cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Corpus callosum development in childhood-onset schizophrenia.

Objective: Corpus callosum (CC) size and interhemispheric communication differences have been reported between patients with schizophrenia and normal controls. Childhood-onset schizophrenia (COS) is a severe form of the disorder that is continuous with later-onset disorder. Corpus callosal area was examined for COS at initial scan and prospectively through adolescence, and related to other developmental abnormalities for this group. Method: A total of 113 anatomic brain MRI scans were obtained from 55 COS (22 female) and 110 scans from 56 age- and gender-matched healthy volunteers (22 female), across ages 8–24. Baseline and prospective rescans were obtained at approximately 2-year intervals. The midsagittal areas for total corpus callosum and seven subregions were calculated using an automated system. Cross-sectional and longitudinal data were combined using mixed model regression analysis to compare developmental changes for the two groups. Results: No diagnostic differences were seen at time of initial scan. Longitudinally, and in contrast to healthy volunteers, patients with schizophrenia showed a significant difference in developmental trajectory for the area of the splenium, both before (p=0.012) and after (p=0.05) adjustment for total cerebral volume. The area of the splenium becomes significantly smaller in COS, starting at about age 22. Conclusion: Patients with schizophrenia showed a significant difference in developmental trajectory for the splenial area, which seems to decline for COS. If replicated, this may reflect anticipated late occipital and extrastriate changes in brain regions.
Distribution and Stability of Sympatric Populations of Lucania goodei and L. parva across Florida

Abstract Understanding the distribution patterns of closely related species is critical because the extent to which their ranges overlap determines the opportunity for competition and hybridization. In this study, we used museum records to determine the degree of overlap between two killifish species, Lucania goodei and L. parva, in Florida. While the broad geographic distributions and habitat characteristics are well-described, the degree of sympatry between the two species, the temporal stability of sympatric populations, and the abiotic and biotic conditions under which sympatric populations occur are unknown. Using the museum records, we identified sites where L. goodei and/or L. parva had been collected and classified sites as either L. goodei–allopatric, L. parva–allopatric, or sympatric. For sites that were sampled repeatedly over time, we determined the extent to which their status varied. Approximately 12–19% of sites where L. goodei was present were sympatric with L. parva at some point in time....
Generalized skewing for functions with continuous and nominal attributes

This paper extends previous work on skewing, an approach to problematic functions in decision tree induction. The previous algorithms were applicable only to functions of binary variables. In this paper, we extend skewing to directly handle functions of continuous and nominal variables. We present experiments with randomly generated functions and a number of real world datasets to evaluate the algorithm's accuracy. Our results indicate that our algorithm almost always outperforms an Information Gain-based decision tree learner.
Effects of Feeding Supplemental Organic or Inorganic Selenium to Cow-Calf Pairs on Selenium Status and Immune Responses of Weaned Beef Calves1

In current marketing channels, calves are purchased with little indication of nutritional status on which a fully functional immune system is dependant. Adequate immune function in recently weaned calves is required for development of disease resistance. At weaning, 18 spring-born steer calves (BW = 200 ± 5.2 kg) were randomly selected from six groups of 20 cows to test the effects ofSe supplementation and source of Se fed pre-weaning on Se status and immune function of calves after weaning. Mineral supplements supplying no Se, 26 ppm of Se from sodium selenite, or 26 ppm of Se from Se-yeast were fed in a free-choice mineral supplement. After weaning, calves were fed bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon [L.] Pers.) hay and 1.40 kg of supplement daily. Selenium status and immune characteristics of calves 22 d after weaning were tested by analysis of whole blood Se, glutathione peroxidase (GTH-Px) activity, lymphocyte proliferation, macrophage phagocytosis, and interferon-γ (IFN) production. In vivo cell-mediated immunity was tested by skin-swelling response to an intradermal phytohemagglutinin (PHA) injection. Whole blood Se concentrations and GTH-Px activities (54.7 ppm and 40.2 Eu/gHb, respectively) suggested Se deficiency of control calves. Supplementation with Se increased (P<0.01) whole blood Se concentration and GTH-Px. Seleniumyeast increased (P<0.01) whole blood Se concentration and macrophage phagocytosis compared with sodium selenite. In vivo cell-mediated immune response tended (P=0.12) to increase with Se supplementation. Supplementation of cow herds with Se before weaning increases Se status of weaned calves in areas where Se deficiency may be a problem.
The Early Prevention of Mathematics Difficulty: Its Power and Limitations

In this article, the authors consider the power and limitations of responsiveness-to-intervention (RTI) for reducing the need for ongoing and intensive services for the segment of the school population traditionally identified as having a learning disability in mathematics. To assess the robustness of RTI, the authors describe four studies with strong demonstrations of efficacy, as they considered the percentage of students who failed to respond, the post-tutoring achievement gap between tutored and not-at-risk students, and the extent of transfer across components of the mathematics curriculum. The authors then discuss implications and additional research questions pertaining to mathematics intervention generally and within the context of RTI. They conclude with a proposal for an expanded conceptualization of RTI.
Sampling theorems for two-dimensional isotropic random fields

Sampling theorems are developed for isotropic random fields and their associated Fourier coefficient processes. A wave-number-limited isotropic random field z(r) is considered whose spectral density function is zero outside a disk of radius B centered at the origin of the wavenumber plane. z(r) can be reconstructed in the mean-square sense from its observation on the countable number of circles with radius r/sub i/=i pi /B, i in N, or of radius r/sub i/=a/sub i,n//B, i in N, where a/sub 1,n/ denotes the ith zero of the nth-order Bessel function J/sub n/(x), and n is arbitrary. >
Development and use of an ovarian synchronization model to study the effects of endogenous estrogen and nitric oxide on uterine blood flow during ovarian cycles in sheep.

The objective of the current study was to develop an ovine animal model for consistent study of uterine blood flow (UBF) changes during synchronized ovarian cycles regardless of season. Sheep were surgically bilaterally instrumented with uterine artery blood flow transducers and 5‐7 days later implanted with a vaginal progesterone (P4)-controlled internal drug-releasing device (CIDR; 0.3 g) for 7 days. On Day 6 of P4, sheep were given two prostaglandin F2a injections (7.5 mg i.m. 4 h apart). At CIDR removal, Experimental Day 0, zero (n 5 9), 500 IU (n 5 8), or 1000 IU (n 5 7) eCG was injected i.m.; UBF was monitored continuously for 55‐75 h. Jugular blood was sampled every 8ht o evaluate levels of P4, estradiol-17b (E 2b) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, Lnitro-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) was infused in a stepwise fashion unilaterally into one uterine artery at 48‐50 h after 500 IU eCG and the effects on UBF were examined (n 5 7). The zero-eCG group gradually increased UBF from a baseline of 17.4 6 3.9 to 80.5 6 1.1 ml/min. The 500-IU-eCG group increased UBF between 10 and 15 h from a baseline of 11 6 3.3 to 83.3 6 1.0 ml/min, whereas UBF for the 1000-IU-eCG group was higher (100.1 6 1.7 ml/min) than that seen in either of the other groups. Plasma P4 fell to baseline within 8 h of CIDR removal, while E 2b rose gradually in association with elevations in UBF. LH surges occurred between 32 and 56 h after CIDR removal and the LH surge occurred earlier in the 1000-IU-eCG group than the other two groups (P , 0.01). L-NAME infusion dose dependently reduced maximum levels of UBF ipsilaterally by 54.6% 6 6.2%, but contralaterally only by 27.4% 6 8.5%. Regardless of season, either dose of eCG will result in analogous UBF responses. During the follicular phase, elevations in UBF are in part locally controlled by the de novo production of nitric oxide. menstrual cycle, nitric oxide, seasonal reproduction, steroid hormones, uterus
Mechanism of inhibition of VIP-induced LES relaxation by heme oxygenase inhibitor zinc protoporphyrin IX.

The putative heme oxygenase inhibitor zinc protoporphyrin IX (ZnPP IX) is known to exert diverse actions, including inhibitory action on smooth muscle relaxation by vasoactive intestinal polypeptid...
Matrix Formulation of Folded Plate Equations

Analytical procedure, utilizing matrix algebra, is developed for determining longitudinal stresses, transverse moments, and vertical deflections in folded plate structures; sequence of matrix operations can be readily programmed for digital computer having available matrix subroutines; sequence programmed for IBM 704 digital computer is described.
Health Care Organizations and the Power of Procedure.

Rationing refers to “any explicit or implicit measures that allow people to go without beneficial health care services” (Ubel and Goold 1998). In our health care system, some rationing is both ethi...
Placing the Effect? Gleaning Insights into the Relationship between Citizens’ Use of E-Government and Trust in Government

AbstractThe effects of e-government on citizens’ trust in government are unclear. This study intends to address this lack of clarity by proposing a novel conceptual framework that can be used to explicate the processes tying e-government use to trust in government. This framework is centred upon citizens’ propensity to trust, perceptions of public sector performance, and trust in government. Citizens’ use of e-government is then argued to strengthen relationships in this framework. The validity of this framework is tested using data collected in 2012 from citizens of Seoul, South Korea. In general, the results offer partial support for the proposed framework. However, the strength of e-government’s influence decreases with more frequent use of information coming from government websites. Implications for effective practice are discussed.
Evidence that USF can interact with only a single general transcription complex at one time

By in vitro analysis, the major late promoter (MLP) of adenovirus has been shown to be a simple promoter requiring two elements for efficient transcription: a minimal promoter element (MPE), where the general transcription factor-polymerase II complex binds, and a single functional upstream promoter element (UPE) which interacts with USF. Two hundred bases upstream of the MLP cap site and divergently oriented is the IVa2 promoter. This promoter has its own MPE but shares the MLP UPE, suggesting the possibility that these promoters are coordinately regulated. To determine mechanistically how this might function, we replaced the weak IVa2 minimal promoter with a strong MPE (from the viral E1A gene) and observed mutual inhibition of both promoters and unstable transcription factor binding. Only by duplication of the UPE could this inhibition be relieved. When tested independently, both promoters were shown to require the USF site for maximal activity. These results are compatible with a model in which USF can stably interact with only one transcription complex at a time. When two divergently oriented general transcription complexes compete efficiently for binding of USF, transcription is reduced to the same levels as if the USF site were absent.
Effects of structural differences on the NMR chemical shifts in isostructural dipeptides.

Porous crystalline dipeptides have gained recent attention for their potential as gas-storage materials. Within this large class is a group of dipeptides containing alanine, valine, and isoleucine with very similar crystal structures. We report the 13C (carbonyl and Cα) and 15N (amine and amide) solid-state NMR isotropic chemical shifts in a series of seven such isostructural porous dipeptides as well as shift tensor data for the carbonyl and amide sites. Using their known crystal structures and aided by ab initio quantum chemical calculations for the resonance assignments, we elucidate trends relating local structure, hydrogen-bonding patterns, and chemical shift. We find good correlation between the backbone dihedral angles and the Cα1 and Cα2 shifts. For the C1 shift tensor, the δ11 value shifts downfield as the hydrogen-bond distance increases, δ22 shifts upfield, and δ33 shows little variation. The C2 shift tensor shows no appreciable correlation with structural parameters. For the N2 tensor, δ11 sho...
Cardiac output in ducks.

SummaryCardiac output of adult White Pekin ducks restrained on their backs was determined by the dye dilution technique. Mean flows in ml/mm/kg were 286.8 and 253.4 for males and females respectively, and the difference was not statistically significant. Total peripheral resistance in units per kg averaged 0.56 for males and 0.62 for females and the difference was not significant. It is pointed out that on a body weight basis cardiac output in ducks is higher than in chickens and of about the same magnitude as for turkeys. TPR tends to be lower in ducks than chickens.
An Evaluation of Cluster 3.0 as a General Tool for Principal Component Analysis (Abstract Only)

In computer science experimentation, more researchers have begun using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Discerning how to apply this mathematical technique can be confusing; papers in this area tend to focus on results rather than the methodology in using PCA. Consequentially, reproducing or verifying PCA results is difficult without prolonged communication with the authors. Our larger goal is to create a general descriptive methodology for PCA usage and determine criteria for evaluation of PCA software implementations. This will be a resource for discipline-specific researchers. Here we focus on evaluation of the program Cluster 3.0 with a Noni fruit experiment from our chemistry department.
An Initial Interpretive Framework for Assessing the Environmental Meaning of Test Results

A management strategy for dredged material disposal has been formulated that incorporates a suite of test protocols designed to simulate disposal site environments. In addition, a decisionmaking framework has been developed that interprets test results and determines the need for restrictions on disposal operations. The decisionmaking framework is based on sediment chemistry and biological effects of sediment contaminants as related to a reference site and established criteria. The framework is currently being applied to specific dredging projects and will be refined as experience is obtained through field application.
On-line Fault Diagnosis Research and Design for 3-Phase lnverter based on DSP

This paper establishes the fault types of the switch off of the switches in the three-phase Sine-PWM in-verter circuit,presents the diagnosis method based on neural networks,achieves the network structure and parameters,designs an on-line detection and fault diagnosis system based on DSP.The testing results proved the proposed method is correct and feasible.
Application of pulsed-field gel electrophoresis for tracking source of Salmonella enteritidis in two food poisoning events

Objective To understand the relevance of two food poisoning events,tracking the infectious sources and identifying their transmission routes. Methods A total of 215 samples were collected to conduct pathogen isolation. Biochemical identification and serotyping were performed for the strains isolated and homology analysis was conducted with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis( PFGE). Results A total of 27 strains of Salmonella enteritidis were isolated,in which 4 were from food samples,3 were from cooks,20 were from patients. The PFGE patterns of 26 strains were consistent,only 1 was different by 1 strip,the similarity was 96. 3%. Conclusion Two food poisoning events were caused by the contamination of S. enteritidis carried by cooks during the preparation of cold dishes. PFGE is suitable for tracking the infectious source and identifying its transmission route in food poisoning event.
Hybrid Dynamic Adaptive Routing Algorithm in Wireless Sensor Networks

In this paper, a hybrid routing sensor network model is proposed which combines plane routing and hierarchical routing seamlessly. Hierarchical routing is adopted in data acquiring stage while plane routing is used in data transmission stage. A new hybrid dynamic adaptive routing (HDAR algorithm is proposed, based on the hybrid network model. HDRA utilizes a dynamic clustering scheme to complete data gathering and the aggregated data is relayed to the sink node through paths generated by adaptive route selection algorithm. Simulation results show that HDRA is able to save energy, as well as balance energy dissipation evenly throughout the sensors.
A Systematic Study of Irreality

This chapter is intended to give the reader a further idea of the reach and scope of psychodynamic inquiry into world events using social science methodologies. For example, this particular study uses sampling, thick description, and very extensive verbatim quotation. The material in this chapter also illustrates the bizarreness of thought and behavior we discussed in the protocol in Chapter 3. And this chapter will give you, the reader, a chance to see if your associations to various texts comport at all with mine, or whether instead the fabled idiosyncrasy of psycho-dynamic interpretations is, in fact, a reality.
Ovarian surgery on the rabbit. Effect of cortex closure on adhesion formation and ovarian function.

Surgical reapproximation of serosal surfaces in an attempt to reduce adhesiogenesis remains a controversial issue. For the reproductive gynecologist, this tenet is especially appropriate to the ovarian cortical surface. Using a rabbit model (n = 22), an ovarian unipolar cautery incision was created, and surgical closure versus nonclosure was evaluated. Closure with continuous 6-0 polyglactin resulted in a significant increase in the degree of ovarian adhesion envelopment versus nonclosure (1.8 +/- 0.2 vs. 0.9 +/- 0.2, P less than .01). Surgical closure also resulted in a significant increase in the vascularity of the adhesions (P less than .05). Despite the increase in adhesion formation, ovarian function, as determined by the mean number of corpora lutea, pregnancies and the nidation index, was not different in sutured ovaries, unsutured ovaries or nonsurgically treated controls.
An old culprit but a new story: bisphenol A and "NextGen" bisphenols.

The concept that developmental events shape adult health and disease was sparked by the recognition of a link between maternal undernutrition and coronary disease in adults. From that beginning, a new field—the developmental origins of health and disease—emerged, and attention has focused on the effects of a wide array of developmental perturbations. Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals has been of particular interest, and a ubiquitous environmental contaminant bisphenol A (BPA) has become the endocrine-disrupting chemical poster child. Bisphenol A has been the subject of intense investigation for nearly two decades, and exposure effects have been described in hundreds of experimental, epidemiological, and clinical studies. From the standpoint of reproductive health, the findings are particularly important, as they suggest that the ovary, testis, and reproductive tract in both sexes are targets of BPA action. The findings and the media and regulatory attention garnered by them have generated increasing public concern and resulted in legislative bans on BPA in some countries. The subsequent introduction of BPA-free products, although a masterful marketing strategy, is in reality only the beginning of a new and complex chapter of the BPA story. In this review we attempt to summarize what we have learned about the reproductive effects of BPA, present the reasons why studying the effects of this chemical in humans is no longer sufficient, and outline the challenges that the growing array of next generation bisphenols represents to clinicians, researchers, federal agencies, and the general public.
TOWARDS THE AUTOMATION OF CONCEPTUAL DESIGN

An exploration of the nature of conceptual design in architecture leads to the discussion of computing in conceptual design. First, in this paper, conceptual design is studied as part of the design process, with a special interest in the generation of the formal intentions and the impact of the environmental constraints. Then, the current approaches for computer applications in conceptual design and their appropriateness are critically examined. Finally, the concept of the critical tasks is introduced as the operational tasks to achieve stated goals and the critical tasks method is proposed to establish a framework towards engineering the automation of conceptual design.
The American Reception and Settlement of Hungarian Refugees in 1956–1957

In the wake of the Hungarian Revolution of 1956, close to two hundred thousand Hungarians crossed into Austria. About thirty thousand of these refugees were allowed to enter the United States. Their common experience of living under totalitarian communism and participating or being a witness to the exhilarating thirteen days of the revolution and their sudden, previously unplanned, departure from the homeland gave them a collective identity that was different from the one shared by the people of previous waves of Hungarian influx to the United States. The high educational level of the refugees attained before and after their arrival made their absorption into the mainstream relatively easy. The integration process was facilitated by the shaping of a positive image of the 1956 refugees by the US government and the media. The reestablishment of the communist system in post-1956 Hungary contributed to the perception that, for the refugees in the United States, there was no hope for return to the homeland. This assumption strengthened the attitudes of those who wished to embrace the American melting pot model. Many of the 1956-ers in the United Sates, however, were also comfortable with the notion of ethnic pride and believed in the shaping of a dual national identity.
Nonlinear Flocking with Fixed Distances.

Abstract: We investigate the stability of a class of nonlinear flocking schemes of Cucker-Smale type executed on a finite population of autonomous agents. We use algebraic graph theory tools and derive sufficient conditions for asymptotic convergence for velocity coordination while the flock remains sufficiently connected. In addition, the positions of the agents converge to some predefined relative distances. A simulation example is provided to illustrate our theoretical findings.
Common Beliefs About Child Sexual Abuse and Disclosure: A College Sample

ABSTRACTAdults’ common beliefs about child sexual abuse and disclosure were explored. Participants (N = 670) were questioned about key areas of child sexual abuse that could affect decision-making processes of jurors evaluating child sexual abuse cases. These areas included victim and perpetrator characteristics, medical and behavioral indicators of child sexual abuse, memories for the event, and disclosure of the event. The scientific literature pertaining to these same areas are reviewed. While individual beliefs were consistent with some areas of the scientific literature (e.g., victim and perpetrator characteristics), they strongly contrasted the literature in other important areas (e.g., memories for the event, indicators of child sexual abuse, and the likelihood of denial and recantation). Implications, including the option of providing expert testimony to reduce discrepancies, are discussed.
Measuring Latent Constructs in Nonprofit Surveys with Item Response Theory: The Example of Political Ideology

Latent constructs are the unobservable characteristics of individuals, groups and organizations. Although researchers use many tools to measure latent constructs, including scaled-items and factor analysis techniques, this study offers a different way to measure these characteristics in nonprofit research. Using Item Response Theory (IRT), this study develops one approach to measure revealed political ideology among leaders in nonprofit social welfare organizations. This approach can also be used to measure a variety of other constructs that may be difficult to measure through traditional approaches, opening up new lines of inquiry for those who study nonprofit organizations.
Narrative Fiction as a Source of Knowledge

In this essay I refine and extend a defense of literary cognitivism (the view that works of literary narrative fiction may serve as sources of knowledge –and not merely belief– in a way that depends crucially on their being fictional) that I and others have provided in earlier publications. Central to that defense is a refinement of Aristotle’s idea of successful dramas as unfolding with “internal necessity”, in light of which I distinguish those forms of narration that show, rather than merely state, that something is so. Literary narrative fiction also often takes the form of a thought experiment, and I distinguish among three aims of such experiment: to make claims (didactic), to exhort to action (directive) and to stimulate inquiry (interrogative). In developing this approach I defend a view of the author of a literary narrative fiction as being in conversation with her readers, and to that end draw upon a view of conversation as driven by an evolving common ground shared among interlocutors. I close with a discussion of some important pitfalls to which narration in literary fiction is prone, and of how in such cases narration’s epistemic value depends primarily upon on our taking the author’s word for how things are.
Innovative Daylighting Systems

The building facade and perimeter zone represents a complex design integration challenge due to the diverse array of design and functional requirements paired with the increasing number of energy and environmental objectives set by design teams seeking to achieve a low-energy design concept that simultaneously supports a high level of indoor environmental quality. As designers seek to integrate daylighting within an efficient whole-building energy strategy, it is challenging to manage trade-offs between performance objectives such as envelope thermal performance, lighting and HVAC energy demand with human factors such as visual comfort, daylight availability, visual connection to the outdoors, and personal control. This requires an integrated approach to the application of technology, informed at a fundamental level by empirical knowledge of end-user needs. The following sections define four key areas of advancement for daylighting technologies that have the potential to help enable high-performance daylit buildings with enhanced indoor environmental quality.
Combining Biomarkers with EMR Data to Identify Patients in Different Phases of Sepsis.

Sepsis is a leading cause of death and is the most expensive condition to treat in U.S. hospitals. Despite targeted efforts to automate earlier detection of sepsis, current techniques rely exclusively on using either standard clinical data or novel biomarker measurements. In this study, we apply machine learning techniques to assess the predictive power of combining multiple biomarker measurements from a single blood sample with electronic medical record data (EMR) for the identification of patients in the early to peak phase of sepsis in a large community hospital setting. Combining biomarkers and EMR data achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) of 0.81, while EMR data alone achieved an AUC of 0.75. Furthermore, a single measurement of six biomarkers (IL-6, nCD64, IL-1ra, PCT, MCP1, and G-CSF) yielded the same predictive power as collecting an additional 16 hours of EMR data(AUC of 0.80), suggesting that the biomarkers may be useful for identifying these patients earlier. Ultimately, supervised learning using a subset of biomarker and EMR data as features may be capable of identifying patients in the early to peak phase of sepsis in a diverse population and may provide a tool for more timely identification and intervention.
Childhood maltreatment and non-suicidal self-injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Summary Background Non-suicidal self-injury is being increasingly recognised as a prominent public health concern. Identification of early and modifiable risk factors is necessary to advance the screening and intervention efforts, particularly early detection of at-risk individuals. We aimed to examine childhood maltreatment, including its specific subtypes, in relation to non-suicidal self-injury. Methods We did a comprehensive meta-analysis of childhood maltreatment (overall, sexual abuse, physical abuse and neglect, and emotional abuse and neglect) in association with non-suicidal self-injury. We also provided a qualitative review of mediators and moderators of this association. We identified relevant articles published from inception to Sept 25, 2017, through a systematic search of Embase, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO. We extracted continuous and categorical data and assessed for potential moderators using ten study characteristics. We generated random-effects models for analysis and evaluated for publication bias. Findings We identified 71 publications that met eligibility criteria. Overall childhood maltreatment was associated with non-suicidal self-injury (odds ratio 3·42, 95% CI 2·74–4·26), and effect sizes for maltreatment subtypes ranged from 1·84 (1·45–2·34) for childhood emotional neglect to 3·03 (2·56–3·54) for childhood emotional abuse. Publication bias was not evident, except in the case of childhood emotional neglect. Across multiple maltreatment subtypes, we found stronger associations with non-suicidal self-injury in non-clinical samples. Interpretation With the exception of childhood emotional neglect, childhood maltreatment and its subtypes are associated with non-suicidal self-injury. Screening of childhood maltreatment history in non-suicidal self-injury risk assessments might hold particular value in community settings, and increased attention to childhood emotional abuse is warranted. Funding National Institute of Mental Health.
The doctrine of the mean: Reference groups and public information systems development

Abstract This paper studies the influence of reference groups on developing public information systems. It hypothesizes that municipal governments dynamically adjust the development of their public information systems towards the average levels of their reference groups, a behavior embodying the classic “doctrine of the mean” in Confucianism. Specifically, both trait-based and institution-based reference groups can influence the e-Government development of municipal governments, and superordinate provincial governments enhance the influence of institution-based reference groups but dampen the influence of trait-based ones. Analyses based on the development of municipal government web portals in China between 2009 and 2013 provide support for these hypotheses.
Cluster Analysis with General Latent Class Model

Cluster analysis is a set of statistical models and algorithms that attempt to find “natural groupings” of sampling units (e.g., customers, survey respondents, plant or animal species) based on measurements. The observable measurements are sometimes called manifest variables and cluster membership is called a latent variable. It is assumed that each sampling unit comes from one of K clusters or classes, but the cluster identifier cannot be observed directly and can only be inferred from the manifest variables. See Bartholomew and Knott (1999) and Everitt, Landau and Leese (2001) for a broader survey of existing methods for cluster analysis. Many applications in science, engineering, social science, and industry require grouping observations into “types.” Identifying typologies is challenging, especially when the responses (manifest variables) are categorical. The classical approach to cluster analysis on those data is to apply the latent class analysis (LCA) methodology, where the manifest variables are assumed to be independent conditional on the cluster identity. For example, Aitkin, Anderson and Hinde (1981) classified 468 teachers into clusters according to their binary responses to 38 teaching style questions. This basic assumption in classical LCA is often violated and seems to have been made out of convenience rather than it being reasonable for a wide range of situations. For example, in the teaching styles study two questions are “Do you usually allow your pupils to move around the classroom?” and “Do you usually allow your pupils to talk to one another?” These questions are mostly likely correlated even within a class. BACKGROUND
What Is an Independent Medical Evaluator

An independent medical evaluation is an evaluation conducted by a third-party physician usually in the context of a medicolegal claim. Several systems utilize IMEs including workers compensation, personal liability, veterans administration, and social security disability. There is no formal training on IMEs that is available to physicians, but several organizations provide continuing medical education activities whereby skills can be acquired.
Effect of Propofol on breast Cancer cell, the immune system, and patient outcome

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women. Surgery is the first line of treatment for breast cancer. Retrospective clinical studies suggest that the type of anesthesia administered during oncological surgery may influence patient outcome. Propofol, the widely used intravenous anesthetic agent, may lead to better outcomes compared to volatile anesthetics. Here we review the literature on the effect of propofol in breast cancer cells, the immune system, pain management, and patient outcomes. Evidence from the study of breast cancer cell lines suggests that high concentrations of propofol have both anti-tumor and pro-tumor effects. Propofol and volatile anesthetics have different effects on the immune system. Propofol has also been shown to reduce the development and severity of acute and chronic pain following surgery. Although a retrospective study that included many types of cancer indicated that propofol increases the long-term survival of patients following surgery, the evidence for this in breast cancer is weak. It has been shown that Propofol combined with paravertebral block led to change of serum composition that affects the breast cancer cell behaviors and natural killer cell activity. Prospective studies are in progress and will be finished within 5 years. The existing evidence is not sufficient to warrant changes to current anesthetic management. Further research is needed to clarify the mechanisms by which propofol affects cancer cells and the immune system.
Swordtails and Platyfishes

The genetics, life-history, and behavior of swordtails and platyfishes (Teleostei: genus Xiphophorus ) have made these small fishes an important model in evolutionary biology. Most behavioral research has focused on sexual communication: males competing for mates and females choosing from among potential partners. Sexually dimorphic traits in Xiphophorus show considerable variation within and across species, are under both natural and sexual selection, and in some cases, are controlled by simple genetic mechanisms. These features have yielded important insights into how animal communication systems evolve. Recent research on Xiphophorus has begun to shed light on the evolutionary genetics of communication signals and mechanisms of mate choice.
Financial Incentive Does Not Affect P300 in the Complex Trial Protocol (CTP) Version of the Concealed Information Test (CIT) in Malingering Detection. II. Uninstructed Subjects.

Previous research indicated that the skin conductance response (SCR) of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) in the CIT is typically increased in subjects who are financially and otherwise incentivized to defeat the CIT; (the paradoxical “motivational impairment” effect). This is not the case for RT-based CITs, P300 CITs based on the 3-stimulus protocol, nor on the P300-based complex trial protocol for detection of cognitive malingering (although these are not the same as forensic CITs). The present report follows up the Rosenfeld et al. (2017) study of motivated malingerers instructed how to beat the test, with uninstructed motivated (paid and unpaid) and unmotivated (“simple malingering”) subjects, using episodic and semantic memory probes. The Test of Memory Malingering (TOMM) was used to validate behavioral differences among groups. The “CIT effect” (probe-minus-irrelevant P300 differences) did not differ among incentive groups, although as previously, semantic memory-evoked P300s were larger than episodic memory evoked P300s. An effect of specific test-beating instructions was found to enhance the CIT effect for semantic information.
Lipid-lowering agents for the treatment of hyperlipidemia in patients with chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease on dialysis: a review

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) continues to be the leading cause of death in Western civilizations, and hyperlipidemia is a well-established independent risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis and CVD progression. Many chronic kidney disease (CKD) and dialysis patients have the traditional CVD risk factors (age, obesity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and hyperlipidemia); however, CKD and dialysis predispose patients to several non-traditional risk factors, including myocardial remodeling, hyperparathyroidism, malnutrition, bone and mineral disorders, anemia, albuminuria, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction. Interestingly, as both cardiovascular morbidity and mortality increase and renal function declines, the therapeutic benefits of lipid-lowering agents decrease significantly. However, their recognized reduction in cardiovascular events and excellent tolerability contribute to the frequent use of lipid-lowering agents. Statins are the most commonly prescribed agents for the treatment of hyperlipidemia. Recent post hoc analyses of the lipid lowering in patients with CKD indicate that lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol may provide long-term cardiovascular protection in patients with CKD stages I–IV. However, questions remain regarding the optimal role of lipid-lowering agents for primary prevention in patients on dialysis. Statins remain the preferred first-line pharmacologic therapy, but non-statin add-on therapies can be used to decrease the overall risk of CVD in the CKD population, though evidence supporting each agent in CKD is limited. Finally, given the reduced glomerular filtration and drug clearance, healthcare providers should monitor their patients closely and adjust treatment goals and objectives according to patient factors, drug safety, efficacy, and cost.
Money Illusion and Residential Real Estate Transfers

This paper reports the results of a study of single-family, detached home transfers, conducted to determine if rational expectations holds as a function of owner-tenure. A counter-rational expectat...
Intraoperative Management of Large Resuscitation-Associated Venous Air Embolism (VAE) for Emergent Neurological Surgery.

Venous air embolism (VAE) is a well-described phenomenon that may have life-threatening cardiopulmonary and neurological consequences. Accidental administration of air during resuscitation while using a rapid infuser is rare. Furthermore, there is a paucity of published data describing the intraoperative management of VAE during emergent nonseated neurological surgery. We report a 22-year-old previously healthy female who experienced a motor vehicle accident with severe facial and head trauma, and mixed subdural and epidural hematomas with an 8 mm midline shift. Computed tomography revealed significant air entrainment in the right heart and main pulmonary artery, with venous air tracking from the right axillary vein. Given her age, lack of preexisting cardiac comorbidities, hemodynamic stability, and critical cerebral herniation risk, further cardiac evaluation was deferred, and the patient was transferred to the operating room for emergent decompressive craniotomy. Intraoperatively, she experienced acute decrease in mean arterial pressure and end-expiratory carbon-dioxide with loss of pulse oximetry waveform concerning for obstructive VAE physiology. She was responsive to fluid resuscitation and epinephrine administration and did not experience any recurrence of obstructive VAE. This challenging case report describes positive neurologic and hemodynamic outcomes after resuscitation-associated VAE and cardiopulmonary collapse during emergency neurosurgery. Comprehensive evaluation of risk, urgency of procedure, and need for diagnostic monitoring and treatment should be personalized.
Short communication: Effects of transition milk and milk replacer supplemented with colostrum replacer on growth and health of dairy calves

Transition milk (TM, defined here as the second through fourth milkings after calving) supplies additional fat, protein, and immunoglobulins to the calf compared with milk replacer at industry-suggested feeding rates (∼14% solids). Our objective was to determine whether 9 feedings of TM on d 2 through 4 of life increase the growth rate and overall health of calves. Holstein heifer calves on a commercial farm were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 diets (n = 35/diet): milk replacer (MR; Purina Warm Front BOV MOS Medicated Milk Replacer, St. Louis, MO), TM, or a 50:50 blend of MR and colostrum replacer (MCR; Alta HiCal Colostrum Powder Replacer, the Saskatoon Colostrum Company Ltd., Saskatoon, SK, Canada). The TM was harvested from Holstein cows on the farm, pooled, and pasteurized at 71.7°C for 15 s. Nutrient composition on a dry matter basis of TM was 25.9% fat, 41.8% protein, and 14% solids; MR was 10.3% fat, 27.8% protein, and 14% solids; and MCR was 14.6% fat, 38.6% protein, and 15% solids. All calves received IgG-enriched colostrum replacer for the first 2 feedings after birth. Subsequently, calves were fed 1.9 L of MR, TM, or MCR 3 times per day for 3 d (starting on d 2). After initial diets ended, calves were fed and managed similarly. Body weights (d 1, 7, 14, 21, and 56), blood samples (d 1, 7, 14, and 21), and daily health scores (scale of 0 to 3, with 0 representing normal or healthy and 3 representing severe symptoms or ill) were collected through weaning at 56 d. All except 1 calf achieved successful transfer of passive immunity, with serum IgG values greater than 10.0 mg/mL. From birth through weaning, calves fed TM and MCR gained 3 kg more total body weight than those fed MR (34.3, 34.3, and 31.3 kg, respectively). Increased metabolizable energy (using NRC 2001 recommendations) in TM accounts for 0.68 kg of the increased gain compared with MR. Treatment did not alter health scores for ears, eyes, or feces. Haptoglobin concentrations were lower in TM and MCR than in MR calves (4.63, 3.62, and 7.54 µg/mL, respectively), whereas lipopolysaccharide binding protein concentrations were not different. In conclusion, compared with MR alone, feeding TM or MR with colostrum replacer for 3 d increased growth rate of calves throughout the preweaning period.
Techniques of Identity Talk in Reentering Mothers’ Self-Narratives: (M)othering and Redemption Narratives:

We examine how incarcerated women introduced themselves to a reentry program focused on reuniting them with their children. To communicate maternal worthiness, the women did not discuss their own p...
Nonlinear ultrasonic guided waves—Principles for nondestructive evaluation

Research into the use of nonlinear ultrasonic guided waves for nondestructive evaluation is expanding at a high rate because of the great potential benefit that they possess for early detection of material degradation. However, development of inspection and testing strategies is complicated because (i) the underlying physical principles are complex, (ii) there is a broad spectrum of possible solutions but only a limited number that have been shown to be effective, and (iii) the nonlinearity is weak and thus its measurement is challenging. This Tutorial aims to provide a foundation for researchers and technology-transitioners alike, to advance the application of nonlinear ultrasonic guided waves and ultimately transform how the service lives of structural systems are managed. The Tutorial focuses on the physical principles of nonlinear ultrasonic guided waves leading to the so-called internal resonance conditions that provide a means for selecting primary waves that generate cumulative secondary waves. To detect material degradation, we are primarily interested in nonlinearity stemming from the material itself, which is represented as hyperelastic. For the special case of plates, internal resonance points have been identified and case studies are presented to illustrate some of the applications. The Tutorial has one new result not published in a research paper; finite element simulation of energy transfer from shear-horizontal primary waves to symmetric Lamb waves at the second harmonic.
Deep learning-based deformable image registration of inter-fraction CBCT images for adaptive radiation therapy

Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) has been widely used in image-guided radiation therapy. Deformable image registration (DIR) among inter-fraction CBCTs is essential in order to evaluate the geometric and anatomic changes in adaptive radiation therapy. However, the bulky data size and, more importantly, the poor quality of CBCT images, such as scattering/beam hardening artifacts, motion artifacts and CT number inaccuracy, impedes the fast and accurate image registration. In this study, we propose a novel unsupervised spatial transformation network (STN)-based DIR method for inter-fraction CBCT image registration. To evaluate the proposed method, datasets of abdominal CBCT patient images are retrospectively investigated. The preliminary results show that the proposed method, with average target registration error of 2.91±1.16 mm, has great potential in quantifying the daily anatomy changes for adaptive radiation therapy.
State health policies and interest in PrEP: evidence from Google Trends.

This study investigated the association between interest in Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) in the US using Google Health Trends as a source of big data and state policy variables of Medicaid expansions under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and initiation of PrEP Assistance Programs (PrEP-AP). As of December 2019, thirty-three states and the District of Columbia have accepted federal Medicaid funding provided through the ACA to expand eligibility to low-income adults. Among these expansion states, eight states also implemented PrEP-AP, a program that finances PrEP. A difference-in-differences approach estimated how changes in Google search for PrEP before and after the expansion differed across expansion and non-expansion states. Analyses also gauged whether the magnitude of the correlation between Medicaid expansions and Google searches was higher in states that also initiated PrEP-AP. Findings indicated that the Medicaid expansions were associated with a higher share of Google searches for PrEP keywords ( β = 1.536 , S.E. =.36, p .001 ). Moreover, the magnitude of correlation for some keywords was higher in states that also implemented PrEP-APs.