a vertical gravitational potential to study how supernova (SN) feedback in stratified galactic discs drives turbulence and launches galactic winds. Our analysis includes three disc models with gas surface densities ranging from Milky Way-like galaxies to gas-rich ultra-luminous infrared galaxies (ULIRGs), and two different SN driving schemes (random and correlated with local gas density). In order to isolate the physics of SN feedback, we do not include additional feedback processes. We find that, in these local box calculations, SN feedback excites relatively low mass-weighted gas turbulent velocity dispersions ~3-7 km/s and low wind mass loading factors < 1 in all the cases we study. The low turbulent velocities and wind mass loading factors predicted by our local box calculations are significantly below those suggested by observations of gas-rich and rapidly star-forming galaxies; they are also in tension with global simulations of disc galaxies regulated by stellar feedback. Using a combination of numerical tests and analytic arguments, we argue that local Cartesian boxes cannot predict the properties of galactic winds because they do not capture the correct global geometry and gravitational potential of galaxies. The wind mass loading factors are in fact not well-defined in local simulations because they decline significantly with increasing box height. More physically realistic calculations (e.g., including a global galactic potential and disc rotation) will likely be needed to fully understand disc turbulence and galactic outflows, even for the idealized case of feedback by SNe alone.
Coulomb energies in 16 Ne and low-lying levels of 17 Na

We have computed energies of $^{16}\mathrm{Ne}$ levels in a core plus two-nucleon space, using known $^{16}\mathrm{C}$ energies and existing wave functions. We have then used these energies to compute properties of the first three levels of $^{17}\mathrm{Na}$. Significant differences are found with results of a recent microscopic-cluster-model formulation.
Expanding Standing in Patent Declaratory Judgment Actions to Better Air Public Policy Considerations

This Note argues that modern-day patent litigation lacks sufficient consideration of public policy concerns. In order to remedy this, I propose three potential solutions that would broaden standing in patent declaratory judgment actions, thereby allowing more plaintiffs who are likely to raise such arguments to have their day in court. First, I discuss expanding standing within the current framework in light of the Supreme Court’s MedImmune decision, which held that courts should apply a broad all-the-circumstances test in determining patent declaratory judgment standing. Within this test, I urge courts to consider the degree to which a potential infringer raises important public policy concerns and the extent to which the potential infringer is uniquely incentivized economically to challenge the patent-at-issue. Second, I consider altering the framework for standing in patent declaratory judgment actions based on a reassessment of the fundamental justifications for standing doctrine generally. Observing that the traditional justifications for the standing requirement — and the separation of powers justification in particular — do not apply with force in the context of patent declaratory judgment actions, I suggest that the Supreme Court might craft a new standing framework for patent declaratory judgment actions. Third, I explore the extent to which Congress might statutorily expand standing in such cases. I conclude by noting that the post-grant opposition procedure created by the America Invents Act — the patent reform law enacted in September 2011 — is insufficient to assuage unease regarding the lack of public policy arguments in patent litigation. Courts might therefore alter the standing requirement in patent declaratory judgment actions in order to address this problem
Repeatability measurements of second systolic shoulder of the radial waveform and peripheral augmentation index with the OMRON HEM-9000AI device in a sample of young Mexican subjects

Abstract The development of non-invasive technology to perform pulse wave analysis and accurately determine central blood pressure has facilitated the study of central blood pressure as a physiologic and biomarker parameter. Central systolic blood pressure (cSBP) has been shown to be significantly associated with adverse outcome such as mortality and associated with adverse outcome. One of the most commonly evaluated features of the arterial pressure waveforms is augmentation index (AIx). Nowadays, there are multiple devices that have been developed for calculate AIx at peripheral arteries. The aim of our study was to assess the repeatability measurements of second systolic shoulder of the radial waveform (pSBP2) and peripheral augmentation index (pAIx) using the OMRON HEM-9000AI. 36 young subjects were studied. The paired t student test showed no significant difference. The mean difference between the two consecutive measures of pSBP2 was 0.3 ± 4; P = 0.58, pAIx (0.3 ± 7; P = 0.80) and pAIx75 (0.5 ± 6.6; P = 0.62). This study demonstrates good repeatability and reliability of this method in our study population, compared to other populations the variability between measurements.
Emotional Responses of Boys to Little League and Middle League Competitive Baseball

Abstract This study was an experimental investigation of the emotional responses of boys 9 through 15 years of age to highly organized competitive baseball. The subjects were 75 boys who participated in Little League Baseball, 50 boys who were members of Middle League teams, and 80 boys who did not play on an organized team. The Galvanic Skin Response test was employed to measure the emotional changes of boys participating in league baseball and to compare the results of these tests with those of the same boys participating in softball competition in physical education classes. Insofar as the Galvanic Skin Response test can be taken to be a valid measure of emotional excitation of boys of this age level, the results of this study suggest that youngsters were no more stimulated by competition in league games than they were by competition in physical education games.
Temporal and spatial expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha and vascular endothelial growth factor in a rat model of myocardial ischemia with or without reperfusion.

Background and Purpose: Although hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1α) plays a major role in the prevention of myocardial ischemia, the temporal and spatial patterns of expression of HIF-1α in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion are not well known. This study examined the role of HIF-1α and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion. Methods: Adult Wistar rats were studied after ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) for 30 min and them after reperfusion. HIF-1α and VEGF were measured immediately after relief of occlusion and at 30 min, 1, 3, 6, and 24 h after reperfusion, HIF-1α and VEGF proteins were also measured 6 h after permanent occlusion of the LAD. Results: HIF-1α and VEGF mRNA increased 1.8- and 1.4-fold, respectively, immediately after relief of occlusion and reached a maximum of 4.3- and 2.3-fold, respectively, at 3 h after reperfusion and remained elevated up to 24 h. HIF-1α and VEGF proteins increased immediately after relief of ischemia. HIF-1α protein significantly increased from 0.5 h to 24 h after reperfusion and VEGF protein significantly increased form 1 h to 6 h after reperfusion compared to the sham control. Administration of HIF-1α antisense oligonucleotide before ligation of the LAD significantly inhibited VEGF protein expression induced by ischemia-reperfusion. Immunohistochemical study showed increased immunoreactivity of HIF-1α and VEGF in the jeopardized myocardium after ischemia-reperfusion HIF-1α and VEGF proteins were increased at 6 h after permanent occlusion of the LAD. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that HIF-1α and VEGF were co-induced in a temporal and spatial pattern after ischemia-reperfusion in the rat ventricular myocardium.
An assessment of the relationship between tissue growth patterns and selected hormone profiles among sex phenotypes in cattle

The four sex phenotypes were used to study the relationship between carcass composition and serum profiles of hormones thought to affect growth. Forty calves (10 bulls, 10 steers, 10 heifers and 10 ovariectomized heifers) from Hereford dams crossed with Simmental-Hereford bulls (¾ Simmental-¼ Hereford) were given a high energy diet from 10 to 16 months of age. Sequential blood samples (20-min intervals) representing 6-h windows were obtained from each animal at the outset of the experiment and at 28-day intervals thereafter. Samples were assayed for growth hormone (GH), insulin, triiodothyronine, cortisol, testosterone, oestradiol-17β, urea and albumin. The 9-10-llth rib was dissected into fat, lean and bone, and chemical analysis was performed on the dissected soft tissue. Bulls accumulated more lean tissue and less fat than any other group. Heifers and ovariectomized heifers accumulated the least lean and most fat while steers were intermediate between bulls and the two heifer groups. Bulls may have accumulated more lean and less fat than the heifers due to higher GH and testosterone concentrations, and lower circulating concentrations of cortisol and insulin. The known function of these four hormones and their relative concentrations between bulls and the two female groups were consistent with their suggested role in the relative carcass compositions. The intermediate composition of the steer carcass may have resulted from an interplay between the proteogenic influence of higher GH concentrations, the proteolytic influence of elevated cortisol, the absence of testosterone and the lipogenic influence of higher insulin.
Appearance-Based Outdoor Localization Using Group LASSO Regression

This paper presents appearance-based localization for an omni-directional camera that builds on a combination of the group Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) and the extended Kalman filter (EKF). A histogram that represents the population of the Speeded-Up Robust Features (SURF points) is computed for each image, the features of which are selected via the group LASSO regression. The EKF takes the output of the LASSO regression-based first localization as observations for the final localization. The experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Bringing Hidden Organizations Out of the Shadows: Introduction to the Special Issue

This introduction to the special issue describes hidden organizations, offers several reasons for the lack of research on these collectives, and explains how this collection of articles helps move us forward in efforts to empirically study hidden organizations. After providing background information on the history of this special issue, the five articles published here are described in terms of the type of collective examined, the theories and methods used, and the key research questions addressed. Three observations about the published pieces are made: being hidden requires communicative effort; hiddenness is usefully understood in terms of identity management; and any discussion of hidden organizations raises ethical considerations. The piece closes with acknowledgements and a call for continued conceptual/theoretical and empirical research into hidden organizations.
In the Beginning of the Middle: Curriculum Considerations for Middle School General Music.

Middle school general music is an experience that numerous music educators feel underprepared to teach. Because many undergraduate programs spend little time on this teaching scenario and because t...
Experimental Studies on Passive Solar House Heating in Winter in the Serve Cold Regions in Xinjiang

In Xinjiang,the outskirts of the city of Shihezi has built a passive solar house as the research object,according to the structure of the area from 2002 to 2012 weather data and solar house structure,calculated based on room temperature is 16 ℃ and 18 ℃,solar house heating guaranteed rate,saving rate,auxiliary heat and indoor temperature forecast value. As a true collector efficiency grasp the solar house,understand the households in the heating period of the solar house living experience,in accordance with the "test method"technical conditions of real passive solar and thermal performance requirements,we use MS6501 digital thermometer,JTRG-II building thermal temperature and heat flux system instrument automatic test,in 2012 November to 2013 April the solar house was nearly 1 heating period. Through the analysis of experimental data,the calculation of the housing in the sun to maintain the room temperature 16 ℃,solar fraction is 26. 50%,the heating energy saving rate of 28. 90%;to maintain the room temperature of 18 ℃,solar house heating guaranteed rate is 22. 70%,the heating energy saving rate of was 27. 06%. The maximum temperature difference between the average indoor air temperature and inner wall surface temperature south bedroom is 1. 9 ℃; the wall temperature 1 ℃; the roof surface and the ground within the maximum temperature is 2. 8 ℃,thermal stability performance of the solar house,tenants also reflects the high degree of thermal comfort. Design of forecast and actual test results show that the solar heat collecting efficiency is slightly lower than the actual design of predictive value,and finds out the reasons causing the gap.
Investigation analysis on epidemiologic characteristics of dyslipidemia among Anhui adults

Objective To understand the characteristics of dyslipidemia among Anhui adults. Methods Questionnaire and physical examination were performed,height,weight,blood pressure and levels of blood sugar,total cholesterol( TC),triglyceride( TG),low density lipoprotein- cholesterol( LDL- C),and high density lipoprotein- cholesterol( HDL- C)were determined in fasting serum for 3600 adult subjects who were selected by multi- stage stratified cluster random sampling from 3600 households( one subject randomly selected from each household) from 24 towns and 72 villages in Anhui province. Results Prevalence of abnormal TC,TG,HDL- C,and LDL- C levels among Anhui adults were 4. 0%,11.6%,27. 4% and 1. 9%,respectively. Prevalence of abnormal TG and HDL- C levels was higher in males than females( P 0. 01. The odd ratios( OR) were 1. 458 and 1. 447,respectively.). Prevalence of abnormal TG and HDL- C levels among adults between 18 and 59 years was rising over years. Prevalence of high blood TG was 18. 5%,15. 7%,and 21.1%,respectively,among subjects with BMI≥24. 0 kg / ㎡,with hypertension,and with diabetes. The odd ratios( OR) between high blood TG and overweight,hypertension,and diabetes were 3. 247,2. 029 and 2. 438,respectively. Conclusion Hypertriglyceridemia and low blood HDL- C are two major types of dyslipidemia in Anhui adults. High blood TG is related to overweight,hypertension,and diabetes. Healthy diet,weight control,and healthy life style should be promoted for the control and prevention of dyslipidemia.
DYSLIPIDEMIAS IN DIABETIC PATIENTS : IS STANDARD CHOLESTEROL TREATMENT APPROPRIATE ?

Optimum care of diabetic patients should include screening for lipid abnormalities. The combination of high triglyceride and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, which is common in non-insulin-dependent (type II) diabetes, should be considered a separate risk factor for coronary artery disease. Pharmacologic therapy for dyslipidemias should be considered early in diabetic patients with atherosclerotic disease that has not responded to hygienic measures, including diet, exercise, and smoking cessation. Use of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors and gemfibrozil (Lopid) may be more appropriate for treatment of diabetic dyslipidemias than niacin or bile acid-binding resins.
Pure Red Cell Aplasia: Association With Large Granular Lymphocyte Leukemia and the Prognostic Value of Cytogenetic Abnormalities

From 1980 through 1994, we identified 47 adult patients with acquired pure red cell aplasia (median age, 64 years; range, 22 to 84 years). Associated clinical disorders included T-cell large granular lymphocytic (LGL) leukemia, thymoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Review of bone marrow findings in 40 patients showed absence of erythroid precursors in 14 patients and rare pronormoblasts in 26. None had morphologic evidence of myelodysplasia. T-cell receptor gene rearrangement studies with Southern blot technique in 14 patients showed clonal rearrangements in nine. Karyotypic analyses performed in 28 patients showed clonal abnormalities in four. Overall, 28 of 47 patients (60%) responded to immunosuppressive therapy, but none were the patients with cytogenetic abnormalities. There was a trend toward superior response to immunosuppressive agents in the patients with T-cell LGL leukemia. Cyclophosphamide, with or without corticosteroids, was the most useful treatment agent. Cyclosporine A was effective for refractory disease. Neither the presence of an associated clinical disorder nor the existence of detectable erythroid precursors affected overall survival. We conclude that (1) T-cell LGL leukemia is the disorder most commonly associated with pure red cell aplasia, (2) the presence of clonal cytogenetic abnormality predicts poor response to immunosuppressive therapy, and (3) oral cyclophosphamide and cyclosporine A are effective treatment regimens.
Making and Assessing Art in the Sustainability Classroom

Education for sustainability calls for students to become good stewards of the Earth; one way to foster these outcomes is through the process of creating art. Art and art making have potential for helping students restore their connections to the environment while moving their head and heart toward a clearer understanding of the world in which we live. The main focus of this art-making activity is fostering students’ positive expressions about sustainable change—rather than producing “good art”—while enhancing their understanding about, and experience of, the aspects of “art thinking” that differ from other modes of thinking, such as scientific. This activity aims at connecting sustainability across disciplines while helping all students to think creatively, when challenged by the complex themes studied in an environmental or sustainability studies class. After completing the activity, students should be able to (1) express their feelings about sustainability through creative, collaborative artwork, without being inhibited by perceived inabilities to produce “good art,” (2) communicate to classmates how their artwork conveys a sustainability message, and (3) more critically evaluate sustainability messages conveyed in artworks and transfer the acquired skills to all art.
Trends in mastectomy and reconstruction for breast cancer; a twelve year experience from a tertiary care center

Abstract Background Many surgical options exist for breast cancer, including breast conserving therapy (BCT), mastectomy with reconstruction (MAST+RECON) or without reconstruction (MAST). Long-term results regarding oncologic outcomes are few and primarily retrospective studies. Methods A retrospective review of a prospectively collected database of patients undergoing breast surgery for breast cancer from 2002 to 2014 was performed. Patients were separated into 3 time periods for analysis: 2002 to 2005, 2006 to 2009, and 2010 to 2014. Recurrence outcomes were compared at 4 years between MAST+RECON patients. Results Two thousand seventy-six patients were identified: 61.2% underwent BCT, 19.7% had MAST, and 19.1% had MAST+RECON. BCT patients were older and had smaller tumors. MAST+RECON increased in prevalence, whereas BCT decreased. Implant-based reconstruction and conservative mastectomy rates increased over the study period. Four-year local recurrence–free rates were similar in nipple-sparing and skin-sparing mastectomy groups. Conclusions BCT usage has decreased, trending toward immediate, nipple-sparing mastectomy, implant-based reconstruction. Surgeons should be aware of trends to optimally offer patients their surgical options.
The Affective Dionysian Tradition in Medieval Northern Europe

Recent students of mysticism have sharply distinguished monistic from theistic mysticism. The former is more or less identified with the empty consciousness experience and the latter with the love mysticism of such figures as Bernard of Clairvaux. I argue that a sharp distinction between the two is unwarranted. Western medieval mystics, for example, combined the apophatic theology of Dionysius the Areopagite with the erotic imagery of the mystical marriage. Their experiences were clearly theistic but integrally incorporated ‘monistic moments’. I conclude by discussing Nelson Pike’s claim that these monistic moments were themselves phenomenologically theistic.
Overcoming resistance to HER2-targeted therapy with a novel HER2/CD3 bispecific antibody

ABSTRACTT-cell-based therapies have emerged as one of the most clinically effective ways to target solid and non-solid tumors. HER2 is responsible for the oncogenesis and treatment resistance of several human solid tumors. As a member of the HER family of tyrosine kinase receptors, its over-activity confers unfavorable clinical outcome. Targeted therapies directed at this receptor have achieved responses, although development of resistance is common. We explored a novel HER2/CD3 bispecific antibody (HER2-BsAb) platform that while preserving the anti-proliferative effects of trastuzumab, it recruits and activates non-specific circulating T-cells, promoting T cell tumor infiltration and ablating HER2(+) tumors, even when these are resistant to standard HER2-targeted therapies. Its in vitro tumor cytotoxicity, when expressed as EC50, correlated with the surface HER2 expression in a large panel of human tumor cell lines, irrespective of lineage or tumor type. HER2-BsAb-mediated cytotoxicity was relatively ins...
Neural Correlates of Consciousness at Near-Electrocerebral Silence in an Asphyxial Cardiac Arrest Model.

Recent electrophysiological studies have suggested surges in electrical correlates of consciousness (i.e., elevated gamma power and connectivity) after cardiac arrest (CA). This study examines electrocorticogram (ECoG) activity and coherence of the dying brain during asphyxial CA. Male Wistar rats (n = 16) were induced with isoflurane anesthesia, which was washed out before asphyxial CA. Mean phase coherence and ECoG power were compared during different stages of the asphyxial period to assess potential neural correlates of consciousness. After asphyxia, the ECoG progressed through four distinct stages (asphyxial stages 1-4 [AS1-4]), including a transient period of near-electrocerebral silence lasting several seconds (AS3). Electrocerebral silence (AS4) occurred within 1 min of the start of asphyxia, and pulseless electrical activity followed the start of AS4 by 1-2 min. AS3 was linked to a significant increase in frontal coherence between the left and right motor cortices (p < 0.05), with no corresponding increase in ECoG power. AS3 was also associated with a significant posterior shift of ECoG power, favoring the visual cortices (p < 0.05). Although the ECoG during AS3 appears visually flat or silent when viewed with standard clinical settings, our study suggests that this period of transient near-electrocerebral silence contains distinctive neural activity. Specifically, the burst in frontal coherence and posterior shift of ECoG power that we find during this period immediately preceding CA may be a neural correlate of conscious processing.
Determination of nitrogen balance in agroecosystems.

Abstract Nitrogen balance in agroecosystems provides a quantitative framework of N inputs and outputs and retention in the soil that examines the sustainability of agricultural productivity and soil and environmental quality. Nitrogen inputs include N additions from manures and fertilizers, atmospheric depositions including wet and dry depositions, irrigation water, and biological N fixation. Nitrogen outputs include N removal in crop grain and biomass and N losses through leaching, denitrification, volatilization, surface runoff, erosion, gas emissions, and plant senescence. Nitrogen balance, which is the difference between N inputs and outputs, can be reflected in changes in soil total (organic + inorganic) N during the course of the experiment duration due to N immobilization and mineralization. While increased soil N retention and mineralization can enhance crop yields and decrease N fertilization rate, reduced N losses through N leaching and gas emissions (primarily NH 4 and NO x emissions, out of which N 2 O is a potent greenhouse gas) can improve water and air quality. • This paper discusses measurements and estimations (for non-measurable parameters due to complexity) of all inputs and outputs of N as well as changes in soil N storage during the course of the experiment to calculate N balance. • The method shows N flows, retention in the soil, and losses to the environment from agroecosystems. • The method can be used to measure agroecosystem performance and soil and environmental quality from agricultural practices.
From Cookbook to Research: Redesigning an Advanced Biochemistry Laboratory

Laboratory courses are often designed using step-by-step protocols which encourage students to conduct experiments without thinking about what they are doing or why they are doing it. Such course design limits the growth of our students as scientists and can make it more difficult for a student to transition to the expectations of a research laboratory experience. To facilitate student growth in the process skills necessary to transition from the teaching laboratory to the research laboratory, an advanced biochemistry laboratory was redesigned to be team-taught and project-based culminating in a 7 week group research project in which the students worked collaboratively to propose, design, and troubleshoot their own experiments. Here, we report perceived student learning gains which provide additional evidence that inquiry- and research-based pedagogies impact student confidence with respect to the process skills required for self-directed research.
Smart power-strip: Home automation by bringing outlets into the IoT

In this paper, a device called the Smart Power-Strip is presented. It functions as a wall outlet adapter that is controlled by a microcontroller and can turn any standard home into an automated home without additional construction. It can obtain information by wi-fi connection or sensors then the microcontroller makes a decision based on the obtained information (e.g., programmed parameters). Furthermore, a user can access information and control devices that are plugged into the Smart Power-Strip remotely by using Blynk, which is designed for the Internet of Things (IoT). Therefore, the Smart Power-Strip can bridge the gap between standard homes and the latest in consumer technology.
The Delusional but Hopeful Patient

Ms. Alvarez, a 58 year-old Hispanic woman, presented with 2 years of “infestation with bugs.” The episodes started when she stayed at her friend’s house and was reportedly exposed to dirty blankets and soiled linens. She had seen many physicians, both dermatologists and non-dermatologists. She brought in a bag full of topical medications including topical steroids, anti-fungal creams, anti-bacterial ointments, and moisturizers, none of which were of benefit. She had been treated twice with permethrine (Elimite®) by a dermatologist with only transient relief of symptoms. She described in great details the life cycle and the mating habits of these parasites. She also presented to you zip-lock bags of soiled materials containing tissue papers with brown stains suspended in cloudy water. She stated unequivocally that these specimens contain the “parasites” she has described.
A 13 th -order CMOS reconfigurable RF BPF with adjustable transmission zeros for SAW-less SDR receivers

Current cellular receivers often employ acoustic filters (SAW or BAW) for each communication band due to their high selectivity, low insertion loss, and small formfactor. The need to support multiple communication bands, multi-input multi-output (MIMO) communications, and carrier aggregation necessitates the use of several such acoustic filters with a large overall footprint. These acoustic RF filters employ several high-Q acoustic resonators to create several poles and transmission zeros in a high-order transfer function to achieve low insertion loss within a nearly flat passband, fast roll-off, and highly attenuated stopband. The low quality factor of integrated passive components, specifically inductors, leads to a significant increase of insertion loss (proportional to the filter order and inversely proportional to the component quality factor) and poor stopband rejection for an equivalent RF filter.
A decade of experience with rotavirus vaccination in the United States - vaccine uptake, effectiveness, and impact.

Introduction: Prior to 2006, nearly every U.S. child was infected with rotavirus by 5 years of age, and rotavirus was the leading cause of severe childhood gastroenteritis. In February 2006 and Jun...
Resting Heart Rate Variability (HRV) in Adolescents and Young Adults from a Genetically-Informed Perspective.

Reduced heart rate variability (HRV) is associated with cardiac morbidity, mortality, and negative psychopathology. Most research concerning genetic influences on HRV has focused on adult populations, with fewer studies investigating the developmental period of adolescence and emerging adulthood. The current study estimated the genetic and environmental contributions to resting HRV in a sample of twins using various HRV time domain metrics to assess autonomic function across two different time measurement intervals (2.5- and 10-min). Five metrics of resting HRV [mean interbeat interval (IBI), the standard deviation of normal IBIs (SDNN), root square mean of successive differences between IBIs (RMSSD), cardiac vagal index (CVI), and cardiac sympathetic index (CSI)] were assessed in 421 twin pairs aged 14-20 during a baseline electrocardiogram. This was done for four successive 2.5-min intervals as well as the overall 10-min interval. Heritability (h2) appeared consistent across intervals within each metric with the following estimates (collapsed across time intervals): mean IBI (h2 = 0.36-0.46), SDNN (h2 = 0.23-0.30), RMSSD (h2 = 0.36-0.39), CVI (h2 = 0.37-0.42), CSI (h2 = 0.33-0.46). Beyond additive genetic contributions, unique environment also was an important influence on HRV. Within each metric, a multivariate Cholesky decomposition further revealed evidence of genetic stability across the four successive 2.5-min intervals. The same models showed evidence for both genetic and environmental stability with some environmental attenuation and innovation. All measures of HRV were moderately heritable across time, with further analyses revealing consistent patterns of genetic and environmental influences over time. This study confirms that in an adolescent sample, the time interval used (2.5- vs. 10-min) to measure HRV time domain metrics does not affect the relative proportions of genetic and environmental influences.
Spinal cord thermosensitivity and sorting of neural signals in cold exposed rats

In the present study, data relevant to the presence or absence of sorting of neural signals were obtained by evaluating the thermal responses to spinal warming in the chronically prepared rat. Specifically, shivering activity and the rate of oxygen consumption (VO2) were measured in unanesthetized rats during cold exposure (10-16 degrees C). Warming the spinal cord at the level of T2 resulted in a significant decrease in shivering (P less than 0.001), without a significant change in VO2. The shivering response was reversed upon cessation of heating. These results are interpreted as indicating a direct influence of spinal cord temperature on shivering but not nonshivering thermogenesis in the rat. Similarly, in previous work with the rat, we have obtained data supporting hypothalamic receptor control of nonshivering but not shivering heat production. These findings are thus consistent with the suggestion that in the rat there occurs a sorting of neural signals. That is, impulses from the three thermoreceptor locations are not integrated in an identical manner for the control of shivering and nonshivering thermogenesis.
Water, Its Properties, Biochemistry, and Biological Implications

In order to examine the role of water in living processes and as a solvent, it is necessary to consider its chemistry. Water has many unique properties, and some understanding of them is essential to an evaluation of its functions and versatility as a chemical in a cell and in the environment.
Lygus hesperus and L. lineolaris (Hemiptera: Miridae), phytophages, zoophages, or omnivores: evidence of feeding adaptations suggested by the salivary and midgut digestive enzymes.

Although Lygus hesperus Knight and L. lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois) (Hemiptera: Miridae) are extremely destructive pests of a large variety of crops, the exact nature of their feeding adaptations remains unresolved. We studied the digestive enzymes in the salivary gland complex and guts of L. hesperus and L. lineolaris to elucidate the feeding mechanism and to determine the relative zoophagous and phytophagous potential of each species. Most of the digestive enzyme activity in both species originated in the salivary gland complex rather than the gut. We found general protease activity in the salivary gland complexes and guts of both species, with the predominant activity in the salivary gland complexes. Trypsin-like enzyme activity was the predominant alkaline protease in both species, but L. hesperus had significantly more activity than did L. lineolaris. In both species trypsin-like activity was greater in the salivary gland complex than in the gut. Some elastase-like activity occurred in both body r...
Development of a Structured Outcomes Assessment and Implementation Program in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

This article reports on the Outcomes Program (OP) that the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) developed to (1) monitor unit-based outcomes trends and safety data, (2) systematically identify targets for process improvement, and (3) implement new projects and care protocols with the aim of improving patient care. Following development of the OP structure in 2013, the authors have coordinated the components of outcomes data and reporting, clinical performance review, outcomes committee, knowledge translation, and implementation science programs to impact practice. Through routine provider updates, educational strategies, and prioritization of focused projects that include structured implementation plans, the model of PICU care has been improved. Described herein is the development of the process to evaluate intensive care unit outcomes and address the need for programmatic change through implementation science principles. Such a process may be of use in other PICUs.
Speed–Accuracy Trade-Offs and Adaptation Deficits in Aphasia: Finding the “Sweet Spot” Between Overly Cautious and Incautious Responding

Purpose After stroke, how well do people with aphasia (PWA) adapt to the altered functioning of their language system? When completing a language-dependent task, how well do PWA balance speed and accuracy when the goal is to respond both as quickly and accurately as possible? The current work investigates adaptation theory (Kolk & Heeschen, 1990) in the context of speed–accuracy trade-offs in a lexical decision task. PWA were predicted to set less beneficial speed–accuracy trade-offs than matched controls, and at least some PWA were predicted to present with adaptation deficits, with impaired accuracy or response times attributable to speed–accuracy trade-offs. Method The study used the diffusion model (Ratcliff, 1978), a computational model of response time for simple 2-choice tasks. Parameters of the model can be used to distinguish basic processing efficiency from the overall level of caution in setting response thresholds and were used here to characterize speed–accuracy trade-offs in 20 PWA and match...
Higher Tariffs, Lower Revenues? Analyzing the Fiscal Aspects of the

After the Civil War, Congress justified high import tariffs (relative to their prewar levels)" as necessary in order to raise sufficient revenue to pay off the public debt. By the early 1880s the federal government was running large and seemingly intractable fiscal surpluses revenues" exceeded expenditures (including debt service and repurchases) by over 40 percent during that" decade. The political parties proposed alternative plans to deal with the surplus: the Democrats" proposed a tariff reduction to reduce customs revenue, the Republicans offered higher tariffs to" reduce imports and customs revenue. This paper examines this debate and attempts to determine" the revenue effects of the proposed tariff changes. The results indicate that the tariff and the price elasticity of U.S. import demand during the 1880s below the maximum revenue rate, and therefore a tariff reduction would have reduced customs" revenue.
The Effect of Distal Radius Fracture Location on Distal Radioulnar Joint Stability: A Cadaveric Study.

Purpose To investigate whether the location of distal radius osteotomy/shortening relative to the radial insertion of the distal interosseous membrane (DIOM) is correlated with distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability. We hypothesized that distal radius osteotomy and shortening proximal to the DIOM insertion would result in increased DRUJ instability because of induced laxity in the DIOM. Methods Osteotomies of the distal radius were performed proximal and distal to the DIOM insertion in 14 fresh-frozen cadaveric specimens. Using a volar plate, 5 conditions were tested: anatomical radius alignment; 2- and 4-mm shortening at the proximal osteotomy site; and 2- and 4-mm shortening at the distal osteotomy site. Basilar ulnar styloid osteotomy was performed to simulate triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) detachment—specimens were tested with the ulnar styloid detached and the ulnar styloid fixed (to restore normal anatomy). The DRUJ stability was quantified using dorsal-volar displacement of the radius in response to 20 N of force using a force-displacement probe in neutral, pronation, and supination. Posttesting specimen dissections assessed DIOM and distal oblique bundle (DOB) anatomy. The DRUJ stability in each experimental condition was compared with a multifactor repeated measures analysis of variance with the specimen treated as the repeated factor. Results There were no significant differences in dorsal-volar translation of the radius (ie, DRUJ stability) between radial osteotomy/shortening proximal and distal to the DIOM insertion, regardless of forearm rotational position or magnitude of shortening. Five (36%) of the 14 specimens had a DOB present. There was a significant increase in DRUJ instability in the setting of TFCC detachment (via basilar ulnar styloid osteotomy). Conclusions No difference in DRUJ stability was observed between distal radius osteotomy/shortening proximal and distal to the DIOM radial insertion, regardless of forearm rotation, magnitude of shortening, and/or TFCC detachment. Clinical relevance Distal radius osteotomy and shortening did not affect DRUJ stability regardless of location relative to the DIOM insertion.
Spectrum optimization in photon counting detector based iodine K-edge CT imaging

Iodine K-edge CT imaging utilizes the sudden increase in the attenuation coefficient of iodine when the x-ray energy exceeds the K-shell binding energy of iodine. Early works on K-edge CT used multiple K-edge filters to generate different quasi-monoenergetic spectra with mean energies that straddled the iodine K-edge, and then multiple projections acquired with these spectra were processed to enhance the sensitivity of imaging iodine. Recent developments in energy-resolving photon counting detector (PCD) technology offer the potential for single-shot K-edge CT imaging. However, the performance of PCD-based iodine K-edge CT is often limited by the relatively low energy of the iodine K-edge (33.2 keV) compared with the mean energy of a polychromatic spectrum used in CT. This work explored the potential of introducing an iodine beam filter to PCD-based iodine K-edge CT to improve its imaging performance. To optimize the beam filtration condition, a realistic energy response function of an experimental PCD system was used when calculating the Cramer-Rao Lower Bounds (CRLBs) of three-material (iodine, bone, and water) decomposition estimators for each filtration condition. Experimental studies with a benchtop PCD CT system were performed to confirm the CRLB results. Both theoretical and experimental results demonstrated that by using an optimized iodine filter, quantitative accuracy of material basis images was improved. Compared with a commercial dual-energy-CT system, the optimized experimental K-edge CT system effectively reduced residual iodine signal in the bone basis image and reduced residual bone signal in the water-basis image.
Thinking Algorithmically: From Cold War Computer Science to the Socialist Information Culture

Cold War competition shaped the process of computerization in both East and West during the second half of the twentieth century. This article combines insights from Science and Technology Studies, which brought the analysis of Cold War technopolitics beyond the context of the nation-state, with approaches from Critical Algorithm Studies, to question the algorithm’s role in the global “computer revolution.” It traces the algorithm’s trajectory across several geographical, political, and discursive spaces to argue that its mutable cultural valences made the algorithm a universalizing attribute for representing human-machine interactions across the ideological divide. It shows that discourses about the human capacity to devise algorithms, a practice central to computer programming, became a space for negotiating different versions of modern subjectivity. This article focuses on two related episodes to demonstrate how the notion of “algorithmic thinking” became explicitly associated with a range of politicized agendas, each claiming the algorithm’s power. On one hand, the coupling of “algorithm” and “thinking” was used to describe a naturalized cognitive capacity shared among the members of the international scientific community and projected backward to the medieval scholar Al-Khwarizmi. On the other hand, the universal spread of “algorithmic thinking” became the educational goal of a late Soviet computer literacy campaign under the slogan of “Programming, the Second Literacy,” a metaphor and a political vision conceived to bring about the Socialist “Information Age.”