cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Growing Old Behind Bars Health Profiles of the Older Male Inmate Population in the United States

Objective: This study examines patterns of multimorbidity among elderly male inmates across four domains of health (chronic medical conditions, drug- and alcohol-related diseases, impairments, and mental and behavioral health) to understand the complex health care needs of this growing population. Method: We use the 2004 Survey of Inmates in State Correctional Facilities and Latent Class Regression Analysis to examine 22 health problems among 1,026 men aged 50 and older. Results: There are four groups of elderly male inmates: (a) relatively healthy (45.1%), (b) substance users with behavioral health issues (23.4%), (c) chronic unhealthy with impairments and violence/injury (23.6%), and (d) very unhealthy across all domains (7.9%). These groups have unique sociodemographic background and incarceration history characteristics. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the complexity of health for elderly inmates. Prison health should continue to be monitored to aid correctional and community health programs in un...
Corollaries of Strongly Embedded Type from a Theorem of Aschbacher

Publisher Summary This chapter presents the corollaries of strongly embedded type from a theorem of Aschbacher. A useful feature of the corollary is that the isomorphism type of the weak closure of z in C G (u) is not specified and hence can be applied to a variety of theorems whose conclusion is the assertion that G belongs to a class of groups closed under normal products. The proof of the corollary is a straightforward induction. The second corollary of Aschbacher's Theorem represents a far-reaching generalization of Bender's Theorem on strongly embedded subgroups.
Experimental constraints on bubble formation and growth during magma ascent: A review

The number of studies investigating the vesiculation of natural samples and their implications to volcanic degassing and eruption mechanisms has been growing rapidly within the last decades. To interpret the natural rock textures, the geoscience community has produced a range of experimental and theoretical data sets on bubble nucleation, growth, and coalescence in magmatic systems. A robust experimental database is required to calibrate (theoretical and empirical) modeling approaches, which allow the calculation of magma ascent rates from volcanic ejecta mainly by the determination of the bubble number density ( BND ). Although, the available data set is still limited, it already shows that variations in melt (and volatile/fluid) composition can have a significant effect. In this manuscript we (re-)evaluate the existing experimental data set, while focusing mainly on the review and discussion of continuous decompression experiments. One aim of this review article is to encourage scientists to fill the gaps in the existing experimental data sets and help to acknowledge, use, and further develop the most promising experimental techniques. Therefore, we highlight different methods and discuss their advantages and possible limitations. We also discuss possible ways of how to better account for the influence of melt composition in models, which link BND to decompression rate.
Effects of Selected Nonmusical Characteristics and Band Festival Participation, Scores, and Literature Difficulty.

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study was to examine potential validity concerns regarding the use of music festival scores as an element of value-added assessment practices mandated by federal education policy. Nonmusical school and band characteristics of band size, school enrollment, school percentage of minority enrollment, and school percentage of students eligible for free and reduced-price lunch were compared to concert band festival participation, scores, and literature selection. Results of a one-way ANOVA revealed that schools with lower enrollments and higher percentages of minority students and students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch programs were less likely to participate in a concert band festival. MANOVA results using composite festival score and literature difficulty as dependent variables indicated a significant three-way interaction for school size, free/reduced-price lunch category, and band size, with an additional interaction for minority category and school enrollment. Signifi...
The Many Contributions to Protein-Ligand Binding: Implications in Drug Design

The protein-ligand binding event is exceedingly complex with several contributions playing important roles in determining the affinities of compounds against biological targets. The net binding free energy is a fine balance between contributions that oppose binding, such as individual ligand and protein penalty terms (interactions lost with the solvent, strain, and also entropy losses), and those that favor it like protein-ligand intermolecular interactions and the release of waters from binding sites. Here, some of the most important contributions to Protein-Ligand binding are analyzed. Deep knowledge of those contributions is of fundamental importance in Medicinal Chemistry since it can enhance drug design effectiveness, enabling the generation of compounds with improved potency and desirable properties.
Electrolyte Transport Across the Mouse Small Intestine

SummaryThe electrical and electrolyte transport properties of nonstripped mouse intestine were investigated using the Ussing chamber technique. In HCO3-NaCl 0Ringer solution a PD of 1.47 ± 0.17 mV and Ise, of 15.8 ± 1.56 μA existed across the intestine, orientated such that the serosa was electropositive to the mucosa. Radioisotope flux measurements demonstrated net Na absorption and Cl secretion. The Ise was less than the sum of net Na and Cl fluxes (JnetNa + Jnetcl), yielding a negative net residual flux (JnetR), indication of a simultaneous anion absorption or cation secretion. Glucose augmented JnetNa + Jnetcl and increased the PD and Isc. In the absence of bicarbonate, the JnetNa and JnetR were reduced to practically zero, suggesting that either HCO3- absorption or H+ secretion is responsible for the residual flux observed in HCO3- Ringer. These findings also indicate that Na absorption is HCO3- dependent.
Noise Shielding of Acoustic Devices for Insect Detection

The need to monitor hidden insects and automate the acquisition of data for grain management has led to development of electronic sound detection devices. Typically, insect feeding and movement sounds are low in intensity, and they attenuate rapidly in grain. The mean sound pressure level (SPL) generated by rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae (L.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), larvae in wheat kernels is only 23 dB (referenced to 20 μPa) as measured by a microphone immersed in a grain sample 3 cm from a larva-infested kernel. Unless the noise background is reduced below these levels by 10 dB or more, an insect cannot be detected reliably. To establish guidelines and procedures for shielding acoustic detectors in a grain elevator or other noisy environment, a multi layered enclosure was constructed that attenuates sound by 70–85 dB between 1 and 10 kHz. This level of noise reduction is sufficient to enable detection of internally feeding larvae in grain samples at inspection facilities at commercial grain elevators, which have 50–80 dB SPL noise backgrounds between 0.1 and 10 kHz.
Study on the Structure of Community and Biodiversity of Soil Macrofauna in Different Shelterbelt in Minquan Forest Management Aera

The structure of community and biodiversity of soil macrofauna were studied in summer 2008 and spring 2009.Results showed that soil macrofauna in the forest of Minquan Forest Management Aera belonged to 3 phyla,7 classes,17 orders and 51 families.There were 2 categories dominant groups,3 categories common groups.Because of the different planting types,the features and structures of soil macrofauna were different among these five types of forest land.Density of soil macrofauna from largest to smallest was Poplar Forest Poplar and Locust Tree Forest Wide Line Intercrop Forest Locust Tree Forest Narrow Line Intercrop Forest.The groups number of soil macrofauna from largest to smallest was Poplar Forest Wide Line Intercrop Forest Locust Tree Forest Poplar and Locust Tree Forest Narrow Line Intercrop Forest.In the respect of vertical distribution,the groups number and individual density decreased gradually with the depth and the phenomenon of the surface gathering was obvious.In different seasons,the number of groups and density of soil macrofauna appeared differently,they were higher in summer than those in spring.
Test Analysis and Treatment of Inner Steam Leak in Turbine HP Cylinder

During the performance test implemented after turbine alteration,it is found that the HP cylinder extraction steam tempreture is abnormally high. Through analysis,it is considered,that steam leak exists in HP cylinder,and the position of leakage is pointed out. After treatment by open cylinder,the steam leak is eliminated,and the effect has been proven in another test. The unit performance of economy and safety is improved.
Smart Sketchpad: Using Machine Learning to Provide Contextually Relevant Examples to Artists

Sketching is a way for artists to generate ideas quickly, explore alternatives with less risk, and encourage discussions. How might computational tools amplify the abilities of artists? This paper introduces Smart Sketchpad, a digital sketchpad that uses machine learning to identify what is being sketched. The sketchpad then shows example images, color pallets, and subject information. The goal of Smart Sketchpad is to increase an artist’s ability to get ideas down with higher fidelity by making it easier to reference and include existing example works. Our study compares traditional sketching on a phone to Smart Sketchpad. We found that introducing examples during the sketching process leads to higher satisfaction of the sketch by the artist and an external expert.
SU-F-I-30: Minimization of Resolution Loss for CT Scans of the Elbow at Lateral Position

Purpose: Resolution is vital in elbow CT in order to examine the details of fractures. However, it is significantly compromised when the elbow is at the lateral position due to the body attenuation and off-center position. We attempted to find the parameters to minimize the resolution loss while keeping the dose ALARA. Methods: To simulate the medium and large patient respectively, an abdomen phantom (CIRS TE07) was used and then a fat-ring was added. A small tissue-equivalent phantom (CIRS TE02) simulating the elbow was connected to another smaller phantom (CIRS TE01). A resolution insert (CIRS QA) was placed inside the elbow phantom. The two-phantom set was first placed in the superior position and helical scans were performed using a GE VCT with 120 kVp, 0.531 pitch, 0.625 mm thickness and CTDI_vol of 21 mGy. Similar scans were performed after the set was moved to the body side with varied CTDI_vol (39- 90 mGy). Different choices were utilized including scan modes of “plus” (thicker slice profile) and “full”, kernels of “edge”, “bone” and “detail”, and different ASIR fractions. Results: Resolution deterioration was significant when the elbow phantom was at the body side. The scans with the “plus” mode improved the resolution as compared with the “full” mode. For the medium sized phantom, the CTDI_vol increase from 40 mGy to 67 mGy did not improve the resolution. For the large phantom, the CTDI_vol increase from 67 mGy to 80 mGy and 90 mGy did not improve the resolution either. Furthermore, ASIR blending bigger than 50% deteriorated the resolution. Conclusion: Resolution loss can be minimized using scans with the “Plus” mode, bone kernel, and ASIR blending of 0%- 30%. CTDI_vol values larger than 40 mGy and larger than 67 mGy, for the medium sized and large sized phantoms, respectively, do not improve the resolution.
Designing a Uniaxial Tension/Compression Test for Springback Analysis in High-Strength Steel Sheets

We describe an innovative design for an in-plane measurement technique that subjects thin sheet metal specimens to bidirectional loading. The goal of this measurement is to provide the critical performance data necessary to validate complex predictions of the work hardening behavior during reversed uniaxial deformation. In this approach, all of the principal forces applied to the specimen are continually measured in real-time throughout the test. This includes the lateral forces that are required to prevent out of plane displacements in the specimen that promote buckling. This additional information will, in turn, improve the accuracy of the compensation for the friction generated between the anti-bucking guides and the specimen during compression. The results from an initial series of experiments not only demonstrate that our approach is feasible, but that it generates data with the accuracy necessary to quantify the directionally-dependent changes in the yield behavior that occur when the strain path is reversed (i.e., the Bauschinger Effect).
Assessing the importance of seepage and springs to nitrate flux in a stream network in the Wisconsin sand plains

Evaluating the flow paths that contribute to solute flux in stream networks can lead to greater understanding of the linkages between biogeochemistry and hydrology. We compared the contributions of groundwater in spring brooks and in seepage through the streambed to nitrate flux in the Emmons Creek network in the Wisconsin sand plains. We predicted that spring brooks would contribute disproportionately to nitrate flux due to the presumed higher advection rates in springs and less opportunity for nitrate removal relative to seeps. Nitrate flux was measured in 15 spring brooks that entered Emmons Creek. Nitrate flux from seepage was measured at the locations of 30 piezometers, based on Darcy's Law, and by a reach-scale injection of Rhodamine water tracing (RWT). When seepage discharge was estimated from the RWT release, groundwater inputs from seepage and springs accounted for the discharge gain in the Emmons Creek channel. Springs brooks and seepage (based on the RWT release) contributed 37% and 63%, respectively, to nitrate flux inputs in the study reach. Contrary to our prediction, seeps contributed disproportionately to nitrate flux relative to their discharge. Relatively high rates of seepage discharge and higher than anticipated nitrate concentrations in the shallow pore water at seepage locations contributed to the unanticipated result.
Remote Ischemic ConditioningPromising Potential in Wound Repair in Diabetes

Remote ischemic conditioning involves the use of a blood pressure cuff or similar device to induce brief (3-5 min) episodes of limb ischemia. This, in turn, seems to activate a group of distress signals that has shown the potential ability to improve healing of the heart muscle and other organ systems. Until recently, this has not been tested in people with diabetic foot ulcers. The purpose of this review was to provide background on remote ischemic conditioning and recent data to potentially support its use as an adjunct to healing diabetic foot ulcers and other types of tissue loss. We believe that this inexpensive therapy has the potential to be deployed and incorporated into a variety of other therapies to prime patients for healing and to reduce morbidity in patients with this common, complex, and costly complication.
Understanding Mechanisms of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Response to Improve Patient Selection and Outcomes

See Article by Huntjens et al Medical therapy for systolic heart failure improves symptoms, functional capacity, and survival. However, despite optimal medical therapy, many patients with significantly depressed left ventricular (LV) systolic function continue to have symptoms that limit functionality and quality of life. Deleterious hemodynamics effects of asynchronous activation of the myocardium have been recognized for almost a century.1 Many patients with LV dysfunction have additional interventricular or intraventricular dyssynchrony, which can further impair cardiac output2 and which, in some cases, may be the primary cause of LV dysfunction itself.3 Ventricular dyssynchrony results in adverse changes in ventricular loading and hemodynamics, cardiac blood flow and energy metabolism, gene and protein expression, and valvular regurgitation, eventually culminating in progressive adverse ventricular remodeling, which can cause further deterioration of LV function.4 Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) targets and treats ventricular dyssynchrony and has been associated with reduced heart failure hospitalization, improved functional status, better quality of life, and decreased mortality in multiple randomized controlled trials (RCTs).5 CRT implantation is an invasive procedure associated with both procedural risk6 and cost. Unfortunately, all patients who meet current guidelines for CRT implantation7 (which focus primarily on LV ejection fraction, New York Heart Association functional class, and QRS duration/morphology) do not experience benefit from CRT, and despite extensive study, optimal patient selection for CRT remains elusive. QRS duration, left bundle branch block (LBBB), and other clinical and demographic parameters have been associated with rates of CRT response,8 and CRT implantation using echocardiographic9 or electrogram-guided10 LV lead positioning have been proposed as ways to improve CRT response rates, but even with improved technology, ≈30% …
Pain therapeutics from cone snail venoms: From Ziconotide to novel non-opioid pathways

Abstract There have been numerous attempts to develop non-opioid drugs for severe pain, but the vast majority of these efforts have failed. A notable exception is Ziconotide (Prialt®), approved by the FDA in 2004. In this review, we summarize the present status of Ziconotide as a therapeutic drug and introduce a wider framework: the potential of venom peptides from cone snails as a resource providing a continuous pipeline for the discovery of non-opioid pain therapeutics. An auxiliary theme that we hope to develop is that these venoms, already a validated starting point for non-opioid drug leads, should also provide an opportunity for identifying novel molecular targets for future pain drugs. This review comprises several sections: the first focuses on Ziconotide as a therapeutic (including a historical retrospective and a clinical perspective); followed by sections on other promising Conus venom peptides that are either in clinical or pre-clinical development. We conclude with a discussion on why the outlook for discovery appears exceptionally promising. The combination of new technologies in diverse fields, including the development of novel high-content assays and revolutionary advancements in transcriptomics and proteomics, puts us at the cusp of providing a continuous pipeline of non-opioid drug innovations for pain. Significance The current opioid epidemic is the deadliest drug crisis in American history. Thus, this review on the discovery of non-opioid pain therapeutics and pathways from cone snail venoms is significant and timely.
Erythropoiesis: insights into pathophysiology and treatments in 2017

Erythropoiesis is a tightly-regulated and complex process originating in the bone marrow from a multipotent stem cell and terminating in a mature, enucleated erythrocyte. Altered red cell production can result from the direct impairment of medullary erythropoiesis, as seen in the thalassemia syndromes, inherited bone marrow failure as well as in the anemia of chronic disease. Alternatively, in disorders such as sickle cell disease (SCD) as well as enzymopathies and membrane defects, medullary erythropoiesis is not, or only minimally, directly impaired. Despite these differences in pathophysiology, therapies have traditionally been non-specific, limited to symptomatic control of anemia via packed red blood cell (pRBC) transfusion, resulting in iron overload and the eventual need for iron chelation or splenectomy to reduce defective red cell destruction. Likewise, in polycythemia vera overproduction of red cells has historically been dealt with by non-specific myelosuppression or phlebotomy. With a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying disease pathophysiology, new therapeutic targets have been identified including induction of fetal hemoglobin, interference with aberrant signaling pathways and gene therapy for definitive cure. This review, utilizing some representative disorders of erythropoiesis, will highlight novel therapeutic modalities currently in development for treatment of red cell disorders.
Moral Realism, Meta-Ethical Pyrrhonism and Naturalism

This paper argues that naturalistic moral realism is vulnerable to a Hard Problem that has gone largely unrecognized. This problem is to explain how natural moral properties are detected by the folk. I argue that Thomas Nagel’s persuasive case for moral realism founded on the priority of first-order moral evaluations over second-order reflection is not conclusive—a certain type of moral agnosticism which I call Meta-Ethical Pyrrhonism can account for our inability to think of first-order moral evaluations as merely subjective or relative. Although unsatisfactory as metaphysics, Meta-Ethical Pyrrhonism is arguably all that a moral naturalist is entitled to by way of a meta-ethical theory.
Chinese Administrative Law in the Northeast Asian Mirror

Over the past two decades China has been building a system of administrative law that in many respects resembles what one would expect in any modern legal system. This process has received a good deal of outside attention, which is not surprising given the role administrative law plays in structuring relations between the state and civil society, a crucial issue in China. Most of the existing commentary on China's administrative law is entirely China-focused, which is also not surprising given China's importance in the world. This paper broadens the discussion of China's administrative law by examining it through the lens of administrative law as it has developed in jurisdictions which neighbor China, namely Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. The thesis is that China shares important similarities with its Northeast Asian neighbors in terms of its industrialization and development policies, and in terms of its political situation, and that these similarities will affect the path of administrative law in China, as they affected the path of administrative law in China's neighbors.
Simulation Applications in the Automotive Industry

Simulation analyses subdivide themselves conveniently into two major categories: discrete-event simulation and continuous simulation (Zeigler, Praehofer, and Kim 2000). Continuous simulation studies processes amenable to analysis using differential and difference equations, such as stability of ecological systems, chemical synthesis, oil refining, and aerodynamic design. Discrete-event simulation studies processes in which many of the most important variables are integer values, and hence not amenable to examination by continuous equations. Such processes almost invariably involve queuing, and the variables of high interest include current and maximum queue lengths, number of items in inventory, and number of items processed by the system. Many of the integer values are binary; for example, a machine is in working order or down, a worker is present or absent, a freight elevator is occupied or vacant. Processes with these characteristics are common in manufacturing, warehousing, transport, health care, retailing, and service industries.
The Prevalence of Bacterial Meningitis in Febrile Infants 29–60 Days With Positive Urinalysis

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluates whether bacterial meningitis prevalence differs by urinalysis result and whether antibiotic treatment of presumed urinary tract infection without cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture produces adverse sequelae in febrile infants 29 to 60 days old. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study identified febrile infants 29 to 60 days old presenting to Kaiser Permanente Northern California sites from 2007 to 2015 who underwent urinalysis and blood, urine, and CSF cultures, comparing the prevalence of meningitis among infants with positive versus negative urinalysis results using a two 1-sided test for equivalence. Additionally, febrile infants treated with antibiotics for positive urinalysis results without CSF culture were identified and their charts were reviewed for adverse sequelae. RESULTS: Full evaluation was performed in 833 febrile infants (835 episodes). Three of 337 infants with positive urinalysis (0.9%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.0%–1.9%) and 5 of 498 infants with negative urinalysis (1%; 95% CI: 0.1%–1.9%) had meningitis. These proportions were statistically equivalent within 1%, using two 1-sided test with a P value of .04. There were 341 febrile infants (345 episodes) with positive urinalysis treated with antibiotics without lumbar puncture. Zero cases of missed bacterial meningitis were identified (95% CI: 0%–1.1%). Zero cases of severe sequelae (sepsis, seizure, neurologic deficit, intubation, PICU admission, death) were identified (95% CI: 0%–1.1%). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of bacterial meningitis does not differ by urinalysis in febrile infants 29 to 60 days old. Antibiotic treatment of infants with positive results for urinalysis without lumbar puncture may be safe in selected cases.
Real-time Detection of Human Falls in Progress: Machine Learning Approach

Abstract The research reported in this study investigates the use of machine learning algorithms that receive real time sensory input from three-axis accelerometers and gyroscopes strategically placed on a human body to detect a fall-in-progress early enough and prior to the impact to facilitate inflation of a body airbag. A publicly available dataset that entails 30+ subjects and 4+ fall types including fall forward, backward, left and right was employed in the study. A set of 12 attributes were defined and provided as inputs to machine learning classifiers. Two machine learning classifiers were trained and tested with the dataset through three-fold cross validation to determine the feasibility of the proposed approach. Specifically, Random Forest and Support Vector Machine classification algorithms were employed through ensemble-in-time and their performances were profiled. Both classifiers offered promising performances as they were able to detect entry into the so-called the “free fall phase” for most combinations of the test subjects and fall types considered. In most cases the algorithms were able to deliver a fall detection decision with at least 100 milliseconds remaining before the impact, which is sufficient to inflate a body airbag.
Thalamic state influences timing and feature selectivity in the thalamocortical circuit

Thalamic neurons dynamically encode sensory information in a state-dependent manner as a mechanism for gating information flow to the cortex. Here, we investigated the role of thalamic state on precise feature selectivity in the thalamocortical circuit of the rat vibrissa pathway. In thalamic neurons, tonic spike triggered averaging revealed clear feature selectivity, while the feature selectivity associated with burst spikes could not be recovered with this approach. These thalamic state dependent changes propagated to cortex such that the cortical feature selectivity was diminished during the optogenetically hyperpolarized (burst biased) thalamic condition. Further analysis revealed that the perceived loss of feature selectivity was likely not due to a true loss of stimulus selectivity but instead to changes in the precision of the temporal spiking in burst firing modes. Therefore, alterations to thalamic state enable a dynamic interplay between spike timing and spike rate that shapes stimulus encoding in the thalamocortical circuit.
The Internationalisation of American Higher Education: A Positional Competition Perspective.

ABSTRACTThis paper examines the potential negative consequences of the internationalisation of American higher education from the perspective of positional competition theory. This analysis suggest...
A Structural Equation Model Analysis of Computing Identity Sub-Constructs and Student Academic Persistence

This Research Full Paper presents the effects of computing identity sub-constructs on the persistence of computer science students. Computer science (CS) is one of the fastest growing disciplines in the world and an emerging critical field for all students to obtain vital skills to be successful in the 21st century. Despite the growing importance of computer science, many university and college programs suffer from low student persistence rates. Disciplinary identity is a theoretical framework that refers to how students see themselves with respect to a discipline and is related to long-term membership in a disciplinary community. The theory has been effectively applied in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) to understand students' success and persistence. This study examines the effects of performance/competence, recognition, interest and sense of belonging on the academic persistence of computer science students. A survey of approximately 1,640 computing students as part of a National Science Foundation (NSF) funded project was developed and administered at three metropolitan public institutions. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was performed to validate the sub-constructs of identity for use in a computing identity model. Then, a structural equation model (SEM) was constructed as a snapshot of the structural relationships for describing and quantifying the impact of the identity sub-constructs on persistence. The results indicated that our model for CS aligns with prior research on disciplinary identity but also adds the importance of sense of belonging. In addition, the findings indicate that students' academic persistence is directly influenced by their interest. A better understanding of these factors may leverage insight into students’ academic persistence in computer science/engineering programs as well as a meaningful lens of analysis for further curriculum and extracurricular activities.
Continuous Vagal Neuromonitoring Using the Laryngeal Adductor Reflex: Can Preincision Dyssynchrony Predict Intraoperative Nerve Behavior?

ObjectiveThe laryngeal adductor reflex (LAR) is an airway-protective response triggered by sensory laryngeal receptors and resulting in bilateral vocal fold adduction. The normal morphology of the ...
Removal of early senescent cells protects retinal ganglion cells loss in experimental ocular hypertension.

Abstract Experimental ocular hypertension induces senescence of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) that mimicks events occurring in human glaucoma. Senescence-related chromatin remodeling leads to profound transcriptional changes including the upregulation of a subset of genes that encode multiple proteins collectively referred to as the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Emerging evidence suggests that the presence of these proinflammatory and matrix-degrading molecules has deleterious effects in a variety of tissues. In the current study, we demonstrated in a transgenic mouse model that early removal of senescent cells induced upon elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) protects unaffected RGCs from senescence and apoptosis. Visual evoked potential (VEP) analysis demonstrated that remaining RGCs are functional and that the treatment protected visual function. Finally, a senolytic drug was used to remove endogenous senescent retinal cells upon IOP elevation and prevented loss on retinal function and structure. In sum, these studies suggest senolytic drugs as a potential new treatment in mitigation of the deleterious impact of high IOP on RGCs survival.
Reliable sideline ocular-motor assessment following exercise in healthy student athletes.

Abstract Objectives To assess the reliability and effect of exercise on sideline dynamic visual performance measures of ocular-motor function using a portable visual assessment system (EYE-SYNC®). Design Prospective cohort study. Methods Healthy student athletes, ages 18–25 years, performed eye-tracking six times—three times consecutively prior to and after practice—using EYE-SYNC® goggles. Ocular-motor performance was assessed by calculating five gaze error outcomes between target position and actual gaze position to inform dynamic visual synchronization. We assessed reliability by calculating the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for each outcome (we defined the standard deviation of tangential error (SDTE) as our primary outcome) and calculated differences in mean pre- and post-practice scores. Results ICCs for the SDTE score were 0.86 (95% confidence interval, CI: 0.82–0.9) and 0.88 (0.84–0.91) at pre- and post-practice, respectively. 133 (89%) and 135 (90%) of 150 athletes had at least one measurement at pre- and post-practice, respectively. 117 (78%) and 122 (81%) athletes had more than one SDTE score at pre- and post-practice, respectively. The absolute mean (SD) differences between pre- and post-practice mean scores ranged from 0.02 (0.05) for horizontal gain to 0.1 (0.5) for SDTE. Conclusions We observed high ICC scores indicating excellent reliability of visual synchronization measurements, suggesting that one measurement would be sufficient. Most athletes had similar scores before and after practice, indicating little change in visual performance following exercise. EYE-SYNC® goggles have the potential for use in obtaining objective visual performance measures of ocular-motor function for sideline assessment of concussion and return to play decisions.
Methods Can be Murder: A Metaphorical Framework for Teaching Research Design

This article offers two novel tools for teaching political science methodology and research design. The first is a comprehensive framework for helping students conceptualize a research project in p...
Management Control System Design and Employees' Autonomous Motivation

Using an online survey of 468 U.S. employees from diverse industries and professions, we provide empirical evidence that management control system design choices can affect autonomous motivation in...
Refeeding Syndrome with Hypoglycemia in a Severely Malnourished Infant

A 5-mo-old severely malnourished 3.5 kg boy was brought to the emergency department with hypoglycemia, bradycardia, bradypnea, and hypothermia. His findings were likely due to severe malnutrition secondary to parental neglect. Resuscitation with dextrose containing intravenous fluids was promptly started. On day 2 of admission, refeeding was initiated. From that time, he had multiple hypoglycemic episodes along with hypophosphatemia, hypomagnesemia, and hypokalemia. Hypoglycemia was associated with the initiation of enteral feeding and an increase in calories and amounts of enteral feeding. Hypoglycemia associated with refeeding syndrome in infant has not been previously reported.
Optical coherence tomography in the setting of optic nerve head cupping reversal in secondary childhood glaucoma

Reversal of optic nerve head (ONH) cupping has been considered an important clinical observation that signals surgical success and control of intraocular pressure (IOP) in childhood glaucoma. Many theories based on elasticity of pediatric eyes have been proposed, including anterior movement of the elastic lamina cribrosa or shrinkage of the scleral canal. The relationship between these factors and axonal loss is unclear when reversal of cupping has been observed. Retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) optical coherence tomography (OCT) can help to clarify this. We present a case series of 4 pediatric patients with secondary glaucoma that demonstrated ONH cupping reversal with pre- and postoperative clinical images and RNFL OCT.
A World Without COVID

Millions of people have lost their lives to COVID. Tens of millions lost family and friends to COVID. Some of the losses, while possibly less significant, may be more profound. This includes blowing out candles on the celebratory birthday cake, not to mention that precious lap-time with Santa on an annual basis and possibly the one opportunity each year to let an adult know the entire gamut of wants and desires that holiday season. All-you-can eat buffets, once a coveted tradition in cities across the nation, may yet be another casualty of COVID. Finally, gone are the days of angry stares at the individual who tries to squeeze one last person into an already overcrowded elevator. The dramatic shift of the ways in which humans now interact may have consequences far more catastrophic than COVID.
Integrierte Kommunikation am Beispiel des Einsteinjahres 2005

Uber zwolf Monate hinweg begleiteten die Worte des grosen Wissenschaftlers Albert Einstein ganz Deutschland. Ein ganzes Jahr lang faszinierte eine einzigartige Kampagne, die mit den Worten Albert Einsteins an Orten wie dem Kanzleramt weit uber den ‹Tellerrand› des Ublichen herausschwappte — und nahezu jeden traf. Wer steckt dahinter? Was sind die Zutaten fur eine solch ausergewohnliche Kampagne? Wo steckt das Geheimnis des Erfolgs? Ein Einblick in ungewohnliche Strategien und ungewohnliche Masnahmen im bisher erfolgreichsten Wissenschaftsjahr, dem Einsteinjahr 2005.
Digital Medium and Global Marketing

The digital revolution is transforming the business landscape and profoundly influencing marketing in an increasingly global environment. The digital medium and global Internet marketing strategy have direct and moderating effects on the impact of marketing mix decisions on firm performance globally. With regard to global product development, the Internet significantly influences the effectiveness and speed of new product development and its impact on firm performance. The Internet has an important role in the effects of both company- and user-generated communication efforts on firm performance. On the global pricing dimension, the Web allows more pricing transparency, while allowing firms to differentiate across countries. With regard to global distribution, the Web may serve as either a substitute or a complementary channel in different global markets and firms can improve performance in global markets by coordinating the Internet with other channels. In the future, rising Internet penetration and the surging growth of mobile media may change global marketing further. More research is needed to better understand the relationships among the Internet, mobile Internet, marketing mix decisions, and firm performance in the global context. Keywords: global marketing; international marketing; e-commerce; Internet marketing; strategy; competition
Data structures using Modula--2

Abstraction and Problem Solving. The Stack and Queue Abstractions and Some Implementations. Applications of Stack and Queue Abstractions in Modula-2. The List (Search Table) Abstraction and Some Implementations. Applications of List Abstraction in Modula-2. Review of Recursion. The Tree and Some Implementations. Some Miscellaneous Applications of Trees in Modula-2. The Search Table Implemented with Binary Trees in Modula-2. The Search Table Implemented Using Hash Tables. Applications of Data Structures to Sorting. Memory Management. Appendixes. Index.
What medical options should be considered for the treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism

Summary Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is a common, often asymptomatic, endocrine disorder characterized by hypercalcaemia in the face of a nonsuppressed parathyroid hormone (PTH) level. For those with symptomatic disease or who meet surgical criteria, parathyroidectomy is the treatment of choice. However, those patients who do not meet surgical criteria or who cannot undergo or refuse surgery must be managed medically. Medical management of PHPT involves continual assessment to determine who will benefit from surgical intervention, replacement of vitamin D, treatment of parathyroid bone disease and management of hypercalcaemia and renal stone disease.
The Role of Host CD4 T Cells in the Pathogenesis of the Chronic Graft-versus-Host Model of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus is characterized by production of autoantibodies and glomerulonephritis. The murine chronic graft-vs-host (cGVH) model of systemic lupus erythematosus is induced by allorecognition of foreign MHC class II determinants. Previous studies have shown that cGVH could not be induced in CD4 knockout (CD4KO) mice. We have further explored the role of host CD4 T cells in this model. Our studies now show that B cells in CD4KO mice have intrinsic defects that prevent them from responding to allohelp. In addition, B cells in CD4KO mice showed phenotypic differences compared with congeneic C57BL/6 B cells, indicating some degree of in vivo activation and increased numbers of cells bearing a marginal zone B cell phenotype. The transfer of syngeneic CD4 T cells at the time of initiation of cGVH did not correct these B cell abnormalities; however, if CD4 T cells were transferred during the development and maturation of B cells, then the B cells from CD4KO mice acquire the ability to respond in cGVH. These studies clearly indicate that B cells need to coexist with CD4 T cells early in their development to develop full susceptibility to alloactivation signals.
Cholecystokinin-decreased food intake in rhesus monkeys

Five rhesus monkeys were infused intravenously with partially purified cholecystokinin (CCK) Just prior to a test meal of solid food after overnight food deprivation; CCK produced large, rapid, dos...
Theorizing Conversion: Christianity, Colonization, and Consciousness in the Early Modern Atlantic World

While Christian evangelization and conversion were often the primary justifications for imperial expansion in the early modern Atlantic world, the meaning of the word “conversion” remains contested among scholars, particularly when used to refer to non-European conversion to Christianity. Several historians have argued that the term “conversion” simplifies a complex process and reiterates a missionary mindset. This article surveys a variety of alternatives to the word “conversion,” including syncretism, hybridity, affiliation, appropriation, and practice. While assessing the benefits and drawbacks of each of these terms, it argues that discarding the word “conversion” risks minimizing or overlooking the experiences of non-European converts. Instead, it is more accurate to say that conversion – for both Europeans and non-Europeans – was a process of transformation that occurred on multiple planes. The social, cultural, and political implications are easier to identify in the historical record, but historians also need to take seriously the possibility of religious transformation as well. In order to do so, this essay draws on literature from the fields of anthropology and religious studies to identify two methods that can be particularly useful for describing non-European conversion: first, an emphasis on “lived religion” can help historians move past the misconception that Christianity is a bound system. By focusing on practice rather than doctrine, it de-centers missionaries and seeks, instead, to examine religious practice from the “bottom up.” Second, interrogating the process of translation has great potential for historians of conversion, particularly during a period of colonial encounter. By exploring how Christian terms were redefined through their translation into non-European languages, historians will gain better insight into the cosmologies, beliefs, and practices of Native Americans and Africans. By using these methods – and recognizing that the meaning of “conversion” is, and always has been, in flux – historians can move past the “missionary mindset” and acknowledge the significance of the choice that many non-Europeans made to engage in Christian rites.
Detection of Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio vulnificus and Vibrio cholerae with respect to seasonal fluctuations in temperature and plankton abundance.

Summary Over a 1-year period, bi-monthly estuarine surface water and plankton samples (63–200 and > 200 μm fractions) were assayed by polymerase chain reaction for the prevalence of total Vibrio parahaemolyticus, V. vulnificus and V. cholerae and select genes associated with clinical strains found in each species. Neither temperature nor plankton abundance was a significant correlate of total V. parahaemolyticus; however, the prevalence of genes commonly associated with clinical strains (trh, tdh, ORF8) increased with temperature and copepod abundance (P < 0.05). The prevalence of total V. vulnificus and the siderophore-related viuB gene also increased with temperature and copepod and decapod abundance (P < 0.001). Temperature and copepod abundance also covaried with the prevalence of V. cholerae (P < 0.05), but there was no significant relationship with ctxA or other genes commonly found in clinical strains. Results show that genes commonly associated with clinical Vibrio strains were more frequently detected in association with chitinous plankton. We conclude that V. parahaemolyticus, V. vulnificus, V. cholerae and subpopulations that harbour genes common to clinical strains respond distinctly to seasonal changes in temperature as well as shifts in the taxonomic composition of discrete plankton fractions.
Poverty and the Rule of Law in Africa: A Missing International Actor?

This article reviews literature regarding the nature and impact of corruption and its contribution to poverty in Africa, explains how the international community could create an institution that would investigate and deter corruption, and relates this policy proposal to current theories of underdevelopment. The article concludes that theorists agree on the importance of fighting corruption but have overlooked the need for international cooperation to create a body of criminal investigators. The article contributes a detailed policy proposal and an analysis of objections that might be raised regarding the establishment of a strong international capacity to fight corruption.
Flicker adaptation. I. Effect on visual sensitivity to temporal fluctuations of light intensity.

Abstract Human sensitivity to temporal fluctuations of light intensity was found to be lower after adaptation to a flickering light than it was after adaptation to a steady light of the same time-average retinal illuminance. Such a difference of sensitivity defines a flicker adaptation phenomenon. The magnitude of the flicker adaptation effect was used as an index of the strength of visual interactions that occur between stimuli of different temporal frequencies. On the basis of the results obtained it was tentatively concluded that the temporal aspects of visual signals are processed by more than one visual channel or filter, each with its own frequency-response characteristic.
Resident vascular progenitor cells: An emerging role for non-terminally differentiated vessel-resident cells in vascular biology

Throughout development and adult life the vasculature exhibits a remarkably dynamic capacity for growth and repair. The vasculature also plays a pivotal role in the execution of other diverse biologic processes, such as the provisioning of early hematopoietic stem cells during embryonic development or the regulation of vascular tone and blood pressure. Adding to this importance, from an anatomical perspective, the vasculature is clearly an omnipresent organ, with few areas of the body that it does not penetrate. Given these impressive characteristics, it is perhaps to be expected that the vasculature should require, or at least be associated with, a ready supply of stem and progenitor cells. However, somewhat surprisingly, it is only now just beginning to be broadly appreciated that the vasculature plays host to a range of vessel-resident stem and progenitor cells. The possibility that these vessel-resident cells are implicated in processes as diverse as tumor vascularization and adaptive vascular remodeling appears likely, and several exciting avenues for clinical translation are already under investigation. This review explores the various stem and progenitor cell populations that are resident in the microvasculature, endothelium, and vessel walls and vessel-resident cells capable of phenotypic transformation.