cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
"I Thought My Heart Would Burst": The Role of Ultrasound Technology on Expectant Grandmotherhood

Using both quantitative and qualitative data, this study investigates the role of ultrasound technology on feelings of attachment and emotions experienced by expectant grandmothers. A total of 109 expectant grandmothers complete the 84-question Web-based survey. A 12-item scale is used to assess the impact of ultrasound on attachment. As expected, participants who attend the ultrasound exam are more likely than those who merely see pictures or video to report that the ultrasound increased their feelings of attachment. In addition, the results suggest that there is a small but significant negative relationship between number of grandchildren and feelings of attachment. Content analysis of open-ended questions reveal that ultrasound technology is an exciting, bonding experience that makes the fetus more real and produces feelings of awe and pride. Results are discussed in terms of their similarity to those found among expectant mothers and fathers, as well as implications for medical protocol.
Identification and sequence analysis of a new member of the mouse HSP70 gene family and characterization of its unique cellular and developmental pattern of expression in the male germ line.

Abstract A unique member of the mouse HSP70 gene family has been isolated and characterized with respect to its DNA sequence organization and expression. The gene contains extensive similarity to a heat shock-inducible HSP70 gene within the coding region but diverges in both 3' and 5' nontranslated regions. The gene does not yield transcripts in response to heat shock in mouse L cells. Rather, the gene appears to be activated uniquely in the male germ line. Analysis of RNA from different developmental stages and from enriched populations of spermatogenic cells revealed that this gene is expressed during the prophase stage of meiosis. A transcript different in size from the major heat-inducible mouse transcripts is most abundant in meiotic prophase spermatocytes and decreases in abundance in postmeiotic stages of spermatogenesis. This pattern of expression is distinct from that observed for another member of this gene family, which was previously shown to be expressed abundantly in postmeiotic germ cells. These observations suggest that specific HSP70 gene family members play distinct roles in the differentiation of the germ cell lineage in mammals.
expression and generalization in history and anthropology1

An examination of certain aspects of historical and anthropological practice reveals (1) that rhetorical, or aesthetic, judgments inhere in the use of narrative, (2) that evocative, rather than merely denotative, language contributes to objective knowledge of events in another culture, and (3) that patterns, not laws, are the best means by which to generalize about unique sequences of events. A strict scientistic approach is not necessary for an historical and anthropological knowledge of social processes.
Effect of progesterone pretreatment on guinea pig gallbladder motility in vitro.

Experiments were designed to examine the effect of chronic pretreatment with progesterone (2 mg/kg · day for 5 days) on the in vitro contractile response of gallbladder muscle strips from adult male guinea pigs. The muscle strips were challenged with either acetylcholine or the octapeptide of cholecystokinin and dose-response relationships were determined. The data were compared with doseresponse curves obtained from untreated control animals. Progesterone pretreatment produced rightward shifts in the acetylcholine and octapeptide of cholecystokinin curves that were characterized by significant decreases in the maximal contractile response. Serum progesterone concentrations in the pretreated animals were significantly increased over control levels. The data support the hypothesis that the sluggish behavior of the gallbladder during pregnancy and during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle may be due, in part, to progesterone-related alterations in the contractile properties of gallbladder smooth muscle.
Oral prednisone therapy in experimental rhinovirus infections

This study was designed to test the effects of oral steroid therapy on the kinin levels and symptoms of experimental rhinoviral colds. Forty-seven men were randomized to receive prednisone (20 mg) or placebo. Therapy was administered three times a day for 5 days, after one dose was given 11 hours before inoculation with rhinovirus. Viral titers, symptom scores, and kinin and albumin concentrations in nasal washes were monitored. The mean kinin levels were lower in the steroid group (287 vs 449 pg/ml, p = 0.005) with significant differences in kinin levels on days 3 and 4 (p < 0.01). No significant difference in total symptom scores was seen between the two groups. Except for increased sneezing (p < 0.01) and mucus weights (p < 0.05) on day 1 in patients treated with prednisone, there were no significant differences in individual symptom scores. Headache tended to be less prominent in steroid recipients. Mean viral titers were higher in the steroid group (1.13 vs 0.79, p = 0.03) with significant differences in the daily viral titers on days 3 (p < 0.05) and 4 (p < 0.01). Steroids reduced kinin levels in rhinoviral infections, but that reduction was not associated with a significant reduction in symptoms. This study also provides evidence for the enhancement of viral growth in steroid recipients.
Object detection with vector quantized binary features

This paper presents a new algorithm for detecting objects in images, one of the fundamental tasks of computer vision. The algorithm extends the representational efficiency of eigenimage methods to binary features, which are less sensitive to illumination changes than gray-level values normally used with eigenimages. Binary features (square subtemplates) are automatically chosen on each training image. Using features rather than whole templates makes the algorithm more robust to background clutter and partial occlusions. Instead of representing the features with real-valued eigenvector principle components, we use binary vector quantization to avoid floating point computations. The object is detected in the image using a simple geometric hash table and Hough transform. On a test of 1000 images, the algorithm works on 99.3%. We present a theoretical analysis of the algorithm in terms of the receiver operating characteristic, which consists of the probabilities of detection and false alarm. We verify this analysis with the results of our 1000-image test and we use the analysis as a principled way to select some of the algorithm's important operating parameters.
Splenectomy in high-risk primary renal transplant recipients

One hundred sixty-five high-risk patients who were either 50 years of age or older or had diabetes mellitus, or both underwent primary renal transplantation. One hundred eight had splenectomy and 57 did not. Graft and patient survival were analyzed in regard to whether splenectomy had been performed at all and whether it had been performed 30 days or more before transplantation, less than 30 days before, or at the time of transplantation. Also, the influence of age, diabetes, blood transfusions, blood type, donor type, HLA mismatch, pretransplantation dialysis, and percentage of performed antibodies were analyzed, as were complications and causes of death. Differences in patient survival were not significant in any one of these categories, although survival in the splenectomized group was generally better. The incidence of infection and sepsis was comparable in both groups and was responsible for death in 34 percent of the patients who underwent splenectomy compared with 22 percent of those who did not (no significant difference). Splenectomy improved cadaver donor renal allograft survival (p = 0.001) in the diabetic patients (p = 0.015) and in those 50 years of age or older (p = 0.026) but it did not improve survival in those who received living related donor kidneys. No significant differences were detectable in regard to the timing of splenectomy. The effect of splenectomy was significant in the patients who had not received transfusions (p = 0.003). It also improved survival in the transfused patients. Splenectomy in high-risk diabetic patients and patients 50 years of age or older does not seem to be associated with increased mortality.
A Multiplier Structure Based on a Novel Real-time CSD Recoding

Implementation of digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms in hardware, such as field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), requires a large number of multiplications. In this paper, we introduce a novel multiplier structure that converts from 2's complement to canonical signed digit (CSD) representation in real time. The proposed algorithm increases the number of zero partial products (which can be simplified by shift operations) to approximately 66.7% compared with 50% for modified Booth's recoding. Also, the proposed hardware structure reduces the non-zero partial products to a minimum, and consequently the number of arithmetic operations in the carry-save structure is reduced. So, our proposed hardware decreases both the time required for multiplication and the power consumption of the multiplier. Furthermore, because the proposed structure uses real time CSD recoding, and does not require a fixed value for the multiplier input to be known a priori, the proposed multiplier can be used to implement digital filters with non-fixed filter coefficients, such as adaptive filters.
Topology-transparent time division multiple access broadcast scheduling in multihop packet radio networks

Many topology-dependent transmission scheduling algorithms have been proposed to minimize the time-division multiple-access frame length in multihop packet radio networks (MPRNs), in which changes of the topology inevitably require recomputation of the schedules. The need for constant adaptation of schedules-to-mobile topology entails significant problems, especially in highly dynamic mobile environments. Hence, topology-transparent scheduling algorithms have been proposed, which utilize Galois field theory and Latin squares theory. We discuss the topology-transparent broadcast scheduling design for MPRNs. For single-channel networks, we propose the modified Galois field design (MGD) and the Latin square design (LSD) for topology-transparent broadcast scheduling. The MGD obtains much smaller minimum frame length (MFL) than the existing scheme while the LSD can even achieve possible performance gain when compared with the MGD, under certain conditions. Moreover, the inner relationship between scheduling designs based on different theories is revealed and proved, which provides valuable insight. For topology-transparent broadcast scheduling in multichannel networks, in which little research has been done, the proposed multichannel Galois field design (MCGD) can reduce the MFL approximately M times, as compared with the MGD when M channels are available. Numerical results show that the proposed algorithms outperform existing algorithms in achieving a smaller MFL.
National evaluation of hospital readmission after pulmonary resection

Abstract Objectives Our objectives were to (1) assess readmission rates and timing after pulmonary resection, (2) report the most common reasons for rehospitalization, and (3) identify risk factors for unplanned readmission after pulmonary resection. Methods Patients who underwent pulmonary resection were identified from the 2011 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. We examined readmission within 30 days of surgery for all resections and 3 subgroups: open lobectomy, video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy, and pneumonectomy. Regression models were developed to identify factors associated with readmission. Results In 1847 patients, there were 899 open lobectomies (49%), 724 video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomies (39%), and 85 pneumonectomies (5%). The overall readmission rate was 9.3% with no significant difference found among patients undergoing open lobectomy (9.1%), video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy (8.4%), or pneumonectomy (11.8%) ( P = .576). The median time from operation to readmission was similar among patients undergoing open (14 days) or video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy (13 days). The most common cause of readmission for all groups examined was pulmonary related. In multivariable analyses, the strongest factor associated with readmission was an inpatient complication after the initial surgery in all resections (hazard ratio [HR], 4.29; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.05-6.04), open lobectomy (HR, 4.36; 95% CI, 2.75-6.94), and video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy (HR, 4.60; 95% CI, 2.65-7.97). Surgical approach was not associated with readmission (video-assisted thoracoscopic vs open lobectomy: HR, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.75-1.52). Conclusions Experiencing a postoperative complication was strongly associated with unplanned readmission. Increased attention toward reducing postoperative complications and earlier outpatient follow-up in these patients may be a viable strategy for decreasing readmissions after pulmonary resection.
HQET and form factor effects in B-->K(*)

We examine the rates for the exclusive decays {ital B}{r_arrow}{ital K}{sup ({asterisk})}l{sup +}l{sup {minus}}. We use the scaling predictions of the heavy quark effective theory to extract the necessary form factors from fits to data available in {ital D}{r_arrow}{ital K}{sup ({asterisk})}l{nu}, {ital B}{r_arrow}{ital K}{sup ({asterisk})}{psi}{sup ({prime})}, and the rare decay {ital B}{r_arrow}{ital K}{sup {asterisk}}{gamma}. We use different parametrizations of form factors, and find that integrated decay rates are not very sensitive to the forms chosen. However, the decay spectra and the forward-backward asymmetry in {ital B}{r_arrow}{ital K}{sup {asterisk}}l{sup +}l{sup {minus}} are sensitive to the forms chosen for the form factors, while the lepton polarization asymmetry in {bar {ital B}}{sup 0}{r_arrow}{bar {ital K}}{sup ({asterisk})0}{mu}{sup +}{mu}{sup {minus}} is largely independent of the choice of form factors. Contributions from charmonium resonances dominate the spectra and integrated rates. In our {open_quote}{open_quote}best{close_quote}{close_quote} scenario, we find {ital B}({bar {ital B}}{sup 0}{r_arrow}{bar {ital K}}{sup 0}{mu}{sup +}{mu}{sup {minus}})=2.0{plus_minus}0.3{times}10{sup {minus}6} and {ital B}({bar {ital B}}{sup 0}{r_arrow}{bar {ital K}}{sup {asterisk}0}{mu}{sup +}{mu}{sup {minus}})=8.1{plus_minus}2.0{times}10{sup {minus}6}. We also make predictions for other polarization observables in these decays. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}
Solutes and soil in and around an in-stream wetland on the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, New Hampshire, USA

We characterized soil and the concentrations of solutes in soil solutions and in stream water in and around a wetland located within a first-order stream in a forested watershed at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest (New Hampshire, USA). We hypothesized that the in-stream wetland would retain solutes in stream water, especially Ca2+, H+, and strong acid anions (NO3−, SO42−). Rather, the wetland had subtle impact on stream water chemistry causing slightly greater Na+ concentrations and lesser concentrations of H+ and dissolved inorganic C (DIC). We expected anaerobic microbial denitrification and SO42− reduction in wetland soils to consume the strong acid anions and account for less H+, but Na+ release was responsible. The wetland soil produced dissolved organic C (DOC) but did not export it into stream water. The DOC was saturated with monomeric Al, suggesting a sink rather than source for Al. Soil extracted with 1 M NH4Cl yielded much larger amounts of Ca2+ and Mg2+ than in the surrounding mineral forest soil, whereas NH4+, K+, and Na+ budgets were smaller in the wetland soil than in the forest soil. Characterization of soil surface charge and organic matter fractions revealed distinct differences between wetland soil organic matter (SOM) and forest soil SOM. Our results suggest that the wetland behaves much like gelatin: the organic matrix holds water tightly, such that stream water flows mostly over the matrix rather than entering and forcing much of the old water into runoff. The subtle biogeochemical role of the wetland adds to the complex interactions that control solute mobility in small watersheds.
Design principles of nanostructured window solar cells

Nanostructures in III–V solar cells have been widely investigated. Due to the enhancement in photon absorption, higher short-circuit current has been achieved in a number of previous reports. However, many of the nanostructured solar cells suffer from low open circuit voltage and low fill factor, which result from poor junction quality and high non-radiative recombination. Such problems can be resolved by utilizing both a nanostructured III–V window layer and planar p-n junction. In this work, we demonstrate the design and optimization of nanostructured window solar cells through a set of carefully designed experiments. A systematic study based on device fabrication, characterization and simulation is presented. This work shows that reducing absorption and minority carrier loss inside the nanostructured window are key to further improve the performance of nanostructured window solar cells.
Magic Acts with the Cohesin Ring

Recent studies, including two in this issue of Molecular Cell (Elbatsh et al., 2016; Beckouet et al., 2016), cast light on how cohesin regulators harness the energy of ATP hydrolysis to open the cohesin ring and enable dynamic, regulated entrapment of chromosomes.
Nitrogen Fertilization Effects on Productivity and Nitrogen Loss in Three Grass-Based Perennial Bioenergy Cropping Systems.

Nitrogen (N) fertilization can greatly improve plant productivity but needs to be carefully managed to avoid harmful environmental impacts. Nutrient management guidelines aimed at reducing harmful forms of N loss such as nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions and nitrate (NO3-) leaching have been tailored for many cropping systems. The developing bioenergy industry is likely to make use of novel cropping systems, such as polycultures of perennial species, for which we have limited nutrient management experience. We studied how a switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) monoculture, a 5-species native grass mixture and an 18-species restored prairie responded to annual fertilizer applications of 56 kg N ha-1 in a field-scale agronomic trial in south-central Wisconsin over a 2-year period. We observed greater fertilizer-induced N2O emissions and sub-rooting zone NO3- concentrations in the switchgrass monoculture than in either polyculture. Fertilization increased aboveground net primary productivity in the polycultures, but not in the switchgrass monoculture. Switchgrass was generally more productive, while the two polycultures did not differ from each other in productivity or N loss. Our results highlight differences between polycultures and a switchgrass monoculture in responding to N fertilization.
Demonstration of Error-Free 32-Gb/s Operation From Monolithic CMOS Nanophotonic Transmitters

We present a monolithic CMOS-integrated nanophotonic transmitter with a link sensitivity comparable with a 25-Gb/s commercial reference transmitter. Our CMOS transmitter shows error-free operation up to 32 Gb/s, and exhibits a 4.8-dB extinction ratio and 4.9-dB insertion loss at 25 Gb/s.
Role of Interface in the Lithiation of Silicon-Graphene Composites: A First Principles Study

We examine the lithiation behavior of silicon-graphene (Si-Gr) composites using density functional theory calculations. Our calculations demonstrate charge transfer from Li to both Si and C (in graphene); the excess electrons on graphene create an electric field, which attracts Li cations while repelling Si anions and thus results in a distinct alternative Li–Si layering structure near graphene. The interfacial Li ions exhibit substantially higher mobility along the Si/Gr interface in comparison to bulk diffusion in Si; such facile interfacial diffusion could contribute toward high performance anodes with fast charge/discharge rates. However, the presence of graphene tends to have no significant impact on the structural evolution of Si during lithiation, as Li atoms are mostly incorporated in the Si matrix rather than at the Si/Gr interface. Consequently, the theoretical capacity and voltage profile of the Si-Gr composite are predicted to be close to those of pure Si.
Effect of Light-Soaking on the Density of States and Carrier Dynamics of a-Si1-xGex:H Alloys

We have used transient and steady-state junction capacitance methods to gain information about the density of states in the mobility gap of silicon-germanium alloys a-Si1-xGex:H (0.25<x<1.0). With those measurements we are also able to differentiate between minority and majority carrier processes in the alloys. We find that the (fuτ)p is considerably reduced from its value in a-Si:H, even for films with small germanium concentrations (x=0.25). The density of states deduced from the optical spectra shows two distinct features above and below midgap for all concentrations, which both increase with light-soaking. Light-soaking also sharply reduces the (fuτ)p.
Spatial patterns of Anopheles freeborni and Culex tarsalis (Diptera: Culicidae) larvae in California rice fields

Spatial patterns of Anopheles freeborni Aitken and Culex tarsalis Coquillett larvae were studied during summer by sampling with a standard mosquito dipper in 104 rice fields in northern California. Culex tarsalis larval abundance was highest initially, then decreased and remained low through late summer. An. freeborni larval abundance was low initially, increased steadily, and peaked in mid-August. The degree of aggregation for both species as measured using Taylor's power law and Iwao's Patchiness Regression was highest among the first instars and then decreased as the larvae aged. Seasonal peaks in the degree of aggregation were observed. Analysis of covariance showed that for Taylor's model both instar and time effects were statistically significant, with instar showing the largest effect. In comparison, all slopes resulting from Iwao's model were significantly different, indicating that this model was affected by specific combinations of instar, week, and location and, thus, was less useful in developing an area-wide sampling plan. Optimal sample size was estimated using two methods. One method calculated the number of dips needed to estimate population abundance at three fixed-precision levels. The second calculated the minimum number of dips needed to collect at least one larva. The latter requires a substantially smaller sample size and may provide an effective method for monitoring larval mosquito abundance for control purposes.
Rapid determination of aconitine in samples of food poisoning by SPE-UFLC /MS /MS

[Objective]To establish a method for rapidly determining the aconitine,hypaconitine and mesaconitine in samples of food poisoning events by SPE-UFLC / MS / MS.[Methods]The samples of foods and vomits were extracted by 0. 1 mol / L HCl,purified by solid phase extraction( SPE) column,and separated with Agilent SB-C18 column( 2. 1 mm × 50 mm,1. 8μm). The qualitative and quantitative determination was performed by UFLC / MS / MS under positive ion mode. [Results]The limits of detection( LOD) for aconitine,hypaconitine and mesaconitine in samples of foods and vomits were 1μg /L-3 μg /L. The recoveries of standard addition in high and low concentrations were between 78% and 112. 5%,and the relative standard deviations( RSD) were less than 9. 4%.[Conclusion]The method can be used to determine the aconitine,hypaconitine and mesaconitine in samples of foods and vomits,which is rapid,accurate,reliable and sensitive.
Glucocorticoids mediate a decrease in AVP-regulated urea transporter in diabetic rat inner medulla

Providing glucocorticoids to adrenalectomized (Adx) rats results in downregulation of the vasopressin (AVP)-regulated urea transporter (VRUT) in the renal inner medullary (IM) tip. To examine the physiological relevance of this response, we studied rats with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus induced by streptozotocin (STZ), since these rats have increased corticosterone production and urea excretion. We measured VRUT protein in extracts from the IM tip or base of pair-fed control and diabetic rats by Western analysis using an antibody to rat VRUT. In the IM tip, VRUT was significantly reduced by 39% in diabetic compared with control rats. In the IM base, there was no significant difference between diabetic and control rats. To determine whether the decrease in VRUT in the IM tip was mediated by glucocorticoids, the experiment was repeated using the following three groups of rats: 1) Adx alone, 2) Adx + STZ, and 3) Adx + STZ + replacement with a physiological dose of glucocorticoid. There was no significant difference in VRUT between Adx and Adx + STZ rats. However, VRUT was significantly reduced by 32% in the IM tip of glucocorticoid-treated Adx + STZ rats compared with control Adx + STZ rats. We conclude that glucocorticoids regulate the abundance of VRUT protein independently of insulin in diabetic rats.
Properties of Lubrol-extracted uridine diphosphate glucuronyltransferase

1. A partially purified UDP-glucuronyltransferase was obtained by extracting rat liver microsomal preparations with Lubrol, a non-ionic detergent. 2. The soluble enzyme catalysed conjugation of both o-aminophenol and p-nitrophenol and was extremely stable when compared with untreated microsomal preparations. 3. The characteristics of the conjugation of the two phenols were found to differ with respect to pH optimum, bivalent cation requirement and Michaelis constants, suggesting that more than one enzyme is involved in the conjugation reaction.
Graduate Degrees in the Emergent Political Economy of Contemporary Globalization

The varied processes that we collectively term contemporary globalization are in one way or another very much organized around and through that component we refer to as “economic globalization.” Beginning in the late 1960s observers began to note significant shifts in the ways that globalization was transforming the distribution of capital, the location and pursuit of manufacture, and the distribution of labor. Early in the 1990s Robert Reich, who would go on to become the Secretary of Labor under President Clinton, developed an analysis of work and labor that he held to be consistent with both the emerging information economy and contemporary globalization. In a new typology he drew distinctions between white-collar and blue-collar work, the classic categories of the manufacturing era, to add that of pink-collar work—the global use of data entry workers, largely women, to input the vast data arrays that had become the commonplace of global business, especially that fraction of it wherein firms in one part of the world exported their data to another part of the world to be entered and returned to the sending entity, thereby making use of the (usually) significant differential labor costs between first world and developing world labor forces—an extension of the cost equation that had propelled manufacturing from the “first” world to the developing world in earlier decades. Acknowledging the rapidly changing nature of much of what constitutes “work” in a knowledge economy, he termed these roles “symbolic analysts” to refer to all work beyond simple data entry and manipulation that involves the complex creation, analysis, transmission, and distribution of symbols—that is to say: information and knowledge, and especially information effected at a distance. In this view much of what “the professions,” wherever they are located, do is the work of symbolic analysts. Also in this view much of what we have witnessed as innovation featuring the creation and transmission of information at a distance in the emergent knowledge society is equally the work of symbolic analysts … including most specifically HE, but also including—decidedly—finance.
A Bayesian approach to multivariate measurement system assessment

The author considers system assessment for multivariate measurements and presents a Bayesian approach to analyzing gauge R & R study data.
Expressing Constitutively Active Rheb in Adult Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons Enhances the Integration of Sensory Axons that Regenerate Across a Chondroitinase-Treated Dorsal Root Entry Zone Following Dorsal Root Crush.

While the peripheral branch of dorsal root ganglion neurons (DRG) can successfully regenerate after injury, lesioned central branch axons fail to regrow across the dorsal root entry zone (DREZ), the interface between the dorsal root and the spinal cord. This lack of regeneration is due to the limited regenerative capacity of adult sensory axons and the growth-inhibitory environment at the DREZ, which is similar to that found in the glial scar after a central nervous system injury. We hypothesized that transduction of adult DRG neurons using adeno-associated virus (AAV) to express a constitutively-active form of the GTPase Rheb (caRheb) will increase their intrinsic growth potential after a dorsal root crush. Additionally, we posited that if we combined that approach with digestion of upregulated chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPG) at the DREZ with chondroitinase ABC (ChABC), we would promote regeneration of sensory axons across the DREZ into the spinal cord. We first assessed if this strategy promotes neuritic growth in an in vitro model of the glial scar containing CSPG. ChABC allowed for some regeneration across the once potently inhibitory substrate. Combining ChABC treatment with expression of caRheb in DRG significantly improved this growth. We then determined if this combination strategy also enhanced regeneration through the DREZ after dorsal root crush in adult rats in vivo. After unilaterally crushing C4-T1 dorsal roots, we injected AAV5-caRheb or AAV5-GFP into the ipsilateral C5-C8 DRGs. ChABC or PBS was injected into the ipsilateral dorsal horn at C5-C8 to digest CSPG, for a total of 4 animal groups (caRheb+ChABC, caRheb+PBS, GFP+ChABC, GFP+PBS). Regeneration was rarely observed in PBS-treated animals, whereas short-distance regrowth across the DREZ was observed in ChABC-treated animals. No difference in axon number or length between the ChABC groups was observed, which may be related to intraganglionic inflammation induced by the injection. ChABC-mediated regeneration is functional, as stimulation of ipsilateral median and ulnar nerves induced neuronal c-Fos expression in deafferented dorsal horn in both ChABC groups. Interestingly, caRheb+ChABC animals had significantly more c-Fos+ nuclei indicating that caRheb expression in DRGs promoted functional synaptogenesis of their axons that regenerated beyond a ChABC-treated DREZ.
Polarization and Policy: The Politics of Public-Sector Pensions

For decades, America's state and local governments have promised their workers increasingly generous pensions but failed to fully fund them, producing a fiscal problem of staggering proportions. In this article, we examine the politics of public pensions. While mainstream theoretical ideas in the American politics literature would suggest the pension issue should be polarized, with Democrats pushing for generous pensions over Republican resistance, we develop an argument—rooted in more traditional theoretical work by Schattschneider, Lowi, Wilson, and others—implying that both parties should be expected to support generous pensions during normal times and that only after the onset of the Great Recession, which expanded the scope of conflict, should the parties begin to diverge. Using a new data set of state legislators' votes on hundreds of pension bills passed between 1999 and 2011, we carry out an empirical analysis that supports these expectations.
Forensics and Epidemiology of Fungal Pathogens

Publisher Summary Fungi have unique characteristics that may present significant challenges for forensics and biodefense. Despite this, fungi are often neglected in microbial forensics and biodefense discussions. Most members of this taxon can produce large numbers of hardy spores that can be dispersed easily into the environment. Fungal forensics and molecular epidemiology are still in their infancy and, as such, decisions made now will affect how forensic samples are analyzed in the future. The forensic, public health, mycology, and genomics communities will need to consider not only the utility of different markers but also the advances in technology that are leading toward (i) comprehensive genotyping, (ii) exact sample matching and source attribution, (iii) improved comparative genomics and phylogenetics, and (iv) limitations on access to these technologies. Whole genome sequence typing may provide the ultimate solution for forensic and molecular epidemiologic investigations. Data generated from whole genome sequencing can be used to build robust whole genome-based phylogenies that will enable the identification of discriminatory SNP markers. From a public health perspective, identification of such global single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) would facilitate development of targeted, discriminatory, and economical strain typing methods that can be applied to support future outbreak investigations. Many challenges need to be overcome prior to wide-scale uptake of such advanced technologies. Until then, enhancements in databases and data sharing with existing genotyping systems are critical to continue to advance the current capabilities.
NEOS Data and the Origin of the 5 MeV Bump in the Reactor Antineutrino Spectrum

We perform a combined analysis of recent NEOS and Daya Bay data on the reactor antineutrino spectrum. This analysis includes approximately 1.5 million antineutrino events, which is the largest neutrino event sample analyzed to date. We use a double ratio which cancels flux model dependence and related uncertainties as well as the effects of the detector response model. We find at 3--4 standard deviation significance level, that plutonium-239 and plutonium-241 are disfavored as the single source for the so-called 5 MeV bump. This analysis method has general applicability and, in particular, with higher statistics data sets, will be able to shed significant light on the issue of the bump. With some caveats, this should also allow us to improve the sensitivity for sterile neutrino searches in NEOS.
Implications of potential cure in acute myelogenous leukemia: development of subsequent cancer and return to work.

Chemotherapy produces extended remissions, and potential cures, in a small minority of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We explored whether potentially cured patients were at increased risk of subsequent invasive cancer and were able to return to work. Potentially cured patients were defined as those in first or second complete remission (CR) for at least 3 years based on hazard rates for recurrence or death in CR, which declined sharply after this time. Patients who received allogeneic marrow transplant were excluded. We used questionnaires, phone contact, and chart review to obtain information about subsequent cancer and work status. The number of patients who developed invasive cancer was compared with the number expected based on age, gender, and years of follow-up using the Connecticut Tumor Registry. A total of 215 patients met our criteria for potential cure: 203 in first CR and 12 in second CR (of 1,663 treated between 1965 and December, 1992). At a median of 9.2 years from first or second CR, 163 (76%) remain alive in CR. Fifteen patients developed 18 invasive cancers (expected number of patients, 8.8; observed/expected, 1.70; 95% CI, 0.96 to 2.84; P = . 06). Patients initially treated between 1973 to 1979, patients above the potentially cured cohort's median age of 40 years, and those who presented with abnormalities of chromosomes 5 and/or 7 were more likely to develop subsequent cancer, whereas the observed/expected ratio for younger patients was 1.05 (95% CI, 0.13 to 3.80; P = .56). Seventy-four percent of the patients who were working full-time and who were under age 50 at time of treatment for AML have been working full-time in the last 6 months. Only 17 of 56 patients who are currently not working cited physical limitation as the reason. Patients with potentially cured AML are likely to be able to return to work, and at least if younger do not, on average, have an increased risk of invasive cancer.
Creating Peer Grading Videos (Abstract Only)

The workshop will focus on the overall aspects of creating a successful peer grading experience for instructors and students using video rubrics. This includes: determining the right exam rubric, video creation, creating a blind "coupon" sheet, using students and class time to grade and storage. A solid rubric is the best candidate for a test to be peer graded. The rubric will be used in creating videos that along with a correct answer, describe each point breakdown in detail. As the instructor, the class meeting is the only time to have everyone together, answer questions, make grading decisions that affect the whole, show the answers, display exam point breakdown, and finally, grade. In order to get all of this done, a private set of videos are created to quicken the information needed for grading. The workshop will use a trial version Camtasia to create the videos. When taking the test, the students are given a test with the blind "coupon" cover sheet so later, the student graders are unable to determine which student really took this test - protecting the privacy of the original test taking student. After the tests have been taken, the next class meeting can be set aside for peer grading. The instructor plays the afore mentioned videos which are broken up into segments in order for the student to either the focus on the grading or on their own answer since the possibility of one of them getting it right.
The Roles of NRF2 in Modulating Cellular Iron Homeostasis.

Abstract Significance: Iron and oxygen are intimately linked: iron is an essential nutrient utilized as a cofactor in enzymes for oxygen transport, oxidative phosphorylation, and metabolite oxidation. However, excess labile iron facilitates the formation of oxygen-derived free radicals capable of damaging biomolecules. Therefore, biological utilization of iron is a tightly regulated process. The nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (NRF2) transcription factor, which can respond to oxidative and electrophilic stress, regulates several genes involved in iron metabolism. Recent Advances: The bulk of NRF2 transcription factor research has focused on its roles in detoxification and cancer prevention. Recent works have identified that several genes involved in heme synthesis, hemoglobin catabolism, iron storage, and iron export are under the control of NRF2. Constitutive NRF2 activation and subsequent deregulation of iron metabolism have been implicated in cancer development: NRF2-mediated upregulation o...
Chapter 80 – Treatment of Autoimmune Disease: Established Therapies

Treatment options for autoimmune diseases have undergone rapid development within the past two decades with greater understandings of immunologic principles and disease pathogenesis. Traditionally established therapies, such as glucocorticoids and chemotherapeutic agents that non-specifically target inflammation and/or suppress the immune system, have been encroached upon by newer, selective biologic and molecular-based immune therapies. Newer therapies have targeted antigen-presenting cells, T/B lymphocytes, cytokines, and costimulation molecules involved in disease pathogenesis. Nevertheless, as scientific research continues to expand the arsenal of potential therapeutic targets, traditional therapies will remain the measure against which newer therapies will be assessed in efficacy, safety, and side effect profiles. Thus, traditional therapies still have their place and remain the backbone of current standard of care for many autoimmune diseases.
Population- and Individual-Level Changes in Life Satisfaction Surrounding Major Life Stressors:

How do stressful life events impact well-being, and how does their impact differ from person to person? In contrast to work focusing on discrete classes of responding, the current study examines th...
INJECTABLE CONTRACEPTION: New and Existing Options

Injectable contraception offers users convenient, safe, and reversible contraception as effective as surgical sterilization. With US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of a combination estrogen/progestin monthly formulation (anticipated in late 2000), two injectable contraceptives will be available for use by American women. This article updates earlier reviews51,61,62,63,64,65,66,67,113 and provides clinicians with pharmacologic and epidemiologic data and clinical insights pertaining to counseling, selection, initiation, and management, which will facilitate successful use of injectable contraceptives.
Impact of different structural types of amylopectin on retrogradation

Abstract Retrogradation is the re-association and recrystallization process of glucan chains in gelatinized starch. The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of amylopectin structure on re-association of glucan chains during retrogradation. Amylopectin retrogradation of 17 starches from four different structural types was examined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Gelatinized starches were stored for 10 days at 4 °C and then scanned from 10–120 °C at 10 °C/min. The structural type of amylopectin influenced the transition temperatures (Tm and Tc), melting temperature range (Tc–To) and enthalpy change of transition (ΔH). Correlation analysis between different chain length categories and the melting parameters of recrystallized amylopectin revealed a strong correlation of the external chain length (ECL) with Tm (r = 0.90, p
A Broken Heart: A Rare Complication of Hyponatremia

We present a case of a 47-year-old female with a history of anxiety, depression, and alcohol dependence with history of alcohol withdrawal seizures, who presented after a witnessed seizure episode. She admitted to drinking only copious amounts of black tea 1 week prior to presentation in an attempt to quit alcohol. She was subsequently found to be severely hyponatremic with a serum sodium level of 112 mEq/L and was admitted to the intensive care unit. Approximately 48 h after admission, she experienced sudden-onset of dizziness, diaphoresis, and nausea, with a heart rate of 42 beats/min and blood pressure of 70/40 mm Hg. STAT EKG revealed new T-wave inversions in the lateral and precordial leads and troponin was elevated to 5.99 ng/mL. Treatment was initiated for NSTEMI with continuous heparin infusion, aspirin, clopidogrel, carvedilol, and lisinopril. Transthoracic echocardiogram revealed apical and mid ventricular dyskinesia with hyperkinesis of the basal walls, with an estimated left ventricular ejection fraction of 35%. Cardiac catheterization revealed no significant coronary disease with ejection fraction 30-35% and similar areas of hypo and hyperkinesis, classic for apical ballooning syndrome. This case not only illustrates the rare phenomenon of hyponatremia-induced Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, but is one of the only incidents caused by primary polydipsia. J Med Cases. 2018;9(5):147-150 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jmc3050e
Experimental Charge Densities in Solids and their Significance for Theoretical Calculations

The rapid development of X-ray Crystallography in the past decades has provided a practically routine tool for the determination of crystal structures of moderate complexity. In such determinations the atomic positions are deduced from the experimental electron distribution, which scatters X-rays and gives rise to the X-ray diffraction pattern.
CHANNEL PROTEINS: FROM ANATOMY TO DESIGN

The precise mechanisms of action of channel proteins have not been delineated; accordingly, we aim to identify principles that define the biological design of channel proteins, to realize the molecular design of a pore forming structure, and to use it towards understanding the molecular basis of ionic selectivity and channel blockade. As a first step towards the design of channel proteins, we set out to model only the inner pore-forming element. This endeavor has suggested a molecular blueprint for the pore-forming structure of channel proteins: a bundle of amphipathic a-helices that cluster together to generate a central hydrophilic channel. The pore-forming structures are engineered from functional modules that represent the amino acid sequence of authentic proteins and refined to accommodate specific functional characteristics. The strength of the strategy is that the design can be realized and the validity of the proposed structural motif evaluated experimentally. Accordingly, four-helix bundle proteins that span the lipid bilayer and provide binding sites for permeant ions and for specific channel modulators have been generated; these synthetic channel proteins mimic properties of corresponding authentic proteins. Since high resolution structural information is not yet available, the uniqueness and significance of this approach is evident: the ability to produce proteins with predicted functional attributes by emulating the authentic sequences affords, for the first time, clues to the biological design of channel proteins. The emergence of the structure model integrated with the benefits of chemical synthesis provides, a means to evaluate sites of action for channel modifiers and may facilitate the conceptual design of channel blocking drugs.
Application of the Josephson Effect for Digital Storage

Superconductivity is one of the most interesting phenomena of physics. There have been several early attempts to put it to use in applications, but, not only did the cooling to very low temperatures turn out to be an obstacle, but even more so, the lack of superconducting effects of practical significance. Recently, the discovery of the Josephson effect has changed the situation and increased the interest in electronic applications. The Josephson effect is already in use in highly sensitive magnetometers [1] and for precision measurements of voltages [1, 2]. Additional applications presently in the research stage are in the area of submillimeter microwaves [3] and digital circuits. Here we cover one aspect of digital circuits, namely, memory applications of the Josephson effect. The next section will deal briefly with superconductivity and the Josephson effect, then a description is given of storage principles and fabricated memory cells including a short account of drive circuits.
Modified quasilinearization technique for the solution of boundary-value problems for ordinary differential equations

A new quasilinearization algorithm is presented which essentially eliminates the necessity for computer storage. The representation theorem for the standard quasilinearization procedure is reformulated in terms of the initial value of the solution to a final-value problem, leading to a modification of the successive approximations. Several theorems establishing the convergence properties are proved; as in the original procedure, these convergence properties are both quadratic and monotonic. Finally, the modified approximation scheme is illustrated through several examples.
Executive Functions in Girls With and Without Childhood ADHD Followed Through Emerging Adulthood: Developmental Trajectories.

Using an all-female sample, we examined trajectories of executive functioning (EF) performance from childhood through emerging adulthood—and their prediction of key emerging-adult outcomes. One hun...