cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Psychoanalysis, Parents, and God: Julia Kristeva on Subjectivity and the Imaginary Father

This article examines Julia Kristeva's theories of language, subjectivity, and faith. Kristeva's perspectives contain surprising resources for feminist theologians concerned about gender-inclusive language for God. Her concept of the Imaginary father offers a way to understand how God-language functions for person in relation to their subjectivity. Such an understanding can assist feminist thinkers to move beyond contemporary stalemates in theological appropriations of object relations theory, toward new feminist perspectives on subjectivity and new practices for transforming gendered language about God.
Development and Evaluation of Alternative Metrics of Ambient Air Pollution Exposure for Use in Epidemiologic Studies

Population-based epidemiologic studies of air pollution have traditionally relied upon imperfect surrogates of personal exposures, such as area-wide ambient air pollution levels based on readily available outdoor concentrations from central monitoring sites. This practice may introduce exposure misclassification in epidemiologic analyses for pollutants that are spatially heterogeneous, including those associated with traffic emissions (i.e., carbon monoxide, elemental carbon, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter). To investigate the potential impact of misclassification within observed health risk estimates, U.S. EPA in collaboration with Emory University is developing and evaluating several tiers of exposure metrics for ambient traffic-related and regional pollutants that vary in their approaches for modeling pollutant spatial heterogeneity. The following tiers of exposure metrics are examined: (1) central site monitoring data, (2) local scale modeling (AERMOD), and (3) combined regional and local scale modeling. Each metric is applied in two extensive, ongoing epidemiologic studies conducted by Emory University to examine ambient air pollution and acute morbidity in Atlanta, GA. We hypothesize that using the more refined exposure estimates will provide greater power to detect epidemiologic associations of interest, particularly for heterogeneous, traffic-related pollutants. This research will be useful for improving exposure assessment in future air pollution epidemiology studies, by providing alternative methods as well as by providing a further understanding of to the situations that might require refined exposure metrics.
Ressourcen Accounting — Ein Ansatz zur Erweiterung der Kostenrechnung

Der Kostenrechnung fallt in der Betriebswirtschaftslehre die Aufgabe zu samtliche Kosten zu erfassen und verursachungsgerecht — d. h. nach dem Kausalitatsprinzip — auf die betriebliche Leistung zuzurechnen. Diese Rechnung erfolgt in den Stufen (1) Kostenartenrechnung zur vollstandigen Erfassung samtlicher Kosten, (2) Kostenstellenrechnung zur verusachungsgerechten Umlage und zur Uberwachung der Abteilungen-, Funktionen- und/oder Tatigkeiten, und (3) Kostentragerstuckrechnung zur Zurechnung auf die Erzeugnisse. Parallel dazu wird die Kostentragerzeit- oder Betriebsergebnisrechnung erstellt. An Hand der Ergebnisse dieser Rechnung sollte eine zielgerichtete Steuerung des Betriebes moglich sein. Die Erfahrung hat jedoch gezeigt, das dieses logisch aufgebaute System nicht immer allen heute zu erfullenden Anforderungen entspricht, weil es sich ausschlieslich mit den Vergangenheitskosten befast. Diese Schwache wird dann deutlich, wenn die Kostenrechnung zur Beantwortung strategischer Fragen herangezogen werden soll.
An Overview: Successful Teacher Evaluation—Key Elements for Success

Teacher evaluation has been a long-standing practice in American schools, and it is interpreted differently by various interest groups, especially the key stakeholders in the process.
Native Philosophy as the Basis for Secondary Science Curriculum

The Western approach to teaching science is generally inaccessible to Native American students because it is in opposition to a Native philosophy of thought and worldview. If we taught science through a curriculum based on Native philosophy, would we be able to make it more accessible and appealing? What if we focused on concepts such as relatedness, place, indigenous realism, and pluralism? Might we increase the number of Native American students choosing to take science courses and study a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) field in college? While it may seem paradoxical to put Western science together with Native philosophy to construct a science curriculum, if we approach the challenge from a Native perspective perhaps it is not. Along with the concepts of pluralism and relatedness of all things, can indigenous realism be the basis for a science curriculum that is open and accessible to Native students?
Single-grain approach to material specific dental grinding-force equations

Abstract In restorative dentistry, the use of machinable ceramics for patient tooth restoration has become common practice. In fact, more than 15 million dental procedures are performed each year that require the grinding of tooth enamel and dentin. This results in the need for machinable ceramics to properly restore the structure of a patient's tooth. This research uses quasi-static nanoindentation and nanoscratching to establish a semi-analytical material-specific high-speed abrasive grinding-force model for dental applications. The model includes a single fitting parameter and introduces a recently developed ploughing friction model to determine ploughing friction coefficients, grain penetrations, and grain-material contact areas. Additionally, the model demonstrates how material properties, and characteristics affect abrasive grinding. Procedural grinding-forces and trends for different process parameters and workpiece material properties are predicted for selected dental ceramics.
Self-Efficacy: Education Aspects

Self-efficacy, or perceived capabilities for learning or performing actions at designated levels, is grounded in Bandura's social cognitive theory that postulates reciprocal interactions among personal, behavioral, and social and environmental factors. Self-efficacy has been shown to influence various achievement outcomes, including motivation, learning, and self-regulation. Calibration, or how well self-efficacy corresponds to performance, can affect students' motivation and achievement. Self-efficacy is important for teachers as well as students. Areas for future self-efficacy research include assessment, developmental changes, cultural comparisons, and applications to learning with technology.
Liberation of pnicogen chains from Cu(2)P(1.8)As(1.2)I(2): synthesis and characterization of a new allotrope of P--As.

Removal of CuI from Cu2P1.8As1.2I2 results in a novel P−As allotrope. Although the product is X-ray amorphous, lattice fringes are observed in the transmission electron micrographs with spacings re...
Gain-of-function mutant p53: history and speculation.

The p53 field is complex and evolving. Yet the basic challenges of this field remain the same: how does wild-type p53 prevent cancer and how do mutant forms of p53 promote the very same disease? This essay only touches on some aspects of the research that has approached these two questions and we apologize to those whose work has not been cited. What everyone must agree on is that the findings of Arnold Levine and colleagues have created and enriched one of the most lively and challenging fields in cancer research today.
The fidelity of comparison intervention in manual therapy trial for patients with low back pain: a systematic review

AbstractBackground: Comparison interventions for low back pain are described in the literature utilizing different treatment interventions with various terminology. The effectiveness of these compa...
Feasibility of a Smartphone App with Mindfulness Training for Adolescent Smoking Cessation: Craving to Quit (C2Q)-Teen.

The use of mobile technology for smoking cessation holds promise for adolescents, who do not typically access traditional treatments, but most are not grounded in theory or mechanism. Operant conditioning theory suggests an addictive smoking loop is formed between nicotine use and affective states, leading to habitual cue-induced craving and automatic behavior; mindfulness training may bring automated smoking behavior into awareness, so smokers may work mindfully with cravings. Mindfulness training delivered via smartphone technology therefore has potential to help adolescent smokers break this addictive loop and quit smoking. This pair-matched cluster-randomized controlled school-based pilot study evaluated program feasibility and preliminary smoking outcomes in relation to intervention engagement. Six high schools were pair-matched and randomly assigned to one of three interventions: (1) mindfulness training delivered via mobile smoking cessation application (Craving to Quit, C2Q), (2) NCI’s QuitSTART smoking cessation application (NCI), and (3) written cessation materials (Materials). Adolescents (n = 146) smoking 5 or more cigarettes per day were recruited. Interventions were implemented over 4 weeks and study assessments were collected at baseline and 3- and 6-month follow-up periods, including self-reported 7-day point prevalence abstinence, program usage, smoking-related measures, and psychosocial factors. Overall, cotinine-validated abstinence at 6 months was 15.8% and was similar between conditions. Odds of abstinence increased with each quartile increase in app/materials use with no significant differences between conditions (OR = 1.60 (C2Q), 1.66 (Materials), and 2.69 (NCI)). Of participants still smoking at 6 months, for each quartile increase in engagement, the number of cigarettes smoked in the previous 7 days showed a significantly greater decline in the C2Q condition (− 5.71) compared with the Materials (− 0.95) and NCI (+ 7.73) condition (p = 0.02 for differences between conditions). Cotinine-validated abstinence was similar between intervention conditions and tended to increase with greater engagement in each condition. Greater C2Q app engagement among continuing smokers was associated with a significantly greater decline in number of cigarettes smoked compared with the other conditions. The Craving to Quit (C2Q) mobile smoking cessation application with mindfulness training was feasible to use and has promise in assisting adolescents to quit or decrease cigarette smoking. Developing a Smartphone App with Mindfulness Training for Teen Smoking Cessation: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02218281
Depressive Symptoms and Resilience among Hispanic Emerging Adults: Examining the Moderating Effects of Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation, Family Cohesion, and Social Support.

Emerging adulthood has been described as a difficult stage in life and may be particularly stressful for Hispanic emerging adults who are disproportionately exposed to adversity and chronic sociocu...
Human Metapneumovirus Infection in Hospitalized Children.

BACKGROUND: Most children are exposed to human metapneumovirus (HMPV) by the age of 5 y. This study aimed to describe the morbidity associated with HMPV infections in a cohort of children in the Midwest of the United States. METHODS: This was a retrospective 2-center cohort study including children (0–17 y old) hospitalized with HMPV infections at 2 tertiary care pediatric hospitals from 2009 to 2013. Demographics, chronic medical conditions, viral coinfections, and hospitalization characteristics, including the need for respiratory support, high-flow nasal cannula, CPAP, bi-level positive airway pressure, invasive mechanical ventilation, pediatric ICU admission, acute kidney injury (AKI), use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and length of stay, were collected. RESULTS: In total, 131 subjects were included. Those with one or more comorbidities were older than their otherwise healthy counterparts, with a median age of 2.8 y (interquartile range [IQR] 1.1–7.0) compared to 1.3 y (IQR 0.6–2.0, P CONCLUSIONS: Children hospitalized with HMPV may be at risk for AKI. Risk of HMPV-associated AKI appears to increase with age regardless of severity of respiratory illness or presence of comorbidities.
Inadvertent aortocoronary arteriovenous fistula after CABG: Systematic review of case reports.

Objective To summarize published case reports of aortocoronary arteriovenous fistula (ACAVF) after coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (CABG). Background Inadvertent ACAVF is a rare complication following CABG. However, the incidence continues to rise, and its management details and clinical outcomes have not been well described. Methods To identify all published cases of ACAVF following CABG, PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus were searched through November 2019. We defined ACAVF as inadvertent attachment of the grafting vessel onto a cardiac vein instead of targeted coronary artery. A systematic review was performed to identify the incidence, clinical features, and management outcomes. Results A total of 48 post-CABG ACAVF cases were gathered. Among these patients, the mean age was 61.9 years and 79.2% were men. Most common presenting symptoms were chest pain (60.4%) and dyspnea (27.1%). The average onset of symptoms was 3 years; however, 54.2% of patients developed symptoms within the first year. The majority of cases reported targeted native vessel LAD during CABG (62.5%). Of these cases, 9 (18.8%) were managed conservatively, 8 (16.7%) chose to undergo surgery including ligation of fistula and repeat CABG, and 27 (56.3%) underwent percutaneous closure. Among these patients 13 cases (27.1%) were managed with coil embolization, 5 (10.4%) with balloon embolization, 5 (10.4%) were treated with a covered stent, and 4 (8.3%) used a vascular plug. There were no reported complications following treatment in this group. Conclusions Inadvertent ACAVF are rare following CABG. Percutaneous closure was feasible and safe in treating these patients.
GNET2: an R package for constructing gene regulatory networks from transcriptomic data.

Motivation The Gene Network Estimation Tool (GNET) is designed to build gene regulatory networks (GRNs) from transcriptomic gene expression data with a probabilistic graphical model. The data preprocessing, model construction and visualization modules of the original GNET software were developed on different programming platforms, which were inconvenient for users to deploy and use. Results Here, we present GNET2, an improved implementation of GNET as an integrated R package. GNET2 provides more flexibility for parameter initialization and regulatory module construction based on the core iterative modeling process of the original algorithm. The data exchange interface of GNET2 is handled within an R session automatically. Given the growing demand for regulatory network reconstruction from transcriptomic data, GNET2 offers a convenient option for GRN inference on large datasets. Availability and implementation The source code of GNET2 is available at https://github.com/jianlin-cheng/GNET2. Supplementary information Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Potential role of interferons in treating COVID-19 patients.

The recently public health crises in the world is emerged by spreading the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) also named COVID-19. The virus is originated in bats and transported to humans via undefined intermediate animals. This virus can produce from weak to severe respiratory diseases including acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), pneumonia and even death in patients. The COVID-19 disease is distributed by inhalation via contaminated droplets or contact with infected environment. The incubation time is from 2 to 14 day and the symptoms are typically fever, sore throat, cough, malaise, fatigue, breathlessness among others. It needs to be considered that many infected people are asymptomatic. Developing various immunological and virological methods to diagnose this disease is supported by several laboratories. Treatment is principally supportive; however, there are several agents that are using in treating of COVID-19 patients. Interferons (IFNs) have shown to be crucial in fighting with COVID-19 disease and can be a suitable candidate in treatment of these patients. Combination therapy can be more effective than monotherapy to cure this disease. Prevention necessitates to be performed by isolation of suspected people and home quarantine as well as taking care to infected people with mild or strict disease at hospitals. As the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 has accelerated, developing effective therapy is an urgent requirement to battle the virus and prevent further pandemic. In this manuscript we reviewed available information about SARS-CoV-2 and probable therapies for COVID-19 patients.
Application of the Benford’s law to Social bots and Information Operations activities

Benford’s law shows the pattern of behavior in normal systems. It states that in natural systems digits’ frequency have a certain pattern such that the occurrence of first digits in numbers are unevenly distributed. In systems with natural behavior, numbers begin with a “1” are more common than numbers beginning with “9”. It implies that if the distribution of first digits deviate from the expected distribution, it is indicative of fraud. It has many applications in forensic accounting, stock markets, finding abnormal data in survey data, and natural science. We investigate whether social media bots and Information Operations activities are conformant to the Benford’s law. Our results showed that bots’ behavior adhere to Benford’s law, suggesting that using this law helps in detecting malicious online automated accounts and their activities on social media. However, activities related to Information Operations did not show consistency in regards to Benford’s law. Our findings shedlight on the importance of examining regular and anomalous online behavior to avoid malicious and contaminated content on social media.
HVAC Scheduling under Data Uncertainties: A Distributionally Robust Approach.

The heating, ventilation and air condition (HVAC) system consumes the most energy in commercial buildings, consisting over 60% of total energy usage in the U.S. Flexible HVAC system setpoint scheduling could potentially save building energy costs. This paper first studies deterministic optimization, robust optimization, and stochastic optimization to minimize the daily operation cost with constraints of indoor air temperature comfort and mechanic operating requirement. Considering the uncertainties from ambient temperature, a Wasserstein metric-based distributionally robust optimization (DRO) method is proposed to enhance the robustness of the optimal schedule against the uncertainty of probabilistic prediction errors. The schedule is optimized under the worst-case distribution within an ambiguity set defined by the Wasserstein metric. The proposed DRO method is initially formulated as a two-stage problem and then reformulated into a tractable mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) form. The paper evaluates the feasibility and optimality of the optimized schedules for a real commercial building. The numerical results indicate that the costs of the proposed DRO method are up to 6.6% lower compared with conventional techniques of optimization under uncertainties. They also provide granular risk-benefit options for decision making in demand response programs.
Subtraction ictal SPECT co-registered to MRI (SISCOM) patterns in children with temporal lobe epilepsy.

Abstract Objective We evaluated SISCOM patterns and their relationship with surgical outcome in children with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) who had undergone a temporal lobe surgery. Methods This was an observational study evaluating SISCOM patterns in 40 children with TLE. We classified SISCOM patterns into 4 categories; (i) unilateral anteromesial and/or anterolateral temporal pattern; (ii) unilateral anteromesial and/or anterolateral temporal plus posterior extension pattern; (iii) bilateral anteromesial and/or anterolateral temporal pattern; and (iv) atypical pattern. Determinants of SISCOM pattern and correlation between postoperative outcomes and SISCOM patterns were evaluated. Results Pattern (i), (ii), (iii), and (iv) were identified in 10 (25%), 14 (35%), 0 (0%), and 16 (40%) patients, respectively. There was no significant correlation between patterns and postoperative outcomes. SISCOM patterns significantly associated with the presence of hippocampal sclerosis and type of focal cortical dysplasia (p-value = 0.048 and 0.036, respectively). Patients with HS had 5 times the odds of having unilateral temporal pattern, compared to patients with other neuropathology (OR = 5, 95% CI 0.92 to 27.08). Patients with FCD type 2 had 9.71 times the odds of having atypical pattern, compared to patients with other types of FCD (OR = 9.71, 95% CI 0.92 to 103.04). Lobar concordance of SISCOM and ictal and interictal scalp EEG significantly correlated with postoperative outcomes (p-value = 0.018 and 0.013, respectively). Conclusion Three SISCOM patterns were seen. Patients with HS had increased odds of having unilateral temporal pattern while patients with FCD type 2 had increased odds of having atypical pattern. However, there was no significant correlation between SISCOM patterns and postoperative outcomes. Lobar concordance of SISCOM and ictal and interictal scalp EEG significantly correlated with postoperative outcome. Significance This study shows that the distribution of SISCOM patterns and their relationship with postoperative outcomes in children with TLE are different from adult population. Besides, SISCOM may add only limited diagnostic and prognostic information in children with drug-resistant TLE undergoing epilepsy surgery. Further evaluation to identify patient populations that may benefit from SISCOM is desirable.
Topological Viscous Hall Plasmons in Graphene

Graphene’s viscous Hall fluid is the first candidate for a non-local topological electromagnetic phase of matter. Here, we demonstrate unidirectional topological viscous Hall plasmons and an ultra sub-wavelength topological circulator based on them.
A pathogen-specific sRNA influences enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli fitness and virulence in part by direct interaction with the transcript encoding the ethanolamine utilization regulatory factor EutR

Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) O157:H7 relies on sRNAs to coordinate expression of metabolic and virulence factors to colonize the host. Here, we focus on the sRNA, named MavR (metabolism and virulence regulator), that is conserved among pathogenic Enterobacteriaceae. MavR is constitutively expressed under in vitro conditions that promote EHEC virulence gene expression. Using MS2-affinity purification coupled with RNA sequencing, the eutR transcript was identified as a putative target of MavR. EutR is a transcription factor that promotes expression of genes required for ethanolamine metabolism as well as virulence factors important for host colonization. MavR binds to the eutR coding sequence to protect the eutR transcript from RNase E-mediated degradation. Ultimately, MavR promotes EutR expression and in turn ethanolamine utilization and ethanolamine-dependent growth. RNAseq analyses revealed that MavR also affected expression of genes important for other metabolic pathways, motility, oxidative stress and attaching and effacing lesion formation, which contribute to EHEC colonization of the gastrointestinal tract. In support of the idea that MavR-dependent gene expression affects fitness during infection, deletion of mavR resulted in significant (∼10- to 100-fold) attenuation in colonization of the mammalian intestine. Altogether, these studies reveal an important, extensive, and robust phenotype for a bacterial sRNA in host-pathogen interactions.
Novel Quantification of Extracellular Vesicles with Unaltered Surface Membranes Using an Internalized Oligonucleotide Tracer and Applied Pharmacokinetic Multiple Compartment Modeling

We developed an accessible method for labeling small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) without disrupting endogenous ligands. Using labeled sEVs administered to conscious rats, we developed a multiple compartment pharmacokinetic model to identify potential differences in the disposition of sEVs from three different cell types. Crude sEVs were labeled with a non-homologous oligonucleotide and isolated from cell culture media using a commercial reagent. Jugular vein catheters were used to introduce EVs to conscious rats (n = 30) and to collect blood samples. Digital PCR was leveraged to allow for quantification over a wide dynamic range. Non-linear mixed effects analysis with first order conditional estimation – extended least squares (FOCE ELS) was used to estimate population-level parameters with associated intra-animal variability. 86.5% ± 1.5% (mean ± S.E.) of EV particles were in the 45–195 nm size range and demonstrated protein and lipid markers of endosomal origin. Incorporated oligonucleotide was stable in blood and detectable over five half-lives. Data were best described by a three-compartment model with one elimination from the central compartment. We performed an observation-based simulated posterior predictive evaluation with prediction-corrected visual predictive check. Covariate and bootstrap analyses identified cell type having an influence on peripheral volumes (V2 and V3) and clearance (Cl3). Our method relies upon established laboratory techniques, can be tailored to a variety of biological questions regarding the pharmacokinetic disposition of extracellular vesicles, and will provide a complementary approach for the of study EV ligand-receptor interactions in the context of EV uptake and targeted therapeutics.
Should We Estimate Biological or Forensic Stature

Trotter and Gleser's stature regression equations were derived from partly incorrect measurements of long bones and antemortem measured statures (MSTATs). Forensic anthropologists have applied these equations to correctly measured bones and compared resulting estimates to a forensic stature (FSTAT), usually obtained from a driver's license. Forensic anthropologists have also used Trotter and Gleser's standard error as a stature prediction range, despite published warnings that it is not wide enough for this purpose. The combination of these factors has resulted in inaccurate and unrealistically precise estimates of stature from the long bones. Several factors decrease the accuracy of measured statures, and a reanalysis of Trotter's data reveals that estimating a biological stature is more imprecise than previously supposed. For FSTATs, these estimates are inaccurate as well. Using data from the Forensic Data Bank, new regression equations for predicting FSTAT were calculated, and in some cases are more precise than regressions based on Trotter's data using MSTATs. Confidence intervals for a single prediction, or prediction intervals, were calculated and are superior to standard errors for providing a range for stature estimations.
Burning Shoes and the Spirit World: The Charade of Neutrality

Our contemporary discussions of discrimination are distorted by the common tendency to frame claims of inequality as attempts at special pleading rather than as demands for equal treatment.1 This Article uses a case study, the criminal prosecution of a student of Chinese origin at a leading American university, and an allusion to the Jena Six controversy, to show how easy it is to misunderstand claims of this type—even sympathetically. These claims can and should be reframed. Once that has been accomplished, it becomes apparent that many conflicts arise not from novel assertions of multiculturalism, but from more conventional arguments in favor of similar treatment for those similarly situated. These problems are more amenable to resolution if the competing arguments are characterized more accurately, and even if they continue to be difficult, it is worthwhile for all of us to comprehend them clearly. They are not about difference but about sameness. This Article is descriptive in a manner that is also prescriptive. A better picture of the world as it is will enable us to create the world as it should be. The case that is used is illustrative, and it is useful in that it is inconsequential. The crime was malum prohibitum rather than malum in se.2 It was at worst the transgression of a practical regulation without great moral stakes;
The Essential Commitment for a Forensic Scientist

Forensic scientists have a unique and essential role in the criminal and civil justice system. They examine physical evidence associated with an event or situation, develop and report facts associated with the evidence, and provide expert opinion regarding their observations. The facts and opinions, in and of themselves, do not establish the guilt or innocence of someone suspected of wrongdoing; however, they may be the primary information available to allow a conclusion of guilt or innocence to be drawn. The impact of the forensic scientist's conclusions affords no room for error, because such errors may be the direct cause of an injustice.
Anomalous Reflectivity: A New Method for Determining Density Profiles of Thin Films

We present a method of obtaining a model-independent density profile for a thin film deposited on a substrate using reflectivity measurements carried out at energies close to, and away from, a convenient absorption edge of the substrate. We illustrate the method using simulated data from various model profiles and with a synchrotron X-ray experiment carried out on a polymer film deposited on a Germanium substrate.
Estimating virtual neck circumference for preoperative STOP-BANG assessment: a retrospective cohort study

To the Editor, Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with increased perioperative morbidity and mortality, and moderate-severe OSA remains undiagnosed in up to 82% of males and 92% of females. Risk for OSA is commonly assessed using the STOP-BANG tool, which requires a measurement of neck circumference. There is currently no established method to assess patient neck circumference virtually (i.e., via electronic communication). With increasing numbers of patients having access to techn ology, telemedicine may be able to replace conventional on-site preoperative clinic assessments with convenient and cost-effective virtual patient assessments. Therefore, we investigated using estimates of neck circumference, derived virtually from previously collected photographs, to replace the traditional preoperative clinic measurements. With institutional review board approval, we completed a retrospective cohort study at the Vanderbilt Preoperative Evaluation Clinic from March 1, 2013 to March 1, 2014. We selected all patients having two preoperative asse ssments within the study period (Cohort-1). Though duplicating assessments is not standard practice in the clinic, some patients receive multiple preoperative asses sments when they undergo multiple unrelated procedures or repeat procedures or experience extended delays between assessment and surgery. We excluded patients with more than a 10% change in weight between visits. At each preoperative visit, a clinic technician used a tape measure to determine the patients’ neck circumference measurement. We then compared the two neck circum ference measurements. We separately selected a patient population (Cohort-2) of 110 individuals with both a preoperative facial photograph (which we routinely obtain) and an in-clinic neck circumference measurement. Each patient’s photo graph was taken with an iPad and wirelessly transmitted into their medical record. We excluded patients from the study if their neck view was obstructed in the photograph. Using this preoperative image, we estimated a virtual neck circumference and compared our calculation with the neck circumference measurement (taken on-site) for analysis. The photograph included a one-inch square reference image in the background used to scale the photograph according to pixel length (Figure A). We used the following equation to determine an estimate for the neck circumference (which we assumed was circular):
Structural and Process History of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

In the nine years since its establishment in 1988, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has attempted to walk the tightrope of being scientifically sound and politically acceptable. This paper investigates how the IPCC has evolved over two assessment cycles. It provides an in-depth examination of important characteristics of the IPCC process including the peer review mechanism, participation of developing countries, and its interactions with the intergovernmental negotiation process on climate change.
Electronic- and vibrational-structure calculations in models of the compressed SiO 2 glass system

The electronic and vibrational structures of normal and compressed SiO/sub 2/ glasses are studied using realistic continuous-random-network models with periodic boundaries. The electronic structure is calculated by the first-principles orthogonalized linear combination of atomic orbitals (OLCAO) method and the results are presented for density of states, band gaps, effective charges, and localization of wave functions as a function of density. The vibrational density of states, infrared absorption, and Raman spectra for these models are also calculated with use of a Keating-type potential and the bond-polarizability approximation. The results are, generally, in good agreement with experiments on both normal and ''densified'' a-SiO/sub 2/. In particular, the two Raman lines at 495 and 606 cm/sup -1/ are reproduced by our calculation in direct contrast to the paracrystalline theory of SiO/sub 2/ glass. Inspection of eigenvectors in conjunction with a detailed analysis of the bonding patterns of participating atoms indicate that specific Si-O-Si angles (close to those found in threefold or fourfold rings) are responsible for these modes.
Trust: benefits, models, and mechanisms

Trust provides many practical benefits in open distributed systems. It enables cooperation between pairs of entities, provides a safe and inexpensive basis for lowering access barriers to secured resources, and facilitates complex transactions among multiple entities. In this paper, we describe a wide range of notions and aspects of trust in open systems, with particular focus on trust between autonomous entities. We argue for computational models and mechanisms that enable trust between entities to be produced, manipulated and degraded and we summarize the state-of-the-art from this perspective.
Identification of kinases, phosphatases, and phosphorylation sites in human and porcine spermatozoa

Multiple inter-connected signaling pathways, involving kinases and phosphatases, form a framework that controls sperm motility, function, and fertilizing ability. Methods that give a broad view of the proteomic landscape may prove valuable in uncovering new crosstalk connections, as well as in discovering new proteins within this regulatory framework. A multi-immunoblotting strategy was utilized to evaluate this concept on human and porcine spermatozoa samples. In human and porcine spermatozoa, a diversity of kinases were identified including protein kinase A (PKA), protein kinase B (PKB), isoforms of protein kinase C (PKC), calmodulin-dependent kinases (CAMK), casein kinase (CK), and isoforms of glycogen synthase kinase (GSK3). Several phosphatases, such as protein phosphatase (PP)-1, PP2A, PP2C, and mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphatase (MKP-1), were identified in human spermatozoa. The phosphorylation epitopes recognized belonged to members of the MAPK family, in addition to α and β isoforms of GSK3 and cAMP response element binding protein (CREB). Proteomic approaches that allow a broad view may aid in understanding the crosstalk between signaling systems in spermatozoal physiology.
Early life experience alters response of adult neurogenesis to stress

Maternal deprivation produces persistent abnormalities in behavioral and neuroendocrine functions associated with the hippocampus, a brain region that shows considerable structural change in response to experience throughout life. Here we show that adverse experience early in life affects the regulation of adult neurogenesis in the hippocampus. More specifically, a decrease in cell proliferation and immature neuron production are observed in the dentate gyrus of adult rats that are maternally separated as pups. Although maternally separated rats show normal basal levels of corticosterone, the suppression of cell proliferation in these rats can be reversed by lowering corticosterone below the control value. In addition, normal stress-induced suppression of cell proliferation and neurogenesis, despite normal activation of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis, is not observed in maternally separated rats. Our results suggest that early adverse experience inhibits structural plasticity via hypersensitivity to glucocorticoids and diminishes the ability of the hippocampus to respond to stress in adulthood.
Conversion between ODA level 2 and RFT: DCA—experiences with a prototype

Abstract One of the main aims of the Open Document Architecture (ODA) is to support the interchange of documents in open systems. In this paper the authors describe their experiences regarding the implementation of a prototype conversion between IBM's Revisable Form Text Document Content Architecture (RFT: DCA) and ODA DAP Q112. Besides an overview of the specific implementation, some general experiences on the use of ODA as an intermediate architecture in a heterogeneous environment are described.
Analysis of Finger Seal Lift Pads

Analyses were performed on finger seal pads having a pressure drop across the pad at right angles to the direction of runner velocity. The film was tapered; the clearance could decrease in both the pressure flow and velocity directions. A substantial load could be carried solely due to the pressure flow; however, the bearing exhibited negative stiffness without film convergence in the velocity flow direction. This is in marked contrast to a full circular bearing or ring seal, where pressure flow alone produces a significant stiffness as long as the clearance converges in the flow direction. The performance of three different pad configurations has been evaluated: aspect ratios L/B of 0.5, 1 (square pad), and 2. Design examples pertaining to each aspect ratio were studied for a gas turbine seal. Results show that lowest leakage, highest load carrying capacity, and highest stiffness are attained for the wide-pad configuration, L/B = 0.5. This paper presents a detailed study of the pad; additional analysis needs to be done for the inclusion of the finger and many other considerations for designing a complete seal.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Percutaneous Deep Vein Stenting to Prevent Recurrent Pulmonary Thromboembolism From Axillary Venous Malformation

A 37-year-old man was seen for recurrent pulmonary embolism in 2007. He had previously experienced pulmonary embolism in 2001 and 2006. As a result, he developed significant pulmonary hypertension that manifested as shortness of breath on exertion. On physical examination, a large, rubbery, nonpulsatile mass of the right axilla (Figure 1) was noted. He was treated with therapeutic oral anticoagulation after his first pulmonary embolism, and an inferior vena cava filter was deployed after the second episode …
Nitrogen economy of endolithic microbial communities in hot and cold deserts

The source of combined nitrogen in endolithic microbial communities was studied in samples from desert localities in North and South America, the Middle East, South Africa, and Antarctica. Nitrogen fixation (acetylene reduction) seems to occur only exceptionally. Evidence suggests that, in general, the nitrogen source for endolithic microorganisms in deserts is abiotically fixed nitrogen produced by atmospheric electric discharges (lightning or aurorae), conveyed to the rock by atmospheric precipitation. Nitrogen is apparently not a limiting factor in these low-productivity communities. An incomplete nitrogen cycle seems to be present which includes the following pathways: supply of nitrates and ammonia from the atmosphere; decomposition of organic matter to ammonia; reassimilation of ammonia; ammonia volatilization; loss of organic matter through weathering (only in certain Antarctic rocks); biological nitrogen fixation (exceptional).
Mitogen activated protein kinasep38 pathway is an important component of the anti-inflammatory response in Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis-infected bovine monocytes

We investigated the role of cell signaling through the mitogen-activated protein kinase-p38 (MAPK p38) pathway on the antimicrobial functions and cytokine expression by bovine monocytes after ingestion of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis. We evaluated the dynamic secretion of interleukin (IL)-10, IL-12 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) as well as phagosome acidification and organism killing at several time points after in vitro infection of bovine monocytes with M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis. Monocytes treated with M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis had a significant increase in IL-10 expression at 2, 4, and 6h post-infection and an increase expression of TNF-alpha at 2, 4, 6, and 24h post-infection. In contrast, IL-12 expression did not increase at any time point post-infection. Moreover, MAPK p38 was rapidly phosphorylated at 10 and 60 min after M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis ingestion. Chemical inhibition of the MAPK p38 signaling pathway (SB203580) resulted in decreased expression of IL-10 and increased expression of IL-12 at 6h post-infection. Chemically blocking the MAPK p38 pathway also increased acidification of phagosomes as well as increasing the capacity of macrophages to kill organisms. Taken together, these results indicated that selective activation of MAPK p38 may be a major mechanism exploited by M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis to circumvent the antimycobacterial effects of mononuclear phagocytes.
Ultrasound-Guided Infraclavicular Block in an Anticoagulated and Anesthetized Patient

The author describes the use of ultrasound to facilitate a continuous infraclavicular brachial plexus block in a patient who had been anticoagulated with 5000 U of heparin. The procedure was done 2 h after the patient was anticoagulated, and his activated clotting time was 203 s. The patient had vascular checks with a laser Doppler monitor every hour and neurological checks every 12 h.
Almost sure and moment Lyapunov exponents for a stochastic beam equation

The transverse vibrations of an Euler–Bernoulli beam with axial tension P and axial white noise forcing are given by mytt+mαyt+EIyxxxx−Pyxx=σ0yxxW˙(t),0<x<l. With hinged endpoints y(0,t)=yxx(0,t)=y(l,t)=yxx(l,t)=0 the solution may be written y(x,t)=∑n=1∞sin(nπxl)cn(t), where the amplitude cn(t) of the nth mode of vibration is given by a two-dimensional linear stochastic (ordinary) differential equation. The main results give formulas for the almost sure and moment Lyapunov exponents for the SPDE in terms of the almost sure and moment Lyapunov exponents for each of the SDEs corresponding to modes which are present in the initial condition. It is shown that the almost sure and moment Lyapunov exponents for the SPDE depend sensitively on the initial distribution of energy amongst the infinitely many modes of vibration, and that they cannot be well approximated using only finitely many modes of vibration.
A Comparison of Types of Support for Lower-Skill Workers: Evidence for the Importance of Family Supportive Supervisors.

Abstract The work–family literature to date does not offer a clear picture in terms of the relative importance of different types of supports for balancing work and family demands. Grounded in conservation or resources theory, we develop an integrative model relating multiple forms of social support, both formal (i.e., work–life benefit use) and informal (supervisor work–family support and family support) to work-interference-with-family and family-interference-with-work and task and contextual performance. We chose to focus our study on lower-skill workers because, despite being a relatively large segment of the workforce, these workers are relatively understudied in the work–family literature. Results revealed that supervisor support is a key form of support in this sample. Supervisor support had negative same domain (work-interference-with-family) and cross domain (family-interference-with-work) effects with work–family conflict, as well as positive relationships with task and contextual performance. Family support was negatively related to family-interference-with-work; whereas use of work–life benefits was not significantly related to either form of work–family conflict or any of the performance variables. The implications of our results for conservation of resources theory and practical implications to employers of lower-skill workers are discussed.
Religion as Dissident Geopolitics? Geopolitical Discussions within the Recent Publications of Fethullah Gülen

Over the last twenty-five years, social and political movements which derive their inspiration and guidance from religion have become increasingly prominent actors on the global stage. Lari Nyroos has categorised these movements as engaging in a ‘dissident geopolitics.’ This article seeks to explore this categorisation through an analysis of geopolitical discussions presented in recent publications of Fethullah Gulen. Gulen is the intellectual and spiritual leader of a Muslim social movement based in Turkey and an active proponent of inter-religious dialogue at a global scale. From this analysis, it is concluded that Gulen does employ a geopolitical vision that is counter to the dominant understandings of modern geopolitics. While he does not oppose the actions of any particular state or the structure of the global state system, he subordinates both to a functional role within a transcendental order defined by religious faith.
An empirically grounded model of the adoption of intellectual technologies

A qualitative study of end-user computing applications in five departments in three organizations was undertaken. The study was designed to develop an empirically grounded model of the adoption process for intellectual technologies—technologies that are inherently flexible, enabling the user to take on the role of developer. Detailed analysis of 43 user-developed computing applications resulted in a model consisting of five stages: Resource Acquisition, Application Development, Adoption/Renewal, Routinization/Enhancement, and External Adoption. By comparing this model with two prior models of the adoption process, aspects of the adoption process requiring futher research were identified. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Husserl's Philosophy of Science and the Semantic Approach

Husserl's mathematical philosophy of science can be considered an anticipation of the contemporary postpositivistic semantic approach, which regards mathematics and not logic as the appropriate tool for the exact philosophical reconstruction of scientific theories. According to Husserl, an essential part of a theory's reconstruction is the mathematical description of its domain, that is, the world (or the part of the world) the theory intends to talk about. Contrary to the traditional micrological approach favored by the members of the Vienna Circle, Husserl, inspired by modern geometry and set theory, aims at a macrological analysis of scientific theories that takes into account the global structures of theories as structured wholes. This is set in the complementary theories of manifolds and theory forms considered by Husserl himself as the culmination of his formal theory of science.