cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Evolutionary Status of Isolated Dwarf Irregular Galaxies. II. Star Formation Histories and Gas Depletion

The results of UBV and Hα imaging of a large sample of isolated dwarf irregular galaxies are interpreted in the context of composite stellar population models. The observed optical colors are best fitted by composite stellar populations that have had approximately constant star formation rates for at least 10 Gyr. The galaxies span a range of central surface brightness, from 20.5 to 25.0 mag arcsec-2; there is no correlation between surface brightness and star formation history. Although the current star formation rates are low, it is possible to reproduce the observed luminosities without a major starburst episode. The derived gas depletion timescales are long, typically ~20 Gyr. These results indicate that dwarf irregular galaxies (dI's) will be able to continue with their slow, but constant, star formation activity for at least another Hubble time. The sample of isolated dI's is compared with a sample of starbursting dwarf galaxies taken from the literature. The starbursting dwarf galaxies have many similar properties; the main difference between these two types of gas-rich dwarf galaxies is that the current star formation is concentrated in the center of the starbursting systems, while it is much more distributed in the quiescent dI's. This results in pronounced color gradients for the starbursting dwarf galaxies, while the majority of the quiescent dwarf irregular galaxies have minor or nonexistent color gradients. Thus, the combination of low current star formation rates, blue colors, and the lack of significant color gradients indicates that star formation percolates slowly across the disks of normal dwarf galaxies in a quasi-continuous manner.
Sensitization of Austenitic Stainless Steels II. Commercial Purity Alloys

Abstract This paper presents a study of the effects of nitrogen and molybdenum on the sensitization of commercial purity type 304 and 316 stainless steels. The modified Strauss test (ASTM-A262-E) i...
A longitudinal study of principals' activities and student performance

Although a substantial amount of research on school leadership has focused on what principals may do to improve teaching and learning, little of this research has explored how principals' time spent on leadership activities may relate to and possibly affect student performance. This article presents results from a 3-year longitudinal study of principal activities and student performance. A 3-level HLM growth model (with test scores nested within students, and students nested within schools) was employed to determine the degree to which principals' activities were associated with student performance at baseline, and changes in student performance over time. Results suggest that principals' activities are remarkably variable over time, that specific leadership activities are more prevalent in some school contexts, and that specific changes in leadership activities over time (e.g., increasing time on instructional leadership) do not predict changes in student performance in a consistent manner across schools.
Genetic Causes of Atrial Septal Defects

Atrial septal defects (ASDs) are common congenital malformations accounting for over 10% of isolated congenital heart defects (1). Ostium secundum ASDs, located in the region of the fossa ovalis are the most prevalent subtype (Figure 1) and are thought to arise by malformation of the septum primum, resulting in incomplete coverage of the fossa ovalis (2). However little is known about the cellular mechanisms or molecular signals that direct these processes.
Properties of the Lowest 1/2 + , T = 3/2 States in A = 11 Nuclei

Abstract. Analysis of energies and widths of the lowest 1/2${}^{+}$ $T$ $=$ 3/2 states in $A$ $=$ 11 nuclei suggests that the excitation energy in ${}^{11}$C should be about 200 keV below the energy in the literature, and the width should be 4 to 5 times the literature value. Properties of the state in ${}^{11}$B and ${}^{11}$N are in agreement with the present model.
Surface morphology and mechanical properties of MDCK monolayers by atomic force microscopy

We describe the morphology and mechanical stability of the apical surface of MDCK monolayers by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Living cells could be imaged in physiological solution for several hours without noticeable deterioration. Cell boundaries appear as ridges that clearly demarcate neighboring cells. In some cases the nucleus of individual cells could be seen, though apparently only in very thin areas of the monolayer. Two types of protrusions on the surface could be visualized. Smooth bulges that varied in width from a few hundred nanometers to several micrometers, which appear to represent relatively rigid subapical structures. Another type of protrusion extended well above the membrane and was swept back and forth during the imaging. However, the microvilli that are typically present on the apical surface could not be resolved. For comparison, a transformed MDCK cell line expressing the K-ras oncogene was also examined. When cultured on solid substrata at low density, the R5 cells spread out and are less than 100 nm thick over large areas with both extensive processes and rounded edges. Many intracellular structures such as the nucleus, cytoskeletal elements and vesicles could be visualized. None of the intracellular structures seen in the AFM images could be seen by scanning electron microscopy. Both R5 cells and MDCK monolayers required imaging forces of > 2 nN for good image contrast. Force measurements on the MDCK monolayers show that they are very soft, with an effective spring constant of approximately 0.002 N/m for the apical plasma membrane, over the first micrometer of deformation, resulting in a height deformation of approximately 500 nm per nanoNewton of applied force. The mechanical properties of the cells could be manipulated by addition of glutaraldehyde. These changes were monitored in real time by collecting force curves during the fixation reaction. The curves show a stiffening of the apical plasma membrane that was completed in approximately 1 minute. On the basis of these measurements and the imaging forces required, we conclude that deformation of the plasma membrane is an important component of the contrast mechanism, in effect 'staining' structures based on their relative rigidity.
Preconditioning of cortical neurons by oxygen-glucose deprivation: tolerance induction through abbreviated neurotoxic signaling

Transient exposure of rat cortical cultures to nonlethal oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD preconditioning) induces tolerance to otherwise lethal oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) or N-methyl-d-aspart...
Metabolic Evaluation and Medical Management of Stone Disease

medical problem, often causing significant patient morbidity. The lifetime risk for stone formation has been reported to be as high as 12% for men and 6% for women.1 However, the rate of female stone formation is insidiously increasing, probably as a result of diet changes and lifestyle associated risk factors such as obesity.2 Recent studies suggest the current male to female ratio of stone formation is now 1.3:1 (M:F).2,3
Effect of frequency of manual turning on pneumonia.

by AACN. All rights reserved.Telephone: (800) 899-1712, (949) 362-2050, ext. 532. Fax: (949) 362-2049. bimonthly by The InnoVision Group, 101 Columbia, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656.journal of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN), published AJCC, the American Journal of Critical Care, is the official peer-reviewed researchDownloaded from ajcc.aacnjournals.org
Structural Response by Discrete-State Computation

In modern dynamic analysis of structures, there is often a problem involving the solution of a set of coupled linear ordinary differential equations. The method outlined herein is extremely stable and also very accurate. It is particularly suited to digital computer calculations because the final numerical solution requires only matrix addition and multiplication, and avoids numerical integration. The method also may be applied to semidefinite systems or structures with repeated eigenvalues.
A Reference Model for a Networked Organization

This paper heralds a paradigm that serves as a reference model for organizations of networked agents. This paradigm suggests modular components that can be combined to form a network organization. For network centricity in this paradigm, this paper introduces synergy and social capital as specific network effects that enhance performance at various levels of an organization and overall productivity.
Fassbinder's Female Complaint: Martha (1974) and the 1940s “Woman's Film”

This paper considers Rainer Werner Fassbinder's 1974 melodrama Martha in a transnational, comparative framework, focusing on the film's relationship to the Hollywood “woman's film” of the 1940s and 1950s. Such an approach illustrates the ways in which Martha both draws on and pushes against the narrative strategies, tropes, and images of Hollywood and of women's culture. In doing so, I argue, Fassbinder takes to a narrative and aesthetic extreme what Lauren Berlant calls the “female complaint”—that cultural constellation in which “women live for love, and love is the gift that keeps on taking.” Viewed both transnationally and as a product of Fassbinder's Germany, a film like Martha pushes against Berlant's theory of the American woman's film and of the female complaint as modes by which women manage their intimate lives under conditions of patriarchy. In addition to engaging with Berlant's work, my analysis of Fassbinder's film and its performance of gender consequently draws not only on theories of melodrama and the American woman's film, but also on Bertolt Brecht's writing on Gestus. Fassbinder, I ultimately show, estranges the Hollywood woman's film in Martha. Harnessing the affective and emotional excess of the woman's film as Brechtian distanciation, exaggerating social gesture, and playfully appropriating Sirkian aesthetics, Martha offers a spectacular critique of the masochism inherent in gender roles under patriarchy.
"Failure to Launch": Shaping Intervention for Highly Dependent Adult Children.

Young adults who remain at home, highly reliant on parents and avoiding higher education and employment, present the clinician with a baffling challenge and many questions. Moreover, few data exist to guide case conceptualization or intervention strategy. These individuals suffer stigma for their “failure to launch” (FTL) and are often perceived as overly pampered and lazy, and their parents are commonly ridiculed for being too indulgent. In fact, young people struggling to function independently and overwhelmed by the demands of adulthood frequently suffer shame and alienation, as same-aged peers accumulate accomplishments while they accrue increasing disability. Better conceptualization is needed if mental health providers are to be useful agents of change in the lives of these young adults and their families. Rather than focusing on “failure,” which denotes the end of a process and acceptance of defeat, clinicians equipped with a theoretical formulation of the problem, and practical tools to address it, can be the starting point for a process of growth, change, and development. For the remainder of this article, I use “FTL” for the sake of brevity in place of “adult children living at home and highly dependent on parents,” but I use it without judgment and in a non-pejorative, descriptive way. For the clinician, work with cases of FTL can seem more like treatment with child patients than adult patients. Parents often initiate the clinical contact and, in many cases, the dependent adult is not open or willing to engage in treatment. Clinicians might struggle to form a working alliance with, or even to determine with confidence, who their patient might be. These difficulties are compounded by issues of confidentiality owing to the adult status of the patient with FLT and by the fact that most parent-based interventions are designed with much younger children in mind. The work my colleagues and I have done with the parents of youth with clinical anxiety has suggested a theoretical conceptualization and a means of intervention in cases of FTL. Children with anxiety display a similar pattern of reliance on parents for help in avoiding the situations they find distressing, a process known as family accommodation. 2,3 Working with parents on decreasing family accommodation has shown promise as a means of gradually increasing the child’s capacity for independent coping. In this Clinical Perspectives article, I describe a composite patient vignette (appropriately modified to protect patient anonymity) illustrating the challenging nature of FTL. Then, I discuss the theoretical conceptualization and a parent-based treatment approach for tackling these challenges.
Role of vacuolar membrane proton pumps in the acidification of protein storage vacuoles following germination.

During soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) seed development, protease C1, the proteolytic enzyme that initiates breakdown of the storage globulins β-conglycinin and glycinin at acidic pH, is present in the protein storage vacuoles (PSVs), the same subcellular compartments in seed cotyledons where its protein substrates accumulate. Actual proteolysis begins to be evident 24 h after seed imbibition, when the PSVs become acidic, as indicated by acridine orange accumulation visualized by confocal microscopy. Imidodiphosphate (IDP), a non-hydrolyzable substrate analog of proton-translocating pyrophosphatases, strongly inhibited acidification of the PSVs in the cotyledons. Consistent with this finding, IDP treatment inhibited mobilization of β-conglycinin and glycinin, the inhibition being greater at 3 days compared to 6 days after seed imbibition. The embryonic axis does not appear to play a role in the initial PSV acidification in the cotyledon, as axis detachment did not prevent acridine orange accumulation three days after imbibition. SDS-PAGE and immunoblot analyses of cotyledon protein extracts were consistent with limited digestion of the 7S and 11S globulins by protease C1 starting at the same time and proceeding at the same rate in detached cotyledons compared to cotyledons of intact seedlings. Embryonic axis removal did slow down further breakdown of the storage globulins by reactions known to be catalyzed by protease C2, a cysteine protease that normally appears later in seedling growth to continue the storage protein breakdown initiated by protease C1.
Exploring the Relationship Between Entry-Level Master’s Program Class Size and the Number of Graduate Credits Offered and Aggregate NBCOT Pass Rates

The AOTA and ACOTE have discussed a transition to a mandated entry-level clinical doctorate degree (Harvison, 2013). Following the move to the entry-level master’s degree in 2007, the overall national pass rate on the national certification examination fell from 88% in 2006 to 77% by 2009 (Harvison, 2011; Harvison, 2012). This study sought to determine if the number of graduate credits offered or the class size of an entrylevel master’s program impacts student outcomes on the national certification examination. Publicly available data was mined from all accredited entry-level master’s programs. Data were imported into the SPSS for statistical analysis. The results indicated no significant relationship between the number of graduate credits offered and pass rates (p = 0.919) or between average class size and pass rates (p = 0.640). Further study is warranted to determine if there are any curricular characteristics that can be used to predict student performance on the national certification examination.
REMOTE ISCHEMIC PRECONDITIONING FOR PREVENTION OF POST-OPERATIVE ATRIAL FIBRILLATION IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING CARDIAC SURGERY: A META-ANALYSIS OF RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIALS

Post-operative Atrial Fibrillation (POAF) is a common complication of cardiac surgery. Remote Ischemic Preconditioning (RIPC) - a technique which has recently gained popularity as a novel method to protect against ischemia reperfusion injury during cardiac surgery, has shown favorable effects on
Spatiotemporal model for studying insect dynamics in large-scale cropping systems

Insect ecologists have turned to models to aid them in understanding species dynamics in cropping systems. These models are used mainly to study insect-habitat relationships and to investigate factors affecting population stability in homogeneous cropping systems. The paucity of models for insect species interactions in large heterogeneous systems is very apparent. We develop and describe the framework for a spatiotemporal model that can be used to study insect dynamics in regional (heterogeneous) systems. This model is quite robust and integrates ideas from spatially explicit population models, coupled map lattices, and integrodifference equations. In spatially explicit population models, information on the environment of the organism is incorporated explicitly into the model. Our model combines an insect population simulation model with a resource (habitat) map. The population model is an age-structured Nicholson-Bailey model, whereas the resource map describes a 2-dimensional spatially heterogeneous habitat. Subpopulations in the spatial system are linked through dispersal and the pattern of dispersal is determined by the redistribution kernel used. Using a 2-dimensional discrete space counterpart of an integrodifference equation model we can couple prey reproduction with their dispersal, and we can redistribute adult natural enemies over the spatial region. The integrodifference equation format implies a mathematical convolution over space in each time step that can be solved, efficiently with Fourier transforms. At each time step, spatial movement for the insects can be solved with a simple rapid calculation. The assumptions, merits, and limitations of the model also are discussed.
Identification of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in Synovial Membrane by Electron Microscopy

A paucity of information exists regarding the histopathology of early gonococcal arthritis. Synovial tissue from a patient with gonococcal arthritis of two days' duration was examined by light and electron microscopy. Neisseria gonorrhoeae was cultured from synovial fluid but not from the biopsied membrane, although gram-negative diplococci were demonstrated in synovial lining cells. After staining with hematoxylin and eosin, only minimal inflammation limited to margination of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in vessels and hypertrophy of the lining cell layer was visible. Electron microscopy of the tissue showed many organisms in the type A phagocytic lining cells and some in the extracellular spaces. While extracellular organisms appeared to be mainly intact, intracellular organisms demonstrated morphologic variation, with some degraded forms consistent with walldefective variants. This is the first demonstration of N. gonorrhoeae in synovial tissue by electron microscopy. Although gonococcal arthritis is a common clini
Analysis on Quality of Papers in "Information of Diseases Control and Prevention in Sichuan Province"

Objective To analyze the quality of the papers in "Information of Diseases Control and Prevention in Sichuan Province",so as to provide the basic data to strengthen the exchange and cooperation of CDCs at all level and facilitate the diseases control and prevention and the development of public health in Sichuan province.Method The data about the papers published in "Information of Diseases Control and Prevention in Sichuan Province" from 2003 to 2008 were processed and analyzed by Excel.Results From 2003 to 2008,2 754 papers were published in the journal,and of these papers,1 505 were from provincial CDC(54.68%).In 2008,1 416 papers were received by editor,and 508 were published(35.88%).Most papers were out of date and without individual characteristics and without complete information.Conclusion There were more papers from provincial CDC than from other level CDCs which were published in "Information of Diseases Control and Prevention in Sichuan Province".In 2008,the publishing rate of papers from all city level CDCs was not high.More attention should be paid on the information reporting and it is necessary to conduct training on information reporting for the staffs in CDCs at all level.
Restating Financial Statements for Alternative and Non-Gaaps: Worth the Effort?

In this study, I investigate whether restating financial statement data for other types of financial disclosures (e.g., footnotes to those statements and supplementary schedules in Form 10-K filings) produces differences in financial ratios as well as summary measures of economic resources and obligations. I provide evidence from univariate t-tests and Wilcoxon sign-ranked tests to test whether, even in the presence of high correlations, empirical evidence suggests that different financial ratios emerge after restating financial statement data for alternative and non-GAAPs.The restatements to financial statement data utilize alternative GAAPs (i.e., inventory cost flow and depreciation choices) and non-GAAPs (i.e., related to intangible capital, pension plans, OPEB plans, loss contingencies, and operating leases). The 10 adjustments of interest to this study are to the income statement (3 adjustments) and to balance sheet (7 adjustments) data. The results support the prediction that the restatements to income statement and balance sheet data lead to different financial ratios and summary measures than would otherwise be obtained from use of reported financial statement data.For example, Return on Assets, Return on Equity, Profit Margin, and Net Income are reliably different when income statement data are restated for alternative GAAPs (adjustments to as-if current cost-flow for COGS and as-if accelerated depreciation) and a non-GAAP (nonsmoothed pension cost). Thus, the evidence on signals of profitability and activity (Asset Turnover) suggest that restating income statement data for alternative and non-GAAPs may be informative for some decision-making contexts. Similar results exist from the restatements to balance sheet data. Signals of profitability, liquidity, activity, and solvency are reliably different even in the presence of high correlations between those signals that use reported versus restated financial data.The evidence suggests that users of financial statement data will likely find balance sheet restatements, in addition to income statement restatements to be useful in decision-making contexts. The evidence on the differences between financial ratios that use reported versus restated financial statement data suggests the most pronounced differences occur when the financial ratios utilize restated income statement and balance sheet data.
Multimodal Navigation in Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Resection of Pituitary Tumors Using Image-Based Vascular and Cranial Nerve Segmentation: A Prospective Validation Study.

Background Transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) is the most common approach for the treatment of pituitary tumors. However, misdirection, vascular damage, intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage, and optic nerve injuries are all well-known complications, and the risk of adverse events is more likely in less-experienced hands. This prospective study was conducted to validate the accuracy of image-based segmentation coupled with neuronavigation in localizing neurovascular structures during TSS. Methods Twenty-five patients with a pituitary tumor underwent preoperative 3-T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and MRI images loaded into the navigation platform were used for segmentation and preoperative planning. After patient registration and subsequent surgical exposure, each segmented neural or vascular element was validated by manual placement of the navigation probe or Doppler probe on or as close as possible to the target. Results Preoperative segmentation of the internal carotid artery and cavernous sinus matched with the intraoperative endoscopic and micro-Doppler findings in all cases. Excellent correspondence between image-based segmentation and the endoscopic view was also evident at the surface of the tumor and at the tumor–normal gland interfaces. Image guidance assisted the surgeons in localizing the optic nerve and chiasm in 64% of cases. The mean accuracy of the measurements was 1.20 ± 0.21 mm. Conclusions Image-based preoperative vascular and neural element segmentation, especially with 3-dimensional reconstruction, is highly informative preoperatively and potentially could assist less-experienced neurosurgeons in preventing vascular and neural injury during TSS. In addition, the accuracy found in this study is comparable to previously reported neuronavigation measurements. This preliminary study is encouraging for future prospective intraoperative validation with larger numbers of patients.
LG-77BRAIN PLASTICITY IN PEDIATRIC LOW-GRADE GLIOMAS.

LG-77. BRAIN PLASTICITY IN PEDIATRIC LOW-GRADE GLIOMAS Yahya Ghazwani, Zoltan Patay, Zsila S. Sadighi, Santhosh Upadhyaya, Frederick Boop, Amar Gajjar, and Ibrahim Qaddoumi; St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis,TN, USA BACKGROUND: Neural plasticity (NP) is a well-known phenomenon in the brain, especially in the context of long-existing lesions. Young age and immaturity are associated with high NP. Low-grade gliomas (LGGs) are slowgrowing tumors with good prognosis and are therefore an ideal tumor type to study NP. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of 5 patients with LGGs and studied clinical, radiologic, and pathological data for switching handedness. RESULTS: The median age of patients at diagnosis was 51 months (range, 23-93 months). Their median time from switching handedness to diagnosis was 1 month (range, 0.75-60 months). All 5 patients had pilocytic astrocytoma, and none of them had a genetic disorder. Tumors were located in theposterior fossa (n 1⁄4 2), left basal ganglia (n 1⁄4 2), and left thalamus (n 1⁄4 1). Twopatientshad paralysis, and three had paresis in the dominant hand. All the patients continued to prefer using the non-dominant hand, even though function of the dominant hand had recovered fully in only 1 patient after rehabilitation. CONCLUSION: Switching handedness is a major form of NP identified in 5 of our patients with same tumor type but interestingly diverse locations. Further studies of NP in LGGs are required to better understand these findings. Functional MRI studies at diagnosis and follow-up can provide further insight on the phenomenon of NP in patients with LGGs. Neuro-Oncology 18:iii78–iii96, 2016. doi:10.1093/neuonc/now075.77 #The Author(s) 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Neuro-Oncology. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.
Treatment and Management of Reading Disabilities

In this chapter, the philosophy that underlies the treatment and management of reading disabilities is described in broad terms along with a general outline of the procedures and techniques that emanate from this philosophy. The specific methods are not described in great detail, because materials for treatment can be developed locally once the general approach to treatment is understood.
A universal divergence-rate estimator for steganalysis in timing channels

This paper proposes new tools for steganalysis of queue-based stegocodes over covert timing channels. We study a universal estimator for the Kullback-Leibler (KL) divergence rate between the covertext process and the stegotext process. We empirically illustrate the performance of our estimator on some simple queue-based stegocodes and study its convergence properties.
Communication Coaching: A Case Study of Family Caregiver Burden.

Background Problematic communication among providers, patients, and their family members can affect the quality of patient care, causing stress to all parties involved and decreased opportunities for collaborative decision making. . Objectives The purpose of this article is to present one case from a pilot study of a family caregiver intervention focused on communication. . Methods The nurse-delivered communication intervention includes a written communication guide for family caregivers, as well as a one-time nurse communication coaching call. The call is aimed at identifying caregiver communication concerns, providing communication education, and role playing problematic communication. . Findings Psychological distress and caregiver confidence in communication were improved for the caregiver. Data presented from the case study demonstrate the need for family caregiver communication support and training and the potential benefits of such training.
Symptom association probability does not reliably distinguish functional heartburn from reflux hypersensitivity.

Background Symptom association probability (SAP) is thought to distinguish reflux hypersensitivity from functional disorders. A diagnosis of hypersensitive oesophagus (SAP-positive) indicates that gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the cause of continued symptoms. Aim To conduct an analysis of pH and symptom criteria that lead to a diagnosis of SAP-positivity METHODS: We calculated SAP for 205 patients with GERD symptoms refractory to proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy who underwent endoscopy with wireless pH monitoring from 2007 to 2014. Patients were divided into three groups: pH-negative with no oesophagitis (n = 45), pH-positive with no oesophagitis (n = 130), and patients with oesophagitis (n = 30). We constructed a 2 × 2 table of symptom and reflux event association and quantified the number of 2-minute intervals for each of the 2 × 2 variables that distinguished SAP-positive from SAP-negative. In a separate cohort of 58 patients who had undergone anti-reflux surgery, we evaluated the effects of pre-surgery SAP. Results The difference in symptom association parameters that led to a diagnosis of an SAP-positive was small (2.98% in oesophagitis-positive; 1.56% in oesophagitis-negative/pH-positive; 0.48% in oesophagitis-negative/pH-negative). In the pH-negative/oesophagitis-negative group, a difference of 0.48% led to a diagnosis of hypersensitivity. There was significant variability in SAP values between day 1 and day 2 of pH testing in all groups, with the greatest in the oesophagitis-positive group, despite objective evidence for reflux (27% in oesophagitis-positive, 19% pH-positive/oesophagitis-negative, and 7% in pH-negative/oesophagitis-negative). Pre-surgery SAP was not associated with response to anti-reflux surgery. Conclusion In PPI-refractory GERD, SAP cannot accurately distinguish reflux hypersensitivity from functional oesophageal symptoms.
Introduction: Ethics and Physics in Contemporary Plays

The introductory chapter establishes the relationships among science, science drama, and the history of science through which the arguments of the ensuing chapters will proceed. I argue that recent physics plays make a return to the metaphysical concerns of the early-twentieth-century physicists who were developing quantum theory and relativity. Moreover, they do so while engaging in what Kirsten Shepherd-Barr has characterized as enaction of the science they discuss: producing dramatic forms that manifest scientific content. A concern throughout is the manner in which these enactions alter the ethical stakes for the characters’ decisions.
The anatomy of the ciliary region of the chicken eye

Purpose To describe the detailed anatomy of the ciliary region of the chicken eye. Methods Fifty-two eyes from White Leghorn chickens were examined in the course of this study. Descriptions are based on specimens examined using microdissection and bright field microscopy of sections embedded in paraffin or epon. Microdissection was assisted through the use of an iodine-based stain. Results The ciliary region of the chicken eye is asymmetric through the horizontal plane, with the distance from the limbus to the equator of the eye being greatest temporally. This asymmetry is reflected in the relative development of the ciliary musculature. The nasal ciliary muscle fibers are the shortest of any of the quadrants, and the nasal quadrant lacks a well-developed scleral venous sinus. The ciliary musculature is approximately 2.5 mm in extent (temporally) and is composed of two regional groups (anterior and posterior) within which five distinct arrangements of muscle fibers can be recognized. The majority of fibers insert on fibrous elements associated with the inner or outer walls of the scleral venous sinus, which, in turn, are continuous with the inner stromal elements of the cornea. Conclusions The ciliary musculature of the chicken eye is composed of two major muscle groups within which five arrangements of muscle fibers have been identified. The anatomy of the ciliary muscle is consistent with the recently proposed functions of altering the corneal curvature for corneal accommodation and moving the ciliary body anteriorly as a part of the lenticular accommodative mechanism. The ciliary muscle also may serve in the regulation of aqueous dynamics within the eye.
Acute pancreatitis secondary to the use of the anabolic steroid trenbolone acetate.

AbstractBackground: The use of performance-enhancing drugs has increased dramatically in the last decade with high prevalence reported among the young athlete population. Many of these drugs contai...
Indirect and direct standardization for evaluating transplant centers

To assess the quality of health care, patient outcomes associated with medical providers are routinely monitored in order to identify poor (or excellent) provider performance. To avoid confounding by risk factors, both indirect and direct standardization have been used for comparing outcome rates or prevalence for different providers. There has been an ongoing debate as to which standardization method is more appropriate. To compare the performance of indirect and direct standardization for the purpose of ranking transplant centers, we analyzed post-transplant mortality using the national kidney transplant data. Included in our analysis were 116,601 patients (from 230 transplant centers) who underwent kidney transplantation between January 2006 and December 2012. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to model the 30-day mortality, which were estimates of failures (grant failure or death) in the 30 days after the transplant surgery. Concordance indexes, kappa coefficients and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient were computed. The estimated values from these statistics for the indirect standardized method were similar to the direct standardization. The results suggest that both indirect and direct standardized methods provide similar ability to distinguish center effects.
Managing vasomotor symptoms in women after cancer

Women with estrogen-sensitive cancer or survivors of these neoplasms are generally not candidates for systemic menopausal hormone therapy or tibolone for the treatment of bothersome vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes or night sweats). However, menopausal symptoms negatively affect quality of life and need to be addressed by clinicians. For mild vasomotor symptoms, optimizing lifestyle changes or mind-brain behavior may be sufficient. For women with moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms unresponsive to these measures, non-hormone pharmacologic therapy may be needed. Randomized controlled trials have shown efficacy for vasomotor symptoms with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (paroxetine, citalopram, and escitalopram) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (venlafaxine and desvenlafaxine), as well as gabapentin, pregabalin, and clonidine. Therapies in development include neurokinin B inhibitors (neurokinin 3 receptor), stellate ganglion blockade, and a natural estrogen, estetrol. Individualizing therapy is important. As the physiology of menopausal hot flashes becomes better understood, it will drive development of future non-hormone pharmacotherapies.
Unsteady Characteristics of a Swept-Shock/Boundary-Layer Interaction at Mach 2

An unswept fin is placed in Mach 2 flow at an angle (α) of 15 deg, creating a fully separated interaction of strength, Mn≃1.4. The time-averaged behavior of the interaction is characterized by mean...
Analysis of Switching Overvoltage and Suppression Measures in UHV Transmission Lines

As the ultrahigh-voltage (UHV) projects are rapidly developing, it is necessary to investigate the problems involved in overvoltage and insulation, thereby providing a technical basis for future UHV projects. The switching overvoltage of closing no-load lines was simulated and analyzed here using two kinds of typical UHV network structures: the power plant to the grid system and the grid-to-grid system. Different factors, such as line length, mode of operation on the power plant side, and short-circuit capacity, are considered. It is possible for lines shorter than 60 km to eliminate the closing resistor, determined by calculating the probability of flashover. We analyzed the phase selection closing in depth to inhibit the switching overvoltage and considered the factors such as phase deviation and the length of the line. Finally, the applicability of phase selection closing is put forward for lines of different lengths.
The Book of Bad Arguments

This note, intended to accompany the short booklet An Illustrated Book of Bad Arguments, discusses the logical framework behind argumentation and presents the basic logical rules necessary to reach sound conclusions. Throughout, it refers to the philosophical foundations of logical reasoning and attempts to address these concepts in the framework of management.By the end, diligent students should be able to identify the necessary structure and components of a sound argument—as well as the fatal attraction of unsound arguments—and be able to apply these ideas to create long-term value as leaders of firms and organizations. Excerpt UVA-E-0408 Rev. Feb. 16, 2016 The Book of Bad Arguments This note is intended to accompany the short booklet An Illustrated Book of Bad Arguments. It discusses the logical framework behind argumentation and presents the basic logical rules necessary to reach sound conclusions. Throughout, it refers to the philosophical foundations of logical reasoning and attempts to address these concepts in the framework of management. By the end, diligent students should be able to identify the necessary structure and components of a sound argument—as well as the fatal attraction of unsound arguments—and be able to apply these ideas to create long-term value as leaders of firms and organizations. Logic . . .
Effects of powdered rifampin and vancomycin solutions on biofilm production of staphylococcus aureus on orthopedic implants

Abstract Purpose Hardware infections in orthopedic surgery, specifically those involving biofilm producing bacteria, are troublesome and are highly resistant to systemic antibiotics. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the power of rifampin and vancomycin solutions in inhibiting as well as eliminating in vitro on staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) biofilm in vitro on stainless-steel implants. Methods A suspension of either S. aureus or a S. aureus containing a plasmid that cods for the green fluorescence protein containing fluorescent protein plasmid was applied to 1 × 1cm sterile stainless steel orthopedic plating material (coupon). Biofilm development was confirmed by; the quantitative assay (colony forming unit [CFU/coupon]) and visualized using confocal laser scanning microscopy. With this established method of biofilm development, we determined the minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC) and the minimum biofilm eradication concertation (MBEC) of Rifampicin and Vancomycin. To determine the MBIC, stainless steel plates were subjected to different concentrations of antibiotic solution and inoculated with overnight cultures of S. aureus. After 24 h of incubation at 37 °C, the biofilms on the untreated and antibiotic-treated coupons were quantified. To determine the MBEC, partial S. aureus biofilms were developed on the coupons and then treated with the different concentrations of each antibiotic for 24 h. The number of bacteria within the control untreated as well as treated coupons was determined. Results Both rifampin and vancomycin solutions inhibited biofilm production of S. aureus on stainless steel mediums; the MBIC for rifampin and vancomycin were 80 ng/mL and 1 μg/mL respectively. The MBEC for Rifampicin was similar to the MBIC. However, the MBEC for Vancomycin was 6 mg/ml. Conclusions When applied to orthopedic stainless steel hardware in vitro, solutions of rifampin and vancomycin powder separately or in combination can completely prevent and eliminate biofilm produced by S. aureus. Level of evidence II
Best Practices: Usability Testing Across (Un)Common Platforms

Usability testing is typically taught with a desktop or mobile device in mind. As new platforms become more commonplace, it is important to master usability testing as applications scale cross-plat...
Are parents ready to use autonomous vehicles to transport children? Concerns and safety features

Abstract Introduction: This study addressed a gap in the literature – the potential of using autonomous vehicles (AV) to enhance children’s mobility. Prior studies documented the perceived benefits and concerns about this prospect, but did not examine the features in AV and support mechanisms that are desired by potential users. Method: An on-line survey was used to collect public opinions within the United States. In the survey, willingness to use AVs for this use case was asked twice to assess if participants changed their mind after being asked about concerns related to this prospect and importance of car features. A combination of statistical and machine-learning methods were used to profile individuals with high versus low post-willingness and to identify variables that differentiated the two groups. Results: Results indicated that respondents who were lower on their post-willingness to use AVs to transport children were more concerned about how AVs would protect children, how someone could harm the children inside, and whether there would be someone at the destination. In addition, they were less in favor of technology, older in age, and rated car features such as having a designated adult waiting at destination, a camera, and a microphone as relatively required (as opposed to optional). These results highlight potential users’ needs and requirements as they think about AVs in the context of parent–children mobility practices. Practical Applications: Relevant stakeholders should develop deployment and implementation plans while taking into account ridership contexts and vulnerable road users who can benefit from enhanced mobility.
Atrial arrhythmias in chronic lung disease-associated pulmonary hypertension

Atrial arrhythmias are common during episodes of acute respiratory failure in patients with chronic lung disease-associated pulmonary hypertension. Expert opinion suggests that management of atrial arrhythmias in patients with pulmonary hypertension should aim to restore sinus rhythm. This is clinically challenging in pulmonary hypertension patients with coexisting chronic lung disease, as there is controversy on the use of rhythm control agents; generally, in regard to either their pulmonary toxicity profile or the lack of evidence supporting their use. Rate control methods are largely focused on the use of beta blockers and calcium channel blockers. Concerns regarding their use involve their negative inotropic properties in cor pulmonale, the risk of bronchospasm associated with beta blockers, and the potential for ventilation/perfusion mismatching associated with calcium channel blockers. While digoxin has been associated with promising outcomes during acute right ventricular failure, there is limited evidence to suggest its routine use. Electrical cardioversion is associated with a high failure rate and it frequently requires multiple attempts. Radiofrequency catheter ablation is a more definitive approach, but concerns surrounding mechanical ventilation and sedation limit its applicability in decompensated pulmonary hypertension. Individual approaches are needed to address atrial arrhythmia management during acute episodes of respiratory failure.
A dark inheritance: blood, race and sex in colonial Jamaica / White Fury: a Jamaican slaveholder and the age of revolution

During the long eighteenth century, Jamaica was the crown jewel in the British imperial system. As the largest island in the British West Indies, it was the wealthiest colony, received the most Afr...
Heuristic Spike Sorting Tuner (HSST), a framework to determine optimal parameter selection for a generic spike sorting algorithm

Extracellular microelectrodes frequently record neural activity from more than one neuron in the vicinity of the electrode. The process of labeling each recorded spike waveform with the identity of its source neuron is called spike sorting and is often approached from an abstracted statistical perspective. However, these approaches do not consider neurophysiological realities and may ignore important features that could improve the accuracy of these methods. Further, standard algorithms typically require selection of at least one free parameter, which can have significant effects on the quality of the output. We describe a Heuristic Spike Sorting Tuner (HSST) that determines the optimal choice of the free parameters for a given spike sorting algorithm based on the neurophysiological qualification of unit isolation and signal discrimination. A set of heuristic metrics are used to score the output of a spike sorting algorithm over a range of free parameters resulting in optimal sorting quality. We demonstrate that these metrics can be used to tune parameters in several spike sorting algorithms. The HSST algorithm shows robustness to variations in signal to noise ratio, number and relative size of units per channel. Moreover, the HSST algorithm is computationally efficient, operates unsupervised, and is parallelizable for batch processing.
Emerging Translational Treatments to Target the Neural Networks of Binge Eating

It is an exciting time to study the neurobiological basis of binge-eating behavior, as innovative techniques to manipulate the brain are allowing for novel and more targeted treatment approaches to be evaluated. While some of these techniques are currently being tested in patients, others are at the stage of evaluation in animal models of binge eating. Animal models are useful because the interconnected brain networks that underlie binge eating are highly conserved across mammalian species. Discussed here are a brief and simplified take on three major systems of interconnected networks and their respective roles in binge-eating behavior: (1) metabolism and caloric homeostasis; (2) reward and motivation; and (3) cognitive control and decision-making. Also presented is a brief review of the types of innovative techniques to manipulate the brain that are currently available to translational neuroscientists. Finally, examples of their application in animal models and clinical populations are presented, with consideration of their translational potential.
Mönckeberg medial sclerosis.

A 59-year-old man presented to the emergency department with pain and ulceration of several fingers on the right hand. He reported no history of trauma. His medical history was significant for chronic kidney disease, coronary atherosclerosis, ischemic cardiomyopathy, and hypertension. He described