cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Team decision theory and brain-machine interfaces

In this paper we present a general-purpose design methodology for designing policies for interaction between the user and external device for brain-machine interface (BMI). In short, we interpret a BMI as a system comprising two agents (the user and the external device) cooperating to achieve a common goal. Because of the inherent uncertainty in (a) the user's intent, and (b) the noisy channel mapping desired commands to neural recordings, neither agent has a subset of the information of others. Nonetheless, we exploit recent research results to demonstrate how to design - for an arbitrary problem specification (e.g. cost function to minimize) - optimal policies that are easily implementable in BMIs across many modalities - including EEG and cortically controlled devices. The structural result we provide sheds light on the minimal amount of useful information that is required to provide perceptual feedback to the user.
Towards improved animal models of neonatal white matter injury associated with cerebral palsy

Newborn neurological injuries are the leading cause of intellectual and motor disabilities that are associated with cerebral palsy. Cerebral white matter injury is a common feature in hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), which affects full-term infants, and in periventricular leukomalacia (PVL), which affects preterm infants. This article discusses recent efforts to model neonatal white matter injury using mammalian systems. We emphasize that a comprehensive understanding of oligodendrocyte development and physiology is crucial for obtaining new insights into the pathobiology of HIE and PVL as well as for the generation of more sophisticated and faithful animal models.
Astacin Family Metallopeptidases and Serine Peptidase Inhibitors in Spider Digestive Fluid

Digestive fluid of the araneid spider Argiope aurantia is known to contain zinc metallopeptidases. Using anion-exchange chromatography, size-exclusion chromatography, sucrose density gradient centrifugation, and gel electrophoresis, we isolated two lower-molecular-mass peptidases, designated p16 and p18. The N-terminal amino acid sequences of p16 (37 residues) and p18 (20 residues) are 85% identical over the first 20 residues and are most similar to the N-terminal sequences of the fully active form of meprin (β subunits) from several vertebrates (47–52% and 50–60% identical, respectively). Meprin is a peptidase in the astacin (M12A) subfamily of the astacin (M12) family. Additionally, a 66-residue internal sequence obtained from p16 aligns with the conserved astacin subfamily domain. Thus, at least some spider digestive peptidases appear related to astacin of decapod crustaceans. However, important differences between spider and crustacean metallopeptidases with regard to isoelectric point and their susceptibility to hemolymph-borne inhibitors are demonstrated. Anomalous behavior of the lower-molecular-mass Argiope peptidases during certain fractionation procedures indicates that these peptidases may take part in reversible associations with each other or with other proteins. A. aurantia digestive fluid also contains inhibitory activity effective against insect digestive peptidases. Here we present evidence for at least thirteen, heat-stable serine peptidase inhibitors ranging in molecular mass from about 15 to 32 kDa.
Degeneracy, singularity and multiple solutions in geophysical inversion

SUMMARY The relationship between the parameters describing a geophysical experiment and the number of solutions to the inverse problem is explored. It is found that degenerate situations, such as an inherent symmetry in an experimental set up, can give rise to multiple or even an infinite number of solutions. Techniques are developed to determine the simplest multivariable polynomial which represents the essential properties of the misfit functional. From the polynomial, the stability of a given solution to an inverse problem may be evaluated. It is shown how to calculate additional terms necessary to represent all the possible perturbations of a given minima due to changes in the description of the geophysical experiment. These terms indicate the number and types of solutions to the inverse problem which result from such changes. An example, the earthquake location problem, is considered. For differering station configurations the nature of the solutions to the location problem behave dramatically different with respect to changes in station position.
Preclinical evaluations of therapies combining the vascular targeting agent combretastatin A-4 disodium phosphate and conventional anticancer therapies in the treatment of Kaposi's sarcoma.

The antitumor efficacy of the vascular targeting agent combretastatin A-4 disodium phosphate (CA4DP) was evaluated in a xenograft model of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) grown in athymic mice. Response to CA4DP alone or in combination with localized radiation treatment or systemic chemotherapy (cisplatin or vinblastine) was assessed using a clonogenic cell survival or tumor growth delay assay. Administering increasing doses of CA4DP to tumor-bearing mice resulted in a dose-dependent increase in tumor cell kill. CA4DP also enhanced the antitumor effects of radiation and chemotherapy ~ 10-100-fold. Although single doses of CA4DP as large as 300 mg/kg failed to alter tumor growth, the same total dose, administered as 3 fractions in 5 or 9 days, resulted in significant growth delay. Such repeated CA4DP exposures also significantly increased the response of KS xenografts to cisplatin. These findings suggest that CA4DP ought to be considered as a candidate agent for therapeutic evaluation in AIDS-KS patients.
ARTIFICIAL CAVITATION NUCLEI SIGNIFICANTLY ENHANCE ACOUSTICALLY INDUCED CELL TRANSFECTION

The efficiency of ultrasound-mediated gene transfection was enhanced three- to fourfold, compared to previous results, through the use of green fluorescent protein reporter gene, cultured immortalized human chondrocytes and artificial cavitation nuclei in the form of Albunex. Cells were exposed to 1.0-MHz ultrasound transmitted through the bottom of six-well culture plates containing immortalized chondrocytes, media, DNA at a concentration of 40 micrograms/mL and Albunex at 50 x 10(6) bubbles/mL. Transfection efficiency increased linearly with ultrasound exposure pressure with a transfection threshold observed at a spatial average peak positive pressure (SAPP) of 0.12 MPa and reaching about 50% of the living cells when exposed to 0.41 MPa SAPP for 20 s. Adding fresh Albunex at 50 x 10(6) bubbles/mL prior to sequential 1-s, 0.32- or 0.41-MPa exposures increased transfection with each exposure, reaching 43% transfection after four exposures. Efficient in vitro and in vivo transfection now appear possible with these enhancements.
Fine Mapping of Inhibitory Anti-factor V Antibodies Using Factor V C2 Domain Mutants Identification of Two Antigenic Epitopes Involved in Phospholipid Binding

Hemorrhagic factor V inhibitors frequently bind to the second C-type (C2) domain of factor V and interfere with phospholipid binding. To define specific residues recognized by inhibitors from four patients (one bovine thrombin-induced and three spontaneous antibodies), epitope mapping was performed using recombinant human factor V lacking most of the B-type domain (FV des B) and alanine-substituted mutants within the C2 domain (FV des B C2 mutants). FV des B C2 mutants located in the region between Lys2060 and Glu2069 were resistant to inhibition by three IgG preparations including the bovine thrombin-induced antibody in both prothrombinase and phospholipid-binding assays. In contrast, mutations at Lys2087 and Lys2092/Glu2096 were significantly resistant to inhibition by the fourth IgG preparation in both prothrombinase and phospholipid-binding assays. These results confirm interference of phospholipid binding by hemorrhagic factor V inhibitors and support the role(s) of these residues in phospholipid binding.
Emergence of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci in Australia: Phenotypic and Genotypic Characteristics of Isolates

Enterococci with resistance to glycopeptides have recently emerged in Australia. We developed multiplex PCR assays for vanA, vanB, vanC1, and vanC2 or vanC3 in order to examine the genetic basis for vancomycin resistance in Australian isolates of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium and E. faecalis (VRE). The predominant genotype from human clinical E. faecium isolates was vanB. The PCR van genotype was consistent with the resistance phenotype in all but six cases. One vanA E. faecalis isolate had a VanB phenotype, one vanB E. faecium isolate had a VanA phenotype, and four E. faecalis isolates were consistently negative for vanA, vanB, vanC1, and vanC2 or vanC3, even though they exhibited a VanB phenotype. These four isolates were subsequently examined for the presence of vanD by published methods and were found to be negative. No vancomycin-susceptible strains produced a PCR product. On the basis of our findings the epidemiology of VRE in Australia appears to be different from that in either the United States or Europe. Our multiplex PCR assays gave a rapid and accurate method for determining the genotype and confirming the identification of glycopeptide-resistant enterococci. Rapid and accurate methods are essential, because laboratory-based surveillance is critical in programs for the detection, control, and prevention of the transmission of glycopeptide-resistant enterococci.
Insulin-like growth factor binding protein 2 is a growth inhibitory protein conserved in zebrafish

Fish serum contains several specific binding proteins for insulin-like growth factors (IGFBPs). The structure and physiological function of these fish IGFBPs are unknown. Here we report the complete primary sequence of a zebrafish IGFBP deduced from cDNA clones isolated by library screening and rapid amplification of cDNA ends. The full-length 1,757-bp cDNA encodes a protein of 276 aa, which contains a putative 22-residue signal peptide and a 254-residue mature protein. The mature zebrafish IGFBP has a predicted molecular size of 28,440 Da and shows high sequence identity with human IGFBP-2 (52%). The sequence identities with other human IGFBPs are <37%. Chinese hamster ovary cells stably transfected with the zebrafish IGFBP-2 cDNA secreted a 31-kDa protein, which bound to IGF-I and IGF-II with high affinity, but did not bind to Des(1–3)IGF-I or insulin. Northern blot analyses revealed that the zebrafish IGFBP-2 transcript is a 1.8-kb band expressed in many embryonic and adult tissues. In adult zebrafish, IGFBP-2 mRNA levels were greatly reduced by growth hormone treatment but increased by prolonged fasting. When overexpressed or added to cultured zebrafish and mammalian cells, the zebrafish IGFBP-2 significantly inhibited IGF-I-stimulated cell proliferation and DNA synthesis. These results indicate that zebrafish IGFBP-2 is a negative growth regulator acting downstream in the growth hormone-IGF-I axis.
Scaling Approach in Solving Problems of Complex Viscoelastic Flows with Multi-Mode Constitutive Models of Differential Type

Publisher Summary For multi-mode constitutive equations (CEs), modal independence immediately results in a scaling theorem, which in cases with known flow histories, reduces the solution of any 3D unsteady and nonisothermal problem to the computations for a single Maxwell mode. Although it is easy to extend the scaling theorem for the compressible case, for simplicity, only the incompressible version is considered in the chapter. The general unified formulation for multi-mode approaches is discussed. Some similarity assumptions are made which make it possible to prove the scaling theorem. There are two examples –– start-up simple shear flows and scaling in computations of complex flows––that illustrate the use of the scaling approach for reducing computations for complex viscoelastic flows. The chapter proves the scaling theorem for very broad formulations of multimode CEs of Maxwell type. However, the very existence and stability of solutions of the CEs will highly depend on such fundamental properties as the thermodynamic consistency and stability of CEs.
The Exchange Value Of The Dollar And The U.S. Trade Balance: A Partial Equilibrium Empirical Investigation

The recent depreciation of the dollar against major currencies of the world, notably the euro, has kindled discussion on the causes of this phenomenon and the possible outcomes should it continue. Many politicians blame the rising U.S. current account deficit and some economists have questioned the sustainability of the current account deficit. This paper examines the relationship between the U.S. current account balance, the net U.S. international investment position, and the exchange value of the dollar. Our results show that there is a relationship between the exchange value of the dollar and the current account balance. However, our results do not show that the current account balance is solely responsible for changes in the exchange value of the dollar. This is not surprising given the many influences currently under investigation as possible explanations for the recent behavior of the dollar.
CEO DUALITY – AN EXPLORATIVE STUDY

Corporate governance focus on a major issue to analyse whether the Chief Executive Officer of a firm should serve as board chairman is a debatable argument put forward in the changing world. In the wake of economic chaos globally with high-profile collapses of a number of large corporations in the recent years, has forced organisations to alter the composition of their corporate governance. The increase of pressure on corporate boards from enforcement agencies, as well as shareholders, challenges organisations to adopt new strategies and relook into their organisational structure. This article will look at literatures on various arguments put forward on the pros and cons of the CEO duality and its impact on firm effectiveness and performance. An analysis of theories of CG which includes Agency and Stewardship theories will be look into to have a clear picture on whether duality leads to firm effective performances or hinder performance. From the analysis, it can be concluded that there is no right or wrong board structure but generally shareholders and stakeholders are more inclined towards separation of the roles to promote independence and transparency. Although duality or separation may not have any direct linkage to firm performance, separation model promotes a healthier balance to the overall corporate governance of an organisation. A further research will be carried to look at the composition of the board in emerging corporations in gulf countries.
Lipid Messengers and Prostaglandin Endoperoxide Synthase-2 in Neuronal Cell Death

This chapter discusses the significance of platelet-activating factor (PAF) in synaptic function and neuronal gene expression as they relate to cerebral ischemia. PAF is a very potent and short-lived lipid messenger. It is known to have a wide range of actions: as a mediator of inflammatory and immune responses, as a second messenger, and as a potent inducer of gene expression in neural systems. Thus, in addition to its acute roles, PAF can potentially mediate longer term effects on cellular physiology and brain functions. PAF enhances glutamate release in synaptically paired rat hippocampal neurons in culture. The PAF analog methylcarbamyl (mc-PAF) increases excitatory synaptic responses. The inhibitory neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid is unaffected by mc-PAF under these conditions. The presynaptic PAF receptor antagonist BN 52021 blocks the mc-PAF-enhanced glutamate release. In addition, mc-PAF increases presynaptic glutamate release, because it does not augment the effects of exogenously added glutamate, and it evokes spontaneous synaptic responses characteristic of enhanced neurotransmitter release. Therefore, as a modulator of glutamate release, PAF participates in long-term potentiation, synaptic plasticity, and memory formation.
Stable Identification Schemes

Publisher Summary System characterization and system identification play a central role in systems theory and the past two decades have witnessed considerable research activity in these areas. System characterization is concerned with setting up mathematical models for different classes of systems, and the aim of system identification is the determination of the characteristics of a specific model, which approximates the given system in some sense. At the present time, many formulations of the identification problem exist and numerous techniques have also been developed to estimate system parameters. This chapter describes a general identification procedure using a model reference approach developed in recent years. It deals specifically with model reference adaptive systems using Lyapunov's direct method. In this approach, a model of the plant to be identified is assumed to be available, and both model and plant have the same input u(t). The model parameters are continuously adjusted as functions of the error between the plant and model output and other accessible signals in the system. The basic philosophy of the approach is to determine the adaptive laws for adjusting the model parameters so that the stability of the overall system is assured from the outset.
Modal Verbs in the Common Ground: Discriminating Among Actual and Nonactual Uses of Could and Would for Improved Text Interpretation

Modal verbs occur in contexts which convey information about non-actual states of affairs as well as in contexts which convey information about the actual world of the discourse. Modeling the semantic interpretation of non-actual states of affairs is notoriously complicated, sometimes requiring modal logic, belief revision, non-monotonic reasoning, and multi-agent autoepistemic models. This work presents linguistic features which disambiguate those instances of the past tense modal verbs `could’ and `would’ which occur in contexts where the proposition in the scope of the modal is not true in the actual world of the discourse from those instances which presuppose or entail that an event in their scope occurred in the actual world of the discourse. It also illustrates the complexity of the role of modal verbs in semantic interpretation and, consequently, the limitations of state of the art inference systems with respect to modal verbs. The features suggested for improving modal verb interpretation are based on the analysis of corpus data and insights from the linguistic literature.
Konstante der potentiellen Energie und mittlere Schwingungsamplituden in einigen XY4-Molekülen und-Ionen tetraedrischer Symmetrie

Mit Hilfe der gruppentheoretischen Methode vonWilson wurden die Konstanten der potentiellen Energie fur die Tetramethylverbindungen und-ionen der Elemente der 4. und 5. Gruppe, besonders des C, Si, Ge, Sn, Pb, N, As und Sb, sowie auch der Aluminat- und Zinkat-Ionen unter Verwendung eines Valenzkraftfeldes mit 5 Konstanten berechnet. Auf der Grundlage der vonCyvin postulierten Symmetriekoordinaten wurden die Grosen der mittleren Amplitudenquadrate und die mittleren Schwingungsamplituden fur gebundene und nicht-gebundene Atompaare bei den Temperaturen 298° K und 500° K berechnet. Der geringfugige Einflus der Schwingungen der Methyl- und Hydroxylgruppen auf die Gerustschwingungen wurde vernachlassigt, jedoch die nicht-diagonalen Elemente bei der Losung der Sakulargleichungen in Betracht gezogen.
Which Automobiles Will be Here Tomorrow

New brands of automobiles are being introduced today at a faster rate than at any time in the last quarter century.The automobile market is an attractive one in terms of dollars and units, but whic...
A Comparison of Fish Oil Sources for Parenteral Lipid Emulsions in a Murine Model.

Background: Fat emulsions are important components of parenteral nutrition (PN). Fish oil (FO) emulsions reverse cholestasis in PN-associated liver disease. There are 2 FO monographs. One is “FO; rich in omega-3 fatty acids” (NFO). The other, “omega-3 acids,” (PFO), is enriched in omega-3 fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of 20% NFO and PFO emulsions produced in the laboratory in a murine model. Methods: Emulsions were compounded containing different oils: soybean oil (SO), NFO, and two PFOs differing in percentage of fatty acids as triglycerides (PFO66 and PFO90). Chow-fed mice received saline, one of the above emulsions, or a commercial FO (OM) intravenously (2.4 g/kg/day) for 19 days. On day 19, animals were euthanized. Livers, spleens, and lungs were procured for histologic analysis. Results: OM, SO, NFO, and PFO90 were well-tolerated clinically. PFO66 resulted in tachypnea and lethargy for ~1 minut...
A survey of Culicoides midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) associated with cattle operations in Florida, USA.

Species composition and seasonal prevalence of Culicoides spp. associated with cattle at 5 sites in peninsular Florida, USA, were studied from April 1980 to April 1982. Based on light-trap data, C. insignis was the most common species occurring at Orange Lake, Ona, and Belle Glade, while C. variipennis was the predominant species at the site near Bell and also at Brooksville. Seasonal peaks of C. variipennis populations occurred in the spring and early summer, while C. insignis populations reached maximum levels in late summer and fall. During the 2-year study, 115,916 specimens representing 23 species were identified from the 5 peninsular sites. The fewest Culicoides species (6) were taken at Belle Glade and the most (17) were taken at Orange Lake.
Input-output analysis of high-speed axisymmetric isothermal jet noise

We use input-output analysis to predict and understand the aeroacoustics of high-speed isothermal turbulent jets. We consider axisymmetric linear perturbations about Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes solutions of ideally expanded turbulent jets with jet Mach numbers 0.6 < Mj < 1.8. For each base flow, we compute the optimal harmonic forcing function and the corresponding linear response using singular value decomposition of the resolvent operator. In addition to the optimal mode, input-output analysis also yields sub-optimal modes associated with smaller singular values. For supersonic jets, the optimal response closely resembles a wavepacket in both the near-field and the far-field such as those obtained by the parabolized stability equations (PSE), and this mode dominates the response. For subsonic jets, however, the singular values indicate that the contributions of sub-optimal modes to noise generation are nearly equal to that of the optimal mode, explaining why the PSE do not fully capture the far-fiel...
Foam sclerosing combined with high ligation of the great saphenous vein in the treatment of lower extremity varicosis

Objective To explore an effective operation for treatment for varicose vein of lower extremities.Methods According to the treatment methods that 135 patients with varices of lower extremity were divided into two groups: 73 Cases were treated by foam sclerotherapy combined with high ligation of the great saphenous vein that was defined as observation group, high ligation was accepted by 62 patients that was defined as control group.Results(1)The operating time was[(31.5±4.2)min vs(95.7±17.9)min],intraoperative blood loss was [(27.4±5.7)ml vs(75.2±10.6)ml],after operation VAS pain score was [(2.1±0.3)score vs(4.7±0.7)score],times of out-of-bed activity was [(1.1±0.3)d vs(2.7±0.5)d]and total time hospitalization was [(2.5±0.4)d vs(6.7±1.3)d] in observation group were lower than those of control group(P 0.05).(2)The rate of post-operative complications was not different between the two groups(6.85% vs 8.06%,P 0.05). Conclusion Foam sclerosing combined with high ligation of the great saphenous vein in the treatment of lower extremity varicosis has the following advantages:simple operation,little injury,little pain sufferings and a quick recovery,and it deserves application and popularization.
Is Evaluation of the Right Colon Necessary Prior to Cecocystoplasty

AbstractUse of the ileocecal bowel segment in urological surgery has become more widespread. Thorough preoperative evaluation of the bowel is seldom performed. A case is presented in which the intraoperative finding of numerous cecal polyps led to abortion of a planned cecocystoplasty. The literature on fecal occult blood testing and screening methods for colorectal neoplasia was reviewed. Patients are classified into 2 categories, average risk and high risk, according to the relative risk for colorectal neoplasia. The data suggest that the fecal occult blood test, if properly performed, is an adequate screening tool for average risk patients. However, because of the high rate of false negative results this test is inadequate for evaluation of high risk patients. It is recommended that such patients should undergo preoperative screening colonoscopy regardless of the fecal occult blood test result.
Esophageal capsule endoscopy is not the optimal technique to determine the need for primary prophylaxis in patients with cirrhosis.

INTRODUCTION Capsule endoscopy has been suggested as a potential alternative to endoscopy for detection of esophagogastric varices and severe portal hypertensive gastropathy (PHG). The aim of the study was to determine whether PillCam esophageal capsule endoscopy could replace endoscopy for screening purposes. MATERIAL AND METHODS Sixty-two patients with cirrhosis with no previous variceal bleeding had PillCam capsule endoscopy and video endoscopy performed on the same day. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values (PPV, NPV) of capsule endoscopy were compared to endoscopy for the presence and severity of esophageal and gastric varices, PHG and the need for primary prophylaxis. Patients' preference was assessed by a questionnaire. RESULTS Four (6%) patients were unable to swallow the capsule. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of capsule endoscopy for detecting any esophageal varices (92%, 50%, 92%, 50%), large varices (55%, 91%, 75%, 80%), variceal red signs (58%, 87%, 69%, 80%), PHG (95%, 50%, 95%, 50%), and the need for primary prophylaxis (91%, 57%, 78%, 80%) were not optimal, with only moderate agreement (κ) between capsule and upper GI endoscopy. Had only a capsule endoscopy been performed, 12 (21.4%) patients would have received inappropriate treatment. Capsule endoscopy also failed to detect (0/13) gastric varices. The majority of patients ranked capsule endoscopy as more convenient (69%) and their preferred (61%) method. CONCLUSIONS Despite the preference expressed by patients for capsule endoscopy, we believe that upper GI endoscopy should remain the preferred screening method for primary prophylaxis.
The Role of Watchful Waiting In The Management of Localized Prostate Cancer

The management of localized prostate cancer remains controversial. Watchful waiting or conservative management is frequently criticized as a poor option for this disease. However, studies have shown that a high percentage of men are free of metastases at 10 years provided they have well or moderately differentiated prostate cancer. Watchful waiting, like radiation or radical prostatectomy, has a set of advantages and disadvantages that must be compared by each patient when choosing therapy. The best approach may be to have patients select a therapy after being well informed of the outcome for each option. Watchful waiting is a valid option for all men regardless of age or health status. However, radical prostatectomy still offers the best opportunity to cure the disease.
The Clinical Uses of Punishment

Psychologists, including clinical psychologists, have traditionally felt that the use of punishment should be discouraged. This opinion was fostered on the basis of three professional beliefs about punishment. In the first place, punishment was thought to have only a temporary suppressive effect on behavior and could thus be considered of little use to parents or therapists who wished to make a lasting impact. Second, punishment was thought to provide a model for future aggressive behavior by the recipient. Finally, as detailed later in this chapter, punishment was regarded as the source of many problems brought to the clinician, including (according to some theoretical accounts) stuttering, impulsive behavior, and even schizophrenia.
Myth and mediation in the Attis poem of Catullus

Il y a plus affairs a interpreter les interpretations qu'a interpreter les choses.MontaigneThe ninety-three line galliambic narrative of the story of Attis and his encounter with Cybele occupies an important position in the oeuvre of Catullus, yet it has received relatively little attention from Catullan scholars and critics. One reason for this inattention may be traced to the fact that Poem 63, one of the carmina maiora, seems to contain little or no biographical information; thus it has been passed over by critics and scholars of the biographical persuasion and by those who tend in that direction, in favor of the shorter poems which are more closely connected to Catullus' personal life and experience. The old but tenacious belief in the ‘spontaneous Catullus’ has also served to divert attention from the carmina maiora as a group, since these poems are such obvious products of a doctus poeta writing in the neoteric and Alexandrian fashion. Critics like Elder and Quinn have done well to demonstrate that the so-called ‘spontaneous’ poems are often full of the same carefully calculated artistic effects and subtle doctrina which characterize the long poems, and such efforts have led to renewed consideration of the carmina maiora, especially of Poem 64. Moreover, the demonstration of stylistic connections between the long poems and the rest of the Catullan oeuvre has provided the impetus for Ross's recent study, which argues that there are closer links between the carmina maiora and the polymetrics than between the polymetrics and the epigrams which make up the last part of the liber Catulli. Despite all this, however, I would maintain that serious critical discussion of Poem 63 still lags behind some of the work being done on other poems of Catullus, that consideration of the Attis is still hampered by its distance from the poet's ‘experience’ or by misguided and forced attempts to make it somehow connect with that experience.
Important role of physicians in addressing psychological aspects of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS): a qualitative analysis.

Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) is a poorly understood source of chronic pain causing significant morbidity, with variable treatment success. Despite the need to understand patient perspectives in chronic pain, there is a paucity of qualitative data for IC/BPS. We aimed to acquire information regarding patient experience with IC/BPS symptoms and with their medical care to elicit suggestions to improve patient satisfaction with that care. Fifteen women with IC/PBS participated in a total of four focus groups. Sessions were recorded and transcribed and information deidentified. Focus groups were conducted until thematic saturation was reached. All transcripts were coded and analyzed by a minimum of three independent physician reviewers. Investigators identified emergent themes and concepts using grounded-theory methodology. Participant’s mean age was 52.6 years, with an average IC/BPS duration of 6.3 years. Thematic saturation was reached after four focus groups. We identified three emergent patient experience concepts: IC/PBS is debilitating, the disease course is unpredictable and unrelenting, and patients experience significant isolation. Importantly, suicidal ideation was expressed in each group. Patients voiced strong preference for physicians who provided education regarding the condition, an array of treatment options, organized treatment plans, and optimism and hope regarding treatment outcomes. Our study presents novel findings of the importance of patient–physician interaction in IC/BPS and reinforces the tremendous disability and burden of this disease, which frequently manifests in suicidal ideation. Patients preferred organized treatment plans with diverse choices and providers who offered hope in dealing with their condition.
Learning from Tragedy: Student Affairs Leadership Following College Campus Disasters

The phenomenological study illuminated the lived experience of senior-level student affairs administrators who encountered high-profile crises, such as natural disasters, intentional violence, or accidents. In the midst of unimaginable tragedy, their lived experience was defined by: uncertainty and fear, heightened awareness, personal impact, and incidental learning. As the community emerged from tragedy, leaders viewed their ultimate responsibility as creating healing environments and helping others move forward in a meaningful manner.
Spontaneous destructive periodontitis and skeletal bone damage in transgenic mice carrying a human shared epitope-coding HLA-DRB1 allele.

Objective Shared epitope (SE)-coding DRB1 alleles are associated with bone erosion in several diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and periodontal disease (PD), but the underlying mechanism is unknown. We have recently identified the SE as an osteoclast-activating ligand. To better understand the biological effects of the SE in vivo, here we sought to determine whether it can facilitate spontaneous bone damage in naive mice. Methods 3-month old naive transgenic mice that carry the human SE-coding allele DRB1*04:01 , or a SE-negative allele DRB1*04:02 were studied . Bone tissues were analysed by micro-CT, and the tooth-supporting tissues were studied by histology, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. Serum biomarkers were determined by ELISA. Results Transgenic mice expressing the SE-coding DRB1*04: 01 allele, but not mice carrying the SE-negative allele DRB1*04:02 , showed spontaneous PD associated with interleukin (IL)-17 overabundance and periostin disruption. Mandibular bone volumetric and mineralisation parameters were significantly lower in SE-positive mice, and alveolar bone resorption was significantly increased in these mice. SE-positive mice also had more slender tibiae, and their marrow, cortical and total areas were lower than those of SE-negative mice. Additionally, significantly increased serum IL-17, tumour necrosis factor-α and osteoprotegrin levels were found in SE-positive mice, while their receptor activator of nuclear factor κ-B ligand levels were significantly lower. Conclusions A human SE-coding allele increases the propensity to spontaneous bone-destructive periodontal inflammation and skeletal bone damage in transgenic mice. These findings provide new insights into the previously documented but poorly understood association of the SE with accelerated bone erosion in RA and several other human diseases.
Risk management of a high pressured test cartridge using sensitivity testing

Using a static Sensitivity Test approach, and analyzing the collected data using Binary and Ordinal Logistic Regression, the risk of potentially falsely inducing weapon damage, either in a latent or fully realized manner, was effectively managed and mitigated while simultaneously providing the Army with a more adequate proof cartridge for 5.56mm weapons including the M4 carbine, M16 rifle, and M249 Squad Automatic Weapon. By incorporating error propagation through Monte Carlo simulation, robust tolerances were derived using the Binary Logistic Regression model to estimate the pressure value which corresponded to a target probability of encountering a critical defect threshold of 0.000001, or 1 in a million.
Women’s Introduction to Alternative Sexual Behaviors through Erotica and Its Association with Sexual and Relationship Satisfaction

Women’s interests in bondage, discipline, dominance/submission, and sadism/masochism (BDSM) behaviors are one of the most poorly understood research topics, even though erotica novels—typically read by women—are increasingly including these activities. The present study explored potential links between women’s engagement in BDSM behaviors, consumption of erotica literature, relationship communication and satisfaction, and overall well-being using a multi-study approach. Results from three exploratory studies using multiple methodologies revealed a positive association between erotica, BDSM behaviors, and physical satisfaction, but brought attention to the relatively little information available for women who are interested in practicing alternative sexual behaviors. Practical suggestions for social scientists and mental health professionals are provided.
Influence of Substance Use Disorders on 2-Year HIV Care Retention in the United States.

Substance use disorders (SUDs) are thought to predict care discontinuity, though magnitude and substance-specific variance of effects are unclear. This report of analytic work undertaken with a multi-regional American cohort of 9153 care enrollees addresses these gaps. Care retention was computed from 24-month post-linkage clinic visit documentation, with SUD cases identified from patient-report screening instruments. Two generalized estimating equations tested binary and hierarchial SUD predictors of retention, and potential effect modification by patient age-group, sex, and care site. Findings demonstrate: (1) detrimental SUD effect, equivalent to a nine percentage-point decrease in retention, with independent effects of age-group and care site; (2) substance-specific effect of marijuana UD associated with lower retention; and (3) age-modification of each effect on care discontinuity, with SUDs serving as a risk factor among 18–29 year-olds and protective factor among 60+ year-olds. Collective findings document patient attributes as influences that place particular subgroups at-risk to discontinue care.
Ocean carbonate system computation for anoxic waters using an updated CO2SYS program

Abstract In anoxic/hypoxic waters, the presence of hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) and ammonia (NH 3 ) influences results of the computation of parameters in the ocean carbonate system. To evaluate their influences, H 2 S and NH 3 contributions to total alkalinity are added to CO2SYS, which is a most often used publicly available software package that calculates oceanic carbonate parameters. We discuss how these two metabolites affect the carbonate parameters and compare the differences in total alkalinity, dissolved inorganic carbon, pH, f CO 2 , and aragonite saturation state between the CO2SYS packages with and without considering the acid-base systems of H 2 S and NH 3 . The results show that, without considering these two acid-base systems, even low to moderate concentrations (e.g., 2–20 μmol kg −1 ) of these metabolites cause errors in the calculated carbonate parameters larger than the accuracies of the best measurements, and thus it is important to include contributions from these metabolites. The outputs from this updated version of CO2SYS agree well with outputs from AquaEnv, which is the only other computation program for the ocean carbonate system that includes the acid-base systems of H 2 S and NH 3 . Users are encouraged to use the updated version of CO2SYS to calculate carbonate parameters in anoxic/hypoxic waters.
Exploring the potential use of building facade information to estimate energy performance

Abstract In spite of prolific research on the energy performance of buildings in the last decades, and the growing focus on reducing their operational energy, buildings still prevail as the main end users of energy in the U.S. The goal of this research is to investigate the potential use of building facade information to estimate its energy performance, and to find significant facade attributes depending on different climate conditions in the U.S. This study adopted Energy Use Intensity (EUI) for total consumption and described building information, including window-wall ratio, orientation, aspect ratio, and other building components. Concentration was given to achieve a balanced data collection from best practices and green certified non-residential projects located in different climate conditions in the U.S. Data mining techniques, such as classification tree and statistical tools that included Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), a 2-sample t -test, and regression, were adopted for analysis of this group of buildings. It was found that there were common functional and technical features, as well as similar performances of existing buildings linked to these buildings’ energy consumption. These findings could not only inform the new design of facades, but facade retrofits could be strategically established based on lessons learned from real practice.
About the relationships among variables observed in the real world

Abstract Since a stationary chaotic system is determined by nonlinear equations connecting its components, the appurtenance of two variables to such a system has been considered a sign of nontrivial relationships between them including also other quantities. These relationships could remain hidden for the approach usually employed in the research analyses, which is based on the extent of the correlation that characterises the dependence of one variable on the other. The appurtenance to the same system can be hypothesized if the topological features of the attractors reconstructed from two time series representing the evolution of the corresponding variables are close to each other. However, the possibility that both attractors represent different systems with similar behaviour cannot be excluded. For that reason, an approach allowing the reconstruction of the attractor by using jointly two time series was proposed and the conclusion about the common origin of the variables under study can be made if this attractor is topologically similar to those built separately from the two time series. In the present study, the features of the attractors were presented by the correlation dimension and the largest Lyapunov exponent and the proposed algorithm has been tested on numerically generated sequences obtained from various maps. It is believed that this approach could be used to reveal connections among the variables observed in experiments or field measurements.
Implementing the Bereaved Family Survey for an advanced cancer population.

76Background: Despite being endorsed as a National Quality Forum measure, the Bereaved Family Survey (BFS), a tool to assess a patient’s end-of-life (EOL) experience, has not been broadly used outside the Veteran’s Affairs Health System or in the outpatient setting. We adapted the BFS for an advanced cancer population and implemented it at an academic health system to identify areas for quality improvement in EOL care. Methods: Between August 2016 and May 2017, we surveyed caregivers of advanced cancer decedents. We included English-speaking decedents > 18 years of age who were continuity patients of a health system oncologist and had documentation of metastatic disease in either problem list, oncology notes, or advanced imaging. Death was verified in the chart or by obituary found via internet search. Caregivers surveyed were the appointed healthcare agent in an advance directive or the first listed contact. Scoring was done via the top-box approach. Surveys were mailed 3 months after death with a follow...
Bacillary Epithelioid Angiomatosis Involving the Liver, Spleen, and Skin in an AIDS Patient with Concurrent Kaposi’s Sarcoma

The simultaneous findings of bacillary epithelioid angiomatosis and Kaposi's sarcoma of the skin with visceral hepatosplenic bacillary epithelioid angiomatosis is reported in a patient with acquired immune deficiency syndrome. Liver biopsy showed periportal peliotic spindle cell foci that initially were misinterpreted as Kaposi's sarcoma. After antibiotic therapy induced rapid clinical improvement, repeated liver biopsy showed resolution of the previously noted lesions. Although the violaceous skin lesions all appeared similar clinically, some resolved completely and some progressed. One of the latter was biopsied and had the histologic features of Kaposi's sarcoma. The differential diagnosis is discussed.
Are Post-Acute Patients with Behavioral Health Disorders Admitted to Lower-Quality Nursing Homes?

Objectives We measured the proportion of new post-acute nursing home admissions with behavioral health diagnoses and examined whether patients with these disorders (schizophrenia/psychosis, bipolar, depression/anxiety, personality disorder, and substance abuse) faced disparities in access to high quality facilities. Setting/Participants The analytical sample included 3,729,282 admissions to 15,600 facilities nationwide for 2012–2014. Measurement Quality was measured for overall and staffing domains reported by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in the Five-Star Quality Rating System. Multinomial logistic regression models were used. The base model included the diagnostic groups of interest and state dummies. Patient sociodemographics, functional and cognitive status, and comorbid conditions were sequentially added to the base model to determine the independent effect of having a behavioral health diagnosis at admission. Results Patients with these conditions experienced disparities accessing to high-quality homes compared to patients without. For example, patients with depression/anxiety had lower access to five-star homes, for the staffing quality domain (Model 3 ORs=0.88, 0.93, 0.92 in years 1 through 3, respectively) compared to patients with no behavioral health diagnosis. Access disparities were faced not only by patients with serious mental illness, as previously demonstrated, but also patients with substance abuse and with depression/anxiety who account for one-third of all new admissions. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate persistence of disparities in access to high quality facilities over time and for patients with a broad range of behavioral health conditions. Further research is needed to understand the impact of these disparities on outcomes of patients with behavioral disorders.
Accelerating band gap prediction for solar materials using feature selection and regression techniques

Abstract We present a novel approach to apply machine learning techniques to build a more robust prediction model for band-gap energies (BG-E) of chalcopyrites, a class of materials for energy applications in the fields of solar energy, photocatalysis, and thermoelectrics. Guided by knowledge from domain experts and by previous works on the field, we aim to accelerate the discovery of new solar materials. Our objectives are two folds: (i) Identify the optimal set of features that best describes a given predicted variable. (ii) Boost prediction accuracy via applying various regression algorithms. Ordinary Least Square, Partial Least Square and Lasso regressions, combined with well adjusted feature selection techniques are applied and tested to predict the band gap energy of chalcopyrites materials. Compared to the results reported in Zeng et al. (2002), Suh et al. (1999, 2004), and Dey et al. (2014), our approach shows that learning and using only a subset of relevant features can improve the prediction accuracy by about 40 % .