cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Toxoplasma gondii inhibits toll-like receptor 4 ligand-induced mobilization of intracellular tumor necrosis factor alpha to the surface of mouse peritoneal neutrophils.

Neutrophils are well-known to rapidly respond to infection through chemotactic infiltration at sites of inflammation, followed by rapid release of microbicidal molecules, chemokines, and proinflammatory cytokines. For tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), we recently found that neutrophils contain intracellular pools of the cytokine and display the capacity to upregulate transcriptional activity of the gene during lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. We now show that triggering of mouse peritoneal neutrophils with Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), TLR4, and TLR9 ligands, but not ligands of TLR3, induces upregulation of surface membrane TNF-α. However, neutrophils infected with the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii displayed an inability to respond fully in terms of TLR ligand-induced increases in membrane TNF-α expression. Infected neutrophils failed to display decreased levels of intracellular TNF-α upon LPS exposure. In contrast to intermediate inhibitory effects in nontreated neutrophils, T. gondii induced a complete blockade in LPS-induced surface TNF-α expression in the presence of the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide. Despite these inhibitory effects, the parasite did not affect LPS-induced upregulation of TNF-α gene transcription. Collectively, the results show that Toxoplasma prevents TLR ligand-triggered mobilization of TNF-α to the neutrophil surface, revealing a novel immunosuppressive activity of the parasite.
Automated Assay of Telomere Length Measurement and Informatics for 100,000 Subjects in the Genetic Epidemiology Research on Adult Health and Aging (GERA) Cohort

The Kaiser Permanente Research Program on Genes, Environment, and Health (RPGEH) Genetic Epidemiology Research on Adult Health and Aging (GERA) cohort includes DNA specimens extracted from saliva samples of 110,266 individuals. Because of its relationship to aging, telomere length measurement was considered an important biomarker to develop on these subjects. To assay relative telomere length (TL) on this large cohort over a short time period, we created a novel high throughput robotic system for TL analysis and informatics. Samples were run in triplicate, along with control samples, in a randomized design. As part of quality control, we determined the within-sample variability and employed thresholds for the elimination of outlying measurements. Of 106,902 samples assayed, 105,539 (98.7%) passed all quality control (QC) measures. As expected, TL in general showed a decline with age and a sex difference. While telomeres showed a negative correlation with age up to 75 years, in those older than 75 years, age positively correlated with longer telomeres, indicative of an association of longer telomeres with more years of survival in those older than 75. Furthermore, while females in general had longer telomeres than males, this difference was significant only for those older than age 50. An additional novel finding was that the variance of TL between individuals increased with age. This study establishes reliable assay and analysis methodologies for measurement of TL in large, population-based human studies. The GERA cohort represents the largest currently available such resource, linked to comprehensive electronic health and genotype data for analysis.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Association With Mild Cognitive Impairment: The Mayo Clinic Study of Aging

Abstract Objective To investigate the association of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and MCI subtype: amnestic MCI and nonamnestic MCI, in a population-based study of elderly patients. Patients and Methods Participants included 1927 individuals aged 70 to 89 years enrolled in the population-based Mayo Clinic Study of Aging. Participants were evaluated by using a nurse assessment, neurological evaluation, and neuropsychological testing, and the diagnosis of MCI was made by a consensus panel according to the standardized criteria. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was identified by the review of medical records. The study was conducted from October 1, 2004, through July 31, 2007. The associations of COPD and disease duration with MCI and its subtypes were evaluated by using logistic regression models adjusted for potential covariates. Results Of 1927 participants, 288 had COPD (men vs women: 18% vs 12%; P P Conclusion This population-based study suggests that COPD is associated with increased odds of having MCI and its subtypes. There was a dose-response relationship with the duration of COPD after controlling for the potential covariates.
Low-power buffer management using hybrid control

The power management problem is studied for a pipeline of streaming data consisting of multiple stages with buffer memories inserted between adjacent stages. The objective is to find the optimal strategy for dynamically changing the power states of the stages so that the power consumption of the overall system is minimized. By modeling the pipeline as a hybrid system, we derive various necessary conditions for the optimal solutions. In particular, an operation called folding is introduced that can improve the performance of an existing strategy. Analytic conditions are derived for determining whether folding can save power and the optimal number of folds.
Childhood trauma and diurnal cortisol disruption in fibromyalgia syndrome

Adults with fibromyalgia syndrome report high rates of childhood trauma. Neuroendocrine abnormalities have also been noted in this population. Exploratory analyses tested relationships between retrospective reports of childhood trauma and diurnal salivary cortisol patterns among 85 women with fibromyalgia. Subjects with fibromyalgia completed self-reports of childhood physical, sexual and emotional abuse, as well as emotional and physical neglect. Recent major life events, current perceptions of stress, and depressive symptoms were also assessed. Salivary cortisol was collected six times per day for two consecutive days to assess diurnal rhythm, awakening response and mean cortisol levels. Hierarchical regression analyses were performed, controlling for age, relevant medications, life events, perceived stress, and depressive symptoms. Childhood physical abuse predicted flattened diurnal cortisol rhythms as well as greater cortisol responses to awakening. Sexual abuse was a second predictor of increased awakening cortisol responses. Patients with a history of trauma had markedly low levels of cortisol at the time of first awakening, partly explaining the results. These findings suggest that severe traumatic experiences in childhood may be a factor of adult neuroendocrine dysregulation among fibromyalgia sufferers. Trauma history should be evaluated and psychosocial intervention may be indicated as a component of treatment for fibromyalgia.
Organizational Absorptive Capacity and Responsiveness: An Empirical Investigation of Growth‐Oriented SMEs

This study examines the relationship between firm absorptive capacity and organizational responsiveness in the context of growth–oriented small and medium–sized enterprises (SMEs). By testing the d...
Simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers for Elymus , Pseudoroegneria and Pascopyrum species ( Triticeae : Gramineae )

The Triticeae tribe (Poaceae) includes several important cereal crops, cultivated forages, annual and perennial grass weeds and ecologically diverse native North American grasses. Elymus L. is the largest and most complex genus in the Triticeae tribe with approximately 150 polyploid perennial grass species occurring worldwide. The genomic constitutions of approximately 40% of the Elymus species are unknown. Molecular markers are needed to facilitate genetic analysis of diversity and functional traits in these species. We have developed simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers for use in Elymus based on Elymus expressed sequence tag sequences. To test the polymorphic content and transferability of these SSRs, 100 SSR primer pairs were tested on 84 plants representing seven North American Elymus, Pseudoroegneria and Pascopyrum species. The number of bands produced from each of the SSRs ranged from 1 to 11 with an average of 4.3 bands/SSR. A subset of the 23 most polymorphic SSRs produced 142 bands, an average of 6.2 bands/SSR. Binary data from the 100 SSRs successfully separated all individuals into their respective accessions in a neighbour-joining phylogram with a 100% confidence interval. Analysis of molecular variance showed that 29.9% of the total variation was within and 70.1% was among the accessions. These SSRs will be a useful tool for investigating genetic diversity, genome constitutions and molecular mapping in Elymus and other Triticeae grasses.
Unraveling gene regulatory networks using an integrated microfluidic platform

Systematic investigation of complex cellular systems using micro and nano devices has distinctive advantages over traditional approaches. The capabilities of performing time-varying stimulation and real-time monitoring of cells are invaluable for investigating dynamic biological systems, such as gene regulatory networks. In this work, we report a generic microfluidic platform, which is capable of long term cell cultivation, for investigating the complex dynamics of a transcription factor, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-iquestB). The temporal responses of NF-iquestB mediated gene expression were measured at the single cell level and the results were compared to a computational model. Our microfluidic platforms combining with advanced biotechnologies and computational techniques provide powerful tools for investigating complex biological networks.
Use of Cell Culture To Assess Cryptosporidium parvum Survival Rates in Natural Groundwaters and Surface Waters

Bench-scale survival studies with Cryptosporidium parvum were conducted with representative aquifer and reservoir waters of Florida. C. parvum inactivation rates ranged from 0.0088 log(10)/day at 5 degrees C to -0.20 log(10)/day at 30 degrees C. Temperature, surface water or groundwater type, and the interaction of these factors had statistically significant effects on the survival of C. parvum.
Cell-Wall Autohydrolysis in Isolated Endosperms of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.).

Cell walls prepared from the endosperm tissue of hydrated lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) seeds undergo autohydrolysis. Release of carbohydrates is most rapid (0.4–0.6 [mu]g per endosperm) within the 1st h of incubation in buffer, but substantial autolysis is sustained for at least 10 h. Autolysis is temperature sensitive, and the optimum rate occurs at pH 5. The rate of autolysis increases markedly in the period just prior to radicle emergence. The cell-wall polysaccharide composition in micropylar and lateral endosperm regions differs significantly; the micropylar walls are rich in arabinose and glucose with substantially lower amounts of mannose. Although walls prepared from both micropylar and lateral regions undergo autolysis, micropylar walls release carbohydrates at a higher rate than lateral walls. Autolysis products elute as large polymers when subjected to size-exclusion chromatography, suggesting that endo-enzyme activity is responsible for release of fragments containing arabinose, galactose, mannose, and uronic acids. Arabinose, galactose, mannose, and glucose are also released as monomers. As a function of time, the ratio of polymers to monomers decreases, indicating that exo-enzyme activity is also present. Thermoinhibition or treatment with abscisic acid suppresses germination and reduces the rates of autolysis of walls isolated from the endosperm by about 25%. Treatments that alleviate thermoinhibition (kinetin and gibberellic acid) increase the rates of autolysis by 20 to 30% when compared to thermoinhibited controls.
Consolidation Settlement in Aquifers Caused by Pumping

AbstractEquations are derived to calculate one-dimensional (vertical) consolidation settlement in aquifers caused by groundwater extraction. The settlement equations capture the effect that the decline in pore-water pressure caused by groundwater extraction has on increased vertical effective stress. The settlement equations for single-layered confined or unconfined aquifers and multiple-layered aquifers are derived by linking the increase in vertical effective stress to the reduction of the void ratio using the reconstructed field consolidation curve of aquifer sediments. This paper’s approach blends groundwater hydraulics with the classical theory of one-dimensional consolidation widely used in geotechnical engineering. Closed-form consolidation settlement equations are presented for single-layer, homogeneous, isotropic confined aquifers with steady-state or transient groundwater flow and for single-layer, homogeneous, isotropic, unconfined aquifers under steady-state flow. The consolidation equations f...
The Centered Discrete Fourier Transform and a parallel implementation of the FFT

This paper describes a novel method for the computation of the Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT). The development of a truly centered DFT is coupled with a method for computing the Centered DFT to provide an FFT that requires no complex multiplications and which allows a highly parallel implementation.
Using headspace solid phase microextraction to evaluate the odor compounds in trap grease feedstock for biodiesel

Abstract Trap grease is a waste grease material that can be used as a biodiesel feedstock. Its commercial viability could be limited unless its inherent odor can be mitigated. Because trap grease can have many sources and is collected in a variety of ways it possesses many challenges in developing a characterization method and biodiesel conversion process. A headspace solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) analysis method had been developed to provide rapid and quantitative identification of odor compounds in trap grease and its biodiesel product. Six trap grease samples were evaluated and several distinct classes of compounds were identified. A significant portion of the volatile odorant compounds in trap grease was identified as short and medium chain free fatty acids (FFA). The odorant components were identified using HS-SPME sampling analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Relative response factors and calibration curves were used to analyze the short chain FFA (SC-FFA) in trap grease. The results showed that the developed method is a suitable analysis tool for the fast and reliable identification of different classes of odorant compounds and quantitation of SC-FFA from trap grease or similar biofuel feedstocks.
Men’s Health Big Data

plans. Last, advance focuses on developing continuous quality improvement processes for forward advancement on men’s health outcomes. Health care leaders need to establish a vision for the use of men’s health big data, set diverse goals, communicate internally and externally, and mobilize health care provider assets and talents to ensure a successful men’s health big data implementation program. So what can you do as a health care provider, assume a key leadership role in the development of men’s health big data. Begin by identifying key data sets that are available in your health care system, then identify what men’s health data based on population based need and characteristics should be included in the men’s health big data set. Begin by linking what is available to what is needed. Then expand beyond your immediate health care system, linking to other health care systems, to expand your sphere of data sets. Eventually, you will be integrated into a larger system of “big data” that drives your men’s health practices.
Habitat Selection by the Introduced Biological Control Agent Trichogramma ostriniae (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) and Implications for Nontarget Effects

Trichogrammatid wasps are used widely as biocontrol agents against a variety of lepidopteran pests. However, the broad physiological host range of most Trichogramma species raises concerns about the potential impact of released wasps on nontarget Lepidoptera. If wasps exhibit a preference for agricultural over nonagricultural habitats, this could lessen the risk for many nontarget species that occur primarily in natural habitats. In this study, we examined the habitat selection behavior of Trichogramma ostriniae Pang and Chen, an Asian species that has shown considerable promise in the United States as a biological control agent against the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis Hubner (Lepidoptera: Crambidae). On two different farms, we released wasps in a border area between corn (Zea mays L.) and natural forest, at locations equidistant to the two habitats. We monitored wasp movement for 4 wk using sticky cards placed up to 30 m inside each habitat. The results showed that T. ostriniae wasps have no inherent avoidance of entering forest habitat. Overall, however, corn habitat was more attractive to the wasps than forest habitat. The relative attractiveness of corn versus forest habitat also increased over time. We discuss our results on T. ostriniae habitat selection behavior within the context of information on T. ostriniae physiological host range and searching efficiency within different habitats and address the implications for risk to nontarget forest Lepidoptera.
CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE - MINERAL BONE DISORDER

The definition, evaluation, and classification of the mineral abnormalities and bone disease in chronic kidney disease (CKD) should encompass all three clinical components:•Abnormalities in serum b...
Synthesis and Characterization of Cerium(IV) Metallocenes

By applying a salt metathesis approach between Ce(OtBu3)2(NO3)2(THF)2 and the potassium salts of mono- and ditrimethylsilyl substituted cyclopentadienes, we were able to isolate two new Ce(IV) metallocenes, including to the best of our knowledge, the first structurally characterized bis-cyclopentadiene Ce(IV) compound.
Effects of Simultaneous Script Training on Use of Varied Mand Frames by Preschoolers with Autism

Young children with autism may fail to mand using a range of frames (e.g., “I want,” “May I have,” “Please give me”). We examined the effects of simultaneous script training and script fading on acquisition and maintenance of varied mand frames with six preschool children with autism. For participants who did not demonstrate increased mand variability under fixed-ratio (FR) 1 conditions, we assessed the effects of post script-training extinction on response variability. Following training of up to four different mand frames, three of six participants emitted more varied mands under FR1 conditions relative to baseline. Posttraining extinction resulted in increased mand variability for two of the three remaining participants. Results are discussed in terms of considerations for both establishing and ensuring the persistence of varied verbal behavior among children with autism.
The prediction of dropouts from an inpatient alcoholism program by objective personality inventories.

Three personality inventories failed to distinguish between completers and dropouts in an alcoholism treatment program.
A Lean-Burn Catalytic Engine

Theoretical analysis of flame propagation through catalytically activated mixtures and fundamental experiments with a catalytic plug-flow reactor have shown that catalytic prereaction can increase flame velocity and can reduce minimum ignition energy requirements. These principles have been successfully applied in a prechamber for a lean-burn internal combustion engine. In conjunction with these fundamental studies and parametric engine tests a physical model of in-cylinder activation has been formulated. This model has proven to be a valuable asset in understanding catalytic prechamber performance and promises to be a useful tool in optimizing catalytic prechamber design
Whatever happened to Italy’s “red peasant”?: Geographic reflections upon la zona rossa

The adjacent Italian administrative regions of Emilia-Romagna, Toscana, Umbria and Marche constitute what is frequently referred to as la zona rossa, or “the red zone”. This naming of the north-central area of the Italian peninsula stems from the historically high levels of support that the Italian Communist Party (PCI) enjoyed for much of the post-World War two period. Notwithstanding the dissolution of the PCI, and the subsequent reconfigurations of the Italian left that took place throughout the 1990s, voters within la zona rossa still exhibit leftist tendencies. This article examines the socio-historical roots of la zona rossa and presents the contemporary electoral geography of this area.
Within-Root Mortality of Cylas formicarius (Coleoptera: Apionidae) by Entomopathogenic Nematodes

Within-root mortality of sweetpotato weevil, Cylas formicarius (F.), by six strains of entomopathogenic nematodes in the families Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae ( Steinernema carpocapsae \[Weiser\] \[= Neoaplectana carpocapsae, Steinemema Feltiae \] All and Mexican strains; Steinernema feltiae \[Filipjev\] \[= Steinemema bibionis \] N-27 strain; Steinernema glaseri [Steiner]; Heterorhabditis bacteriophora Poinar [= Heterorhabditis heliothidis] HP88 strain; and Heterorhabditis sp. FL2122 strain [an un-described nematode isolated in Florida]) was tested in several buried-root bioassays. The ability of nematodes to locate and kill weevils, and the location within the root where infection occurred, were measured. In addition, mortality of the weevils in roots that were artificially infested in the laboratory was compared with mortality in naturally infested roots from the field using two concentrations of one nematode ( s. carpocapsae Mexican strain). In general, the heterorhabditid nematodes caused higher levels of mortality within the root than the steinernematids. Heterorhabditis sp. FL2122 strain killed the highest proportion of weevils in the shortest period of time. Similar differences among nematodes were seen in the inner portion (½ radius) of the storage roots, as well as ill the outer portion. Although weevil mortality in the artificially infested roots was greater than in the naturally infested roots, the trends in mortality were similar; we observed increased mortality in the nematode treatments compared with the control and no difference in mortality between the two nematode concentrations.
Time and Accuracy Measures for Alternative Multidimensional Scaling Data Collection Methods: Some Additional Results:

Study findings suggest that a modified rank order procedure may be superior to the anchor point procedure in gathering data for nonmetric multidimensional scaling studies. The rating scale method p...
Pseudopapillary Granulosa Cell Tumor A Case of This Rare Subtype

Background The pseudopapillary pattern of granulosa cell tumor is rare. Case We describe the case of a 35-year-old woman who presented with an initial diagnosis of papillary serous cystadenocarcinoma. Results Evaluation, including immunohistochemistry, led to the diagnosis of pseudopapillary granulosa cell tumor. Conclusion The pseudopapillary pattern of granulosa cell tumor is rare and must be suspected in order to utilize appropriate immunohistochemistry and reach the correct diagnosis. Inhibin positivity is particularly helpful.
Study of SP-1 slurry system for cementing long cementing interval and complicated formation.

The multiple function additive of SP-1 for cement slurry was prepared from such active materials as micro silica, swelling pearlite and diatomite and activator of CK21 by synthesization and the effects of reaction temperature and monomer concentration on properties of SP-1 slurry were studied. Coupled with other additives, SP-1 slurry was prepared and some special properties such as filtration and gas block were investigated. The results showed that SP-1 could adjust the performance of slurry at low temperature so that could coincide the operation in the long cementing interval with significant temperature difference. Moreover, this SP-1 slurry system could improve the cementing strength of second interface and had a less jelling time and a better rectangle thickening and thixotropy, thereby it can effectively prevent filtration and gas invasion. The ideal effect has been proved by the practices in four different wells in Sichuan.
Analysis of the epidemic situation of gonorrhea,syphilis,AIDS/HIV in Ningming County,Guangxi province from 2004 to 2010

Objective To study the previllance of syphilis,gonorrhea,AIDS/HIV among the notifiable infectious diseases in Ningming County,Guangxi province,which is located at the China-Vietnam border,and analyze the epidemiological characteristics of these diseases,and provide information for developing public health intervention. Method Data about syphilis, gonorrhea, AIDS/HIV cases from 2004 to 2010 were collected, stored with Excel and analyzed. Results The population of this county is over 430 000. During these 7 years, a total of 2 802 cases of syphilis, gonorrhea, AIDS/HIV were reported with an incidence rate of 96.51 per 100 000 population, the incidence of men were higher than that of women. Among these cases, there were 206 cases of gonorrhea, 1 649 cases of syphilis, 571 cases of AIDS (197 cases died), and 376 cases of HIV-positive (44 cases died). The highest incidence rate of these four diseases happened in the 15- to 45- age group, accounted for 81.01% of the total cases. The cases of farmers account for 59.67% of the total cases.Syphilis,AIDS/HIV cases reported in recent years in this county were significantly increased in parallel.AIDS/HIV mortality increased year by year,with an average fatality rate of 25.45%. Conclusions The county in the past seven years the number of patients to gononrrhea failed to reflect the local real prevalence,but syphilis and AIDS/HIV positive cases increased continuously in this county during these years,and spreaded from the high-risk groups to the general population. The prevention and control of these diseases remains tough in this county.
Appeal for Mankind's Intuitive Knowledge

The two justice principles in"A Theory of Justice"written by John Rawls' obviously tend to favor those with minimum favorites.He expounds and proves the moral rationality of constructing the two justice principles according to the basic fact of social cooperation system by the primitive hypothesis and the design of innocence.
Establishing Software-Only Root of Trust on Embedded Systems: Facts and Fiction Transcript of Discussion

This presentation is based on joint work with Yanlin Li, Yueqiang Cheng, and Adrian Perrig.
Footprints in the Sand: Personal, Psychological, and Relational Profiles of Religious, Spiritual, and Atheist LGB Individuals

ABSTRACTThe present study offers a comparison of the demographic features and lived experiences of lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals with religious, spiritual, or atheist (R/S/A) belief systems. In this sample of 212 participants, the relationship of participants’ R/S/A beliefs to personal variables (e.g., age, gender, race), mental health variables (e.g., life satisfaction, psychological distress, internalized heterosexism, self-esteem), and relational variables (e.g., outness, connection to LGBTQ communities) were assessed. Correlational analyses indicated that level of R/S/A belief was unrelated to self-esteem, life satisfaction, or psychological distress; however, greater religious belief was correlated positively and significantly with internalized heterosexism and outness as LGB. To test the interactions of R/S/A beliefs and categorical variables of interest (e.g., race), log-linear analyses with follow-up chi-square tests were conducted. Findings suggested more similarities than differen...
Wound complications in obese women after cesarean: a comparison of staples versus subcuticular suture

Wound complications in obese women after cesarean: a comparison of staples versus subcuticular suture
Organization of the insect circadian system: Spatial and developmental expression of clock genes in peripheral tissues of Drosophila melanogaster

Circadian clock describes the mechanism that generates daily rhythms in insects and other organisms. Insects display circadian rhythms in all aspects of their lives. Genetic and molecular studies on Drosophila melanogaster reveal that the clock mechanism comprises a suite of genes regulated via feedback loops, which results in their cycling with a circa 24 h period. Two key clock components, genes period (per) and timeless (tim), cycle with a peak in the late day followed by a peak in their protein products per and tim during the night. Oscillations of these clock molecules are found within and outside of the central nervous system. In a systematic study of fly internal organs, new tissues have been identified, such as alimentary tract and fat body, in which per and tim cycle in light/dark and constant conditions implying the existence of multicellular local oscillators. Transgenic flies carrying per-lacZ or tim-GFP reporter constructs to determine the activity of per and tim in peripheral organs at different stages of metamorphic development. The two clock genes are turned on at different metamorphic stages in different tissues. Thus, the timing of clock gene activation in the periphery is tissue-specific and, therefore, cannot be accounted for by development-dependent hormonal fluctuations in the hemolymph. Moreover, at least some peripheral oscillators in adults also appear independent of the fly's hormonal milieu with regard to their phases. These oscillators are self-sustained and directly photoreceptive in vitro. Thus, the fly circadian system is not organized hierarchically, but includes independently operating oscillators, synchronized by the external light/dark cycles.
Striking a balance: A mixed-methods approach to impact-oriented evaluation

Abstract It is commonsensical to assume that a program needs to be implemented in order to have an impact. However, most impact evaluation studies tend to pay little attention to the issue of program implementation. This paper argues for the logical priority of program implementation through a mixed-methods evaluation of a language intervention program initiated in one of the largest urban school districts in the United States. By selecting a mixed-methods evaluation approach, the evaluation yielded results that have implications for addressing implementation issues in an impact-oriented evaluation. At the local district level, the evaluation results of what works, what does not, and how the implementation varies across teachers and classrooms have a direct implication for program staff. They can use this information to monitor the program implementation and make necessary adjustments to enhance the effectiveness of the program so that the ultimate program goal can be accomplished.
Presence and Risk Factors for Glaucoma in Patients with Diabetes.

Diabetes mellitus represents a growing international public health issue with a near quadrupling in its worldwide prevalence since 1980. Though it has many known microvascular complications, vision loss from diabetic retinopathy is one of the most devastating for affected individuals. In addition, there is increasing evidence to suggest that diabetic patients have a greater risk for glaucoma as well. Though the pathophysiology of glaucoma is not completely understood, both diabetes and glaucoma appear to share some common risk factors and pathophysiologic similarities with studies also reporting that the presence of diabetes and elevated fasting glucose levels are associated with elevated intraocular pressure—the primary risk factor for glaucomatous optic neuropathy. While no study has completely addressed the possibility of detection bias, most recent epidemiologic evidence suggests that diabetic populations are likely enriched with glaucoma patients. As the association between diabetes and glaucoma becomes better defined, routine evaluation for glaucoma in diabetic patients, particularly in the telemedicine setting, may become a reasonable consideration to reduce the risk of vision loss in these patients.
NIST Standard Reference Material 3600: Absolute Intensity Calibration Standard for Small-Angle X-ray Scattering

The certification of a new standard reference material for small-angle scattering [NIST Standard Reference Material (SRM) 3600: Absolute Intensity Calibration Standard for Small-Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS)], based on glassy carbon, is presented. Creation of this SRM relies on the intrinsic primary calibration capabilities of the ultra-small-angle X-ray scattering technique. This article describes how the intensity calibration has been achieved and validated in the certified Q range, Q = 0.008–0.25 A−1, together with the purpose, use and availability of the SRM. The intensity calibration afforded by this robust and stable SRM should be applicable universally to all SAXS instruments that employ a transmission measurement geometry, working with a wide range of X-ray energies or wavelengths. The validation of the SRM SAXS intensity calibration using small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) is discussed, together with the prospects for including SANS in a future renewal certification.
The 2000 Chromosome Committee Reports for the mouse genome

This issue of Mammalian Genome contains a short narrative report for each of the 21 mouse chromosomes produced by the mouse Chromosome Committees. Committees are constituted from individuals whose research focuses on specific chromosomal regions or who are interested in contributing their insight and knowledge to developing a consensus map of a particular chromosome. These committees meet regularly at the annual International Mouse Genome Conference and are responsible for maintaining the public electronic files summarizing the status of their chromosome. Complete Chromosome Committee Report files can be viewed or downloaded from the Mouse Genome Database (MGD) via the World Wide Web at URL address:
Cognitive-Behavioral Family Treatment for Suicide Attempt Prevention: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective Suicide is a leading cause of death. New data indicate alarming increases in suicide death rates, yet no treatments with replicated efficacy or effectiveness exist for youths with self-harm presentations, a high-risk group for both fatal and nonfatal suicide attempts. We addressed this gap by evaluating Safe Alternatives for Teens and Youths (SAFETY), a cognitive-behavioral, dialectical behavior therapy−informed family treatment designed to promote safety. Method Randomized controlled trial for adolescents (12−18 years of age) with recent (past 3 months) suicide attempts or other self-harm. Youth were randomized either to SAFETY or to treatment as usual enhanced by parent education and support accessing community treatment (E-TAU). Outcomes were evaluated at baseline, 3 months, or end of treatment period, and were followed up through 6 to 12 months. The primary outcome was youth-reported incident suicide attempts through the 3-month follow-up. Results Survival analyses indicated a significantly higher probability of survival without a suicide attempt by the 3-month follow-up point among SAFETY youths (cumulative estimated probability of survival without suicide attempt = 1.00, standard error = 0), compared to E-TAU youths (cumulative estimated probability of survival without suicide attempt = 0.67, standard error = 0.14; z = 2.45, p = .02, number needed to treat = 3) and for the overall survival curves (Wilcoxon χ21 = 5.81, p = .02). Sensitivity analyses using parent report when youth report was unavailable and conservative assumptions regarding missing data yielded similar results for 3-month outcomes. Conclusion Results support the efficacy of SAFETY for preventing suicide attempts in adolescents presenting with recent self-harm. This is the second randomized trial to demonstrate that treatment including cognitive-behavioral and family components can provide some protection from suicide attempt risk in these high-risk youths. Clinical trial registration information—Effectiveness of a Family-Based Intervention for Adolescent Suicide Attempters (The SAFETY Study); http://clinicaltrials.gov/ ; NCT00692302
Tree diameter increments following silvicultural treatments in a dipterocarp forest in Kalimantan, Indonesia: a mixed-effects modelling approach.

Abstract An individual-tree-based growth-and-yield model (SILFOR) was developed to evaluate the long-term effects of silvicultural treatments beyond logging in a tropical forest is described. Here we focus on the model’s approach to prediction of the magnitude and duration of silvicultural treatment effects on growth of the residual trees that will contribute most of the timber available to the next planned harvest in 25–40 years. Data from 30 1-ha permanent sample plots monitored for up to 20 years in dipterocarp forest in Kalimantan, Indonesia were used to develop the model. The treatments were different logging intensities with or without post-logging silvicultural treatments. Each species was assigned to one of five groups based on their ecological traits and the merchantability of their timber. A mixed-effects model was used to account for the spatially and temporally autocorrelated permanent plot data. The mixed-effects approach improved model performance substantially compared to a fixed-effects approach; specification of the variance function and correlation structure of the error term further improved model fit. Patterns and rates of tree diameter increment varied substantially, as indicated by the large differences among species groups in terms of the level of random-effects, number of parameters assigned as mixed-effects, and the covariates that define the best model. Similarly, silvicultural treatment effects also varied among species groups, as indicated by differences in the treatment dummy variables in the final model. Among-treatment differences diminished over time. We also found that species group representation is effected differentially by the silvicultural treatments. Overall, the study presents a novel and hopefully useful approach to the analysis of growth-and-yield data from tropical forests under intensified management for timber.
Advanced Age and Post-Acute Care Outcomes After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

BackgroundOlder patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) are unique, and determinants of post–acute care outcomes are not well elucidated. The primary objective was to identify hospi...
Effectiveness of direct-acting antiviral therapy for hepatitis C in difficult-to-treat patients in a safety-net health system: a retrospective cohort study

Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) have revolutionized chronic hepatitis C (HCV) treatment, but real-world effectiveness among vulnerable populations, including uninsured patients, is lacking. This study was conducted to characterize the effectiveness of DAAs in a socioeconomically disadvantaged and underinsured patient cohort. This retrospective observational study included all patients undergoing HCV treatment with DAA-based therapy between April 2014 and June 2016 at a large urban safety-net health system (Parkland Health and Hospital System, Dallas, TX, USA). The primary outcome was sustained virologic response (SVR), with secondary outcomes including treatment discontinuation, treatment relapse, and loss to follow-up. DAA-based therapy was initiated in 512 patients. The cohort was socioeconomically disadvantaged (56% uninsured and 13% Medicaid), with high historic rates of alcohol (41%) and substance (50%) use, and mental health disorders (38%). SVR was achieved in 90% of patients (n = 459); 26 patients (5%) were lost to follow-up. SVR was significantly lower in patients with decompensated cirrhosis (82% SVR; OR 0.37, 95% CI 0.16–0.85) but did not differ by insurance status (P = 0.98) or alcohol/substance use (P = 0.34). Reasons for treatment failure included loss to follow-up (n = 26, 5%), viral relapse (n = 16, 3%), non-treatment-related death (n = 7, 1%), and treatment discontinuation (n = 4, 1%). Of patients with viral relapse, 6 reported non-compliance and have not been retreated, 5 have been retreated and achieved SVR, 4 have undergone resistance testing but not yet initiated retreatment, and 1 was lost to follow-up. Effective outcomes with DAA-based therapy can be achieved in difficult-to-treat underinsured populations followed in resource-constrained safety-net health systems.
Data-driven criteria to assess fear remission and phenotypic variability of extinction in rats.

Fear conditioning is widely employed to examine the mechanisms that underlie dysregulations of the fear system. Various manipulations are often used following fear acquisition to attenuate fear memories. In rodent studies, freezing is often the main output measure to quantify ‘fear’. Here, we developed data-driven criteria for defining a standard benchmark that indicates remission from conditioned fear and for identifying subgroups with differential treatment responses. These analyses will enable a better understanding of individual differences in treatment responding. This article is part of a discussion meeting issue ‘Of mice and mental health: facilitating dialogue between basic and clinical neuroscientists’.
Modeling Dynamic Food Choice Processes to Understand Dietary Intervention Effects.

Background Meal construction is largely governed by nonconscious and habit-based processes that can be represented as a collection of in dividual, micro-level food choices that eventually give rise to a final plate. Despite this, dietary behavior intervention research rarely captures these micro-level food choice processes, instead measuring outcomes at aggregated levels. This is due in part to a dearth of analytic techniques to model these dynamic time-series events. Purpose The current article addresses this limitation by applying a generalization of the relational event framework to model micro-level food choice behavior following an educational intervention. Method Relational event modeling was used to model the food choices that 221 mothers made for their child following receipt of an information-based intervention. Participants were randomized to receive either (a) control information; (b) childhood obesity risk information; (c) childhood obesity risk information plus a personalized family history-based risk estimate for their child. Participants then made food choices for their child in a virtual reality-based food buffet simulation. Results Micro-level aspects of the built environment, such as the ordering of each food in the buffet, were influential. Other dynamic processes such as choice inertia also influenced food selection. Among participants receiving the strongest intervention condition, choice inertia decreased and the overall rate of food selection increased. Conclusions Modeling food selection processes can elucidate the points at which interventions exert their influence. Researchers can leverage these findings to gain insight into nonconscious and uncontrollable aspects of food selection that influence dietary outcomes, which can ultimately improve the design of dietary interventions.
Bidirectional plasticity of pontine pneumotaxic postinspiratory drive: implication for a pontomedullary respiratory central pattern generator.

The "pneumotaxic center" in the rostral dorsolateral pons as delineated by Lumsden nine decades ago is known to play an important role in promoting the inspiratory off-switch (IOS) for inspiratory-expiratory phase transition as a fail-safe mechanism for preventing apneusis in the absence of vagal input. Traditionally, the pontine pneumotaxic mechanism has been thought to contribute a tonic descending input that lowers the IOS threshold in medullary respiratory central pattern generator (rCPG) circuits, but otherwise does not constitute part of the rCPG. Recent evidence indicates that descending input from the Kolliker-Fuse nucleus (KFN) within the pneumotaxic center is essential for gating the postinspiratory phase of the three-phase respiratory rhythm to control the IOS in vagotomized animals. A critical question arising is whether such a descending pneumotaxic input from KFN that drives postinspiratory activity is tonic (null hypothesis) or rhythmic with postinspiratory phase modulation (alternative hypothesis). Here, we show that multifarious evidence reported in the literature collectively indicates that the descending pneumotaxic input may exhibit NMDA receptor-dependent short-term plasticity in the form of a biphasic neural differentiator that bidirectionally and phase-selectively modulates postinspiratory phase duration in response to vagal and peripheral chemoreceptor inputs independent of the responses in inspiratory and late-expiratory activities. The phase-selectivity property of the descending pneumotaxic input implicates a population of pontine early-expiratory (postinspiratory/expiratory-decrementing) neurons as the most likely neural correlate of the pneumotaxic mechanism that drives post-I activity, suggesting that the pontine pneumotaxic mechanism may be an integral part of a pontomedullary rCPG that underlies the three-phase respiratory rhythm.
Sonographic Color Flow Mapping: Basic Principles

The introduction of Doppler color flow mapping has ushered in an exciting era for diagnostic sonographic imaging. As discussed in the relevant chapters of this book, application of this technique to obstetric and gynecologic imaging has proved highly useful. A prerequisite for optimal utilization of this technique is an in-depth knowledge of its principles and limitations. Furthermore, it is important to appreciate that the appearance of color flow images is influenced by the operational setting of the equipment, which must be taken into account for reliable interpretation. Finally, there are even newer modalities of flow imaging that present exciting possibilities for the future of noninvasive hemodynamic investigation in clinical practice.
Negative Reflections About Positive Psychology: On Constraining the Field to a Focus on Happiness and Personal Achievement:

“Positive” psychology has gained a dominant voice within and outside the field of psychology. Although critiques of this perspective have been rendered, including by humanistic psychologists, psych...
The Early Development of the 2015/16 Quasi-Biennial Oscillation Disruption

AbstractAn unprecedented disruption of the quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) started to develop from late 2015. The early development of this event is analyzed using the space–time spectra of eddies...
Wireless Network Design for Emerging IIoT Applications: Reference Framework and Use Cases

Industrial Internet-of-Things (IIoT) applications, featured with data-centric innovations, are leveraging the observability, control, and analytics, as well as the safety of industrial operations. In IIoT deployments, wireless links are increasingly used in improving the operational connectivity for industrial data services, such as collecting massive process data, communicating with industrial robots, and tracking machines/parts/products on the factory floor and beyond. Wireless system design for IIoT applications is inherently a joint effort among operational technology (OT) engineers, information technology (IT) system architects, and wireless network planners. In this paper, we propose a new reference framework for wireless system design in IIoT use cases. The framework presents a generic design process and identifies the key questions and tools of individual procedures. Specifically, we extract impact factors from distinct domains including industrial operations and environments, data service dynamics, and the IT infrastructure. We then map these factors into function clusters and discuss their respective impact on performance metrics and resource utilization strategies. Finally, discussions take place in four exemplary IIoT applications where we use the framework to identify wireless network issues and deployment features in the continuous process monitoring, discrete system control, mobile applications, and spectrum harmonization, respectively. The goals of this paper are twofold: 1) to assist OT engineers to better recognize wireless communication demands and challenges in their plants and 2) to help industrial IT specialists to come up with operative and efficient end-to-end wireless solutions to meet demanding needs in factory environments.