cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Heritability of Human Behavior: Results of Aggregating Meta-Analyses

The heritability of human behavior can be estimated through studies comparing MZ and DZ twins and through adoption studies. Meta-analyses have estimated the heritability of intelligence, mental chronometric performance, language ability, anxiety disorders, major depression, antisocial behavior, problem drinking, and smoking. This article presents the aggregation and analysis of these meta-analyses, which included a total of over four hundred samples. The results of the aggregation suggest that about 41% of human behavior is genetically influenced, a percentage that may have evolutionary value. Some significant moderators were found in more than one meta-analysis, including greater heritability (a) in more disordered levels of a behavior for performance on a language-ability test, antisocial behavior, and smoking and (b) in females for antisocial behavior and smoking initiation. The moderator findings raise questions about what might explain the identified differences in level of heritability.
Neural circuits as computational dynamical systems

Many recent studies of neurons recorded from cortex reveal complex temporal dynamics. How such dynamics embody the computations that ultimately lead to behavior remains a mystery. Approaching this issue requires developing plausible hypotheses couched in terms of neural dynamics. A tool ideally suited to aid in this question is the recurrent neural network (RNN). RNNs straddle the fields of nonlinear dynamical systems and machine learning and have recently seen great advances in both theory and application. I summarize recent theoretical and technological advances and highlight an example of how RNNs helped to explain perplexing high-dimensional neurophysiological data in the prefrontal cortex.
The amalgamation behavior of heavy elements—IV the tracer chemistry of divalent mendelevium

Abstract In this paper it is shown that the extraction of medelevium into sodium amalgam from sodium acetate solutions results in about a ten fold enrichment relative to the lighter actinides (Pu, Am, Cm, Bk). Separation of Md from the heavier actinides may be accomplished by either of two methods: (1) an amalgam containing Md, Fm, Es, and Cf can be decomposed in cold concentrated HCl and then the Md may be coprecipitated with EuCl 2 with one order of magnitude enrichment from Fm; (2) Md can be separated by electrolysis in acetate or citrate-acetate solution on an electrode of mercury amalgamated with sodium. In the lanthanide series method (2) is used to separate Eu or Sm from the other rare earths. The sequence of electrodeposition of actinides in acetate-citrate solution is Md > Fm > Es > Cf. These separation methods probably depend on the formation of stable Md 2+ . The potential of the Md 3+ + e → Md 2+ couple was estimated by a series of reductions, using YbCl 2 , Zn, EuCl 2 , CrCl 2 , VCl 2 , and TiCl 3 , all in 2 M HCl. All except TiCl 3 appear to reduce Md 3+ to Md 2+ , which can then be coprecipitated with EuSO 4 or BaSO 4 ; Md is thereby enriched 10–30 X in the precipitate, relative to the daughter isotope 256 Fm in solution.
Toward Nanoscale Chemical Imaging: The Intersection of Scanning Probe Microscopy and Mass Spectrometry

Advances in analytical technology have pushed the limits of our understanding of chemical and physical phenomena as new tools create new opportunities for discovery. The levels of sensitivities and signal-to-noise levels of atmospheric pressure mass spectrometry techniques have increased to the point that the chemical content of nanometer-sized volumes of material can be determined. Advances in scanning probe technology, which have resulted in improved stability and material property determination, make interfacing with mass-spectrometry possible. Innovations in probe technology to couple or focus intense light or heat at the probe tip enable new ways to remove and transfer specific and highly localized material from the sample surface to the mass spectrometer. The marrying of these two previously separate fields of study creates a viable pathway for true nanoscale chemical imaging. This chapter will cover the recent advances in mass spectrometry that can most readily be coupled with ambient scanning probes and discuss the state-of-the-art efforts to combine these techniques.
Clinical and Biological Effects of Recombinant Interferon-β Administered Intravenously Daily in Phase I Trial

Interferon-β serine (IFN-βser) was administered intravenously (i.v.) daily for 14 days at doses of 3, 10, 30 x 106 units to 19 patients. In this Phase I trial, IFN-γser was tolerated without limiting fever or subjective toxicities. At 30 x 106 units, 3 patients developed hematologic toxicity and dose escalation was thus terminated. No patient developed detectable binding or neutralizing antibody to IFN-β. A significant (p < 0.006) increase in serum β2-microglobulin and a significant ( < 0.005) increase in 2′, 5′-oligoadenylate synthetase (2-5A) in peripheral mononuclear cells were identified. Increase in these proteins did not correlate with dose or with the disappearance of serum IFN over the first 5 h after injection. Two patients, one with renal carcinoma and one with melanoma, had objective responses. This trial further confirms safety and biological potency of this synthetic mutant of IFN-β.
STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION OF CHEMORECEPTORS IN SCAVENGING LYSIANASSOID AMPHIPODS

Food detection and acquisition behavior and associated chemosensory structures were studied in shallow- and deep-water species of scavenging amphipods belonging to the superfamily Lysianassoidea. The morphology and distribution of chemoreceptors were examined in 12 amphipod species with light and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Behavioral observations were made on two species from the genus Orchomene, one shallow- and one deepwater form. Chemoreceptors were classified as olfactory or gustatory on the basis of functional and morphological criteria. The largest concentrations of olfactory receptors occurred in callynophores, patches of aesthetasc setae on the first articles of the antennular flagella, while gustatory receptors were widely distributed on the thoracic appendages, particularly on the gnathopods. As in other crustacean groups, these two groups of chemoreceptors appeared to be employed in different ways, with olfactory receptors operating in the detection of water-borne stimuli and gustatory receptors functioning in the sampling of substrate-bound chemicals. Olfactory setae were typically more abundant than gustatory setae, although this was not true in all cases. Based on behavioral observations of Orchomene abyssorum and 0. limodes, the food detection and acquisition process was separated into 4 stages, each with a characteristic suite of behaviors and each employing a specific set of sensilla. The first two stages, detection and localization, primarily involved olfactory setae, while the third, chemical characterization of the food item, was gustatory in nature. The fourth stage, ingestion, appeared to be largely mechanical, although a chemosensory component may also have been involved.
Single Trial Predictors for Gating Motor-Imagery Brain-Computer Interfaces Based on Sensorimotor Rhythm and Visual Evoked Potentials.

For brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) that utilize visual cues to direct the user, the neural signals extracted by the computer are representative of ongoing processes, visual evoked responses, and voluntary modulation. We proposed to use three brain signatures for predicting success on a single trial of a BCI task. The first two features, the amplitude and phase of the pre-trial mu amplitude, were chosen as a correlate for cortical excitability. The remaining feature, related to the visually evoked response to the cue, served as a possible measure of fixation and attention to the task. Of these three features, mu rhythm amplitude over the central electrodes at the time of cue presentation and to a lesser extent the single trial visual evoked response were correlated with the success on the subsequent imagery task. Despite the potential for gating trials using these features, an offline gating simulation was limited in its ability to produce an increase in device throughput. This discrepancy highlights a distinction between the identification of predictive features, and the use of this knowledge in an online BCI. Using such a system, we cannot assume that the user will respond similarly when faced with a scenario where feedback is altered by trials that are gated on a regular basis. The results of this study suggest the possibility of using individualized, pre-task neural signatures for personalized and asynchronous (self-paced) BCI applications, although these effects need to be quantified in a real-time adaptive scenario in a future study.
Quantitative characterization of genetic parts and circuits for plant synthetic biology

Plant synthetic biology promises immense technological benefits, including the potential development of a sustainable bio-based economy through the predictive design of synthetic gene circuits. Such circuits are built from quantitatively characterized genetic parts; however, this characterization is a significant obstacle in work with plants because of the time required for stable transformation. We describe a method for rapid quantitative characterization of genetic plant parts using transient expression in protoplasts and dual luciferase outputs. We observed experimental variability in transient-expression assays and developed a mathematical model to describe, as well as statistical normalization methods to account for, this variability, which allowed us to extract quantitative parameters. We characterized >120 synthetic parts in Arabidopsis and validated our method by comparing transient expression with expression in stably transformed plants. We also tested >100 synthetic parts in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) protoplasts, and the results showed that our method works in diverse plant groups. Our approach enables the construction of tunable gene circuits in complex eukaryotic organisms.
Epidemic situation and prevention strategies against major infectious diseases of Xishuangbanna Prefecture

Objectives To provide basis for the prevention and control strategies adjustment by analysis of major infectious disease incidence and prevalence rules of Xishuangbanna prefecture in recent 10 years. Methods The monitoring data of major infectious diseases of Xishuangbanna prefecture from 2004 to 2013 by the reference of " national disease surveillance information management system" was analyzed by using descriptive epidemiological method. The current control strategies and measures were appraised. Results Eight outbreaks of rat plague were calculated from 2004 to 2013 with no cholera epidemic. The incidence of malaria decreased from 2158. 3 / per million down to 15. 3 per million. The incidence of leprosy dropped from 0. 44 over ten thousand to 0. 23 over ten thousand. To 2013,incidence rate of tuberculosis was 600 per million. A total of AIDS infection rate was0. 171%. Intestinal parasites infection rate of minority was 94. 97%,In 2008,the rabies cases suffering from local infection were discovered for the first time,In 2013,outbreak of dengue fever epidemic situation was first found due to overseas cases import and two generation transmission occurrence. Conclusion The plague,cholera,malaria and leprosy are effectively controlled in Xishuangbanna prefecture. The tuberculosis,AIDS,rabies,dengue fever and intestinal parasites are still popular at higher levels. Some new infectious diseases occur frequently.
Molar Lactate in the Management of Uric Acid Renal Obstruction

AbstractA method for rapid alkalization of urine using parenteral 1/6 molar sodium lactate is presented in a series of patients with uric acid nephropathy and/or obstruction due to uric acid calculi. An operation was not necessary in any of these patients because of rapid relief of obstruction.
Regulation of fibrin deposition by malignant mesothelioma

Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a locally aggressive tumor that spreads by poorly understood mechanisms. Because neoplastic spread has been linked to altered fibrin turnover, we used immunohistochemistry of nine MM and three fibrous tumors of the pleura to confirm in vivo fibrin deposition and expression of selected coagulation and fibrinolytic reactants in MM. Tumor-associated fibrin was readily detectable at site of tissue invasion. Little fibrin was distributed within the tumor, but tissue factor and tissue factor pathway inhibitor, urokinase, urokinase receptor, and plasminogen activator inhibitors 1 and 2 were all detected in either epithelioid or sarcomatous areas of MM. We used the MS-1 human pleural mesothelioma cell line to determine how expression of these reactants is regulated. Fibrinolytic activity of MS-1 is mainly due to urokinase and is responsive to cytokine stimulation. Functional extrinsic activation and prothrombinase complexes assemble at the cell surface. MM express procoagulants as well as fibrinolytic reactants in vivo and in vitro that promote local fibrin formation and remodeling. Fibrin deposition occurs primarily at areas of tissue invasion and could promote local extension of this neoplasm. Sparsity of fibrin within the central portions of the tumor stroma suggests that local resorption of transitional fibrin occurs at sites of established MM.
Making Suburbia: New Histories of Everyday America . Edited by John Archer, Paul J. P. Sandul, and Katherine Solomonson.

Making Suburbia: New Histories of Everyday America . Edited by John Archer, Paul J. P. Sandul, and Katherine Solomonson. (Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press, 2015. xxv + 392 pp. Illustrations, maps, table, charts, notes. $122.50, cloth; $35.00, paper.) It would be hard to find a broader introduction to modern American suburbia than this volume, edited by John Archer, Paul J. P. Sandul, and Katherine Solomonson. The editors found room for racial politics, race planning, stay-at-home moms, gays, ecology, suburban fiction, memory, preservation, backyards, domestic design, mega-churches, Asian American malls, Protestant youth, espionage, garage rock bands, prefabricated building, apartments, and outdoor cooking. The contributions are grounded in the larger works of suburban history by Kenneth Jackson, Robert Fishman, Dolores Hayden, and Jon C. Teaford and … rlotchin{at}email.unc.edu
Chapter 39 – Progress in the Development and Testing of HIV Vaccines

This chapter describes obstacles hindering the development of a preventive human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) vaccine, progress toward developing and evaluating vaccine candidates, clinical trials, the social and ethical issues involved in conducting HIV vaccine trials, and plans for future efficacy trials. Three obstacles are widely considered responsible for hindering the development of an HIV-1 vaccine. These obstacles are the extensive antigenic variability of HIV, uncertainty regarding which immune responses are correlated with protection, and the lack of an ideal animal model on which to test vaccine constructs. Despite the difficulties involved in developing an HIV vaccine, more than 80 vaccine constructs have proceeded to human clinical trials and one of two large-scale efficacy trials has been completed, with the second scheduled for completion by late 2003. Furthermore, there is an increasing awareness among trial investigators regarding the ethical and social obligations to protect trial participants' rights and provide important human rights protections.
Cellular Interactions between Host and Endosymbiont in Dinitrogen-Fixing Root Nodules of Woody Plants

During the last decade increasing attention has been paid by plant scientists to temperate and tropical woody plants known to establish symbiotic relationships with soil microorganisms capable of generating and expressing the enzyme nitrogenase. In the appropriate biological context this enzyme catalyzes the reduction of molecular dinitrogen from the atmosphere into organic form assimilable by the eukaryotic partner in the association. Management of biological nitrogen fixation by tree species is viewed increasingly as an important approach to improvement of world agriculture and forestry.
A State of Uncertainty: Stemness and the Roles of Theory

The stem cell uncertainty principle shows that evidential significance of stem cell experiments hinges on details of the method used (Chapter 3). Insofar as they are empirically-confirmed, hypotheses about single stem cells are relative to organismal source, characters measured, and manipulations performed within a temporal duration of interest. Evidence for population-level models also depends on such hypotheses. These evidential constraints create serious challenges for a research program aimed at prospectively identifying stem cells on the basis of ‘signature’ traits. To overcome these limitations, a number of stem cell researchers propose a conceptual revision: replace the notion of ‘the stem cell’ as cellular entity with that of a cell state, ‘stemness.’ The idea of a cell state is usefully contrasted with that of a cell type.66 A cell type is defined by a set of character values, such that a cell is classified as a particular type in virtue of having all (or most) of those character values. Characters in the set vary, ranging from structural to functional, morphological to biochemical, features of the cell as a whole, the cell surface, molecules, and internal structures. All, however, are conceived as characters of the cell. In contrast, a state is a functional role taken by a cell, within some larger process.
Two-Dimensional Materials Beyond Graphene: Emerging Opportunities for Biomedicine

With the rise of graphene, there is growing attention on two-dimensional (2D) materials in the physical science community during the last decade. Most studies to date focus on the rich set of their superior electrical, optical, catalytic and electrochemical properties and highlight the encouraging opportunities for developing next generation electronics, optoelectronics, catalysis, and energy storage technologies. On the contrary, the biomedicine community has barely recognized the potential of these materials other than graphene. There are very limited published studies on these materials’ biological effects and biomedical applications. Here, we present a brief overview of 2D materials and discuss their potential for biomedical applications in hope of raising biomedical researchers’ awareness of the great opportunities associated with these materials. We first discuss the emergence of 2D materials and review two most important prerequisites for 2D materials’ biomedical applications, synthesis and biocompatibility. We then categorize the existing studies on 2D materials’ biomedical applications into biosensing, drug/gene delivery, antimicrobial, bioimaging and multimode therapeutic applications. We would put special emphasis on the great flexibility of various rational combinations of 2D material superior properties for the design and construction of assorted forms of reagents or devices with highly effective simultaneous diagnostic and therapeutic functions (or theranostics functions). At last, the newly emerging 2D black phosphorous with very rare and interesting properties is introduced as the next promising and important 2D materials to study in the upcoming years.
Entrepreneurship and Innovation in the Fight Against Human Trafficking

There has been much discussed and written on the benefits of entrepreneurship education, as well as the importance of early access to this type of learning. But how can entrepreneurship education train and inspire the next generation of anti-trafficking leaders? How can entrepreneurship also be a driver for prevention and a source of economic stability for those at-risk and survivors of human trafficking? At present, there are entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs-in-training at multiple age levels coming from a variety of backgrounds, incomes, and circumstances who will develop groundbreaking strategies and solutions in the fight against trafficking. These current and future entrepreneurs can also provide fresh perspectives to those in government and business while building more effective tri-sector coalitions and partnerships that address human trafficking. This article explores how and why entrepreneurship can be a key vehicle for social change and innovations in combating human trafficking, along with providing a multi-ingredient recipe of prosperity for those most vulnerable.
Differential responses to personality test items

Distributions of responses among the 5 response categories on the Willoughby Personality Schedule, obtained from several populations, are graphically presented for each of the 25 items. It is pointed out that the distribution pattern characterizing a given item is to a certain extent independent of age, sex, and method of test administration, and evidence is offered that on certain items the shape of the distribution is determined largely by a systematic tendency for the subjects to give themselves more favorable ratings than they deserve.
Employee Turnover and Organizational Performance in U.S. Federal Agencies

Contrary to received wisdom, could turnover actually be good for an organization? Traditional research on turnover in the public management field treats turnover as a dependent variable, emphasizin...
Assessment of Mental Health Literacy among Perinatal Hispanic Adolescents.

According to the United States (U.S.) Census Bureau, Hispanics are the fastest growing ethnic minority in the U.S. As such, Hispanic females have the highest birth rate (35 per 1000) among adolescents between the ages of 15 and 19 years. Despite high fertility rates, there is limited mental health information among Hispanic adolescents during the perinatal period. Perinatal depression is a major concern as it poses health risks for both the mother and infant. Adverse outcomes such as preterm birth, low infant birth weight, and poor maternal-infant attachment may result from perinatal depression. However, less than half of Hispanic adolescent mothers who experience perinatal depression receive treatment. Previous research identified low mental health literacy (MHL) as one of the primary reasons for the limited use of mental health services among ethnic minorities. This study assessed the MHL of pregnant and postpartum Hispanic adolescents (n = 30) using a modified MHL scale. Implications for nursing practice are discussed to help improve mental health outcomes among pregnant and postpartum Hispanic adolescents.
Pseudoephedrine did not increase blood pressure in hypertension

Source Citation Coates ML, Rembold CM, Farr BM. Does pseudoephedrine increase blood pressure in patients with controlled hypertension? J Fam Pract. 1995 Jan; 40:22-6.
Leveraging cultural differences to promote educational equality

This paper theorizes that academic interventions will be maximally effective when they are culturally grounded. Culturally grounded interventions acknowledge cultural differences and validate multiple cultural models in a given context. This review highlights the importance of considering culture in academic interventions and draws upon the culture cycle framework to provide a blueprint for those interested in building more efficacious interventions. Specifically, the paper reviews literature in education and psychology to argue: first, when working-class and racial minority students' cultural models are not valued in mainstream academic domains, these students underperform; and second, many current academic interventions intended to improve working-class and racial minority students' academic outcomes could be further enhanced by cultural grounding.
Late Holocene fire–climate relationships of the western San Juan Mountains, Colorado

In recent decades, warming temperatures and severe drought have contributed to large and severe wildfires in the south-western United States. To put current wildfires in a long-term context, we reconstructed fire events with alluvial stratigraphy methods in south-western Colorado, and compared with paleoclimate records over the late Holocene. The chronology of 32 fire-related sedimentation events from six tributary basins was established using 48 radiocarbon dates. Based on deposit characteristics, we found episodes of increased high-severity fire for 2750–2350 cal yr BP (800–400 BCE); 1400–1175 cal yr BP (550–775 CE); 1050–700 cal yr BP (900–1250 CE); and 525–250 cal yr BP (1425–1700 CE). There were peaks in low-severity fires in 2350–2000 cal yr BP (400–50 BCE) and 300–70 cal yr BP (1650–1880 CE). Two of the four episodes of high-severity fire corresponded with multi-decadal droughts, including clusters of extreme drought years. The most recent fire episode was preceded by wetter conditions and decreased frequency of extreme drought years, which facilitated the build-up of fuel loads. However, previous high-severity episodes were not consistently preceded by wetter conditions. Steep slopes and overall rugged terrain were also likely contributing factors to fuel accumulation and high-severity fires. A recent wildfire followed a fire-free interval of greater than 120 years and likely contained more extensive areas of high-severity burned area than fire events over the late Holocene.
Evolution of Boson peak with Li-salt concentration in superionic xLi 2 SO 4 ·(1-x)LiPO 3 glasses

Abstract Inelastic neutron spectroscopy has been performed on two members of the family of superionic glasses: xLi2SO4·(1−x)LiPO3, x = 0.05 and 0.3. Measurements were performed on the thermal triple-axis spectrometer (Triax) at the University of Missouri Research Reactor covering 0.7 A − 1 Q 4.5 A − 1 and − 2 m e V E 25 m e V . A clear signature of a Boson peak is present for both the x = 0.05 and x = 0.3 samples. The Boson peak associated with the x = 0.3 sample is found to be enhanced and broadened to the high energy side of the peak compared to that of the x = 0.05 sample, indicating that the presence of more Li-salt results in modified dynamics of the underlying structural framework. Such dynamics are expected to influence the ionic conduction properties of these materials that are important as possible electrolyte materials in all solid-state Li-ion batteries.
Tracking an invasion: community changes in hardwood forests following the arrival of Amynthas agrestis and Amynthas tokioensis in Wisconsin

Because Upper Midwest temperate forests lack native earthworms, the invasions of European and Asian earthworms can significantly alter soils and understory vegetation. Earthworms’ ability to increase leaf litter decay, alter nutrient cycling by mixing the organic layer with mineral soil, and decrease plant species richness leads to concern about the Asian ‘jumping earthworm’ (Amynthas agrestis and A. tokioensis) species that were recorded in the University of Wisconsin—Madison Arboretum in 2013. In 2015, we found A. agrestis and A. tokioensis in a distinct 8-ha region of a 23-ha hardwood forest surveyed in the Arboretum; by 2016 A. agrestis and A. tokioensis had spread over an additional 7 ha. Plots also contained the European earthworm species Lumbricus terrestris, L. rubellus, and Apporectodea spp., whose distributions decreased from 2015 to 2016. While leaf litter, plant species richness, and tree and shrub seedling abundance were generally reduced in areas with European earthworms, they were typically slightly increased in areas with A. agrestis and A. tokioensis versus those without. Although our results do not show substantial impacts of A. agrestis and A. tokioensis on vegetation in the initial years of invasion, the rapid replacement of European earthworms by A. agrestis and A. tokioensis suggests continued monitoring of these new invasive species is important to better understand their potential to change the Upper Midwest’s forests.
IS SPONTANEOUS PRETERM DELIVERY ASSOCIATED WITH IMPAIRED VASCULAR FUNCTION

Spontaneous preterm delivery (sPTD) is associated with an increased risk of CVD later in life, but causes of this phenomenon are not well understood. The aim of this study was to assess vascular function over time in women who experience sPTD compared to term delivery controls. We performed a
Cellular fate decisions in the developing female anteroventral periventricular nucleus are regulated by canonical Notch signaling.

Abstract The hypothalamic anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV) is the major regulator of reproductive function within the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. Despite an understanding of the function of neuronal subtypes within the AVPV, little is known about the molecular mechanisms regulating their development. Previous work from our laboratory has demonstrated that Notch signaling is required in progenitor cell maintenance and formation of kisspeptin neurons of the arcuate nucleus (ARC) while simultaneously restraining POMC neuron number. Based on these findings, we hypothesized that the Notch signaling pathway may act similarly in the AVPV by promoting development of kisspeptin neurons at the expense of other neuronal subtypes. To address this hypothesis, we utilized a genetic mouse model with a conditional loss of Rbpj in Nkx2.1 expressing cells (Rbpj cKO). We noted an increase in cellular proliferation, as marked by Ki-67, in the hypothalamic ventricular zone (HVZ) in Rbpj cKO mice at E13.5. This corresponded to an increase in general neurogenesis and more TH-positive neurons. Additionally, an increase in OLIG2-positive early oligodendrocytic precursor cells was observed at postnatal day 0 in Rbpj cKO mice. By 5 weeks of age in Rbpj cKO mice, TH-positive cells were readily detected in the AVPV but few kisspeptin neurons were present. To elucidate the direct effects of Notch signaling on neuron and glia differentiation, an in vitro primary hypothalamic neurosphere assay was employed. We demonstrated that treatment with the chemical Notch inhibitor DAPT increased mKi67 and Olig2 mRNA expression while decreasing astroglial Gfap expression, suggesting Notch signaling regulates both proliferation and early glial fate decisions. A modest increase in expression of TH in both the cell soma and neurite extensions was observed after extended culture, suggesting that inhibition of Notch signaling alone is enough to bias progenitors towards a dopaminergic fate. Together, these data suggest that Notch signaling restricts early cellular proliferation and differentiation of neurons and oligodendrocytes both in vivo and in vitro and acts as a fate selector of kisspeptin neurons.
The Assessment of Psychopathology in Juvenile Delinquency

The Mental Health Services of Family Court in New York City functions in a diagnostic/consultative relationship to the court, with an amicus curiae status. In cases of juvenile delinquency, a clinical evaluation is requested by the court after a fact-finding (determination of guilt) has been made against a delinquent respondent. The clinic assesses the respondent’s mental functioning and recommends to the court appropriate avenues of remediation and rehabilitation, balancing the needs of the juvenile with those of society, all within the context of the “least restrictive” guidelines.
Benzoquinones, Naphthoquinones, and Anthraquinones

Quinones, naphthoquinones, and anthraquinones are found in many types of higher plants and fungi. About 600 naturally occurring quinones have been described. More than half of these are from one plant family, the Rubiaceae (Haslam, 1974; Harborne, 1982). Quinones are cyclic α,s-diketones of such a structure that they are converted by reduction into hydroquinones, that is, phenols containing two hydroxyl groups such as (2) (Fig. 6.1) (Morrison and Boyd, 1973). The reduced and oxidized forms are closely balanced energetically and are easily interconverted.
Systems Design: A Creative Response to the Current Educational Predicament

Traditional econometric/statistical methods of performance measurement are unable to account for the complexity in educational systems. Oversimplified performance measures can lead to organizational pathologies. Performance measures that retain empirical grounding in systems-in-transition need to be developed.
Anatomy of the Palmar Plates: Comparative Morphology and Motion Characteristics

The metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints and the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints have different tolerances for immobilization in a flexed position. Clinically the MCP joints usually tolerate immobilization in flexion with less loss of motion than the PIP joints (with joint contracture probably related to soft tissue stiffness involving the palmar plates, collateral ligaments, and joint capsule). The palmar plates and associated check-rein ligaments have been implicated in the formation of contracture of the PIP joint.13,14 Although the anatomy of the PIP joint palmar plates has been studied,1,4,9,13 little data is available concerning the anatomy of the MCP joint palmar plates and the anatomical differences between the palmar plates of these two joints. Watson14 has hypothesized that certain differences in the anatomy and motion characteristics of the palmar plates of these joints explain their different degrees of tolerance to immobilization in flexion. The purpose of this study was to evaluate this hypothesis by examining in greater detail both anatomic differences between these palmar plates and differences in motion characteristics.
ACT-R Modeling of Intelligence Analysts’ Perception of Information to Improve Situational Understanding

For the military, one of the central challenges associated with developing good situational understanding originates with the information. The character of today’s battlefield features a high volume of information across multiple sources and threatens to overwhelm traditional methods of review.Confounding this effort is the fact that the information received often has varying degrees of agreement (i.e., complementary or contradictory). Timely review requires the development of automated assist methods that identify and prioritize the most valuable and applicable information for mission success. One method to improve military situational awareness and decisionmaking is the ability to amalgamate information across various sources and content. Towards this end, this paper presents the development and evaluation of an Adaptive Control of ThoughtRationale (ACT-R) model to understand the cognitive steps and processes employed by intelligence analysts as they value information.
Cesium Chloride, Used as Alternative Cancer Therapy, Poses Risks.

Cesium chloride, which is used as alternative therapy by some cancer patients, has been determined to have significant adverse effects, especially cardiovascular effects.The FDA has issued an alert stating that cesium chloride should not be used in compounded medications.
Selective brookite polymorph formation related to the amorphous precursor state in TiO2 thin films

Abstract A wide variety of brookite TiO2 synthesis methods have been published over the past several decades, but few studies discuss the underlying mechanism that stabilizes brookite over its stable counterparts, rutile and anatase. Here, we investigate of the effect of pulsed laser deposition parameters on the as-deposited amorphous precursor titania thin films, which subsequently crystallize into stable and metastable TiO2 polymorphs upon annealing. We find that oxygen pressure in the deposition chamber strongly influences the non-equilibrium state of the amorphous precursor, which ultimately allows for selective polymorph formation. Rutile forms as the dominant phase at low pO2 5 mTorr. Brookite forms primarily at intermediate pO2 (0.5–1.0 mTorr). Controlling the amorphous structure (i.e. Ti—O bonding and polyhedral arrangement) of the precursors via oxygen deficiency is therefore likely for the selective formation of crystalline TiO2 polymorphs from sub-stoichiometric amorphous precursors. Directing phase selectivity by manipulating the structure and internal energy of the precursor amorphous state may have tremendous potential for synthesis of metastable crystalline phases that exhibit more desirable properties in comparison to their stable counterparts.
Machine Learning-Based Integration of High-Resolution Wildfire Smoke Simulations and Observations for Regional Health Impact Assessment

Large wildfires are an increasing threat to the western U.S. In the 2017 fire season, extensive wildfires occurred across the Pacific Northwest (PNW). To evaluate public health impacts of wildfire smoke, we integrated numerical simulations and observations for regional fire events during August-September of 2017. A one-way coupled Weather Research and Forecasting and Community Multiscale Air Quality modeling system was used to simulate fire smoke transport and dispersion. To reduce modeling bias in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and to optimize smoke exposure estimates, we integrated modeling results with the high-resolution Multi-Angle Implementation of Atmospheric Correction satellite aerosol optical depth and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency AirNow ground-level monitoring PM2.5 concentrations. Three machine learning-based data fusion algorithms were applied: An ordinary multi-linear regression method, a generalized boosting method, and a random forest (RF) method. 10-Fold cross-validation found improved surface PM2.5 estimation after data integration and bias correction, especially with the RF method. Lastly, to assess transient health effects of fire smoke, we applied the optimized high-resolution PM2.5 exposure estimate in a short-term exposure-response function. Total estimated regional mortality attributable to PM2.5 exposure during the smoke episode was 183 (95% confidence interval: 0, 432), with 85% of the PM2.5 pollution and 95% of the consequent multiple-cause mortality contributed by fire emissions. This application demonstrates both the profound health impacts of fire smoke over the PNW and the need for a high-performance fire smoke forecasting and reanalysis system to reduce public health risks of smoke hazards in fire-prone regions.
Detection of Relapse in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) and Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (HL): Observations and Implications for Post-Remission Radiologic Surveillance.

According to reports in the literature since 1991, 5–30% of relapses of DLBCL and HL were identified by surveillance X-rays and CT scans in the post-remission setting. Recently, a large series of DLBCL relapses were analyzed and suggested that surveillance imaging can identify early relapse in a population of patients with a more favorable outcome (Leidtke et al, Ann Oncol 17: 909–913, 2006). We retrospectively evaluated 40 patients with relapses of HL and DLBCL after complete remission from three referral lymphoma practices between 2000–2006 at the University of Pennsylvania. Relapsed disease was identified after primary therapy or after salvage chemotherapy and high-dose therapy with autologous stem cell transplantation. These relapsed patients underwent post-remission surveillance CT scans with or without PET scans roughly every 3–4 months for the first 1–2 years and every 6–12 months thereafter for at least 5 years. Seventeen patients had DLBCL and 23 had HL. Among relapses, 22 (55%) were detected with surveillance imaging and 18 (45%) were detected by clinical findings (10 complaints of lymphadenopathy, 2 with B-symptoms, 2 with both B-symptoms and lymphadenopathy, 3 with pain, 1 with cough, 1 with physician-detected lymphadenopathy, and none by laboratory results alone). Among the asymptomatic relapses detected by surveillance imaging, PET scanning detected 4 cases of DLBCL (36%) and 3 cases of HL (27%) relapses not identified by other techniques. In summary, compared to prior reports, our series reveals a much higher proportion of relapses detected by surveillance imaging in both diseases. We have adhered to a protocol similar to the NCCN 2006 guidelines; including CT scans as a part of follow-up evaluation. This schedule is more intensive than surveillance reported in prior studies, perhaps accounting for our higher rate of radiographic relapse detection. FDG-PET scans performed in combination with follow-up CT scans detected additional early relapses not seen by CT scanning alone. Prospective screening studies looking at the role of FDG-PET scans combined with CT scans to detect earlier relapses is warranted. Whether early detection of relapse provides a survival advantage should be evaluated in larger prospective studies in both HL and DLBCL.
Giant adrenal pseudocyst in trauma patient

Adrenal pseudocysts are a subclass of adrenal cysts frequently found as incidentalomas. Here, we present the case of a 67-year-old man with an adrenal pseudocyst suspicious for hemorrhage after a f...
EOSINOPHILIC MYOCARDITIS MASQUERADING AS ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROME, A DIAGNOSTIC AND TREATMENT CHALLENGE

Eosinophilic myocarditis (EM) is a rare cardiac condition responsible for less than 1% of all myocarditis cases. It is associated with elevated mortality; thus, prompt diagnosis and treatment is imperative. A 33 year old female presented with a 3 week history of substernal chest pain and fever.
Biporous nanocarbon foams and the effect of the structure on the capillary performance

Abstract Biporous nanocarbon foams (NC foams) which have both nano-pores and micro-pores, were fabricated and used to explore the liquid transportation in the porous structures formed by nanomaterials. Scanning electron microscopy was utilized to observe the structure of the NC foams. Capillary rise tests using acetone as the working fluid were conducted by the IR thermal imaging method. The results show that the capillary rise height of the NC foam with 65 μm micro-pore size was 47% higher than that with 9 μm micro-pore size in 50 s. The capillary performance of the NC foams was reduced when its density was higher than 60 mg/cm3. A model is built to illustrate the effect of both nano-structure and micro-structure on the transportation of working fluid in the biporous foam. The data indicates that the nano-structure generated high capillary pressure while the micro-structure provided low resistant pathways for fast liquid transportation. The size of micro-pores and the ratio of micro-pores to nano-pores were two important factors. It is demonstrated that the NC foams had large sorption capacity up to 878 mg/cm3 and their capillary performance was further enhanced when using a substrate.
Detailed Analysis of Urinary Tract Infections After Robot-Assisted Radical Cystectomy.

Objective: To describe urinary tract infections (UTIs) after robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) and investigate the variables associated with it. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review...
Impact of COVID-19 on the Economic Output of the US Outbreak’s Epicenter

Coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) started in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. In a few months, it has become a pandemic with devastating consequences for the global economy. By the end of June, with almost 2.6 million confirmed COVID-19 cases, United States is above other countries in the rankings. Furthermore, New York with more than 416 thousand cases is the epicenter of outbreak in the US and had more cases than any other countries in the world until first half of June. In this paper, we use a two-step Vector Auto Regressive (VAR) model to forecast the effect of the virus outbreak on the economic output of the New York state. In our model, we forecast the effect of the shutdown on New York's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) working with Unemployment Insurance Claim series representing a workforce factor, as well as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) ridership data indicating the economic activity. We predict annualized quarterly growth rate of real GDP to be between -3.99 to -4.299% for the first quarter and between -19.79 to -21.67% for the second quarter of 2020.
Statistical entropy of near extremal fivebranes

Abstract The Bekenstein-Hawking entropy of near extremal fivebranes is calculated in terms of a gas of strings living on the fivebrane. These fivebranes can also be viewed as near extremal black holes in five dimensions.
Evaluation of urine concentrations of amoxicillin and clavulanate in cats.

Background To characterize urinary isolates, the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) uses an amoxicillin breakpoint for cats based on plasma (not urine) drug concentrations (≤0.25 μg/mL), but a urine-specific breakpoint for dogs exists (≤8 μg/mL). Objectives To measure urine concentrations of amoxicillin and clavulanate after PO administration of amoxicillin-clavulanate to cats, and to suggest updated urine-specific susceptibility breakpoints for PO amoxicillin and amoxicillin-clavulanate in cats. Animals Eleven healthy purpose-bred cats. Methods Cats were given 3 62.5 mg doses of amoxicillin-clavulanate PO q12h. After the third dose, urine was collected over 28 hours, recording urination time and volume. At least 3 urine samples were collected per cat. Liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry was used to determine the urine concentrations of amoxicillin and clavulanate. Results Amoxicillin concentrations were >8 μg/mL in all urine samples collected within 12 hours after administration (range, 31.6-1351 μg/mL), with means of 929 μg/mL (0-6 hours) and 532 μg/mL (6-12 hours). The mean half-life of amoxicillin in urine was 1.99 hours, and mean recovery was 30%. Clavulanate was detected in all urine samples, with mean half-life of 2.17 hours. Conclusions and clinical importance Orally administered amoxicillin-clavulanate resulted in urine amoxicillin concentrations above the cutoff (8 μg/mL) for wild-type Escherichia coli in all cats. Because urine-specific susceptibility testing breakpoints can be determined using urine concentrations, this information should allow new CLSI uropathogen susceptibility breakpoints for amoxicillin and amoxicillin-clavulanate in healthy cats, increasing the urine breakpoint from ≤0.25 to ≤8 μg/mL.
An Operational Numerical System for Oil Stranding Risk Assessment in a High-Density Vessel Traffic Area

In the Mediterranean Sea unique environmental characteristics and sensitive assets coexist with intense maritime traffic that is represented by frequent daily passages of vessels along the main waterways. In order to assess the risk of oil stranding in case of at-sea emergencies and provide key products for environmental agencies or policymakers preparedness, a geographically relocatable, operational numerical system is implemented and tested. The system relies on the application of oceanographic and particle tracking models and is able to provide, on a high-resolution and unstructured computational grid, a three-days forecast of those variables known as the main drivers of oil slicks at sea. The risk of potential oil stranding is computed through a combination of anthropogenic hazard and shoreline vulnerability. The sources of hazard vary on time and space in relation to local maritime vessel traffic. The shoreline vulnerability is based on the current knowledge of slope, main grain size, geology of rocks and occurrence of manmade structures at coast. The operational system is enriched by a web graphical user interface and includes automatic and on-demand working modes. Its functionality is demonstrated in the Strait of Bonifacio (western Mediterranean Sea), area with a high potential risk of oil stranding due to an intense maritime traffic. Risk assessment is hence computed for a test year, the 2018. Critical values of risk are found in correspondence of long stretches of littoral while many of them are currently characterized by a low anthropogenic pressure. The results emphasize the geomorphological features of the shorelines as reducing or amplifying factors to any potential impact of oil stranding at coast.