cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A comparative study of the volumetric properties of aqueous solutions of pyridine and piperidine derivatives

The objective of this research was to carry out a comparative study of the volumetric properties of 2-pyridinemethanol, 3-pyridinemethanol, 2-(hydroxymethyl)piperidine, and 3-(hydroxymethyl)piperidine in aqueous media. The density and excess volumes of mixing as a function of temperature ( T = 293.15–318.15 K) over the entire concentration range are examined for aqueous solutions of 2,3-pyridinemethanols, and the density and partial molar volumes of aqueous solutions are investigated for the corresponding 2,3-(hydroxymethyl)piperidines. The minimum values of the excess molar volumes, v E , are observed, −0.59 cm 3 mol − 1 for 2-pyridinemethanol–water solutions and −0.47 for 3-pyridinemethanol–water solutions. These are about 0.61% and 0.49% respectively, of the molar volume. The thermal expansion coefficients α T at 298.15 K calculated from the density data, exhibited significant positive deviations, (about 30%) from ideality for 2-pyridinemethanol–water mixtures, and 3-pyridinemethanol–water mixtures. The partial molar volume of 2,3-(hydroxymethyl)piperidines in water at selected temperatures was evaluated by extrapolating the apparent molar volume versus molality plots to m = 0. In addition, the partial molar expansivity, E 0 , the isobaric coefficient of thermal expansion, α T , the interaction coefficient, S v , and the Hepler's constant have also been computed. The data are interpreted in terms of the effect of the primary alcohol functional group on the inter/intramolecular and additional hydrophilic interactions between the molecules.
Fetal syphilis: Clinical and laboratory characteristics

Abstract Objective: To examine the pathophysiology of fetal syphilis and correlate hematologic, immunologic, and sonographic findings. Methods: Twenty-four women with untreated syphilis during pregnancy were prospectively identified. Sonography with amniocentesis and percutaneous umbilical blood sampling were performed. Darkfield examination, rabbit infectivity testing, and polymerase chain reaction for detection of Treponema pallidum were performed on amniotic fluid. Hematologic and chemical testing of fetal blood was performed using standard techniques. Fetal antitreponemal IgM was detected by Western blot assay. Maternal syphilis was treated with 2.4 to 4.8 million units of benzathine penicillin G intramuscularly. Neonatal outcomes and signs of congenital syphilis were recorded. Results: Six women had primary, 12 had secondary, and six had early latent syphilis. Sixty-six percent of fetuses (95% confidence interval [CI] 47%, 82%) had either congenital syphilis or detection of Treponema pallidum in amniotic fluid. Sixty-six percent had hepatomegaly, including three fetuses (12.5%, 95% CI 4%, 31%) with ascites. Fetal antitreponemal IgM was detected in three cases. Abnormal liver transaminases were found in 88% (CI 69%, 96%), anemia in 26% (CI 13%, 47%), and thrombocytopenia in 35% (CI 19%, 55%). Maternal treatment was successful in 83% (CI 64%, 93%). Risk of treatment failure was significantly increased when hepatomegaly and ascites were present (P = .01). Conclusion: Findings with fetal syphilis are similar to those of neonatal syphilis. We hypothesize that fetal transaminase elevation occurs early in the course of infection; hematologic abnormalities and hydrops occur later. Severity of disease may be associated with risk of treatment failure.
Entanglement of formation for one-dimensional magnetic systems with defects

We present a study of the entanglement of formation for one-dimensional magnetic systems with defects. The concurrence was used as a measure of entanglement. Rather than locating the impurity at one site in the chain, there is a Gaussian distribution of disorder near a particular location. We demonstrate that the entanglement can be tuned by varying the strength of the external magnetic field and the distribution of impurities. The concurrence is a maximum close to the critical point, where a quantum phase transition occurs, and for certain parameters can be tuned to zero above the critical point.
Cardiovascular manifestations of heterotaxy and related situs abnormalities assessed with CT angiography

Heterotaxy and situs abnormalities describe an abnormal arrangement of visceral organs in the thoracoabdominal cavity across the normal left-right axis of the body. It is associated with a high occurrence of congenital heart and abdominal defects, including anomalous pulmonary venous connections, systemic venous abnormalities, asplenia, and intestinal malrotation. Without proper diagnosis and surgical intervention, the prognosis of patients with heterotaxy syndrome and associated congenital defects is extremely poor. Complex intracardiac and extracardiac lesions are common in heterotaxy and can be difficult to assess by echocardiography. CT angiography (CTA) is a useful tool in this setting to accurately assess intracardiac and extracardiac abnormalities in this population for medical or surgical management. The intention of this pictorial essay is to review the most common cardiovascular defects involved with heterotaxy syndrome in addition to emphasizing the utility of CTA in the identification and classification of anomalies seen in these patients. This review briefly defines most common terminology used in situs abnormalities as well as presents CT images and 3-dimensional reconstructions of common anomalies associated with situs abnormalities. In summary, this review should prepare radiologists and pediatric cardiologists to describe heterotaxy and situs abnormalities in addition to recognizing the utility of CTA in these patients.
Differential projections from gustatory responsive regions of the parabrachial nucleus to the medulla and forebrain

The present study combined extracellular electrophysiology with anterograde and retrograde tracing techniques to determine efferent projections from taste responsive sites within the parabrachial nucleus (PBN). Taste activity was recorded from two distinct regions of the PBN, the waist region consisting of the ventrolateral (VL) and central medial (CM) subnuclei, and the external region, consisting of the external medial (EM) and external lateral (EL) subnuclei. Ascending and descending projections from these two regions differed. Small biotinylated dextran injections placed in taste responsive sites in the waist area produced a prominent descending projection to the medullary parvocellular reticular formation, a projection nearly non-existent from the external region. Differences in ascending projections were more subtle. Projections to the thalamus were bilateral in all cases, however, the waist region had a larger ipsilateral thalamic projection than the external region and the external region had a larger contralateral projection compared to the waist. Central nucleus of amygdala (CNA) projections from the waist area were primarily from posterior tongue responsive sites in VL and terminated in the central medial and lateral CNA subnuclei; external region projections were distributed to the capsular region of CNA. Both the external and waist region projected to substantia innominata (SI). Different efferent projections from the two gustatory responsive regions of the PBN may reflect functional specialization of PBN subnuclei. Descending projections from orally responsive sites in the waist area project to the lateral parvocellular reticular formation, a region implicated in brainstem circuitry underlying consummatory components of ingestive function. The external region, contains cells responsive to pain and oral aversive stimuli, but does not apparently contribute directly to local brainstem functions. Rather, forebrain pathways appear critical to the expression of external region functions.
Frequency-specific mal de debarquement

After a prolonged period of passive motion, a nonvertiginous sense of dizziness may be experienced when the subject returns to a stationary environment. Patients with this syndrome, referred to as mal de debarquement (MDD), describe a sensation of rocking, tilting, or swaying that may last from hours to years and that is generally most marked when they are stationary.1,2⇓ Possible explanations for MDD have included abnormal adaptation to motion, otolith dysfunction, migraine, or psychogenic mechanisms.1,3⇓ I describe a patient whose symptoms closely mimicked the subjective head motion dynamics associated with travel in two different cars. This case supports the contention that MDD results from an aberrant adaptive response to passive motion. A 55-year-old woman sought treatment for a 4-year history of dizziness. She described her symptoms as a sense of rocking and pitching. These symptoms invariably followed prolonged driving trips, typically occurred in episodes lasting for hours, …
Intergenotypic interactions among families of loblolly pine ( Pinus taeda L.)

The effects of competition on the growth of families of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda, L.) seedlings were investigated. The experimental design made it possible to evaluate the effects of crowding on growth and to determine the types and magnitudes of intergenotypic interactions among pairs of families. The results showed that intergenotypic interactions were both highly variable and pronounced in their effect on early growth. Evidence was also found for precompetition cooperating interactions occurring among seedlings surrounded by neighbors of the same family.
Solution of the Boltzmann equation without the relaxation-time approximation

A method is presented for solving the Boltzmann equation in layered systems without the relaxation-time approximation. The solution is compared with that obtained using the relaxation-time approximation for free-electron solids in the presence of boundaries. For the cases studied, most of the differences can be minimized by using the transport relaxation time. For nonfree electron materials it is expected that the differences will be more complex.
Synthesis And Thermolysis Of Metal Complexes Containing Energetic Ligands

Nitramine ligands have very rarely been employed in metal complex chemistry. This paper describes several new metal-nitraminato compounds of Cu(II), Ni(II) and Pd(II) and their crystal structures. Some of the compounds are potentially interesting as nitramine burn-rate catalysts. To this end, gas product speciation studies were conducted on the compounds under conditions of high heating rate thermolysis. Selected results are described.
Fast Rendering for a Multifinger Haptic Display

An algorithm is described for fast rendering of surfaces for haptic interaction with multiple fingers. The algorithm uses a human-defined geometrical map to quickly cache surface triangles for constant time solution of the collision detection problem. The map is a 1, 2, or 3 dimensional manifold onto which it is easy to project the haptic interaction point. Dividing it's surface into quantized bins allows easy reference to a small set of triangles which can be checked for collision. Although the algorithm relies on some one-time manual input (i.e. defining the contact map), it represents a significant increase in speed without a substantial memory penalty
Evaluating Case Allowance Price Promotions for Food Products

Intense competition for consumers′ attention and for their expenditures has forced manufacturers to seek different ways to motivate all channel members to push their products.
Optimizing airport arrival operations: A systems engineering analysis of Washington Dulles International Airport

Developed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Next Generation Air Transportation System project (NextGen) is an initiative working towards improvement of the National Airspace System (NAS). NextGen seeks to reduce both fuel consumption and the adverse environmental impacts of air transportation, while improving safety and accommodating foreseeable industry expansion. The NextGen project encompasses improvements in all phases of flight, including ground operations, takeoffs, and descents. This paper describes a simulation study conducted to explore and enhance flight arrival operations at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). Current Air Traffic Control (ATC) procedures incorporate a standard step-down descent to ensure smooth handoffs of aircraft among controllers managing traffic at different altitudes. Recent research has shown that Optimized Profile Descent (OPD) techniques help reduce fuel emissions, noise, and travel time. With the support of industry experts at the MITRE Corporation, a non-profit government research organization in alliance with the FAA, the team developed a simulation model using Terminal Area Route Generation Evaluation and Traffic Simulation (TARGETS) software and Base of Aircraft Data (BADA). The team evaluated and compared feasible OPD procedures for flights traveling through or near the BARIN waypoint to current Area Navigation (RNAV) operations at IAD. TARGETS is a state-of-the-art interface used to support the design of RNAV routes and to confirm feasibility and conformance to current safety regulations and navigation procedures. BADA was used to quantify the benefits of the designed routes in comparison to the standard arrival route. The capstone team designed an OPD procedure specifically for the southern arrival flow at IAD. The results for this report include a comparison between the two designed OPD routes and the standard step-down approach route using the total fuel burn as the chosen metric.
Prevalence of gold sensitivity in asymptomatic individuals with gold dental restorations.

Background: The clinical relevance of positive patch test reactions to gold sodium thiosulfate in asymptomatic individuals with gold dental restorations is often unclear. Knowledge of the prevalence of gold sensitivity in individuals with and without gold dental restorations is required to better understand the relevance of these reactions. Objective: To determine the prevalence of positive patch test reactions to gold in asymptomatic individuals with gold dental restorations (gold patients) compared with similar individuals without gold dental appliances (nongold patients). Methods: One hundred thirty-six healthy, asymptomatic patients were patch tested to gold sodium thiosulfate, nickel sulfate and palladium chloride. Readings occurred after 2 days and 7 days. Results: Of the patients tested, 24 of 71 (33.8%) gold patients had a positive reaction to gold versus 7 of 65 (10.8%) of the nongold patients, P < .001. Of those with a positive gold reaction, 12 of 31 (38.7%) also had a positive nickel reaction. Nickel alone was positive in 18 of 71 (25.4%) of gold patients versus 11 of 65 (16.9%) of nongold patients. 19 of 29 (65.5%) of those with a positive nickel reaction also reacted to palladium and 19 of 22 (86.4%) of those with a palladium reaction also reacted to nickel. The rate of allergy to gold computed over a 3-year period for patients patch tested in the Oregon Health Sciences University (OHSU) Contact Dermatitis Clinic was 13.5% (46342). Conclusions: The prevalence of gold sensitivity in individuals with gold dental restorations is approximately 33.8%. This is significantly greater than the 10.8% prevalence seen in individuals without gold dental appliances, as well as greater than the 3-year rate from the OHSU Contact Dermatitis Clinic. This data should help shed light on issues of clinical relevance.
Characteristics for the occurrence of a high-current, Z-pinch aurora as recorded in antiquity

The discovery that objects from the Neolithic or Early Bronze Age carry patterns associated with high-current Z-pinches provides a possible insight into the origin and meaning of these ancient symbols produced by man. This paper directly compares the graphical and radiation data from high-current Z-pinches to these patterns. The paper focuses primarily, but not exclusively, on petroglyphs. It is found that a great many archaic petroglyphs can be classified according to plasma stability and instability data. As the same morphological types are found worldwide, the comparisons suggest the occurrence of an intense aurora, as might be produced if the solar wind had increased between one and two orders of magnitude, millennia ago.
Interaction of ocean currents and resident micronekton at a seamount in the central North Pacific

Seamounts are often characterized by unique faunas, which may include vertically migrating micronekton species. The two dominant seamount-associated micronekton at Southeast (SE) Hancock Seamount on the northern Hawaiian Ridge are the sternopthychid fish Maurolicus muelleri and the lophogastrid mysid Gnathophausia longispina. Distribution patterns for both species, based on midwater trawl and acoustic data, were compared with acoustic Doppler current profiler-measured ocean currents during four research cruises in 1987 and 1988. Populations of both species migrated above the seamount nightly. The distributions of these two species over the seamount were analyzed through acoustic surveys over the seamount flanks and summit. Differences between distributions in the first and second halves of the night were regulated by a combination of behavioral and physical processes. Ocean currents affected the localized nighttime aggregations over different regions of the summit within and between cruises. Currents over the summit had the potential to advect animals an average of 6–7 km per night during the first two cruises and about 2 km per night during the last two cruises. Net and acoustic results indicated that G. longispina and M. muelleri were displaced to the downstream side of the summit through the night, but the distances of displacement were less than would have been predicted by advection alone. Both G. longispina and M. muelleri appeared to resist advective loss from the seamount, although the short-term distributional patterns of the two species were subject to current-mediated influences. Very few specimens were taken 5 and 10 km from the summit or above 100 m depth. Behavior patterns apparently facilitated the maintenance of these populations at this isolated seamount. Published by Elsevier B.V.
Modeling a single dendritic compartment using Neurospaces and GENESIS-3

s - A single PDF containing all abstracts in this Supplement is available here http://www. biomedcentral.co m/content/pdf/14 71-2202-8-S2-in fo.pdf
A hermeneutics of the natural sciences? The debate updated

The initial obstacle to the development of a hermeneutics of the natural sciences has been the inadequate translation, and thus misunderstanding, of the basic terms of Heidegger’s ontological analysis of the protopractical human situation and its progressive technicization. Pragmatism’s parallel analyses of the problem situation of scientists has promoted a more idiomatically English vocabulary. But 1) Gadamer’s exclusion of domains and disciplines working with technical methods from his “universal” hermeneutics continues to be influential, this in spite of the genesis of his project in Helmholtz’s insights into the process of scientific discovery. 2) Markus thus depicts a distinctly different style of production, transmission, and reception of the technological “texts” of natural science. 3) Rouse’s 1987 extension of pragmatic hermeneutics into the incipient politics of knowledge/power relations in laboratory science presents the usual frightening prospects connected with laboratory experimentation impacting on disciplinary social institutions. 4) Rouse’s 1996 analysis of scientific practices in local narrative situations eschews the banner of hermeneutics and instead proposes to examine scientific-technological work by way of interdisciplinary “cultural studies,” once the traditional loci of hermeneutic methodology. 5) A hermeneutic phenomenology of the natural sciences thus finds itself fundamentally challenged with respect to its rightful topics and roles in the analysis of increasingly technicized disciplines and domains.
A Pooling Analysis of Two Simultaneous Online Auctions

Motivated by the ease with which online customers can bid simultaneously in multiple auctions, we analyze a system with two competing auctioneers and three types of bidders: those dedicated to either of the two auctions and those that participate simultaneously in both auctions. Bidding behavior is specified and proven to induce a Bayesian Nash equilibrium, and a closed-form expression for the expected revenue of each auctioneer is derived. For auctioneers selling a single item, partial pooling---i.e., the presence of some cross-auction bidders---is beneficial to both auctioneers as long as neither one dominates the market (e.g., possesses more than 60%--65% of the market share). For multi-item auctions, pooling is mutually beneficial only if both auctioneers have nearly identical ratios of bidders per items for sale; otherwise, only the auctioneer with the smaller ratio benefits from pooling. Pooling's impact on revenue decreases with the number of bidders, suggesting that popular auction sites need not be overly concerned with mitigating bidding across auctions.
Effects of Surface Area Density of Aluminum Foams on Thermal Conductivity of Aluminum Foam-Phase Change Material Composites

The effects of the surface area density of open-cell aluminum foams on the effective thermal conductivity of aluminum foam-phase change material (PCM) composites were investigated. Paraffin was selected as the PCM. The experimental results show that the effective thermal conductivity increases as the temperature increases. The experimental results suggest that the effective thermal conductivities can be different for different surface area densities of foams even though the relative densities of foams are similar. Therefore, for an accurate estimation of the effective thermal conductivity, a correlation including the surface area density effect is needed.
The role of glucocorticoids in the uncontrollable stress-induced potentiation of nucleus accumbens shell dopamine and conditioned place preference responses to morphine.

Summary Exposure to stressors can impact on the responsiveness to drugs of abuse, and glucocorticoid hormones (CORT) may interact with dopamine (DA) within the nucleus accumbens shell (NAcs) to mediate these responses. We have previously shown that the CORT response to morphine, but not to a previous uncontrollable stressor, is necessary for the stress-induced potentiation of morphine's rewarding effects. Here, we test (1) the necessity of CORT during inescapable stress (IS) and/or morphine for IS potentiation of morphine-induced NAcs DA and (2) the sufficiency of enhanced CORT, in the absence of prior IS, to potentiate morphine-induced NAcs DA as well as morphine conditioned place preference (CPP) in male Sprague–Dawley rats. In the first experiment, we administered the CORT synthesis inhibitors metyrapone and aminoglutethimide (100 mg/kg each, sc) to suppress the CORT response to either IS (100 1 mA tailshocks) or subsequent morphine (3 mg/kg, sc) treatment. Twenty-four hour after IS, microdialysis was performed and morphine was administered. In the next experiments, CORT (1 mg/kg, sc) was injected 20 or 30 min before morphine during either microdialysis or CPP testing, respectively, in non-stressed rats. We found that IS potentiated subsequent morphine-induced NAcs DA and this was completely blocked by CORT suppression before morphine, but not before IS. However, elevated levels of CORT concurrent with morphine, but in the absence of a stressor, failed to potentiate NAcs DA or CPP. These results suggest that the CORT response to morphine is necessary, but not sufficient in the absence of prior IS, for sensitized NAcs DA and CPP responding to morphine, and provide further evidence that CORT is involved in the expression, but not the induction, of this sensitization.
An interoperability service framework for high-resolution image applications

This poster presents a prototype architecture and potential use-cases for a standards-based service framework to simplify development of high-resolution image viewing clients.
A screened Coulomb scattering module for displacement damage computations in Geant4

A new software module adding screened Coulomb scattering to the Monte Carlo radiation simulation code Geant4 has been applied to compute the nonionizing component of energy deposited in semiconductor materials by energetic protons and other forms of radiation. This method makes it possible to create three-dimensional maps of nonionizing energy deposition from all radiation sources in structures with complex compositions and geometries. Essential aspects of previous NIEL computations are confirmed, and issues are addressed both about the generality of NIEL and the ability of beam experiments to simulate the space environment with high fidelity, particularly for light ion irradiation at very high energy. A comparison of the displacement energy deposited by electromagnetic and hadronic interactions of a proton beam with published data on GaAs LED degradation supports the conclusion of previous authors that swift light ions and slower heavy ions produce electrically active defects with differing efficiencies. These results emphasize that, for devices with extremely small dimensions, it is increasingly difficult to predict the response of components in space without the assistance of computational modeling.
Partnerships in Science Learning: Museum Outreach and Elementary Gifted Education:

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of a specially designed museum science program on academically gifted elementary students. The program focused on inquiry-based activities that paralleled the work of museum scientists. A pre- and postattitude questionnaire and a parental postquestionnaire were used to investigate changes in (a) attitude toward science careers, (b) understanding of scientific work and scientists, and (c) content knowledge gains of participants. A version of the Draw-a-Scientist Test (DAST) was incorporated to gauge student perceptions of scientific work. After participation, students indicated a greater understanding of science careers and an increased desire to explore careers in science. Student questionnaire and illustration analysis identified an increase in participants’ content knowledge and understanding of scientific work. Parental questionnaires supported these findings.
Effects of vibration frequency and duration on eye-hand coordination in pointing tasks

The effects of high frequency (100, 200 Hz) hand vibration on simultaneous eye and hand pointing tasks were investigated in ten subjects. The pointing task was performed with and without direct visual control of the hand before and during short term (2 min.) hand vibration or before and after 10 min. hand vibration. Vibration induced an increase in hand pointing constant error and error variability. These alterations were more particularly pronounced for the 100 Hz vibration and when the hand was masked. The eye gaze constant error and error variability increased during and immediately after vibration exposure. These results indicate that vibration similar to hand-tool vibration affects movement precision and the coordination of hand and eye movements, more specifically in absence of visual control of the hand.
Statistical models of syntax learning and use

This paper shows how to define probability distributions over linguistically realistic syntactic structures in a way that permits us to define language learning and language comprehension as statistical problems. We demonstrate our approach using lexical-functional grammar (LFG), but our approach generalizes to virtually any linguistic theory. Our probabilistic models are maximum entropy models. In this paper we concentrate on statistical inference procedures for learning the parameters that define these probability distributions. We point out some of the practical problems that make straightforward ways of estimating these distributions infeasible, and develop a “pseudo-likelihood” estimation procedure that overcomes some of these problems. This method raises interesting questions concerning the nature of the data available to a language learner and the modularity of language learning and processing.
The Mutant KRAS Gene Up-regulates BCL-XL Protein via STAT3 to Confer Apoptosis Resistance That Is Reversed by BIM Protein Induction and BCL-XL Antagonism.

In colorectal cancers with oncogenic GTPase Kras (KRAS) mutations, inhibition of downstream MEK/ERK signaling has shown limited efficacy, in part because of failure to induce a robust apoptotic response. We studied the mechanism of apoptosis resistance in mutant KRAS cells and sought to enhance the efficacy of a KRAS-specific MEK/ERK inhibitor, GDC-0623. GDC-0623 was shown to potently up-regulate BIM expression to a greater extent versus other MEK inhibitors in isogenic KRAS HCT116 and mutant KRAS SW620 colon cancer cells. ERK silencing enhanced BIM up-regulation by GDC-0623 that was due to its loss of phosphorylation at Ser69, confirmed by a BIM-EL phosphorylation-defective mutant (S69G) that increased protein stability and blocked BIM induction. Despite BIM and BIK induction, the isogenic KRAS mutant versus wild-type cells remained resistant to GDC-0623-induced apoptosis, in part because of up-regulation of BCL-XL. KRAS knockdown by a doxycycline-inducible shRNA attenuated BCL-XL expression. BCL-XL knockdown sensitized KRAS mutant cells to GDC-0623-mediated apoptosis, as did the BH3 mimetic ABT-263. GDC-0623 plus ABT-263 induced a synergistic apoptosis by a mechanism that includes release of BIM from its sequestration by BCL-XL. Furthermore, mutant KRAS activated p-STAT3 (Tyr705) in the absence of IL-6 secretion, and STAT3 knockdown reduced BCL-XL mRNA and protein expression. These data suggest that BCL-XL up-regulation by STAT3 contributes to mutant KRAS-mediated apoptosis resistance. Such resistance can be overcome by potent BIM induction and concurrent BCL-XL antagonism to enable a synergistic apoptotic response.
Expected Utility Inequalities

Suppose we know the utility function of a risk averse decision maker who values a risky prospect X at a price CE. Based on this information alone I develop upper bounds for the tails of the probabilistic belief about X of the decision maker. I also illustrate how to use these expected utility bounds in a variety of applications, which include the estimation of risk measures from observed data, option valuation, credit risk and the equity premium puzzle.
Assessing the waddle: An evaluation of a 3-point gait score system for ducks

Abstract Impaired walking ability is an economically important welfare problem that affects poultry raised for meat production, including Pekin ducks. To gain a better understanding of the impacts of walking impairments on duck production, and to identify contributing variables and plausible remedies, an accurate measure of walking ability must first be defined. The viability of a 3-point gait score system for characterizing the walking abilities of Pekin ducks was evaluated. Specifically, we examined whether the qualitative gait score categories corresponded to quantitative gait parameter measures, and evaluated the inter- and intra-rater reliabilities of the gait score system. Commercial Pekin ducks aged 13 to 14 d (14 d; 248 ducks), 20 to 21 d (21 d; 350 ducks), and 30 to 32 d (31 d; 368 ducks), were video recorded and gait scored using a 3-point system (GS0 = best gait; GS2 = poor gait) as they crossed a Tekscan® gait analysis system. Gait structure parameters were calculated based on 4 steps made by each duck. The most prominent differences were observed at 21 d and 31 d of age between the ducks with GS0 and GS2, with GS2 scoring ducks walking a shorter total distance, having greater differences in the amount of pressure applied to the right versus left leg, and the amount of time spent standing on 2 feet between steps. Gait score reliabilities were calculated separately for observers who received minimal training (M, N = 10) and those who viewed and discussed the sample cases (V, N = 13). Both groups assessed the gait of ducks from video footage. Inter-rater reliability (Fleiss kappa) was lowest for 14 d old ducks (M: k = 0.47, T: k = 0.62), and best for the 32 d old ducks (V: k = 0.75; T: k = 0.8). Overall, intra-rater reliabilities (Pearson's correlation) were high and were unaffected by the scorer's level of training (M: r = 0.87; V: r = 0.87; t21 = 0.43). The results indicate that a 3-point gait score system is a promising tool for assessing the walking ability of ducks at 21 d of age and older.
On Being a Father or Sibling in Light of the Humanbecoming Family Model

The following article provides an updated discussion on two Parse grounded exploratory descriptive studies in light to her recently added humanbecoming family model. The comments of the fathers and siblings from the studies reveal that family life is unpredictable and that family relationships are paradoxical evolutional emergences of shifting hopes and dreams. The humanbecoming family model provided a useful way to consider fathering and being a sibling, as unexpected unfoldings of joy-sorrow reveal purposeful new possibilities. It guides health professionals to avoid the imposition of their views on what is best for the family in favor of bearing witness to the suffering and disappointments that unfold in family life. It is important to remain open to families' sources of meaning, courage, and hope in the moment.
Freedom-to-Operate in the Crop Sciences: Principles

Research and development in the crop sciences is increasingly impacted by the risk of infringing the intellectual property rights (IPRs; e.g., patents) and tangible property rights (TPRs; e.g., material transfer agreements) of others. Since crop science products now entail such a high degree of technical complexity, and the processes and components to make such products are so ubiquitously available, the potential for such infringement is simply omnipresent. A freedom to operate (FTO) analysis is a tool that provides the requisite information so as to systematically, and prophylactically, assess such legal risks, which can then be managed and significantly diminished. FTO, therefore, is the ability to proceed with research, development and commercialization of a crop science product, while fully accounting for any potential risks of infringing activity, i.e., whether a product can be made, used, sold, offered for sale, or exported, with a minimal risk of infringing the unlicensed IPRs or TPRs of another.
Abstract 4070: β-arrestin-2 mediated regulation of plasminogen activator inhibitor Type 1.

Several studies described the elevated levels of plasminogen activated Inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) protein in malignant tissues and indicated the potential use as a therapeutic target. In bladder cancer, higher levels of PAI-1 were found in tumor tissues compared to normal tissues. Urinary levels of PAI-1 protein in combination with other markers resulted in higher sensitivity and specificity in detecting bladder cancer. In human kidney mesangial cells, the thromboxane A2 (TP) receptor agonist stimulation increased PAI-1 mRNA and protein. Our lab indicated that TP receptor is highly expressed in bladder cancer tissues and inversely correlated with patients` survival. We also indicated the TPβ isoform can induce malignant transformation in immortalized non-transformed urothelial cells. Our published data indicated that U46619 dependent stimulation of cell migration is β-arrestin-2 dependent. The purpose of the current study is to investigate the mechanism whereby TP stimulation regulates PAI-1 expression. The protein levels of PAI-1 were found to be increased in bladder cancer cells following stimulation with TP agonist (U46619). Tetracycline inducible shRNA knock-down of β-arrestin-2 resulted in a significant reduction of PAI-1 protein, but not mRNA in bladder cancer cells and also resulted in a significant reduction of trans-well cell migration and invasion. Our data suggest that the agonist mediated increase in PAI-1 is regulated at the post-transcriptional level. The role of β-arrestin-2 KD on agonist dependent stimulation remains to be determined. Citation Format: Philip M. Sobolesky, Tanyau Zhou, Arielle Gorstein, Julie A. Woolworth, Omar Moussa. β-arrestin-2 mediated regulation of plasminogen activator inhibitor Type 1. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4070. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-4070
Enabling Technologies for Silicon-Based Microphotonics

We review recent work on enabling technologies for silicon-on-insulator waveguide devices. Topics include planar graded-index waveguide couplers, polarization management using stress, and the problem of acquiring optical signals from a large number of output channels.
Immunization coverage rates and influencing factors among children in Zhongshan City in 2012

[Objective]To evaluate the vaccination status among children in Zhongshan City after implementation of the National expanded immunization program,analyze the influencing factors. [Methods]The certificate and register status,and the vaccination status of BCG,OPV,DPT,hepatitis B,measles,encephalitis B,the Six Vaccines,hepatitis A and epidemic cerebrospinal meningitis among children aged 9 to 48 months old were evaluated by the probability proportional to size sampling( PPS). Questionnaire was administered to investigate the cognition of vaccinations in children' parents and the reason of un-vaccination.[Results]A total of 417 children were sampled and the migrant children accounted for 37. 2%( 155 /417). The certificate rate was 98. 3%(410/417),and the register rate was 97.1%(405/417). The basic vaccination rate was 98.1%( 4 09/417) for BCG,96.6%(403/417) for OPV,94.2%( 393/417) for DBT,95. 2%( 397/417) for hepatitis B,92. 6%( 386/417) for measles,and90. 4%( 377 /417) for encephalitis B. The booster immunization rate was 74. 4%( 116 /156) for DBT,77. 6%( 121 /156) for measles and 55. 7%( 87 /156) for encephalitis B. The expanded vaccination rate was 49. 7%( 140 /282) for hepatitis A,and77. 2%( 203 /263) for epidemic cerebrospinal meningitis. The first dose timely coverage rate was 45. 6%( 190 /417) for measles,and 86. 3%( 360 /417) for hepatitis B. The vaccination rate for the Six Vaccines among migrant children was 77. 4%( 120 /155),which was lower than that among the local children [85. 5%( 224 /262) ]significantly( χ2= 4. 399,P 0. 05). 55 children did not get any vaccination or had incomplete vaccination,and the main reasons included no time( 47. 3%),forgetting( 20. 00%)and illness( 12. 73%).[Conclusion]The basis vaccination rate of children in Zhongshan City is high,but the booster vaccination rate and the first dose timely coverage rate of measles and hepatitis B are low relatively. The vaccination rate of local children is higher than that of the migration children,so it is necessary to strengthen the management of vaccination among migration children and improve the publicity of national immunization program.
A vocal modulation model with application to predicting depression severity

Speech provides a potential simple and noninvasive “on-body” means to identify and monitor neurological diseases. Here we develop a model for a class of vocal biomarkers exploiting modulations in speech, focusing on Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) as an application area. Two model components contribute to the envelope of the speech waveform: amplitude modulation (AM) from respiratory muscles, and AM from interaction between vocal tract resonances (formants) and frequency modulation in vocal fold harmonics. Based on the model framework, we test three methods to extract envelopes capturing these modulations of the third formant for synthesized sustained vowels. Using subsequent modulation features derived from the model, we predict MDD severity scores with a Gaussian Mixture Model. Performing global optimization over classifier parameters and number of principal components, we evaluate performance of the features by examining the root-mean-squared error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), and Spearman correlation between the actual and predicted MDD scores. We achieved RMSE and MAE values 10.32 and 8.46, respectively (Spearman correlation=0.487, p<0.001), relative to a baseline RMSE of 11.86 and MAE of 10.05, obtained by predicting the mean MDD severity score. Ultimately, our model provides a framework for detecting and monitoring vocal modulations that could also be applied to other neurological diseases.
China: The Road Ahead

If the basic assumptions collected in this book are right, China’s future outlook under Xi Jinping is double-fold: On the one hand China is changing the global game both purposefully and inadvertently. On the other hand, it is itself changed by its growing interweavement with global developments on all levels: economic, financial, political, cultural, religious, technological, demographic. The question is which of these two simultaneous—and in many ways complemental—trajectories will prove to be more efficient.
Restos de Acinonyx pardinensis (Croizet et Jobert) del Villafranquiese Medio de Varshets (Bulgaria) y la historia de los guepardos en Eurasia durante el Plio-Pleistoceno

The article decribes and discusses remains of late Pliocene (middle Villafranchian) cheetah, Acinonyx pardinensis (Croizet et Jobert) from Varshets, N.-W. Bulgaria. It is accepted that three chronoforms A. pardinensis pardinensis, A. p. pleistocaenicus and A. p. intermedius succeed in Europe from the Early Villafranchian (Etouaires, approx. 2.6 Ma) till the Middle Pleistocene. Remains are scarce and at this level of knowledge we could accept the recently proposed subspecific status of all these forms but their taxonomical relations could be rather more complicate. The remains from Varshets correspond to the earliest form A. pardinensis pardinensis which inhabited Eurasia during the late Early and the Middle Villafranchian and the beginning of the Pleistocene. Other European remains of A. p. pardinensis are known only from Spain, France, Italy and the Azov region of Southern Russia. It seems that then the species occupied only the southern part of the European continent (the Mediterranean-Balkan-Northern peri-Pontic area), and from there it probably spread till Central Asia (Tajikistan). Such a distribution supports the concept of the faunal entity of South Europe in Villafranchian time as well as the theory for the Central Asian influence of this fauna mainly trough the Balkans by two ways: via Bosphorus and via the peri-Pontic area. According to the paleontological data the fossil Acinonyx does not reach Central Europe (Austria and Germany) before the Epivillafranchian, possibly after new waves of dispersal of another, Early Pleistocene form of Central Asia. The relationship of the Middle Villafranchian A. pardinensis with the rather contemporaneous forms from China (Hezheng) “Sivapanthera” linxiaensis and A. kurteni and from Siwaliks is not clear, but the Chinese forms must represent taxa different from A. pardinensis. Acinonyx s. str. is characterized by strongly domed and enlarged frontal area, shortened skull and downwards inclined neurocranium. The new data argue the supposition of its Eurasian origin at the end of the Ruscinian/ beginning of the Villafranchian.
New expert witness guidance? Kennedy v Cordia 2016

Expert evidence forms the basis of almost every claim that comes before the courts in personal injury and clinical negligence litigation. The experts instructed will be of fundamental importance to the success or failure of the case. The legal profession are increasingly aware of the responsibility when instructing an expert to ensure that the expert is aware of their duty to the court. Following the case of Jones v Kaney (2011),1 it is important that experts know that their evidence no longer carries immunity from an action in contract or negligence if it is found to be wanting. In light of this, it is worth reading the judgement in the Kennedy v Cordia case.2 Who would have thought that a bruised wrist from a fall on an icy footpath in 20103 would lead to the Supreme Court giving useful guidance on when expert evidence would be allowed in a civil court? The claimant (Ms Kennedy) was employed as a home carer by the defendant. Her work involved visiting clients in their homes and providing personal care. One wintry December evening, she was required to visit an elderly lady. She slipped and fell, injuring her wrist. She sued the company, and called Lenford Greasly as part of her case, a consulting engineer and former factory inspector. Mr Greasley opined that as part of the risk assessment for her role Ms Kennedy should have been provided with some form of anti-slip overshoe which, if worn, would probably have prevented her injury. The defendant objected to his evidence on the basis that he did not have any special skill, learning or experience. This objection was rejected initially by the court. At first appeal (motivated partly by concerns about the unnecessary proliferation of experts in civil cases which is seen to …
Introduction: Best Matching and Best Match

This chapter presents the fundamentals of best matching in distributed systems of operations and decisions, along with several examples and illustrations. The purpose is to present the basic definitions of best matching in the context of distributed manufacturing, supply, and service systems, highlight its impact on the competitive performance of such systems, and outline the structure and objectives of this book.
Right Ventricular Angiosarcoma Compressing the Left Ventricle.

• Echocardiography is usually the first imaging modality ordered for evaluation of a cardiac mass.