cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stability of postconcussion symptomatology differs between high and low responders and by gender but not by mild head injury status.

Abstract A large sample of undergraduates (N = 2,326) were screened for general health. The screen discretely included items assessing postconcussion symptomatology and neurologic history. A subsample of experiment-blind participants whose self-reported postconcussion symptom levels were > 0.5 SD below the screening sample mean (low symptomatic; n = 45) or > 0.5 SD above the screening sample mean (high symptomatic; n = 53) were re-evaluated for postconcussion symptomatology 3 to 90 days later. The sample included 50 participants who reported history of mild head injury (MHI) and 48 controls. MHI was defined as loss of consciousness of ≤ 20 minutes within the past 10 years, but no more recent than 3 months. Persons with history of > 1 head injury or with other neurologic history were not included in the study. The stability of postconcussion symptoms differed by high symptomatic versus low symptomatic presentation (high symptomatic presentation was more variable) and by gender (females were more variable), but not by actual history of MHI. Sex differences in self-reported postconcussion symptomatology are consistent with gender-related differences in reporting of other physical and psychological symptoms. In addition to demonstrating differences in the stability of self-reported postconcussion symptomatology, the current study provides normative test-retest data for the Postconcussion Symptom Checklist for extreme responders by gender and MHI status.
Multilevel competing risks in the evaluation of nosocomial infections: time to move on from proportional hazards and even from hazards altogether

A competing risk is an event (for example, death in the ICU) that hinders the occurrence of an event of interest (for example, nosocomial infection in the ICU) and it is a common issue in many critical care studies. Not accounting for a competing event may affect how results related to a primary event of interest are interpreted. In the previous issue of Critical Care, Wolkewitz and colleagues extended traditional models for competing risks to include random effects as a means to quantify heterogeneity among ICUs. Reported results from their analyses based on cause-specific hazards and on sub-hazards of the cumulative incidence function were indicative of lack of proportionality of these hazards over time. Here, we argue that proportionality of hazards can be problematic in competing-risk problems and analyses must consider time by covariate interactions as a default. Moreover, since hazards in competing risks make it difficult to disentangle the effects of frequency and timing of the competing events, their interpretation can be murky. Use of mixtures of flexible and succinct parametric time-to-event models for competing risks permits disentanglement of the frequency and timing at the price of requiring stronger data and a higher number of parameters. We used data from a clinical trial on fluid management strategies for patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome to support our recommendations.
Proposed definitions related to induced disease resistance

A clear definition of induced disease resistance is lacking, even though the area has been extensively researched and described. The lack of a precise definition leads to potential confusion on whether an underlying mechanism for biological control is induced resistance. We propose definitions, which were developed at a NATO Advanced Research Workshop on biological control, for induced disease resistance and related terms. These definitions are intended to invoke debate and increase effective communication among investigators of induced resistance.
Patterns of cryptic host specificity in duck lice based on molecular data

Documenting patterns of host specificity in parasites relies on the adequate definition of parasite species. In many cases, parasites have simplified morphology, making species delimitation based on traditional morphological characters difficult. Molecular data can help in assessing whether widespread parasites harbour cryptic species and, alternatively, in guiding further taxonomic revision in cases in which there is morphological variation. The duck louse genus Anaticola (Phthiraptera: Philopteridae), based on current taxonomy, contains both host-specific and widespread species. Mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequences of samples from this genus were used to document patterns of host specificity. The comparison of these patterns with morphological variations in Anaticola revealed a general correspondence between the groups identified by DNA sequences and morphology, respectively. These results suggest that a more thorough taxonomic review of this genus is needed. In general, the groups identified on the basis of molecular data were associated with particular groups of waterfowl (e.g. dabbling ducks, sea ducks, geese) or specific biogeographic regions (e.g. North America, South America, Australia, Eurasia).
V2O5 Xerogels as Hosts For Conductive Polymers. Intercalative Polymerization of Aniline, Pyrrole and 2,2’-Bithiophene.

Intercalative polymerization of aniline, pyrrole and 2,2’-bithiophene in vanadium oxide xerogels results in electrically conductive novel materials which are composed of alternating monolayers of metal-oxide and conductive polymers. The driving force for this intercalation is redox chemistry. The conductivity type in these materials is a function of the polymer/V2O5 xerogel ratio. Low ratios result in xerogel-based charge transport, while high ratios favor polymer-based charge transport properties. Chemical, spectroscopic and electrical data on the intercalative polymerization products of aniline, pyrrole and 2,2’-bithiophene with V2O5 xerogels are presented.
A Facile Glovebox-Free Strategy To Significantly Accelerate the Syntheses of Well-Defined Polypeptides by N-Carboxyanhydride (NCA) Ring-Opening Polymerizations

A facile N2 flow-accelerated N-carboxyanhydride ring opening polymerization (NCA ROP) is demonstrated, herein, with rigorous kinetic studies to evaluate the methodology in detail. By using n-hexylamine as initiator and γ-benzyl-L-glutamate N-carboxyanhydride (BLG-NCA) as monomer, the NCA ROP via a normal amine mechanism (NAM) reached 90% conversion in 2 h under N2 flow at room temperature in a fume hood, much shorter than the time required for the same polymerization conducted in a glove box (14 h). The efficient removal of CO2 from the reaction by N2 flow drove the carbamic acid-amine equilibrium toward the formation of active nucleophilic amino termini and promoted polymerization. The detailed kinetic studies of the polymerization with different feed ratios and N2 flow rates were conducted, demonstrating the living feature of the NCA ROP and the tuning of the polymerization rate by simply changing the flow rate of N2. Maintenance of the reactivity of the amino ω-chain terminus and control during a subsequent polymerization were confirmed by performing chain extension reactions. The N2 flow method provides a new straightforward strategy to synthesize well-defined polypeptides with predictable molecular weights and narrow molecular weight distributions (PDI < 1.19).
Targeted natural products discovery from marine cyanobacteria using combined phylogenetic and mass spectrometric evaluation

Combined phylogenetic and HPLC-MS-based natural products dereplication methods aimed at identifying cyanobacterial collections containing the potent cytotoxins largazole, dolastatin 10, and symplostatin 1 were developed. The profiling of the phylogeny, chemical space, and antiproliferative activity of cyanobacterial collections served to streamline the prioritization of samples for the discovery of new secondary metabolites. The dereplication methods highlighted the biosynthetic potential and combinatorial pharmacology employed by marine cyanobacteria. We found that largazole was always coproduced with dolastatin 10 or with symplostatin 1 and consequently tested combinations of these agents against colon cancer cells. Combinatorial regimens of largazole and dolastatin 10 aimed at curbing the growth of HCT116 cancer cells showed cooperative activity.
Ecological Observations on Acarine Associates (Acari) of Pakistan Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae)

Nine species of mites in the families Hydrodromidae, Pionidae, Arrenuridae, Homocaligidae, and Ascidae were found in association with 13 species (4 genera) of mosquitoes in Punjab Province, Pakistan. Hydrochoreutes sp., Annerossella sp. and Platyseius sp. mites are reported as mosquito associates for the 1st time. Among the 4 Arrenurus spp. collected, A. madaraszi Daday 1898 was most prevalent, collected from 12 host species at 9 localities throughout 1976 and 1977. The species of mosquitoes parasitized varied seasonally with host availability and gonotrophic status. Larvae of A. madaraszi were parasitic on both gonoinactive and gonoactive hosts during the winter months, suggesting that adult mites remain gonoactive throughout the year and that mite larvae are capable of surviving long periods when attached to overwintering hosts. Of all female hosts parasitized by A. madaraszi , 91.7% were nulliparous. In the laboratory comparable proportions of A. madaraszi larvae remained attached or detached regardless of whether their hosts hosts died without ovipositing, oviposited, or oviposited and then died. Thus, this mite does not appear to provide a suitable index of host parity.
CW EC-QCL-based sensor for simultaneous detection of H 2 O, HDO, N 2 O and CH 4 using multi-pass absorption spectroscopy

A sensor system based on a continuous wave, external-cavity quantum-cascade laser (CW EC-QCL) was demonstrated for simultaneous detection of atmospheric H2O, HDO, N2O and CH4 using a compact, dense pattern multi-pass gas cell with an effective path-length of 57.6 m. The EC-QCL with a mode-hop-free spectral range of 1225-1285 cm-1 operating at ~7.8 µm was scanned covering four neighboring absorption lines, for H2O at 1281.161 cm-1, HDO at 1281.455 cm-1, N2O at 1281.53 cm-1 and CH4 at 1281.61 cm-1. A first-harmonic-normalized wavelength modulation spectroscopy with second-harmonic detection (WMS-2f/1f) strategy was employed for data processing. An Allan-Werle deviation analysis indicated that minimum detection limits of 1.77 ppmv for H2O, 3.92 ppbv for HDO, 1.43 ppbv for N2O, and 2.2 ppbv for CH4 were achieved with integration times of 50-s, 50-s, 100-s and 129-s, respectively. Experimental measurements of ambient air are also reported.
Effects of prenatal cocaine exposure on perinatal morbidity and postnatal growth in the rabbit

Prenatal cocaine (CC) exposure may result in increased fetal loss, growth retardation, altered neurodevelopment, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). We sought to establish an animal model for prenatal cocaine exposure which (1) would allow us to distinguish the direct effects from the indirect and nutritional effects of the drug, and (2) might be used to address questions of cocaine's toxicity, specifically to the developing respiratory control system. The study design included 38 New Zealand White rabbit does among CC, pair-fed (PF), and free-fed (FF) groups. Miniosmotic pumps were implanted in each doe on day 10 of timed gestation providing continuous subcutaneous administration of either 30 mg/kg/day of cocaine HCl in H2O (CC) or sterile H2O alone (PF and FF). Mean (SEM) plasma cocaine concentration was 1.71 +/- 0.21 mumol/l (519.4 +/- 64.4 ng/ml). Pregnancy outcome compared for incidence of stillbirth, maternal death, spontaneous abortion, and gross malformation among 211 pups was significant only for increased stillbirths among CC pups (18%, p less than 0.04) as compared to PF (6%) and FF pups (7%). External and renal malformation and postnatal weight, crown-rump length, and snout-occiput head circumference for pups aged 4 and 5 days of age did not differ among groups. The direct effects of prenatal cocaine evaluated in our model do not reproduce the altered perinatal outcome observed among humans. However, our results do not determine if physiologic function has been altered. Investigation of the physiologic and pathologic abnormalities that are relevant to this human condition, specifically to the developing respiratory control system, should add clarity to the mechanism of action of cocaine during pregnancy.
Management of unilateral facet fractures with and without subluxation/dislocation

Abstract Nearly one-third of patients with subaxial cervical spine trauma sustain a facet/lateral mass fracture. The morphology of these injuries is a fracture line running through the lateral mass with various degrees of displacement. The patients complain of neck pain, or they present with neurological deficit referable to nerve or spinal cord injury. MRI indicates various degrees of damage to the disco-ligamentous complex (DLC) or spinal cord. Although management of isolated non-displaced unilateral facet fractures remains controversial, low level evidence recommends surgical fixation for unilateral facet fractures with subluxation or dislocation to maintain alignment, prevent neurologic injury promote functional recovery.
Endometrial Cancer Risk Factors, Hormone Receptors, and Mortality Prediction

Background: Endometrial tumors arise from a hormonally responsive tissue. Defining subtypes by hormone receptor expression might better inform etiology and prediction of patient outcomes. We evaluated the potential role of tumor estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) expression to define endometrial cancer subtypes.Methods: We measured semi-continuous ER and PR protein expression in tissue specimens from 360 endometrial primary tumors from the Nurses' Health Study. To explore the impact of different definitions of marker positivity, we dichotomized ER and PR expression at different cut points in increments of 5% positive cells. Logistic regression was used to estimate associations between endometrial cancer risk factors, such as body mass index, with dichotomous ER or PR status. Reclassification statistics were used to assess whether adding dichotomous ER or PR status to standard prognostic factors of stage, grade, and histologic type would improve endometrial cancer-specific mortality prediction.Results: Compared with not being obese, obesity increased the odds of having an ER-positive tumor at cut points of 0% to 20% [maximum OR, 2.92; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.34-6.33] as well as the odds of having a PR-positive tumor at cut points of 70% to 90% (maximum OR, 2.53; 95% CI, 1.36-4.68). Adding dichotomous tumor ER or PR status to the panel of standard predictors did not improve both model discrimination and calibration.Conclusions: Obesity may be associated with greater endometrial tumor expression of ER and PR. Adding either marker does not appear to improve mortality prediction beyond the standard predictors.Impact: Body mass index might explain some of the biological variation among endometrial tumors. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(5); 727-35. ©2017 AACR.
Analysis and design of a series resonant converter with constant current input and regulated output current

Constant current dc distribution to series connected loads has been preferred for long distance high reliability systems such as undersea cabling for telecommunications and observation networks. In addition, some loads require constant current output, creating a need for high efficiency power supplies that provide a regulated current gain from input current to output current. Series resonant converters (SRCs) are a good candidate with the potential for high output impedance current source output behavior. However, SRCs behave differently with constant current input compared to traditional constant voltage input, a behavior that has not been well studied in the literature. This work presents detailed analysis and design considerations for SRCs operated with constant current input and regulated to provide a constant current output. The converter control method, zero-voltage-switching (ZVS) realization, and approaches to maintain SRC operation at resonance are discussed. The current source property of the SRC offers many advantages such as independence of load voltage, parallel operation and short circuit output protection. Hardware results are presented for a 380 kHz, 450 W prototype SRC with 1 A input current and 0.33 A regulated output current.
The evolution of tail weaponization in amniotes

Weaponry, for the purpose of intraspecific combat or predator defence, is one of the most widespread animal adaptations, yet the selective pressures and constraints governing its phenotypic diversity and skeletal regionalization are not well understood. Here, we investigate the evolution of tail weaponry in amniotes, a rare form of weaponry that nonetheless evolved independently among a broad spectrum of life including mammals, turtles and dinosaurs. Using phylogenetic comparative methods, we test for links between morphology, ecology and behaviour in extant amniotes known to use the tail as a weapon, and in extinct taxa bearing osseous tail armaments. We find robust ecological and morphological correlates of both tail lashing behaviour and bony tail weaponry, including large body size, body armour and herbivory, suggesting these life-history parameters factor into the evolution of antipredator behaviours and tail armaments. We suggest that the evolution of tail weaponry is rare because large, armoured herbivores are uncommon in extant terrestrial faunas, as they have been throughout evolutionary history.
Multivariate fault detection and classification using interval principal component analysis

Abstract Principal component analysis (PCA) is a linear data analysis tool that aims to reduce the dimensionality of a dataset, while retaining most of the variation found in it. It transforms the variables of a dataset into a new set, called the principal components, using linear combinations of the original variables. PCA is a powerful statistical technique used in research for fault detection, classification and feature extraction. Interval principal component analysis (IPCA) is an extension to PCA designed to apply PCA to large datasets using interval data generated from single-valued samples. In this paper, three IPCA methods are compared: centers IPCA, midpoint-radii IPCA, and symbolic covariance IPCA, and methods for fault detection and classification using interval data are described. Fault detection and classification applications are respectively carried out through two examples, one using synthetic and the other using real data, and the results are compared to those of the classical PCA. The results show that IPCA methods have a higher detection rate than classical PCA, for the same false alarm rate. Moreover, IPCA methods are capable of differentiating the type of fault to a high degree of accuracy, unlike classical PCA. Interval centers were capable of detecting changes in mean, while interval radii were capable of detecting changes in variance. Furthermore, for data classification, the results show that MRIPCA had a higher classification precision than other IPCA methods and classical PCA.
Atopic Dermatitis Pertaining to Adolescents

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, relapsing, and pruritic disease that classically develops in early childhood and can persist into adulthood. There appear to be many contributing factors in the development of this disease including both genetic and environmental interactions, which ultimately lead to impaired epidermal barrier function and immune dysregulation. AD has a variable presentation depending on age, and the diagnosis is based on clinical history and diagnostic characteristics. As AD patients transition to adulthood, they are faced with a unique set of problems that need to be considered. In this chapter we will discuss management of AD in the adolescent and review specific pitfalls that may occur.
The Epidemic Intelligence Service: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Disease Detectives.

A physician explains the mission of the Epidemic Intelligence Service program and its contribution within the Centers for Disease Control over the last 50 years. Virtual Mentor is a monthly bioethics journal published by the American Medical Association.
Weighted Polynomial Approximation for Weights with Logarithmic Singularities in the Extremal Measure

Let w : Σ → [0, ∞) be a weight function on a set Σ ⊂ R. We assume that the associated extremal measure μω has density function vω(t) with finitely many singularities of logarithmic type. We show that any continuous function f on Σ which vanishes outside the set where vω is positive or has a logarithmic singularity, is the uniform limit on Σ of a sequence of weighted polynomials of the form wn Pn, where Pn is of degree ≦ n. This extends previous results for continuous densities to densities having logarithmic singularities.
Fly breath sets mites up for success

![Graphic][1] For parasites to thrive, they must first locate and then derive resources from a host. Some parasites can use chemical cues – such as CO2 released through respiration – to find hosts, and when multiple hosts live in the same area, parasites often preferentially infest
A phase II trial of abiraterone acetate (AA) without prednisone in castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC).

5040Background: AA blocks CYP17 and suppresses adrenal androgens and glucocorticoids. Given the risk of mineralocorticoid excess (ME), AA is administered with corticosteroids. In this phase II mult...
Type 2 diabetes and the risk of incident hearing loss

Type 2 diabetes mellitus has been implicated as a risk factor for hearing loss, with possible mechanisms including microvascular disease, acoustic neuropathy or oxidative stress. A few small studies have examined the longitudinal association between type 2 diabetes and hearing loss, but larger studies are needed. Our objective was to examine whether type 2 diabetes (including diabetes duration) is associated with incident hearing loss in two prospective cohorts: Nurses’ Health Studies (NHS) I and II. We conducted a longitudinal study of 139,909 women to examine the relationship between type 2 diabetes and the risk of self-reported incident hearing loss. A physician-diagnosis of diabetes was ascertained from biennial questionnaires. The primary outcome was hearing loss reported as moderate or worse in severity (categorised as a ‘moderate or severe’ hearing problem, or ‘moderate hearing trouble or deaf’) on questionnaires administered in 2012 in NHS I and 2009 or 2013 in NHS II. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to adjust for potential confounders. During >2.4 million person-years of follow-up, 664 cases of moderate or worse hearing loss were reported among those with type 2 diabetes and 10,022 cases among those without type 2 diabetes. Compared with women who did not have type 2 diabetes, those with type 2 diabetes were at higher risk for incident moderate or worse hearing loss (pooled multivariable-adjusted HR 1.16 [95% CI 1.07, 1.27]). Participants who had type 2 diabetes for ≥8 years had a higher risk of moderate or worse hearing loss compared with those without type 2 diabetes (pooled multivariable-adjusted HR 1.24 [95% CI 1.10, 1.40]). In this large longitudinal study, type 2 diabetes was associated with a modestly higher risk of moderate or worse hearing loss. Furthermore, longer duration diabetes was associated with a higher risk of moderate or worse hearing loss.
Comparison of soil-aggregate crushing-energy meters

Dry aggregate stability (DAS) is an important factor influencing soil wind erosion, dust emission and crop production. Historically and to the present, DAS has been determined using a horizontal- or vertical-plate crushing meter (Soil-Aggregate Crushing-Energy Meter, hereafter SACEM). The intent of this paper was to compare the performance of horizontal-plate SACEM with a commercial penetrometer (Mohr Digi-Test, hereafter MDT). The performance of both instruments was tested on aggregates collected from various soil types, crop rotations, soil amendments, and tillage systems across the inland Pacific Northwest United States (iPNW). Results indicated no consistently significant difference in DAS measured by the MDT and SACEM. However, there was evidence that SACEM under-estimated or MDT over-estimated DAS by 74 to 368% in measuring the stability of strong aggregates (DAS > 3 J kg⁻¹). Both instruments measured higher DAS for no-tillage summer fallow, winter wheat-summer fallow (WW-SF) rotations, and no green manure treatments compared with other tillage practices, oilseed rotations, and green manure treatments. The SACEM that has historically been used in measuring soil DAS can be replaced by the commercial penetrometer (MDT). Nonetheless, differences in the performance of instruments in measuring the stability of strong aggregates poses risks.
Seeking safer spaces: The mitigating impact of young adults’ Facebook and Instagram audience expectations and posting type on fear of negative evaluation

Abstract Social media has become ubiquitous and multifaceted. In this complex digital landscape, individuals are confronted with platform options, response expectations, anticipated audiences, and norms for posting on social media. In this study, college student participants (N = 300) were asked about their fear of negative evaluation (FNE), comfort levels when posting on Facebook and Instagram, expected valence of response, anticipated audience, and likelihood to unfriend or block people. Results revealed that comfort levels when posting were associated more with posting norms than emotional disposition (i.e., FNE). Furthermore, individuals anticipated a positive yet superficial response to their posts. They generally imagined the audience of their posts to be close others and casual friends, with a key difference of imagining family as audience on Facebook, rather than Instagram. By imagining close and friendly others as audiences as well as anticipating superficial, positive responses to posts, individuals inhabit two platform spaces that feel safer, even for those who fear negative evaluation.
The Effects of Different Sources of Stuttering Disclosure on the Perceptions of a Child Who Stutters

Purpose This study measured between-group differences in perceived speech skills and personality characteristics of a 12-year-old boy who stutters as a function of a factual stuttering disclosure statement, delivered by the boy who stutters, his "mother," or his "teacher." Method Two hundred seventeen college-aged adults were randomly assigned to one of four groups, including a control group (no stuttering disclosure) and three experimental groups (child disclosure, mother disclosure, and teacher disclosure). Participants in the control condition viewed a brief video of a 12-year-old boy who stutters. For the experimental conditions, participants viewed a brief factual stuttering disclosure video (delivered by the child, mother, or teacher), followed by the same minute-long video of a boy who stutters used in the control condition. Following the videos, participants completed surveys relative to their perception of the boy's speech skills and personality characteristics. Results Results support previous research citing benefits of stuttering disclosure. Significant between-group differences in both perceived speech skills and personality characteristics were observed when stuttering was disclosed by not only the child who stutters but also his teacher. When stuttering was disclosed by the mother, limited positive attitudinal differences were observed in speech skills; as a matter of fact, a number of personality characteristics were perceived more negatively as a function of stuttering disclosure by the mother. Conclusions While results were generally most positive when the boy disclosed his own stuttering, data from this study support the efficacy of verbal stuttering disclosure provided by a teacher as a means of improving perceptions associated with stuttering. Accordingly, data support the notion that children who stutter will experience an improved quality of life when taught effective self-disclosure strategies by both parents and professionals, and that professionals (but not necessarily parents) can effectively disclose their clients' stuttering during this mentorship and self-advocacy process.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Infants and Children with Prader-Willi syndrome.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a complex disorder affecting approximately 1/15,000-1/30,000 people. Infants with PWS are at risk for serious complications with Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) due to low muscle tone and a weakened pulmonary system. OBJECTIVES Understanding RSV incidence, hospitalization rates, lingering effects, and morbidity in children with PWS may help with planning health care, insurance and vaccine recommendations in children with PWS. METHODS Links to volunteer surveys were provided via direct email and social media to families throughout the United States with children having PWS. The contact distribution lists were provided by PWSA(USA) and the Foundation for Prader-Willi Research. RESULTS A total of 220 surveys were completed by the parents/caregivers of children with PWS. Of those respondents, 60 (27.27%) had contracted the RSV virus during early childhood. Of those with RSV, 44 children required hospitalization, with 16 reporting multiple hospitalizations, some for several weeks. Of those with the virus, 22 required PICU admission, 10 required intubation, 20 needed CPAP, and 46 children needed supplemental oxygen during the infection. Of those who had contracted RSV, 42% were over age 1 year at the time of infection, and 17 children developed chronic lung issues after the RSV infection. The case lethality was 1.37%. Only 38% had received the RSV Synagis shot, and 19% received more than one season of the vaccination. Prematurity prevalence was only 28%, but 99% reported that their child had significant hypotonia. Approximately 30% of parents sited lack of insurance authorization or failure of the physician to recommend the treatment. CONCLUSIONS The risk of contracting RSV for young children with PWS is high. The implications of contracting RSV include death or lung damage, along with high medical expenditures, which could be ameliorated with routine administration of the Synagis vaccine.
Governing energy in conflicted resource contexts: Culture, cost, and carbon in the decision-making criteria of the Navajo Nation

Abstract A sustainable energy future requires both technological advancement and understanding factors that drive attitudes and behaviors on energy consumption. Culture can influence preferences for sources of energy, consumption behavior, and incentives to change behavior. This paper examines, through two studies, the influence of various cultural, environmental, and economic outcome information provided through a decision aid for energy development on the Navajo Nation. Fossil fuel resources on the Navajo Nation have a long history of development while renewable resources are more recent. The studies elicited subject beliefs and preferences related to the type and scale of energy development, trust of decision makers, and larger concern for environmental protection. Both found strong preference for renewable development before and after exposure to the tools this preference increased when participants were exposed to uncertainty information. Individuals did not seem moved by culturally specific impact information; environmental impact information may instead be a stand-in for these outcomes. In study 1, without uncertainty, older individuals were more likely to prefer large, centralized projects that are fossil fuel based than their younger counterparts. By and large, participants held positive views about energy development resulting in economic benefit, however these views were moderated following provisions of outcome uncertainty information. Future research should consider exploring cultural framings in other societies and contexts. In study 2, tools with uncertainty information did not appear to change the direction of these overarching preferences. The uncertainty information appeared to strengthen positions with participants preference for renewable sources.
The Actin Bundling Protein Fascin-1 as an ACE2-Accessory Protein

We have previously shown that angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), an enzyme counterbalancing the deleterious effects of angiotensin type 1 receptor activation by production of vasodilatory peptides Angiotensin (Ang)-(1–9) and Ang-(1–7), is internalized and degraded in lysosomes following chronic Ang-II treatment. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in this effect remain unknown. In an attempt to identify the accessory proteins involved in this effect, we conducted a proteomic analysis in ACE2-transfected HEK293T cells. A single protein, fascin-1, was found to differentially interact with ACE2 after Ang-II treatment for 4 h. The interactions between fascin-1 and ACE2 were confirmed by confocal microscopy and co-immunoprecipitation. Overexpression of fascin-1 attenuates the effects of Ang-II on ACE2 activity. In contrast, downregulation of fascin-1 severely decreased ACE2 enzymatic activity. Interestingly, in brain homogenates from hypertensive mice, we observed a significant reduction of fascin-1, suggesting that the levels of this protein may change in cardiovascular diseases. In conclusion, we identified fascin-1 as an ACE2-accessory protein, interacting with the enzyme in an Ang-II dependent manner and contributing to the regulation of enzyme activity.
Loss of KHSRP Increases Neuronal Growth and Synaptic Transmission and Alters Memory Consolidation Through RNA Stabilization

The KH-type splicing regulatory protein (KHSRP) is an RNA-binding protein linked to decay of AU-rich element containing mRNAs. We have previously shown that KHSRP destabilizes the mRNA encoding the growth-associated protein GAP-43 and decreases neurite growth in cultured embryonic neurons. In contrast, loss of KHSRP stabilizes Gap43 mRNA and increases neurite growth. Here, we have tested functions of neural KHSRP in vivo. We find upregulation of 1460 mRNAs in the neocortex of adult Khsrp-/- mice, of which 527 bind to KHSRP with high specificity. These KHSRP targets are involved in pathways for neuronal morphology, axon guidance, neurotransmission and long-term memory. Neocortical neurons show increased axon growth and dendritic spine density in Khsrp-/- mice. Analyses of neuronal cultures from embryonic Khsrp-/- mice point to a neuron-intrinsic alteration in axonal and dendritic growth and elevations in KHSRP-target mRNAs, including subcellularly localized mRNAs. Hippocampus and infralimbic cortex of Khsrp-/- mice show presynaptic elevations in neurotransmission. The Khsrp-/- mice have significant deficits in both trace conditioning and attention set-shifting tasks compared Khsrp+/+ mice, indicating impaired prefrontal- and hippocampal-dependent memory consolidation with loss of KHSRP. Overall, our results indicate that prenatal deletion of KHSRP impairs neuronal development resulting in alterations in neuronal morphology and function by changing post-transcriptional control of neuronal gene expression.
Ultrasensitive measurement of microcantilever displacement below the shot-noise limit

The displacement of micro-electro-mechanical-systems (MEMS) cantilevers is used to measure a broad variety of phenomena in devices ranging from force microscopes to biochemical sensors to thermal imaging systems. We demonstrate, to the best of our knowledge, the first direct measurement of a MEMS cantilever displacement with a noise floor 4 dB below the shot-noise limit (SNL) at an equivalent optical power. By combining multi-spatial-mode quantum light sources with a simple differential measurement, we show that sub-SNL MEMS displacement sensitivity is highly accessible compared to previous efforts that measured the displacement of macroscopic mirrors with very distinct spatial structures crafted with multiple optical parametric amplifiers and locking loops. These results support a new class of quantum MEMS sensors with an ultimate signal-to-noise ratio determined by quantum correlations, enabling ultratrace sensing, imaging, and microscopy applications in which signals were previously obscured by shot noise.
Why Did Adam Smith Suggest a Labor Theory of Value

Many commentators claim Adam Smith failed to realize that no objective standard of value exists. Instead, he adhered to the labor theory of value. Like others, we argue that in the The Wealth of Nations Smith discussed the “early and rude state” in which the labor theory of value made some sense since labor and human circumstances were relatively simple and knowable. However, because the labor theory of value is only sensible in that special case, his description of the theory suggests its own insufficiency. With the emergence of the division of labor, labor heterogeneity and the waning know-ability of circumstances render the earlier analysis moot, but that is only implicit in the Wealth of Nations. So why does Smith exposit an analytically weak position? We suggest that Smith thought that his rhetorical use of the labor theory of value would advance his “liberal plan of equality, liberty, and justice.” The labor theory of value served as a rhetorical device to underpin his claims that the movement toward an economic system based on an extensive division of labor was a movement toward a better society without any systemic injustice in labor remuneration.
Effective Learning and Quality Teaching

There is a paradigm shift in the concept, purpose and delivery of education. The shift is from teaching to learning. Learning is foregrounded and focused and teaching is expected to be a process of facilitating learning. As a consequence, teacher is decentred but not marginalized. At the same time, learner is placed at the centre but not deified. Learning has also been redefined as the process of skilling students and empowering them with knowledge and not mere information and teaching as facilitating learners in the process of learning. Hence, this paper argues that there is an inherent causal relationship between (quality) teaching and (effective) learning. However, it also highlights the problematic nature of the adjectives ‘effective’ and quality’ since they are invisible and immeasurable.
The necessity of magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of pediatric growth hormone deficiency: Lessons from a large academic center.

Abstract Background Current guidelines indiscriminately recommend magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the pituitary gland in pediatric growth hormone deficiency (GHD). The relationship between abnormal MRI, most importantly a tumor, and peak GH levels is not well known. Methods In this retrospective chart review, pituitary MRI results of children, ages of 3–16 years with GHD were collected and divided into 3 groups according to peak stimulated GH levels; ≤5, 5–7.4 and 7.5–10 ng/mL, Groups A, B & C respectively. Clinical and MRI findings were compared between the groups. Results A total of 399 children were included. Abnormal MRI was found in 36.9% of group A subjects, compared to group B (16.7%) and group C (17.0%), both p values =0.0002. Children with multiple pituitary hormonal deficiencies (MPHD) had a higher rate of abnormalities than those with isolated GHD. Children with isolated GHD were more likely to have abnormal MRI with peak GH level Conclusion Although abnormal MRI was found in all 3 study groups, it was more likely at GH level
Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Operator Profiles and Associations With In-Hospital Mortality.

Background: Percutaneous coronary intervention is performed by operators with differing experience, technique, and case mix. It is unknown if operator practice patterns impact patient outcomes. We ...
Grain Growth of Sol‐Gel Derived Tin Oxide Nanoparticles and the Effects of Platinum Doping

Tin oxide derived from sol-gel yielded nano-size crystals. At temperatures below 700 °C, the grain growth kinetics showed weak time dependence (grain growth exponent n of 6-7.4) with an activation energy of 21-26 kJ/mol, and no growth anisotropy was observed. Doping with Pt increased SnO 2 grain size; we attribute this effect to heterogeneous nucleation in the initial stage of heating. The grain size difference between Pt-doped and undoped SnO 2 is larger for 1 h heat-treatment than for 24 h heat-treatment at 500-800 °C. For heat-treatments from 1 h up to 24 h, Pt doping significantly suppressed SnO 2 grain growth (n = 7.6-11.9), and resulted in preferential grain growth in the direction normal to (101).
High-resolution x-ray spectroscopy for plasma diagnostics

Techniques have been developed to acquire improved x-ray spectra from intense, hot laboratory plasmas. Spatially resolved high-resolution x-ray spectra is a valuable diagnostic for characterizing plasma sources. By minimizing the plasma source size and with the utilization of selected x-ray diffraction crystals, x-ray line wavelengths can be measured with accuracies of 2-3 mA in the 10-15 A region, provided calibration wavelengths are available or can be calculated. Dedicated experiments to determine line coincidences for x-ray laser studies is a recent application of high-resolution x-ray spectroscopy. Examples will be presented of results using laser-produced plasmas and the gas puff source for spectroscopy.
Bayesian policy search for multi-agent role discovery

Bayesian inference is an appealing approach for leveraging prior knowledge in reinforcement learning (RL). In this paper we describe an algorithm for discovering different classes of roles for agents via Bayesian inference. In particular, we develop a Bayesian policy search approach for Multi-Agent RL (MARL), which is model-free and allows for priors on policy parameters. We present a novel optimization algorithm based on hybrid MCMC, which leverages both the prior and gradient information estimated from trajectories. Our experiments in a complex real-time strategy game demonstrate the effective discovery of roles from supervised trajectories, the use of discovered roles for successful transfer to similar tasks, and the discovery of roles through reinforcement learning.
Effect of actinomycin D on immune antibody, normal antibody, and complement.

Muschel, Louis H. (University of Minnesota, Minneapolis), Jean L. Jackson, and Karen Schmoker. Effect of actinomycin D on immune antibody, normal antibody, and complement. J. Bacteriol. 91:270–272. 1966.—The effect of actinomycin D on the immune response, when the antibiotic was administered to rabbits simultaneously with antigen, and its effect on naturally occurring levels of antibody and complement were determined. Those amounts of the antibiotic that effected a significant suppression of the immune response against deliberately injected antigens did not cause a decline in levels of naturally occurring antibody. Complement titers were also refractory to the antibiotic.
Associations of neuroticism and impulsivity with binge eating in a nationally representative sample of adolescents in the United States

Binge eating behavior is a public health concern with serious physical and mental health consequences. Certain personality traits have been found to contribute to the development of eating disorders in clinical samples of youth, but little is known about associations between personality traits and binge eating in the general adolescent population. We examined the associations of neuroticism and impulsivity-both independently and in combination-with lifetime prevalence of binge eating, using nationally representative, cross-sectional data from the National Comorbidity Survey: Adolescent Supplement (n=437). Neuroticism and impulsivity were each significantly associated with lifetime prevalence of binge eating (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR]=1.11, confidence interval [CI]=1.07, 1.15, p<0.001; aPR=1.06, CI=1.04, 1.09, p<0.001, respectively). The combination of high neuroticism and high impulsivity was associated with higher lifetime binge eating than the combination of low neuroticism and low impulsivity (aPR=3.72, CI=2.45, 5.65, p<0.001), and this association was stronger for female than male adolescents (females: aPR=5.37, CI=3.24, 8.91, p<0.001 vs. males: aPR=2.45, CI=1.43, 4.22, p=0.002). Our findings have implications for informing theories of etiology and interventions to target binge eating behaviors.
Experimental studies of the properties of 'simulated' upstream turbulence using a statistical multipoint method

In this report we present a different approach to the multipoint measurement of magnetic fields and plasma. This is called the multi-spacecraft ensemble technique (MET), essentially free of process restrictions, such as linearity and stationarity. We comprehensively discuss the other conditions and limitations intrinsic to this statistical method. We also show the results of the application of the ensemble method to the synthetic data obtained from a hybrid simulation in the region upstream of a quasi-parallel shock. The important implications of the above approach for the CLUSTER mission are discussed.
Adaptive quadrant filter based phase locked loop system

Phase-Locked-Loop (PLL) is one of the key technologies extensively used in grid connected power electronics system. A good PLL system can detect the grid phase angle and frequency fast and accurately, and additionally it can extract the positive sequence (or fundamental component for single phase system) exactly. In real applications, source signal (voltage or current) sensed for PLL usually includes harmonic distortion, unbalanced components, noises and frequency variations. Conventional PLL strategy cannot solve all the problems, especially the unbalanced and harmonic distortion. There is a trade-off between the dynamic response and phase angle tracking accuracy. Different PLL solutions are proposed in literature in recent years. The general considerations for these different approaches are to design positive sequence estimator to eliminate the negative sequence components and use filters to filter out the higher order harmonic distortions from the PLLs. In this paper, an adaptive quadrature filter based synchronous reference frame PLL (SRF-PLL) with positive sequence estimation feature is presented. The proposed PLL has good performances in filtering harmonic, eliminating unbalanced components and auto-adjusting frequency change. The simulation model is built in Matlab/simulink and the simulation results are given to verify the mathematical analysis.
Acute leukemia: Diagnosis and management of testicular involvement

Contemporary therapy of acute leukemia frequently achieves long-term continued complete remission (CCR) of bone marrow disease and prevents central nervous system relapse. However, accompanying improved survival is an increasing incidence of overt testicular relapse either during CCR or associated with bone marrow relapse. In 7 boys testicular abnormalities developed during CCR, 6 had open biopsy and 5 had histologically confirmed leukemic infiltration. Despite local therapy of orchiectomy or irradiation and chemotherapy reinduction, 2 of 6 had testicular relapse and 4 of 6 died. Three boys with coexistent overt testicular and systemic relapse died. Nine boys with normal testes had testicular biopsy during CCR prior to discontinuation of chemotherapy. Results of all biopsies were benign, but one boy had a relapse. The diagnosis of occult testicular leukemia prior to discontinuation of chemotherapy allows selection of high-risk boys requiring prolonged, intensive, and possibly alternative therapy. The indication for testicular biopsy in boys with acute leukemia is documented, and appropriate clinical management of testicular leukemia is presented.