cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rapid assessment of insect fragments in flour milled from wheat infested with known densities of immature and adult Sitophilus oryzae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae).

Milling wheat, Triticum aestivum L., infested with low densities of internal feeding insects can result in flour containing insect fragments. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) enforces a standard or defect action level stating that a maximum of 75 insect fragments per 50 g of flour is allowed. However, the relationship between level of infestation and number of resulting fragments is not well documented, and a more rapid method for enumerating insect fragments is needed. We characterized the number of insect fragments produced from milling small lots of wheat spiked with known densities and life stages of Sitophilus oryzae (L.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). Insect fragments were enumerated with near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), a quick nondestructive procedure, and with the industry standard flotation method. Results showed that an individual small larva, large larva, pupa, or adult produced 0.4, 0.7, 1.5, and 27.0 fragments, respectively. NIRS-predicted counts of ≤51 (from small larvae), ≤53 (from large larvae), ≤43 (from pupae), or 0 (from adults) indicated that there were 75 actual fragments. These data suggest that NIRS could be adopted for rapid assessment of insect fragments resulting from relatively low levels of infestation with immature life states, but that it was not accurate enough for enumerating insect fragments, relevant to FDA standards, resulting from adults.
A unique Na+/H+ exchanger, analogous to NHE1, in the chicken embryonic fibroblast.

We report the characterization of an Na+/H+exchanger (NHE) in embryonic fibroblasts (SL-29 cells) of the chicken, a terrestrial vertebrate, where Na+ conservation is important. This exchanger is el...
The non-multilateral approach to international intellectual property normsetting

Since the early 2000s, the European Union and the United States have pushed aggressively for the development of bilateral and regional trade agreements. In recent years, developed countries have gone even further to establish plurilateral trade, investment and intellectual property agreements that bring together developed and like-minded countries. Using an ill-advised ‘country club’ approach to international intellectual property normsetting, these countries have negotiated agreements ranging from the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade (ACTA) Agreement to the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Agreement to the Transatlantic Trade and Investment (TTIP) Agreement. While ACTA focuses primarily on intellectual property issues, TPP and TTIP cover trade and trade-related issues, including both the trade- and investment-related aspects of intellectual property rights. To help us take stock of the many recent developments concerning these non-multilateral agreements, this chapter examines the international intellectual property normsetting process following the expiration of the TRIPS transitional period for developing countries. The chapter focuses specifically on three distinct types of non-multilateral agreements: (1) bilateral and regional trade agreements; (2) plurilateral intellectual property agreements (as illustrated by ACTA); and (3) plurilateral trade and investment agreements (as illustrated by the TPP). Using these three types of agreements as case studies, this chapter explores the strengths and weaknesses of the non-multilateral approach to international intellectual property normsetting. The chapter also explores the ramifications of an increase in non-multilateral norm-setting activities in the intellectual property field.
Conciliar Christology and the Problem of Incompatible Predications

In this article I canvas the options available to a proponent of the traditional doctrine of the incarnation against a charge of incoherence. In particular, I consider the charge of incoherence due to incompatible predications both being true of the same one person, the God-man Jesus Christ. For instance, one might think that anything divine has to have certain attributes – perhaps omnipotence, or impassibility. But, the charge continues, nothing human can be omnipotent or impassible. And so nothing can be divine and human. So Christ is not both God and man, contrary to the traditional doctrine of the incarnation. To do so, first, in Section II, I will present the problem as a deductively valid argument. I then, in that section, go on to show that the proponent of traditional Christology should grant all but one premise of the argument. In the remaining sections I will canvas possible solutions to the problem. In Section III I discuss three ways to deny Premise 3 of the forthcoming argument. These ways include a Kenotic response, qua-modification (in four versions), and finally a response that accepts the compatibility of the allegedly incompatible predicates.
Self-Reflection, Interpretation, and Historical Life in Dilthey

Diverging from the dominant Neo-Kantian and Positivist epistemologies of his era, Dilthey's works engaged and articulated the import of the historical for reflection (Besinnung) and knowledge (Wissen). Pursuing a double strategy, Dilthey's writings enact historical research with a philosophical intent while interpreting philosophy in relation to its historical referential contexts. Philosophy is not historical in being lost in the plural, the particular, the relative, and the contingent, as Dilthey's critics contend, but by experientially and self-reflectively encountering and interpreting the present through its lived expressions and objectifications and in its practical interests and needs. Philosophy is both historical and systematic for Dilthey in being informed by and responding to its times, and the questions that concern a generation, and by reflectively proceeding from empirical and factical conditions to concepts.
10.8 A 12-to-26GHz fractional-N PLL with dual continuous tuning LC-D/VCOs

High-performance, flexible clock synthesis is a key challenge in multiple applications, from high-data-rate I/O to reconfigurable radio and radar. Conventional wireline and wireless LC-VCO based PLLs can cover a large tuning range using multiple frequency bands [1, 2], typically using a calibration loop to select an operating band for the VCO, then allowing the PLL to lock within that band. In effect, the in-band frequency tuning range of a typical high-performance LC-VCO covers a small fraction of the total range, the remainder of which is covered using switched high-Q fixed capacitors. This approach has been favored first due to the typically inferior quality factor of analog varactors as compared to that of high-Q vertical natural capacitors (VNCs) with CMOS switches, and second due to the unacceptable noise sensitivity of the VCO control node if the tuning range is covered using a single high-gain varactor. This traditional banding strategy leads to a number of practical problems. First, the entire VCO frequency range cannot be traversed while maintaining glitch-free phase lock, as changing bands involves simultaneously switching in and out large capacitors. Further, the per-band tuning range must be wide enough to guarantee that mismatch between digitally switched capacitor banks does not result in holes in the frequency transfer curve of the VCO. Finally, sufficient tuning range to accommodate temperature-and supply variation-induced drift must be present within each selected band, placing stringent demands on adjacent band overlap and on band selection algorithms. While one component of eliminating coarse bands, stitching of tuning controls across discrete varactors, has been demonstrated in [3], the stitching was achieved over only a fraction of the total range of the oscillator.
Solid and mucinous varieties of so-called mammary carcinoid tumors.

Abstract Three neoplasms that had histologic features reminiscent of carcinoid tumors of other sites were encountered in a review of 3,300 examples of invasive mammary cancer in women (.09%). One of these showed cytoplasmic argyrophilia. This, as well as the two putative carcinoids, lacked argentaffinity. Attention is directed to the occurence of variable numbers of argyrophilic cells in eight of 19 so-called mucinous cancers of the breast studied. Further, neurosecretory-type granules were observed in cells of all four mucinous cancers suitably prepared for electron microscopic examination. The possible reasons for the lack of universal argyrophilic reactions in these lesions is discussed. It is concluded that there may be two types of mammary carcinoid tumors, the solid and mucinous varieties. No patient who had the latter type had experienced treatment failure after five years of observation. Various numbers of ductal epithelial cells in four of 45 examples of banal fibrocystic disease showed cytoplasmic argyrophilia, and neurosecretory-type granules were found in two of eight examples suitably prepared for electron microscopic examination. Whether this demonstration establishes the existence of precursor elements for the development of the carcinoid tumors is at present uncertain.
Draft Genome Sequence of Cryptococcus flavescens Strain OH182.9_3C, a Biocontrol Agent against Fusarium Head Blight of Wheat

Cryptococcus flavescens strain OH182.9_3C (3C) is a novel biopesticidal agent that can be used to control fusarium head blight of wheat. Here we present the draft genome sequence for 3C, the first for the species C. flavescens. Additionally, several genes that may contribute to the biocontrol activities of 3C were identified in silico.
Abstract 1520: Estrogen modulates angiogenic factors of thyroid tumor microenvironment

Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine related cancer with the incidences occurring three to four times higher in women than in men, thus suggesting that estrogen plays a critical role in thyroid cancer progression. We have previously demonstrated that thyroid cancer cells express functionally active estrogen receptors (ER), ER-α and ER-α and that estrogen enhances the metastatic propensity of thyroid cancer cells by increased migration, adhesion and invasion, potentially mediated by enhanced secretion of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP), MMP-2 and MMP-9. However, to successfully grow and metastasize, thyroid cancer cells must initiate endothelial cell induced neo-vascularization such that adequate blood supply is maintained within the tumor. In an effort to define the interacting factors between endothelial cells and thyroid cancer epithelial cells, we developed an in vitro cell culture based system using three thyroid cancer cell lines (a papillary thyroid carcinoma cell line B-CPAP, and two follicular thyroid carcinoma cell lines, CGTH-W-1 and ML-1) and human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVECs). We observed that conditioned medium from estrogen treated thyroid cancer cells induced prolific tubulogenesis of endothelial cells which was abrogated in presence of the anti-estrogen, fulvestrant or neutralizing antibody to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). We also observed that conditioned medium from thyroid cancer cells was able to induce migration of endothelial cells, again a phenomenon which was abrogated by fulvestrant and VEGF neutralizing antibodies. We further demonstrate that estrogen acts as a modulator of endothelial-epithelial cell interaction by modulating angiogenic factors that include VEGF and MMPs, which in turn induce mitogenic signaling and help promote and maintain cellular tumor heterogeneity. Estrogen modulated tumor modulating factors are viewed as novel therapeutic targets and provide evidence that the higher incidence of thyroid cancer in females is potentially attributed to the presence of a functional ER that mediates upregulation of pro-angiogenic factors and thus anti-estrogens can be potentially used to treat and/or prevent thyroid cancer. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1520. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-1520
Electronic Health Record Mid-Parental Height Auto-Calculator for Growth Assessment in Primary Care:

Primary care providers are charged with distinguishing children with an underlying growth problem from those with healthy variant short stature. Knowing the heights of the biological parents aids in making that decision. This study sought to determine the feasibility and functionality of an electronic mid-parental height (MPH) auto-calculator in the clinical assessment of child growth in a pediatric primary care setting. Clinicians completed surveys for 62% of 6803 children (mean height 13 ± 7 percentile) with recorded parent heights. Collecting parent height data required <30 seconds in 91% of encounters. The MPH tool confirmed clinicians' initial growth assessment in 79% of cases and changed it in 4%; the remainder did not use the tool. Clinicians who changed assessment were more likely (P < .0001) to pursue more comprehensive evaluation. The MPH tool was a quick, functional resource as a component of an electronic health record system in actual, busy, pediatric primary care practices.
Diagnostic Yield of Routine Enteropathogenic Stool Tests in Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis.

GOALS It can be important to exclude infectious etiologies prior to adjusting immunosuppressive therapy in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) exacerbation. We sought to determine the diagnostic yield of routine infectious stool studies in pediatric UC patients. PROCEDURES We conducted a retrospective review of 152 pediatric UC patients at Texas Children's Hospital between January 2003 and December 2009. The patient records were followed through July 2014. The number and type of infectious stool studies performed and the results of those were collected. RESULTS Three hundred fifty-four diagnostic stool tests were conducted for Clostridium difficile; 13.6% were positive. Two hundred twenty stool bacterial cultures were performed, and 1.8% were positive, all growing non-typhoid Salmonella. One of 13 (7.7%) Adenovirus PCR tests was positive. Two of 152 examinations (1.3%) for Ova and Parasites were positive. No stool tests for viral culture, viral particles, Yersinia or Rotavirus were positive. CONCLUSIONS Clostridium difficile infection is common in pediatric UC, and routine screening during flares is strongly recommended. Other bacterial and parasitic infections routinely tested for are uncommon, but Salmonella may be a potentially important attribute to disease exacerbations in select patients. In patients without co-morbid conditions, the utility of performing non-specific fecal viral tests is questionable.
Implications of Prospect Theory for the Pricing of Leisure Services

ABSTRACTProspect theory evolved in psychology 35 years ago. It transitioned into economics, where it became one of the founding pillars of behavioral economics. This article uses prospect theory to inform explanations of the workings of eight heuristics used in pricing decisions: enterprise fund effect, semantic framing of discounts and premiums, promotional price, bundling and unbundling of services, hyperbolic discounting, endowment effect, sunk cost effect, and odd number pricing. Research is reviewed from the marketing, psychology, economics, and leisure literatures; examples are provided across a wide spectrum of leisure settings; and implications for leisure managers are suggested.
Exploration study on generation of statistical reports of infectious diseases by the database T- SQL language

Objective Using the daily monitoring data of infectious diseases to generate statistical reports of infectious diseases by the database T-SQL language. Methods Case driven method was used to explain how to use the database T-SQL language to generate statistical reports of infectious diseases. Results Take Hefei city,Wuhu city,and their administrative region as an example,to write statistical procedure code of infectious diseases. All the SQL code passed MS SQL SERVER 2008 database platform test. Conclusion T-SQL language was adaptive for management and statistical analysis of daily surveillance data of public health. Especially on the stratum closed to the original data,it was flexible and usable to carry out data management.
Multidimensional Scaling and Preference Mapping: Promising Methods for Investigating Older Adults’ Physical Activity Perceptions and Preferences

Research on older adult physical activity promotion has lacked methods to measure older adults’ physical activity perceptions and preferences. This article describes perceptual and preference-mapping marketing techniques for investigating perceived features in physical activities. Using these techniques, investigators can represent the dimensions in which older adults perceive physical activity modes, label them, and consider individual differences. In this study, older adults compared 13 physical activities and ranked them by preference. A 4-dimensional space satisfactorily represented perceptions, and a 3-dimensional space, preferences. Physical activity perceptions varied along orthogonal dimensions of health affordance. intensity, social nature, and competitive nature. Categories of preference were revealed as dimensions relating to noncompetitive/self-efficacy attributes, intensity, and gender practices. The authors conclude that older adults’ physical activity preferences and perceptions can be repr...
On Becoming a Feminist Psychologist

Feminists have seen profound changes in psychology both in the amount of research on women and gender and in the inclusion of women and others who have been underrepresented in psychology faculties. But beyond promoting those changes, what does it mean to be a feminist psychologist? Here, I discuss ways in which grounding my work in feminism has led to emotional reactions that have fueled my research but also, at times, been depleting. Researchers’ emotions have typically been thought of as contaminants to their work, but I suggest that they may be a critical part of our practice and should be acknowledged and explored. Reflecting on my own emotional reactions to doing research on violence against women has led me to recommend two ways to work for social justice: by changing the narrative about social problems and by working with advocates to do research that is useful to bring about change.
Comparison of 20% sulfur hexafluoride with air for intraocular tamponade in Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK)

Objetivo: Comparar as taxas de descolamento do botao endotelial com o uso de gas hexafluoreto de enxofre a 20% (SF6) em relacao ao ar para o tamponamento intraocular na ceratoplastia endotelial da membrana de Descemet (DMEK). Metodos: Quarenta e dois olhos foram operados com a tecnica de DMEK por um unico cirurgiao (A.S.J.) no Wilmer Eye Institute entre janeiro de 2012 a 2014. Os primeiros 21 olhos receberam ar para o tamponamento intraocular apos o enxerto do botao endotelial e os 21 olhos seguintes receberam SF6. O desfecho primario medido foi a taxa de descolamento do botao endotelial por analise univariada e multivariada. Resultados: A taxa de descolamento do botao endotelial foi de 67% no grupo que recebeu ar vs 19% no grupo que recebeu SF6 (p<0,05). Nao houve nenhum descolamento total de botao e todos os parciais foram tratados com injecao de ar intraocular. Nao houve diferenca estatistica significativa entre os grupos em relacao a AV de 20/25 ou melhor (67% vs 71%). A analise univariada demonstrou maior taxa de descolamento com o tamponamento por ar intraocular (OR 8,50, p<0,005) e com botoes doadores maiores (OR 14,96, p<0,05). Na analise multivariada, incluindo gas, mas nao o tamanho do botao doador, o tipo de gas usado permaneceu sendo um fator preditivo independente e estatisticamente significativo para o desfecho primario, com OR de 6,65 (p<0,05). Porem, quando o tamanho do botao doador foi incluso como covariavel, o gas perdeu a sua significância como preditor de descolamento, mantendo o OR de 7,81 (p=0,063), semelhante as analises univariada e multivariada excluindo o tamanho do botao doador. Conclusao: O uso de gas hexafluoreto de enxofre a 20% (SF6) para o tamponamento intraocular reduz a taxa de descolamento do botao endotelial quando comparado ao uso de ar no DMEK.
The Benefits of College Marching Bands for Students and Universities: A Review of the Literature:

College marching bands are a large and visible part of American music education. Institutions of higher learning have benefited from the existence of marching bands, as they serve as a powerful rec...
A work system perspective on organizational design and enterprise engineering

This paper explains how organizational design/ enterprise engineering can be viewed as an operational work system that produces designs, models, and/or specifications along with the related understandings, discussions, and commitments. It applies a work system lens to visualize a typical work system that performs organizational design/ enterprise engineering. It uses the same lens to identify possibilities for research on the related topics.
A trapezoid multiresolution CMOS image sensor for traffic monitoring

In this paper, a new multiresolution CMOS imager sensor with trapezoid pixel array, called TZOID, is presented. It is designed for traffic monitoring. It is specifically for detecting the speed and location of upcoming vehicles, without using binning of pixel signals. The unique trapezoid sensor design also eliminates computationally expensive coordinate mapping to extract necessary information. The TZOID design simplifies the traffic monitoring camera system achieving faster image processing, low-power consumption and smaller frame memory. A prototype TZOID chip was fabricated in a 0.18μm CMOS process with 40×152 multiresolution trapezoid pixel array. Detailed design considerations and preliminary measurement results are reported.
Long-term measurements of agronomic crop irrigation made in the Mississippi delta portion of the lower Mississippi River Valley

With over 4 million ha irrigated cropland, the Lower Mississippi River Valley is a highly productive agricultural region where irrigation practices are similar and the Mississippi River Valley alluvial aquifer (MRVA) serves as a primary source of on-demand irrigation. The power conversion coefficient method was used to measure season-long irrigation applied by producers to cotton, maize, rice, and soybean grown in the Mississippi Delta over a 12-year period that spanned a range of weather and cropping conditions. Averaged across all years and irrigation methods, irrigation rates were 9200, 3100, 2800, and 1800 m3 ha−1 for rice, maize, soybean, and cotton, respectively. Pivot and flood methods resulted in the lowest application rates when compared to furrow irrigation of row crops. In terms of rice, zero-grade fields received the least irrigation while multiple-inlet rice irrigation reduced irrigation by 19% relative to cascade flooding. No differences were measured between contour- and straight-levee rice fields. Irrigation rates for cotton and rice remained unchanged over time. Maize-soybean rates increased by approximately 200 m3 ha−1 y−1 and correlated (r > 0.67) with cumulative moisture deficit at Stoneville. Study results provide irrigation rates necessary to calculate detailed water budgets for the MRVA. These data may also serve as benchmarks for irrigation performance evaluations.
Surface phase transitions of adsorbed collector molecules as revealed by in situ FT-IR/IRS spectroscopy

It has been shown by inspection of FT-IR/IRS spectra that the alkyl conformation of adsorbed collectors can be determined. The conformations of adsorbed collectors were interpreted in terms of bulk solution phases of the collectors. Such analysis was performed on the CaF2/oleate, Al2O3/SDS and KCl/octylamine flotation systems. It was found that each system has unique conformational behavior depending upon variables such as adsorption density and temperature. For the CaF2/oleate system the adsorbed species resemble a coagel at room temperature. Raising the temperature of the chemisorbed species to 40° C caused the adsorbed oleate to become micellar. Liquid crystalline-adsorbed species were observed in the Al2O3/dodecylsulfate system at low adsorption densities. As the adsorption density increased the adsorbed species resembled a coagel/liquid crystal mixture. In all cases, octylamine adsorbed by KCl appeared micellar in nature.
A Meta-Analysis of Prosocial Media on Prosocial Behavior, Aggression, and Empathic Concern: A Multidimensional Approach.

Studies examining the effects of exposure to prosocial media on positive outcomes are increasing in number and strength. However, existing meta-analyses use a broad definition of prosocial media that does not recognize the multidimensionality of prosocial behavior. The aim of the current study is to conduct a meta-analysis on the effects of exposure to prosocial media on prosocial behavior, aggression, and empathic concern while examining multiple moderators that the prosocial behavior literature suggests are important to our understanding of why individuals voluntarily help others (e.g., target, type, cost). Results from 72 studies involving 243 effect sizes revealed that exposure to prosocial media was related to higher levels of prosocial behavior and empathic concern and lower levels of aggressive behavior. Moderation analyses suggest that several moderators accounted for heterogeneity in the model, including age of participant, region, media type (active vs. passive), and study design. In terms of multidimensional moderators, prosocial media had stronger effects on prosocial behavior toward strangers than did any other target and on helping and prosocial thinking but not donating or volunteering. Comparisons with other meta-analyses on media effects are made and implications for parents, media producers, and researchers are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record
Observational Coding Training Methods for CBT Treatment Fidelity: A Systematic Review

Observational coding is the gold standard for coding treatment fidelity in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This method allows researchers to objectively assess therapist behaviors to determine if CBT was delivered as intended. However, there is no standard method or protocol that ensures reliability within and between research groups, compromising comparability between studies. The aim of this study was to evaluate procedures used to train raters to quantify CBT fidelity. A systematic review was conducted. PsycINFO and Web of Science databases were reviewed for articles up until July 2015; the parameters of the search included CBT, depression, treatment fidelity, and coding/rating. A total of 521 articles were screened for inclusion, which yielded 81 articles. Data was extracted across four categories (study characteristics, training process, inter-rater reliability, and rating), and 62 codes. The results revealed variability in training approaches (e.g., 25.9% of articles reported 10–50 h of training). Very little information was provided about the training process (i.e. only one study specified training duration). Training materials were: manuals (21.0%), videos (18.5%), audiotapes (2.4%), readings (1.2%), and lectures (1.2%). Almost all (90.1%) studies did not describe the trainer, and 28.4% did not describe raters. The relation between CBT fidelity and clinical outcomes is equivocal, perhaps because intra-team and inter-team reliability is difficult to achieve. This systematic review revealed variability in training others to rate CBT fidelity, of which some approaches might inform the field for future use.
Flow pattern transition instabilities in a natural circulation cooling facility

Abstract Our research analyzed results from a two-phase natural circulation test facility designed to study the performance of reactor cavity cooling systems, and determined the presence of a flow transition instability. Reactor cavity cooling systems are passive safety system’s designed to remove decay heat from high temperature generation IV reactors. Water-based designs achieve this function by boiling-off a set water inventory held in a storage tank. During normal operation under accident conditions, the two-phase natural circulation facility undergoes a transition from stratified to intermittent flow regimes as the water level in the storage tank is lowered due to inventory evaporation. The transition is accompanied with an oscillatory flow rate due to the differing pressure drops between the flow regimes. The instability ceases after fully transiting into the intermittent flow regime. The presence of the transition was determined with a steady-state drift flux model and wire-mesh sensor data.
Growth Hormone Deficiency, Genetic

Genetic disorders of growth are numerous and include defects of the central nervous system, hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, skeleton, and other glands, tissues, or organs. These disorders are caused by genetic variations that interrupt different points of the hypothalamic–pituitary axis and other synthetic pathways that are required for growth. The resulting growth disorders can be classified by their (1) etiology (Mendelian, mode of inheritance, or chromosomal basis), (2) phenotype (isolated or multiple hormone deficiencies), (3) genetic variations of the different loci or alleles involved, and/or (4) associated biochemical findings. The growth disorders selected for inclusion are examples and are by no means a comprehensive list of all known genetic diseases that have some effect on growth. Information on each disorder is summarized and, for most of the disorders, more detailed information can be obtained through the electronic database Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man.
Angola’s Measured Distance from International Organizations

Angola’s ruling party, the Movimento Popular para Libertacao de Angola (MPLA), has dominated politics in the southern African country since independence from Portugal in 1975. However, for much of its history—since emerging as a nationalist movement in the late 1950s through the liberation struggle of the 1960s, the transition to independence in the early 1970s, and the traumatic post-independence period dominated by a vicious and protracted civil war that ended in 2002—its survival was not assured. To enhance legitimacy, MPLA sought recognition from international organizations. But survival was ensured by carefully cultivating deep relationships with like-minded organizations and, after independence, with friendly states. This chapter examines MPLA’s calculated distance from international organizations as an intentional survival strategy.
Computerized Adaptive Testing for Patient Reported Outcomes in Ankle Fracture Surgery.

Background:Advantages of using computerized adaptive testing (CAT) include decreased survey-burden, diminished floor and ceiling effect, and improved ability to detect the minimal clinical signific...
Assessment of Design Configurations for the Therapeutic use of Daylight

The relationship between light and architecture has been long and fruitful. Ancient to medieval temples were built in careful relationship to the motion of the sun in order to worship its existence, marie time and dramatize rituals. The ancient and Renaissance architects Vitruvius and Alberti both wrote how sunlight was to be placed in proper relationship in design. (1, 2) Not until the mid 19th century did medical design advocates like Florence Nightingale begin to promote the healthful qualities of light in houses and hospitals. Nightingale noticed that patients on the sunny side of a hospital had higher spirits than those, located in darker areas. (3) This resulted in her promotion of the pavilion hospital plan that consisted of patient wings allowing ample light penetration and cross ventilation. (4) At the turn of the century it was found that sunlight could help cure tuberculosis resulting in hospitals with sunbathing balconies. This was also the dawn of modem architecture from which Frank Lloyd Wright and Le Corbusier began to promote the health qualities of light and air in their designs. The most celebrated therapeutic use of light in modem architecture occurred in 1927 with Richard Neutra’s “Health House.” Designed for Dr. Lovell, a staunch promoter of environmental therapies who wrote a weekly health column for the Los Angeles Times, the house allowed ample southeastern light through two story windows and provided multiple places for private sunbathing and exercise.
On Infinitely Decomposable Probability Distributions, and Helical Varieties in Hilbert Space

Publisher Summary The theory of infinitely decomposable probability distributions is mirrored by the geometry of helical varieties in Hilbert space or, more accurately, by the multi-time global kinematics of such helical motions. The chapter presents a probability-free, Hilbert space theoretic proof of the Levy–Khinchine formula for such distributions over ℝq. The chapter focuses on the relations between infinitely decomposable distributions over ℝ. The chapter discusses the modifications and extensions of results of R. Gangolly and A. N. Kolmogorov on positive definite kernels, and also explains how they lead from infinitely decomposable distributions to helical varieties in Hilbert space. The chapter presents a deduction of the Levy–Khinchine Thm. for infinitely decomposable distributions over ℝq from Yaglom's Thm. for helical hypersurfaces, thereby presenting a probability-free proof. It also focuses on recent advances in helix theory based on operator-measure theoretic considerations, which shed new light on infinitely decomposable distributions over ℝ.
Peripapillary sclera architecture revisited: A tangential fiber model and its biomechanical implications

Abstract The collagen fiber architecture of the peripapillary sclera (PPS), which surrounds the scleral canal, is a critical factor in determining the mechanical response of the optic nerve head (ONH) to variations in intraocular pressure (IOP). Experimental and clinical evidence point to IOP-induced deformations within the scleral canal as important contributing factors of glaucomatous neural tissue damage and consequent vision loss. Hence, it is imperative to understand PPS architecture and biomechanics. Current consensus is that the fibers of the PPS form a closed ring around the canal to support the delicate neural tissues within. We propose an alternative fiber architecture for the PPS, in which the scleral canal is supported primarily by long-running fibers oriented tangentially to the canal. We present evidence that this tangential model is consistent with histological observations in multiple species, and with quantitative measurements of fiber orientation obtained from small angle light scattering and wide-angle X-ray scattering. Using finite element models, we investigated the biomechanical implications of a tangential fiber PPS architecture. We found that the tangential arrangement of fibers afforded better mechanical support to the tissues within the scleral canal as compared to a simple circumferential ring of fibers or a combination of fibers oriented radially and circumferentially. We also found that subtle variations from a tangential orientation could reproduce clinically observed ONH behavior which has yet to be explained using current theories of PPS architecture and simulation, namely, the contraction of the scleral canal under elevated IOP. Statement of Significance It is hypothesized that vision loss in glaucoma is due to excessive mechanical deformation within the neural tissue inside the scleral canal. This study proposes a new model for how the collagen of the peripapillary sclera surrounding the canal is organized to support the delicate neural tissue inside. Previous low-resolution studies of the peripapillary sclera suggested that the collagen fibers are arranged in a ring around the canal. Instead, we provide microscopic evidence suggesting that the canal is also supported by long-running interwoven fibers oriented tangentially to the canal. We demonstrate that this arrangement has multiple biomechanical advantages over a circular collagen arrangement and can explain previously unexplained experimental findings including contraction of the scleral canal under elevated intraocular pressure.
Gender Performance through Turn-Taking Organisation in a Foreign Language Classroom.

According to research in pragmatics, gender represents an important factor in individuals’ turn-taking behaviour, with results indicating overall male-dominated conversational patterns. Despite the...
Prospective prediction of first lifetime onset of suicidal ideation in a national study of substance users

Abstract Suicide rates have increased over the past several decades. Prior research has evaluated risk factors for suicidal behavior, but much of this work does not adequately differentiate between risk factors for suicidal ideation (SI) and suicide attempts, nor does it differentiate between first-onset SI and recurrent ideation. This study seeks to identify risk factors for first-onset SI among a high-risk group: individuals receiving treatment for substance use disorders. Data were drawn from the National Treatment Improvement Evaluation Study, a prospective study examining the impact of addiction treatment programs. Patients with no lifetime history of suicide attempts or ideation (n = 2560) were assessed at baseline and one year later for prospectively-occurring SI. Sociodemographic variables, mental health indices, interpersonal factors, and substance use severity indicators were evaluated as prospective predictors of first-onset SI in linear regression models. Current mental health problems (OR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.19–2.01), current substance use problems (OR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.04–1.70), and difficulty accessing treatment for substance use problems (OR = 1.90, 95% CI = 1.16–3.11) emerged as significant predictors of first-onset SI in a multivariate analysis, suggesting that individuals with current mental health or substance use related symptoms are among the most at risk for developing SI. Difficulty obtaining treatment remained significant, highlighting the importance of treatment accessibility. Future clinical work and research would benefit by addressing these issues, potentially by focusing on mental health treatment in substance abuse programs and evaluating barriers to treatment.
Open-label placebo reduces fatigue in cancer survivors: a randomized trial

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a common and challenging late effect for many cancer survivors. Clinical trials demonstrate robust placebo effects on CRF in blinded trials. Recently, open-label placebo (OLP) has been shown to improve a variety of symptoms in other populations. We conducted a randomized controlled trial to investigate the effect of OLP on CRF in cancer survivors, and to explore biologic and psychological correlates of placebo efficacy. Forty cancer survivors (92.5% female; mean age 47.3 years) were randomized to OLP or no treatment control. OLP participants were prescribed two placebo tablets twice daily, for 3 weeks. All participants completed assessments at Baseline, Day 8, and Day 22. The primary endpoint was change in CRF (FACIT-F), and secondary outcomes included exercise frequency, mood, and quality of life. We examined whether personality characteristics or a genetic variation important in dopamine catabolism (catechol-O-methyltransferase; COMT) affected the placebo response. The OLP group reported significantly improved CRF at both Day 8 (p = 0.005) and Day 22 (p = .02), while the control group did not (ps > .05). CRF improvement differed by COMT genotype, but was not associated with personality characteristics. Marginal improvements were noted in the placebo group for some secondary outcomes (exercise frequency and quality of life), but not in the control group. Results demonstrate that even when administered openly, placebos improve CRF in cancer survivors and dopaminergic systems may be associated with this response. This novel research has meaningful implications for the use of OLP in symptom management for cancer survivors.
Synthesis and Characterization of N,N'-Bismesityl Phenanthrene-9,10-diimine and Imine-Nitrone.

The sterically bulky compounds N,N′-bismesityl phenanthrene-9,10-diimine [1] and imine–nitrone [2] were synthesized. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the synthesis of a bulky steric imine–nitrone accessed from the secondary ketimine using urea hydrogen peroxide over methyltrioxorhenium catalyst. Purified compounds were characterized using 1H and 13C NMR, high-resolution mass spectrometry, and infrared spectrometry. We report the first crystal structure of compound 1. Detailed IR bands of compounds 1 and 2 were assigned by comparing experimentally measured spectra to individually animated modes of quantum mechanically computed spectra. We believe these compounds may be of use as bidentate ligands in the synthesis of novel organometallic compounds. The asymmetric N and O coordination sites of compound 2 might impart interesting electronic effects to organometallic compounds compared to the symmetric N,N′-coordination sites of compound 1.
Occurrence and Clinical Patterns of Stroke Based on Arterial Cannulation Strategy during Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support

Purpose Stroke is a major complication with potentially devastating consequences for patients receiving veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO). Arterial cannulation sites for VA-ECMO include ascending aorta, axillary artery, and femoral artery. However, rates of stroke according to cannulation site are currently unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between occurrence and patterns of stroke with ECMO arterial cannulation sites. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 498 consecutive patients who received VA-ECMO support for cardiogenic shock between March 2007 and May 2018. Patients were categorized by cannulation strategy. The rates, subtype and location of strokes as assessed by CT scans of the head during and after VA-ECMO support were analyzed. Results Median age was 60 years (IQR 49-68); 69% were male. 87 patients were cannulated via the ascending aorta (18%), 37 via the axillary artery (7%), and 374 (75%) via the femoral artery. In total, 27 patients (5.4%) developed 32 stroke events at a median of 4.3 (2.8-6.0) days after ECMO cannulation. Ischemic stroke was the most common subtype (63%), followed by hemorrhagic conversion (22%) and hemorrhagic stroke (15%). Location by CT was right hemispheric in 34%, left hemispheric in 34%, bilateral in 19%, and vertebrobasilar in 13%. The incidence of stroke was similar across cannulation strategies: aorta (n=5, 5.8%), axillary artery (n=2, 5.4%), and femoral artery (n=20, 5.3%), (p=0.94). Stroke subtype and location based on cannulation site are summarized in Table 1. Conclusion Stroke occurred in approximately 5% of all patients with cardiogenic shock receiving VA-ECMO, with ischemic stroke being the most common subtype. Incidence of stroke does not appear to differ among patients cannulated via the ascending aorta, axillary artery, or femoral artery, although clinical patterns may vary based on the cannulation strategy.
Persistent economic insecurity and harsh parenting: A latent transition analysis

Abstract Harsh parenting is more likely among economically insecure families, yet it is unclear how persistent economic insecurity, including material hardship and income transfers from friends, family, and social assistance programs like Medicaid, are related to harsh parenting. Using a sample of mothers from the Fragile Families and Child Well-being Study (Age 3 & 5 N = 4, 523), we investigated these hypotheses: 1) Unique combinations, or classes, of economic insecurity are differentially associated with harsh parenting at ages three and five, 2) classes of economic insecurity persist over time, and 3) persistent economic insecurity heightens the likelihood for harsh parenting. We found support for the first two hypotheses and mixed support for the third hypothesis. The four latent classes of economic insecurity were differentially associated with harsh parenting, with economically insecure mothers perpetrating more harsh parenting. Most mothers retained their class of economic insecurity over time. Finally, the relationship between persistent economic insecurity and harsh parenting is not straightforward: Persistent economic insecurity was related to moderate amounts of harsh parenting at age five, yet also buffered mothers from classes 1, 2, and 4 from even harsher parenting practices.
P411 Acceptability of a phone app-based motivational interviewing intervention for young men’s sexual health

Background Motivational interviewing (MI) is an effective communication style for facilitating behavior change. Pairing MI with a smartphone app has the potential to engage young men, a traditionally hard-to-reach population. We assessed young men’s experiences in a pilot study examining the use of a smartphone app with phone-based MI coaching by trained community health coaches (one female, one male). Methods Fourteen (of 26) predominantly black and Hispanic men, ages 16–19 years, who participated in the pilot study were interviewed about their experience. They participated in app activities and coaching that addressed sexual health or fitness (comparison group). Interviews were transcribed and coded using thematic analysis. Results Participants found the app activities and coaching to be acceptable. In both arms, the young men were asked about sexual health and reported being comfortable discussing it in this format. In the sexual health arm, they reported gaining knowledge about contraceptive methods and sexually transmitted infections, which some shared with their sexual partners. Participants were comfortable with the coach’s gender; a benefit of a female coach was her perspective on sexual health. Most preferred phone rather than in-person or video coaching sessions due to not having to travel, ease of rescheduling sessions, and increased privacy regarding sensitive subjects. The most common obstacle to participation was phone replacement; others included parental monitoring and restriction of phone privileges. Over time, the young men felt positively about their connection to the coach. They sometimes viewed the coach as having medical expertise beyond the scope of his/her training. Conclusion Phone app-based MI with community health coaches has great potential for use with young men for a variety of health issues including sexual health; however, it has unique obstacles. Phone accessibility may restrict young men’s ability to fully engage and perceptions of a coach’s expertise should be regularly clarified. Disclosure No significant relationships.