cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effects of a prefeeding stimulation program on preterm infants.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the effects of stroking and a perioral and intraoral prefeeding stimulation program on healthy, growing, preterm infants in a Level II special care nursery. Only infants without cardiac, gastrointestinal, or central nervous system problems were included in the study. METHOD: Two groups of nine randomly assigned, medically stable preterm infants, born between 30 weeks and 34 weeks gestation, were selected for the study. All infants were introduced to nipple feeding at approximately 34 weeks postconceptual age. The infants in the control group received a 5-min stroking protocol before feeding; the infants in the experimental group received a 5-min stroking protocol in addition to a perioral and intraoral stimulation program. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the experimental group had a decreased number of gavage feedings, greater weight gain, and fewer days of hospitalization. The experimental group also had higher scores on the Revised-Neonatal Oral Motor Assessment nutritive suck scale than the control group. CONCLUSION: On a preliminary basis, the findings from this study establish the efficacy of occupational therapy in a Level II special care nursery for healthy, growing, preterm infants. Further, the specific treatment strategies conducted with the infants receiving the experimental procedures have also been preliminary established as effective in enhancing the infants' feeding skills, resulting in weight gain and decreased hospital stays as compared with their counterparts in the control group. However, our findings cannot be generalized to preterm infant populations who are at greater medical risk than the infants in our study because of the potentially hazardous effects that could result. Implications of the results for intervention programs and future research are discussed.
Potential for 4- n -nonylphenol biodegradation in stream sediments

The potential for in situ biodegradation of 4-nonylphenol (4-NP) was investigated in three hydrologically distinct streams impacted by wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in the United States. Microcosms were prepared with sediments from each site and amended with [U-ring-(14)C]4-n-nonylphenol (4-n-NP) as a model test substrate. Microcosms prepared with sediment collected upstream of the WWTP outfalls and incubated under oxic conditions showed rapid and complete mineralization of [U-ring-(14)C]4-n-NP to (14)CO(2) in all three systems. In contrast, no mineralization of [U-ring-(14)C]4-n-NP was observed in these sediments under anoxic (methanogenic) conditions. The initial linear rate of [U-ring-(14)C]4-n-NP mineralization in sediments from upstream and downstream of the respective WWTP outfalls was inversely correlated with the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) of the streambed sediments. These results suggest that the net supply of dissolved oxygen to streambed sediments is a key determinant of the rate and extent of 4-NP biodegradation in stream systems. In the stream systems considered by the present study, dissolved oxygen concentrations in the overlying water column (8-10 mg/L) and in the bed sediment pore water (1-3 mg/L at a depth of 10 cm below the sediment-water interface) were consistent with active in situ 4-NP biodegradation. These results suggest WWTP procedures that maximize the delivery of dissolved oxygen while minimizing the release of BOD to stream receptors favor efficient biodegradation of 4-NP contaminants in wastewater-impacted stream environments.
In vitro wear rate and Co ion release of compositionally and structurally graded CoCrMo-Ti6Al4V structures

Abstract Novel, unitized structures with porous Ti6Al4V alloy on one side and compositionally graded, hard CoCrMo alloy surface on the other side have been fabricated using laser engineered net shaping (LENS™) process. Gradient structures with 50%, 70% and 86% CoCrMo alloy on the top surface showed a high hardness in the range of 615 and 957 HV. The gradient structures were evaluated for their in vitro wear rate and Co release up to 3000 m of sliding distance. The wear rate of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene and 100% CoCrMo alloy substrates was found to depend on the hardness and microstructural features of the counter surface rubbing against them. In general, the wear rate of both the substrates increased with a decrease in the CoCrMo alloy concentration on the top surface of gradient pins. However, the wear rate of gradient pins was lower than 100% CoCrMo alloy pins due to their high hardness. Lowest wear rate in the range of 5.07 to 7.99 × 10−8 mm3/Nm was observed for gradient pins having 86% CoCrMo alloy on the top surface. The amount of Co released, in the range of 0.38 and 0.91 ppm, during in vitro wear testing of gradient structures was comparable to that of 100% CoCrMo alloy (0.25 and 0.77 ppm). Present unitized structures with open porosity on one side and hard, wear resistant surface on the other side can minimize the wear-induced osteolysis and aseptic loosening, and eliminate the need for multiple parts with different compositions for load-bearing implants such as total hip prostheses.
Methamphetamine use is an independent predictor of poor outcome after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

Background Clinical outcomes of methamphetamine users with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) are unknown. Objective To analyze differences in presentation, in-hospital morbidity, and outcomes between methamphetamine users and non-users. Methods All 472 patients included in the Barrow Ruptured Aneurysm Trial from 2003 to 2007 were reviewed. Patients with 1- and 3-year follow-up were included in this analysis (n=398). Methamphetamine users were identified as patients who provided a history of methamphetamine use on admission or tested positive on urine toxicology testing. Methamphetamine users were compared with non-users using univariate analysis. Outcomes were then analyzed using multivariate logistic regression models for demographic characteristics, medical comorbidities, radiographic and clinical presentation, and vasospasm. Results Thirty-one patients (7.8%) were identified as methamphetamine users in this cohort. Methamphetamine users were younger than non-users (mean age 42.8 vs 55 years, p Conclusions Methamphetamine users have significantly worse outcomes at 1 and 3 years following aSAH. Further analysis is necessary to understand the pathological response associated with methamphetamine use in this setting.
Perturbation solution for secondary bifurcation in the quadratically-damped Mathieu equation

This paper concerns the quadratically-damped Mathieu equation: 3 x +( � + � cos t)x +˙ x| ˙ x| =0 : Numerical integration shows the existence of a secondary bifurcation in which a pair of limit cycles come together and disappear (a saddle-node of limit cycles). In � –� parameter space, this secondary bifurcation appears as a curve which emanates from one of the transition curves of the linear Mathieu equation for � ≈ 1:5. The bifurcation point along with an approximation for the bifurcation curve is obtainedby a perturbation methodwhich uses Mathieu functions rather than the usual sines andcosines. Publishedby Elsevier Ltd .
Large magnetic to electric field contrast in azimuthally polarized vortex beams generated by a metasurface (Presentation Recording)

We investigate azimuthally E-polarized vortex beams with enhanced longitudinal magnetic field. Ideally, such beams possess strong longitudinal magnetic field on the beam axis where there is no electric field. First we formulate the electric field vector and the longitudinal magnetic field of an azimuthally E-polarized beam as an interference of right- and left-hand circularly polarized Laguerre Gaussian (LG) beams carrying the orbital angular momentum (OAM) states of -1 and +1, respectively. Then we propose a metasurface design that is capable of converting a linearly polarized Gaussian beam into an azimuthally E-polarized vortex beam with longitudinal magnetic field. The metasurface is composed of a rectangular array of double-layer double split-ring slot elements, though other geometries could be adopted as well. The element is specifically designed to have nearly a 180° transmission phase difference between the two polarization components along two orthogonal axes, similar to the optical axes of a half-wave plate. By locally rotating the optical axes of each metasurface element, the transmission phase profile of the circularly polarized waves over the metasurface can be tailored. Upon focusing of the generated vortex beam through a lens with a numerical aperture of 0.7, a 41-fold enhancement of the magnetic to electric field ratio is achieved on the beam axis with respect to that of a plane wave. Generation of beams with large magnetic field to electric field contrast can find applications in future spectroscopy systems based on magnetic dipole transitions, which are usually much weaker than electric dipole transitions.
Altered dermal fibroblast behavior in a collagen V haploinsufficient murine model of classic Ehlers–Danlos syndrome

Mutations in collagen V are associated with classic Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS). A significant percentage of these mutations result in haploinsufficiency for collagen V. The purpose of this work was to determine if changes in collagen V expression are associated with altered dermal fibroblast behavior contributing to the poor wound healing response. A haploinsufficient Col5a1(+/-) mouse model of EDS was utilized. In vivo wound healing studies demonstrated that mutant mice healed significantly slower than Col5a1(+/+) mice. The basis for this difference was examined in vitro using dermal fibroblast strains isolated from Col5a1(+/-) and Col5a1(+/+) mice. Fibroblast proliferation was determined for each strain by counting cells at different time points after seeding as well as using the proliferation marker Ki-67. Fibroblast attachment to collagens I and III and fibronectin also was analyzed. In addition, in vitro scratch wounds were used to analyze fibroblast wound closure. Significantly decreased fibroblast proliferation was observed in Col5a1(+/-) compared to Col5a1(+/+) fibroblasts. Our data indicate that the decreased fibroblast number was not due to apoptosis. Wildtype Col5a1(+/+) fibroblasts attached significantly better to components of the wound matrix (collagens I and III and fibronectin) than Col5a1(+/-) fibroblasts. A significant difference in in vitro scratch wound closure rates also was observed. Col5a1(+/+) fibroblasts closed wounds in 22 h, while Col5a1(+/-) fibroblasts demonstrated ~80% closure. There were significant differences in closure at all time points analyzed. Our data suggest that decreased fibroblast proliferation, extracellular matrix attachment, and migration contribute to the decreased wound healing response in classic EDS.
Atomic layer deposition of environmentally benign SnTiOx as a potential ferroelectric material.

Inspired by the need to discover environmentally friendly, lead-free ferroelectric materials, here the authors report the atomic layer deposition of tin titanate (SnTiOx) aiming to obtain the theoretically predicted perovskite structure that possesses ferroelectricity. In order to establish the growth conditions and probe the film structure and ferroelectric behavior, the authors grew SnTiOxfilms on the commonly used Si(100) substrate. Thin films of SnTiOx have been successfully grown at a deposition temperature of 200 °C, with a Sn/Ti atomic layer deposition(ALD) cycle ratio of 2:3 and postdeposition heat treatments under different conditions. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed excellent composition tunability of ALD.X-ray diffraction spectra suggested anatase phase for all films annealed at 650 and 350 °C, with peak positions shifted toward lower 2-theta angles indicating enlarged unit cell volume. The film annealed in O2 at 350 °C exhibited piezoresponse amplitude and phase hysteresis loops, indicative of the existence of switchable polarization.
Digital play as a spiritually formative activity

The ubiquitous presence of technology in children’s lives and the likelihood that technology will remain a significant part of young people’s culture means that scholars and practitioners need to ask how digital play may exert a positive spiritual influence on children and youth. This essay therefore explores four spiritually nurturing aspects of digital participation: (1) connections between the polyphonic nature of digital identity and the ideal of a spiritual disciple open to divine influence and change through new experiences and habituating practices; (2) ways in which young people’s empowerment as producers of the self and communities may transfer to ‘real’-world transformation efforts; (3) theories suggesting that the relational nature of social networking and gaming encourages and reinforces relational consciousness and increases young people’s conscious participation in relationship building; and (4) links between the imaginative elements of digital play and the facilitation of ritual experience ...
Sports after shoulder arthroplasty: a comparative analysis of hemiarthroplasty and reverse total shoulder replacement

Background Traditionally, fewer postoperative sport restrictions are imposed on hemiarthroplasty (HHA) patients on than reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) patients. However, functional outcomes have been shown to be superior in RTSA. No direct comparison of RTSA vs HHA has been done on rates of return to sports in patients with glenohumeral arthritis and rotator cuff dysfunction, proximal humeral fractures, or rheumatoid arthritis. Methods This is a retrospective review of consecutive RTSA and HHA patients collected from our institution's shoulder arthroplasty registry. All patients playing sports preoperatively with minimum 1-year follow-up were included. Final follow-up included an additional patient-reported questionnaire with questions regarding physical fitness and sport activities. Results The study included 102 RTSA and 71 HHA patients. Average age at surgery was 72.3 years for RTSA compared with 65.6 years for HHA ( P P = .007), returned to sports after RTSA at a significantly higher rate (85.9% vs 66.7%, P = .02), and were more likely to be satisfied with their ability to play sports ( P = .013). HHA patients were also more likely to have postoperative complaints than RTSA patients (63% vs 29%, P Conclusions Despite traditional sport restrictions placed on RTSA, patients undergoing RTSA can return to sports at rates higher than those undergoing HHA, with fewer postoperative complaints.
Ocean acidification accelerates net calcium carbonate loss in a coral rubble community

Coral rubble communities are an important yet often overlooked component of a healthy reef ecosystem. The organisms inhabiting reef rubble are primarily bioeroders that contribute to the breakdown and dissolution of carbonate material. While the effects of ocean acidification on calcifying communities have been well studied, there are few studies investigating the response of bioeroding communities to future changes in pH and calcium carbonate saturation state. Using a flow-through pH-stat system, coral rubble pieces with a naturally occurring suite of organisms, along with bleached control rubble pieces, were subjected to three different levels of acidification over an 8-week period. Rates of net carbonate loss in bleached control rubble doubled in the acidification treatments (0.02 vs. 0.04% CaCO3 d−1 in ambient vs. moderate and high acidification), and living rubble communities experienced significantly increased rates of net carbonate loss from ambient to high acidification conditions (0.06 vs. 0.10% CaCO3 d−1, respectively). Although more experimentation is necessary to understand the long-term response and succession of coral rubble communities under projected conditions, these results suggest that rates of carbonate loss will increase in coral rubble as pH and calcium carbonate saturation states are reduced. This study demonstrates a need to thoroughly investigate the contribution of coral rubble to the overall carbonate budget, reef resilience, recovery, and function under future conditions.
Incretin-Based Therapy for Diabetes: What a Cardiologist Needs to Know

Incretin-based therapies are effective glucose-lowering drugs that have an increasing role in the treatment of type 2 diabetes because of their efficacy, safety, and ease of use. Both glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors are commonly used for glycemic control as adjuncts to metformin, other oral antiglycemic agents, or insulin. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists may have additional effects, such as weight loss, that may be advantageous in obese patients. There is a large body of evidence from randomized controlled clinical trials supporting the cardiovascular safety of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors and some glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, at least in the short term. However, concerns have been raised, particularly regarding their safety in patients with heart failure. In this review, the authors provide a brief but practical evidence-based analysis of the use of incretin-based agents in patients with diabetes, their efficacy, and cardiovascular safety.
Anisole and Guaiacol Hydrodeoxygenation over Monolithic Pt–Sn Catalysts

Direct vapor-phase upgrading of biomass pyrolysis products requires a catalytic reactor able to treat high reactant flow rates without generating a large pressure drop, because conventional pyrolys...
Experimental analysis on dielectric properties of silica glass/silicone radome material

The dielectric properties of methylsilicone resin matrix radome material with low carbon residue rate were analyzed by experiment.The results show that the radome material has excellent dielectric properties.After 800 ℃ and 1 200 ℃ high-temperature treatment,the dielectric constant of this material is less than 3.5 when frequency of electromagnetic wave is 9.3 GHz,and the microwave transmittance of this material is up to 90%.The change of the dielectric constant with temperature is insignificant in the range of 700 ~1 200 ℃.Each time when temperature rises by 100 ℃,the change of the dielectric constant is less than 1%.Increasing additive content has a small influence on dielectric properties over a certain range.Variation of dielectric properties can be restricted effectively by using some moistureproof methods like impregnating the material with silicone resin and coating organic material on the surface.
Drug information services on a subscription basis

A hospital-based drug information service (DIS) which provides services to five hospitals and a local pharmaceutical association on a subscription basis is described. The two methods of subscription are (1) a monthly fee based on hospital bed size, and (2) a fee per question. The fee based on hospital bed size allows unlimited DIS use and provides a guaranteed income. The fee per question is suitable for private practitioners and those hospitals requiring less frequent DIS use. The pharmaceutical association is billed a flat monthly rate which is paid out of membership dues. The DIS staffing, work load, reference sources, budget and mode of operation are discussed.
Real-time geometric scene estimation for RGBD images using a 3D box shape grammar

This article describes a novel real-time algorithm for the purpose of extracting box-like structures from RGBD image data. In contrast to conventional approaches, the proposed algorithm includes two novel attributes: (1) it divides the geometric estimation procedure into subroutines having atomic incremental computational costs, and (2) it uses a generative “Block World” perceptual model that infers both concave and convex box elements from detection of primitive box substructures. The end result is an efficient geometry processing engine suitable for use in real-time embedded systems such as those on an UAVs where it is intended to be an integral component for robotic navigation and mapping applications.
Feeding practices of the very low-birth-weight infant within the first year

Apparently the very low-birth-weight infants in this study, once they had been discharged home, were perceived in terms of chronological age rather than of age corrected for prematurity.
Learning production probabilities for musical grammars

While there is a growing body of work proposing grammars for music, there is little work testing analytical grammars in a generative setting. We explore the process of learning production probabili...
Engagement of Patients in the Self-Management of Pain

Chronic pain is a complex phenomenon that has biomedical, psychosocial, and physiological elements that interact with one another. Engagement in self-management of pain is critical and approaches to enhance engagement must address all integral components. The authors discuss approaches such as Motivation Enhancement Treatment (MET) and Implementation Intentions (IIS) as they apply to consumers with chronic pain.
Cardiovascular responses to avoidance conditioning in the dog: effects of alpha adrenergic blockade.

Laboratory dogs were trained to press a response panel to postpone shocks during daily one-hour avoidance conditioning periods. Each dog was also confined in the experimental environment for 5 hours prior to the avoidance periods. Blood pressure and heart rate were monitored continuously during these experiments from chronically indwelling arterial catheters. Extended training resulted in the emergence of a cardiovascular response pattern during the pre-avoidance interval characterized by gradual increases in blood pressure together with decreases in heart rate. Elevations in both blood pressure and heart rate were sustained during the avoidance periods. During sessions in which alpha adrenergic activity was suppressed by phenoxybenzamine, absolute levels of blond pressure were found to be lower than during control (non-drug) sessions, but a progressive rise in blood pressure continued to be observed during pre-avoidance. These results suggest that sustained cardiovascular responses during avoidance periods are associated with activation of the sympathetic nervous system, but that the gradual rise in blood pressure during pre-avoidance is due to other factors.
A new integrable equation that combines the KdV equation with the negative‐order KdV equation

In this work, we develop a new integrable equation by combining the KdV equation and the negative-order KdV equation. We use concurrently the KdV recursion operator and the inverse KdV recursion operator to construct this new integrable equation. We show that this equation nicely passes the Painleve test. As a result, multiple soliton solutions and other soliton and periodic solutions are guaranteed and formally derived.
Hemodynamic and Pathologic Characterization of the TASK-1-/- Mouse Does Not Demonstrate Pulmonary Hypertension.

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) carries significant associated morbidity and mortality and the underlying molecular mechanisms of PH are not well understood. Loss-of-function mutations in TASK-1 potassium channels are associated with PH in humans. Although TASK-1 has been considered in the development of PH for over a decade, characterization of TASK-1 knockout mice has been limited to in vitro studies or in vivo studies in room air at isolated time points. The purpose of this study was two-fold. First, we sought to determine if TASK -/- male and female mice developed PH over the span of one year. Second, we sought to determine the effect of chronic hypoxia, a stimulus for PH, and its recovery on PH in TASK-1 -/- mice. We measured right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) and vascular remodeling in male and female C57BL/6 WT and TASK-1 -/- mice at separate time points:20 to 24 weeks and 1 year of age. Additionally, we measured RVSP and vascular remodeling in TASK-1 -/- and wildtype mice between 13 to 16 weeks of age exposed to 10% hypoxia for three weeks followed by recovery to room air conditions for an additional six weeks. Results: RVSP was similar between WT and TASK-/- mice. Male and female WT and TASK-1 -/- mice all demonstrated age-related increases in RVSP, which correlated to age-related vascular remodeling in male mice but not in female mice. Male TASK-1 -/- and WT mice exposed to chronic hypoxia demonstrated increased RVSP which decreased following room air recovery. WT and TASK-1 -/- male mice demonstrated vascular remodeling upon exposure to hypoxia that persisted in room air recovery. Conclusions: Female and male TASK-1 -/- mice do not develop hemodynamic or vascular evidence for PH, but RVSP rises in an age dependent manner independent of genotype. TASK-1-/- and WT male mice develop hypoxia-induced elevations in RVSP that decrease to baseline after recovery in room air. TASK-1-/- and WT male mice demonstrate vascular remodeling after exposure to hypoxia that persists despite recovery to room air conditions, and does not correlate with RVSP normalization.
Perspectives and Challenges in the Policing of Terrorism

Terrorism poses a unique challenge for police beyond petty, serious or organized crime. Ranging from inept lone-wolf terrorists to transnational highly-trained terrorists, law enforcement is involv...
Pitfalls and Incidental Findings

Hypertrophic lupus erythematosus may mimic squamous cell carcinoma when there is prominent keratinocytic atypia, particularly if a superficial biopsy is performed.
E-beam generated plasma etching for developing high-reflectance mirrors for far-ultraviolet astronomical instrument applications

Astronomical space telescopes to study astrophysical phenomena from the far-ultraviolet (FUV) to the near infrared (NIR) will require mirror coatings with high reflectance over this entire spectral region. While coatings for the optical and NIR part of the spectrum are fairly well developed with proven performance, the FUV presents significant challenges. The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) has developed a processing system based on an electron beam-generated plasma that provides for controlled fluorination and/or etching of surfaces with near monolayer precision and minimal changes to surface morphology. In this paper, we report recent results of samples treated in the NRL Large Area Plasma Processing System (LAPPS) where restoration of the high intrinsic reflectance in the FUV spectral range have been observed of aluminum (Al) mirrors protected with a magnesium di-fluoride (MgF2) overcoat. This paper will also extend these studies to other Al mirrors protected with aluminum tri-fluoride (AlF3) in order to realize the high intrinsic reflectance Al down to FUV wavelengths (100−200 nm), while still maintaining the high reflectance in the optical and NIR spectral regions. Laboratory test data and optical diagnostic techniques used to verify surface scattering and durability of selected coatings will be presented. Finally, we will discuss the scalability of the LAPPS etching process in order to realize these high-reflectivity coatings on mirror segments as large as those proposed for the Large Ultraviolet, Optical, and Infrared (LUVOIR) astronomical telescope system (1+meter class).
Charge compensation technique for switched-capacitor circuits

A charge compensation technique is proposed for switched-capacitor S/H circuits and integrators. The compensated stages achieve better linearity with low power and relaxed sampling noise specifications. Analysis and simulations show that high linearity can be achieved, even while consuming low power.
Women and Economic Security in Retirement:Implications for Social Security Reform

Gender-related parenting roles lower incomes of women during the working-age years and in retirement years. National retirement income programs contribute to this gender-related difference in retirement income to the degree that they consider lifetime earnings in calculating benefits. This article examines two national pension systems: those of Australia and Sweden. The pension systems of these two countries often are considered as the extremes of pension generosity, and they are based upon different philosophies about the role of government in insuring against economic risk. Due to fiscal issues and the changing roles of women in the labor market, both have reformed their systems. How system reforms can balance the role of the government in insuring against income risk and the growing financial independence of women in the work force are discussed.
Evaluating the clinical impact of cardiovascular imaging: is a risk-based stratification paradigm relevant?

Extensive data have demonstrated that radionuclide myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) with single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) yields independent, incremental prognostic value over demographic and clinical information ([1][1]). More recently, routine use of cardiac stress positron
On the Relative Abundance of C18O and C17O in the Taurus Molecular Cloud

We present measurements of the C18O/C17O abundance ratio based on observations of J = 1 → 0 lines of these isotopomers toward star-forming cores in the Taurus molecular cloud. Our data set includes measurements along 648 lines of sight through these clouds, covering both low and high column density regions. We compare the integrated intensity ratio for each line of sight with a simple model of emission from a dense cloud to determine this abundance ratio. Using this model, we find that a C18O/C17O abundance ratio of 4.0 ± 0.5 is consistent with the data. However, at low column densities, it appears that a higher abundance ratio may be more appropriate. We examine ways in which the abundance ratio might be changed in the outer parts of molecular clouds and conclude that selective photodissociation of C17O by external ultraviolet light can increase the abundance ratio. A two-phase model, incorporating a C17O-free "sheath" of cloud material surrounding a self-shielded inner cloud region, is fitted to the data. Using this model and an assumed sheath H2 column density of 4 × 1021 cm-2, we find a lower abundance ratio of 2.8 ± 0.4 for the material in the shielded inner cloud. This new result is consistent with recent results from ultraviolet absorption spectroscopy through translucent clouds and measurements of the 13C18O/13C17O ratio in the Ophiuchus molecular cloud.
Paleontological Sonification: Letting Music Bring Fossils to Your Ears

Sonification is the process of translating any type of data into sound. In paleontology, it is possible to render various aspects of fossil shapes, such as cephalopod suture patterns or brachiopod commissure lines, as a series of musical tones that can be recognized easily by the human ear. Paleontological applications of sonification might enable auditory perception of morphologic patterns in fossils that may or may not be visually apparent. Some simple classroom demonstrations can help students understand the potential of using sound to identify different types of fossils with their eyes closed (i.e., using their ears alone).
Toward more reliable measurements of NOE effects in CEST spectra at around -1.6 ppm (NOE (-1.6)) in rat brain.

Purpose Recently, a new relayed nuclear Overhauser enhancement (NOE) saturation transfer effect at around -1.6 parts per million, termed NOE(-1.6), and its potential applications in tumor and stroke were reported by several institutes. However, there is a concern of the reproducibility of NOE(-1.6) measurements because it is not reported by many other publications. This paper aims to study the influence of typically overlooked experimental settings on the NOE(-1.6) signal and to build a framework for more reliable measurements of NOE(-1.6) at 9.4T. Methods Z-spectra were obtained in rat brains. A fitting approach was performed to quantify all known saturation transfer effects except NOE(-1.6). Residual signals were obtained by removing these confounding effects from Z-spectra and were then used to quantify NOE(-1.6). Multislice imaging was performed to study the NOE(-1.6) dependence on brain regions. The influences of euthanasia, anesthesia, breathing gases, and RF irradiation power were also evaluated. Results Results demonstrate that the NOE(-1.6) signal contributions are often not clearly observable in raw Z-spectra at relatively high irradiation powers due to, for example, the direct water saturation effect, but they can be visualized after removing other nonspecific effects. In addition, the NOE(-1.6) effect depends on brain region, decreases postmortem, shifts after long-duration anesthesia, and may be enhanced by increasing O2 and N2 O breathing air concentrations. Conclusion Because the NOE(-1.6) effect is more susceptible to the direct water saturation effect and more sensitive to physiological conditions than are other CEST effects, incorporating known sensitivities into the experimental design and data analysis is necessary to ensure more reliable NOE(-1.6) results.
Teen Dating Violence Perpetration: Protective Factor Trajectories from Middle to High School among Adolescents.

Protecting adolescents from the risk of teen dating violence (TDV) perpetration is critical to enhancing prevention efforts. This study examined longitudinal trajectories of four protective factors (i.e., empathy, social support, parental monitoring, and school belonging) across adolescence in relation to four TDV types (i.e., verbal, relational, physical, and sexual). Adolescents (n = 1,668) who reported being in a relationship or dating during high school completed self-report measures from middle through high school. Results indicated that all protective factors differentiated between TDV perpetrators and nonperpetrators, although these trajectories varied for boys and for girls and across the different types of TDV. Overall, youth who did not perpetrate TDV in high school generally displayed higher protective factors across the TDV perpetration types.
Effects of adjunct treatments on end-organ damage and histological injury severity in acute respiratory distress syndrome and multiorgan failure caused by smoke inhalation injury and burns.

Abstract Background We investigated effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) or low-flow extracorporeal life support (ECLS) as adjunctive treatments for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) due to inhalation injury and burns. We hypothesized that these interventions decrease histological end-organ damage. Methods Anesthetized female swine underwent smoke inhalation injury and 40% TBSA burns, then critical care for 72 h. The following groups were studied: CTR (no injury, n = 4), ICTR (injured untreated, n = 10), Allo (injured treated with allogenic MSC, n = 10), Auto (injured treated with autologous MSC, n = 10), Hemo (injured and treated with the Hemolung low flow ECLS system, n = 9), and Nova (injured and treated with the NovaLung low flow ECLS system, n = 8). Histology scores from lung, kidneys, liver, and jejunum were calculated. Data are presented as means ± SEM. Results Survival at 72 h was 100% in CTR; 40% in ICTR; 50% in Allo; 90% in Auto; 33% in Hemo; 63% in Nova. ARDS developed in 0/10 CTR; 10/10 ICTR; 8/9 Hemo; 5/8 Nova; 9/10 Allo; 6/10 Auto. Diffuse alveolar damage (DAD) was present in all injured groups. MSC groups had significantly lower DAD scores than ICTR animals (Allo 26.6 ± 3.4 and Auto 18.9 ± 1.5 vs. ICTR 46.8 ± 2.1, p Conclusion Treatment with Auto MSC followed by Allo and then Nova were most effective in mitigating ARDS and MOF severity in this model. Further studies will elucidate the role of combination therapies of MSC and ECLS as comprehensive treatments for ARDS and MOF.
The Effect of EITC Exposure in Childhood on Marriage and Early Childbearing

Using data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics, this study analyzes the effect of exposure to the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) in childhood on marriage and childbearing in early adulthood. Results suggest that EITC exposure in childhood leads women to delay marriage and first births in early adulthood (ages 16-25), but has no effect on men. A $1,000 increase in EITC exposure in childhood leads to a 2%-3% decline in a woman's likelihood of having a first birth and a comparable decline in her likelihood of marrying by her early 20s. We find similar reductions in fertility among Black and White women, though marriage declines are concentrated among White women. Results are focused on children growing up in the bottom half of the income distribution and those who spent the majority of childhood residing with a single parent-two groups that are the primary beneficiaries of the EITC. These findings have important implications for the well-being of individuals exposed to the EITC in childhood, as well as their future children.
Isoforms of RNF128 Regulate the Stability of Mutant P53 in Barrett's Esophageal Cells.

Background & Aims Barrett's esophagus (BE) can progress to dysplasia and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), accompanied by mutations in TP53 that increase the stability of its product, p53. We analyzed BE tissues for messenger RNAs (mRNAs) that associate with BE progression and identified one that affects the stabilization of p53. Methods We obtained 54 BE samples collected from patients with high-grade dysplasia (HGD) or esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), from 1992 through 2015, and performed RNA sequence analyses, including isoform-specific analyses. We performed reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction analyses of 166 samples and immunohistochemical analyses of tissue microarrays that contained BE tissues from 100 patients with HGD or EAC and normal esophageal squamous mucosa (controls). Proteins were expressed from transfected plasmids or knocked down with small interfering RNAs in BE cells and analyzed by immunoblots and in immunoprecipitation and ubiquitin ligase assays. Athymic nude mice bearing EAC xenograft tumors (grown from OE-33 cells) were given intraperitoneal injections of simvastatin; tumor growth was monitored and tumors were collected and analyzed by immunoblotting for levels of RNF128, p53, and acetylated p53. Results Progression of BE to HGD or EAC associated with changes in expression of mRNAs that encoded mucins and promoted inflammation and activation of ATM and the DNA damage response. As tissues progressed from BE to HGD to EAC, they increased expression of mRNAs encoding isoform 1 of RNF128 (Iso1) and decreased expression of Iso2 of RNF128. RNF128 is an E3 ubiquitin ligase that targets p53 for degradation. Incubation of BE cells with interferon gamma caused them to increase expression of Iso1 and reduce expression of Iso2. Iso1 was heavily glycosylated with limited ubiquitin ligase activity for p53, resulting in p53 stabilization. Knockdown of Iso1 in BE and EAC cells led to degradation of the mutant form of p53 and reduced clonogenic survival. In contrast, Iso2 was a potent ligase that reduced levels of the mutant form of p53 in BE cells. In BE cells, Iso2 was hypoglycosylated and degraded, via ATM and GSK3β-mediated phosphorylation and activation of the beta-TrCP1-containing SCF ubiquitin ligase complex. Simvastatin, which degrades the mutant form of p53, also degraded RNF128 Iso1 protein in BE cells and slowed growth of EAC xenograft tumors in mice. Conclusions We found that isoform 2 of RNF128 is decreased in BE cells, resulting in increased levels of mutant p53, whereas isoform 1 of RNF128 is increased in BE cells, further promoting the stabilization of mutant p53.
Costs of Care for Low-Energy Extremity Gunshot Injuries are Reduced With Standardized Treatment.

Objectives (1) To determine the overall treatment costs associated with isolated low-energy gunshot wounds (GSWs) to the extremity and (2) to estimate cost savings associated with a single-dose IV antibiotic strategy administered in the emergency room for patients with simple GSWs. Design Retrospective review. Setting Level I trauma center. Patients/participants Patients (N = 380) with extremity-only GSW injuries from 2010 to 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Treatment was recorded including type and duration of antibiotics, admission, and surgical intervention. Main outcome measures Costs were calculated including facility services in the operating room and hospital. Results There were 460 GSWs in 380 patients with a mean age of 30 years old. There were 309 admissions, 273 operations performed, and 1010 days of antibiotics prescribed. The total inpatient facility cost to treat all patients was $1,701,154. Among 179 patients who could be treated by the single-dose antibiotic care pathway for simple GSWs, 132 patients (73%) received additional treatment with 108 hospital admissions, 26 debridement surgeries, and 322 days of additional oral and/or IV antibiotics. The single-dose antibiotic care pathway would have saved an average of $1436 per patient with simple GSWs in actual facility expenses. Conclusions The overall cost associated with isolated low-energy GSWs to the extremity is high. Limiting antibiotics to a single IV dose in the emergency room can reduce treatment expenses substantially for patients with simple GSWs. Level of evidence Economic Level IV. See instructions for authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
What do Kenyans Know About Devolution? Survey Evidence on Political Knowledge and Public Opinion

Decentralization often aims to improve service delivery and accountability by bring- ing government closer to citizens and increasing citizens’ participation in self-government. For instance, Kenya’s devolved system seeks to strengthen service delivery by localizing public participation in policy and legislative processes. However, this objective assumes sufficient levels of civic competence and citizens’ ability to correctly attribute responsibility to different tiers of government. This raises an important question: What do Kenyans know about devolution and its implications for access to government services, public participation, inter-governmental division of labor, and subnational politicians’ performance? This paper answers this question using a representative survey (N = 1800). The data reveal gendered and partisan patterns of political knowledge and preferences for governmental responsibility; and significant partisan variation in support for devolution and its perceived impacts. In contextualizing these findings, the paper provides a framework for understanding inter-governmental relations and contemporary politics of devolution in Kenya.
M.I.N.U.E.T.: Procedural Musical Accompaniment for Textual Narratives

Extensive research has been conducted on using procedural music generation in real-time applications such as accompaniment to musicians, visual narratives, and games. However, less attention has been paid to the enhancement of textual narratives through music. In this paper, we present Mood Into Note Using Extracted Text (MINUET), a novel system that can procedurally generate music for textual narrative segments using sentiment analysis. Textual analysis of the flow and sentiment derived from the text is used as input to condition accompanying music. Music generation systems have addressed variations through changes in sentiment. By using an ensemble predictor model to classify sentences as belonging to particular emotions, MINUET generates text-accompanying music with the goal of enhancing a reader’s experience beyond the limits of the author’s words. Music is played via the JMusic library and a set of Markov chains specific to each emotion with mood classifications evaluated via stratified 10-fold cross validation. The development of MINUET affords the reflection and analysis of features that affect the quality of generated musical accompaniment for text. It also serves as a sandbox for further evaluating sentiment-based systems on both text and music generation sides in a coherent experience of an implemented and extendable experiential artifact.
Effect of zirconia etching solution on the shear bond strength between zirconia and resin cement.

Abstract Statement of problem The bond between resin cement and zirconia is essential to the long-term retention of a zirconia crown. However, it is unclear if the existing methods provide a long-term bond between resin cement and zirconia. Purpose The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effects of a zirconia etching solution on the shear bond strength between zirconia and resin cement. Material and methods Sixty yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y-TZP) disks (O8×5 mm) were divided into 4 groups (n=15). Each group was then treated with 1 of the following methods: airborne-particle abraded with 50-μm Al2O3 (AA); etched with zirconia etching solution (ZES); airborne-particle abraded with 50-μm Al2O3 and then etched with ZES (AA-ZES); etched with ZES and then airborne-particle abraded with 50-μm Al2O3 (ZES-AA). Sixty composite resin cylinders (O2.3×2.4 mm) were luted to the zirconia disks with a self-adhesive resin cement under constant load and then light-polymerized for 40 seconds. Specimens were stored in a 37 °C incubator in distilled water for 24 hours and then thermocycled for 1000 cycles between 5 °C and 55 °C. A universal testing machine with a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min was used to measure the shear force (N). The shear bond strength (MPa) was then calculated. One-way ANOVA was used to compare the mean shear bond strength among the groups (α=.05). The failure mode was evaluated by using light microscopy at ×90 magnification and categorized as an adhesive, cohesive, or mixed failure. Results Mean ±standard deviation shear bond strength for AA, ZES, AA-ZES, and ZES-AA groups were 9.9 ±2.6, 8.9 ±2.9, 9.6 ±3.9, and 11.0 ±2.3 MPa, respectively. There was no significant difference among the treatment groups (P>.05). Conclusions A zirconia etching solution did not significantly improve the shear bond strength between zirconia and resin cement compared with airborne-particle abrasion with Al2O3.
Test Format and Calculator Use in the Testing of Basic Math Skills for Principles of Economics: Experimental Evidence:

Results from an experiment in Fall 2013 of 902 incoming students at this university are reported. In this experiment, after students were given a basic math assessment to ensure they had the necess...
Tau PTM Profiles Identify Patient Heterogeneity and Stages of Alzheimer's Disease

To elucidate the role of Tau isoforms and post-translational modification (PTM) stoichiometry in Alzheimer's disease (AD), we generated a high-resolution quantitative proteomics map of 95 PTMs on multiple isoforms of Tau isolated from postmortem human tissue from 49 AD and 42 control subjects. Although Tau PTM maps reveal heterogeneity across subjects, a subset of PTMs display high occupancy and frequency for AD, suggesting importance in disease. Unsupervised analyses indicate that PTMs occur in an ordered manner, leading to Tau aggregation. The processive addition and minimal set of PTMs associated with seeding activity was further defined by analysis of size-fractionated Tau. To summarize, features in the Tau protein critical for disease intervention at different stages of disease are identified, including enrichment of 0N and 4R isoforms, underrepresentation of the C terminus, an increase in negative charge in the proline-rich region (PRR), and a decrease in positive charge in the microtubule binding domain (MBD).