cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Functions of Candida albicans cell wall glycosidases Dfg5p and Dcw1p in biofilm formation and HOG MAPK pathway.

Background Candida albicans is a commensal fungus that inhabits the oral mucosal surface and causes oral and systemic candidiasis. Oral candidiasis most commonly occurs in patients with AIDS, denture wearers and newborn children. Systemic candidiasis occurs mainly in immunocompromised patients and patients admitted to hospitals for prolonged periods. C. albicans homologous genes, DFG5 and DCW1, encode for two closely related cell wall proteins with putative glycosyltransferase enzyme activity and C-terminal GPI-anchors. Past studies have shown that individual DFG5 and DCW1 mutations are viable but simultaneous deletion of DFG5 and DCW1 in C. albicans results in lethality. However, the exact functions of these cell wall based enzymes, which represent potential drug targets, are not understood. Methods C. albicans DFG5/DCW1 heterologous and conditional double mutant strains were assessed for growth and biofilm formation in comparison to wild type and parental strains. Cell wall and heat stress susceptibility of the mutant and control strains were assessed using agar spotting assays. Growth was assessed under normal and osmotic stress conditions along with light microscopy imaging. Biofilm dry weight and microscopic imaging analysis of biofilms was performed. Hypha formation in response to serum was analyzed using light microscopy imaging. Western blot analysis of mutant strains and control strains was performed to assess Hog1 basal levels and phosphorylation status. Results Analysis of the heterologous mutants indicated that Dfg5p is more important for growth while Dcw1p appeared to play a role in cell wall integrity response. The conditional double mutant was observed to be less resistant to cell wall stress. However, growth of the mutants was similar under control and osmotic stress conditions. The mutants were also able to grow similar to wild type under heat stress. Biofilm formation was reduced in the mutants where DFG5 was deleted or suppressed. Hyphal morphogenesis was reduced although germ tube formation was observed in the biofilms of the mutant strains. Basal Hog1 protein levels were reduced or absent in the DFG5 and DCW1 mutants. However, osmotic stress was able to induce Hog1 protein levels comparable to wild type. Hog1 phosphorylation appeared to be slightly reduced although not significantly. In addition to biofilm assays, serum dose response imaging analysis indicated that hyphae formation in DFG5 and DCW1 mutants was defective. Conclusions These data indicate that DFG5 and DCW1 are required for hyphal morphogenesis and biofilm formation in C. albicans. These functions may be regulated via basal Hog1 MAPK which is required for transcriptional regulation of chitin synthesis.
Combined Lateral Transpsoas Anterior Column Realignment with Pedicle Subtraction Osteotomy to Treat Severe Sagittal Plane Deformity: Cadaveric Feasibility Study and Early Clinical Experience

Background Traditional open approaches to correct lumbar spine deformities include 3-column osteotomies, such as a pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO). Minimally invasive surgical (MIS) techniques have been developed for lateral transpsoas anterior column realignment (ACR). These 2 techniques have not previously been combined. Our objective was to investigate the cadaveric feasibility of a combined hybrid MIS ACR-PSO technique for deformity correction and to review early clinical experience. Methods The feasibility of the combined ACR-PSO technique was evaluated in 4 fresh cadaveric specimens. The operative experience, complications, and early clinical outcomes in patients treated with the combined approach to correct global sagittal imbalance were reviewed. Results In the cadaveric study, the combined ACR-PSO resulted in a mean 46.0° increase in lordosis (P Conclusions Our early experience suggests that a combined ACR-PSO with posterior fixation allows for significant correction of segmental lordosis and global imbalance. This combined approach may maximize results attainable with hybrid MIS-open surgical techniques and represents a complementary option to PSO and other posterior approaches.
Exploring Potential for Resource Request Right-Sizing via Estimation and Container Migration in Apache Mesos

Both commercial clouds and academic campus clusters suffer from low resource utilization and long wait times as the resource estimates for jobs, provided by users, is often inaccurate. Incorrect resource estimation poses challenges in the overall cluster and cloud management. Under allocation can cause significant slowdown or termination of applications. Over-allocation of resources for applications causes increased wait times for pending tasks in the queue, reduced throughput, and underutilization of the cluster. For end users that pay for resource allocations, incorrect estimation of resources (CPU, Memory, etc.) that are needed for each job can significantly increase the overall cost of running applications. Also, for academic cloud managers, resource fragmentation is unacceptable as they need to keep the utilization high to maximize the return on investment for the funding sponsors. We address the resource estimation problem for commercial and academic clouds/clusters that use the Apache Mesos resource management system. Our vision is a resource management system for Apache Mesos that can: (1) dynamically right-size the resources required for each application, thus improving overall utilization; and (2) incorporate migration of containerized jobs within the Mesos cluster.
Delayed cord clamping in preterm dichorionic twin gestations.

Objective: To examine the practice of delayed cord clamping and associated neonatal outcomes in preterm dichorionic twin gestations.Study design: This is a retrospective cohort study of women deliv...
A Status Update on August Wilson House

August Wilson House strives to preserve the legacy of August Wilson by sponsoring and supporting such efforts as the annual Hill District Birthday Block Party, backyard productions of August’s plays in collaboration with Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre, and Visiting Fellowships in collaboration with Pittsburgh universities, such as the initial partnership with Duquesne University.
Management of Vocal Fold Paralysis and Dysphagia for Neurologic Malignancies in Children

Objectives:To evaluate our experience with a significant number of brain malignancy–related vocal fold paralysis patients and their response to vocal cord–related therapies.Background:Vocal fold pa...
Apollo, in context

Among literally dozens of new books on Apollo, all timed to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Moon landing in July 2019, two books exemplify both old and new tropes. James Donovan9s Shoot for the Moon has been touted by none other than Apollo 11 astronaut Michael Collins, who recently remarked, "This is the best book on Apollo that I have read." Donovan9s strength is his breezy and journalistic writing style that weaves together a vast and complicated set of stories from all levels of Apollo. If Donovan9s book is a by-the-numbers retelling that is also a familiar one, Eight Years to the Moon by Nancy Atkinson takes us into less-familiar aspects of the history, benefiting in many ways from a burst of recent scholarship. This book functions as a kind of corrective to the ubiquitous heroic narrative of politicians and astronauts.
Estimating the prevalence of multiple sclerosis using 56.6 million electronic health records from the United States.

Background/objective:In 2019, the 2010 U.S. multiple sclerosis (MS) prevalence was robustly estimated (265.1–309.2/100,000) based on large administrative health-claims datasets. Using 56.6 million ...
Selective growth of Al2O3 on size-selected platinum clusters by atomic layer deposition

Abstract In heterogeneous catalysis, atomic layer deposition (ALD) has been developed as a tool to stabilize and reduce carbon deposition on supported nanoparticles. Here, we discuss use of high vacuum ALD to deposit alumina films on size-selected, sub-nanometer Pt/SiO2 model catalysts. Mass-selected Pt24 clusters were deposited on oxidized Si(100), to form model Pt24/SiO2 catalysts with particles shown to be just under 1 nm, with multilayer three dimensional structure. Alternating exposures to trimethyl-aluminum and water vapor in an ultra-high vacuum chamber were used to grow alumina on the samples without exposing them to air. The samples were probed in situ using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), low-energy ion scattering spectroscopy (ISS), and CO temperature-programmed desorption (TPD). Additional samples were prepared for ex situ experiments using grazing incidence small angle x-ray scattering spectroscopy (GISAXS). Alumina growth is found to initiate at least 60 times more efficiently at the Pt24 cluster sites, compared to bare SiO2/Si, with a single ALD cycle depositing a full alumina layer on top of the clusters, with substantial additional alumina growth initiating on SiO2 sites surrounding the clusters. As a result, the clusters were completely passivated, with no exposed Pt binding sites.
Loss of Nance-Horan Syndrome b (nhsb) prevents expansion growth of retinal progenitor cells by selective up-regulation of Δ113p53

Abstract The regulation of cell cycle progression and differentiation in retinal progenitor cells is a fundamental feature controlling organ size of the eye in vertebrates. Nance-Horan Syndrome (NHS) is a rare X-linked disorder caused by mutations in the NHS gene. Dysmorphic features of NHS include severe congenital cataracts, micropthalmia, facial dysmorphisms, and visual impairment. In this study we report an evolutionarily conserved role for NHS in vertebrate retinogenesis. Loss of function of nhs leads to small eye size in both zebrafish and Xenopus tropicalis, marked by reduced proliferation but not cell death. Transcriptome analysis of nhs morphant zebrafish eyes revealed a marked upregulation in Δ113p53, an isoform of p53, concomitant with a selective upregulation of p53 responsive genes that inhibit cell cycle progression but not apoptosis. Our data supports a model where Nhs is a negative regulator of Δ113p53 expression and exerts its function through regulation of the p53 pathway to promote expansive growth of retinal progenitor cells prior to differentiation.
International Criminal Tribunals: A Normative Defense

In the last two decades there has been a meteoric rise of international criminal tribunals and courts, and also a strengthening chorus of critics against them. Today it is hard to find strong defenders of international criminal tribunals and courts. This book attempts such a defense against an array of critics. It offers a nuanced defense, accepting many criticisms but arguing that the idea of international criminal tribunals can be defended as providing the fairest way to deal with mass atrocity crimes in a global arena. Fairness and moral legitimacy will be at the heart of this defense. The authors take up the economic and political arguments that have been powerfully expressed, as well as arguments about sovereignty, punishment, responsibility, and evidence; but in the end they show that these arguments do not defeat the idea of international criminal courts and tribunals.
Diagnostic stewardship of Clostridioides difficile polymerase chain reaction results from syndromic diarrhea panel and implications for patient outcomes.

Abstract Background A syndromic gastrointestinal pathogen panel (GIP) was implemented in May 2018. All positive (+) GIP and standard-of-care (SOC) C. difficile results were reviewed. Methods A single-center audit of adult patients with GIP results was conducted May–December 2018. We reviewed GIP(+)/SOC(+/-) and GIP(-)/SOC(-) tests (control group) for clinical outcomes. Results We reviewed 269 GIP(+) patients. Of 119 GIP(+)/SOC(+) patients, 44 (37%) were positive by toxin A/B enzyme immunoassay, and 75 (63%) by PCR only. Thirty-day mortality and re-admission were not significantly different between groups. CDI rates within 6 months were not significantly different between GIP(+)/SOC(-) and controls (p-value = 0.39). Those with initial SOC(+) tests had more true CDI events within 6 months, compared to controls (p-values Conclusions Forty percent of patients with GIP(+) C. difficile were (-) by SOC test, suggesting that true CDI was not present. Additional PCR-based testing may not impact outcomes.
Synthesis of DNA polymerase by in vitro translation of calf RNA

Synthesis of α-polymerase in translation mixtures containing calf thymus poly(A+) RNA was examined by activity gel analysis and by immunobinding with a monoclonal antibody to calf thymus α-polymerase. Activity gel analysis indicated that a DNA polymerase catalytic polypeptide of Mr = ∼ 120,000 had been synthesized. Immunobinding experiments indicated that an immunoreative polypeptide of about the same size had been formed in vitro. Sucrose gradient centrifugation of calf thymus total RNA revealed that mRNA encoding the ∼120,000-Mr DNA polymerase polypeptide sedimented at about 16S. This ∼120,000-Mr catalytic polypeptide corresponds in size to an α-polymerase catalytic polypeptide found earlier in crude extracts of calf cells.
The ties that bind: Cancer history, communication, and screening intention associations among diverse families.

ObjectiveBreast and cervical cancers are screen-detectable; yet, challenges exist with ensuring uptake of mammography and Pap smear. Family, a central factor in developing knowledge to carry out he...
Human Trafficking and the Darknet: Technology, Innovation, and Evolving Criminal Justice Strategies

In an era of unprecedented technological accessibility coupled with the possibility of online anonymity, human traffickers often operate in the shadows – avoiding interference by typical societal safeguards and law enforcement. This chapter highlights challenges to combatting human trafficking due to the widespread use of mobile technology and the anonymity of the Darknet. The chapter also reviews criminal justice resources devoted to combatting human trafficking facilitated by the Internet.
Comparisons of Hurricane Fico Winds and Waves from Numerical Models with Observations from SEASAT-A

Several types of satellite data collected during SEASAT-A overpasses of hurricane Fico are used to adjust input parameters in a hurricane wind prediction model. Derived winds are then used in a complex discrete spectral wave prediction model to calculate wave heights and directional spectrum distributions. Three different areas of the storm with winds ranging from 12 m/s to 23 m/s and hindcast wave heights varying from 4 m to 8 m were used to compare model normalized directional wave spectra with those from SEASAT synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery. The two-dimensional normalized spectral energy results from the SAR and wave model showed an average difference in peak directions of 0.9° with a standard deviation of 6.8°. Wind and wave model results are also compared with altimeter data along a subsatellite track. This study shows the value of satellite observations in model validation and, conversely, the value of the model results in verification of the efficacy of the satellite data sets. Especially noteworthy is the snapshot view of the characteristics of the storm, a demonstration of the potential power of satellite remote sensing.
The Fallacy of Director Independence

Director independence has become a key cornerstone of the contemporary corporate governance landscape. Over the past few decades, the composition of public firms’ boards of directors in the United States has changed dramatically, shifting towards an increased reliance on directors labeled as “independent.” Courts, regulators, and investors have come to increasingly rely on these independent directors and have made their presence on boards a priority. However, despite the increased attention, the current system of selecting, anointing, and ensuring director independence is laden with gaps. This Essay highlights three key issues with the current independence framework. First, the current designation and disclosure framework for director independence is inadequate, providing companies with too much discretion and leaving shareholders with insufficient information. Second, the current structure of boards further complicates the ability of directors to act independently. Third, key board leaders such as the independent chair and the lead independent directors who have been lauded as the standard-bearer for independence, may in fact lack true independence or lack the effective powers to carry out their roles. As these gaps in the director independence framework continue to emerge, this Essay cautions against a deferential reliance on the director independence framework.
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: An Analysis of the Current Treatment Options.

Background Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a multifaceted disease that can present with a variety of types of pain. Unfortunately, both the mechanisms and treatments for pain are poorly understood. The proposed treatments for the various musculoskeletal pain syndromes in EDS have had variable success, and it becomes much more imperative to better define and evaluate the current treatment modalities in treating this debilitating disease. Objectives The purpose of this study was to investigate the currently available treatment modalities for patients with EDS and their efficacies in pain and symptom relief. Study design Retrospective cohort study. Setting Institutional physical medicine and rehabilitation primary care clinic. Methods All patients were seen between January 2015 and April 2019, in which 98 patients with EDS were identified through retrospective chart review. Institutional review board approval was obtained, and all patients provided written consent to be included in the study. We reviewed various treatment modalities, including complimentary/alternative treatments, opioids/opioid-like medications, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, physical therapy, occupational therapy, muscle relaxants, neuropathic modulators, steroids, surgery/procedures, and acetaminophen. Treatment methods were extracted from individual patient charts, and efficacy was grouped into 3 categories: improvement, no effect, or worsened symptoms. Results The most common treatments used were complimentary/alternative treatments (n = 88). Occupational therapy and bracing were the most effective options with 70% of patients reporting improvement. Neuropathic modulators were the least well tolerated with 47% of patients reporting adverse effects. Limitations Men were a small percentage of the study. Patients were not randomized, and pain score reporting was subjective. Patient data were extracted from a single practice setting. Timing and symptom onset were not measured. Conclusions There is a relative paucity of published literature regarding the various treatment methods for EDS. Although our study is able to identify positive and negative trends with certain modalities, it is vital to understand that EDS is not a uniform diagnosis among patients, and that a combination of several different treatments usually is needed for optimal symptom control. Further research and investigation are necessary to develop a comprehensive treatment database for this complex condition. Key words Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, pain, hypermobility, arthralgia, subluxation, genetic, physical therapy, interventional pain.
How technology impacts communication between cancer patients and their health care providers: A systematic literature review.

Abstract Objective To ensure the well-being of their patients, health care providers (HCPs) are putting more effort into the quality of the communication they provide in oncology clinics. With the emergence of Health Information Technology (HIT), the dynamics between doctors and patients in oncology settings have changed. The purpose of this literature review is to explore and demonstrate how various health information technologies impact doctor-patient communication in oncology settings. Method A systematic literature review was conducted in 4 databases (PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, IEEE Xplore) to select publications that are in English, published between January 2009 and September 2020. This review reports outcomes related to the impacts of using health information technologies on doctor-patient communication according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines (PRISMA). Results We identified 31 studies which satisfied the selection and eligibility criteria. The review revealed a diverse range of HIT used to support communication between cancer patients and their HCPs in oncology settings. Outcomes related to communication were examined to demonstrate how technology can improve access to care in clinical settings and online. When technology is used effectively to support patient knowledge and shared understanding, this increases the patient’s satisfaction and ability to manage emotions, make decisions, and progress in their treatment, in addition to increasing social support and building a stronger therapeutic alliance based on shared knowledge and transparency between clinicians and patients. Conclusion Technology-based solutions can help strengthen the relationship and communication between patients and their doctors. They can empower the patient’s well-being, help doctors make better decisions and enhance the therapeutic alliance between them. Thus, using technology to enhance communication in healthcare settings remains beneficial if its use is structured and target oriented. Future studies should focus on comparing in-depth the difference between outpatient and inpatient settings in terms of the efforts required and the extent of the impacts from both clinicians’ and cancer patients’ perspectives.
School or Guidance Counselor: How the Title Influences Public Perception:

School counselors are one of the few professions that remain split on their professional title. We replicated a previous study to determine whether the results of the original study measuring the i...
The central role of ear nitrogen uptake in maize endosperm cell and kernel weight determination during the lag period

Abstract Although kernel weight (KW) has proven to be an increasingly important driver behind grain yield (GY) variability in modern maize hybrids, nitrogen’s (N) role in the determination of individual sink capacity (i.e., potential KW) during the lag phase of reproductive development remains unclear. The research objective was to study the relationships between endosperm cell number (ECN) during the lag phase (an indicator of potential KW) and final KW within the context of changing plant N dynamics in field-grown maize during the lag phase. Field experiments tested 3–4 N rates at different plant densities or N timing applications over a 3-year period (2017–2019). Kernels were removed from ears collected at 9, 10, 13, and/or 17 days after silking (DAS) and treated for ECN determination via tissue dissection, staining, enzymatic digestion, and digital microscopy. Plant growth rate, plant N uptake rate, ear growth rate, and ear N allocation rate during the lag phase were studied, as well as plant growth rate during the critical period and its relationship with kernel number per plant. Low N treatments consistently reduced ECN, thereby limiting KW during this early post-silking stage. Following data normalization, the majority of final KW variation was consistently explained by ECN across all experiments and relative DAS sampling times. Nitrogen rate effects on potential KW were not associated with plant growth rate per kernel during the critical period bracketing silking. ECN was highly correlated with ear N allocation rate during the lag phase, but not with plant N uptake rate during that period. Overall, these results show that higher N availability, independently of N timing and plant density, increased final KW by enhancing the sink capacity of individual kernels (at a wide range of kernel numbers per plant) via gains in ECN during lag-period development.
Iterative Quality Control Strategies for Expert Medical Image Labeling

Data quality is a key concern for artificial intelligence (AI) efforts that rely on crowdsourced data collection. In the domain of medicine in particular, labeled data must meet high quality standards, or the resulting AI may perpetuate biases or lead to patient harm. What are the challenges involved in expert medical labeling? How do AI practitioners address such challenges? In this study, we interviewed members of teams developing AI for medical imaging in four subdomains (ophthalmology, radiology, pathology, and dermatology) about their quality-related practices. We describe one instance of low-quality labeling being caught by automated monitoring. The more proactive strategy, however, is to partner with experts in a collaborative, iterative process prior to the start of high-volume data collection. Best practices including 1) co-designing labeling tasks and instructional guidelines with experts, 2) piloting and revising the tasks and guidelines, and 3) onboarding workers enable teams to identify and address issues before they proliferate.
Elements of Matrix Modeling and Computing with MATLAB

List of Figures List of Tables Preface Introduction VECTORS IN THE PLANE Floating Point and Complex Numbers Complex Valued Functions Vectors in R2 Dot Product and Work Lines and Curves in R2 and C VECTORS IN SPACE Vectors and Dot Product Cross and Box Products Lines and Curves in R3 Planes in R3 Extensions to Rn Ax = d: UNIQUE SOLUTION Matrix Models Matrix Products Special Cases of Ax = d Row Operations and Gauss Elimination Inverse Matrices LU Factorization Determinants and Cramer's Rule Ax = d: LEAST SQUARES SOLUTION Curve Fitting to Data Normal Equations Multilinear Data Fitting Parameter Identification Ax = d: MULTIPLE SOLUTIONS Subspaces and Solutions in R3 Row Echelon Form Nullspaces and Equilibrium Equations LINEAR INITIAL VALUE PROBLEMS First Order Linear Second Order Linear Homogeneous and Complex Solution Nonhomogeneous Linear Differential Equations System Form of Linear Second Order EIGENVALUES AND DIFFERENTITAL EQUATIONS Solution of x' = Ax by Elimination Real Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors Solution of x' = Ax + f (t) IMAGE PROCESSING IN THE SPACE DOMAIN Matrices and Images Contrast and Histograms Blurring and Sharpening IMAGE PROCESSING IN THE FREQUENCY DOMAIN Laplace and Fourier Transforms Properties of DFT DFT in Rn x Rn Frequency Filters in Rn x Rn Appendix: Solutions to Odd Exercises Bibliography Index
Viral assemblage composition in Yellowstone acidic hot springs assessed by network analysis

Understanding of viral assemblage structure in natural environments remains a daunting task. Total viral assemblage sequencing (for example, viral metagenomics) provides a tractable approach. However, even with the availability of next-generation sequencing technology it is usually only possible to obtain a fragmented view of viral assemblages in natural ecosystems. In this study, we applied a network-based approach in combination with viral metagenomics to investigate viral assemblage structure in the high temperature, acidic hot springs of Yellowstone National Park, USA. Our results show that this approach can identify distinct viral groups and provide insights into the viral assemblage structure. We identified 110 viral groups in the hot springs environment, with each viral group likely representing a viral family at the sub-family taxonomic level. Most of these viral groups are previously unknown DNA viruses likely infecting archaeal hosts. Overall, this study demonstrates the utility of combining viral assemblage sequencing approaches with network analysis to gain insights into viral assemblage structure in natural ecosystems.
F0 'proton channel' of rat liver mitochondria. Rapid purification of a functional complex and a study of its interaction with the unique probe diethylstilbestrol

Abstract The F0 portion of the rat liver mitochondrial ATP synthase (F0F1-ATPase) has been purified by a rapid, high yield procedure. F0 is selectively extracted from inner membrane vesicles with 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulfonate (CHAPS) after prior treatment of the vesicles with guanidine HCl to remove F1. The resultant F0 is functional in proton translocation assays and separates in sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis into four major and three minor Coomassie-stainable bands, all with apparent molecular masses below 30 kDa. This CHAPS-purified F0 preparation was characterized in detail for its capacity to interact with the unique probe diethylstilbestrol (DES) which, depending on conditions, has been shown to interact with rat liver F0F1 to either inhibit or promote ATP hydrolysis (McEnery, M. W., and Pedersen, P.L. (1986) J. Biol. Chem. 261, 1745-1752). DES-inhibitory sensitivity could be conferred on F1-ATPase activity with the same concentration dependence on F0 as conferral of oligomycin sensitivity. DES was shown also to inhibit the magnitude of valinomycin induced proton influx, while initiating proton efflux in asolectin vesicles reconstituted with F0 and loaded with K+. The potency of DES in producing the latter effects was shown to be highly dependent on hydroxyl groups in "para" positions of the two benzene rings within the DES molecule. Finally, in the absence of F0, DES was shown to act as a catalyst of proton influx in K+-loaded asolectin vesicles upon addition of valinomycin. A model based on the structure of DES is presented to account for both the inhibitory and uncoupling properties of this compound.
Coronal Response to the Emergence of New Magnetic Flux

ABSTRACT We examine how the corona responds to new flux emergence at the solar surface. It is found that the new flux may form a current sheet in the corona with enough magnetic energy to let some parts of its field open up, possibly as coronal mass ejections (CMEs), and when this field finally reaches the potential state, the corona may reverse its global magnetic field. It is also found that new flux emergence may create a circumstance where fast CMEs are favored to happen, due to the interplay between flux rope expulsion and magnetic reconnection.
Springsteen fans, #bruceleeds, and the tweeting of locality

This article presents a case study of one Springsteen-affiliated hashtag, #bruceleeds, which emerged from the Springsteen fan community to organize tweets about Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band's July 24, 2013, concert at First Direct Arena in Leeds, England. A grounded theory analysis of #bruceleeds tweets from before the start of the Leeds concert shows significant interaction among fans and local businesses. By using the concert-specific hashtag #bruceleeds, fans and others who used the hashtag co-create an emerging concert experience grounded in a physical space. Drawing on theories on social interactions, classification systems, and mapping, I suggest that the #bruceleeds hashtag facilitates the metaphorical representation of a physical space—in this case, Leeds, England—and the emergence of a complex system sharing features of an information ecology consisting of fans, local businesses, civic organizations, and the technologies they use.
Evaluation of the efficiency of a newly developed permanent implantable mechanical cardiac assist device

Summary form only given. A permanent implantable mechanical cardiac assist device has been developed to operate efficiently and to be easily implanted. The assist, a counterpulsation device, increases aortic pressure during diastole and reduces aortic pressure just prior to systole displacing a volume of blood. The efficiency and power required by the assist are important factors in evaluating the full implantability of the device because the assist must be capable of operating for approximately ten million cycles for three years and with only a small, low-voltage power source. Experimental results are promising. The assist is of an implantable size and can be operated by a low-voltage power source. In addition, this device can be implanted easily, since heart-lung bypass is not needed. Finally, since the direct mechanical assist has no valves, the device can be turned off without impeding blood flow. >
An Analysis of the Effects of Neighborhood Size and Shape on Local Selection Algorithms

The increasing availability of finely-grained parallel architectures has resulted in a variety of evolutionary algorithms (EAs) in which the population is spatially distributed and local selection algorithms operate in parallel on small, overlapping neighborhoods. The effects of design choices regarding the particular type of local selection algorithm as well as the size and shape of the neighborhood are not particularly well understood and are generally tested empirically. In this paper we extend the techniques used to more formally analyze selection methods for sequential EAs and apply them to local neighborhood models, resulting in a much clearer understanding of the effects of neighborhood size and shape.
“People Are Too Quick to Take Offense”: The Effects of Legal Information and Beliefs on Definitions of Sexual Harassment

Using data from a nationwide study of sexual harassment in the United States’ federal workplace, this article investigates how legal understanding, opinions about the regulation of sexual harassment, and social status affect whether people define uninvited sexual jokes or remarks as harassment. The results indicate that how people define sexual harassment is directly related to the extent to which they view sexual harassment rules as ambiguous and threatening to workplace norms. Moreover, results show that while women generally define sexual harassment more broadly than men, they actually resist defining sexual jokes or remarks as harassment. Finally, knowledge of the workplace sexual harassment policy moderates the effect of beliefs on definitions of sexual harassment. These findings suggest a complexity in the way people reconcile their knowledge of the law with their personal views about power and social interaction in the workplace.
Comparison of antidepressant-like and abuse-related effects of phencyclidine in rats.

NMDA receptor antagonists such as ketamine have emerged as novel candidate treatments for major depressive disorder, but abuse potential of these agents is a concern. The NMDA antagonist phencyclidine has known abuse liability but undefined efficacy as an antidepressant. To further evaluate the relationship between antidepressant-like and abuse-related effects of NMDA antagonists, this study evaluated the effects of phencyclidine (1.0-10.0 mg/kg) in male Sprague-Dawley rats responding under two procedures that have been used to assess antidepressant-like effects [differential-reinforcement-of-low-rate (DRL) 72 s schedule of food reinforcement; N=9] and abuse-related drug effects [intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS); N=6]. Under the DRL 72 s schedule, phencyclidine (10.0 mg/kg) increased reinforcers and decreased responses without shifting the peak location of the interresponse time (IRT) distribution. Ketamine (10.0 mg/kg) also increased reinforcers and decreased responses, but unlike phencyclidine, it produced a rightward shift in the peak location of the IRT distribution. The 10.0 mg/kg phencyclidine dose that decreased DRL 72 s responding also decreased rates of ICSS for 50 min after its administration; however, abuse-related ICSS facilitation was observed at later times (100-300 min) or after a lower phencyclidine dose (3.2 mg/kg). These results suggest that phencyclidine produces weaker antidepressant-like effects, but stronger abuse-related effects than ketamine in these procedures.
Hominin migration in South Asia and raw material sources in the Banas-Berach basin

Abstract Previous research conducted by V.N. Misra in the Berach River basin and its tributaries identified dozens of Early and Middle Paleolithic sites. Although southeastern Rajasthan is non-coastal and outside of the Purana-Gondwana basin zones described by Korisettar, sufficient resources in the form of water, food, and stone made the region habitable in the Pleistocene. Misra’s groundbreaking survey indicated that several non-riverine raw materials were used by hominins, but no evidence had been produced outside of the immediate vicinity of the rivers to demonstrate pursuit of stone material. Mobility restricted to riverine zones would present a challenge to migration between various ecological zones and ultimately to populating the subcontinent. This paper presents the results of a recent survey conducted directly to the south of Misra’s study and identifies an open air site situated on a raw material source. This find upholds the claim for non-riverine Pleistocene habitation by hominins in southeastern Rajasthan and the ability of hominins to migrate between multiple ecological zones.
Epidemiology of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a rare malignancy in most parts of the world, with an incidence well under 1 per 100,000 person-years. Exceptions are the Chinese, especially the Cantonese living in the central region of Guangdong Province in Southern China. Other populations with elevated rates include the natives of Southeast Asia, the natives of the Artic region, and the Arabs of North Africa and parts of the Middle East. Intake of preserved foods at an early age has been linked to NPC risk in all population groups with increased NPC rates. Other recognized risk factors for NPC are cigarette smoking, and occupational exposure to formaldehyde and wood dust.
Auditory evoked potentials as a function of sleep deprivation

Abstract Event-related brain potentials (ERPs) were studied in subjects deprived of sleep over a 48-h test period to assess the effects of different durations of continuous wakefulness on ERP components and to determine whether changes in the ERP components were related to changes in performance. Forty subjects were randomly assigned to either an experimental (sleep deprived) group (n = 30) or a control (not sleep deprived) group (n = 10). For the experimental subjects, ERP and performance measures were obtained in four-h test blocks throughout the 48-h period. Performance was assessed using the Walter Reed performance assessment battery. The control subjects were tested at the same times except during designated sleep periods. Both performance and evoked potential measures showed systematic changes over the experimental test period in association with sleep deprivation, time of day, and repeated testing. The latency of the N2 component of the evoked potential covaried with throughput measures on the perf...
BIRDS, BARBOUR, AND BOATS

. Ian Barbour in the second volume of his Gifford Lectures makes a significant contribution to environmental ethics. Worthy of scrutiny are his views on the relation of technology to the environment, on the distinction between nature and culture, on the problem of hierarchical thinking, and on the notion of sustainability. His integrated approach is a model for how we must relate to nature.
A finite difference-augmented peridynamics method for reducing wave dispersion

A method is presented for the modeling of brittle elastic fracture which combines peridynamics and a finite difference method to mitigate the wave dispersion properties of peridynamics. Essentially, a finite difference method is used in the bulk for wave propagation modeling, while peridynamics is automatically inserted in high strain areas to model crack initiation and growth. The dispersion properties of finite difference methods and discretized peridynamics are reviewed and the interface reflection properties between the two regions are investigated. Results show that the augmented method can improve the modeling of wave propagation and boundary conditions. In addition, the numerical stress intensity factor computed at a crack tip shows reduced oscillations in the augmented method, likely due to the improved dispersion properties of the bulk. Dynamic fracture simulations show a difference in crack paths between the methods.
The Impact of Corruption on Third World Development

What are the effects of corruption in the Third World? David Osterfeld claims that in many LDCs corruption allows market forces to operate, while it may frustrate market forces in advanced countries.
The population structure of south‐central Bougainville

The technique of population structure analysis is described and then applied to blood polymorphic, anthropometric, and demographic data collected from residents of south-central Bougainville Island, Territory of New Guinea. The results from these various analyses are relatively consistent, and support the idea that this theoretical model can be applied successfully to real sets of biological data and that valid conclusions concerning the breeding structure of human populations can be reached. A comparison of breeding structures from various parts of the world reveals how sharply subdivided the breeding structure in Melanesia is, and how relatively rapidly the coefficient of kinship declines over distance in that area.
Faculty and Community Partners in Gerontological Curriculum Enrichment.

This study examined outcomes for faculty and community partners of a gerontological curriculum enrichment effort at a midwestern state university. The study was supported by the John A. Hartford Foundation. Faculty from three academic centers around the state were involved in revising the foundation (core) curriculum. Community practitioners from hospitals, elder services agencies, nursing homes, and hospice—along with community elders—served on an advisory board. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected to assess outcomes of the project. Findings indicate that faculty strongly supported the goal of curriculum enrichment, would continue to incorporate aging content into their courses, felt that project resources were helpful, and that the project had strengthened the curriculum. Advisory board members said their work would be used to improve social work practice in aging, the project had resulted in tangible outcomes and products, and monthly meetings were applicable to their work. Implications of...
The fabrication and properties of chalcogenide glass memory arrays

An investigation has been carried out into the use of thin-film amorphous chalcogenide switches as electrically alterable Read-Mostly Memories (RMM). Both 16 and 256-bit RMM's have been fabricated by planar technology onto a silicon diode array which provides cross-point isolation. Electrical connection between the silicon and the chalcogenide material is made using palladium silicide (Pd2Si). Of various glass compositions studied, the simple Te85Ge15 eutectic has been found to give satisfactory performance for this application. The characteristics and stability of the devices under various drive conditions have been assessed using an automated test facility with punched-tape output, allowing electrical measurements to be made during the cycling of a memory element for up to 105 to 106 operations. Statistical data from such work have revealed preferred levels in the spectrum of switch parameters (e.g. threshold voltage). This is felt to be commensurate with a model for the switching channel consisting of ...
Barrett's esophagus in children and adolescents without neurodevelopmental or tracheoesophageal abnormalities: a prospective study

Background Barrett's esophagus (BE) in children has been examined in retrospective studies, consisting of case series and cross-sectional studies. Objective To evaluate the prevalence and determinants of BE in children who are free from neurodevelopmental disorders and tracheoesophageal abnormalities. Design A prospective, cross-sectional study. Setting Three pediatric GI Centers in Houston, Texas; Phoenix, Arizona; and Portland, Maine between February 2006 and December 2007. Patients This study involved children and adolescents consecutively presenting for elective upper endoscopy. Patients with neurodevelopmental and tracheoesophageal disorders were excluded. Intervention Endoscopic pictures of all cases with suspected BE were independently reviewed and verified by two experienced investigators. Esophageal biopsy specimens were obtained in all patients, and targeted biopsy specimens also were obtained from suspected BE. Main Outcome Measurements Endoscopically suspected BE and histologically confirmed BE. Results A total of 840 patients (mean age 9.5 years) were enrolled and had complete questionnaire and endoscopic data. Twelve patients were suspected of having BE (prevalence of 1.43%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.73-2.45), and only 1 patient had intestinal metaplasia, for a prevalence of 0.12% (95% CI, 0-0.65), whereas the rest had gastric oxyntic glands (n = 6) or squamous esophageal epithelium (n = 5). Patients with suspected BE had a higher mean body mass index (23.0 vs 19.1, P = .05) and more chest pain (50% vs 13%, P Limitations The accuracy of BE prevalence estimates is limited by the small number of cases. Conclusion BE is rare in children without neurodevelopmental delay or tracheoesophageal anomalies presenting for elective upper endoscopy.
Understanding exploratory creativity in a visual domain

This paper describes a computerized aesthetic composition task that is based on a "creativity as search" metaphor. The technique collects detailed, moment-to-moment data about people's search behavior, which can help open the "black box" that separates independent variables that influence creativity from their outcomes. We first describe the technique and provide a detailed theoretical framework. Then, we discuss how the technique is typically applied, describe several in-progress studies, and present some preliminary results. Finally, we discuss relations to other work, limitations, and future directions. We argue that this technique and the research that it enables will facilitate a deeper understanding of the creative process, become a valued tool for creativity researchers, and contribute to methodological and theoretical advances in how creativity is studied and understood.
Safety of Slow Pathway Ablation in Patients with Long PR Interval: Further Evidence of Fast and Slow Pathway Interaction

Whether the presence of abnormal PR before selective slow pathway ablation for AV node reentrant tachycardia increased the risk of complete heart block remains controversial. We report our experience in seven patients with prolonged PR intervals undergoing catheter ablation for AV reentry tachycardia. Their mean age was 66 +/- 12 years; four patients were female and three were male. RF ablation was performed using an anatomically guided stepwise approach. In six patients, common type AV node reentry was induced and uncommon type was observed in the remaining patient. In all seven patients, successful selective slow pathway ablation was associated with no occurrence of complete heart block and was followed by shortening of the AH interval in five patients. In all seven patients, successful ablation was achieved at anterior sites (M1 in two patients and M2 in five patients). Despite AH shortening after ablation, the 1:1 AV conduction was prolonged after elimination of the slow pathway, excluding either sympathetic tone activation or parasympathetic denervation. In conclusion, selective slow pathway ablation can be performed safely in the majority of patients with prolonged PR interval before the procedure. Because successful ablation is achieved at anterior sites in most patients, careful selection and monitoring of catheter position is required.
Graph Theoretic and Spectral Analysis of Enron Email Data

Analysis of social networks to identify communities and model their evolution has been an active area of recent research. This paper analyzes the Enron email data set to discover structures within the organization. The analysis is based on constructing an email graph and studying its properties with both graph theoretical and spectral analysis techniques. The graph theoretical analysis includes the computation of several graph metrics such as degree distribution, average distance ratio, clustering coefficient and compactness over the email graph. The spectral analysis shows that the email adjacency matrix has a rank-2 approximation. It is shown that preprocessing of data has significant impact on the results, thus a standard form is needed for establishing a benchmark data.