cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
He Runs, She Runs: Why Gender Stereotypes Do Not Harm Women Candidates by Deborah Jordan Brooks

The continued underrepresentation of American women in political office has led many scholars of gender and politics to search for the origins of this inequality. A number of studies and many media...
Oral rabies vaccine (ORV) bait uptake by captive striped skunks.

Aerial delivery of oral rabies vaccine (ORV) baits has proven effective in large-scale efforts to immunize wildlife against rabies, and in North America this strategy currently is being used to immunize foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus and Vulpes vulpes), raccoons (Procyon lotor), and coyotes (Canis latrans). Skunks are also a major reservoir and vector of rabies, but at present oral vaccines for use in skunks are not licensed. Furthermore, given differences in morphology (smaller jaws) and behavior (food handling and consumption), it is unknown if baits currently used in ORV campaigns would be effective for skunks. Because oral vaccine delivery is contingent upon puncture of the vaccine container (VC), baits need to be sufficiently attractive to elicit selection and consumption. Manipulation of the bait to facilitate vaccine ingestion by the target species is a critical element for an effective ORV bait. The objectives of this study were to assess manipulation and consumption of current ORV baits by striped skunk s( Mephitis mephitis). We conducted four independent trials with penned animals and various baits to assess bait selection frequency, VC puncture frequency, and consumption. Video recorded trials were used to assess attractiveness of baits and consumption behavior of skunks. Bait characteristics, such as texture, size, and flavor influenced selection and consumption. Fish and chicken flavors were preferred and vaccine containers within selected baits were likely to be punctured. Vaccine ingestion seemed more likely if VCs were directly coated with the bait matrix. To make baits attractive to skunks and to ensure puncture of the VC, modifications to current baits should consider a smaller size, a meat-flavored matrix, a slightly pressurized VC, and a direct coating of matrix on the VC.
Diagnostic toxicology for the small animal practitioner

Arriving at a toxicologic diagnosis involves detective workand cooperation on the part of the owner, veterinary practitioner, and veterinary diagnostic toxicologist. Diagnoses are made when all pieces of the ‘‘puzzle’’ are evaluated and fit the clinical picture. Owners and veterinary clinicians provide valuable historical information on animal behavior, potential exposures, and clinical signs. Veterinary practitioners provide antemortem physical examination and laboratory findings and postmortem samples. The veterinary diagnostic toxicologist can determine the most appropriate analyses to perform and interpret results based on the information provided and samples submitted. Small animal toxicology cases are often emotionally charged and may have a litigious component. Situations can range from the common ‘‘my neighbor poisoned my dog’’ to the unexpected death of an apparently healthy animal after a routine procedure such as grooming. These cases require thorough investigation, including a necropsy done preferably by a board-certified pathologist at an accredited veterinary diagnostic laboratory with a toxicology section. The use of a veterinary diagnostic laboratory allows for a complete diagnostic workup so as to determine the cause of death of the animal whether by a toxicant or other agent (i.e., viral, bacterial, neoplastic, other). An alternative approach is for the practitioner to submit a tissue sample to a ‘‘testing’’ laboratory together with a request for a particular toxicologic test. This should provide a test result; however, the practitioner is less likely to receive assistance with the diagnostic approach or test interpretation [4]. Results are most meaningful when all Vet Clin Small Anim 32 (2002) 357–365
Ad hoc distributed simulation methodology for open queueing networks

Ad hoc distributed simulation is an approach to predicting future states of operational systems. It is based on embedding online simulations into a sensor network and adding communication and synchronization among the simulators. While prior work focused on this approach in the context of online management of transportation systems, this paper describes a generalization of the methodology and shows how it can be applied to embedded simulations of systems that can be modeled as open networks of queues. An implementation of an ad hoc queueing network simulation is described. The flows of units across links connecting nodes in different simulators are approximated by renewal processes whose parameters are updated dynamically. The synchronization mechanism uses random sampling to update flow rates across the ad hoc components. Preliminary results show that the ad hoc queueing network simulation can provide predictions comparable to sequential simulations.
The Determinants of Performance Plan Adoption

Executive compensation schemes are expected to reduce agency costs by aligning the interests of stockholders and managers. We attempt to determine the characteristics of companies that adopt long-term performance plans. Using a matched-pair design, we conduct a multivariate logit analysis that is weighted to take into account the choice-based nature of the sample. Our results suggest that performance plans may have been adopted to complement the inadequate compensation derived from stock options. In addition, we find that performance plans are more likely to be adopted by companies who have smaller investment opportunity sets and have older managers who are underinvesting in R&D expenditures.
The selective GABAB antagonist CGP-35348 blocks spike-wave bursts in the cholesterol synthesis rat absence epilepsy model

Slow IPSPs, which are believed to be involved in generation of the wave of spike-wave epileptiform discharges, are mediated by the GABAB receptor. We therefore examined the effect of the GABAB antagonist, Ciba Geigy Product, CGP-35348, in the cholesterol synthesis inhibitor model of absence epilepsy in rat. Rats received Ayerst-9944 (AY-9944), from 6-45 mg i.p. in the first few weeks of life. By 2 months after AY-9944 administration these rats exhibited recurrent spike-waves and behavioral arrests. In 10 such animals CGP-35348 was administered intraperitoneally in doses of 0 (vehicle), 10, 25 or 100 mg/kg. EEG recordings were obtained via previously implanted bone screws. Technologists blinded to treatment group counted spike-waves over a 4 h period post-injection. The average number of spike-wave burst seconds per 4 h of recording for all dosages and times was 52.4 +/- 81.4 (mean +/- S.D.) s. Mean burst times (seconds) were vehicle = 93.5 +/- 106.5; 10 mg/kg = 69.9 +/- 79.7; 25 mg/kg = 30.8 +/- 46.9; 100 mg/kg = 15.2 +/- 54, a mean 84% reduction at 100 mg/kg (ANOVA regression significant at 0.0001). Spike-waves were suppressed for at least 4 h after injection of CGP-35348. These findings supplement similar findings in other absence models, and support a potential role for GABAB antagonists in treatment of absence seizures.
Mechanistic insight into prolonged electromechanical delay in dyssynchronous heart failure: a computational study.

In addition to the left bundle branch block type of electrical activation, there are further remodeling aspects associated with dyssynchronous heart failure (HF) that affect the electromechanical behavior of the heart. Among the most important are altered ventricular structure (both geometry and fiber/sheet orientation), abnormal Ca2+ handling, slowed conduction, and reduced wall stiffness. In dyssynchronous HF, the electromechanical delay (EMD), the time interval between local myocyte depolarization and myofiber shortening onset, is prolonged. However, the contributions of the four major HF remodeling aspects in extending EMD in the dyssynchronous failing heart remain unknown. The goal of this study was to determine the individual and combined contributions of HF-induced remodeling aspects to EMD prolongation. We used MRI-based models of dyssynchronous nonfailing and HF canine electromechanics and constructed additional models in which varying combinations of the four remodeling aspects were represented. A left bundle branch block electrical activation sequence was simulated in all models. The simulation results revealed that deranged Ca2+ handling is the primary culprit in extending EMD in dyssynchronous HF, with the other aspects of remodeling contributing insignificantly. Mechanistically, we found that abnormal Ca2+ handling in dyssynchronous HF slows myofiber shortening velocity at the early-activated septum and depresses both myofiber shortening and stretch rate at the late-activated lateral wall. These changes in myofiber dynamics delay the onset of myofiber shortening, thus giving rise to prolonged EMD in dyssynchronous HF.
Nonpulmonary manifestations of cytomegalovirus infection in immunocompromised patients

Nonpulmonary manifestations of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in immunocompromised patients include chorioretinitis, gastrointestinal infection, and central nervous system disease. Diagnosis of end organ disease, especially in the gastrointestinal tract, is best substantiated by histologic evidence of CMV inclusions. Positive cultures of CMV provide evidence for supporting infection but do not define actual end organ disease. Satisfactory treatment of the disease can be accomplished with ganciclovir or foscarnet, although these agents only suppress virus replication. In many instances, severe CMV-induced end organ disease in immunocompromised patients will progress despite treatment. In some instances, resistance to the antiviral agent is the basis for drug failure. Patients at high risk for CMV disease can be identified, and studies of prophylaxis are in progress. Images
Ophthalmic manifestations of Danon disease.

Purpose To describe the ophthalmic findings in patients with Danon disease, an X-linked condition causing cardiomyopathy in males and females. Design Retrospective case series. Participants Patients with genetically proven Danon disease. Methods Retrospective chart review of complete eye examinations including electroretinogram, visual fields, and fluorescein angiography. Results Five females (4 affected) and 2 affected males were examined. The 4 affected females demonstrated a peripheral pigmentary retinopathy. Lens changes, myopia, abnormal electroretinogram and visual fields were also found. The males demonstrated a near-complete loss of pigment in the retinal pigment epithelium. Conclusion We report the first description of a characteristic retinopathy in patients with Danon disease and the first extracardiac manifestations in affected females. Retinopathy potentially could be used to identify asymptomatic carriers.
Intraocular pressure control and complications with two-stage insertion of the Baerveldt implant.

Abstract Purpose To evaluate intraocular pressure (IOP) control and the prevalence of complications associated with the two-stage insertion of the Baerveldt implant. Design Retrospective, noncomparative, interventional case series. Methods We reviewed the medical records of all patients who underwent the two-stage Baerveldt implantation for advanced glaucoma between January 1995 and November 1998 at the Doheny Eye Institute, Los Angeles, California. All eyes with a minimum of 6 months of follow-up were included in the study. Eyes that failed before 6 months after stage II were also included in the study. Main outcome measures The criterion for surgical success was postoperative IOP of 6 mmHg or more and 21 mmHg or less on two or more consecutive measurements with or without the use of glaucoma medications and without loss of light perception or further surgical intervention to lower IOP. Results Nineteen eyes from 19 patients were included. Median postoperative follow-up was 17 months (range, 3–56 months). The cumulative probability of success was 89% at both 12 and 24 months. The median preoperative IOP of 21 mmHg (range, 12–33 mmHg) was reduced to a median postoperative IOP of 12 mmHg (range, 1–17 mmHg; P P Conclusions The two-stage insertion of the Baerveldt implant effectively reduced IOP, produced few complications, and preserved visual acuity in more than two thirds of eyes with advanced glaucomatous damage.
Constitution-making and institutional design. The transformations of presidentialism in Argentina

This paper presents an analytical framework for the study of constitutional design from the point of view of the structure of interaction and mechanisms of institutional selection that affect the behavior and choices of the actors involved in a constitution-making process. This framework is used to explain the various limitations introduced to the powers of the President in the Argentine constitution of 1994. I argue that two levels of causation determined this reform. At the macro level, the limitation of presidential powers was the outcome of a distribution of political resources and a configuration of preferences among the actors that made possible the resolution of conflicts by means of compromise. At the micro level, the new set of institutions derived from the limited influence of the incumbent executive over constitutional design, the pluralism of the constituent assembly that approved the constitution, and the prevalence of bargaining as a mechanism of collective decision-making. Both levels of action facilitated a consensual constitution-making process from which emerged a powersharing structure that has the potential to lower the stakes of political competition for presidential office and create new rules of mutual trust between government and opposition.
Using Noninvasive Brain Stimulation to Accelerate Learning and Enhance Human Performance

Objective: The authors evaluate the effectiveness of noninvasive brain stimulation, in particular, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), for accelerating learning and enhancing human performance on complex tasks. Background: Developing expertise in complex tasks typically requires extended training and practice. Neuroergonomics research has suggested new methods that can accelerate learning and boost human performance. TDCS is one such method. It involves the application of a weak DC current to the scalp and has the potential to modulate brain networks underlying the performance of a perceptual, cognitive, or motor task. Method: Examples of tDCS studies of declarative and procedural learning are discussed. This mini-review focuses on studies employing complex simulations representative of surveillance and security operations, intelligence analysis, and procedural learning in complex monitoring. Results: The evidence supports the view that tDCS can accelerate learning and enhance performance in a range of complex cognitive tasks. Initial findings also suggest that such benefits can be retained over time, but additional research is needed on training schedules and transfer of training. Conclusion: Noninvasive brain stimulation can accelerate skill acquisition in complex tasks and may provide an alternative or addition to other training methods.
Kidney development branches out

For more than 40 years now, the developing kidney has served as a model paradigm for epithelial-mesenchymal interactions. The principles of inductive signaling, epithelial cell differentiation, and pattern formation are now being addressed with modern genetic and biochemical tools. In addition to the mammalian kidney organ culture model, both zebrafish and Xenopus laevis demonstrate great potential for investigating the molecular mechanisms of kidney organogenesis within a whole organism. In this review, the papers presented in this special issue are discussed with respect to recent progress in the renal development field. Coincidentally, it has become increasingly clear that progress made in renal development can impact our understanding of the genetic basis of disease.
Medicaid capital reimbursement policy and environmental artifacts of nursing home culture change.

Purpose of the Study: To examine how Medicaid capital reimbursement policy is associated with nursing homes (NHs) having high proportions of private rooms and small households. Design and Methods: Through a 2009/2010 NH national survey, we identified NHs having small households and high proportions of private rooms (≥76%). A survey of state Medicaid officials and policy document review provided 2009 policy data. Facility- and county-level covariates were from Online Survey, Certification and Reporting, the Area Resource File, and aggregated resident assessment data (minimum data set). The policy of interest was the presence of traditional versus fair rental capital reimbursement policy. Average Medicaid per diem rates and the presence of NH pay-for-performance (p4p) reimbursement were also examined. A total of 1,665 NHs in 40 states were included. Multivariate logistic regression analyses (with clustering on states) were used. Results: In multivariate models, Medicaid capital reimbursement policy was not significantly associated with either outcome. However, there was a significantly greater likelihood of NHs having many private rooms when states had higher Medicaid rates (per $10 increment; adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.13; 95% CI 1.049, 1.228), and in states with versus without p4p (AOR 1.78; 95% CI 1.045, 3.036). Also, in states with p4p NHs had a greater likelihood of having small households (AOR 1.78; 95% CI 1.045, 3.0636). Implications: Higher NH Medicaid rates and reimbursement incentives may contribute to a higher presence of 2 important environmental artifacts of culture change—an abundance of private rooms and small households. However, longitudinal research examining policy change is needed to establish the cause and effect of the associations observed.
Pressure groups and Australian health policymaking in the 1980s

Abstract In March 1983 the new Labor government was in a position to implement its health policies, including its promised revival of the community health program. Although funds were allocated, substantive issues of policy remained. Various parties at interest could agree on general principles but differed on operational meanings, means, and priorities. Seventy‐five groups whose leaders were interviewed devised an array of organizational strategies to influence policy development. These included reworking their own priorities and internal structures, developing media strategies, and changing their relations with outside organizations. The more successful groups, at least in the short term, tended to be older and larger.
Maternal VegT is the initiator of a molecular network specifying endoderm in Xenopus laevis

During cleavage stages, maternal VegT mRNA and protein are localized to the Xenopus embryo's vegetal region from which the endoderm will arise and where several zygotic gene transcripts will be localized. Previous loss-of-function experiments on this T-box transcription factor suggested a role for VegT in Xenopus endoderm formation. Here, we test whether VegT is required to initiate endoderm formation using a loss of function approach. We find that the endodermal genes, Bix1, Bix3, Bix4, Milk (Bix2), Mix.1, Mix.2, Mixer, Xsox17 alpha, Gata4, Gata5, Gata6 and endodermin, as well as the anterior endodermal genes Xhex and cerberus, and the organizer specific gene, Xlim1, are downstream of maternal VegT. We also find that the TGF beta s, Xnr1, Xnr2, Xnr4 and derriere rescue expression of these genes, supporting the idea that cell interactions are critical for proper endoderm formation. Additionally, inhibitory forms of Xnr2 and Derriere blocked the ability of VegT mRNA injection to rescue VegT-depleted embryos. Furthermore, a subset of endodermal genes was rescued in VegT-depleted vegetal masses by induction from an uninjected vegetal mass. Finally, we begin to establish a gene hierarchy downstream of VegT by testing the ability of Mixer and Gata5 to rescue the expression of other endodermal genes. These results identify VegT as the maternal regulator of endoderm initiation and illustrate the complexity of zygotic pathways activated by VegT in the embryo's vegetal region.
ER-2 high altitude solar cell calibration flights

Evaluation of space photovoltaics using ground-based simulators requires primary standard cells which have been characterized in a space or near-space environment. Due to the high cost inherent in testing cells in space, most primary standards are tested on high altitude fixed wing aircraft or balloons. The ER-2 test platform is the latest system developed by the Glenn Research Center (GRC) for near-space photovoltaic characterization. This system offers several improvements over GRC's current Learjet platform including higher altitude, larger testing area, onboard spectrometers, and longer flight season. The ER-2 system was developed by GRC in cooperation with NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center (AFRC) as well as partners at the Naval Research Laboratory and Air Force Research Laboratory. The system was designed and built between June and September of 2014, with the integration and first flights taking place at AFRC's Palmdale facility in October of 2014. Three flights were made testing cells from GRC as well as commercial industry partners. Cell performance data was successfully collected on all three flights as well as solar spectra. The data was processed using a Langley extrapolation method, and performance results showed a less than half a percent variation between flights, and less than a percent variation from GRC's current Learjet test platform.
Punishment and the Burden of Proof in Criminal Cases: a Modest Proposal

One of the fixtures of American jurisprudence - and a requirement of the due process clause of the fourteenth amendment - is the rule that the trier of fact in a criminal case must find the defendant guilty "beyond a reasonable doubt" in order to convict. A second rule of law is almost as firmly fixed: that the jury should not be informed, prior to its deliberations on guilt or innocence, of the penalties that the defendant may suffer if convicted. This article will examine the rationales of these two legal principles; argue that they are inconsistent with one another; and present a pragmatic approach to making the "reasonable doubt" standard more meaningful through jury instructions, limited argument by counsel concerning possible penalties on conviction, or both.
Cutaneous Pecomas Express Cd10: Implications for the Classification of Pecomas and the Differential Diagnosis With Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma.

Cutaneous perivascular epithelioid cell tumors (PEComas) are peculiar, rare mesenchymal tumors of uncertain lineage. They show a characteristic epithelioid morphology, and they are usually composed of monomorphous clear-to-granular appearing perivascular cells. One of the main differential diagnoses with PEComas is a cutaneous metastasis from renal cell carcinoma (RCC). CD10 has been emphasized to be a crucial marker in the diagnosis of metastasis from RCC. Although visceral PEComas have been studied for CD10 expression, primary cutaneous PEComas have not. Although it could be assumed a priori that cutaneous PEComas would stain as their visceral counterpart, there is increasing evidence that cutaneous PEComas could actually be unrelated to PEComas from other organs. In this report, the author's studied three primary cutaneous PEComas, and included CD10 in our immunohistochemical studies. All three PEComas expressed the marker. They conclude that a CD10 clear-cell dermal tumor is not necessarily equivalent to a metastasis from RCC and that additional stains should be added to rule out PEComa, even if the biopsy or the panel of antibodies is limited.
Binge Eating among Women Veterans in Primary Care: Comorbidities and Treatment Priorities.

Abstract Background Little is known about the clinical profile and treatment priorities of women with binge eating disorder (BED), a diagnosis new to the fifth edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. We identified comorbidities and patients' treatment priorities, because these may inform implementation of clinical services. Methods Data were collected from women veteran primary care patients. Analyses compared those who screened positive for BED (BED+), and those without any binge eating symptoms (BED−). Results Frequencies of comorbid medical and psychological disorders were high in the BED+ group. The BED+ group's self-identified most common treatment priorities were mood concerns (72.2%), weight loss (66.7%), and body image/food issues (50%). Among those with obesity, a greater proportion of the BED+ group indicated body image/food issues was their top treatment priority (12.9% vs. 2.8%; p Conclusions Women primary care patients with BED demonstrate high medical and psychological complexity; their subjective treatment priorities often match objective needs. These findings may inform the development of targeted BED screening practices for women with obesity in primary care settings, and the eventual adoption of patient-centered BED treatment resources.
Algorithms in the diagnosis and management of exotic diseases. IV. American trypanosomiasis.

Trypanosomiasis cruzi, or Chagas' disease, occurs only in the western hemisphere; thus it has come to be known as American trypanosomiasis. This insect-transmitted protozoan infection is considered to be one of the major health problems of South America, largely because it is essentially untreatable [1]. It is particularly prevalent in Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, and Venezuela but also occurs in Central America and in the Caribbean. In 1960 the World Health Organization estimated that there were seven million infected individuals and 30 million persons at risk.
Maximum Power Point Tracking of Multi-String Photovoltaic Array via Simultaneous Perturbation Stochastic Approximation

This paper presents a Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) strategy for multi-string photovoltaic (PV) systems using the Simultaneous Perturbation Stochastic Approximation (SPSA) algorithm. The multi-string PV system considered is a decentralized control configuration, controlling the voltage reference to each PV module but based on the feedback of the total power at the DC bus. This requires only one pair of voltage and current measurements. The MPPT control problem for such topology of multi-string PV systems features a high input dimension, which can dramatically slow down the searching process for the real-time optimization process involved. The SPSA algorithm is considered in this study due to its remarkable capability of fast convergence for high dimensional search problems endorsed by various applications recently. Simulation study is performed for an 8-string PV system, and experimental study is performed for a 4-string PV system. Good performances are observed for both simulation and experimental results.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Thermodynamic Analysis of Syngas Production via the Solar Thermochemical Cerium Oxide Redox Cycle with Methane-Driven Reduction

The present work considers the convergence of two approaches for syngas production: solar fuels via the cerium oxide (ceria) redox cycle and the partial oxidation of methane. The chemical thermodynamics of the ceria–methane system reveal that coupling the reduction of ceria to the partial oxidation of methane enables isothermal cycling at temperatures as low as 1223 K with the additional production of high-quality syngas during the reduction step. The equilibrium non-stoichiometry of the oxidation step has a substantial impact on the conversion of the oxidizer to fuel, with important implications for cycle efficiency. A model of the process thermodynamics is used to evaluate the efficiency of the cycle and its sensitivity to oxidation non-stoichiometry, temperature, and concentration ratio. Reduction with methane enables significant gains in efficiency over other proposed approaches, with plausible solar-to-fuel efficiencies reaching 40% without any heat recovery.
Improved model-free adaptive control for a class of non-affine nonlinear discrete systems

An improved model-free adaptive control(IMFAC) approach is proposed for the more general non-affine nonlinear discrete systems. The nonparametric dynamic linearization technique is used in the controller design. By applying the observer strategy, the real-time dynamic linearization for the disturbance systems is realized. Thus the application scope of MFAC approach is extended to the more general non-affine nonlinear discrete-time systems. Then, the robust convergence of the IMFAC algorithm is also addressed. A numerical example is selected to validate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method.
Influences of Working in Plateau Train on the Conductors' Health

Objective To evaluate the influence of working in plateau train on conductors' health.Methods A total of 528 conductors in plateau passenger trains were recruited and conducted physical examination,with indexes of blood pressure,cardiac rhythm,electrocardiogram,and vital capacity.T test and χ2 test were employed to analyze the data.Results After working for half a year on the plateau,the systolic pressure of the train conductors rose from(105.4±11.7)to(114.5±13.8) mmHg,with statistical difference(P0.01).Before and after the plateau work,the abnormal distributions of blood pressure and systolic pressure were statistically significant(P0.05),while the distributions of diastolic pressure,cardiac rhythm,electrocardiogram,and vital capacity were not statistically significant(P0.05).Conclusion Working in plateau train could affect the conductors' health.
Equine Influenza Diagnosis: Sample Collection and Transport

In horses, presumptive diagnosis of equine influenza is commonly made on the basis of clinical signs. This alone is insufficient for confirmation of equine influenza, because other equine infectious respiratory diseases can in some degree have similar clinical presentations. Surveillance and control of equine influenza also necessitate detection of subclinical cases. Effective diagnosis of equine influenza virus infection is critically dependent on obtaining adequate specimens of virus-containing respiratory secretions for testing. These specimens are also valuable as sources for isolation of virus strains for antigenic characterization and potential inclusion in vaccines. Both nasal swabs and nasopharyngeal swabs are employed with horses. These differ little in their invasiveness, but nasopharyngeal swabs typically yield more virus than nasal swabs and are superior diagnostic specimens. Methods for obtaining nasopharyngeal swab specimens are described.
Vacuum Filtration of Metal Hydroxide Sludges

The characterization of metal hydroxide sludges was approached from the viewpoint of developing a fundamental understanding of the mechanisms that define the response of these sludges to vacuum dewatering. Both individual metal and mixed-metal sludges were characterized by standard dewatering test procedures. Of the sludge parameters investigated, the characteristic floc size distribution had the greatest effect on the observed sludge dewatering rate. An empirical equation was developed that allowed for the rapid prediction of sludge specific resistance based upon a measurement of particle size. Metal hydroxide sludges were found to be amenable to polymer conditioning for improved vacuum dewatering rates. The mechanism of polymer action was determined to be interparticle bridging. Optimum polymer conditioning doses were correlated to the available floc surface area present in a sludge sample.
Pick a right puppy from a litter, toward a secure controller framework in physical, human and cyber triad

Malicious controllers can possibly manipulate a flight from various channels, e.g. pilots, automation control devices, or cyber remote control. To mitigate potential risks and possible damages, this paper provides the early stage study through proposing a theoretical framework for access control and malicious controller detection in physical, human and cyber triad. Its goal is first to construct an access control mechanism by granting appropriate access right for each controller regarding each control action and more importantly, assign the threshold — the number of controllers from each channel for each control action — to ensure that the control action cannot be executed without sufficient controllers' endorsement. Second, a detailed architecture and data flow between neighbor layers are demonstrated. Third, we try to build a misbehavior identification and reputation index to recognize bad controllers. Our future work is to further profile and model the malicious behaviors which will be justified by well-designed experiments based on critical parameters and metrics for concrete case studies.
Clipping effect on radiation pattern in downtilt beamforming

In this paper, we investigate the features of radiation pattern in downtilt beamforming (a user-specific vertical beamforming) when applying the clipping technique at each antenna to reduce the peak-to-average power ratio problem. First, we define and analyze the signal and noise radiation pattern in one-beam downtilt, and then prove that the clipping noise in one-beam downtilt systems has the same radiation pattern as that of the original signal but changes in two-beam downtilt systems. Next, we split the clipping noise into two parts in two-beam downtilt, desired noise and undesired noise, and demonstrate that desired noise produces the same radiation pattern as that of the original signal while undesired noise creates undesired radiation pattern, which causes unexpected noise pattern in two-beam downtilt. Simulation results show that the analysis well matches the numerical results.
Synergetic control for DC-DC boost converter: implementation options

The theory of synergetic control was introduced in a power electronics context in a previous paper. In this paper we review the theory, then focus on some practical aspects with reference to both simulations and actual hardware. In particular we address management of the current limit condition and solve it with several different approaches. Adaptive and other control laws are introduced to improve the control performance. Various other control laws are introduced to improve the control performance, and then they are evaluated by applying the classical voltage reference step test.
Child Abuse Scandal Publicity and Catholic School Enrollment: Does the Boston Globe Coverage Matter?

Objective This study examines the effect of negative publicity that arose from public notices of child abuse allegations in the Catholic Church on the enrollment share and number of Catholic schools in the United States. Method Fitting least square regressions using diocese-level panel data of Catholic school enrollment share and number of Catholic schools. Results I show that the reports of abuse prior to 2002 had no effect on enrollment. Yet, reports since 2002 have had a negative and long-lasting effect and explain about two-thirds of the decline in Catholic schooling. These are substantially larger declines than suggested in previous studies. Conclusion I argue that the differing responses to the public notices of child abuse between these two periods are derived from the availability heuristic. This is driven from a fundamental difference in media coverage of the scandal prior to 2002 and afterward. Allegations of child abuse in the Catholic Church received emphatic coverage only after 2002.
Ethical challenges in extra corporeal membrane oxygenation use.

The immense increase of patients treated with extra corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in the last few years, along with the uncertainty of outcomes as well as the lack of clarity on the intended treatment direction, these situations which are considered by some to be just delaying of death and even worse than death. These circumstances create disagreements among surrogates, and between health care providers and surrogates, and emerge unique ethical challenges about the use of this new technology. In this article we discuss these challenging questions.
Programmed −1 Frameshifting in Eukaryotes

By far the most numerous and the most ubiquitous of frameshift sites are a class of −1 frameshift sites first described in metazoan retroviruses. These sites have been found in retroviruses,27,36,40, 41, 42, 43,56,59,63,64 coronaviruses, 5,17,18,25,35 arteriviruses,31,61 astroviruses,44,57,99 giardiaviruses,96 toroviruses,80 several plant viruses,4,47,62,73,103 Drosophila retrotransposons, 16,58,72,76 a virus-like element in yeast,20,37,92 a bacterial gene,3,30,89 bacteriophage genes13,14,24,54 and bacterial insertion sequences.26,50,71,75,77,82,94,95 Sequence comparison and molecular genetic analysis of many of these sites has identified a canonical structure for these frameshift sites. Their prevalence across such an evolutionarily diverse distribution argues that such sites have evolved several times, each time converging on a single simple solution.
Comparison of Weight-Based Dosing Strategies for Intravenous Immunoglobulin in Patients with Hematologic Malignancies.

tudy Objective Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is a weight-based therapy used to treat and prevent infections in patients with hematologic malignancies. Traditionally, IVIG doses have been calculated using actual body weight (ABW). However, limited pharmacokinetic (PK) data suggest dosing strategies using ideal body weight (IBW) or adjusted body weight (adjBW) may be appropriate given the small volume of distribution of IVIG. The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of using a precision-dosing strategy (IBW or adjBW) to a traditional-dosing strategy (ABW) for IVIG in patients with hematologic malignancies or those undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplant, as well as to perform an IVIG drug use analysis. Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting Academic medical center. Patients Between April 2014 and September 2016, 209 IVIG encounters met inclusion criteria for the primary outcome. Of those encounters, 125 were dosed using the traditional-dosing strategy and 84 used the precision-dosing strategy. Measurements and Main Results The primary outcome was infection rate within 30 days of IVIG administration. Secondary outcomes included 60-day infection rate, immunoglobulin G (IgG) level response (IgG > 400 mg/dL), and realized and potential IVIG savings. No difference in 30-day infection rate between precision- and traditional-dosing strategies was identified (15.5% vs. 16%, respectively; p=0.823). Similarly, no difference was identified in 60-day infection rate between groups (23.2% vs. 19.8%, respectively; p=0.568). Levels of IgG obtained post-IVIG repletion showed a treatment response rate of 86% in both groups. Use of a precision-dosing strategy achieved $2,600/month in institutional savings with the opportunity for an additional $4,600/month in savings with complete adherence to this dosing strategy. Conclusion No differences in infection rate and IgG level response were identified when a precision-dosing strategy was used. Implementation of an IVIG precision-dosing strategy provided institutional cost savings. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
PARP1 depletion induces RIG-I-dependent signaling in human cancer cells

DNA Damage Response (DDR) and DNA repair pathways are emerging as potent, ubiquitous suppressors of innate immune signaling in human cells. Here, we show that human cells surviving depletion of the Single Strand Break (SSB) repair protein PARP1 undergo p21-dependent senescence or cell cycle checkpoint activation in the context of activation of innate immune signaling, or viral mimicry. Specifically, we observe induction of a large number of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) and multiple pattern recognition receptors (PRRs; including RIG-I, MDA-5, MAVS, TLR3 and STING) and increased nuclear IRF3 staining. Mechanistically, depletion of the double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) helicase RIG-I or its downstream effector MAVS specifically rescues ISG induction in PARP1-depleted cells, suggesting that the RIG-I/MAVS pathway is required for sustained ISG expression in this context. Experiments with conditioned media or a neutralizing antibody to the α/β-IFN receptor revealed that persistent ISG expression additionally requires an autocrine/paracrine loop. Finally, loss of PARP1 and radiation-induced DNA damage strongly synergize in the induction of p21 and ISGs. Overall, these findings increase our understanding of how PARP1 may suppress deleterious phenotypes associated to aging, inflammation and cancer in humans.
RECON-Dependent Inflammation in Hepatocytes Enhances Listeria monocytogenes Cell-to-Cell Spread.

The oxidoreductase RECON is a high-affinity cytosolic sensor of bacterium-derived cyclic dinucleotides (CDNs). CDN binding inhibits RECON's enzymatic activity and subsequently promotes inflammation. In this study, we sought to characterize the effects of RECON on the infection cycle of the intracellular bacterium Listeria monocytogenes, which secretes cyclic di-AMP (c-di-AMP) into the cytosol of infected host cells. Here, we report that during infection of RECON-deficient hepatocytes, which exhibit hyperinflammatory responses, L. monocytogenes exhibits significantly enhanced cell-to-cell spread. Enhanced bacterial spread could not be attributed to alterations in PrfA or ActA, two virulence factors critical for intracellular motility and intercellular spread. Detailed microscopic analyses revealed that in the absence of RECON, L. monocytogenes actin tail lengths were significantly longer and there was a larger number of faster-moving bacteria. Complementation experiments demonstrated that the effects of RECON on L. monocytogenes spread and actin tail lengths were linked to its enzymatic activity. RECON enzyme activity suppresses NF-κB activation and is inhibited by c-di-AMP. Consistent with these previous findings, we found that augmented NF-κB activation in the absence of RECON caused enhanced L. monocytogenes cell-to-cell spread and that L. monocytogenes spread correlated with c-di-AMP secretion. Finally, we discovered that, remarkably, increased NF-κB-dependent inducible nitric oxide synthase expression and nitric oxide production were responsible for promoting L. monocytogenes cell-to-cell spread. The work presented here supports a model whereby L. monocytogenes secretion of c-di-AMP inhibits RECON's enzymatic activity, drives augmented NF-κB activation and nitric oxide production, and ultimately enhances intercellular spread.IMPORTANCE To date, bacterial CDNs in eukaryotes are solely appreciated for their capacity to activate cytosolic sensing pathways in innate immunity. However, it remains unclear whether pathogens that actively secrete CDNs benefit from this process. Here, we provide evidence that secretion of CDNs leads to enhancement of L. monocytogenes cell-to-cell spread. This is a heretofore-unknown role of these molecules and suggests L. monocytogenes may benefit from their secretion in certain contexts. Molecular characterization revealed that, surprisingly, nitric oxide was responsible for the enhanced spread. Pathogens act to prevent nitric oxide production or, like L. monocytogenes, they have evolved to resist its direct antimicrobial effects. This study provides evidence that intracellular bacterial pathogens not only tolerate nitric oxide, which is inevitably encountered during infection, but can also capitalize on the changes this pleiotropic molecule enacts on the host cell.
Gilbert, Lucia Albino. (1993). Two careers/One family

(1995). Gilbert, Lucia Albino. (1993). Two careers/One family. SCHOLE: A Journal of Leisure Studies and Recreation Education: Vol. 10, No. 1, pp. 129-131.
Pathophysiology of Atherosclerosis

Abstract Atherosclerosis is the pathologic process of lipid accumulation, scarring, and inflammation in the vascular wall, particularly the subendothelial (intimal) space of arteries, leading to vascular wall thickening, luminal stenosis, calcification, and in some cases thrombosis. This process underlies numerous medical conditions including coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction, carotid artery stenosis and stroke, abdominal aortic aneurysms, and peripheral vascular disease with lower-extremity claudication. In the coronary circulation, acute changes in atherosclerotic plaques can result in abrupt catastrophic thrombosis and sudden cardiac death. Progressively better mechanistic insights into the pathways leading to lipid accumulation and the roles of vascular cell activation and inflammation provide exciting new avenues for therapeutic intervention.
Unusual manifestations of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in children

Abstract Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) infection is no longer a benign condition it was originally thought to be. Many atypical pulmonary & extrapulmonary manifestations affecting major organ systems like the central nervous system, cardiovascular system, haematological system, gastrointestinal system, musculoskeletal system and renal system have been described. Early recognition of these symptoms is often difficult and serologic diagnosis may not be helpful.
The new media and the school

revolution which has stirred up a ferment in our national life as well as in the national life of other countries. Education is still slightly intoxicated with the heady wine of the educational philosophy of the '30's, with its notions of "the whole child," of the inherent disturbance of adolescence, of the dominance of the emotions in rational man, of the "needs" of the child with the attendant error of excessive permissiveness, and of the repudiation of externally imposed discipline, discoverable intellectual order, and the planned control of learning exercised by the mature over the immature.
Neuropsychologic Testing for Chemotherapy-Related Cognitive Impairment

No standard has been established for neuropsychologic testing to identify and quantify chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment (CRCI). A number of issues exist related to the complexity of the phenomenon and lack of correlation between standardized objective tests and subjective tests by patient self-report. Review of the issues related to current neuropsychologic tests used to evaluate CRCI provides support for qualitative examination of patients’ lived experience in order to guide the development of more accurate tests.
Increased Calcium Currents in Rat Hippocampal Neurons During Aging

This paper will review evidence from our laboratory which indicates that calcium currents in rat hippocampal neurons are increased with aging and that these alterations may playa key role in functional and morphological brain changes during aging. In addition, evidence will be reviewed to show that a form of calcium-dependent inactivation of calcium currents, which had been seen previously only in invertebrate neurons, is also present in mammalian hippocampal neurons. It is not clear whether changes in this inactivation mechanism are responsible for age-related changes in hippocampal calcium current (ICa), but this possibility is presently under active investigation.