cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reading, Work, and Catholic Women's Biographies

AbstractThis essay considers biographies of Catholic women written after their deaths, largely by priests who served as their confessors, and the saints’ lives which these biographies took as their models. The purpose of this essay is twofold: to draw attention to a significant body of Catholic writing, and to use this material to shed new light on the one text of this group that has gained considerable critical attention, The Lady Falkland, Her Life, a biography of Elizabeth Cary by one of her daughters, a Benedictine nun. Considering the Life as a participant in a subgenre of Catholic biography reveals the tension between the conventions and precedents available to Cary's biographer, on the one hand, and her intractable subject, on the other. The Life, like other similar biographies, borrows from and verges on hagiography, but is particularly unsuccessful at transforming its subject into a saint. While criticism of Cary and her works continues to dwell on her as eccentric and exceptional, determined by ...
A lightweight media access protocol for a WDM-based distributed shared memory system

This paper presents a media access protocol designed for LIGHTING, a WDM testbed currently under construction which has been designed for high-performance supercomputer interconnection. The architecture is based on a dynamically reconfigurable hierarchical WDM network that is being constructed to interconnect a large number of supercomputers and create a distributed shared memory (DSM) environment. This paper describes the network media access protocol based on a single tunable transmitter and single tunable receiver (TT-TR) per node. The protocol exploits the bimodal traffic characteristics of a DSM system. The primary objectives of the protocol design are reduced average latency per packet, support of broadcast/multicast, and support of collisionless communication. The proposed approach is compared to an earlier protocol based on one tunable transmitter and one fixed receiver (TT-FR) per node. The performance of the protocol in terms of average latency and channel utilization is analyzed for varying system characteristics such as number of nodes and channels.
Related oscillation criteria for higher order self-adjoint differential and integro-differential equations

Within recent years considerable attention has been devoted to extensions of the classical Sturmian theory of real linear homogeneous differential equations of the second order. In particular, such extensions have included not only self-adjoint systems of differential equations, but also higher order self-adjoint differential and integro-differential equations. For problems in these latter categories, however, only limited attention has been given to detailed application of the general oscillation and comparison criteria. The present paper is devoted to this area, and, in particular, it is shown how existing criteria may be exploited to obtain comparison theorems between equations of different orders. Although the presented results have ready extensions to vector differential and integro-differential equations of higher order, [see, for example, 5,6,7], for simplicity attention is restricted to scalar equations. Section 2 is devoted to the statement of known general criteria of oscillation for self-adjoint equations of higher order, with special applications of these criteria presented in Section 3. Finally, Section 4 sketches the framework of corresponding applications for self-adjoint higher order integro-differential equations.
Learning to ignore salient color distractors during serial search: evidence for experience-dependent attention allocation strategies

Previous research has investigated whether visual salience (i.e., how much an item stands out) or perceptual load (i.e., display complexity) is the dominant factor in visual selective attention. The evidence has been mixed, with some findings supporting a dominant role for visual salience and some findings supporting a dominant role for perceptual load. However, the complex displays used to impose high perceptual load also introduce a third factor that has gone understudied until recently: the interplay between identity dilution and exposure duration. Adding display items to increase perceptual load dilutes a distractor’s identity, which could decrease interference, but the task generally takes longer, which could increase distractor interference. To clarify how these factors interact, the present study used converging measures of distractor interference—both compatibility and singleton presence—to disambiguate effects due to salience, perceptual load, and identity dilution/exposure duration. Compatibility effects support perceptual load as the dominant factor, whereas singleton presence effects do not (Experiment 1). Consistent with salience-based mechanisms, significant distractor processing (both compatibility and presence effects) occurred under high perceptual load when singleton present trials preceded singleton absent trials (Experiment 2A). However, consistent with load-based mechanisms, non-significant compatibility effects occurred under high perceptual load when singleton absent trials preceded singleton present trials (Experiment 2B). Thus, the competition between salience-based and load-based mechanisms depended on the amount of prior experience with singleton present versus absent displays, which in turn depended on the use of broad versus narrow attentional allocation strategies. These experience-dependent effects provide further evidence that attention allocation strategies are contingent on factors such as task context and experience.
Intergenerational impact of maternal obesity and postnatal feeding practices on pediatric obesity

The postnatal feeding practices of obese and overweight mothers may place their children at increased risk for the development of obesity through shared biology and family environments. This article reviews the feeding practices of obese mothers, describes the potential mechanisms linking maternal feeding behaviors to child obesity risk, and highlights the potential avenues of intervention. Strategies important for improving the quality of the eating environment and preventing the intergenerational transmission of obesity include supporting breastfeeding, improving the food choices of obese women, and encouraging the development of feeding styles that are responsive to hunger and satiety cues.
Variable noise effects upon a simple timing channel

Investigates the effects of noise upon a simple timing channel. Shannon's information theory (C. Shannon et al., 1949) is used to quantify the resulting information flow across the channel. In particular the author studies how a probabilistic response time to a query by a low user affects the mutual information and channel capacity. He claims that we will never eliminate all covert channels in a multi-user computer system without serious degradation of performance. Therefore, it is important to know how 'bad' the covert channels are. One way to do this is through an information theoretic capacity analysis. >
High and Variable Inflation: Further Evidence on the Friedman Hypothesis

Abstract This study, employing a GARCH model, finds a positive and significant relationship between the level and variability of inflation. This provides evidence in support of Friedman's (Friedman, 1977) view that high inflation leads to more variable inflation.
Ernst Engel's Law of Expenditures for Food

Erroneous statements of the law, 78.— The correct version, 79.— The validity of the law: theoretical considerations, 86; the conclusions to be drawn from the facts, 87.— Reasons for these results, 95.— Implications of the study, 100.— Conclusion, 101.
Rising to the Challenges of a Catastrophe: The Emergent and Prosocial Behavior following Hurricane Katrina:

Using several data sources including an extensive database of media reports and a series of government documents, but relying primarily on the University of Delaware’s Disaster Research Center’s field research in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the authors describe the nontraditional behavior that emerged in that catastrophe. They also discuss the prosocial behavior (much of it emergent) that was by far the primary response to this event, despite widespread media reports of massive antisocial behavior. Their study focuses on individual and group reactions in Louisiana during the first three weeks following the hurricane. The authors limit their systematic analyses of emergent behavior to five groupings: hotels, hospitals, neighborhood groups, rescue teams, and the Joint Field Office. Their analysis shows that most of the improvisations undertaken helped in dealing with the various problems that continued to emerge following Katrina. The various social systems and the people in them rose to the demandi...
Turing patterns in a simple gel reactor

We introduce a very simple open two-dimensional gel reactor for studying chemical patterns that arise in reaction-diffusion systems. The reactor consists of a thin disk-shaped layer of polyvinyl alcohol gel with one face in direct contact with a well-stirred flow reactor containing reactants of the chlorite-iodide-malonic acid system; the other face of the gel is in contact with a piece of transparent plexiglass. We have used this reactor to study the transition from a uniform state to a hexagonal pattern; for other concentrations, striped patterns were observed. The wavelength of these structures is greater than the thickness of the gel layer, which indicates that the patterns are two-dimensional (a single layer). This reactor provides a promising new tool for studying chemical patterns since the diffusion time of reactants into and out of the gel can be made small compared to the total residence time in the stirred flow reactor. This feature facilitates the comparison between theory and experiment since the chemical concentrations leading to pattern formation are close to those in the stirred flow reactor and hence can be directly measured. Pattern formation in reaction-diffusi on systems has attracted the interest of experimentalists and theorists alike during the last few decades. Until recently experimental work centered on spatio-temporal patterns in closed systems. Typically, a thin layer of reactive solution was placed in a petri dish and patterns such as spiral waves and target patterns were observed. However, since these appeared in a closed system, they were only short-lived transients. Several open chemical reactor designs have been introduced in order to allow the study of chemical patterns at conditions maintained far from equilibrium. Most of these designs employ an inert gel reaction medium in which convection is suppressed; such a reactor has been called a CFUR (continuous flow unstirred reactor), in analogy with the acronym CSTR used for continuous flow stirred tank reactors. In 1987 Noszticzius et al. [1] used a CFUR with an annular gel that was fed at the inner and outer rims to study traveling waves in the Belousov-Zhaboti nskii (BZ) reaction. Another CFUR design consists of a thin gel layer that is sandwiched between two thin porous glass plates [2]. The face of each porous glass plate opposite to the gel is in contact with a stirred
Income, Trade and Pollution in Central Asia, Russia and China: An Econometric Analysis

The study performs a panel estimation of the relationship between per capita income, trade, and airborne pollution in the five Central Asian nations, Russia and China between 1992 and 2008. First, this study uses an environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis (EKC) - an inverted - U relationship between the increase in income and the level of environmental degradation - to examine how income and pollution are related. Second, the study uses a gravity model to estimate the effect of a regional trade agreement (Shanghai Cooperation Organization: SCO) on incomes and carbon dioxide emissions in the region. Empirical analysis confirms the existence of the rising portion of the EKC curve in the region - a positive correlation between per capita income growth and carbon dioxide emissions- and that the volume of bilateral trade, and not the existence of a regional trade agreement, contributes to the increasing level of environmental pollution.
Culture of entomophagous Insects.

“When we consider what immense services hymenopteron insects render to agriculture, it is surprising that those states that have spent already such large sums of money to fight noxious insects and that have lost still more through their depredation have never tried to raise ichneumon flies by the million and let them loose wherever there are any insect pests to destroy.” Felix Gillet., Hort. Comm., El Dorado, California, 1882.
Assembly and reliability characterization of 3D chip stacking with 30μm pitch lead-free solder micro bump interconnection

Recently, the three-dimensional chip stacking technology with fine pitch and high input/output interconnects has emerged due to the requirements of multi-function and high performance in electronic devices. When the electronic packaging technology develops toward the miniaturization trend, the reliability of interconnect with fine pitch and high density solder bump interconnections will become a critical issue in advanced 3D chip stacking technology. In this study, assembly of chip-on-chip test vehicle with a micro bump pitch of 30 µm was demonstrated and the joint reliability was also evaluated. The Si chip/carrier used in this study had more than 3000 micro bumps with Sn2.5Ag solder material. Ni/Cu under bump metallurgy layer (UBM) was selected on both the top and bottom chip. 3D chip stacking was achieved by thermo-bonding and subsequently underfill dispensing for fine gap filling was also conducted with different kinds of underfills. The temperature cycling test was performed on the chip-on-chip stacking module over 1000 cycles. In addition, with the joint size becoming small, the current for each solder bump carried continues to increase. This leads high current flowing in each individual joint. Therefore, electromigration has become a major reliability issue in microelectronic devices. In this study, electromigration in SnAg solder micro bump with a pitch of 30 μm was investigated under 0.12A at 135°C. Electromigration characteristics of fine pitch micro bump was discussed with the microstructure evolution of micro bump during current stressing. The assembly of 3D stacking chip using two layers of chip with fine pitch and lead-free interconnects was achieved in this study. The results of reliability test showed that the reliability of fine pitch solder micro bump interconnections was acceptable under mechanical and electrical evaluations.
Asymmetric synthesis of 6-(2′,3′,4′,5′,6′-pentafluorophenyl)-δ-lactones via “allyl”boranes: application for the synthesis of fluorinated analog of key pharmacophore of statin drugs

Abstract Asymmetric “allyl”boration of pentafluorobenzaldehyde with various α-pinene based “allyl”boranes provides homoallylic alcohols in high de and ee; the alcohols have been converted into δ-lactones via acryloylation, ring-closing metathesis and hydrogenation. Pentafluorophenyl analog of key pharmacophore of statin drugs has been synthesized using diastereoselective epoxidation and regioselective reduction as key steps.
Longitudinal Changes in Children's Overarm Throw Ball Velocities

Abstract Longitudinal changes in horizontal ball velocities of 54 children performing the overarm throw for force were examined from kindergarten through second grade using a repeated measures ANOVA. The boys' ball velocity increased by 5 feet/second each year; the girls' increased by 3 feet/second; the change over years was significant (p < .05) as was the Sex × Year interaction (p < .05). These changes could be considered meaningful “longitudinal units of change,” which future intervention studies should have the statistical power to detect and thus could assess results in terms of the number of “developmental years” their subjects had improved. Since boys and girls differed in their yearly developmental progress, the authors concluded that treatment effects should be evaluated separately for the sexes. No long-term effects of a kindergarten teaching intervention program were detected in the ball velocities at first and second grade. Year-to-year correlations indicated a modest tendency for the children...
Insect-Plant Interactions: Nutrition and Metabolism

From a phytochemical standpoint, plants are producers of chemicals, and insects are consumers. The biology of the consumer role played by insects is a very complex and intriguing subject, of which we will focus primarily on only two aspects — nutrition and metabolism. But even having so delimited the subject of discourse, it is immediately obvious that other aspects of insect-plant interaction must be considered, at least peripherally, for nutrition and metabolism are not isolated processes. They occur in conjunction with the behavioral and chemosensory facets of the biology of the phytophagous insects. It is an obvious truism that no insect is capable of utilizing every plant species, and conversely that no plant species is susceptible to attack by every species of plant-feeding insect. From both practical and theoretical viewpoints, the most important questions pertain to the identity of factors determining host specificity among the insects and susceptibility to insect depredation among the plants.
Barriers, Springboards and Benchmarks: China Conceptualizes the Pacific Island Chains

US government reports describe Chinese-conceived “island chains” in the Western Pacific as narrow demarcations for Chinese “counter-intervention” operations to defeat US and allied forces in altercations over contested territorial claims. The sparse scholarship available does little to contest this excessively myopic assertion. Yet, further examination reveals meaningful differences that can greatly enhance an understanding of Chinese views of the “island chains” concept, and with it important aspects of China's efforts to develop as a maritime power. Long before China had a navy or naval strategists worthy of the name, the concept had originated and been developed for decades by previous great powers vying for Asia-Pacific influence. Today, China's own authoritative interpretations are flexible, nuanced and multifaceted – befitting the multiple and sometimes contradictory factors with which Beijing must contend in managing its meteoric maritime rise. These include the growing importance of sea lane security at increasing distances and levels of operational intensity.
The Monte Carlo Method for Array Criticality Calculations

The Monte Carlo method for solving neutron transport problems consists of mathematically tracing paths of individual neutrons collision by collision until they are lost by absorption or leakage. The fate of the neutron after each collision is determined by the probability distribution functions that are formed from the neutron cross-section data. These distributions are sampled statistically to establish the successive steps in the neutron's path. The resulting data, accumulated from following a large number of batches, are analyzed to give estimates of k/sub eff/ and other collision-related quantities. The use of electronic computers to produce the simulated neutron histories, initiated at Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory, made the use of the Monte Carlo method practical for many applications. In analog Monte Carlo simulation, the calculation follows the physical events of neutron scattering, absorption, and leakage. To increase calculational efficiency, modifications such as the use of statistical weights are introduced. The Monte Carlo method permits the use of a three-dimensional geometry description and a detailed cross-section representation. Some of the problems in using the method are the selection of the spatial distribution for the initial batch, the preparation of the geometry description for complex units, and the calculation of error estimates formore » region-dependent quantities such as fluxes. The Monte Carlo method is especially appropriate for criticality safety calculations since it permits an accurate representation of interacting units of fissile material. Dissimilar units, units of complex shape, moderators between units, and reflected arrays may be calculated. Monte Carlo results must be correlated with relevant experimental data, and caution must be used to ensure that a representative set of neutron histories is produced.« less
Residence Time of Sand Composing the Beaches and Bars of Outer Cape Cod

When a grain of sand is delivered to the sea by erosion it begins a journey being transported along beaches or bars, or offshore by waves and currents. The history of this journey can be extremely complex for the grain might spend a few seconds in one place and many years trapped in another before being released again for travel. It is therefore important at the outset to place some limitations upon our study. Firstly, our time scale is limited to the past seventy years, the time over which data were gathered. Secondly, the geographical position is limited to a strip of the east coast of Cape Cod 29,400 yards in length (Figure 1), extending seaward to where water depth is about forty feet. After a grain of sediment leaves this area we are no longer concerned with it. We define residence time as the average number of years a grain of eroded sediment is likely to spend in this prescribed area before it is transported elsewhere. We will further try to show that sediment takes a preferred path, some of it moving along the beach and some along the bars. It makes no difference to us if specific environments share grains; that is to say, some material will be on the beach one day and on the bar the next. In the end those grains which tend to be more stable in the beach environment will spend more time there and will travel with a characteristic velocity which is different from the velocity of those grains which are in hydrodynamic equilibrium on bars. The method used to compute residence time involves volume stability. We measured the volume of the beaches and bars in the definition area and assumed that these volumes have not changed within the time limits of our study. We also measured the yearly addition of sediment to the area. In-as-much as there is neither gain nor loss of the average volume of sand -built features, i.e., the beaches and bars, sand must be moving out of the study area at the same rate it is being introduced. Therefore, the residence time in years is the average volume of a beach or bar divided by the yearly volume of sediment added by erosion to the beach or bar.
Mapping of quantitative trait loci associated with ferrous iron toxicity tolerance at seedling stage based on chromosome segment substitution line in rice

One hundred and nineteen chromosome segment substitution lines(CSSLs) developed from two sequenced rice cultivars,the indica cultivar 9311 as recipient,and the japonica cultivar Nippobare as donor,were used to detect QTL for relative root length under Fe2+ stress.After compared to the recurrent parent 9311 by t test,14 CSSLs with significance were selected at P≤0.01 level.Using substitution mapping strategy,nine QTL were detected on rice chromosomes 2,5,6,7 and 12,of which four were identified one substituted segment of CSSL,while the others were identified from more than two substituted segments of CSSL.Among the nine QTL,qRRL12 had a negative additional effect derived from the Fe2+ sensitive parent 9311.Other 8 QTL had a positive additional effect all derived from the Fe2+ tolerant parent Nippobare.The additive effects of these QTL ranged from 7.63 to 19.88 and additive effect from 13.69% to 35.66%.
Experience of Determination of Permanganate Index Project in The National Laboratory Proficiency Testing

[Objective]To summarize the experience in accurate Determination of Permanganate Index Project of the National Laboratory Proficiency Testing.[Methods] GB/T5750.7-2006 of acidic potassium permanganate method was strictly implemented.[Results]After examination by IERM,the experimental results met the requirements of assessment and was close to the target value.[Conclusion]Strict reaction conditions,accurate control of heating time and titration speed,stamping reaction in heating time,eliminating the influence of blank experiment in calculation are key issues for accurately detecting permanganate index project.
Chromosomes and causation of human cancer and leukemia. XXIV. Unusual and complex Ph1 translocations and their clinical significance.

An evaluation is presented of the clinical, hematologic, and survival picture in 30 known cases of chronic myelocytic leukemia (CML) with unusual or complex Ph 1 translocations. An “unusual” Ph 1 translocation differs from the standard one in that the deleted part of chromosome 22 is translocated onto chromosomes or chromosomal areas other than the long arm of chromosome 9; a “complex” Ph 1 translocation indicates a rearrangement involving three or more chromosomes but invariably including No. 22, usually No. 9, and at least one other chromosome. This study included two cases with unusual and four with complex Ph 1 translocations from our laboratory. The information on the remaining 24 cases was obtained through a questionnaire submitted to the various investigators. Even though the number of patients with unusual or complex Ph 1 translocations available for analysis is still relatively small (in all probability the number does not exceed 10% of all Ph 1 positive CML cases observed), the data collected on the 30 patients indicate that the clinical, prognostic, and hematologic features of these cases are not significantly different from those of CML cases with the standard type of Ph 1 translocation. Except for the long arms of chromosomes 9 and 22, no other chromosome appeared to be involved more often than others in unusual and complex translocations. It would appear that the crucial event in CML is the genesis of the Ph 1 chromosome from chromosome 22 and that the site and complexity of the translocation of the deleted part of the No. 22 may be of only minor significance in determining the course of the disease.
Pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic evaluation of insulin glargine U300 for the treatment of type 1 diabetes

Glargine 300 units/ml (Gla-300) is a novel basal insulin formulation approved in 2015 for the treatment of diabetes. This more concentrated form of glargine causes delayed redissolution from the subcutaneous depot after injection and thus altered action profile. Areas covered: The pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, efficacy, and safety of Gla-300 in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) will be reviewed. Expert opinion: Gla-300 has a flatter and more prolonged pharmacokinetic profile compared to glargine 100 units/ml (Gla-100), but is less potent on a unit per unit basis. The prolonged duration of Gla-300 should provide 24h coverage with a single daily dose in all patients. Two phase III trials comparing Gla-300 and Gla-100 were conducted in patients with T1DM. A1C reduction and other measures of glycemic control were similar between groups. Hypoglycemia rates were similar among groups in one trial, but favored Gla-300 in the other. Evidence for improvement in hypoglycemia with Gla-300 is more convincing in the type 2 diabetes population. Gla-300 is available in an insulin pen to mitigate potential dosing errors with different glargine concentrations; the maximum dose per injection is 80 units. Future research should include direct comparison with degludec and use in insulin-resistant populations.
Energy Transport in PEG Oligomers: Contributions of Different Optical Bands

The transport of high-frequency vibrational energy in linear oligomer chains can be fast and efficient if specific conditions which permit ballistic transport are satisfied. These conditions include high delocalization and slow dephasing rate of chain states. We present new experimental results probing the energy transport in linear polyethylene glycol (PEG) oligomers of 0, 4, 8, and 12 PEG units terminated with IR-active end groups, N3 and succinimide ester. The energy transport was initiated by vibrational excitation of one of the end groups and the energy arrival to another end group was detected using dual-frequency, two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy. In addition to end-group to end-group energy transport dynamics, the end-group-to-chain-state and chain-state-to-chain-state waiting-time dynamics are reported. The results show that despite rather short lifetimes for several IR-active chain states, the end-to-end energy transport occurs with a constant and rather high speed of 5.5 A/ps, regardless o...
The Patient Health Questionnaire depression screener in spinal cord injury

Context: Although depression is not inevitable following spinal cord injury/dysfunction (SCI/D), it can have a negative impact on rehabilitation. Evidence-based assessment of depression utilizing s...
Comparison of methods of alert acknowledgement by critical care clinicians in the ICU setting

Background Electronic Health Record (EHR)-based sepsis alert systems have failed to demonstrate improvements in clinically meaningful endpoints. However, the effect of implementation barriers on the success of new sepsis alert systems is rarely explored. Objective To test the hypothesis time to severe sepsis alert acknowledgement by critical care clinicians in the ICU setting would be reduced using an EHR-based alert acknowledgement system compared to a text paging-based system. Study design In one arm of this simulation study, real alerts for patients in the medical ICU were delivered to critical care clinicians through the EHR. In the other arm, simulated alerts were delivered through text paging. The primary outcome was time to alert acknowledgement. The secondary outcomes were a structured, mixed quantitative/qualitative survey and informal group interview. Results The alert acknowledgement rate from the severe sepsis alert system was 3% (N = 148) and 51% (N = 156) from simulated severe sepsis alerts through traditional text paging. Time to alert acknowledgement from the severe sepsis alert system was median 274 min (N = 5) and median 2 min (N = 80) from text paging. The response rate from the EHR-based alert system was insufficient to compare primary measures. However, secondary measures revealed important barriers. Conclusion Alert fatigue, interruption, human error, and information overload are barriers to alert and simulation studies in the ICU setting.
A model to predict risk of postpartum infection after Caesarean delivery

AbstractPurpose: The purpose of this study is to build and validate a statistical model to predict infection after caesarean delivery (CD).Methods: Patient and surgical variables within 30 d of CD ...
Shock compartment confinement during the intertrial interval in avoidance learning

Two groups of albino rats, differing only in the amount of time spent in the presence of shock and nonshock cues, received 60 consecutive avoidance training trials per day for six consecutive days in a modified shuttle box. Both groups snowed a significant increase in per cent avoidance over days but the short shock cue interval group had a significantly higher asymptote than the long shock cue interval group. The results are interpreted in terms of Ss’ learning competing relaxational responses to the shock cues which interfered with avoidance learning.
A systematic review and meta-analysis on herpes zoster and the risk of cardiac and cerebrovascular events

Background Patients who develop herpes zoster or herpes zoster ophthalmicus may be at risk for cerebrovascular and cardiac complications. We systematically reviewed the published literature to determine the association between herpes zoster and its subtypes with the occurrence of cerebrovascular and cardiac events. Methods/Results Systematic searches of PubMed (MEDLINE), SCOPUS (Embase) and Google Scholar were performed in December 2016. Eligible studies were cohort, case-control, and self-controlled case-series examining the association between herpes zoster or subtypes of herpes zoster with the occurrence of cerebrovascular and cardiac events including stroke, transient ischemic attack, coronary heart disease, and myocardial infarction. Data on the occurrence of the examined events were abstracted. Odds ratios and their accompanying confidence intervals were estimated using random and fixed effects models with statistical heterogeneity estimated with the I2 statistic. Twelve studies examining 7.9 million patients up to 28 years after the onset of herpes zoster met our pre-defined eligibility criteria. Random and fixed effects meta-analyses showed that herpes zoster, type unspecified, and herpes zoster ophthalmicus were associated with a significantly increased risk of cerebrovascular events, without any evidence of statistical heterogeneity. Our meta-analysis also found a significantly increased risk of cardiac events associated with herpes zoster, type unspecified. Conclusions Our results are consistent with the accumulating body of evidence that herpes zoster and herpes zoster ophthalmicus are significantly associated with cerebrovascular and cardiovascular events.
Triglycerides cross the blood–brain barrier and induce central leptin and insulin receptor resistance

Resistance at the brain receptors for leptin and insulin has been associated with increased feeding, obesity and cognitive impairments. The causal agent for central resistance is unknown but could be derived from the blood. Here we postulate whether hypertriglyceridemia, the major dyslipidemia of the metabolic syndrome, could underlie central leptin and insulin resistance. We used radioactively labeled triglycerides to measure blood–brain barrier (BBB) penetration, western blots to measure receptor activation, and feeding and cognitive tests to assess behavioral endpoints. Human CSF was determined to contain triglycerides, a finding previously unclear. The radioactive triglyceride triolein readily crossed the BBB and centrally administered triolein and peripherally administered lipids induced in vivo leptin and/or insulin resistance at hypothalamic receptors. Central triolein blocked the satiety effect of centrally administered leptin. Decreasing serum triglycerides with gemfibrozil improved both learning and memory inversely proportionate to triglyceride levels. Triglycerides cross the blood–brain barrier rapidly, are found in human cerebrospinal fluid, and induce central leptin and insulin receptor resistance, decreasing satiety and cognition.
3D electron tracking and vertexing in single plane pixel detectors

In particle physics, tracking and vertexing typically relies on silicon strip or pixel detectors arranged in multiple planes. The ePix100a detector was developed for low noise x-ray detection. When used for high energy particle tracking and imaging, it yields a signal to noise ratio (SNR) of 500 to 1000. The unusually large SNR allows accurate reconstruction of tracks, down to subpixel resolution and 3D angular information. This paper presents (1) results obtained at the End Station Test Beam (ESTB) facility at SLAC National Laboratory with 4.5 GeV beams, incident at several different angles, (2) an analytical approach to accurately reconstruct 3D track position and orientation using single plane detectors, and (3) measurements with scattering targets, demonstrating the performance of the approach presented here. The same approach can be used with any other highly energetic charged particle detection, allowing good 3D position and orientation measurements using fewer or even single silicon detector planes.
Peptide Nucleic Acids as a Tool for Site-Specific Gene Editing

Peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) can bind duplex DNA in a sequence-targeted manner, forming a triplex structure capable of inducing DNA repair and producing specific genome modifications. Since the first description of PNA-mediated gene editing in cell free extracts, PNAs have been used to successfully correct human disease-causing mutations in cell culture and in vivo in preclinical mouse models. Gene correction via PNAs has resulted in clinically-relevant functional protein restoration and disease improvement, with low off-target genome effects, indicating a strong therapeutic potential for PNAs in the treatment or cure of genetic disorders. This review discusses the progress that has been made in developing PNAs as an effective, targeted agent for gene editing, with an emphasis on recent in vivo, nanoparticle-based strategies.
Efficient sampling algorithm for large-scale optimization under uncertainty problems

Abstract Uncertainty is part of the real-world optimization problems. The major bottleneck in solving large-scale stochastic optimization problems is the computational intensity of scenarios or samples. To this end, this research presents a novel sampling approach. This sampling called LHS-SOBOL combines one-dimensional uniformity of LHS and d-dimensional uniformity of Sobol. This paper analyzes existing and novel sampling techniques by conducting large-scale experiments with different functions. The sampling techniques which are analyzed are Monte Carlo Sampling (MCS), Latin Hypercube Sampling (LHS), Hammersley Sequence Sampling (HSS), Latin Hypercube-Hammersley Sequence Sampling (LHS-HSS), Sobol Sampling, and the proposed novel Latin Hypercube-Sobol Sampling (LHS-SOBOL). It was found that HSS performs better up to 40 uncertain variables, Sobol up to 100 variables, LHS-HSS up to 250 variables, and LHS-SOBOL for large-scale uncertainties for larger than 100 variables.
Anatomy, Histology, and Function of the Pancreas

The pancreas is transversely located in the upper retroperitoneal cavity and borders the stomach, duodenum, colon, spleen, and several vital vessels. It connects to the biliary system and the duodenum through the ampulla of Vater. The pancreas has both exocrine and endocrine function. The exocrine portion is composed of acinar cells and the pancreatic duct system and is responsible for producing and delivering several key digestive enzymes to the duodenum, where the enzymes digest ingested food and help absorption by the small intestinal mucosa. The endocrine pancreas contains millions of islets of Langerhans dispersed throughout the entire pancreas. The islets of Langerhans are composed of four main endocrine cell types: α-cells secreting glucagon, β-cells producing insulin, δ-cells releasing somatostatin, and pancreatic polypeptide (PP) cells producing PP. These hormones, especially glucagon and insulin, play an essential role in maintaining glucose hemostasis.
The Cancer Informatics Infrastructure (CII): an architecture for translating clinical research into patient care.

Today, the clinical trial process remains slow and paper-based. The creation of a Cancer Informatics Infrastructure (CII) can provide the architectural base across the continuum of cancer research and cancer care. Recommendations of a Long Range Planning Committee identified near-term activities for the Office of Informatics at the National Cancer Institute (NCI). These include participating in national standards development; fostering oncology-related terminology and standards, e.g., Common Data Elements (CDEs); and leveraging mainstream informatics and Internet technologies, using the successful Internet model that focuses on facilitating stakeholder participation, sponsoring the CII rather than subsidizing it, and providing a test bed as well as an infrastructure. Diffusion tactics include extending the CII concept beyond its "early adopters" to the wider community through recommendations for the near-term and development of a major document defining next-phase activities.
Design, measurement, and analysis in developmental research.

This chapter is concerned with technical aspects of traditional developmental research, including the following topics: the design of studies, the measurement of variables, the analysis of data, and ethical considerations. To the neophyte who has attempted to read the method and results sections of developmental papers, these largely “methodological” aspects of research appear to be bewildering, and inﬁnitely varied in type, form, and perhaps function.
Improved Learning in Physical Education through Immediate Video Feedback.

It is now common for students to carry mobile learning technology (MLT; e.g,. tablet, smartphone, etc.) wherever they go — including to school and the classroom. Although these MLT devices are a distraction to learning in many classroom environments, they have the potential to be used as a positive learning tool in physical education (PE) courses to enhance instruction and improve students' understanding of physical tasks being taught. A study was conducted to assess whether immediate video feedback, in addition to standard instructor verbal feedback, would improve a student's learning and performance on a basic gymnastics task. The study compared the results of a control group that received only verbal critiquing on their performance and an experimental group that received both video and verbal feedback. Each student performed the task twice with feedback provided immediately after each attempt. A short two-question survey was also completed prior to each attempt to assess the students' comfort with the ...
Perceived stress as a moderator of perfectionism, burnout, and job satisfaction among the millennial service workforce

The purpose of this study was to examine if perceived stress moderated the relationship between both adaptive and maladaptive perfectionism and two main outcomes, job satisfaction and burnout, amon...
Nanodomain Engineering for Programmable Ferroelectric Devices.

We introduce a concept of programmable ferroelectric devices composed of two-dimensional (2D) and ferroelectric (FE) materials. It enables precise modulation of the in-plane conductivity of a 2D channel material through nanoengineering FE domains with out-of-plane polarization. The functionality of these new devices has been demonstrated using field-effect transistors (FETs) fabricated with monolayer molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) channels on the Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 substrates. Using piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM), we show that local switching of FE polarization by a conductive probe can be used to tune the conductivity of the MoS2 channel. Specifically, patterning of the nanoscale domains with downward polarization creates conductive paths in a resistive MoS2 channel so that the conductivity of an FET is determined by the number and length of the paths connecting source and drain electrodes. In addition to the device programmability, we demonstrate the device ON/OFF cyclic endurance by successive writing and ...
More Than Just Complaints: Generating Thick Engagement Through Thin Participatory Programs

Thin participatory processes are designed for information exchange. But complaint processes, message boards, and hotlines sometimes facilitate thick, meaningful engagement. Can policy design leverage factors driving engagement to enable values-based responses to complex policy problems, while allowing information exchange to continue as-needed for most participants? Using place-based case studies from oil and gas drilling and community complaints in three regions of Colorado, I make propositions about how the drivers of collaboration are related to the practice of engagement within participatory programs. Based on the case studies, presence of coercive policy actors, inclusion of multiple governmental authorities, and transparency in participatory communication are likely to facilitate thickening. Meanwhile, measurement-based responses to participation are likely to propagate thin participation only. Accordingly, in designing thin processes, policy makers should recognize the nature of engagement will depend on the type of knowledge exchanged and the suite of institutions that might use or leverage the participatory action.
Alternative (komplementäre) Heilverfahren

In der Bundesrepublik Deutschland stehen knapp zwei Drittel der Bevolkerung den Naturheilverfahren positiv gegenuber, wobei sich allerdings nur 3% vollig darauf verlassen wurden. 89% der 1995 durch EMNID Befragten sahen in alternativen Heilverfahren eine sinnvolle Erganzung zur Schulmedizin. Haltenhof et al. (1995) informierten sich bei 793 Arzten uber die von diesen eingesetzten alternativen Heilverfahren, wobei sich ein breites Spektrum ergab (Tabelle 4.1); von den Arztekammern sind bislang allerdings lediglich Chirotherapie, Homoopathie und Naturheilverfahren als Zusatz-bezeichnungen anerkannt.
Urban Latinx parents’ attitudes towards mental health: Mental health literacy and service use

Abstract Latinx youth report elevated internalizing symptomatology as compared to their non-Latinx White counterparts and are less likely to access mental health care for these problems. This qualitative study examined the knowledge, beliefs and perceptions that Latinx parents (86% foreign-born; 66.7% monolingual Spanish speakers) living in urban communities have about mental health and service use for anxiety and depression in children. We used thematic analysis to analyze interview data from 15 Latinx parents who expressed concerns about their child’s (age 6–13) worry or sadness. Analyses revealed that Latinx parents often have difficulty identifying mental health problems, report stigma about mental health problems and help-seeking and want more information about how they can help their children. Although Latinx parents report significant mental health and treatment-seeking stigma, the majority were open to seeking mental health services for their children or were already receiving services. Findings suggest that stigma although prevalent, may not deter service utilization for some Latinx families. Implications for community health and future research are discussed.
Electoral Institutions with Impressionable Voters

We use a model of impressionable voters to study multi-candidate elections under different electoral rules. Instead of maximizing expected utility, voters cast their ballots based on impressions. We show that, under each rule, there is a monotone relationship between voter preferences and vote measures. The nature of this relationship, how- ever, varies by electoral rule. Vote measures are biased upwards for socially preferred candidates under plurality rule, but biased downwards under negative plurality. There is no such bias under approval voting or Borda count. Voters always elect the socially preferred candidate in two-way races for any electoral rule. In multi candidate elections, however, the ability to elect a Condorcet winner varies by rule. The results show that multi-candidate elections can perform well even if voters follow simple behavioral rules. The relative performance of specific electoral institutions, however, depends on the assumed behavioral model of voting.