cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Internazionalizzazione del mercato, dumping e aiuti di Stato: la posizione dell’UE e le misure di difesa commerciale per le imprese (Internationalization of the Market, Dumping and State Aids: The EU Position and the Trade Defense Measures for the Enterprises)

Italian Abstract: Nell’arena internazionale del mercato globale, gli imprenditori e le imprese dell’Unione europea sono chiamati a far fronte a numerose insidie concorrenziali, alcune delle quali provenienti da Paesi terzi. La continua e crescente internazionalizzazione del mercato fa emergere la necessita impellente per le imprese comunitarie di rispondere alle varie sfide concorrenziali in modo efficace e tempestivo, avvalendosi degli strumenti di difesa commerciale elaborati dall’ordinamento comunitario. Gli Stati membri dell’Unione europea hanno infatti sviluppato una propria politica commerciale comune verso i Paesi terzi, finalizzata a favorire lo sviluppo del commercio mondiale, l’abolizione progressiva delle restrizioni agli scambi e la riduzione delle barriere tariffarie. La liberalizzazione degli scambi richiede tuttavia la chiara definizione di diritti ed obblighi in capo alla totalita dei partner commerciali e questo determina la necessita di disporre meccanismi giuridici che assicurino il rispetto delle norme di corretta concorrenza tra imprese che operano nell’arena internazionaleEnglish Abstract: In the international arena of the global market, the entrepreneurs and the companies of the European Union are called to face the unfair competition of some Third countries operators. The constant and growing internationalization of the market obliges the European companies to act promptly and efficiently against those challenges through the EU trade defense measure instruments.
An Academic Midwifery Fellowship: Addressing a Need for Junior Faculty Development and Interprofessional Education

The University of Colorado College of Nursing crafted a midwifery fellowship to address a local need to recruit junior faculty into a large practice caring primarily for an underserved, at-risk population. Additional goals for the fellowship included promoting retention and development of interprofessional education teams. The curriculum design drew heavily from 2 national initiatives: (1) the Institute of Medicine's call for nursing residencies to support the transition to advanced practice and build expertise in navigating health systems and caring for patients with complex needs and (2) the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and American College of Nurse-Midwives collaboration to address maternity care workforce shortages by building clinically-based interprofessional teams. The fellowship uses Melei's transitions theory and Jean Watson's Theory of Human Caring as frameworks to understand the fellows experience in the 12-month program. Fellow competencies concentrate on 7 core components: clinical, professional, intrapersonal, mentorship, interprofessional, low-resource setting, and leadership. Program evaluation is in process with the aim of understanding if the fellowship improves confidence and competence for the newly graduated nurse-midwife, and a change in attitude toward interprofessional teams. Of the 5 fellows who completed the midwifery fellowship over 4 years, 2 now have faculty positions within the practice and 4 of the 5 were offered positions. Common themes from the fellows' reflection journals and mentorship meetings include the importance of mentorship in clinical and professional growth. Further program evaluation is needed to better understand the efficacy of program components in meeting the objectives to recruit and retain faculty and promote interprofessional education. Academic midwifery fellowships with interprofessional components may be an innovative recruitment technique for clinical faculty.
Parasite Cystatin: Immunomodulatory Molecule with Therapeutic Activity against Immune Mediated Disorders

The use of parasites or their products for treating chronic inflammation associated diseases (CIADs) has generated significant attention recently. Findings from basic and clinical research have provided valuable information on strengthening the notion that parasites’ molecules can be developed as biotherapeutic agents. Completion of the genome, secreotome, and proteome of the parasites has provided an excellent platform for screening and identifying several host immunomodulatory molecules from the parasites and evaluate their therapeutic potential for CIADs. One of the widely studied host immunomodulatory molecules of the parasites is the cysteine protease inhibitor (cystatin), which is primarily secreted by the parasites to evade host immune responses. In this review, we have attempted to summarize the findings to date on the use of helminth parasite-derived cystatin as a therapeutic agent against CIADs. Although several studies suggest a role for alternatively activated macrophages, other regulatory cells, and immunosuppressive molecules, in this immunoregulatory activity of the parasite-derived cystatin, there is still no clear demonstration as to how cystatin induces its anti-inflammatory effect in suppressing CIADs.
Impact of Different Approaches to Preparing Notes for Analysis With Natural Language Processing on the Performance of Prediction Models in Intensive Care.

Author(s): Mahendra, Malini; Luo, Yanting; Mills, Hunter; Schenk, Gundolf; Butte, Atul J; Dudley, R Adams | Abstract: To evaluate whether different approaches in note text preparation (known as preprocessing) can impact machine learning model performance in the case of mortality prediction ICU.DesignClinical note text was used to build machine learning models for adults admitted to the ICU. Preprocessing strategies studied were none (raw text), cleaning text, stemming, term frequency-inverse document frequency vectorization, and creation of n-grams. Model performance was assessed by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. Models were trained and internally validated on University of California San Francisco data using 10-fold cross validation. These models were then externally validated on Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center data.SettingICUs at University of California San Francisco and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.SubjectsTen thousand patients in the University of California San Francisco training and internal testing dataset and 27,058 patients in the external validation dataset, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.InterventionsNone.Measurements and main resultsMortality rate at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and University of California San Francisco was 10.9% and 7.4%, respectively. Data are presented as area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (95% CI) for models validated at University of California San Francisco and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for models validated at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Models built and trained on University of California San Francisco data for the prediction of inhospital mortality improved from the raw note text model (AUROC, 0.84; CI, 0.80-0.89) to the term frequency-inverse document frequency model (AUROC, 0.89; CI, 0.85-0.94). When applying the models developed at University of California San Francisco to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center data, there was a similar increase in model performance from raw note text (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center: 0.72) to the term frequency-inverse document frequency model (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center: 0.83).ConclusionsDifferences in preprocessing strategies for note text impacted model discrimination. Completing a preprocessing pathway including cleaning, stemming, and term frequency-inverse document frequency vectorization resulted in the preprocessing strategy with the greatest improvement in model performance. Further study is needed, with particular emphasis on how to manage author implicit bias present in note text, before natural language processing algorithms are implemented in the clinical setting.
Five New Cases of Megacystis-Microcolon-Intestinal Hypoperistalsis Syndrome (MMIHS), with One Case Showing a Novel Mutation.

BACKGROUND Megacystis-microcolon-intestinal hypoperistalsis syndrome (MMIHS) is a lethal congenital disorder characterized by a large, non-obstructed bladder, microcolon, and lack of proper peristalsis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Five cases of MMIHS were identified, confirmed histologically and were predominantly female (F:M, 4:1). DNA sequencing was also performed. RESULTS Four cases showed mutations in the α3 and β4 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (ηAChR) subunits (CHRNA3 and CHRNB4, respectively) on chromosome 15q24. The 5th case had a delayed clinical presentation of intussusception at 11 months and showed a novel missense mutation in ATP2B4 on Chromosome 1q32. CONCLUSION The first four patients showed a previously identified mutation. The 5th patient shows a novel mutation in ATP2B4. This novel gene was associated with a less severe presentation and increases success of multiorgan transplant than the other four patients. This highlights how identifying various mutations may impact prognosis and clinical treatment plans for MMIHS patients.
The need for robust characterization of nanomaterials for nanomedicine applications.

Robust and precise characterization of the interactions between nanoengineered materials and biosystems is vital for the development of safe, efficient diagnostic and therapeutic nanomedicines. This comment discusses the key aspects of nanoparticle characteristics affecting the interpretation of nano-bio interface data.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: Targeted Effects of Ethanol on Cell Proliferation and Survival

The nervous system is sculpted during development by three factors: the clay of the genome and the scalpels of the environment and fetal programming. Alterations of one or more of these factors can cause developmental disorders such as fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. The numbers of neurons in the adult nervous system of animal models are differentially, and often adversely affected by ethanol. This chapter discusses mechanisms by which ethanol alters early ontogeny of the brain focusing on the critical processes of cell proliferation and death and how the genetics and environment of neural precursors disrupt these processes. Ethanol affects gene expression, and consequently, protein expression/activity underlying the rhythmic proliferative process and the molecular pathways mediating death. These effects are often transduced by ethanol-induced changes in the actions of positive and negative growth factors regulating the development and genomic expression of proliferating stem and progenitor cells. At least in some cases, it appears that the effects of ethanol on stem/progenitor cells define the structure and behavior of the adolescent and adult nervous system, and may underlie fetal programming.
A clinician's perspective in the management of functional seizures.

Abstract Patients struggling with functional seizures represent a significant issue for institutions across the country. Fortunately, they often respond to regular Cognitive Behavioral oriented psychotherapy. This patient population tends to be underserved, and it is the hope that my experience in their treatment will alleviate this problem. My approach to therapy is largely self taught, and based on observation, trial and error, and over ten years of experience. My approach begins with the introduction of behavioural interventions, and as treatment progresses, I begin to rely on talk therapy aimed at the introduction of cognitive interventions. Treatment begins with an analysis of their episodes followed by interventions aimed at symptom reduction. Longer term goals include the management of co occurring mental health concerns and systemic issues.
Liquid Drop Formation on a Solid Surface

In this chapter, we will show how to simulate the formation of a liquid drop, taken to be water, on a horizontal solid surface, taken to be graphite. At present, for computational simplicity, attention will be restricted to two-dimensional simulations. Nevertheless, all the ideas and methods do extend to three dimensions.
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Results in Improvement of Pulmonary Function in Patients With Severe Aortic Stenosis.

Background Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been identified as a risk factor for morbidity and mortality after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). We hypothesized that a portion of pulmonary dysfunction in patients with severe aortic stenosis may be of cardiac origin, and has potential to improve after TAVR. Methods A retrospective analysis was made of consecutive TAVR patients from April 2008 to October 2014. Of patients who had pulmonary function testing and serum B-type natriuretic peptide data available before and after TAVR, 58 were found to have COPD (26 mild, 14 moderate, and 18 severe). Baseline variables and operative outcomes were explored along with changes in pulmonary function. Multiple regression analyses were performed to adjust for preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction and glomerular filtration rate. Results Comparison of pulmonary function testing before and after the procedure among all COPD categories showed a 10% improvement in forced vital capacity (95% confidence interval: 4% to 17%) and a 12% improvement in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (95% confidence interval: 6% to 19%). There was a 29% decrease in B-type natriuretic peptide after TAVR (95% confidence interval: −40% to −16%). An improvement of at least one COPD severity category was observed in 27% of patients with mild COPD, 64% of patients with moderate COPD, and 50% of patients with severe COPD. There was no 30-day mortality in any patient group. Conclusions In patients with severe aortic stenosis, TAVR is associated with a significant improvement of pulmonary function and B-type natriuretic peptide. After TAVR, the reduction in COPD severity was most evident in patients with moderate and severe pulmonary dysfunction.
Associations between parental deployment, relocation, and risky sexual behaviors among a clinic-based sample of military-dependent youth

Although sexual behaviors have been extensively studied among youth in general, they have been relatively understudied among military-dependent youth (MDY). Furthermore, the impact of unique military stressors, such as parental deployment and multiple relocations, on the sexual behaviors of MDY has not been assessed. In this pilot study, we estimated the prevalence of sexual behaviors among MDY, and examined the association between these behaviors and parental deployment and multiple relocations. Between June and September 2011, we recruited youth (N = 208; aged 15–19 years) who attended a military treatment facility in the southern United States, to complete a short, paper-based survey. We computed prevalence estimates and conducted Chi-square analyses, as well as logistic regression analyses, while adjusting for age, gender, and race/ethnicity. More than half (53.7 %) of the youth reported being sexually experienced, and many of these youth reported engaging in risky sexual behaviors. Parental deployment and multiple relocations were significantly associated only with having had sex in the past 3 months. Although with most sexual behaviors there was no significant association between parental deployment and multiple relocations, many MDY are sexually experienced and engage in risky sexual behaviors. MDY should thus be exposed to evidence-based strategies for sexually transmitted infection and pregnancy prevention, as well as provided with teen-friendly health care services and comprehensive sexual/reproductive health counseling.
Patterns of motion in non-overlapping networks using vehicle tracking data

We present a systematic framework to learn motion patterns based on vehicle tracking data captured by multiple non-overlapping uncalibrated cameras. We assume that the tracks from individual cameras are available. We define the key problems related to the multi-camera surveillance system and present solutions to these problems: learning the topology of the network, constructing tracking correspondences between different views, learning the activity clusters over global views and finally detecting abnormal events. First, we present a weighted cross correlation model to learn the topology of the network without solving correspondence in the first place. We use estimates of normalized color and apparent size to measure similarity of object appearance between different views. This information is used to temporally correlated observations, allowing us to infer possible links between disjoint views, and to estimate the associated transition time. Based on the learned cross correlation coefficient, the network topology can be fully recovered. Then, we present a MAP framework to match two objects along their tracks from non overlapping camera views and discuss how the learned topology can reduce the correspondence search space dramatically. We propose to learn the color transformation in laβ space to compensate for the varying illumination conditions across different views, and learn the inter-camera time transition and the shape/size transformation between different views. After we model the correspondence probability for observations captured by different source/sinks, we adopt a probabilistic framework to use this correspondence probability in a principled manner. Tracks are assigned by estimating the correspondences which maximize the posterior probabilities (MAP) using the Hungarian algorithm. After establishing the correspondence, we have a set of stitched trajectories, in which elements from each camera can be combined with observations in multiple subsequent cameras generated by the same object. Finally, we show how to learn the activity clusters and detect abnormal activities using the mixture of unigram model with the stitched trajectories as input. We adopt a bag—of—words presentation, and present a Bayesian probabilistic approach in which trajectories are represented by a mixture model. This model can classify trajectories into different activity clusters, and gives representations of both new trajectories and abnormal trajectories. (Copies available exclusively from MIT Libraries, Rm. 14-0551, Cambridge, MA 02139-4307. Ph. 617-253-5668; Fax 617-253-1690.)
Simulation and analysis of enhanced switch architectures for interconnection networks in massively parallel shared memory machines

Improvements in performance which can be obtained by adding buffers to a crossbar switch are assessed by changing the configuration of the buffers and by adding the capability of combining messages to the buffers. Four basic k*k crossbar switch types are described: unbuffered; k-input buffers, one per output port; one-input buffers, one per input port; and one-input buffers, k buffers per output port. Previous analytical work and simulation studies of some of these switch types are reviewed, and the analysis is extended to the other types. An analytical model for simple hot-spot traffic is presented, and simulation results are shown for different kinds of message combining. >
INTERACTION OF MENINGOPNEUMONITIS VIRUS WITH WHITE BLOOD CELLS. II. ANTIGENIC SUBUNITS OF MENINGOPNEUMONITIS VIRUS.

Abstract Fluorocarbon extract of concentrated meningopneumonitis virus (FEM) contained multifunctional subunits, exhibiting precipitating, leucoagglutinating, and complement-fixing activities. Further concentration of these subunits was achieved by ether extraction, particularly in the case of the complement-fixing antigen. FEM showed 7 precipitinogens in immunodiffusion plates; of these 6 were viral in origin and 1 normal egg factor. Immunological analysis of FEM, using enzymatic treatment with Ouchterlony's technique, as well as Tiselius and acetate membrane electrophoresis, showed the presence of 6 viral subunits of which 4 are lipo-DNA-proteins, 1 is a lipo-RNA-protein, and 1 is an RNA-protein in nature. However, 11 components, of which one is the egg factor, were observed when this extract was studied by the immunoelectrophoretic technique. Nucleic acid analysis of FEM showed DNA:RNA in the ratio of 1:1, and optical densities 260:280 mμ in the ratio of 1:83. The role of FEM precipitinogens in agglutination of white blood cells by the virus is discussed.
The interannual variability of the North Atlantic Ocean revealed by combined data from TOPEX/Poseidon and Jason altimetric measurements

[1] A decade-long record of sea surface height from combined altimeter data taken by the TOPEX/Poseidon and Jason satellites was analyzed for studying the interannual variability of the North Atlantic Ocean. On time scales of 5–6 years, variations of sea surface height have maximum amplitudes in three areas: the subpolar gyre, the Gulf Stream gyre (the Gulf Stream and its recirculation), and the subtropical region. The variation of the subpolar gyre is 180 degrees out of phase with that of the Gulf Stream gyre at its eastern end. The variation of the Gulf Stream gyre at its western end is connected to that of the subtropical region, exhibiting phase propagation from the subtropics all the way to the eastern end of the Gulf Stream gyre. The patterns of phase change suggest possible roles of Rossby waves in the dynamics of the basin-wide variability.
When Oxides Meet Face to Face

New devices may be possible once we understand the interface between oxide materials such as superconductors and ferromagnets.
Solid lithium hydride as a hydrogen source for fuel cells

Hydrogen is produced by the hydrolysis reaction of solid lithium hydride and water. The hydrolysis reaction proceeds naturally with excess water. The reaction product, lithium hydroxide, is dissolved and removed from the reaction site by the excess water and steam. Two research test series conducted at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center are described. The first series were tests run at atmospheric pressure (0.1 MPa) in a transparent test fixture. The reaction was controllable. The reaction runs with seawater. The second series of tests were run at pressures from 0.25 to 1.50 MPa. The reaction runs at higher pressures with the hydrogen generation rate decreasing about one-third at 1.50 MPa. The water supply rate is the key determining factor. The surface area of solid lithium hydride plays only a minor role in determining the hydrogen generation rate. The process can be configured as a compact fuel source for multi-kilowatt, underwater propulsion systems.
Passive mixing enhancement of microliter droplets in a thermocapillary environment

Fast and efficient mixing of reagents and bioassays is of great importance in micro total analysis systems and in particular, open-surface microfluidics. This is the first study of droplet collision and mixing phenomenon of levitated droplets on an immiscible thin liquid substrate undergoing Marangoni convection. The mixing percentage was determined by monitoring the changing color during chemical reaction that occurs in the resultant coalesced droplet. The thermocapillary effect of the liquid substrate plays a significant role in mixing in that the liquid surface velocity and the droplet velocity increase with an increase in the surface temperature gradient. This, in turn, increases the mixing of the coalesced droplet, which is further enhanced when the drop size is smaller. Since the collision is convection dominated, an appropriate time scale is proposed, which provides a universal correlation of the non-dimensional mixing time in terms of Reynolds number.
EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS OF REFERRAL ISSUES AND “ULTIMATE ISSUE” RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PARENTS IN CHILD PROTECTION CASES*

Mental health professionals frequently respond to requests for clinical information on parents in child protection cases; however, little data exist on the issues precipitating requests or on the controversial practice of offering “ultimate issue” recommendations in forensic clinical reports. We investigated 243 requests for clinical information on parents and 204 clinician reports submitted for use in child abuse and neglect proceedings in a large, urban juvenile court system. We coded 56 objective and qualitative characteristics regarding referral questions, pending legal issues, and four levels of recommendations. We found that the most common referral questions related to service planning, parenting ability, and/or parents' mental health functioning, and the most common pending legal issues were selection or change of a permanency goal and visitation arrangements. Levels of recommendations varied with type of legal decision, in that clinicians always offered direct recommendations for narrow, statute-based issues (e.g., termination of rights, adoption) and less so for other issues. Community-based evaluators were more likely to offer direct recommendations than court-based clinicians. Based on the findings, we offer practice recommendations and directions for further research in forensic parenting assessment.
Compassion Satisfaction and Compassion Fatigue Among Critical Care Nurses

Background Although critical care nurses gain satisfaction from providing compassionate care to patients and patients' families, the nurses are also at risk for fatigue. The balance between satisfaction and fatigue is considered professional quality of life. Objectives To establish the prevalence of compassion satisfaction and compassion fatigue in adult, pediatric, and neonatal critical care nurses and to describe potential contributing demographic, unit, and organizational characteristics. Methods In a cross-sectional design, nurses were surveyed by using a demographic questionnaire and the Professional Quality of Life Scale to measure levels of compassion fatigue and compassion satisfaction. Results Nurses (n = 221) reported significant differences in compassion satisfaction and compassion fatigue on the basis of sex, age, educational level, unit, acuity, change in nursing management, and major systems change. Conclusions Understanding the elements of professional quality of life can have a positive effect on work environment. The relationship between professional quality of life and the standards for a healthy work environment requires further investigation. Once this relationship is fully understood, interventions to improve this balance can be developed and tested.
A critical review of methods to evaluate the impact of FDA regulatory actions.

Purpose To conduct a synthesis of the literature on methods to evaluate the impacts of FDA regulatory actions and identify best practices for future evaluations. Methods We searched MEDLINE for manuscripts published between January 1948 and August 2011 that included terms related to FDA, regulatory actions, and empirical evaluation; the review additionally included FDA-identified literature. We used a modified Delphi method to identify preferred methodologies. We included studies with explicit methods to address threats to validity and identified designs and analytic methods with strong internal validity that have been applied to other policy evaluations. Results We included 18 studies out of 243 abstracts and papers screened. Overall, analytic rigor in prior evaluations of FDA regulatory actions varied considerably; less than a quarter of studies (22%) included control groups. Only 56% assessed changes in the use of substitute products/services, and 11% examined patient health outcomes. Among studies meeting minimal criteria of rigor, 50% found no impact or weak/modest impacts of FDA actions and 33% detected unintended consequences. Among those studies finding significant intended effects of FDA actions, all cited the importance of intensive communication efforts. There are preferred methods with strong internal validity that have yet to be applied to evaluations of FDA regulatory actions. Conclusions Rigorous evaluations of the impact of FDA regulatory actions have been limited and infrequent. Several methods with strong internal validity are available to improve trustworthiness of future evaluations of FDA policies. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High-Definition tDCS of Noun and Verb Retrieval in Naming and Lexical Decision

High-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) is a novel brain stimulation method that has high potential for use in language therapy for speakers with aphasia, due to its safety and focality. This study aimed to obtain foundational data on using HD-tDCS to modulate language processing in healthy speakers. Participants received stimulation either of Broca’s area or of the left angular gyrus (20 min of anodal, cathodal, and sham stimulation on separate days), followed by naming and lexical decision tasks with single-word verb and noun stimuli. We found that cathodal stimulation over both Broca’s area and the left angular gyrus increased naming speed for both verbs and nouns, challenging the traditional view of cathodal stimulation as suppressive or leading to decreased performance. The effect did not extend to the lexical decision task. Additionally, effects of specific stimulation types depended on the order of their administration, suggesting possible physiological carry-over and/or task novelty effects. These results are relevant to the application of HD-tDCS to enhance and direct neural plasticity in patients with neurogenic language disorders.
Characterizing the Mental Health Care of U.S. Cambodian Refugees

Objective: This study examined U.S. Cambodian refugees’ utilization of mental health services across provider types, levels of minimally adequate care, and mode of communication with providers.Methods: Face-to-face household interviews about mental health service use in the past 12 months were conducted as part of a study of a probability sample of Cambodian refugees. The analytic sample was restricted to the 227 respondents who met past 12-month criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or major depressive disorder or both. Analyses were weighted to account for complex sampling design effects and for attrition.Results: Fifty-two percent of Cambodian refugees who met diagnostic criteria obtained mental health services in the past 12 months. Of those who obtained care, 75% visited a psychiatrist and 56% a general medical provider. Only 7% had obtained care from other mental health specialty providers. Virtually all respondents who had seen a psychiatrist (100%) or a general medical doctor (97%) had...
The Wisconsin Upper Respiratory Symptom Survey is responsive, reliable, and valid

Abstract Objective To assess reliability, responsiveness, importance to patients, and convergent validity for the Wisconsin Upper Respiratory Symptom Survey (WURSS-44) and to develop a short-form WURSS. Study Design and Setting Community-based recruitment of participants with colds. Prospective monitoring from within 48 hours of first symptom until 2 days after end of cold. The WURSS-44 includes 1 global illness severity item, 32 symptom-based items, 10 functional quality-of-life items, and 1 item assessing global change. The SF-36, SF-8, and the Jackson cold scale were used as external comparators. Results Participants included 104 women and 45 men, aged 18 to 80 years, self-reporting on 1,681 person-days of illness. Factor analysis suggested 10 dimensions, with reliability coefficients from 0.62 to 0.93. Comparing daily WURSS-44 to Jackson and SF-8 yielded Pearson correlation coefficients from 0.73 to 0.93, and from −0.60 to −0.84, respectively. Importance to patients and responsiveness assessment yielded a short version, the WURSS-21. Guyatt's responsiveness index was 0.54 for the SF-8, 0.61 for the Jackson, 0.71 for the WURSS-44, and 0.80 for the WURSS-21, suggesting that a two-armed trial would require 74 participants for the WURSS-21, 92 for the WURSS-44, 124 for the Jackson scale, and 156 for the SF-8. Conclusions The construct validity of WURSS-44 is supported by measures of reliability, responsiveness, importance to patients, and convergence. A shorter version, the WURSS-21, may be even more responsive.
An improved gelatin adhesive for paraffin sections.

A two-solution adhesive, shown to keep for over two years at room temperature, consists of the following: (A) gelatin, 1 g.; calcium propionate, 1 g.; Roccal (10% benzalkonium chloride), 1 ml.; water, 100 ml.: (B) chrome alum (cryst.), 1 g.; water, 90 ml.; formalin, 10 ml. For flooding slides, mix 1 volume of A with 9 of B. Remove excess by blotting and wiping around the edges of sections. The adhesive is suitable for hard-to-affix material.
Wet-Milling of Grain Sorghum of Varying Seed Size Without Steeping

Experimental lines of hybrid grain sorghums were produced with thousand-kernel-weights (TKW) varying between 23.1–44.9 g. The proportion of germ in the normal-seeded hybrids with TKW 23–27 g was ∼ 9.9–10.2% of dry kernel weight, whereas that in the large-seeded hybrids with TKW 37–45 g was ∼ 10.8–11.2%. Starch in grain decreased ∼ 4% as kernel weight increased which was offset by an increase in protein level. Wet-milling of the grain was done without steeping after an initial coarse-grinding step in two parts of water with 0.3% sodium bisulfite. Three of four samples of large-seeded and soft-textured grain sorghums gave 77–82% recovery of starch with 0.5–0.7% protein, while one gave 59% recovery and 0.6% protein. The starches had < 0.5% damaged starch, gave no rancid off-odor after storing 26 months at 25°C in a sealed glass container, and had lightness (L*) values of 93.1–93.7 vs. 95.2 for a commercial corn starch. Their pasting curves were similar to that of commercial corn starch. The bran/germ/endosperm fraction obtained by limited wet-milling of one large-seeded hybrid was separated by flotation to recover one-half the germ in 98% purity as estimated by fat content.
Breaking the Canon: Indirect Regulation of Wnt Signaling in Mammary Stem Cells by MMP3

Matrix metalloproteases promote tumor cell invasion, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transitions, and metastases, but whether they directly regulate stem cells is unknown. In this issue of Cell Stem Cell, Kessenbrock et al. (2013) now show that MMP3, independent of its proteolytic activity, regulates murine mammary stem cells by sequestering noncanonical Wnt signaling ligands, which has implications for breast cancer pathogenesis.
The electronic spectra of aromatic hydrocarbon anions

The electronic spectra of several hydrocarbon anions have been measured. A comparison is given between these spectra and the spectra obtained by Hoytink et al.2). It appeared that the positions of the absorption bands are only shifted about 0.2 kK to lower wavelengths, using potassium instead of sodium as reducing agent.
Rethinking data transport for a truly mobile world

Mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets are rapidly becoming the dominant mode of Internet access. Mobile and wireless networks are very different from the traditional Internet: mobility causes network addresses to change, mobile devices have access to multiple different networks, wireless network rates are highly variable, and delays on wireless networks are variable and often unacceptably high. These new realities cause current data transport protocols and the applications that rely on them to perform poorly (or not at all). This talk will describe Mosh and Sprout, two new protocols to overcome these problems. Mosh is a interactive terminal application for mobile networks, which has become a popular SSH replacement for mobile users since its release in April 2012. Sprout is a transmission control method for cellular wireless networks, a TCP replacement that delivers high throughput while bounding the end-to-end delay over cellular wireless networks. Sprout outperforms previous TCP variants as well as current videoconferencing protocols like Skype, Hangout, and Facetime over cellular networks. The talk will focus on the principles and practical considerations that went into the design of Mosh and Sprout. Mosh is joint work with Keith Winstein; Sprout is joint work with Keith Winstein and Anirudh Sivaraman (Keith and Anirudh are my PhD students).
Convective flows around a rotating isothermal cylinder

Abstract The mixed convective flows generated by a heated horizontal cylinder rotating in air have been investigated numerically and experimentally. The presence of rotation represents an important complication and extension of previous studies on convective flow and heat transfer around heated stationary horizontal cylinders in an otherwise quiescent medium. Significant qualitative, as well as quantitative, differences in the heat transfer characteristics and flow patterns generated by the rotating cylinders are observed as compared to those for stationary cylinders. Numerical solutions are presented for wide ranges of Grashof number and the rotational parameter σ, Grashof number/(rotational Reynolds number) 2 . Schlieren photographs are obtained to study the angular location of the buoyant plume for various values of the above parameter. The schlieren studies reveal that for higher rotational speeds, the flow is three-dimensional and the consequent effect on heat transfer is pronounced. Measurements of the mean Nusselt numbers are also obtained. The two-dimensional calculations predict the heat transfer characteristics satisfactorily for values of σ greater than unity.
'Are we there yet?' feminist political geographies

Our purpose in this paper is to chart the increasing and diffuse importance of feminist scholarship to political geography. We argue that feminist geographers have spatialized multiple forms of the political, rather than simply offering a singular feminist perspective to the literature. To canvas that breadth we suggest three distinct (albeit obviously related) takes on the political in feminist political geography: the distributive, the antagonistic, and the constitutive. This framework showcases the impressive breadth of feminist political geography and perhaps works against a sense of marginality that stems from such diffuseness. We illustrate our argument with particular reference to research that has appeared in Gender, Place and Culture over the past decade.
Internal Working Models of Attachment and Postdivorce Coparent Relationships

Stable coparenting relationships postdivorce have been shown to combat the negative effects on child development. There are three types of coparental relationships postdivorce: stable, conflicted and cut off. Each type of interaction has different effects on the children and other family members, with the stable coparent relationship being the most functional. Attachment theory explains the differences between the coparenting styles. Individuals in stable coparent relationships are more likely to have a secure internal working model; conflicted coparents are more likely to have an anxious-ambivalent internal working model; and disengaged coparents are more likely to have an avoidant internal working model.
Cultivation of pseudorabies virus in the yolk sac of the developing chick embryo.

SummaryUsing the yolk sac method, a strain of pseudorabies virus has been cultivated in eggs for 50 serial transfers. That the virus multiplied in the yolk sac was shown in 4 ways: (1) suspensions of yolk sacs from infected eggs that had been transferred either for-5, 12, 26, 40 or 50 passages produced disease in rabbits, guinea pigs and mice; (2) the effects in animals of virus that had been transferred for 50 serial passages was neutralized by antiserum that neutralized virus passed in rabbits; (3) the yolk sac contained as much or more virus than either the chorioallantoic membranes, chorioallantoic fluid or embryos; (4) the virus produced characteristic intranuclear inclusions in the yolk sac cells like those seen in cells from infected animals.With continued transfer of pseudorabies virus in eggs, embryos died 40 hours after inoculation while in the initial passage only 60% of the embryos died after 3 days. The capacity to invade certain parts of the egg such as the chorioallantoic fluids and embryos...
Replication of Previous Genome-wide Association Studies of Bone Mineral Density in Premenopausal American Women

Bone mineral density (BMD) achieved during young adulthood (peak BMD) is one of the major determinants of osteoporotic fracture in later life. Genetic variants associated with BMD have been identified by three recent genome-wide association studies. The most significant single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from these studies were genotyped to test whether they were associated with peak BMD in premenopausal American women. Femoral neck and lumbar spine BMD were determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in two groups of premenopausal women: 1524 white women and 512 black women. In premenopausal white women, two SNPs in the C6orf97/ESR1 region were significantly associated with BMD (p < 4.8 × 10−4), with suggestive evidence for CTNNBL1 and LRP5 (p < .01). Evidence of association with one of the two SNPs in the C6orf97/ESR1 region also was observed in premenopausal black women. Furthermore, SNPs in SP7 and a chromosome 4 intergenic region showed suggestive association with BMD in black women. Detailed analyses of additional SNPs in the C6orf97/ESR1 region revealed multiple genomic blocks independently associated with femoral neck and lumbar spine BMD. Findings in the three published genome-wide association studies were replicated in independent samples of premenopausal American women, suggesting that genetic variants in these genes or regions contribute to peak BMD in healthy women in various populations. © 2010 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Evaluation of the shedding of Sarcocystis falcatula sporocysts in experimentally infected Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana)

Five Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana) were fed muscles of brown-headed cowbirds (Molothrus ater) containing sarcocysts of Sarcocystis falcatula. Shedding of sporocysts was confirmed in all five opossums by fecal flotation. Counts were conducted daily for 2 weeks and then biweekly until the animals were euthanized and necropsied. The average prepatent period was 9.8 (7-16) days. The number of sporocysts shed varied greatly between the opossums with maximum mean shedding occurring at 71.6 (26-112) days post-infection (DPI). Average sporocyst production was 1480 sporocysts/gram of feces (SPG). Maximum output was 37,000 SPG. Average fecal yield in captivity was 17.5g of feces/day. Opossums shed 25,900 sporocysts/day (average) and a maximum of 647,500 sporocysts/day. All opossums shed sporocysts until time of euthanasia (46-200 DPI). Histologically, numerous sporocysts were present in the lamina propria at necropsy, primarily in the proximal half of the small intestine. Sporocysts were generally in clusters within the lamina propria of the luminal two-thirds of the villi. Sporocysts were found less frequently in the epithelium. No evidence of ongoing gametogony or other development was evident.
Color Flow Imaging in Cardiomyopathies: Observations and Implications

Summary Color flow imaging provides useful hemodynamic insight into the altered pathophysiology of cardiomyopathies. The abnormal flow patterns delineated by flow imaging often cannot be appreciated by conventional Doppler examination. Color flow imaging has become an essential component of a complete noninvasive anatomical, hemodynamic, and pathophysiological evaluation of the cardiomypathies.
The supernova fragmentation model of solar system formation

We have further developed Brown's model of solar system formation. In this model, each fragment of an ejected supernova shell evolves into a separate solar system. Specifically, we have formulated the reverse-flow hypothesis that may be responsible for the inner, earthlike planets. We have written a computer program with which it is possible to calculate mass distributions within a solar nebula. We have found mass distributions similar to our solar system over a wide range of the model parameters.
Ionospheric longitudinal variations at midlatitudes: Incoherent scatter radar observation at Millstone Hill

Incoherent scatter radar (ISR) extra-wide coverage experiments during the period of 1978–2011 at Millstone Hill are used to investigate longitudinal differences in electron density. This work is motivated by a recent finding of the US east-west coast difference in TEC suggesting a combined effect of changing geomagnetic declination and zonal winds. The current study provides strong supporting evidence of the longitudinal change and the plausible mechanism by examining the climatology of electron density Ne on both east and west sides of the radar with a longitude separation of up to 40o for different heights within 300–450 km. Main findings include: 1) The east-west difference can be up to 60% and varies over the course of the day, being positive (East side Ne > West side Ne) in the late evening, and negative (West side Ne > East side Ne) in the pre-noon. 2) The east-west difference exists throughout the year. The positive (relative) difference is most pronounced in winter; the negative (relative) difference is most pronounced in early spring and later summer. 3) The east-west difference tends to enhance toward decreasing solar activity, however, with some seasonal dependence; the enhancements in the positive and negative differences do not take place simultaneously. 4) Both times of largest positive and largest negative east-west differences in Ne are earlier in summer and later in winter. The two times differ by 12–13 h, which remains constant throughout the year. 5) Variations at different heights from 300–450 km are similar. Zonal wind climatology above Millstone Hill is found to be perfectly consistent with what is expected based on the electron density difference between the east and west sides of the site. The magnetic declination-zonal wind mechanism is true for other longitude sectors as well, and may be used to understand longitudinal variations elsewhere. It may also be used to derive thermospheric zonal winds.
Peer education project with persons who have experienced homelessness.

This paper describes an unconventional health education project implemented by nurse practitioners in a nurse-managed clinic serving persons who are homeless. The nurse practitioners perceived that there were a number of potential barriers to providing health education to the homeless patients. These barriers included the fact that this patient population is part of a marginalized subculture affected by a variety of overwhelming social problems. An additional barrier was that the nurses often differed from their homeless patients in terms of race, gender, socioeconomic status, formal education, culture, and life experience. The nurse practitioners designed the Peer Health Education Project (PHEP) to try to overcome some of these barriers. The purpose of the PHEP was to increase the health education knowledge and empowerment of persons who had experienced homelessness so that they could serve as peer health educators with others who were living on the streets. The project model was based on the philosophy of Paulo Freire (1973). The peer health educators served as both leaders and participants in each education session. The educators set the agenda and the nurses acted as facilitators. The project was successful in preparing peer educators. Other indicators of the success of the project included increased empowerment, self-esteem, dignity, hope, self-confidence, and community participation of the peer educators. “I realize that I can make a difference … that I can help someone else … that I can turn my life around … and offer someone hope … that my life of homelessness and drug addiction can be put to good use …”— A peer health educator