cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nanomolar Bifenthrin Alters Synchronous Ca2+ Oscillations and Cortical Neuron Development Independent of Sodium Channel Activity

Bifenthrin, a relatively stable type I pyrethroid that causes tremors and impairs motor activity in rodents, is broadly used. We investigated whether nanomolar bifenthrin alters synchronous Ca2+ oscillations (SCOs) necessary for activity-dependent dendritic development. Primary mouse cortical neurons were cultured 8 or 9 days in vitro (DIV), loaded with the Ca2+ indicator Fluo-4, and imaged using a Fluorescence Imaging Plate Reader Tetra. Acute exposure to bifenthrin rapidly increased the frequency of SCOs by 2.7-fold (EC50 = 58 nM) and decreased SCO amplitude by 36%. Changes in SCO properties were independent of modifications in voltage-gated sodium channels since 100 nM bifenthrin had no effect on the whole-cell Na+ current, nor did it influence neuronal resting membrane potential. The L-type Ca2+ channel blocker nifedipine failed to ameliorate bifenthrin-triggered SCO activity. By contrast, the metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR)5 antagonist MPEP [2-methyl-6-(phenylethynyl)pyridine] normalized bifenthrin-triggered increase in SCO frequency without altering baseline SCO activity, indicating that bifenthrin amplifies mGluR5 signaling independent of Na+ channel modification. Competitive [AP-5; (−)-2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid] and noncompetitive (dizocilpine, or MK-801 [(5S,10R)-(+)-5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5,10-imine maleate]) N-methyl-d-aspartate antagonists partially decreased both basal and bifenthrin-triggered SCO frequency increase. Bifenthrin-modified SCO rapidly enhanced the phosphorylation of cAMP response element–binding protein (CREB). Subacute (48 hours) exposure to bifenthrin commencing 2 DIV–enhanced neurite outgrowth and persistently increased SCO frequency and reduced SCO amplitude. Bifenthrin-stimulated neurite outgrowth and CREB phosphorylation were dependent on mGluR5 activity since MPEP normalized both responses. Collectively these data identify a new mechanism by which bifenthrin potently alters Ca2+ dynamics and Ca2+-dependent signaling in cortical neurons that have long term impacts on activity driven neuronal plasticity.
Teaching architectural design in an undergraduate software engineering curriculum

In the fall of 1996, the Rochester Institute of Technology (USA) began admitting students to the nations first baccalaureate program in software engineering. One of the curriculum's primacy themes is software design, ranging from the very concrete (e.g., code, data structures and algorithms) to the more abstract (e.g., subsystems, architectural designs). At each of these levels the authors are able to address the variety of software quality issues that arise at different points in the software development process. This paper describes the structure of their introductory course in software architectures and their experience teaching it. They also speculate on how the course could evolve over time.
Visualization of confocal microscopic biomolecular data

Biomolecular visualization facilitates insightful interpretation of molecular structures and complex mechanisms underlying bio-chemical processes. Effective visualization techniques are required to deal with confocal microscopic biomolecular data in which intricate structures, fine features, and obscure patterns might be overlooked without sophisticated data processing and image synthesis. This paper presents major challenges in visualizing confocal microscopic biomolecular data, followed by a survey of related work. We then introduce a case study conducted to investigate the interaction between two proteins contained in a budding yeast saccharomyces cerevisiae by embedding custom modules in Amira. The multi-channel confocal microscopic volume data was first processed using an exponential operator to correct z-drop artifacts introduced during data acquisition. Channel correlation was then exploited to extract the overlap between the proteins as a new channel to represent the interaction while a statistical method was employed to compute the intensity of interaction to locate hot spots. To take advantage of crisp surface representation of region boundaries by iso-surfaces and visually pleasing translucent delineation of dense volumes by volume rendering, we adopted hybrid rendering that incorporates these two methods to display clear-cut protein boundaries, amorphous interior materials, and the scattered interaction in the same view volume with suppressed and highlighted parts selected by the user. The highlighted overlap helped biologists learn where the interaction happens and how it spreads, particularly when the volume was investigated in an immersive Cave Automatic Virtual Environment (CAVE) for intuitive comprehension of the data.
A systolic algorithm to process compressed binary images

A new systolic algorithm which computes image differences in run-length encoded (RLE) format is described. The binary image difference operation is commonly used in many image processing applications including automated inspection systems, character recognition, fingerprint analysis, and motion detection. The efficiency of these operations can be improved significantly with the availability of a fast systolic system that computes the image difference as described in this paper It is shown that for images with a high similarity measure, the time complexity of the systolic algorithm is small and in some cases constant with respect to the image size. The time for the systolic algorithm is proportional to the difference between the number of runs in the two images, while the time for the sequential algorithm is proportional to the total number of runs in the two images together A formal proof of correctness for the algorithm is also given.
Prevalence of strabismus among preschool, kindergarten, and first-grade Tohono O'odham children

Abstract Background Although the prevalence of strabismus is 2% to 5% in European-based and African-American populations, little is known about the prevalence of strabismus in Native-American populations. We report the prevalence of strabismus in children who are members of a Native-American tribe with a high prevalence of astigmatism. Methods Subjects were 594 children enrolled in Head Start and 315 children enrolled in kindergarten or first grade (K/1) in schools on the Tohono O'odham Reservation. Distance and near cover tests were performed on each child by an ophthalmologist or optometrist, and cycloplegic refraction was obtained. Results Strabismus was detected in 9 Head Start children (1.5%) and 3 K/1 children (1.0%). Ratio of esotropia to exotropia was 1:3 in Head Start and 1:2 in K/1. Anisometropia ≥1.00 diopter (D) spherical equivalent was present in 2 children with strabismus, and anisometropia ≥1.00 D cylinder was present in 4 with strabismus. Conclusion The prevalence of strabismus in Tohono O'odham children is at the low end of the prevalence range reported in studies of European-based and African-American populations.
Fanconi anemia and DNA repair

Fanconi anemia (FA) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by defects in at least eight distinct genes FANCA, B, C, D1, D2, E, F and G. The clinical phenotype of all FA complementation groups is similar and is characterized by progressive bone marrow failure, cancer proneness and typical birth defects. The principal cellular phenotype is hypersensitivity to DNA damage, particularly interstrand DNA crosslinks. The FA proteins constitute a multiprotein pathway whose precise biochemical function(s) remain unknown. Five of the FA proteins (FANCA, C, E, F and G) interact in a nuclear complex upstream of FANCD2. FANCB and FANCD1 have not yet been cloned, but it is likely that FANCB is part of the nuclear complex and that FANCD1 acts downstream of FANCD2. The FA nuclear complex regulates the mono-ubiquitination of FANCD2 in response to DNA damage, resulting in targeting of this protein into nuclear foci. These foci also contain BRCA1 and other DNA damage response proteins. In male meiosis, FANCD2 also co-localizes with BRCA1 at synaptonemal complexes. Together, these data suggest that the FA pathway functions primarily as a DNA damage response system, although its exact role (direct involvement in DNA repair versus indirect, facilitating role) has not yet been defined.
Small Business in America: A Historiographic Survey

Small businesses have held a paradoxical position in U.S. history: their particular forms and structures have received little scholarly attention compared to that devoted to big business, yet they have always been a significant part—social and cultural, as well as economic and political—of American life. This essay discusses the changing views on the role of small-scale enterprise in the United States, outlines the current state of historical research, and suggests profitable areas for future study.
Casual or Committed? Using Social Behavioral Theory for Understanding the Contributors to User Commitment in User-Generated Content Sites

This paper develops a framework to contribute to the current stream of research in that it applies social penetration theory and social exchange theory from the behavioral research domain as structures for understanding user engagement levels in UGC environments. The framework introduces a new construct representing the activities and the behaviors of users who contribute to engagement. Titled Affiliation/Commitment, this new construct may be researched further for measure validity and classification. The construct is expected to be worthy of extensive research as a singular project as there are likely many latent measures not well described in the current framework.
Transcriptional profiling reveals molecular basis and novel genetic targets for improved resistance to multiple fermentation inhibitors in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Lignocellulosic biomass is a promising source of renewable biofuels. However, pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass generates fermentation inhibitors that adversely affect the growth of industrial microorganisms such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae and prevent economic production of lignocellulosic biofuels. A critical challenge on developing S. cerevisiae with improved inhibitor resistance lies in incomplete understanding of molecular basis for inhibitor stress response and limited information on effective genetic targets for increasing yeast resistance to mixed fermentation inhibitors. In this study, we applied comparative transcriptomic analysis to determine the molecular basis for acetic acid and/or furfural resistance in S. cerevisiae. We recently developed a yeast strain YC1 with superior resistance to acetic acid, furfural, and their mixture through inverse metabolic engineering. In this study, we first determined transcriptional changes through RNA sequencing in YC1 versus the wild-type strain S-C1 under three different inhibitor conditions, including acetic acid alone, furfural alone, and mixture of acetic acid and furfural. The genes associated with stress responses of S. cerevisiae to single and mixed inhibitors were revealed. Specifically, we identified 184 consensus genes that were differentially regulated in response to the distinct inhibitor resistance between YC1 and S-C1. Bioinformatic analysis next revealed key transcription factors (TFs) that regulate these consensus genes. The top TFs identified, Sfp1p and Ace2p, were experimentally tested as overexpression targets for strain optimization. Overexpression of the SFP1 gene improved specific ethanol productivity by nearly four times, while overexpression of the ACE2 gene enhanced the rate by three times in the presence of acetic acid and furfural. Overexpression of SFP1 gene in the resistant strain YC1 further resulted in 42 % increase in ethanol productivity in the presence of acetic acid and furfural, suggesting the effect of Sfp1p in optimizing the yeast strain for improved tolerance to mixed fermentation inhibitor. Transcriptional regulation underlying yeast resistance to acetic acid and furfural was determined. Two transcription factors, Sfp1p and Ace2p, were uncovered for the first time for their functions in improving yeast resistance to mixed fermentation inhibitors. The study demonstrated an omics-guided metabolic engineering framework, which could be developed as a promising strategy to improve complex microbial phenotypes.
What Happens When a Wetland Mitigation Bank Goes Bankrupt

The article addresses how bankruptcy law can affect the rights and obligations of mitigation bankers and government agencies. The article further examines two ongoing bankruptcy actions involving mitigation banks and offers suggestions for adoption by regulatory agencies to protect against the consequences of mitigation banks going bankrupt.
Meaningful Tort Reform: A Public Choice Analysis

Using public choice tools, this article examines why tort reform is necessary but also elusive. Identifying the demand-side and supply-side forces that have caused tort law to evolve away from efficient rules, the article shows why the courts are an unlikely venue for meaningful tort reform. Turning to the legislature, the article identifies the necessary conditions for successful tort reform efforts.
Health Care Transition Services for Youth With Autism Spectrum Disorders: Perspectives of Caregivers.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: This paper seeks to describe the experience of youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in making the health care transition (HCT) to adult care. METHODS: We surveyed 183 parents and guardians of youth with ASD, assessing the extent to which youth and families experienced and desired HCT services, their satisfaction with services, and obstacles to transition. Descriptive statistics were used to examine HCT measures and Fisher’s exact and t tests assessed whether demographic or health measures were associated with service receipt. Any measures with a P value RESULTS: The receipt of transition services was low overall, with rates for individual services ranging from 3% to 33% and only 60% of the sample receiving any transition service. Despite these low rates, a majority of respondents reported wanting services (73.3%–91.6%), and satisfaction for received services was high (89%–100%). Regression analyses showed depression to be the only variable significantly associated with service receipt. Youth who were identified by their caregivers as having depression experienced a higher rate of transition service receipt than those not identified as having depression. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that there is a great need to address the provision of HCT services for youth with ASD. Although families who received HCT services were generally satisfied, overall rates of service receipt were quite low, and those who were not provided with services generally desired them.
Virtual Synthesis of Thermally Cross-Linked Copolymers from a Novel Implementation of Polymatic

Because of the complex connectivity of cross-linked polymers, generating structures for molecular simulations is a nontrivial task. In this work, a general methodology is presented for constructing post-cross-linked polymers by a new two-stage implementation of the Polymatic simulated polymerization algorithm, where linear polymers are first polymerized and then cross-linked. It is illustrated here for an example system of thermally cross-linked octene–styrene–divinylbenzene (OS–DVB) copolymers. In the molecular models, the degree of cross-linking is ranged from 0 to 100%, and the resulting structural and thermal properties are examined. The simulations reveal an increase in the free volume with higher cross-linking degrees. Shifts in the peaks of the structure factors, which are assigned to contributions from the backbone and side-chain atoms, correspond to the formation of larger free volume elements. Furthermore, the glass transition temperatures increase with higher degrees of cross-linking, while the...
Automated Micromeasurement of Urea Using Urease and the Berthelot Reaction

The method described is based on Kaplan's modification of the Chaney and Marbach procedure: urea is hydrolyzed by urease to form ammonia, which is reacted with alkaline hypochlorite and phenol (Berthelot reaction). The procedure is rapid, precise, sensitive, specific, and simple. Dialysis is unnecessary and only 0.05 ml. of sample is required. An unmodified AutoAnalyzer is used; the manifold is compatible with a micromethod for glucose using o-toluidine.
Laser Processing for Thin Film Solar Cell Materials

In this work, I will describe research of laser processing techniques of CdTe and Si for photovoltaic applications. Processes have been developed that show improved material quality and device operation. Defect spectroscopy, device measurements, and surface science studies support these claims.
Propane Oxidation over Pt/SrTiO3 Nanocuboids

Pt/SrTiO3 shows promise as a low temperature hydrocarbon combustion catalyst for automotive applications. In this study, SrTiO3 nanocuboid supports were synthesized using sol-precipitation coupled with hydrothermal synthesis, and platinum was deposited on the nanocuboids with 1, 3, and 5 cycles of atomic layer deposition (ALD). The platinum particles have a highly uniform distribution both before and after reaction testing, and range from 1 to 5 nm in size, depending upon the number of ALD cycles. These materials have a >50 °C lower light-off temperature for propane oxidation than a conventional Pt/Al2O3 catalyst, turn over frequencies up to 3 orders of magnitude higher, and show improved resistance to deactivation. The increased activity is attributed to the stabilization of a Pt/PtO core/shell structure during operating conditions by the strong epitaxy between the Pt and the SrTiO3 support.
Socio Economic Impact of NREGS in Tuticorin District

The National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) aims at enhancing the livelihood security of people in rural areas by guaranteeing hundred days of wage-employment in a financial year to a rural household whose members volunteer to do unskilled manual work. The objective of the Act is to create durable assets and strengthen the livelihood resource base of the rural poor. The choice of works suggested in the Act addresses causes of chronic poverty like drought, deforestation and soil erosion, so that the process of employment generation is maintained on a sustainable basis. This analysis looks at the direct and the indirect effects that the NREGP has on employment generation and poverty reduction in Tuticorin District. For this, a detailed survey in the three villages were undertaken to highlight the impact of the NREGP. The Objectives of the present study are: 1. To analyze the socio economic conditions of the NREGS people. 2. To find out whether the income pattern of the people in the surveyed region has changed after and how so, if it has changed. 3. To analyze the impact of the NREGS in Tuticorin District. Present study is empirical in nature and will be studied using primary data. Survey method was followed for this study. Three Villages from Tuticorin Viz, Puthukkottai, Mullakkadu and Attimarapatti were selected for this study. From Tuticorin District, 363 respondents were selected using simple random sampling. A pre-tested interview schedule covering all aspects of NREGS was administered among the respondents to elicit the needed information. Commensurate with the set objectives various analytical tools were employed for the analysis and interpretation of the data.
Comparative Studies on Photosynthetic Characteristics of Four Tree Peony Cultivars

The comparative studies on the photosynthetic characteristics of four tree peony cultivars were carried out using the CIRAS-1 photosynthetic instrument in the field light condition.The results showed that the diurnal changes in net photosynthetic rate of the four cultivars presented a double-apex curve.An obvious "midday depression" phenomenon occurred in tree peony.The photosynthetic rate of Fomenjasha was significantly higher than any other cultivars in the diurnal variation and seasonal variation of photosynthetic rate.Its apparent quantum yield and carboxylation efficiency were the highest.There were no significant difference between four cultivars in light saturation point,but light compensation point of Fomen jiasha was significantly lower than the other cultivars.
Research Progress on Biological Functions of Hepatocyte Growth Factor during Muscle Development

Many factors and several kinds of biological functions involved in muscle development are studied by more and more researchers.As an important morphogenesis progenitor hepatocyte growth factor(HGF) is a big and multi-domain protein and plays an important role during myogenesis as mitogen and morphogen.A series of HGF-met signaling pathways perform their biological activities at proliferation stage and differentiation stage of myogenesis.More works about HGF molecular mechanism will be done in the future.
Command Style Decision Making Analysis Method Based on the Fuzzy Rough Sets and Fuzzy Reasoning

Command style can be divided into concentrating command and dispersing command based on the concentrating degree of command power.This paper explores a new method of command style decision making analysis based on the fuzzy rough sets and fuzzy reasoning.Firstly,the factors,including command and control measures and information guarantee level,that have an effect on the command style are analyzed.The knowledge discovery method of the command style is studied and given based on the theory of fuzzy rough sets.Then,by means of the obtained fuzzy reasoning rules,the quantity decision making conclusion of command style can be obtained by the Mamdani fuzzy reasoning algorithm with multiple inputs and rules.Finally,a reasoning system based on the fuzzy logic tool box of matlab7.0 is established.Through deducing by this system,three kinds of simulation conclusions that are accordant with the subjective judgments of military experts are obtained.This simulation system can be brought into the operation decision making support system.
Advances in understanding the molecular pathogenesis of neoplastic hematologic disorders.

1. J Lynne Williams, PhD CLS(NCA)[⇑][1] 1. is Professor and Director of the Medical Laboratory Sciences Program at Oakland University, Rochester MI 1. Address for corrrespondence: J Lynne Williams PhD CLS(NCA), School of Health Sciences, Oakland University, Rochester MI 48309-4482. (243-)370-4040. jlwillia{at}oakland.edu The 45th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology was held December 6–9, 2003, at the San Diego Convention Center in California. As with past meetings, there were exciting new developments, comprehensive educational programs, and phenomenal exhibits. There was also an ever increasing ASCLS presence at the meeting, as more hematology/hemostasis educators and researchers are finding their way to this very excellent scientific meeting. A group of us who attended the meeting would like to share with our colleagues who were unable to attend some of the new information in select areas, covered in the following two articles with a third to follow in the next issue of CLS. While a comprehensive summary of the entire meeting would be desirable, the scope of the meeting makes such an endeavor unfeasible. Consequently, we have chosen the areas of myeloproliferative disorders and myelodysplastic syndromes, acute lymphocytic leukemias, and acute myelocytic leukemias. This is an exciting and rapidly changing time in the study of malignant and premalignant hematologic disorders. As we evolve from a morphology-based assessment of these disorders to an era in which we are beginning to understand the basic underlying mechanisms, the development of new diagnostic and prognostic tests, as well as the development of interventions specifically targeted at the molecular defects unique to individual disease processes are being realized. By understanding the molecular mechanisms of these diseases, and the genetic and epigenetic changes that underlie their evolution and progression, it may be possible in the not too distant future,… [1]: #corresp-1
Bone marrow metastases in small cell carcinoma of the lung: frequency, description, and influence on chemotherapeutic toxicity and prognosis

Abstract The frequency, pathologic features, and clinical implications of bone marrow metastases were reviewed in 73 previously untreated patients with small cell carcinoma of the lung given intensive combination chemotherapy. After unilateral posterior iliac crest marrow examination and other staging procedures, 26 patients (36 % ) proved to have limited disease (confined to one hemithorax and regional lymph nodes); the 47 patients with more extensive tumor included 14 (19%) with marrow involvement and 33 (45 %) without it. Patients with marrow metastases had tumor documented in more extrathoracic sites than did other patients with extensive disease; the marrow was the sole site of metastatic tumor in only one instance. No patient with a negative marrow biopsy had cancer detected in touch preparation or aspirate. Marked bone remodeling and myelofibrosis were associated with tumor infiltration in 9 of 14 cases. During intensive induction chemotherapy, patients with positive bone marrows had more severe infections and required more red blood cell transfusions (both trends of borderline significance), but leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and the need for platelet transfusions did not differ in the three groups. Limited disease patients had significantly superior complete response rates to treatment and longer survival than those with extensive disease, but the results of therapy in patients with marrow involvement were not significantly worse than in other patients with extrathoracic metastatic tumor.
When is Separate Unequal?: The Mythic 43 Million Americans with Disabilities at the Workplace

O ne of the primary challenges of an anti-subordination perspective is defining who is in the covered class. How would we define the group in society that has faced a history of subordination and deserves legally mandated remedies? The answer to that question will depend, in part, on the area of the law in which we seek to legislate. The purpose of legislation should be to remedy the conditions of subordination within a particular context. This chapter will focus on one group that has been the target of Congress's assistance – those who are disabled and need protection from discrimination at the workplace. In 1990, Congress sought to provide legal remedies for those individuals under Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). It defined disability as constituting “a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activity.” Further, Congress stated that it would protect those who are disabled under that definition, have a record of disability (but are no longer disabled), or are falsely regarded as having a disability. Finally, Congress stated that it intended to cover “some 43,000,000 Americans” and recognized that “this number is increasing as the population as a whole is growing older.” Although one could criticize Congress's definition of disability under the ADA, and its intention to provide protection against workplace discrimination to only 43 million Americans, this chapter will assume that Congress made a reasonable policy judgment to protect a subset of workers with disabilities.
Elevated Blood Urea Nitrogen: An Aid to the Diagnosis of Intraperitoneal Rupture of the Bladder

AbstractA retrospective analysis was done on 18 patients with bladder rupture. At the time of hospitalization 9 patients with extraperitoneal rupture had an average blood urea nitrogen of 14.2 ± 2.2mg. per cent, which did not vary from the normal laboratory value of 14.5 ± 7.4mg. per cent, and 9 patients with intraperitoneal rupture had an average blood urea nitrogen of 29.9 ± 7.6mg. per cent, which was significantly different (p <0.0001) from the discharge blood urea nitrogen (12.9 ± 2.2mg. per cent) and the normal laboratory value. The 2 groups of patients were comparable since no significant difference was found in age, sex, mode of injury, hematocrit value or associated injuries. To quantify the significance of our observation an experimental study was done on dogs with 1) surgically created intraperitoneal bladder ruptures, 2) intraperitoneal injections of urine, 3) intraperitoneal injections of blood and 4) a control group. A sequential increase in serum blood urea nitrogen was found in dogs with in...
Abstract WP186: Prevalence of Health Care Discrimination Among Stroke Survivors: Data From a National Longitudinal Study of Older Americans

Background: On-going management and follow-up care is important to ensure optimal outcomes among stroke survivors. Previous encounters with discrimination in health care settings can deter patients from pursuing care, compromise management of risk factors, and increase the risk of poor functional outcomes and recurrent stroke. However, little is known about how frequently stroke patients encounter discrimination in health care settings. Methods: We use data from the 2008 and 2010 Health and Retirement Study, a national longitudinal study of US residents age 50+, to examine the experience of health care discrimination among those reporting a history of stroke (N=1,338). Health care discrimination was assessed using two items. Respondents were asked how often they received poorer service or treatment from doctors or hospitals (six item response ranging from “every day” to “never”). A follow-up question asked participants what they think are the reasons for these experiences (i.e., race, gender, physical disability, and financial status). Participants are instructed to mark all that apply. The second health care discrimination item asked if they had ever been unfairly denied health care or treatment (yes/no). We describe the prevalence of self-reported health care discrimination overall and stratified by race/ethnicity, applying weights to represent the US non-institutionalized population age 50+ in 2008. Results: Approximately 20% of respondents with a history of stroke report receiving poorer service or treatment from doctors or hospitals, and 4% report ever being denied health care. Among people who reported receiving poorer service or treatment, age was the most commonly reported reason for experiencing health care discrimination (33%) followed by physical disability (19%). Among African Americans, race was the most common reason (42%) followed by age (33%). Conclusion: Perceived discrimination in health care settings -- related to age, disability, and race -- are common among stroke survivors. These experiences may impact receipt of health care, adherence to clinical recommendations, and long term outcomes. Future research should assess relationships between perceived health care discrimination and clinical outcomes.
The power of Hyphen-Nationalism: Martin Scorsese's sojourn from Italian American to White-Ethnic American

ABSTRACTMartin Scorsese is one of the most celebrated American filmmakers of the last 50 years. This essay looks at his public story in films, books, television, radio, journals, and newspapers. This story reflects the personal and artistic journey of Scorsese and the collective rendition of this journey by Scorsese, critics, journalists, and others. It shows the intersection of the personal life, public biography, creative work, and critical reception of a public intellectual negotiating his ethnic and racial-identity for six decades. Informed by work in Race and Ethnic Studies, Critical Whiteness Studies, and Critical Rhetoric Studies, this essay uses this story as a case study of the ideological power of white ethnic-identity and white racial-identity in the racial formation of post-civil rights America. I show how the public story of one of the most popular and critically acclaimed American artists over the last half-century transcribed the conversion of an ‘unmeltable’ Italian-American of the late 19...
Legal Issues Related to Caregiving for an Individual with Disabilities

United States policy acknowledges, but does not support, caregiving for individuals with disabilities. That is the conclusion I reached after researching the legal status of caregiving with people having disabilities. Our nation’s policy is a patchwork quilt of laws that were drafted during very different periods of time, intended primarily to provide benefits for individuals with disabilities themselves. Caregivers generally were an afterthought. As a result, the federal government collects little information about caregivers, provides very little financial support for caregivers, imposes unnecessary barriers to caregivers, and needlessly complicates the work of caregivers.
What might get in the way: Barriers to the use of apps for depression.

ObjectiveSmartphones are being used with increasing frequency to deliver behavioral interventions for depression via apps. However, barriers specific to using an app for depression are poorly defin...
A visual form of the verbal summator

A visual form of the verbal summator has proved effective in evoking latent responses by summation with incipient responses to printed speech patterns. Data from this experiment show a close resemblance to standard English with respect to distribution of word-percentages. To illustrate the type of response obtained, complete records for two subjects are reported.
Liturgical Personhood and the New Evangelization

The liturgical task of all pastoral activity has not yet been fully accounted for in the recent turn toward the New Evangelization discernable in the magisterium. This article offers the fundamentals of an argument for a liturgically-centered approach to the pastoral task of the New Evangelization. In the first part of the essay, author argues that the implicit telos of the New Evangelization in John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and now Pope Francis necessitates the formation of a liturgical and sacramental personhood made difficult by late modern society. In the second, author provides three dimensions of cultural renewal necessary for developing the liturgical-pastoral task of the New Evangelization. These dimensions include a critique of the technocratic paradigm, a fostering of memory in a secular age, and the reclamation of aesthetics as an authentic form of knowing.
A multiobjective stochastic genetic algorithm for the pareto-optimal prioritization scheme design of real-time healthcare resource allocation

Abstract Many critical or even life-saving healthcare resources such as cadaveric donor organs are scarce. Upon procurement of such resources, some priority rule is applied to make the allocation decisions. In this paper, we consider the problem of optimally designing a single-score based priority rule to rank patients for each unit of available resource in real-time. We address the cases where multiple potentially conflicting objectives are simultaneously considered and the optimality principles on these objectives are in the expectation sense. We thus propose a multiobjective stochastic genetic algorithm approach to obtain Pareto-optimal policies, i.e., determining the weights placed on different prioritization criteria. To accommodate the stochastic nature, we adapt a ranking-and-selection procedure to construct an elite chromosome set in each generation of the genetic algorithm, and use the elite chromosome set to improve the offspring generation. To ensure sufficient diversity in the population, we apply clustering to identify representative elite chromosomes. We use cadaveric liver allocation policy optimization as a proof-of-the-concept study, for which we consider both pre-transplant and post-transplant survival rates as the objectives. We incorporate a self-developed discrete-event simulation model into our optimization algorithm framework. To tune the algorithm parameters efficiently, we use a response-surface-based surrogate model to evaluate each candidate solution. We then obtain a set of Pareto-optimal solutions based on the simulation evaluations. Our study justifies the viability of the approach, i.e., efficiently developing good single-score based priority rules with respect to multiple system outcomes.
Introduction: Theorizing Rock/Historicizing Romanticism

The introduction to Rock and Romanticism: Post-Punk, Goth, and Metal as Dark Romanticisms surveys the complicated history of the term “Romanticism” and then introduces Michael Lowy’s and Robert Sayre’s Romanticism Against the Tide of Modernity as presenting a plausible definition of Romanticism that makes possible the incorporation of rock music under its umbrella. Defining Romanticism as an essentially emotional reaction to a modernity that is inherently capitalist, this introduction makes careful distinctions among the terms “Romanticism,” “Enlightenment,” and “Marxism” and then suggests that the historical conditions following World War II are meaningfully similar to those of eighteenth-century Europe. It then explains this volume’s focus on the Gothic and its relationship to Romanticism and discusses the tradition of the Female Gothic as it summarizes each chapter.
Pediatric Central Nervous System Tumor Diagnosis, Complications, and Emergencies

Abstract Central nervous system tumors are the most common solid malignancy in childhood and the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in children. With an average of 13 new patients being diagnosed daily with a central nervous system tumor, many of these patients will present to the emergency department for evaluation and management. Furthermore, many children experience complications and/or adverse effects directly from the tumor itself, from multimodality treatment (ie, surgery, radiation therapy, and/or chemotherapy), and/or as long-term survivors. Oncologic emergencies include increased intracranial pressure, spinal cord compression, seizures/status epilepticus, central diabetes insipidus, and adrenal insufficiency. Evaluation and management by emergency medicine practitioners are critically important for these patients in all phases of their diagnosis and treatment and can contribute significantly to an improved prognosis.
Effect of temperature on the fracture behavior of Cu/SAC305/Cu solder joints

Abstract Double cantilever beam (DCB) specimens consisting of Sn96.5Ag3.0Cu0.5 (SAC305) solder sandwiched between two copper bars were fabricated under standard surface mount processing conditions. Mode-I fracture tests were performed on the DCB specimens under various temperatures. The load–displacement behavior and critical loads corresponding to crack initiation were recorded and used in a finite element model of the DCB to evaluate critical energy release rates. Fracture surfaces were analyzed to understand the effect of temperature on crack path and fracture mechanism. The critical energy release rate decreased from 603 at −50 °C to 93 J/m2 at 100 °C and the crack path shifted from solder/intermetallic compound interface to bulk solder.
New Numerical Algorithms for Critical Phenomena (Multi-Grid Methods and All That)

Monte Carlo computations in statistical mechanics and quantum field theory have been greatly hampered by critical slowing-down. We review recent progress in devising new Monte Carlo algorithms having radically reduced critical slowing-down. We discuss “collective-mode” algorithms (multi-grid and Swendsen-Wang) for spin systems and lattice field theories, and algorithms for the self-avoiding walk. We also discuss an algebraic multi-grid algorithm for solving Kirchhoff’s equations in the random-resistor problem.
Contact Resonance Force Microscopy for Viscoelastic Property Measurements: From Fundamentals to State-of-the-Art Applications

Contact resonance force microscopy (CRFM) is an atomic force microscopy (AFM) method that evolved from a curiosity about the detection of ultrasonic vibrations with an AFM cantilever and an unaddressed need to characterize the mechanical properties of stiffer materials (elastic modulus >50 GPa). The method has matured to allow near-surface and subsurface elastic property measurements of single crystals, thin films, nanomaterials, composites, and other advanced materials. More recently, CRFM has been extended to viscoelastic property measurements, where the CR frequency and CR quality factor are utilized to quantitatively assess properties such as storage modulus, loss modulus, and loss tangent. In this Perspective, we trace the evolution of CRFM from initial discovery to elastic property measurements to viscoelastic property measurements. The techniques for extending single-point property measurements to two-dimensional property maps are then described in terms of their operational characteristics, demons...
Workplace Hiring and Retention

Human resource development (HRD) professionals assist with hiring and retention of employees in specific ways including new hire orientation training and career development. Ensuring that leaders and employees understand that employee rights in the workplace is an essential training responsibility of HRD professionals. Employees and employers must be able to differentiate between employee security and employer rights. Employees want job security and they want to be safe while at work and employers have the same goals. Understanding the legal and ethical implications for both the employer and the employee is very important. This chapter also explores noncompete clauses and their impact on worker loyalty and company success. Employees do not want their knowledge exploited by their employers and employers want a fair day’s work for a fair day’s pay. Downsizing in the workplace is also an area where HRD professionals must ensure that employees are treated fairly and ethically and are not displaced because they are in a protected class.
Complete resolution of a cervical spine aneurysmal bone cyst after single session of endovascular embolization: Case report:

Treatment options for aneurysmal bone cysts include intralesional curettage, segmental excision, en bloc resection and endovascular embolization. The most commonly used treatment is intralesional curettage and selective arterial embolization is normally an adjunctive therapy, not a definitive treatment. We report a case of a C1 lateral mass aneurysmal bone cyst treated with a single session of endovascular embolization. Long-term follow up demonstrated complete resolution of the cyst. A study of aneurysmal bone cyst embolization was conducted and the key points for obtaining maximal devascularization of the cyst along with embolic material and technique are discussed.
UNIT 5.7 Analysis of Cellular DNA Content by Flow Cytometry

Cellular DNA content can be measured by flow cytometry with the aim of : (1) revealing cell distribution within the major phases of the cell cycle, (2) estimating frequency of apoptotic cells with fractional DNA content, and/or (3) disclosing DNA ploidy of the measured cell population. In this unit, simple and universally applicable methods for staining fixed cells are presented, as are methods that utilize detergents and/or proteolytic treatment to permeabilize cells and make DNA accessible to fluorochrome. Additionally, supravital cell staining with Hoechst 33342, which is primarily used for sorting live cells based on DNA-content differences for their subsequent culturing, is described. Also presented are methods for staining cell nuclei isolated from paraffin-embedded tissues. Available algorithms are listed for deconvolution of DNA-content-frequency histograms to estimate percentage of cells in major phases of the cell cycle and frequency of apoptotic cells with fractional DNA content. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Keywords: cell cycle; DAPI; DNA ploidy; DNA index; Hoechst 33342; PI; propidium iodide; 4′6-diamidino-2-phenylindole
Agents of Inequality: How Common Ownership Leads to Tax Avoidance

The increase in the overlapping institutional ownership of public corporations, known as common ownership, has coincided with a surge in corporate tax avoidance. Under the domination of large, diversified institutional shareholders, public companies are inundating the IRS with aggressive tax returns, avoiding taxes on billions of dollars in corporate income. This surge in aggressive returns—which this Article refers to as “flooding”—when coupled with the IRS’s limited audit capacity, reduces the probability that noncompliant behavior will be detected and penalized. As a result of flooding, tax avoidance becomes less risky, changing the way public firms approach legal risks and creating an escalating cycle of tax avoidance. This undesirable outcome is counter to the classic deterrence theory model, which assumes that the threat of enforcement deters noncompliance. This Article identifies the role that common institutional owners play in facilitating the flooding phenomenon and pinpoints causal links between common ownership and tax noncompliance. By revealing the tax avoidance consequences and enforcement challenges that follow in the wake of common ownership, this Article demonstrates how institutional investors distort the compliance incentives of public corporations. This distortion undermines the proper functioning of the tax system and exacerbates the inequality among taxpayers. To address these issues, this Article proposes a double sanctions regime whereby institutional investors would be penalized along with their portfolio companies for illegitimate tax avoidance behavior. Such a regime could help restore deterrence and thus alleviate one detrimental effect of common ownership that has been overlooked.
Allocentric and Egocentric Behaviour of People While Wayfinding

Wayfinding is a daily task which is associated with efficient manoeuvrability within given space and time. Factors affecting wayfinding can be categorised as external and internal. Current study has been done to understand allocentric and egocentric behaviour of people while wayfinding. The study was conducted in two different phases on the participants of age group 25–45 years old. In the first phase, 180 participants were taken into consideration for asking a face-to-face questionnaire on wayfinding. A real-time experiment was conducted in Pune on another eight participants in the second phase. The area chosen for the experiment was unfamiliar to the participants. Results showed that ability to remember the landmarks differs significantly with the age and does not affect with the gender. Significant correlation found out between individual characteristics of a person and different wayfinding factors. The identified dominant factors which affect wayfinding were—modes of wayfinding, spatial anxiety and environmental factors.
Rates of Glaucomatous Structural and Functional Change From a Large Clinical Population: The Duke Glaucoma Registry Study.

Purpose To investigate rates of structural and functional change in a large clinical population of glaucoma and glaucoma suspect patients. Design Retrospective cohort. Methods Twenty-nine thousand five hundred forty-eight spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) and 19,812 standard automated perimetry (SAP) tests from 6138 eyes of 3669 patients with ≥6 months of follow-up, 2 good quality spectral-domain OCT peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer scans, and 2 reliable SAP tests were included. Data were extracted from the Duke Glaucoma Registry, a large database of electronic health records of patients from the Duke Eye Center and satellite clinics. Rates of change for the 2 metrics were obtained using linear mixed models, categorized according to pre-established cutoffs, and analyzed according to the severity of the disease. Results Average rates of change were −0.73 ± 0.80 μm per year for global retinal nerve fiber layer thickness and −0.09 ± 0.36 dB per year for SAP mean deviation. More than one quarter (26.6%) of eyes were classified as having at least a moderate rate of change by spectral-domain OCT vs 9.1% by SAP (P Conclusion Although most patients under routine care had slow rates of progression, a substantial proportion had rates that could potentially result in major losses if sustained over time. Both structural and functional tests should be used to monitor glaucoma, and spectral-domain OCT still has a relevant role in detecting fast progressors in advanced disease.