cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Requirement of a critical period of GABAergic receptor blockade for induction of a cAMP-mediated long-term depression at CA3-CA1 synapses.

Previous reports show that bath application of the adenosine 3' : 5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) analog, Sp-cAMPS, induces a protein kinase A (PKA)-dependent and protein synthesis-dependent long-term potentiation (LTP) at hippocampal CA3-CA1 synapses. Recently, we reported a novel form of long-term depression (LTD) induced by concurrent application of Sp-cAMPS and picrotoxin, the gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABA(A)) receptor antagonist. In the present study, we further investigated the mechanisms underlying such cAMP-mediated LTD. Synaptically connected CA3 and CA1 cells of hippocampal slice cultures were impaled by sharp electrodes. Excitatory postsynaptic potentials recorded from a CA1 pyramidal cell were evoked by single action potentials in a CA3 cell. Picrotoxin was applied to slices at various time points after Sp-cAMPS was perfused. We found that Sp-cAMPS-induced potentiation could be converted to depression when picrotoxin was applied within 30 min after perfusion of Sp-cAMPS. Picrotoxin applied 1 h after perfusion of Sp-cAMPS had no effect on Sp-cAMPS-induced synaptic potentiation. Once LTP was induced by Sp-cAMPS and expressed for 1 h, the subsequent application of Sp-cAMPS and picrotoxin produced no new changes in synaptic strength. Also, once LTD was induced and expressed for 1 h, subsequent Sp-cAMPS produced no new changes in synaptic strength. These findings suggest that a synapse is committed irreversibly to cAMP-mediated LTP or LTD during a critical period and that later signals cannot interconvert these two fates.
Triad sequence determination of ethylene–propylene copolymers – application of quantitative 13C NMR

Abstract A methodology for acquiring fully quantitative 13C{1H} NMR spectra for high performance ethylene–propylene copolymers has been proposed. To minimize the spectral acquisition time without sacrificing spectral quality, different amounts of chromium(III)acetylacetonate relaxation agent has been added to optimize its concentration. The study demonstrates the critical setting of delay time for determining six triad distributions from eight discrete set of resonances which otherwise leads to inaccurate determination of triad concentrations. It allows precise integral measurements of low intensity resonances depending on copolymer composition, and significant reduction of experimental time.
Using EEG to Study Cognitive Development: Issues and Practices

Developmental research is enhanced by use of multiple methodologies for examining psychological processes. The electroencephalogram (EEG) is an efficient and relatively inexpensive method for the study of developmental changes in brain–behavior relations. In this review, we highlight some of the challenges for using EEG in cognitive development research. We also list best practices for incorporating this methodology into the study of early cognitive processes. Consideration of these issues is critical for making an informed decision regarding implementation of EEG methodology.
Psychological considerations related to the development of computerized testing stations

A review of pertinent recent events in psychological assessment suggests greater use of computerized testing systems in the future. Just as there are problems of response bias with paper-and-pencil test methods, there are also such problems when using the computer medium for assessment. Problem areas and possible solutions are reviewed. Future research needs are discussed.
Unity and Diversity: Regional Economic Development in Indonesia Since 1970

This book, co-authored by a group of leading Australian and Indonesian scholars, provides, for the first time, a comprehensive examination of regional economic development in Indonesia. Each survey sketches a regional economy and highlights major development issues and constraints. Taken together, the surveys point to both the similarities and the differences in regional development.
Gain and noise characteristics of high-bit-rate silicon parametric amplifiers

We report a numerical investigation on parametric amplification of high-bit-rate signals and related noise figure inside silicon waveguides in the presence of two-photon absorption (TPA), TPA-induced free-carrier absorption, free-carrier-induced dispersion and linear loss. Different pump parameters are considered to achieve net gain and low noise figure. We show that the net gain can only be achieved in the anomalous dispersion regime at the high-repetition-rate, if short pulses are used. An evaluation of noise properties of parametric amplification in silicon waveguides is presented. By choosing pulsed pump in suitably designed silicon waveguides, parametric amplification can be a chip-scale solution in the high-speed optical communication and optical signal processing systems.
Unredeemed gift cards and the problem of not providing customers with value

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how the “money for nothing” attitude about gift card non‐redemption, that pervades retailing, directly conflicts with a customer focus. Further, it aims to show how short‐term financial benefits are completely offset by long‐term increases in indirect costs and damage to brand equity.Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses examples of behavior to demonstrate common attitudes of practitioners revolving around gift card issuing and redemption. Additionally, the use of simple case study brings into question the common assumptions about the short‐ and long‐term effect on organizational performance of non‐consumer‐centric policies.Findings – The paper finds that claims that retailers get “money for nothing” on unredeemed gift cards are illusionary. The actual costs of non‐redemption are quite high because the retailer misses the opportunity to bring both existing and, importantly, new customers into the retail environment. Further, brand equity may suf...
Myocardial blood flow estimated by synchronous, multislice, high-speed computed tomography

Anesthetized dogs were scanned in the dynamic spatial reconstructor, a fast multislice computed tomographic scanner. In one group of eight dogs, four differently radiolabeled microspheres (1.5 mu m diameter) were injected into the left atrium, with each label corresponding to a different hemodynamic condition. The image data collected from this group of dogs were used to develop the algorithm for estimating regional myocardial perfusion from the CT image data. In an additional 11 dogs, three differently labeled microspheres were also injected during different hemodynamic conditions. The image data collected from this second group of dogs were used to prospectively evaluate the accuracy of the algorithm developed from data in the first group of dogs. The results are presented and discussed. >
Distributed algorithms for shortest-path, deadlock-free routing and broadcasting in a class of interconnection topologies

A class of novel interconnection topologies called the generalized Fibonacci cubes is presented. The generalized Fibonacci cubes include the hypercubes, the recently proposed Fibonacci cubes (W.-J. Hsu, Proc. Int. Conf. on Parallel Processing, p.1722-3 (1991)), and some other asymmetric interconnection topologies bridging between the two mentioned above. The generalized Fibonacci cubes can serve as a framework for studying degraded hypercubes due to faulty nodes or links. Previously known algorithms for hypercubes do not generalize to this class of interconnection topologies. The authors present distributed routing and broadcasting algorithms that can be applied to all members of this class of interconnection topologies. It is shown that their distributed routing algorithm always finds a shortest and deadlock-free path. The broadcasting algorithms are designed and evaluated based on both the all-port and the 1-port communication models. The all-port broadcasting algorithm is provably optimal in terms of minimizing routing steps. An upper bound for the 1-port broadcasting algorithm is determined, which is shown to be optimal for certain cases. >
Potential Role of Renin-Angiotensin System Blockade for Preventing Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury and Remodeling after Myocardial Infarction

Experimental and clinical studies have demonstrated that myocardial ischemia induces activation of various components of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), including angiotensinogen, renin, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), angiotensins, and angiotensin receptors, in the acute phase of myocardial infarction and the postinfarction remodeling process. Pharmacological inhibition of the RAS by administration of renin inhibitors, ACE inhibitors, and angiotensin receptor blockers has shown beneficial effects on the pathological processes of myocardial infarction in both experimental animal studies and clinical trials. However, the potential mechanisms responsible for the cardioprotection of RAS inhibition remain unclear. In this review, we discuss roles of RAS blocking in the prevention of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury and postinfarction remodeling.
Advantages of ultrashort phase-shaped pulses for selective two-photon activation and biomedical imaging

Two-photon excitation using ultrashort laser pulses can selectively activate nanoparticles or excite fluorophores within thick biological samples. We show how the use of methods such as multiphoton intrapulse interference phase scan (MIIPS) to compensate phase distortions caused by microscope objectives with a high numerical aperture increases signal intensity and reproducibility in twophoton imaging. Using phase shaping of our compensated pulses, we demonstrate selective excitation of fluorophores within a mouse kidney sample, increasing the contrast between different subcellular structures compared to unshaped pulses.
Identification of Regeneration Times in MCMC Simulation, With Application to Adaptive Schemes

Regeneration is a useful tool in Markov chain Monte Carlo simulation because it can be used to side-step the burn-in problem and to construct better estimates of the variance of parameter estimates themselves. It also provides a simple way to introduce adaptive behavior into a Markov chain, and to use parallel processors to build a single chain. Regeneration is often difficult to take advantage of because, for most chains, no recurrent proper atom exists, and it is not always easy to use Nummelin's splitting method to identify regeneration times. This article describes a constructive method for generating a Markov chain with a specified target distribution and identifying regeneration times. As a special case of the method, an algorithm which can be “wrapped” around an existing Markov transition kernel is given. In addition, a specific rule for adapting the transition kernel at regeneration times is introduced, which gradually replaces the original transition kernel with an independence-sampling Metropoli...
Self-heating parameter extraction of power MOSFETs based on transient drain current measurements and on the 2-cell self-heating model

Self-heating parameter extraction for circuit simulation model is discussed based on the transient drain current measurement, by using a 18V power MOSFET as a test device. The fitting errors in the conventional one-cell self-heating model have been investigated and the influences of the spread resistance on the transient current are discussed to refine the modeling strategy. A simple two-cell model is also proposed and its excellent fitting capability for wide time ranges is demonstrated.
Computational Studies of Protein Dynamics

Theoretical and computational studies of protein function have reached the point at which they are making important contributions to drug discovery and other practical applications. At the same time, they are deepening our understanding of the principles of protein activity, including the dynamical features that give rise to NMR and other experimental measurements, and the time-dependent aspects of biological function.
Stable Colloids of Paclitaxel Nanoparticles Coated with PEGylated Polyelectrolyte Shells

A novel nanoparticulated form of the poorly water-soluble anticancer drug paclitaxel (PTX) suitable for intravenous administration has been developed using sonication-assisted layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly. The nanoparticles contain up to 70 wt.% of the drug and consist of 150-180 nm solid crystal paclitaxel cores coated with 20-30 nm thick shells of alternative layers of PEGylated poly-L-lysine and heparin. Dispersions of PTX nanoparticles are stable in different biological solvents at concentrations up to 5 mg/ml. Intravenous administration of the LbL-coated nano-crystalline PTX to mice via tail injection provided the preliminary confirmation of their safety and tolerability.
A facile one-carbon homologation of aryl aldehydes to amides.

The easily accessible 2-aryl-1,1-dibromo-1-alkenes can be converted to amides under unusually mild conditions in good to excellent yields. Both electron-donating and electron-withdrawing substitutions on the aromatic rings are tolerated, and the reaction works well with hindered alkylamines. This simple homologation could find broad applications.
Explaining Game-to-Game Ticket Sales for Major League Baseball Games Over Time

Using data from more than 10,000 games from 1985 through 2009, the authors estimate the effect various factors have on attendance at Major League Baseball (MLB) games. As previously found in the literature, interleague and interleague rivalry contests are associated with higher attendances, but this relationship has been weakening over time. Contrary to some of the literature, the authors find that the likelihood the home team will win the contest is inconsistently estimated over time, lending little support for the uncertainty of outcome hypothesis. Generally the effect on ticket sales from many potential factors has generally been weakening over time.
The neuroanatomical correlates of route learning impairment

Recent functional imaging studies of topographical learning point to the participation of a large network of cortical and subcortical regions. Nevertheless, areas which are crucial remain poorly specified due to the absence of group studies of subjects with focal lesions distributed throughout the brain. We assessed the ability of 127 subjects with stable, focal lesions to learn a complex real-life route, a critical aspect of topographical functioning. Results indicated that impairment in route learning was highly associated with damage to medial occipital and posterior parahippocampal cortices in either hemisphere, the right hippocampus, and the right inferotemporal region. Impairment was seen among 86% of the subjects with damage to any these regions, in contrast to impairment among 31% of subjects with lesions in other regions. The importance of medial occipitotemporal cortices bilaterally and right inferotemporal cortex likely reflects the critical role of the ability to quickly and accurately perceive and learn multiple topographical scenes. The importance of the right (and probably left) posterior parahippocampal gyrus and of the right hippocampus likely reflects their critical, distinctive roles forming an integrated representation of the extended topographical environment (i.e., the appearance of places and spatial relationships between specific places), and consolidating that representation into multifaceted contextual knowledge of the environment.
A Monte Carlo Model Reveals Independent Signaling at Central Glutamatergic Synapses

We have developed a biophysically realistic model of receptor activation at an idealized central glutamatergic synapse that uses Monte Carlo techniques to simulate the stochastic nature of transmission following release of a single synaptic vesicle. For the a synapse with 80 AMPA and 20 NMDA receptors, a single quantum, with 3000 glutamate molecules, opened approximately 3 NMDARs and 20 AMPARs. The number of open receptors varied directly with the total number of receptors, and the fraction of open receptors did not depend on the ratio of co-localized AMPARs and NMDARs. Variability decreased with increases in either total receptor number or quantal size, and differences between the variability of AMPAR and NMDAR responses were due solely to unequal numbers of receptors at the synapse. Despite NMDARs having a much higher affinity for glutamate than AMPARs, quantal release resulted in similar occupancy levels in both receptor types. Receptor activation increased with number of transmitter molecules released or total receptor number, whereas occupancy levels were only dependent on quantal size. Tortuous diffusion spaces reduced the extent of spillover and the activation of extrasynaptic receptors. These results support the conclusion that signaling is spatially independent within and between central glutamatergic synapses.
Mistletoe ecophysiology: Host-parasite interactions

Mistletoes are highly specialized perennial flowering plants adapted to parasitic life on aerial parts of their hosts. In our discussion on the physiological interactions between parasite and host,...
A more cost-effective unattended ground sensor using commercial off-the-shelf products

The military is increasingly using sensors as part of its battlefield strategy. Sensors can be used as an alternative to placing soldiers in dangerous situations and the information that sensors collect helps leaders make better decisions. However, the cost of integrating these sensors into existing tactical networks has been a limiting factor in their adoption. Thus, the research team sought to use Android smartphones and Arduino microcontrollers, two commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) technologies, to create an inexpensive, "plug-and-play" interface to help relieve this issue. This interface was then demonstrated through the creation of a series of unattended ground vehicles (UGVs) that can be networked together in an ad-hoc wireless mesh network to collect sensor data from across an operational area. This project was broken down into two phases and the Agile development methodology was used throughout. During the first phase an interface between the Android phone and Arduino microcontroller was created and then integrated with sensors. During the second phase a robotics platform, path setting algorithm, and the ad-hoc wireless mesh network were developed. Collectively, this project demonstrated the feasibility of using open-source, commercially available parts to create unattended ground sensor (UGS) networks, thereby providing an alternative to current market offerings which are custom and proprietary in nature and therefore expensive and difficult to upgrade.
Application of the scattering optimization method for the design of circular waveguide mode converters

Design and fabrication of compact mode converters has been of interest since the development of high power gyrotrons for plasma heating. Haq et al. (1994, 1995) have introduced the scattering optimization method for the design of these mode converters. Unlike the coupled mode theory approach, this method relies on sharp discontinuities in the waveguide to achieve mode conversion in shorter lengths. The approach was initially demonstrated for the simple structure of parallel plate waveguides. Numerical simulations indicated that the designed mode converters could achieve very high efficiency with lengths much smaller than the conventional designs. This paper gives some results related to the design of mode converters in circular waveguides and suggests improvements in the scattering optimization design procedure.
Value-Based Health Care for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

Increasing healthcare costs worldwide put the current healthcare systems under pressure. Although many efforts have aimed to contain costs in medicine, only a few have achieved substantial changes. Inflammatory bowel diseases rank among the most costly of chronic diseases, and physicians nowadays are increasingly engaged in health economics discussions. Value-based health care [VBHC] has gained a lot of attention recently, and is thought to be the way forward to contain costs while maintaining quality. The key concept behind VBHC is to improve achieved outcomes per encountered costs, and evaluate performance accordingly. Four main components need to be in place for the system to be effective: [1] accurate measurement of health outcomes and costs; [2] reporting of these outcomes and benchmarking against other providers; [3] identification of areas in need of improvement based on these data and adjusting the care delivery processes accordingly; and [4] rewarding high-performing participants. In this article we will explore the key components of VBHC, we will review available evidence focussing on inflammatory bowel diseases, and we will present our own experience as a guide for other providers.
Residential mortgage default: Theory works and so does policy

Using a national loan level data set we examine loan default as explained by local demographic characteristics and state level legislation that regulates foreclosure procedures and predatory lending, using a hierarchical linear model. When controlling for loan and local conditions, we observe significant variation in the default rate across states, with lower default levels in states with higher temporal and financial costs to lenders. State level legislative influences provide a foundation for discussion of national level policy that further regulates predatory lending and financial institution foreclosure activities.
Austerity and Unintended Riches

What are the social and psychological sources of social movements that are committed to (1) equality among their members, (2) communitarian ideals emphasizing strong ties of affection among members and a belief in spontaneous cooperation without direction by authority, and (3) austerity in the consumption of physical goods and also in the use or display of comforts and ornaments? In the course of time what becomes of such a movement as it tries to put its ideals into practice? Many but not all of those that have lasted—and I shall limit this inquiry to examples that have lasted for at least several generations—have become quite wealthy. How and why does this change come about, and what are its consequences?
Real-Normalized Differentials and the Elliptic Calogero-Moser System

In our recent works (Grushevsky and Krichever, The universal Whitham hierarchy and the geometry of the moduli space of pointed Riemann surfaces. In: Surveys in differential geometry. Vol. XIV. Geometry of Riemann surfaces and their moduli spaces. Volume 14 of surveys in differential geometry. International Press, Somerville, pp 111–129, 2009; Grushevsky and Krichever, Foliations on the moduli space of curves, vanishing in cohomology, and Calogero-Moser curves, arXiv:1108.4211, part 1, under revision) we have used meromorphic differentials on Riemann surfaces all of whose periods are real to study the geometry of the moduli spaces of Riemann surfaces. In this paper we survey the relevant constructions and show how they are related to and motivated by the spectral theory of the elliptic Calogero-Moser integrable system.
Tax Policy During the Recession: The Role of Fiscal Stimulus

Viard observes that fiscal stimulus to aggregate demand must be properly timed because stimulus 'borrows' output and jobs from the future rather than creating them from thin air. He also argues that increases in government purchases do not necessarily provide a larger (correctly measured) stimulative effect than tax cuts and advocates more generous tax deductions for business losses during recessions.
The Long-Term Impact of Educational and Health Spending on Unemployment Rates

This study used panel data regression analysis to evaluate the long-term effects of several measures of U.S. education expenditure on unemployment rates in 50 states and Washington D.C. over 25 years. The data included state-level statistics for fiscal effort, graduation rates, education spending per pupil, gross state product per capita, welfare spending, health spending, political party affiliation, union versus nonunion states, and unemployment rates. Results find that the best way to effectively reduce unemployment is investment in improving the quality of human capital through funding education. Findings specifically conclude that over the long term, investment in human capital through education as defined by per-pupil spending and health services could play a significant role in reducing unemployment rates.
The End of Law

The political and judicial response to the so-called litigation crisis has had a profound but little-noticed effect on the traditional place that legal norms occupy in law. Litigation reforms have obscured and removed legal norms from the center of the legal process. Law itself has been privatized, obscured, and even erased, most often by its protectors and guardians: judges and the courts. Eager to streamline and expedite legal proceedings, various devices and procedures have changed the face of both civil and criminal litigation. As one example, the dramatic increase in settlement, plea bargaining, and alternative dispute resolution renders many disputes privately - rather than publicly-judged. Standards of review, doctrines that emphasize discretionary review, and doctrines such as harmless error serve to obscure and distort the application of legal norms. Other practices such as designating certain judicial decisions as unpublished opinions and thus limiting the circumstances under which such an opinion may be used as precedent also limit the public nature of law. These and similar devices and procedures limit both the public nature of law and the law itself, by reducing the number of cases fully litigated, by reducing the available case precedents, and by reducing appellate review and scrutiny. Law has become less public and less accessible; legal norms that should inform people of the acceptable limits on their behavior are lost or obscured. The anomalous nature of cases that are fully litigated and decided, even fewer of which are appealed and still fewer of which result in a published opinion, raises questions about their value as precedent and as embodying societal norms. The loss of substantive law from the public realm distorts the legal landscape, limits public testing and debate of legal norms, and devalues or destroys institutional competencies. Taken together, we refer to these developments as presaging the end of law. This Article explores and analyzes these developments, and concludes that the traditionally understood processes of law are fading from - or perhaps more accurately, are being hidden from - view, with negative consequences for both law itself and for society as a whole.
Review of John H. Evans, The History and Future of Medical Ethics: A Sociological View

It has been said that a good book reads you. And so it is with John H. Evans's The History and Future of Bioethics: A Sociological View. As a physician-ethicist I was fascinated by this sociologica...
Objectification of functional improvement after nonoperative care.

STUDY DESIGN In this article, the authors review the three broad categories of measures that have been used to objectify functional improvement after nonoperative care of painful spinal disorder patients-physical, psychological, and socioeconomic. For each of the three categories, the major measures used are discussed, as well as research relating to the efficacy of the measures. OBJECTIVE To point out the many differences that still exist among research studies regarding which functional outcome measures to use and when to use them. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA During the past few decades, it has been made abundantly clear that painful spinal disorders, particularly when associated with work disability and/or financial benefits, result from a complex interaction of medical, psychological, and social factors. This has resulted in frequent confusion regarding what constitutes the primary roots of the disabling process. Currently, a more comprehensive biopsychosocial perspective of chronic pain and disability has emerged that has significant implications for diagnostic and treatment philosophies of practitioners. METHODS Identifying the measures frequently used to address the important biopsychosocial factors, and evaluating their relative benefits and drawbacks. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS It is demonstrated that there has been an overall trend in recent years toward using more objective, quantifiable instruments, encompassing the physical, psychological, and socioeconomic parameters of outcomes research in painful spinal disorders. These changes will certainly improve the ability of researchers to tease out which factors tap more directly into such tissue as physical impairment, as well as create greater uniformity of measures that will permit direct comparisons between studies.
Derivations of Major Coupling Derivatives, and the State Space Formulation, of the Coupled Equations of Motion

Among the more than 20 coupling derivatives, two of them are the most important ones in representing the major effects of lateral-directional motion on longitudinal motion. These are the sideslip coupling derivative (X) and the bank angle coupling derivative (Z). Other derivatives are negligible when compared to these two derivatives. In this paper, these two derivatives are fully derived and discussed. Using these coupling derivatives, the state space representation of the 6 DOF coupled motion is presented. Then, eight new transfer functions giving longitudinal state variables (forward velocity, angle of attack, pitch angle, and pitch rate) with respect to aileron and rudder deflections are derived. As a sample application, the coupled state space formulation is used to design the optimal control system of an airplane to do a complete 3-D mission.
Mechanism of Laser-Assisted Evaporation of II–VI Semiconductors

The evaporation mechanism of CdTe, HgTe and HgO . 7CdO . 3Te under high power laser irradiation was investigated using mass spectroscopy. Results were compared to thermal evaporation. Thermal evaporation yields Te molecules and Cd(Hg) atoms. In the case of HgTe and Hgo . 7Cdo . 3Te, the evaporation is noncongruent. Evaporation induced by the irradiation of 1.06 μm Nd:YAG laser pulses evolves atomic Hg, Cd and Te congruently. The dissociative and congruent nature of this process makes it a very attractive technique for depositing thin films.
Reduced anticoagulation is safe in high-risk patients with the On-X mechanical aortic valve.

Purpose of reviewThe goal of anticoagulation in patients with mechanical aortic valve replacement (AVR) is to maintain an optimal international normalized ratio (INR) that minimizes both the risk of bleeding and thromboembolic events. Here, we review the published data on anticoagulation with bileaf
The Work of Samuel Eilenberg in Topology

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the work of Samuel Eilenberg in topology. Algebraic topology is growing and solving problems, but non-topologists are very skeptical. At Harvard, Tucker gave an expert on cell complexes and their homology. In Poland, Kuratowski led a very vigorous school, with notable results flowing from his students. In a paper on Extension and Classification of Continuous Mappings at the 1940 Conference on Topology at the University of Michigan, Sammy formulated in explicit, clear, and easily usable form all the essential properties of obstructions to the extension of continuous maps, codifying effective but vague ideas then in the air. This paper is a fine example of Sammy's influence and style—the same style is also exhibited in his 1944 paper on Singular Homology, in which he carved out the clear and direct definition of the singular complex.
Communicating for One’s Family: An Interdisciplinary Review of Language and Cultural Brokering in Immigrant Families

Although language and cultural brokering is important for immigrant families, this behavior may have both positive and negative consequences for the well-being of young brokers and their family members. Few communication studies, however, have examined brokering in relation to the well-being of immigrant families, despite its prevalence in the United States and elsewhere. Thus, this chapter offers an interdisciplinary review of the brokering literature, identifies four primary perspectives on the well-being of young brokers, offers a unified theoretical model that represents past brokering research (while noting critical concerns that warrant future investigation), and concludes with implications for communication research.
Role of engineered metal oxide nanoparticle agglomeration in reactive oxygen species generation and cathepsin B release in NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pulmonary toxicity.

AbstractIncomplete understanding of the contributions of dispersants and engineered nanoparticles/materials (ENM) agglomeration state to biological outcomes presents an obstacle for toxicological studies. Although reactive oxygen species (ROS) production is often regarded as the primary indicator of ENM bioactivity and toxicity, it remains unclear whether ENM produce ROS or whether ROS is an outcome of ENM-induced cell injury. Phagolysosomal disruption and cathepsin B release also promote bioactivity through inflammasome activation. Therefore, specific particle parameters, i.e. preexposure dispersion status and particle surface area, of two ENM (NiO and CeO2) were used to evaluate the role of ROS generation and cathepsin B release during ENM-induced toxicity. Male C57BL/6J mice were exposed to 0, 20, 40, or 80 μg of poorly or well-dispersed NiO-NP or CeO2-NP in four types of dispersion media. At 1- and 7-day postexposure, lung lavage fluid was collected to assess inflammation, cytotoxicity, and inflammaso...
Fiscal Federalism and Redistribution in Mexico

Fiscal federalism in Mexico has been designed to ensure cohesion among unequal constituent units (both states and municipalities), through a mildly redistributive system of revenue sharing and relatively large social expenditure transfers for education, health and social infrastructure provided by the federal government. However, the Mexican transfer system is not particularly redistributive. Mexico remains, notwithstanding massive intergovernmental transfers and federal programs aimed at poverty alleviation, one of the most unequal federations in the world, both in terms of regional inequality and personal income distribution. After the transition to democracy in 2000 the system of federal transfers grew in size, but did not become, compared to the era of hegemonic party rule, more redistributive. Despite decades of reform to fiscal federalism, regional inequality across states remains virtually unchanged.
When and How to Treat Subthreshold Depression

Depressive disorders are present in about 10% of primary care patients and account for more years lived with disability than any single disease.1,2 Nearly three-quarters of all outpatient visits for depression are to primary care clinicians rather than to mental health specialists.3 Collaborative care is a therapeutic intervention in which behavioral health is integrated into primary care, most commonly using a nurse care manager to monitor depressive symptoms in depressed patients and adjust treatment under the supervision of a psychiatrist. Many of the nurse contacts are conducted by telephone, thereby increasing the efficiency of collaborative care. Although collaborative care has been demonstrated to improve depression in more than 80 randomized clinical trials,4,5 most trials have targeted major depression.
How bodies matter: Yesterday’s America today

The article takes its cue from the statement in the original essay, “Trump’s body matters,” and considers examples of how different kinds of bodies were demonstrated to matter in candidate Trump’s campaign discourse. With his “Make America Great Again” slogan in mind, the article tacks back and forth between Trump’s campaign discourse on black, brown, and female bodies and various forms of violence and discipline exercised in America’s racialized past, which threaten to return under the new administration. It is argued that questions of racialization and belonging are central to defining how bodies matter in the America that Trump proposes.
Characteristics and Treatment Outcomes of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo in a Cohort of Veterans

Background The Mountain Home Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center has been diagnosing and treating veterans with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) for almost 2 decades. The clinic protoco...
56 Catalysing advancements in traffic safety via data linkage: case example of the new jersey traffic safety outcomes program data warehouse

Statement of purpose Crash report data is generally limited to events that occurred just prior to the crash, the crash event itself, and the conditions of people involved immediately after the crash. Linking crash data to other relevant sources of existing data would allow us to better place crash events both in the context of the drivers’ histories and their short- and long-term outcomes, thus gaining a more comprehensive picture of the causes and implications of crashes. Methods/approach Since 2011, we have been developing the New Jersey Traffic Safety Outcomes Program (NJ-TSO) data warehouse, a unique source of individual-level data that can be used to answer a host of important research questions in traffic safety. In all, 8 statewide data sources from 2004–2014 will be linked: (1) driver licensing (n=10 million); (2) traffic-related citations; (3) police-reported crashes (n=6 million drivers); (4) Census; (5) electronic health record data for NJ residents who were patients of the CHOP healthcare network (n=150,000); (6) birth certificate; (7) death certificate; and (8) hospital discharge. Databases were/will be linked using a combination of hierarchical deterministic and probabilistic methods. Results We will describe in detail: collaborations established in order to successfully conduct this project; the processes by which databases were linked and how validity was assessed; identifiable and analytic data elements available in the NJ-TSO; and exemplar novel research questions that have and will be addressed via the NJ-TSO. Conclusions Though not typically created for research purposes, administrative databases can provide a wealth of data useful for and important to traffic safety research. The value of each of these data sources to traffic safety increases exponentially when linked, thus catalysing further advancements in knowledge. Significance and Contribution This innovative project involves development of one of the most comprehensive traffic safety data warehouses to date.
Approach to Chronic Kidney Disease in the Diabetic Patient

Abstract The diagnosis of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is generally made clinically, either by increased urinary albumin excretion (>30 mg/day) or declining glomerular filtration rate, usually in the presence of diabetic retinopathy. All diabetic patients should undergo annual measurements of serum creatinine concentration (S[Cr]) and urinary albumin concentration and have their estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) calculated. Control of blood glucose to achieve an HbA1c of 7%, and blood pressure aimed at a level less than 130/80 mm Hg, as tolerated, can delay or prevent onset of DKD. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers are first-line treatments in hypertensive and nonhypertensive DKD patients, especially those with increased urinary albumin excretion. The use of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors also prevents DKD progression in patients with both preserved and decreased eGFR. Lipid-lowering therapy is beneficial in the primary prevention of cardiovascular events in DKD patients. Dietary protein restriction should also be considered for DKD patients. All patients with stage 4 or 5 CKD should be evaluated for potential renal replacement therapy (RRT) by a nephrologist. Proper candidates should be prepared for end-stage renal disease therapy by discussing modalities of RRT, including renal transplantation, providing necessary education, creating dialysis access when appropriate, and making necessary referrals.
Are students in some college majors more self-determined in their studies than others?

Self-determination theory proposes that the extent to which students’ motivation is self-determined is critical to learning outcomes. Based on occasional research evidence and our perceptions, we hypothesize that college students in certain majors have profiles that are higher in self-determined motivation than students in other majors. Specifically, our primary hypothesis is that students in the social sciences and humanities tend to be more self-determined, whereas students in business-related majors tend to be less self-determined. The results from two studies using large samples and advanced analytical methods support the primary hypotheses. Comparison results were also obtained for other majors (e.g., engineering and natural sciences), and supplemental analyses supported the critical role of self-determined motivation in learning outcomes among students in all majors. Study 2 also found support for two mechanisms for such differences, i.e., the majors’ learning climates and students’ individual differences in autonomous functioning. The current evidence suggests the importance of promoting more humanistic learning environments in certain academic disciplines.
Tracking donor funding towards achieving the Global Vaccine Action Plan (GVAP) goals: A landscape analysis (1990-2016).

Abstract Efforts driving universal coverage have recently been strengthened through implementation of the Global Vaccine Action Plan (GVAP) where cost estimates for immunization support were developed totaling US$40 billion of donor assistance by 2020. In addition to resource mobilization, there has been an increasing focus on improving both vaccine access and delivery systems. We track donor assistance for immunization by funding objective and channel from 1990 to 2016, and illustrate projections through 2020 to inform progress of the GVAP. Using available data from development agencies supporting immunization, we categorize funding by vaccine and quantify support for systems strengthening. We split time into four periods including the post universal childhood immunization era (1990–1999) and Gavi’s three funding phases between 2000 and 2015, during which annualized funding changes are estimated. Lastly, we perform a linear extrapolation through 2020 to predict the success of stipulated resource mobilization targets. Double counting was eliminated and results presented in real 2017 US dollars. Over the last 27 years, funding for immunization increased by 10.5% annually, with non-Gavi funding increasing by 7.1% and Gavi funding by 23.6% in the last 17 years. Gavi disbursements targeting vaccines and health system improvements increased uniformly at 15%, compared to 22.5% for vaccines and 11.7% for system strengthening from non-Gavi channels. Funding fluctuated for non-Gavi channels with disbursements declining before 2000 and during Gavi funding phase II, while Gavi disbursements continued to grow relative the previous phase. New and underused vaccines were prioritized by Gavi whereas non-Gavi channels focused on elimination efforts. Projected funding targets were estimated to be on track for Gavi contrary to non-Gavi support which was estimated to remain 40% below the stipulated target. Renewed assessments for funding requirements need to be undertaken, while strengthening existing resource efficiencies in order to achieve current global universal coverage targets.
Implementing Readers Theater in Secondary Classrooms

This article describes how secondary teachers might implement readers theater in their classrooms. In addition to reading fluency, this five-day format also explicitly targets reading comprehension...
Abstract 530: Hemostasis Revisited: a Combined Light and Electron Microscopy Analysis of Hemostatic Plug Formation in vivo

We have previously shown in the microcirculation that gradients of platelet agonists develop during the hemostatic response as a consequence of the solute transport properties within the evolving p...
[Visually induced pseudocoriolis-effects and circularvection. A contribution to opto-vestibular interaction].

Circularvektion und Coriolis-Phanomene wurden mit kombinierten und isolierten optokinetischen und vestibularen Drehreizen untersucht. Diese wurden durch einen Drehstuhl und eine konzentrisch dazu angeordnete zylindrische Drehtrommel dargeboten. Die durch Kopfneigung ausgelosten Coriolis-Effekte wurden durch Grosenskalierung (magnitude estimation) bestimmt und Augenbewegungen, EKG sowie Atmung simultan registriert. Ergebnisse
Evaluation of heterogeneous uncertain information fusion

In this paper our motivation is to provide evaluation approaches for information fusion where both possibilistic uncertainty and probabilistic uncertainty occurs. For effective utilization of such diverse data, fusion is used to assist decision-making. However it is necessary to evaluate the results in order to assess their value. Our innovation is the use of information and specificity measures to provide assessments of the fusion results. In particular we investigate transformation-based approaches to the problem of combining possibility and probability distributions. We consider a total heterogeneous fusion process as having three phases in general. Phase 1 is a transformation phase used to produce homogenous data representations. Specifically we explore two transformations—probability to possibility and vice versa. Phase 2 consists of specific aggregation functions operating on the homogenous formatted data. For aggregation functions we representatively cover a range of possible functions by using min, max and average. Phase 3 consists of the applicable assessment measures on the fusion results. Two examples of the complete approach for representative probability and possibility distributions are worked out in full detail and evaluation techniques are used to compare the various results. Finally, general evaluative comparisons of the approaches are given based on extreme bounding cases of completely certain and uncertain probability and possibility distributions. Our contribution then has been to provide approaches to understand which aggregation functions from the min, avg, max spectrum and which transformations would be most useful for the fusion result.
Clinical Relevance of Noncoding Adenosine-to-Inosine RNA Editing in Multiple Human Cancers.

PURPOSERNA editing is a post-transcriptional process that alters the nucleotide sequences of certain transcripts, in vertebrate most often converting adenosines to inosines. Multiple studies have r...
Theory and Computation in Hydrodynamic Stability

The study of hydrodynamic stability is fundamental to many subjects, ranging from geophysics and meteorology through to engineering design. This treatise covers both classical and modern aspects of the subject, systematically developing it from the simplest physical problems, then progressing to the most complex, considering linear and nonlinear situations, and analyzing temporal and spatial stability. The authors examine each problem both analytically and numerically. Many relevant fluid flows are treated, including those where the fluid may be compressible, or those from geophysics, or those that require salient geometries for description. Details of initial-value problems are explored equally with those of stability. The text includes copious illustrations and an extensive bibliography, making it suitable for courses on hydrodynamic stability or as an authoritative reference for researchers. In this second edition the opportunity has been taken to update the text and, most importantly, provide solutions to the numerous extended exercises.