cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fluctuating Asymmetry as an Indicator of Environmental Stress From Off-Highway Vehicles

Abstract With human activities increasingly impacting natural resources in relatively remote locations, there is a need for simple and efficient methods to explore the ecological consequences of these activities. Little is understood about the influences of off-highway vehicle (OHV) use on wildlife populations. We examined the effect of OHV activity on developmental instability in a phrynosomatid lizard (i.e., western fence lizard [Sceloporus occidentalis]) in the western Great Basin, USA. We measured fluctuating asymmetry (FA) of bilateral head-scale patterns in populations of lizards at 3 OHV and 3 non–OHV sites. Fluctuating asymmetry was higher at OHV sites relative to non-OHV sites, supporting the idea that OHV activity can stress wildlife populations. We found FA to be a good tool for uncovering responses to stress in natural populations, and we recommend exploring FA as a means of uncovering developmental instability in other systems that merit conservation interest
Analysis of total dose exposure to integrated circuits resulting from laminographic inspection of surface-mount-package solder joints

The ionizing total dose delivered to semiconductor devices packaged in leadless chip carriers in-place on a surface-mount technology (SMT) module during exposure to X-rays from X-ray laminography inspection techniques was determined. Laminography is an X-ray imaging technique that uses slices of the region of interest for subsequent image analysis by computer software algorithms. The high-speed, automated image analysis has been reported to result in much lower ionizing dose than that of conventional radiography. The authors discuss the dosimetry, radiation-absorbed dose dosimetry-calibration techniques, total dose profiles for integrated circuits (ICs) mounted on one type of SMT modules, and module design considerations resulting in maximum exposure to ICs. Design conditions that result in high total dose deposited in ICs when exposed to X-ray laminography have been identified. The conditions occur when small packages are placed in a dense layout, on a double-sided printed wiring assembly design, with solder joints on one side in line with ICs on the other. >
Rabies--Epidemiology, Prevention, and Future Research

Rabies is caused by a single-stranded, negative-sense RNA virus, maintained in nature by a variety of animal reservoirs. Rabies virus infects the central nervous system, resulting in progressive encephalopathy and ultimately death in an infected human. Globally, the risk of contracting rabies for humans is greatest in regions of the developing world where dog rabies is enzootic. Where rabies in dogs has been eliminated or otherwise controlled through vaccination programs, the disease can be maintained by wildlife. Wildlife primarily involved in maintenance of transmission cycles are carnivores and bats. Persons having frequent contact with wildlife, such as mammalogists, are at greater risk than the general population for exposure to rabid animals. Rabies prevention can be achieved by elimination of exposure and by vaccination through preexposure prophylaxis and postexposure treatment. Preexposure rabies prophylaxis affords a measure of protection for unrecognized rabies exposures and simplifies postexposure treatment. Postexposure treatment is recommended following exposure to a potentially rabid animal and involves treatment of wound and administration of rabies vaccine as well as rabies immune globulin for individuals not previously vaccinated. Future research on rabies is necessary to define the effects of infection on wildlife populations and to evaluate the potential for intervening in wildlife transmission using oral rabies vaccines.
Recursive autoregressive spectral estimation by minimization of the free energy

A digital signal processing technique applicable to power spectrum estimation, designated as the minimum free energy method, is described. With no a priori model assumption and no attempt to extract special features such as sinusoids, one can obtain high resolution even with high noise contamination of the measured signal. The technique is demonstrated by modification of the Burg recursive method of spectral analysis. A recursive minimum free energy method in which the reflection coefficient is chosen at each step is proposed for minimizing the free energy (the Burg energy measure minus the product of a temperature and an information entropy). The method produces a spectral estimator more impervious to high noise contamination than the Burg method and diminishes the Burg tendency to produce spurious peaks. >
The meshless local Petrov-Galerkin (MLPG) approach for solving problems in elasto-statics

The meshless local Petrov-Galerkin (MLPG) approach is an effective method for solving boundary value problems, using a local symmetric weak form and shape functions from the moving least squares approximation. In the present paper, the MLPG method for solving problems in elasto-statics is developed and numerically implemented. The present method is a truly meshless method, as it does not need a “finite element mesh”, either for purposes of interpolation of the solution variables, or for the integration of the energy. All integrals in the formulation can be easily evaluated over regularly shaped domains (in general, spheres in three-dimensional problems) and their boundaries. The essential boundary conditions in the present formulation are imposed by a penalty method, as the essential boundary conditions can not be enforced directly when the non-interpolative moving least squares approximation is used. Several numerical examples are presented to illustrate the implementation and performance of the present MLPG method. The numerical examples show that the present MLPG approach does not exhibit any volumetric locking for nearly incompressible materials, and that high rates of convergence with mesh refinement for the displacement and energy norms are achievable. No post-processing procedure is required to compute the strain and stress, since the original solution from the present method, using the moving least squares approximation, is already smooth enough.
Optical Coherence Tomography for the Detection of Remote Optic Neuritis in Multiple Sclerosis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Evidence of remote optic neuritis is often used to support a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS). Optical coherence tomography (OCT) can provide qualitative and quantitative data on the retina, where the effects of optic neuritis can be seen. Our aim was to determine whether there is a quantitative difference in retinal structures in eyes with optic neuritis compared with those without, and which measures were best able to discriminate eyes with a history of optic neuritis from nonoptic neuritis eyes in MS patients. METHODS We performed a prospective cohort study of 30 MS-optic neuritis patients, 22 MS-nonoptic neuritis patients, and 24 healthy participants. Patients underwent visual acuity testing and OCT imaging. Retinal measurements were compared across groups. OCT measurements and visual acuities were analyzed for their ability to discriminate between optic neuritis and nonoptic neuritis eyes. RESULTS Optic neuritis eyes exhibited a thinner peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer, papillomacular bundle, and ganglion cell + inner plexiform layer thicknesses compared to MS eyes without optic neuritis and healthy controls. Papillomacular bundle thickness was the best model to discriminate between eyes with optic neuritis and nonoptic neuritis eyes in MS patients. Visual acuity alone yielded rather poor models. CONCLUSIONS Optic neuritis is associated with thinning in multiple regions of the retina. Optic neuritis eyes can be differentiated most accurately from nonoptic neuritis eyes using OCT. Our work suggests a potential role for OCT in documenting a remote history of optic neuritis to corroborate a diagnosis of MS.
Nutrients as Supplements, Drugs, and Nostrums

In industrialized countries, vitamins and minerals have long been used as drugs as well as to meet nutritional requirements. Persuaded by health professionals, commercial advertising, faddist organizations, or friends, the public will take nutritional supplements to improve their overall destiny, or simply as a means of general health promotion. Dangers of misuse are being increasingly reported. Rational use of vitamins and minerals, over and above the amount consumed in the diet, may be needed to meet nutritional requirements, to treat vitamin-dependency syndromes, as emergency treatment of drug intoxication, or in the prevention or treatment of diseases.
Exchange rate risk measurement and management : issues and approaches for public debt managers.

This paper presents conventional and alternative exchange-rate risk measures for government bonds, and outlines liability management operations for dealing with currency exposure. These risk measures and liability management operations are analyzed from the perspective of a sovereign debt manager. In particular, we examine the VaR statistic as a prominent measure of exchange rate risk exposure, along with an integrated VaR approach for the simultaneous estimation of a bonded portfolio’s interest rate and exchange rate risk; the expected shortfall measure of exchange rate risk; and the spectral risk measure. The liability management operations outlined are debt buybacks, debt swaps and currency derivatives. These operations are extensively used by public debt managers of both developed and emerging market countries to mitigate or eliminate exchange rate risk of public debt portfolios and to reduce external debt servicing costs. Also, the Cost at Risk is introduced as an approach to assess debt strategies, and best practices in managing the exchange rate risk exposure of public debt are provided. Further, experiences of external public debt management from selected south-east European countries are offered to illustrate the application of sovereign liability management operations in this region.
2H and 31P nuclear magnetic resonance studies of membranes containing bovine rhodopsin.

Purified, delipidated rhodopsin is recombined with phospholipid using octyl-glucoside (OG) and preformed vesicles. Normal egg phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylcholine in which the N-methyl groups are fully deuterated, and dioleoyl phosphatidylcholine labeled with deuterium at carbons 9 and 10 were used.31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and2H NMR measurements were obtained of the pure phospholipids and of the recombined membranes containing rhodopsin.31P NMR of the recombined membrane (containing the deuterated phospholipid) showed two overlapping resonances. One resembled a normal phospholipid bilayer, and the other was much broader, representing a motionally restricted phospholipid headgroup environment. The population of phospholipids in the motionally restricted environment can be modulated by conditions in the media.2H NMR spectra of the same recombined membranes showed only one component. These experimental results agree with a theoretical analysis that predicts an insensitivity of2H NMR to lipids bound to membrane proteins. A model containing at least three different phospholipid environments in the presence of the membrane protein rhodopsin is described.
Primary Prevention of Sudden Death in Post-Infarction Patients: When ICD Implantation is Really Cost-effective

The implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) has been convincingly demonstrated to reduce mortality in randomized clinical trials that have assessed this treatment strategy for both primary and secondary prevention of sudden cardiac death [1–6]. This important advance in therapy has the potential to reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death which now affects over 400,000 persons in the United States each year. The estimated number of ICD implantations for 2003 is expected to exceed 100,000 worldwide.
Complementary and Integrative Health Practices Among Hispanics Diagnosed with Colorectal Cancer: Utilization and Communication with Physicians.

Abstract Objective: Complementary and integrative health (CIH) use among Hispanic adults with colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnosis is not well documented. Understanding the prevalence and patterns of CIH use among Hispanics offers insights to uncover potential needs for clinical services. Design: Participants were age 21 years or older with a first-time diagnosis of CRC from population-based cancer registries in California. In-person and/or telephone-based interviews were administered to collect data on CIH use. Demographic and clinical diagnosis data were abstracted from medical records. Descriptive statistical and logistic regression was used to analyze the frequencies and associations between selected patient characteristics and CIH use. Results: Among 631 Hispanic patients, 40.1% reported ever using CIH. Herbal products/dietary supplements were used most often (35.3%), followed by bodywork (16.5%), mind–body practices (7.8%), and homeopathy (6.7%). About 60% of participants reported CIH use to address sp...
27 The impact of traumatic injuries on medical expenditures in the united states: a population-based study

Statement of purpose Every year, as many as 31 million Americans sustain traumatic injuries leaving survivors with risks of disabilities and health settings with staggering medical costs. Little is known on the societal burden of injuries in terms of medical expenditures associated with traumatic injuries. Therefore, we utilised a nationally representative sample to evaluate the association between traumatic injuries and total health expenditures among U.S. non-institutionalised individuals. Methods This longitudinal study used the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS), which follows participants for two years (2007–2008). Injured individuals were selected if only reported a traumatic injury in the second year while controls were individuals without any injury. The independent variable was any self-reported injury affecting health status. Health expenditures included insurance payments as well as out-of-pocket costs. Because total expenditures were available for each year, we used the difference as the dependent variable. In addition to bivariate analyses, we constructed a modified two-part model and difference-in-difference analytic approach to investigate the association between traumatic injuries and medical expenditures. Model covariates included age, gender, education, smoking status, self-reported physical health and hypertension. Results Of the 8,902 individuals in this sample, 923 (10.3%) reported traumatic injuries. Injured individuals were more likely to be smokers, hypertensive and reported lower levels of physical health. In multivariate analysis, reporting traumatic injuries was associated with $1420.5 ($907.5-$1933.5) increase in the average of medical expenditures adjusting for covariates. Conclusions Traumatic injuries pose a substantial burden on medical expenditures. It is noteworthy to acknowledge that these findings are underestimates as they are limited to adults non-institutionalised population. These results lend support to prevention advocacy efforts aimed at highlighting the financial losses due to traumatic injuries. Significance and contributions This is the first study using a nationally representative sample to assess the financial burden of traumatic injuries among U.S. adults.
Relationships Between RNA Polymerase II Activity and Spt Elongation Factors to Spt- Phenotype and Growth in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The interplay between adjacent transcription units can result in transcription-dependent alterations in chromatin structure or recruitment of factors that determine transcription outcomes, including the generation of intragenic or other cryptic transcripts derived from cryptic promoters. Mutations in a number of genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae confer both cryptic intragenic transcription and the Suppressor of Ty (Spt-) phenotype for the lys2-128∂ allele of the LYS2 gene. Mutants that suppress lys2-128∂ allow transcription from a normally inactive Ty1 ∂ promoter, conferring a LYS+ phenotype. The arrangement of transcription units at lys2-128∂ is reminiscent of genes containing cryptic promoters within their open reading frames. We set out to examine the relationship between RNA Polymerase II (Pol II) activity, functions of Spt elongation factors, and cryptic transcription because of the previous observation that increased-activity Pol II alleles confer an Spt- phenotype. We identify both cooperating and antagonistic genetic interactions between Pol II alleles and alleles of elongation factors SPT4, SPT5, and SPT6. We find that cryptic transcription at FLO8 and STE11 is distinct from that at lys2-128∂, though all show sensitivity to reduction in Pol II activity, especially the expression of lys2-128∂ found in Spt- mutants. We determine that the lys2-128∂ Spt- phenotypes for spt6-1004 and increased activity rpo21/rpb1 alleles each require transcription from the LYS2 promoter. Furthermore, we identify the Ty1 transcription start site (TSS) within the ∂ element as the position of Spt- transcription in tested Spt- mutants.
Coupling on the northern Cascadia subduction zone from geodetic measurements and physics‐based models

Kinematic inversions of GPS and tide gauge/leveling data display an unresolved “gap” between the downdip limit of the locked megathrust and the top of the episodic tremor and slip (ETS) zone in northern Cascadia. This work combines physics-based models of slow-slip events with both mean ETS displacements and decadal-averaged deformation rates to explain the gap and determine how interseismic stress accumulates on the megathrust. While physics-based predictions match the average ETS displacements, they significantly misfit long-term rates, implying faster slip rates within both the gap and the ETS region. Heterogeneous Green's functions or velocity-strengthening friction within the gap cannot explain the decadal rates. The observed uplift rates require steeper gradients in slip rate at the base of the locked zone. We invert for the smallest possible shear stress rate on the creeping megathrust below a locked zone that satisfactorily fits the data. A nonzero shear stress rate within the ETS zone, reaching −2.5 kPa/yr at a depth of 25–30 km, is required. Finally, of all the models that adequately fit both horizontal and vertical data, only those with deep locking depths, around 21 km, significantly improve the fit to the uplift rates.
Herbert Gutman’s The Black Family in Slavery and Freedom, 1750-1925: Demographic Perspectives

Throughout his distinguished career, Herbert Gutman has displayed a rare genius for dredging up the most gloriously obscure historical evidence and deriving from it new perspectives on the largest themes. The Black Family is another triumph of this kind: my awe of Professor Gutman’s energy and insight is enhanced by this volume. At the same time, Gutman makes clear that the volume is not demographic in its intent. Since my commentary is to be from a demographic perspective, I will take particular pains to direct this perspective to the purposes Gutman sets forth in The Black Family. These are identified by the author as discerning “what sustained common slave beliefs and behavior,” rather than merely documenting “regularities in behavior,” the latter being Gutman’s characterization of the results of the application of quantitative methods (1976). My task, then, is to examine the links that Gutman establishes between demographic argument and explanation, in his sense, and to assess their adequacy. No demographer, I suspect, would have undertaken the kind of investigation Gutman assays; but demographic skills would have served Gutman’s intentions. I will here try to be severe with this imposing volume, recognizing the importance and aptness of its central thesis, and the audacity of its author’s empirical reach, but questioning the adequacy of his demography to his own ends.
A General Theory of Talbot-Lau Grating Interferometry with Polychromatic X-Ray Sources

We report a general theory of the Talbot-Lau interferometry with polychromatic X-ray sources. The theory predicts the fringe visibility and enables quantitative retrieval of the gradients of sample’s projected electron densities.
Effects of Reclamation on Fluvial Sediment in NE Oklahoma

Abstract Research on the fluvial effects of coal strip mining in NE Oklahoma revealed that hillside reclamation caused large increases in the contribution of sediment. Since the study observed mining during 1968-74, a 1971 Oklahoma reclamation law allowed comparison of the effects of mining with and without reclamation. In this region of gentle plains and low, dissected plateaus, the only severe sediment problems from unreclaimed hillside strip mines occurred near the main channels. Excavated canyons normally trapped much of the sediment from areas above and within the mines, and retarded or internalized the runoff. By contrast, reclamation resulted in much higher sediment concentrations, with probably large increases in runoff. It eliminated the trapping mechanism of excavated canyons, and spread out the impermeable mine overburden downslope. One reclaimed hillside generated suspended-sediment concentrations in excess of 100, 000 ppm. Theoretical calculations give an estimated minimum annual sediment yield of 14 x 10 6 kg/km 2 . Utilizing the partial-area-contribution concept of runoff, a simple model of a hill surrounded by a contour strip mine illustrates the sharply contrasting fluvial effects of mining with and without reclamation. These results, along with data from vegetated, reclaimed hillsides in Great Britain, indicate the likelihood of very high erosion rates for years to come. Where reclamation is attempted, strong efforts are needed to maximize infiltration and erosion control. Topsoil replacement, mulching, and terraces are essential. In Oklahoma, the combination of low coal output and high sediment yield make hillside mining an activity of dubious merit.
Experimental Platform: Cryogenic Near-Field Cavity Optomechanics

Radiation-pressure coupling between a mechanical oscillator and an electromagnetic cavity allows, in principle, for an exquisitely sensitive measurement of the oscillator’s motion. In practice, it takes careful engineering to realize this goal. Here we describe the salient properties of our system that enable a quantum-noise-limited performance.
Talking Your Book: Evidence from Stock Pitches at Investment Conferences

Using a novel dataset on investment conferences from 2008 to 2013, I show that hedge funds take advantage of the publicity of these conferences and strategically release their book information to drive market demand. Specifically, Hedge funds sell pitched stocks after the conferences to take profit and create room for better investment opportunities. However, pitched stocks still perform better than non-pitched stocks in the funds’ portfolios afterwards. Hedge funds do not pitch obviously bad stocks because maintaining a good reputation helps them raise more money. Pitched stocks earn a cumulative abnormal return of 20% over 18 months before the pitch and continue to outperform the benchmark by 7% over 9 months afterwards. Half the post-conference abnormal return reverts after another 9 months. Moreover, mutual funds exhibit opposite trading behaviors—selling before the pitches and buying afterwards—and possibly contribute to the post-pitch outperformance. Other hedge funds trade pitched stocks similarly to the funds that pitched, suggesting that they either run correlated strategies or share information with each other.
Biological response to stress: key to assessment of animal well-being?

Society is currently involved in a serious debate about the use of animals in scientific research, teaching, product-safety testing, recreation, and as a source of food. Although the views and philosophies that have been expressed in this debate are diverse, one central mutually acceptable theme has developed: a concern that everything possible be done to ensure the wellbeing of animals under the charge of researchers and that these animals do not suffer unduly. The problem with responding to this concern is how to assess the wellbeing of animals. How should the quality of animal life be measured?
The regulation of estrogen receptor expression and function in human breast cancer.

Estrogen and estrogen receptor (ER) play an important role in the development and function of the mammary gland. During mammary gland development, the hypothalamus and pituitary gland signal changes in the level of plasma estrogen, which is associated with proliferation of the mammary epithelial cells, leading to branching of ducts and formation of alveolar structures called lobules. Normal mammary epithelial cells express low basal levels (0-37 fmol/mg cytosol protein) of ER, and immunohistochemical studies show that about 7% of normal breast epithelial cells stain positively for ER [1,2]. These levels fluctuate during the menstrual cycle in conjunction with the cyclic changes in estrogen [3]. Definitive evidence that ER plays a pivotal role in normal mammary development was demonstrated using transgenic mice that were homozygously deleted for the gene. Adult female ER knockout mice develop mammary glands with only vestigial ducts present at the nipples [4].
On the variation of cloud condensation nuclei spectra at palmer station, antarctica

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the variation of Cloud Condensation Nuclei (CCN) spectra at Palmer Station, Antarctica. CCN activity spectra and meteorological data were measured between February 12 and February 26, 1994. The CCN spectra were typical of a marine location. The meteorological and CCN spectral data indicate a significant change in the total CCN concentration measured in association with the sampling near the fog-free boundary of different air masses or air parcels, including those from evaporating clouds. These measurements show that the temporal variation of CCN spectra can be used to obtain information concerning air-mass transport and mixing without making the measurements within cloudy air.
Information Retrieval Based on Statistical Language Models

The amount of on-line information is growing exponentially. Much of this information is unstructured and language-based. To deal with this flood of information, a number of tools and language technologies have been developed. Progress has been made in areas such as information retrieval, information extraction, filtering, speech recognition, machine translation, and data mining. Other more specific areas such as cross-lingual retrieval, summarization, categorization, distributed retrieval, and topic detection and tracking are also contributing to the proliferation of technologies for managing information. Currently these tools are based on many different approaches, both formal and ad hoc. Integrating them is very diffcult, yet this will be a critical part of building effective information systems in the future. In this paper, we discuss an approach to providing a framework for integration based on language models.
HIGH-SENSITIVITY DIFFERENTIAL SCANNING CALORIMETRY OF POLYMER-PHOSPHOLIPID MIXTURES

The interactions of synthetic polymers with cell surfaces dominate many processes currently in use in biomedical science and technology, yet these interactions are very poorly understood. High-sensitivity differential scanning calorimetry reveals important changes in the structural organization of phospholipid bilayers which are treated with water-soluble synthetic polymers. These effects are apparent even at polymer concentrations of 0.1% or less. Polymer-phospholipid interactions may be modulated by variations in polymer charge, charge density, and chain microstructure. These experiments constitute a first step toward the development of a logical basis for the design of synthetic polymers with well-defined biological properties.
Noise Thermometry Using Josephson Junctions

As can be seen from the defining equation, $$ \left. {\left\langle {V_n^2 (t)} \right.} \right\rangle = \int {4RkTd\nu } $$ (1) thermal noise voltages, Vn(t), are so small that amplification must precede further electronic manipulation of Vn(t) (i.e., squaring and averaging) before a noise temperature can be measured. Unfortunately, room-temperature amplifiers contribute their own noise to the measured output of the complete circuit, thus rendering noise temperature measurements meaningless for temperatures where \( \left. {\left\langle {V_n^2 (t)} \right.} \right\rangle \) is less than the amplifier noise. Much of the amplifier noise can be eliminated, however, by using a more sophisticated technique consisting of cross-correlating the outputs of two identical amplifiers connected to the same resistor [1]. In this way temperatures as low as 2 K have recently been measured by KLEIN, KLEMPT and STORM even though the noise of each amplifier was equivalent to a much higher noise temperature [2]. This cross-correlation technique does not completely eliminate amplifier noise, however, so that even it ceases to be useful at temperatures equivalent to this residual noise. It has been very fortunate, therefore, that low-noise cryogenic amplifiers based on the Josephson effect have been available to extend noise thermometry far into the extreme cryogenic limit beyond the reach of the conventional techniques mentioned above. In fact, two distinct types of Josephson junction devices (often referred to generically as SQUIDs for Superconducting Quantum Interference Devices) have proven successful in measuring temperatures as low as a few millikelvins with amplifier noise equivalent to a noise temperature of 0.1 mK. This article will discuss both types, compare their performance and their most appropriate regimes of application, and the temperature scales developed with them.
Measuring Fantasy Team and Favorite Team Interactivity Through Implicit Association

Traditional team fandom is a vital component of contemporary spectator sport marketing and communication. However, fantasy sport has recently emerged as a potential threat to team fandom, particula...
Using Seasonal Forecasts to Inform Water Market-Scale Option Contracts

AbstractOption contracts have been successfully established in water-scare regions to facilitate temporary transfers of water between users. The benefits are clear when the contract water quantity ...
To mass or space? Young children do not possess adults’ incorrect biases about spaced learning

Abstract The spacing effect is the robust finding that learners have stronger long-term memory for information presented on a spaced schedule, in which learning events are distributed across time, rather than a massed schedule, in which learning events are presented in immediate succession. Despite the fact that the spacing effect is highly replicable across tasks and timescales, most adults do not believe that spaced learning promotes memory. Instead, there is a persistent “massed bias”; adults believe that massed learning promotes memory to a greater degree than spaced learning. The developmental origins of the massed bias have yet to be studied; thus, the goals of the current research were to (a) identify a developmental period in which we do not observe a massed bias and (b) determine whether metamemory is related to the onset of the massed bias. The results revealed that children (aged 2–10 years; N = 109) do not have a persistent massed bias, and the number of massed endorsements increased across the early elementary school years. Children’s age predicted a massed bias, but individual differences in children’s metamemory abilities were not related to bias development when controlling for age. Taken together, this work suggests that researchers will need to reconceptualize dual-process theoretical accounts of metamemory and spaced learning to explain why and how children develop a massed bias.
Colonic Metabolism of Blueberry Polyphenols in Ovariectomized Rats Increases in a Dose-Response Fashion (OR34-06-19)

Fruit and vegetable derived polyphenols are often touted for their health benefits and marketed as dietary supplements. Following consumption, polyphenols are extensively metabolized by gut microbiota to small molecular weight phenolics and absorbed in the colon. While these metabolites may drive observed health benefits, the pharmacokinetics of colonic absorption are not well characterized, especially at high dietary supplement doses. To address this, we investigated the dose-response of blueberry polyphenols and colonic metabolites produced over 48 h in a rat model. Five-month old, ovariectomized, Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a diet containing lyophilized, wild blueberries at 5% (w/w) for one week before being acutely dosed with purified wild blueberry phenolics at four doses (0, 60, 300, or 1100 mg total phenolics/kg bw) and ⁴⁵Ca to measure calcium absorption. Blood and urine were collected for 48 h after dosing, with phenolic metabolites extracted, purified, and characterized via UPLC-MS/MS. Total phenolic content of wild blueberries and the purified extract were 3.7% & 27% (w/w), respectively. Among individual phenolics, anthocyanins (1411 & 15,915 mg/100 g), chlorogenic acid (593 & 1916 mg/100 g), and quercetin species (275 & 2290 mg/100 g) were most prominent. After dosing, phenolic acids, including cinnamic and hippuric acids, were the most prominent microbial metabolites (530–2598 and 271–1263 nmol excreted, respectively); while only smaller amounts of anthocyanins (50–161 nmol excreted) were observed, including unmetabolized anthocyanins in the highest dose group. Most metabolites exhibited maximal blood and urine concentrations within 12 h of dosing, though some (e.g., hippuric acid) peaked up to 24 h after dosing. Finally, calcium absorption was significantly higher in the highest dose group as compared to the control group (p = 0.032). These results indicate that colonic metabolites are absorbed later than their small intestinal counterparts, with variable peak absorption times. The increase in calcium absorption, coupled with the presence of unmetabolized anthocyanins in the highest dose group, suggests that high blueberry polyphenol doses may overwhelm normal metabolic pathways and potentially alter GI function. NIH.
Posets, Lattices, and Boolean Algebra

This chapter looks at topics important to computer science and electrical engineering as well as mathematics. All of them are on the relational side of algebra—posets, lattices, and Boolean algebras. Continuing what Chapter 6 began by exploring equivalence relations, now various order relations are studied, but mainly partial orders. Types of lattices are considered, culminating in Boolean lattices. This leads into Boolean Algebra, which is important for logic and its physical realization in logic circuits. Boolean functions are next introduced, and their minterm representations are explored. The chapter concludes by looking at the standard techniques for simplifying Boolean functions—K-Maps and the Quine-McCluskey Method.
Emerging Connections of S1P-Metabolizing Enzymes with Host Defense and Immunity During Virus Infections.

The sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) metabolic pathway is a dynamic regulator of multiple cellular and disease processes. Identification of the immune regulatory role of the sphingosine analog FTY720 led to the development of the first oral therapy for the treatment of an autoimmune disease, multiple sclerosis. Furthermore, inhibitors of sphingosine kinase (SphK), which mediate S1P synthesis, are being evaluated as a therapeutic option for the treatment of cancer. In conjunction with these captivating discoveries, S1P and S1P-metabolizing enzymes have been revealed to display vital functions during virus infections. For example, S1P lyase, which is known for metabolizing S1P, inhibits influenza virus replication by promoting antiviral type I interferon innate immune responses. In addition, both isoforms of sphingosine kinase have been shown to regulate the replication or pathogenicity of many viruses. Pro- or antiviral activities of S1P-metabolizing enzymes appear to be dependent on diverse virus–host interactions and viral pathogenesis. This review places an emphasis on summarizing the functions of S1P-metabolizing enzymes during virus infections and discusses the opportunities for designing pioneering antiviral drugs by targeting these host enzymes.
Martius labial fat pad graft (use in rectovaginal fistula repair)

Introduction and hypothesis The objective is to demonstrate the utility of the Martius labial fat pad graft in pelvic fistula repair. Methods An incision is made over the labium majus from the level of the clitoral hood superiorly and extending inferiorly to the level of the labiocrural fold. The fibrofatty graft is then mobilized from the adjacent labium majus. The flap can be divided either at its anterior or at its posterior pedicle. A subepithelial defect is created through which the flap will be passed. The flap is sewn into place by attaching it to the underlying rectovaginal fascia without associated tensioning. Next, the posterior vaginal wall is closed over the graft with a series of everting subepithelial mattress sutures followed by a reinforcing layer of interrupted #1 Vicryl through the vaginal epithelium. Conclusions The advantages of the Martius flap in fistula repair include low morbidity, lack of a cosmetic defect, and the need for only a single surgical field. Its prominent fibrous component makes it a stronger graft than adipose tissue from other areas and its abundant blood supply promotes rapid neovascularization and lends itself well to many surgical modifications that can be utilized in even the most difficult of fistula repairs.
Large-body-sized Glass-based Active Interposer for High-Performance Computing

This paper presents a next generation glass-based active interposer with 2 micron polymer RDL. Passive 2.5D interposers have become a mainstream solution to address the bandwidth demands of high-performance computing (HPC) applications. However, such passive interposers face challenges in meeting future performance, cost and reliability needs and active interposers have been studied recently as a means of scaling interposer performance. Given the ability to grow CMOS on Silicon more readily, only Silicon has been studied as substrate core for active interposers. However, for large body sizes, Silicon is not cost effective and interconnects tend to be lossy over long distances. Glass has been explored as a passive interposer core previously, and glass-based panel embedding (GPE) solutions have also been developed for fanout applications. This work uses GPE technology to demonstrate a glass-based active interposer substrate with potential for large-body-sized packages. The key challenge, however, in achieving a wiring density of over 250 IO/mm is the surface non-coplanarities associated with cavities in glass substrates. This paper describes the fabrication process for a Glass-based active interposer with dies embedded in glass cavities, and a systematic parametric process optimization to improve the surface planarity to demonstrate 2 micron L/S RDL on die-embedded glass substrates.
Proposed Punitive Damages in Michigan: A Microeconomic Analysis of House Bill 5373

On December 3, 1997, the Michigan House of Representatives passed House Bill 5373 that would allow a trier of fact to award punitive damages under certain circumstances in a personal injury case. This article examines the proposed statute, the policy considerations advanced in its support and opposition, and the bill's legislative history. The author then discusses basic economic principles that govern the award of damages in tort law and provides a microeconomic analysis of the efficiency aspects of punitive damages. He concludes by asserting that the award of punitive damages pursuant to House Bill 5373 would be arbitrary and economically inefficient, particularly in the absence of any clear decision rules governing their computation.
Proposing religiously informed, relationally skillful chaplaincy theory.

Research on the multiple uses of religion/spirituality (R/S) in healthcare and on the practices of healthcare chaplaincy support creation of a middle-range, prescriptive theory for chaplaincy for p...
Racial disparities in assignment to alternative response

Abstract Background Alternative Response (AR) refers to assessment-focused responses to Child Protective Service allegations for families with low to moderate risk while diverting them from a traditional investigation. Although the AR is beneficial to meet needs and promote self-sufficiency of families, less is known about the AR assignment for families with alleged neglect. Also, the intersection of racial disparities and poverty in the assignment has not been studied. Objective This study examined the main and interaction effects of neglect allegations, poverty, and race on the AR assignment. Participants and settings Data came from the 2016 National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System. Cases were selected within the five regions of Texas (N = 119,389). Methods Logistic regression models were constructed. Conditional process analysis was also employed. Results Families with neglect allegations were less likely to be assigned to AR than those who were reported without neglect. Children of color were less likely to be assigned to AR than white children. Children whose families received public assistance were less likely to be assigned to AR. Receiving public assistance amplified a negative association between neglect and AR assignment only for children of color, while it did not affect the association for white children. Conclusions There was an intersection of race and poverty in the AR assignment among neglected children. Children of color from low-income families experienced double disadvantages in receiving AR, leading to marginalization being from equal opportunities for promoting family self-sufficiency. Well-informed guidelines and training should be provided to reduce racial disparities in the child welfare system.
Kinetics and Mechanism of the Gold-Catalyzed Hydroamination of 1,1-Dimethylallene with N-Methylaniline

The mechanism of the intermolecular hydroamination of 3-methylbuta-1,2-diene (1) with N-methylaniline (2) catalyzed by (IPr)AuOTf has been studied by employing a combination of kinetic analysis, deuterium labelling studies, and in situ spectral analysis of catalytically active mixtures. The results of these and additional experiments are consistent with a mechanism for hydroamination involving reversible, endergonic displacement of N-methylaniline from [(IPr)Au(NHMePh)]+ (4) by allene to form the cationic gold π-C1,C2-allene complex [(IPr)Au(η2 -H2 C=C=CMe2 )]+ (I), which is in rapid, endergonic equilibrium with the regioisomeric π-C2,C3-allene complex [(IPr)Au(η2 -Me2 C=C=CH2 )]+ (I'). Rapid and reversible outer-sphere addition of 2 to the terminal allene carbon atom of I' to form gold vinyl complex (IPr)Au[C(=CH2 )CMe2 NMePh] (II) is superimposed on the slower addition of 2 to the terminal allene carbon atom of I to form gold vinyl complex (IPr)Au[C(=CMe2 )CH2 NMePh] (III). Selective protodeauration of III releases N-methyl-N-(3-methylbut-2-en-1-yl)aniline (3 a) with regeneration of 4. At high conversion, gold vinyl complex II is competitively trapped by an (IPr)Au+ fragment to form the cationic bis(gold) vinyl complex {[(IPr)Au]2 [C(=CH2 )CMe2 NMePh]}+ (6).
Engineering the Multienzymatic Activity of Cerium Oxide Nanoparticle Coatings for the Antioxidant Protection of Implants

Imbalance of oxidants is a universal contributor to the failure of implanted devices and tissues. A sustained oxidative environment leads to cytotoxicity, prolonged inflammation, and ultimately host rejection of implanted devices/grafts. The incorporation of antioxidant materials can inhibit this redox/inflammatory cycle and enhance implant efficacy. Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CONP) is a highly promising agent that exhibits potent, ubiquitous, and self-renewable antioxidant properties. Integrating CONP as surface coatings provides ease in translating antioxidant properties to various implants/grafts. Herein, we describe the formation of CONP coatings, generated via the sequential deposition of CONP and alginate, and the impact of coating properties, pH, and polymer molecular weight, on their resulting redox profile. Investigation of CONP deposition, layer formation, and coating uniformity/thickness on their resulting oxidant scavenging activity identified key parameters for customizing global antioxidant properties. Results found lower molecular weight alginates and physiological pH shift CONP activity to a higher H2O2 to O2--scavenging capability. The antioxidant properties measured for these various coatings translated to distinct antioxidant protection to the underlying encapsulated cells. Information gained from this work can be leveraged to tailor coatings towards specific oxidant-scavenging applications and prolong the function of medical devices and cellular implants.
Disparate insults relevant to schizophrenia converge on impaired spike synchrony and weaker synaptic interactions in prefrontal local circuits

Summary Schizophrenia results from hundreds of known causes, including genetic, environmental, and developmental insults that cooperatively increase risk of developing the disease. In spite of the diversity of causal factors, schizophrenia presents with a core set of symptoms and brain abnormalities (both structural and functional) that particularly impact the prefrontal cortex. This suggests that many different causal factors leading to schizophrenia may cause prefrontal neurons and circuits to fail in fundamentally similar ways. The nature of convergent malfunctions in prefrontal circuits at the cell and synaptic levels leading to schizophrenia are not known. Here, we apply convergence-guided search to identify core pathological changes in the functional properties of prefrontal circuits that lie downstream of mechanistically distinct insults relevant to the disease. We compare the impacts of blocking NMDA receptors in monkeys and deleting a schizophrenia risk gene in mice on activity timing and effective communication in prefrontal local circuits. Although these manipulations operate through distinct molecular pathways and biological mechanisms, we found they produced convergent pathophysiological effects on prefrontal local circuits. Both manipulations reduced the frequency of synchronous (0-lag) spiking between prefrontal neurons and weakened functional interactions between prefrontal neurons at monosynaptic lags as measured by information transfer between the neurons. The two observations may be related, as reduction in synchronous spiking between prefrontal neurons would be expected to weaken synaptic connections between them via spike-timing-dependent synaptic plasticity. These data suggest that the link between spike timing and synaptic connectivity could comprise the functional vulnerability that multiple risk factors exploit to produce disease.