cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Inflammatory Response to Double Stranded DNA in Endothelial Cells Is Mediated by NFκB and TNFα

Endothelial cells represent an important barrier between the intravascular compartment and extravascular tissues, and therefore serve as key sensors, communicators, and amplifiers of danger signals in innate immunity and inflammation. Double stranded DNA (dsDNA) released from damaged host cells during injury or introduced by pathogens during infection, has emerged as a potent danger signal. While the dsDNA-mediated immune response has been extensively studied in immune cells, little is known about the direct and indirect effects of dsDNA on the vascular endothelium. In this study we show that direct dsDNA stimulation of endothelial cells induces a potent proinflammatory response as demonstrated by increased expression of ICAM1, E-selectin and VCAM1, and enhanced leukocyte adhesion. This response was dependent on the stress kinases JNK and p38 MAPK, required the activation of proinflammatory transcription factors NFκB and IRF3, and triggered the robust secretion of TNFα for sustained secondary activation of the endothelium. DNA-induced TNFα secretion proved to be essential in vivo, as mice deficient in the TNF receptor were unable to mount an acute inflammatory response to dsDNA. Our findings suggest that the endothelium plays an active role in mediating dsDNA-induced inflammatory responses, and implicate its importance in establishing an acute inflammatory response to sterile injury or systemic infection, where host or pathogen derived dsDNA may serve as a danger signal.
KNOBSAR: A Knowledge Based System Prototype for Robot Assisted Urban Search and Rescue:

Few disasters inspire more compassion for victims and families than those involving structural collapse situations. Media audiences also sympathize, however, with heroic rescue personnel who are faced with a tremendously complex, hazardous, and often frustrating task environment. Rescue activities in the aftermath of recent earthquakes and bombings indicate a tremendous need for greater access to denied areas within any crisis site involving collapsed structures. Recent developments in the remote inspection industry show great potential for employment of small robotic micro- rover systems in expanded roles for Urban Search and Rescue (USAR). Similar progress in computer science research indicates an increasing role for simulation oriented modeling and intelligent decision support tools in USAR resource management procedures.This paper discusses key issues in the application of robotic systems to Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) activities and discusses ongoing development of a knowledge based system for eff...
Cloning: the need to understand developer intent

Many researchers have studied the positive and negative effects of code clones on software quality. However, little is known about the intent and rationale of the developers who clone code. Studies have shown that reusing code is a common practice for developers while programming, but there are many possible motivations for and approaches to code reuse. Although we have some ideas about the intentions of developers when cloning code, comprehensive research is needed to gather conclusive evidence about these intentions and categorize clones based on them. In this paper we argue that to provide developers with better clone management tools, we need to interview developers to better understand their intentions when managing cloned code.
Uniform Bit and Power Allocation with Subcarrier Selection for Coded OFDM Systems

In this paper, the problem of adaptive bit and power allocation for coded OFDM systems is considered. With emphasis on low feedback overhead and low complexity, we present a simple adaptive allocation technique, where data are transmitted only using the strongest subcarriers with uniform power and uniform constellation size. Due to the reduced number of used subcarriers, a fraction of coded bits are not transmitted, while keeping the information bit rate unchanged. The problem of bit and power allocation to minimize packet error rate (PER) reduces to determine the constellation size and the number of unused subcarriers. The optimal solution provides a good tradeoff among average SNR, coding gain, and demapping loss. To solve the problem, we introduce an effective SNR maximization approach. Numerical results show that the proposed scheme significantly improves PER performance.
Rethinking the Design of Presentation Slides: Creating Slides That Are Readily Comprehended

Presentation slides, when designed well, can significantly increase the amount of information that the audience comprehends. However, when the slide has type that can not be quickly read, the audience often gives up on the slide. Moreover, when the slide does not orient well, when the slide has too much information, or when the order of information on the slide is unclear, the audience can easily become confused. Given that these mistakes can prevent the audience from comprehending the presentation’s content, presenters should strive to format slides that can be quickly read, that effectively orient, that have a reasonable amount of information, and that have a clear order of information. Unfortunately, the slide formats that many engineering presenters use do not meet these goals. Presented in this paper are recommendations for the format of presentation slides—specifically, the typography, color, and layout of presentation slides (or overheads). An assumption for these recommendations is that the purpose of the presentation is to communicate technical information efficiently to the audience. Given that assumption, the goal of a slide’s typography is to have type that can be read as quickly as possible. To obtain that goal, this paper recommends a bold sans serif typestyle such as Arial that is at least 18 points. In regard to color, the most important goal is to have colors that can be clearly distinguished from each other. To obtain that goal, this paper recommends either a dark color against a light background or a light color against a dark background. In regard to layout, the goal is to have a slide design for which the audience can quickly discern the point of the slide and then can divide attention between the presenter and the slide as the presenter discusses the slide. To obtain that goal, this paper recommends the national laboratory design of a short sentence headline supported primarily by images. Other reasons exist for choosing this national lab design. Although this paper focuses on how readily that slides following this national lab design can be comprehended, the paper does direct the reader to references that discuss two other reasons for using this national laboratory design: (1) how well the slide design helps the audience remember details, and (2) how persuasive the slide design is.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
From a Gasp to a Gamble: A Proposed Test for Unconscionability

This article takes a comparative approach to propose an improved test for the doctrine of unconscionability in American contract law, by borrowing relevant concepts from Islamic law. Section 2-302 of the Uniform Commercial Code (U.C.C.) identifies "unconscionability" as ground for invalidating a contract, but the legal definition of "unconscionable" in common law and American case law has long been imprecise and unclear, sometimes even as vague as that which would make one "gasp." In this article, I take inspiration from Islamic legal doctrine on oppressive and unfair contracts and, with this in mind, review American case law on unconscionability, noting several common themes about what makes dealings fundamentally unfair. Specifically, I look at Islamic jurisprudence on riba (usury, lit. "increase") which invalidates contracts in which one party receives an undeserved profit at the expense of the other. Riba is of two types: riba al-fadl, in which a contracting party acquires an excess profit, and riba al-nasi'a, in which a party gain an unfair advantage by speculating on uncontrollable risks. In this article, I borrow from these Islamic legal principles, along with some concepts of unfair bargaining power found in American case law, and propose a two-prong test for "unconscionability." The first prong focuses on whether one party achieved a potentially unjust enrichment under the contract, and the second looks to whether there was an oppressive relationship between the contracting parties. A court applying this test must find that a contract meets both prongs in order to declare the contract unconscionable.
Hypergammaglobulinemia in experimental liver injury.

Summary and ConclusionsThe isolated perfused cirrhotic rat liver which is the site of mesenchymal cell proliferation incorporates 3 times as much C14 lysine into serum gamma globulin as the normal liver from litter mate controls. This data is interpreted as further evidence that hypergammaglobulinemia in active cirrhosis results partly from persistent increase of gamma globulin producing mesenchymal cells in the liver.
Design and Implementation of the Web Based TSI Remote Monitoring System

This paper provides a design method of remote condition monitoring system, which can be used in monitoring rotating mechanical equipment. TSI is taken as hardware data acquisition platform. The remote data distributing server is constructed in a B/S model and by the techniques of J2EE pattern. In implementation of the development, java XML DLL data warehouse data mining technology was mainly adopt .The system realize the remote real-time supervisory of rotating mechanical equipment operation situation.
Appropriate Theory Borrowing in Strategic Marketing: Product Life Versus Product Evolutionary Cycles

The paper explores an example of appropriate and inappropriate theory borrowing in the strategic marketing management area. Namely, both cases of borrowing reviewed focus on the theoretical foundations and use of product development models: the traditional product life cycle (PLC) and the less traditional product evolutionary cycle (PEC). It is argued that the traditional PLC model, which borrowed from a fixed stage, developmental paradigm is no longer appropriate or useful. However, the PEC model which has moved beyond this original formulation and borrows from an evolutionary perspective, is appropriate and more useful in strategic planning. In making their case, the authors discuss what might constitute a criteria for appropriate theory borrowing. This involves an understanding of theory superstructure, type of science and social context. The PLC and PEC models are discussed in relation to this criteria. Then the models are compared and contrasted with regard to several dimensions of demand and each model's role of theory in marketing. Lastly, some managerial implications of both models are put forth.
The Caloris Network

The Sun had stopped in the sky. Soon it would move east for a couple of days, pause again, then continue its trek toward the western horizon, where it would set.
Mechanical Ventilation of Patients with Severe Obesity

In recent years, obesity has become endemic in developed countries. Medical care of the obese patient is extremely challenging, especially critically ill obese individuals. The challenge of providing medical care to obese patients is multifactorial and stems from difficulty performing diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, difficulty providing logistical support, and the necessity of extrapolating data usually obtained from the study of leaner populations. Obesity affects respiratory physiology and also predisposes to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS). As a result, patients with obesity may be at higher risk for respiratory failure and greater duration of mechanical ventilation.
Characterization of functional neurotensin receptors on human lymphocytes

Background. Neurotensin, a tridecaptide, regulates gut motility, secretion, and mucosol growth; an immunomodulatory role for neurotensin has been postulated but not clearly defined. The purpose of this study was to determine whether neurotensin receptors (NTR) are present on peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) and to characterize binding, functional, and molecular properties. Methods. Iodine 125 labelled-neurotensin binding was determined for both human PBLs and the T-cell lines, Molt-4 and Jurkat, by Scatchat analysis
The Search for Meaning: A Film-Based Approach

ABSTRACT Professionals who study and document the lives of young adults assert that people between the ages of seventeen and thirty are often overwhelmed by difficulties that accompany their transition into adulthood, making it difficult for them to imagine a future in which they can fulfill their personal needs and also make meaningful contributions to society. This essay shares a film-based strategy for guiding students in their desire to balance independence with responsibility. Anchored in the author's broad understanding of the liberal arts, the method of film instruction described in this paper inspires undergraduates to interpret relationships between cinematic form (artistic properties of film) and meaning (thematic content). Furthermore, the proposed approach to film instruction encourages students to consider how thematic content implicit in cinematic form may be applicable and meaningful to them as they transition into full adulthood and seek ways to become engaged citizens. The author teaches ...
Spatial and ontogenetic patterns of Pacific cod ( Gadus macrocephalus Tilesius) predation on octopus in the eastern Bering Sea

In 2012, the North Pacific Fishery Management Council adopted a consumption-based stock assessment method to determine catch limits for the non-target, multi-species octopus complex in the Bering Sea-Aleutian Islands (BSAI) fishery management area. The method uses Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus) diet data as a basis for estimating octopus complex natural mortality and minimum biomass. To enhance understanding of the predator-prey interaction between Pacific cod and octopus, we examined patterns of octopus consumption by Pacific cod using long-term stomach contents data from the eastern Bering Sea continental shelf, a large, ecologically unique subarea of the BSAI. Generalized additive modeling of octopus presence/absence in Pacific cod diets revealed distinct spatial, ontogenetic and seasonal consumption patterns. Prey octopus frequency of occurrence (FO) generally increased with bottom depth, latitude and Pacific cod fork length, and FO in the southern BSAI was lower during winter and spring than during summer. Prey octopus FO patterns may reflect overall consumption patterns and likely indicate long-term distribution patterns of small-sized (<1 kg) octopus on the EBS shelf, although we could not visually distinguish between octopus species using prey remains. Multi-species beak length-to-body mass regressions developed from three octopus species allowed reasonable estimation of prey octopus mass, and we found Pacific cod fork length was positively correlated with prey octopus mass, suggesting predator-prey interactions are sensitive to predator and prey size composition. Pacific cod consumed octopus with estimated masses ranging from 0.000017 kg to 4.62 kg, while octopus taken during concurrent bottom trawl surveys range from 0.05 kg to greater than 25 kg. Based on our findings, we expect the consumption-based stock assessment underestimates BSAI octopus complex biomass because it cannot account for larger octopus, such as the 10–20 kg Enteroctopus dofleini which dominate incidental take in BSAI Pacific cod pot fishery.
Security-related factors in extended UTAUT model for NFC based mobile payment in the restaurant industry

This study aims to provide an integrated model that examines the determinants of near-field communication (NFC) based mobile payment (MP) technology acceptance in the restaurant industry. The proposed model, which combines the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) and technology acceptance model (TAM), was tested via structural equation modeling (SEM) by using data collected from 412 restaurant customers. The study results indicated that the proposed model provides approximately 20% greater explanatory power and predictive accuracy than the original UTAUT model and demonstrates strong evidence of the effects of risk, security, and trust on customers' intentions to use NFC-based MP technology in restaurant settings. In addition, considering the total effect, attitude, security, and risk have the most substantial impact on customers behavioral intentions. The study results further demonstrate that risk, security, and trust are also important determinants, with direct and indirect impacts, of other critical constructs (i.e., effort expectancy, hedonic and utilitarian performance expectancy, attitude, and intention). The empirical findings provide valuable theoretical contributions for researchers and practical implications for restaurant operators and technology vendors by explaining the reasons as to why the NFC-based MP is not popular in North American restaurants. Facilitating conditions have no impact on intention to use NFC-based MP.Social readiness positively influences the NFC-based MP use in restaurants.Users consider NFC-based MP as fun when they perceive it useful.Attitude, security, and risk are the most influential factors in NFC-based MP usage.
Enabling environmentally-powered indoor sensor networks with dynamic routing and operation

Self-sustainable systems exploit the power sources in the environment (such as solar power) to maintain it's operations. Wireless sensor networks, one of the most popular applications of self-sustainable systems, may harvest environmental energy to sense and communicate. A key issue of self-sustainable sensor networks is that the power source varies constantly. Thus, it is important for the system to intelligently adjust the workload on each sensor to increase the network lifetime. In our work, we propose a dynamic routing and operation strategy for self-sustainable sensor networks. The system configuration is adjusted dynamically according to the amount of energy harvested at each sensor node. Our strategy aims to maximize the sampling and communication frequencies of each sensor while not compromising system sustainability. Experimental results indicate that our strategy enables the best system performance and a higher probability of self-sustainability compared to other baseline strategies.
Wind power costs expected to decrease due to technological progress

Abstract The potential for future cost reductions in wind power affects adoption and support policies. Prior analyses of cost reductions give inconsistent results. The learning rate, or fractional cost reduction per doubling of production, ranges from −3% to +33% depending on the study. This lack of consensus has, we believe, contributed to high variability in forecasts of future costs of wind power. We find that learning rate can be very sensitive to the starting and ending years of datasets and the geographical scope of the study. Based on a single factor experience curve that accounts for capacity factor gains, wind quality decline, and exogenous shifts in capital costs, we develop an improved model with reduced temporal variability. Using a global adoption model, the wind-learning rate is between 7.7% and 11%, with a preferred estimate of 9.8%. Using global scenarios for future wind deployment, this learning rate range implies that the cost of wind power will decline from 5.5 cents/kWh in 2015 to 4.1–4.5 cents/kWh in 2030, lower than a number of other forecasts. If attained, wind power may be the cheapest form of new electricity generation by 2030, suggesting that support and investment in wind should be maintained or expanded.
Product Market Competition and Earnings Management: Some International Evidence

We provide international evidence that industries with increased intensity of import penetration and lower price-cost margins induce insiders of firms in these industries to more aggressively manage earnings. We interpret this result to be consistent with the explanation that competition reduces the firm’s profitability and the aggressive earnings management may stem from managerial desire to distort true economic performance. Doing so enables the manager to protect a portion of his or her private control benefits. To confirm the plausibility of this explanation, we correlate our earnings management proxies with a widely used measure of private benefits i.e. the voting premium between shares with differential voting rights. We find a strong positive correlation between the voting premium and our earnings management proxies. This helps us strengthen the likelihood of the private benefits hypothesis relative to other alternative explanations. We also confirm the findings of prior research that competition mitigates managerial private benefits of control. However, this effect is found to be less pronounced in firms that aggressively manage earnings. We interpret this result to be consistent with the possibility of competition to more likely reveal inefficiencies or funds diversion in low earnings management firms relative to high earnings management firms. JEL Classification: F30; G30; G15; M41. 1 Corresponding author: 315 Gerson Hall, P. O. Box 117166, Gainesville, FL 32611-7166. Tel: 352-273-0211. Fax: 352-273-0200. Email: surjit.tinaikar@cba.ufl.edu. We thank Craig Doidge for facilitating access to his database on international dual class share firms.
The Relationship Between Lesion Localization and Dysphagia in Acute Stroke

Factors that can facilitate early identification of individuals at risk of dysphagia such as stroke location are potentially of great benefit. The aim of this study was to examine the role of hemisphere and lesion location in assessing dysphagia pattern and airway invasion as identified through the use of validated, standardized interpretation measures for the videofluoroscopic swallowing study. Consecutive patients (N = 80) presenting with stroke symptoms who had a first-time acute ischemic stroke confirmed on diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) scan participated. Three swallowing outcome variables were assessed using regression models: modified barium swallow impairment profile (MBSImP) oral impairment (OI) and pharyngeal impairment (PI) scores and penetration aspiration scale (PAS) score. Subjects were primarily male and demonstrated mild stroke and mild to moderate dysphagia. There was a significantly higher likelihood of abnormal PAS scores for infratentorial lesions compared to right hemisphere location (Odds ratio: 3.1, SE: 1.8, p = 0.046) and for Whites compared to African Americans (Odds ratio: 5.5, SE: 2.6, p = <0.001). However, OI scores were higher (worse) in African Americans compared to Whites (Beta = −1.2; SE: 0.56; p = 0.037). PI scores had no significant association with race or lesion location. Using DW-MRI to identify infratentorial stroke can help identify individuals at risk of airway invasion; however, imaging information concerning supratentorial infarct hemisphere and location may not be useful to predict which individuals with mild stroke are at risk for dysphagia and aspiration when admitted with acute stroke symptoms. Future studies should explore the role of race in the development of stroke-related dysphagia.
Sequential CT Findings in Patients With Non-small-cell Lung Cancer Receiving Nivolumab.

Abstract Background Nivolumab is a novel immunotherapy that was recently approved for treatment of advanced non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Patients treated with checkpoint inhibitors may show variable computed tomography (CT) features on follow-up imaging, and it is unclear how reliable conventional response criteria are to determine patient management and outcomes. We report the spectrum of sequential CT findings in patients with advanced stage lung cancer who received nivolumab in an effort to better inform appropriate imaging strategies. Materials and Methods We identified all patients at our institution with advanced NSCLC who received nivolumab. Pre- and posttreatment CT scans were reviewed and categorized based on radiographic response to therapy. Demographic data as well as survival data were recorded. Results There were 34 patients with advanced NSCLC who received nivolumab with sufficient follow-up data. Nineteen patients were classified as responders to treatment; 6 (32%) of 19 showed improvement on their initial follow-up CT and had an average survival of 11.2 months, whereas 13 (68%) of 19 responders initially had stable or progressive disease on CT with an average survival of 11.6 months. Fifteen patients were classified as nonresponders to treatment with an average survival of 3.4 months. Conclusion Novel immunotherapies such as nivolumab mechanistically differ from conventional chemotherapy. Some patients have improved survival despite initial radiographic progression of disease. Our findings underscore the heterogeneous radiographic appearance at follow-up CT in patients with lung cancer who ultimately respond to nivolumab.
Considerations in the Care of Athletes With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

Objectives:Uncover literature pertaining to: (1) attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and how it impacts athletes; (2) ADHD medication effects; (3) regulations regarding ADHD medications; (4) approaches to conditions similar to, and occurring with, ADHD; and (5) use of stimulants.Data Sou
Toward Serotonin Fluorescent False Neurotransmitters: Development of Fluorescent Dual Serotonin and Vesicular Monoamine Transporter Substrates for Visualizing Serotonin Neurons

Ongoing efforts in our laboratories focus on design of optical reporters known as fluorescent false neurotransmitters (FFNs) that enable the visualization of uptake into, packaging within, and release from individual monoaminergic neurons and presynaptic sites in the brain. Here, we introduce the molecular probe FFN246 as an expansion of the FFN platform to the serotonergic system. Combining the acridone fluorophore with the ethylamine recognition element of serotonin, we identified FFN54 and FFN246 as substrates for both the serotonin transporter and the vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2). A systematic structure–activity study revealed the basic structural chemotype of aminoalkyl acridones required for serotonin transporter (SERT) activity and enabled lowering the background labeling of these probes while maintaining SERT activity, which proved essential for obtaining sufficient signal in the brain tissue (FFN246). We demonstrate the utility of FFN246 for direct examination of SERT activity and SE...
Out of the Basement and Into the Classroom: Pathways for Expanding the Role of Radiation Oncologists in Medical Student Education.

Abstract Purpose To characterize radiation oncologist involvement in undergraduate medical education at US academic medical centers and to incorporate these findings into practical pathways for greater and broader integration of radiation oncology (RO) into medical curricula. Methods Chairpersons and residency program directors at RO departments directly affiliated with a medical school were asked to describe all the ways in which radiation oncologists in their department are involved in medical student education, excluding their elective clerkship. Results Of 75 eligible departments, 49 responded (response rate 65.3%). Twenty departments (40.8%) reported that at least one faculty member participates in a curricular educational session on an oncology-related topic. Twelve (24.5%) of these sessions were focused specifically on RO. Twenty-one departments (42.9%) had faculty involved with organized clinical shadowing or preceptorship programs for first- and second-year medical students. Twelve departments (24.5%) described no involvement in the formal curricula at their local or affiliated medical school. Thirteen departments (44.8%) described participation in a medical school–organized residency fair, and 12 departments (41.4%) sponsor an RO interest group. Reported novel approaches to teaching included development of multidisciplinary clerkships or educational sessions that include RO concepts, guest lectures on RO during a required clerkship, organized extracurricular experiences such as an oncology seminar series, participation in special medical student enrichment programs, and sponsorship or initiation of an RO interest group. Conclusion The minority of RO departments are involved in formal teaching of the medical student body at large. The approaches described herein should facilitate more robust involvement of radiation oncologists in all areas of undergraduate medical education.
Cost-effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibition in metastatic gastric and esophageal tumors.

56Background: Immune checkpoint inhibition has shown early promising results in patients with chemotherapy-refractory metastatic or advanced tumors of the esophagus, gastroesophageal junction, and ...
Psychological and Neuropsychological Testing

When evaluating behavioral or psychiatric concerns in an older adult, providers will need to be familiar with screens that are used to help identify common mental disorders in older adults. Many screening instruments designed to assess anxiety or depression have not been validated for individuals with dementia, so it is helpful to take a broader approach to include screens for cognitive impairment when using mood or anxiety screening tools. This chapter will review commonly used screens to assess personality, depression, suicidal ideation and anxiety, and other psychiatric disorders in older adults. Cognitive changes associated with normal aging, review of commonly used cognitive screens, and an overview of neuropsychological assessment in older adults will follow.
Secondary Malignancies After Radiotherapy

Since Roentgen’s discovery of X-ray in 1895 and its early use in medicine, there have been numerous reports of the harmful effects of radiation. As early as 1896, dermatitis of the hands was reported by Grubbe. The first cancer in an X-ray ulcer was reported in 1902 by Frieben. Blood changes were noted by Milchner and Mosse in 1904, bone marrow changes by Warthin in 1906, and leukemia in five radiation workers by Jagic in 1911 (Upton 1986). Numerous similar reports have appeared in the literature since those early years confirming that radiation does have a carcinogenic effect and is, indeed, a carcinogen. The development of secondary malignancies following the use of radiation to treat either benign or malignant disease therefore raises important questions and concerns over the use of radiotherapy. This chapter will address these concerns by assessing the actual dangers and risks of radiation.
Abbreviated identification scheme for Eschericia coli in swine feces

ORAL PRESENTATIONS test results. In other words, although single sera, which have Salmonella antibody concentrations around the cut-off point, can be recognized as positive with one test and negative with the other test or vice versa, the three tests can be used, since less than 10% of the sera tested over years in Germany, have Salmonella antibody concentrations around the cut-off point (around 70% have very low titers, and about 15% have quite high titers, which are always correctly identified by all three tests as negative or positive). This means that the risk that a set of sera is categorized differently by using another test out of the three tests is so low that it can be neglected in the light of the overall goal of the German Salmonella Monitoring and Reduction Programme: Identifying via an ongoing semiquantitative estimation the herds with the relatively highest risk of introducing zoonotic Salmonella spec. into the food production chain to be able to implement measures for a) reducing the crosscontamination of Salmonella spec. in the slaughter plant and b) reducing the salmonella load of swine herds identified as high risk herds. Finding the herds with the relatively highest salmonella risk, at which cut-off point ever, will be performed by all three tests at a comparative herd sensitivity level.
Multiple Effects of Introduced Mammalian Herbivores in a Temperate Forest

Introduced mammalian herbivores can significantly affect ecosystems. Here, I review evidence on effects of introduced mammalian herbivores in the temperate forest of the southern Andes. Available data suggest that introduced herbivores decrease the abundance of seedlings and saplings of dominant tree species in some forest types, which could impair forest regeneration. They also affect understory species composition. The mechanisms of the effects of introduced herbivores are complex, and include direct effects of browsing or trampling and more complex interactions such as indirect effects through other species. Some native mammalian and avian predators may benefit from increased food availability resulting from high densities of some introduced mammalian herbivores. In turn, enhanced populations of predators may have resulted in increased predation on native prey. Competition for resources and disease transmission have also been proposed as possible negative effects of introduced herbivores on native herbivores, but little evidence supports this claim. Little is known about effects on invertebrates.
Psychosocial Development and Adherence to Medical Regimens in Children with Chronic Renal Failure

Parental and patient adherence to therapeutic regimens prescribed by health care providers is essential to positive treatment outcomes for children and adolescents with chronic renal failure (CRF). Adherence or compliance is defined as the extent to which the behavior of patients or parents (if the patient is very young) coincides with the health care providers’ prescribed treatment regimen (taking medications, following diets, keeping medical appointments) (1). This chapter focuses on the problems of adherence to therapeutic regimens for the treatment of CRF with hemodialysis, chronic ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, and chronic cycling peritoneal dialysis.
Re-envisioning the History of Sociology: Reflections on a Symposium for Junior Historians of Sociology held at the New School for Social Research, August 10, 2013

Six of the articles published in this issue of The American Sociologist – Alvaro SantanaAcuna’s Outside Structures, John Boy’s The Axial Age and the Problems of the Twentieth Century, Corey Colyer’s W.I. Thomas and the Forgotten Four Wishes, Marcus Hunter’s W.E.B. Du Bois and Black Heterogeneity, Ben Merriman’s Three Conceptions of Spatial Locality in Chicago School Sociology, and Gina Zurlo’s The Social Gospel, Ecumenical Movement, and Christian Sociology—are connected with a Symposium held at The New School for Social Research on August 10, 2013. The Symposium was generously hosted by The New School’s Sociology Department, and sponsored by the History of Sociology Section of the American Sociological Association (ASA). Ambitiously hoping to Bhighlight the relevance of sociology’s past to its present and future, and to bring the history of sociology out of itsmarginal position,^we issued a call to graduate students and early career sociologists, soliciting their help in Ban effort to re-envision the history of sociology^ (Bare and Ford 2012). The fruitfulness of that call is now on display for all to see and judge. In what follows, we offer our reflections on lessons learned and intellectual benefits gained from organizing this Symposium. In offering these reflections, we are (in a small way) contributing to the history of sociology. Looking to the future, we hope that these reflections might help garner support for similar initiatives by junior scholars.
Preventing another lead (Pb) in drinking water crisis: Lessons from the Washington D.C. and Flint MI contamination events

Abstract Two high profile lead (Pb) contamination of drinking water events of the 21st century, namely Washington DC (2001–04) and Flint Michigan (2014–16), represent a tip of the “water lead” iceberg with millions of Americans potentially drinking contaminated tap water. In light of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency declaring a “war on lead” in 2018, we review our current understanding of infrastructure, scientific/operational and regulatory factors that contribute to lead in water disasters. This includes the role of water chemistry, corrosion control treatment, sampling methodologies, federal and state regulations, unethical behavior and public education efforts. General prescriptions are offered to help avoid such manmade crises in the future.
Unpacking Corporate Entrepreneurship: A Critique and Extension

The present study examines entrepreneurship in established firms holistically and critically. The authors start by reviewing previous research and highlight a variety of definitional, conceptual, methodological, contextual, and temporal factors that have been confounding the research. The authors then present a multidimensional framework that specifies a more nuanced picture of the determinants, motives, activities, and consequences of corporate in established firms. Finally, the authors discuss conceptual, methodological, and practical implications, as well as outline future research avenues.
Role of Tellurium Buffer Layer on CdTe Solar Cells' Absorber/Back-Contact Interface

The CdTelback contact interface plays a key role in carrier transport for conventional polycrystalline thin-film CdTe devices. A significant back-contact barrier $\phi_{b}$ caused by a metallic contact with a low work function can block hole transport and enhance the forward current, and thus result in a reduced $V_{OC}$ , particularly with fully-depleted CdTe devices. An appropriate buffer layer between the CdTe absorber and metallic contact can mitigate this detrimental impact. The simulation has shown that a thin tellurium (Te) buffer, such as that used successfully at Colorado State, can assume such a role by reducing the downward valence-band bending caused by large $\phi_{b}$ . As a result, it can enhance the extraction of charge carriers and produce better cell performance. The simulation has also shown that, by combining a Te buffer with a CdMgTe electron reflector, cell efficiency approaching 24% is predicted to be feasible even with relatively low CdTe doping (p rv 1014em-3).
Purchasing Power: US Overseas Defense Spending and Military Statecraft:

The literature on economic statecraft has long focused on the effectiveness of foreign aid and trade as tools of inducement. However, existing scholarship largely neglects the role played by govern...
Unexpected role of dendritic cells in pulmonary fibrosis

Pulmonary fibrosis is one of the most devastating diseases in which scars are formed in the lungs in a progressive and non-reversible fashion resulting in breathlessness and respiratory failure. Some treatments may improve symptoms or slow progression of the disease, but the benefits are temporary. Lung transplantation can be an option for treatment but involves serious complications, such as rejection and infection. Therefore, the development of a new treatment is in urgent need. Past studies have shown that idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is associated with infiltration of lungs by dendritic cells (DCs). DCs are best known for their role in bridging innate and adaptive immunity. They reside in peripheral tissues, capture foreign antigens, produce inflammatory cytokines and present antigens to antigen-specific T lymphocytes inducing antigen-specific immune responses.1 Interestingly, an immunohistochemical analysis has shown that lungs of patients with IPF were associated with lymphoid aggregates and that these aggregates were enriched with DCs.2 Some other studies using flow cytometry have reported a significant increase in the frequency of DCs in the lungs and the bronchial lavage fluid in patients with IPF.3 4 These findings have raised a possibility that DC’s immune-stimulatory activity may play a significant role in the progression of pulmonary fibrosis. The association of DCs with pulmonary fibrosis has been also observed in animal models. Intratracheal challenge of mice with bleomycin induced severe fibrosis in the lungs and the fibrosis was …
From Tinkering to Practice—The Role of Teachers in the Application of Realistic Mathematics Education Principles in the United States

The history of Realistic Mathematics Education (RME) in the United States has positioned teachers at the centre of innovation from its early years to present day. From the first proof-of-concept study at a high school in Milwaukee to localised professional development opportunities, the application and spread of RME is best characterised as a teacher-centred approach to principled reconsideration of how students learn mathematics. Such reconsideration of beliefs and conceptions is often motivated when teachers re-experience mathematics through the lens of progressive formalisation and related didactic approaches. Through a series of cases that articulate teacher interpretation and application of RME in U.S. classrooms, we highlight how teacher participation has led to greater exploration of student-centred practices. These efforts, while inspired and supported by professional development and curricula, have been inspired and sustained by teachers who provide colleagues a proof-of-concept in local contexts.
Developing a Decision Support System for the Optimal Operating Strategies of a Polygeneration Facility

Polygeneration, i.e., the generation of two or more energy products at the same time, emerges as a promising solution for optimal energy resource utilization. Due to the highly complex interactions among system components, optimization is needed to achieve environmental and economic benefits. Important work has been done in polygeneration system design, but few studies deal with the response to varying conditions and contingencies to maintain and improve savings and to achieve reliable operation. Here we implement a polygeneration facility model consisting of a combination of renewable and conventional energy generation, conversion, and storage devices. Genetic algorithm is used to find the optimal system designs under different operation strategies that minimize CO 2 emissions, fuel usage, and overall cost. After initial optimization, a decision support system is developed to aid in the day-ahead operation strategy selection to improve system performance under the changing operational conditions. Results show that the 3 operating strategies analyzed can achieve annual savings of 20-27% compared to the reference system. It is also shown that switching strategy can result in additional savings and avoid system collapse in some scenarios. This work will contribute to the future design and operation of polygeneration facilities.
Muon loss rates from betatron resonances at the Muon g − 2 Storage Ring at Fermilab

The Muon g−2 Experiment at Fermilab (E989) is directed toward measuring the muon magnetic anomaly, aμ = (g−2)/2, with total statistical and systematic errors of 0.14 ppm. This new measurement will ...
T3P-promoted synthesis of a series of novel 2-aryl-3-phenyl-2,3,5,6-tetrahydro-4H-1,3-thiazin-4-ones

Abstract A series of twelve novel 2-aryl-3-phenyl-2,3,5,6-tetrahydro-4H-1,3-thiazin-4-ones was prepared at room temperature by T3P-mediated cyclization of C-aryl-N-phenyl imines with 3-mercaptopropionic acid. The reaction can also be run as a 3-component reaction, forming the imine in situ. The reactions were operationally simple, rapid and gave yields as high as 75%. This provides ready access to C-aryl-N-phenyl compounds in this family, which have been generally difficult to prepare.
NOVEL 3D QUANTIFICATION OF CATHETER BASED MECHANICAL CIRCULATORY SUPPORT DEVICE POSITION

Impella devices provide temporary mechanical circulatory support by means of a catheter based system that establishes continuous flow from the inflow port (IP) in the left ventricle to the outflow port in the aorta. Hemolysis is a recognized complication and may be related to sheer forces worsened
Fundamentals of Perimeter Gated Single Photon Avalanche Diodes used in Silicon Photomultipliers for Nuclear Imaging

This paper uses perimeter gated single photon avalanche diodes or PGSPADs for developing silicon photomultipliers. A PGSPAD is a single photon avalanche diode (SPAD) which uses an added polysilicon gate to make a three terminal device. The extra gate terminal of the PGSPAD device mitigates the perimeter edge breakdown primarily through the modulation of the electric field. In addition, it tunes the operating range, noise performance, and breakdown voltage of the device. Simulation results using Sentaurus device simulator show that PGSPAD gate terminal provides a more consistent electric field distribution at the junction than regular SPADs thus preventing premature edge breakdown. Experimental results of the fabricated PGSPAD devices have verified the modulation of breakdown voltage and noise. Results show that the breakdown voltage increases by almost 4 V with the increase of gate voltage magnitude from 0 V to 8 V. The experimentally measured output of SiPMs using PGSPADs demonstrate the overall operation.
Voltage-induced ferromagnetism in a diamagnet

Increasingly impressive demonstrations of voltage-controlled magnetism have been achieved recently, highlighting potential for low-power data processing and storage. Magnetoionic approaches appear ...
Discovery of Potent and Brain-Penetrant GPR52 Agonist that Suppresses Psychostimulant Behavior

The G protein-coupled receptor 52 (GPR52) is an orphan receptor that is selectively expressed in the striatum and regulates various brain functions through activation of cAMP-dependent pathways. GPR52 has been identified as a promising therapeutic target for central nervous system disorders including schizophrenia and substance use disorders. Here, a series of novel GPR52 agonists were designed, synthesized, and evaluated based on compound 4. Several potent and efficacious GPR52 agonists (12c, 23a, 23d, 23e, 23f, and 23h) were identified with nanomolar range potency based on a systematic structure-activity relationship exploration. Further studies of 12c indicate enhanced efficacy, excellent target selectivity, and pharmacokinetic properties including good brain permeability. In vivo proof-of-concept investigations revealed that 12c displayed antipsychotic-like activity by significantly inhibiting amphetamine-induced hyperlocomotor behavior in mice. Collectively, our findings have resulted in an efficacious, brain-penetrant GPR52 agonist as a valuable pharmacological tool for investigating the physiological and therapeutic potential of GPR52 activation.
Single Neurosurgeon Operative Experience at Craig Joint Theater Hospital During the Afghanistan Surge (November 2010 to April 2011), Part I: Neurotrauma Cases.

ABSTRACT Background: The Afghanistan Surge saw NATO troops working with their Afghan partners to remove Taliban governance and replace it with a more democratic model. As part of this effort, medical support for both trauma and humanitarian cases was needed. Objective: Identify and discuss disease trends to better prepare for future combat medical care. Methods: Retrospective review of operative experience from a single neurosurgeon from November 2010 to April 2011. Results: 63 cases were performed in 20 NATO and 43 Afghan patients. Combat-related neurotrauma represented 73% (46/63) of cases, the majority of which were as a result of nonpenetrating injury (89%, 41/46). The most common area injured was the spine, accounting for 51% (21/41) of all nonpenetrating injuries. The majority of spine injuries occurred in NATO patients (61%, 13/21). The second most common area of nonpenetrating injury was the brain, occurring in 48% (20/41) of cases, primarily in Afghan troops (80%, 16/20). Overall, there were 2 de...
Evaluation of blood transfusion rates by blood loss estimation techniques.

Postpartum hemorrhage is a major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. Though the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and quality improvement initiatives recommend the use of a...