cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Symptoms and quality of life in community women with fecal incontinence.

Background & Aims: Assessments of symptom severity are necessary to guide therapy in fecal incontinence (FI). However, there is no consensus on how self-reported symptom severity in FI should be measured for this purpose, and the relationship between symptoms of FI and its impact on quality of life (QOL) is not known. Methods: A questionnaire was mailed to an age-stratified random sample of 5300 women identified through the Rochester Epidemiology Project. Symptom severity was assessed by a validated scale (Fecal Incontinence and Constipation Assessment [FICA]), and impact on 15 domains of QOL was evaluated for subjects who had any FI during the past year. The scale incorporated the type, frequency, and amount of FI, as well as the circumstances surrounding FI (ie, urge or passive FI). A QOL-weighted symptom severity score was derived by weighting the responses for these characteristics, in each subject, by the average QOL impact for all subjects who reported that specific symptom characteristic. The relationship between symptom severity and the QOL-weighted symptom severity score was assessed by Spearman rank correlation. Results: Altogether, 2800 of 5300 (53%) women responded to the survey. FI symptoms were mild (45%), moderate (50%), or severe (5%). Among women with FI, the FICA symptom severity scale was strongly correlated ( r s = 0.92, P Conclusions: Among unselected women in the community, self-reported symptom severity, rated by the FICA scale, was strongly correlated with the impact of FI on QOL, supporting the use of this scale to assess symptom severity in FI.
Immunohistological characterization of intraepithelial and lamina propria lymphocytes in control ileum and colon and in inflammatory bowel disease

Using monoclonal antibodies to T and B lymphocytes, to natural killer cells, and to HLA-DR antigen, we characterized the lymphocyte population within the epithelial and lamina propria regions in control intestine and colon, and in grossly involved and in grossly uninvolved intestine and colon of patients with active inflammatory bowel disease. There were significantly more intraepithelial T cells in control ileum than in control colon. In comparison to control, there was a heterogeneity of alterations in intraepithelial and lamina propria T lymphocyte subsets (T11+, T8+, T4+) in inflammatory bowel disease. B lymphocytes were not detected within the lamina propria, except when found in and adjacent to lymphoid aggregates. Leu 7+ cells were uncommon in the lamina propria of control ileum and colon and in diseased tissues. The majority of intraepithelial lymphocytes did not express HLA-DR. Epithelial cells of control colon did not express HLA-DR while epithelial cells of control ileal tissues and of diseased colonic and ileal specimens expressed HLA-DR antigen. Only small numbers of lamina propria T cells expressed HLA-DR in both control and disease tissues. There was intense expression of HLA-DR by monocytes and modest expression of HLA-DR by capillary and lymphatic endothelial cells. The induction of HLA-DR expression by diseased colonic epithelium and the observation that lymphatic endothelium expresses HLA-DR are new observations, and we established that Leu 7+ cells are present in very small numbers in both normal and diseased intestine and colon.
Ethical Challenges for Cross-Cultural Research Conducted by Psychologists From the United States

In light of rapid globalization, there has been an increase in U.S. psychologists conducting international cross-cultural research. Such researchers face unique ethical dilemmas. Although the American Psychological Association has its own Code of Ethics with guidelines regarding research, these guidelines do not specifically address international and cross-cultural research. The purposes of this article are to (a) provide a review of current ethical guidelines for research on human subjects, (b) provide a review of major ethical challenges and dilemmas in conducting cross-cultural research, (c) highlight several existing frameworks that maybe useful for increasing cross-cultural understanding of these ethical challenges for U.S. psychologists, and (d) issue a call to the American Psychological Association to begin to assess and evaluate the nature and extent of ethical problems in conducting cross-cultural research among its members.
The significance of the dilated renal pelvis in the nitrofen-exposed rat fetus: Effects on morphology and function☆

Abstract Previously ( R. J. Kavlock, B. F. Rehnberg, and E. H. Rogers, 1987 , Teratology 36 , 51–58) we reported that gestational exposure of rats to adriamycin induced alterations in development of the fetal renal papilla that persisted postnatally. The morphological effect was associated with functional deficits in neonatal animals as seen by their performance during a test of renal concentrating ability in the second postnatal week. In the present study, we utilized an experimental approach similar to that in the adriamycin study to evaluate the fate of the dilated renal pelvis that is induced in fetal rats following prenatal exposure to nitrofen. Groups of Long-Evans rats were exposed to 0, 6.25, 12.5, or 25 mg/kg of nitrofen on gestation Days 7–16. Renal morphology of the offspring were determined on gestation Day 21 and postnatal Week 5. The postnatal cohort was tested in the second postnatal week for their ability to excrete an osmotically concentrated urine. As was the case with adriamycin, the renal concentrating ability in the neonate was reduced and poor performance in the function test was associated with permanence of the morphological effect. By utilizing a standardized semiquantitative procedure to describe the status of the kidneys and ureters during development in combination with physiological assessment of organ performace, we were able to assess the morphological and functional development of the kidney. In the absence of other anomalies we suggest that offspring be monitored during postnatal development when alterations of the fetal renal papilla are observed in standard teratology bioassays in order to determine whether the effect is transient or permanent.
Identification of novel activity against Borrelia burgdorferi persisters using an FDA approved drug library

Although antibiotic treatment for Lyme disease is effective in the majority of cases, especially during the early phase of the disease, a minority of patients suffer from post-treatment Lyme diseas...
Insulin fails to enhance mTOR phosphorylation, mitochondrial protein synthesis, and ATP production in human skeletal muscle without amino acid replacement

Systemic insulin administration causes hypoaminoacidemia by inhibiting protein degradation, which may in turn inhibit muscle protein synthesis (PS). Insulin enhances muscle mitochondrial PS and ATP...
Improved Language Modeling for Statistical Machine Translation

Statistical machine translation systems use a combination of one or more translation models and a language model. While there is a significant body of research addressing the improvement of translation models, the problem of optimizing language models for a specific translation task has not received much attention. Typically, standard word trigram models are used as an out-of-the-box component in a statistical machine translation system. In this paper we apply language modeling techniques that have proved beneficial in automatic speech recognition to the ACL05 machine translation shared data task and demonstrate improvements over a baseline system with a standard language model.
Determinants of plant species richness on small Bahamian islands

Aim I investigated the determinants of plant species richness in two archipelagos, comparing the predictive power of different explanatory variables. I evaluated both conventional variables and alternative variables not commonly used in such analyses. I also investigated the effect of island location in relation to neighbouring landmasses on plant species richness and the predictive ability of regression models. Location Archipelagos of small islands in the central Exumas and near the north-east coast of Andros, Bahamas. Methods I surveyed plant species richness and obtained measures of seven predictor variables: total island area, the ratio of perimeter to total area, vegetated area, the ratio of vegetated area to total area, distance to the nearest large island, elevation and protection from surrounding islands. All seven predictor variables were evaluated as determinants of plant species richness in simple and stepwise multiple linear regressions. Analyses were conducted for each archipelago overall, and then separately for three categories of islands in the Exumas. Total area, elevation, and distance were evaluated as predictors of vegetation incidence in simple and stepwise multiple logistic regressions for both archipelagos. Results Some expression of insular area was always the best single predictor of plant species richness in the linear regressions. Total area was a relatively poor predictor compared with other expressions of insular area. Distance, elevation, and protection explained relatively little of the overall variation in plant species number, although all variables were selected as significant in some models. A greater amount of variation in plant species richness was explained by the linear regression models in the Exumas (69.0%) compared with Andros (60.9%). Different variables were entered into the models for the three categories of islands in the Exumas, and adjusted coefficients of multiple determination ranged from 68.9% to 85.7%. In the logistic regressions, the model including total area and distance yielded almost 90% correct classification of vegetation incidence in the Exumas; no significant variables were selected for Andros. A group of exposed, outer islands supported many fewer species than more sheltered islands, on the basis of total island area or elevation. Main conclusions The three variables commonly used in studies of determinants of insular species richness ‐ total island area, distance, and elevation ‐ were relatively poor predictors in most analyses. Alternative expressions of insular area ‐ indicative of disturbance or shape in combination with area ‐ were usually better predictors than total area and may more realistically reflect habitable area. Alternative predictors explained similar amounts of variation in plant species richness compared with commonly used predictors, and combinations of all variables into a single stepwise model resulted in increased predictive power. The predictive power of the models tended to be higher for groups of islands that were more sheltered by neighbouring islands. Exposed islands,
Capacity of a Class of Deterministic Relay Channels

The capacity of a class of deterministic relay channels with transmitter input X, receiver output Y, relay output Y1 = f(X, Y), and separate noiseless communication link of capacity R0 from the relay to the receiver, is shown to be C(R0) = sup min {I(X;Y) + R0, I(X;Y,Y,)}. P(x) Roughly speaking, every bit from the relay is worth one bit to the receiver until saturation at capacity.
Ethical Challenges of Medicine and Health on the Internet: A Review

Knowledge and capabilities, particularly of a new technology or in a new area of study, frequently develop faster than the guidelines and principles needed for practitioners to practice ethically in the new arena; this is particularly true in medicine. The blending of medicine and healthcare with e-commerce and the Internet raises many questions involving what sort of ethical conduct should be expected by practitioners and developers of the medical Internet. Some of the early pioneers in medical and healthcare Web sites pushed the ethical boundaries with questionable, even unethical, practices. Many involved with the medical Internet are now working to reestablish patient and consumer trust by establishing guidelines to determine how the fundamentals of the medical code of ethical conduct can best be adapted for the medical/healthcare Internet. Ultimately, all those involved in the creation, maintenance, and marketing of medical and healthcare Web sites should be required to adhere to a strict code of ethical conduct, one that has been fairly determined by an impartial international organization with reasonable power to regulate the code. This code could also serve as a desirable, recognizable label-of-distinction for ethical Web sites within the medical and healthcare Internet community. One challenge for those involved with the medical and healthcare Internet will be to determine what constitutes "Medical Internet Ethics" or "Healthcare Internet Ethics," since the definition of medical ethics can vary from country to country. Therefore, the emerging field of Medical/ Healthcare Internet Ethics will require careful thought and insights from an international collection of ethicists in many contributing areas. This paper is a review of the current status of the evolving field of Medical/Healthcare Internet Ethics, including proposed definitions and identification of many diverse areas that may ultimately contribute to this multidisciplinary field. The current role that medicine and health play in the growing area of Internet communication and commerce and many of the ethical challenges raised by the Internet for the medical community are explored and some possible ways to address these ethical challenges are postulated.
Pornography, porno, porn: thoughts on a weedy field

This article provides an overview of the state of ‘pornography, porno, porn’ studies grounded on a critique of my own anthology and other significant texts. It notes the (over)abundance of work on gay pornography versus the surprising paucity on heterosexual pornographies; the under-representation of soft core; the near non-existence of an ‘archive’; and the need for more original single-authored books. Finally, the article makes a plea that criticizes the very title of this journal in the casual, too-comfortable use of the terms ‘porno’ and now ‘porn’ that risk aligning the academic field too closely with the industry, thus eliding critical distance and suggesting that the field is automatically ‘pro-porn,’ which it should not be.
Aging, Inhibition, Working Memory, and Speed

An implication of the hypothesis that failures of inhibition contribution to adult age differences in working memory (Hasher & Zacks, 1988) is that statistical control of measures of inhibition should reduce the age-related effects on working memory. This implication was tested in a study in which interference measures from three variants of a Stroop task served as the measures of inhibition. Although the age-related variance in measures of working memory was substantially reduced after control of the interference measures, the degree of attenuation was at least as large when speed measures from other tasks were controlled. Furthermore, additional analysis revealed that speed measures from tasks requiring oral, written, and keypress responses shared large proportions of their age-related variance. It was suggested that age-related influences on specific processes, such as inhibition, cannot be accurately assessed unless the contributions of more general age-related influences are taken into consideration.
Nutrition information topic and format preferences of older adults.

Abstract Personal interviews were conducted with 116 free-living, yet frail older adults in an urban setting to determine their nutrition interests and their preferred methods of acquiring nutrition information. Two nutritionists specializing in aging, one health educator, and one trained senior volunteer conducted interviews at respondents' homes; respondents were either current or potential customers of a nonprofit home-delivery grocery service. The focused interviews used a pilot tested questionnaire designed to elicit basic program planning information: 1) topics of interest, 2) preferred presentation methods, including structure of class settings, and 3) current sources of nutrition information. Analysis of the results showed that frail elderly people are interested in a variety of topics relating to nutrition and health, especially getting their money's worth in buying foods and nutrient retention in food preparation. Respondents found written materials to be both the most interesting information presentation method and the most helpful information source. They identified other helpful sources of food/nutrition information as follows: food package labels, television programs, cookbooks, physicians and home economists, dietitians and nutritionists. Survey results can serve to guide effective educational strategies for older adults.
The Persistent Myths of "Acting White" and Race Neutral Alternatives to Affirmative Action in Admissions

This paper discusses the persistent myths that cloud our understanding of two politically charged themes that have been featured in discussions of the educational outcomes of Blacks: "Acting White" and Race Neutral Alternatives to Affirmative Action in postsecondary admissions. We discuss research that shows that the "Acting White" hypothesis fails both theoretically and empirically to explain differences in educational outcomes between blacks and whites. We provide evidence that race neutral alternatives to admissions in higher education are both less effective and less efficient in producing racially diverse cohorts. Policy recommendations that heed the myths that rather than follow the facts are likely to be injurious to those that they seek to aid.
The appreciation of affect in alcoholic Korsakoff patients

The purpose of this study is to assess the appreciation of affective components of words in patients with insult to diencephalic and subcortical brain structures thought to subserve emotional expression. Six alcoholic Korsakoff patients were presented with triadic comparisons composed of names of birds, predators, and birds of prey. The principal findings revealed that normal control subjects associate birds of prey with both birds and predators, but Korsakoff patients associate the birds of prey significantly more often with birds than predators. Three-dimensional spatial representations of patients' associations revealed that normals cluster birds at one extreme of a dimension and predators at the other extreme, with birds of prey lying in an intermediate position. Korsakoff patients also clearly separate the birds from the predators and form tight clusters within each of these groups, but they associate the birds of prey noticeably with the birds. Moreover, Korsakoff patients displayed, on another dime...
Future Directions In Vaccines: The Payoffs Of Basic Research

Vaccine development has historically relied on approaches such as live attenuated, subunit, and whole-cell vaccine designs to present antigens to the immune system. These strategies are no longer nimble enough to rapidly address public health threats, particularly emerging infectious diseases. New vaccines will require a strong scientific base partnered with the leveraging of emerging and enabling technologies so that candidate vaccines can be developed more rapidly and with the greatest chance of proving effective. This paper focuses on new strategies, technologies, and immunologic research that will provide important opportunities for the development of new and improved vaccines.
Impact of surface roughness of Au core in Au/Pd core–shell nanoparticles toward formic acid oxidation – Experiment and simulation

Abstract The Au/Pd core–shell nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized via galvanic replacement of Cu by Pd on hollow Au cores by adding different concentrations of Na 2 SO 3 solution. It was found that the higher concentration of Na 2 SO 3 that was used, the rougher the Au nanospheres became. However, the rougher Au surface may cause more defects in the Pd layers and decrease the catalytic abilities. The Au/Pd NPs synthesized using 0 M Na 2 SO 3 (denoted as 0 M-Au/Pd NPs) have the smoothest Pd surface and demonstrate higher formic acid oxidation (FAO) activity (0.714 mA cm −2 , normalized to the surface area of Pd) than other Au/Pd NPs and commercial Pd black (0.47 mA cm −2 ). Additional electrochemical characterization of the 0 M-Au/Pd NPs also demonstrated lower CO-stripping onset and peak potentials, higher stability (8× improvement in stabilized oxidation current), and superior durability (by 1.6×) than the Pd black. In addition, a simple simulation of FAO was adopted to predict the anodic curve by including reaction intermediates of formate and hydroxyl. The 0 M-Au/Pd NPs were found to show higher formate and lower hydroxyl coverage than the Pd black.
Managing Disruptions in Decentralized Supply Chains with Endogenous Supply Process Reliability

Supply disruptions are all too common in supply chains. To mitigate delivery risk, buyers may either source from multiple suppliers or offer incentives to their preferred supplier to improve its process reliability. These incentives can be either direct (investment subsidy) or indirect (inflated order quantity). In this study, we present a series of models to highlight buyers’ and suppliers’ optimal parameter choices. Our base-case model has deterministic buyer demand and two possibilities for the supplier yield outcomes: all-or-nothing supply or partial disruption. For the all-or-nothing model, we show that the buyer prefers to only use the subsidy option, which obviates the need to inflate order quantity. However, in the partial disruption model, both incentives—subsidy and order inflation—may be used at the same time. Although single sourcing provides greater indirect incentive to the selected supplier because that avoids order splitting, we show that the buyer may prefer the diversification strategy under certain circumstances. We also quantify the amount by which the wholesale price needs to be discounted (if at all) to ensure that dual sourcing strategy dominates sole sourcing. Finally, we extend the model to the case of stochastic demand. Structural properties of ordering/subsidy decisions are derived for the all-or-nothing model, and in contrast to the deterministic demand case, we establish that the buyer may increase use of subsidy and order quantity at the same time.
Prospect Theory and Coercive Bargaining.

Despite many applications of prospect theory's concepts to explain political and strategic phenomena, formal analyses of strategic problems using prospect theory are rare. Using Fearon's model of bargaining, Tversky and Kahneman's value function, and an existing probability weighting function, I construct a model that demonstrates the differences between expected value and prospect theory when applied to strategic interaction. Critically important to this demonstration is an examination of different types of reference points that make sense for bargaining problems. Four types of reference points are discussed and analyzed: power-based, equity, variants of the status quo, and extreme ``I-want-it-all'' reference points. Each of these types of reference points produce different bargaining behavior at the individual level and in combination with the type of reference point of the other actor. Additionally, I demonstrate that bargaining failure is possible for this model under complete and perfect information ...
Signal direction finding for low complexity radar

We propose a novel beamforming algorithm for a three element system that suppresses an interference signal while still being able to measure a target's interferometer phases. Unlike most direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation algorithms, our algorithm does not use a grid search. Instead the estimates result from a closed form solution, a great advantage in time sensitive applications. The derivation of the algorithm is presented, and its statistical performance is examined with simulations. Additionally, our numerical results demonstrate that our algorithm not only requires lower computation but also is capable of achieving more reliable DOA estimates than those found with the well known multiple signal classification (MUSIC) algorithm.
Attribution of Causality to Common and Distinctive Elements of Compound Stimuli

Given the task of diagnosing the source of a patient's allergic reaction, college students judged the causal efficacy of common (X) and distinctive (A and B) elements of compound stimuli: AX and BX. As the differential correlation of AX and BX with the occurrence and nonoccurrence of the allergic reaction rose from .00 to 1.00, ratings of the distinctive A and B elements diverged; most importantly, ratings of the common X element fell. These causal judgments of humans closely parallel the conditioned responses of animals in associative learning studies, and clearly disclose that stimuli compete with one another for control over behavior.
On the relationship between absolute and relative fairness bounds

The fairness of scheduling disciplines used in communication networks has frequently been evaluated using one of two fairness measures: the absolute fairness bound (AFB) and the relative fairness bound (RFB). We present a tight bounded relationship between these measures of fairness. The bounds established are exactly reached in the case of many real scheduling disciplines, thus leading to an easy conversion between these two measures. In the case of latency-rate (LR) servers, this also leads to an easy determination of the upper bound on the latency of a flow from the more tractable relative fairness bound of the scheduler. Our results also indicate that in many real contexts, the two measures of fairness approach each other as the number of flows increases, confirming the RFB as an adequate measure of fairness.
Child Abuse Masquerading as a Soft Tissue Sarcoma

Pediatric fasciitides are rare benign lesions that may clinically mimic a malignant sarcoma. Nodular fasciitis, the most common of these fasciitides, rarely occurs in children younger than 5 years of age. Often there is a history of preceding trauma. Herein, we report the case of a 5-month-old boy diagnosed with nodular fasciitis in the setting of nonaccidental trauma.
Simplified surgical-hybrid Melody® valve implantation for paediatric mitral valve disease

Children suffering from left atrioventricular valve (LAVV) disease not amenable to repair represent a significant challenge. The results of surgical reconstruction are not optimal. Valve replacement as an alternative is associated with poor results. The surgical-hybrid approach with implantation of a stented biological valve (bovine jugular vein graft, Melody® valve) seems to represent a new therapeutic option. Here we demonstrate our case, the consideration and the approach to extreme clinical findings in a small child. We describe a simplified surgical-hybrid Melody valve implantation in a LAVV position. The technique of implantation is relatively simple and the immediate postoperative result very good.
Solving low-rank matrix completion problems efficiently

We present several first-order algorithms for solving the low-rank matrix completion problem and the tightest convex relaxation of it obtained by minimizing the nuclear norm instead of the rank of the matrix. Our first algorithm is a fixed point continuation algorithm that incorporates an approximate singular value decomposition procedure (FPCA). FPCA can solve large matrix completion problems efficiently and attains high rates of recoverability. For example, FPCA can recover 1000 by 1000 matrices of rank 50 with a relative error of 10−5 in about 3 minutes by sampling only 20% of the elements. We know of no other method that achieves as good recoverability. Our second algorithm is a row by row method for solving a semidefinite programming reformulation of the nuclear norm matrix completion problem. This method produces highly accurate solutions to fairly large nuclear norm matrix completion problems efficiently. Finally, we introduce an alternating direction approach based on the augmented Lagrangian framework.
Preparation of Impermeable Inside-Out and Right-Side-Out Vesicles from Erythrocyte Membranes

Each biological membrane operates differentially on the two compartments it separates and is thus anisotropic in its function. It is reasonable to suppose that the molecular constituents of the two surfaces differ and that this asymmetry constitutes a principal feature of membrane organization. Since membranes are only a few macromolecules thick, it is clear that enumeration of the components at each surface would do much to define the structure as a whole.
Tem Analysis of Interfacial Phases in Alumina-Ferrite Systems

Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) was used to analyze the interface between RF sputtered alumina thin films and (NiZn)Fe2O4 substrates. Bright field and dark field TEM images, High Resolution Electron Microscopy (HREM), and Selected Area Electron Diffraction (SAED) patterns provided direct evidence of eta-alumina crystalline regions near the filmsubstrate interface. The orientation and existence of the crystalline alumina phase was dependent on the substrate crystal orientation.
Impact of the egg parasitoid, Anaphes sordidatus (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae), on the carrot weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Objectives of the study were to evaluate impact of the egg parasitoid, Anaphes sordidatus (Girault), on its host, the carrot weevil, Listronotus oregonensis (LeConte), in the field. Mortality of carrot weevil larvae, in the absence of parasitism, was found to be density-dependent, with an average of 1–2 eggs surviving per carrot plant, regardless of initial egg density. Larval density averaged 1.5 per infested plant over the season. A. sordidatus adults emerged from 22.3% of eggs collected (maximum 49.3% on 1 August). There was no significant correlation between percentage of parasitism and egg density or plant growth characteristics. Since density-dependent mortality occurred in the absence of parasitism, the concept of effective parasitism (reduction in damage or larval survival) was developed to predict the overall effect of A. sordidatus on the carrot weevil.
Evidence Supports No Relationship between Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Premolar Extraction: An Electronic Health Records Review.

Objective:A controversy exists concerning the relationship, if any, between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and the anatomical position of the anterior teeth. Specifically, there has been speculation...
The Humoral Immune Response to T Cell–Independent Antigens

T cell–independent (TI) antigens, often polysaccharides, are large multivalent molecules that elicit specific antibody responses in the absence of T cells. Since they are present on the surface of numerous pathogens, the mechanism by which they induce antibody responses must also be understood within the context of the pathogens that express them. TI antigens uniquely promote sustained and potent B cell receptor (BCR)-mediated signaling at low antigen concentrations through induction of multiple domains of highly cross-linked membrane immunoglobulin. Co-cross-linking of the BCR and the complement receptor (CD21) by complement-bound TI antigens further lowers the concentration of antigen required for effective BCR-mediated signaling. Multivalent BCR cross-linking alone appears to stimulate only B cell proliferation, necessitating ‘second signals’ for induction of Ig secretion and class switching. Molecules expressed on the pathogen surface that stimulate innate immunity can provide these second signals. Although antibody responses to TI antigens do not require T cell help, T cells can play a major role in augmenting these responses, especially when the TI antigen is expressed by an intact pathogen. A small subgroup of polysaccharides termed ‘zwitterionic’ have the unique ability to be presented on MHC-II molecules and thus directly recruit cognate CD4 + T cell help.
Neighborhood Influences on Seasonal Influenza Vaccination among Older African Americans in Atlanta, Georgia.

Influenza vaccination coverage in the US is lower than the recommended Healthy People 2020 threshold, especially among older African Americans. This analysis explores the complex relationship among neighborhood-level factors, socio behavioral influences, and influenza vaccination outcomes among older African Americans
Cellular and molecular basis for stress-induced depression

Chronic stress has a crucial role in the development of psychiatric diseases, such as anxiety and depression. Dysfunction of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) has been linked to the cognitive and emotional deficits induced by stress. However, little is known about the molecular and cellular determinants in mPFC for stress-associated mental disorders. Here we show that chronic restraint stress induces the selective loss of p11 (also known as annexin II light chain, S100A10), a multifunctional protein binding to 5-HT receptors, in layer II/III neurons of the prelimbic cortex (PrL), as well as depression-like behaviors, both of which are reversed by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and the tricyclic class of antidepressant (TCA) agents. In layer II/III of the PrL, p11 is highly concentrated in dopamine D2 receptor-expressing (D2+) glutamatergic neurons. Viral expression of p11 in D2+ PrL neurons alleviates the depression-like behaviors exhibited by genetically manipulated mice with D2+ neuron-specific or global deletion of p11. In stressed animals, overexpression of p11 in D2+ PrL neurons rescues depression-like behaviors by restoring glutamatergic transmission. Our results have identified p11 as a key molecule in a specific cell type that regulates stress-induced depression, which provides a framework for the development of new strategies to treat stress-associated mental illnesses.
The Impact of CSF on Growth and Employment

Given the size of CSF, it is no surprise that several studies have attempted to measure the impact of Structural Funds on the economy of recipient countries. Beutel (1996) estimates that the implementation of the first CSF was associated with a significant rise of growth rates and promoted cohesion among member countries. More important, in the absence of the Plan, the gap would continue to grow and these countries would systematically continue to diverge from the rest of the EU members.
Single-pixel fluorescent imaging with temporally labeled illumination patterns

Most coherent imaging methods, such as holography, cannot be directly applied to fluorescent light emission, because it is spatially incoherent. We introduce coherent holographic image reconstruction by phase transfer (CHIRPT), an imaging technique that transfers the spatial phase of coherent illumination light to temporal modulations of the emitted fluorescence intensity. The spatial phase information encoded in the temporal modulations is exploited to digitally propagate fluorescent light to render two-dimensional images from a temporal signal obtained from a single-pixel photodetector. The image formation mechanism of CHIRPT provides much larger imaging depths of field than conventional imaging, permitting data far away from the focal plane to be digitally refocused.
Reversal of adverse effects of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on bone turnover in pre- and post-menopausal women with zoledronic acid

556 Background: Ovarian failure secondary to adjuvant chemotherapy is known to have an adverse effect on bone mineral density and to increase bone turnover markers. The effects of chemotherapy with...
Abstract A26: The RON tyrosine kinase accelerates pancreatic duct neoplasia and activates a positive autocrine/paracrine signaling loop that promotes alternative macrophage activation

Introduction: The RON (receptor d9origine nantais) tyrosine kinase is overexpressed in >80% of human pancreatic cancers, but its effect on pancreatic carcinogenesis is largely unknown. Methods: We developed a transgenic mouse that overexpresses RON specifically in the pancreas (Pdx-1-RON). Additionally, we utilized an existing transgenic mouse with a functionally inactive RON tyrosine kinase domain (Pdx-1-RTK-/-). These strains were crossed with the established CK murine model of pancreatic cancer yielding compound strains, RCK and CK/TK-/-. We performed immunofluorescent staining, flow cytometry, and western blot analysis on the tissues from these animals to study the effects of RON overexpression and the loss of RON signaling in the setting of oncogenic Kras. Results: RON overexpression results in increased acinar-ductal metaplasia, accelerates PanIN progression to invasive cancer, and results in an accumulation of alternatively-activated (MRC1+) macrophages in the tumor microenvironment. We found that RON overexpression results in upregulation of its own ligand, macrophage-stimulating protein (MSP), activating a positive autocrine/paracrine signaling loop that effects tumor growth and the differentiation of tumor-associated macrophages. Knockdown of RON expression and/or MSP expression results in decreased tumor growth in vivo. Additionally, loss of RON signaling in CK/TK-/- mice leads to a profound decrease in alternatively-activated (MRC1+) macrophages in the tumor microenvironment. In contrast, these animals demonstrate an accumulation of classically activated (CD11c+) macrophages. RON signaling is also associated with downregulation of the chemokine, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), a known driver of CD11c+ macrophage activation. The correlation of RON and MSP and the inverse correlation with MCP-1 expression were validated in a database analysis of human pancreatic tumor specimens. Conclusion: Our studies demonstrate that murine RON overexpression accelerates the development of invasive pancreatic cancer in the setting of oncogenic Kras. Active RON signaling results in upregulation of its own ligand, MSP, initiating a positive autocrine/paracrine feedback loop that promotes tumor growth and alters the differentiation of macrophages in the tumor microenvironment. Citation Format: Michele L. Babicky, Megan M. Harper, Evangeline S. Mose, Dawn J. Jaquish, Randall P. French, Susan E. Waltz. The RON tyrosine kinase accelerates pancreatic duct neoplasia and activates a positive autocrine/paracrine signaling loop that promotes alternative macrophage activation. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Function of Tumor Microenvironment in Cancer Progression; 2016 Jan 7–10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(15 Suppl):Abstract nr A26.
Proving the old spell wrong: New African hydrocarbon producers and the 'resource curse'

Avoiding the ‘resource curse’ will be key to turning oil and gas discoveries into sustainable development for new African producers. The article focuses on international and national policy innovations that can cut the economic, institutional and cultural Gordian knot behind the curse. ‘Oil funds’ have a disappointing record; best practices on why and how to use them are ambiguous. By contrast, the Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative has triggered learning processes of strengthening momentum. Leveraging transparency toward accountability through informed national policy debates is now the central policy challenge for new African producers. Meanwhile, Corporate Social Responsibility has evolved beyond health and safety to cover a firm’s environmental and social impact and can be mobilized in the form of developmentsupportive partnerships with investing companies. Much of past policy innovation has been defensive in nature, however. The post-2015 Sustainable Development Goals proposed by the UN High Level Panel present governments, companies and stakeholders with a shared positive agenda to eradicate poverty and turn natural resources into sustainable development.
Excision of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament During Anterior Cervical Corpectomy: A Biomechanical Study.

Study design An in vitro biomechanical study of the cervical spine. Objective To evaluate the biomechanical significance of the posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL) after anterior cervical corpectomy and reconstruction with a strut graft and anterior plate. Summary of background data Routine excision of the PLL during anterior cervical corpectomy is controversial. Many surgeons believe that maintaining the PLL after cervical corpectomy adds stability to the reconstruction, whereas others believe it can be excised without sequelae. There are no biomechanical studies to our knowledge evaluating the biomechanical significance of excising the PLL during corpectomy and whether this affects the stability of a reconstruction consisting of a strut graft and anterior plate. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the biomechanical effects of PLL excision during a complete anterior cervical corpectomy reconstructed with a strut graft and anterior plate. Methods Seven human cadaveric fresh-frozen cervical spines C2-T1 were tested for range of motion before surgery and reconstruction. A complete C6 corpectomy was performed and an interbody strut spacer with load cell was placed along with an anterior plate. Range of motion was measured with ±2.5 Nm of torque in flexion-extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation. Load-sharing data were recorded with incremental axial loads. The PLL was excised and range of motion and load-sharing testing was repeated. Results There were no significant differences in range of motion or load sharing with an anterior corpectomy and reconstruction after PLL excision. Conclusions Excision of the PLL during anterior cervical corpectomy reconstructed with a strut graft and anterior plate does not significantly affect the construct stability or load sharing of the graft.
Modeling a hysteretic modulator's PFM and PWM modes

In this paper, the describing function approach is used to extend the modeling of hysteretic mode control from the PWM mode to the PWM/PFM dual mode. A detailed circuit configuration of the PFM modulator and derivation of the model are introduced. Based on the derived model, a single zero transfer function is presented and several engineering approximations are applied to represent the dynamic characteristics of the PWM/PFM hysteretic modulator. A closed loop analysis is performed to assist the system designer with understanding the modulator.
Uncertainty Quantification in Fluid Flow

This chapter addresses the topic of uncertainty quantification in fluid flow computations. The relevance and utility of this pursuit are discussed, outlining highlights of available methodologies. Particular attention is focused on spectral polynomial chaos methods for uncertainty quantification that have seen significant development over the past two decades. The fundamental structure of these methods is presented, along with associated challenges. We also discuss demonstrations of their use in a number of fluid flow applications covering a range of complexity that is inherent in turbulent combustion.
Why Worry About Organized Crime

In the current age of endless conflict, it is apparent to most observers that the primary challenge to global stability is violent extremism. Policymakers believe the biggest threat to our personal and national security is ideologically motivated violence; thus our bureaucracy, funding streams, and security services at all levels are structured to identify and mitigate this threat. However, the role of transnational organized crime in conflict and instability worldwide has been well documented by many scholars and practitioners, and was acknowledged in 2011 by the US National Security Council, yet has not become universally recognized as a much more rampant destabilizer. Thus, strategies to counter it are generally piecemeal and ineffective.
Middle School Students First Experience with Mathematical Modeling

Internationally mathematical modeling is garnering more interest because of the many benefits of this approach. There are still many students though that have not had any experience with mathematical modeling. Previous research has shown that students can have difficulties with their first experience with mathematical modeling. This study used the prior research to effectively structure an implementation method to enable middle school students to be successful in their first experience with mathematical modeling. It was ensured that students understood the problem context, group work skills were discussed, cooperative learning was used, and all groups were able to share their work with the whole class. A mathematical modeling activity that had been previously been implemented with quality results was also used. Implications for researchers and teachers are discussed to help students be successful in their first modeling experience.
From charity to solidarity: the promise and challenges of service learning in labour courses

Service learning, an underutilised pedagogy in economics, provides the perfect vehicle for the introduction of heterodox approaches that value the role of institutions, ideologies, laws, and history in economic outcomes. This article describes the author's experience with one such course that combines in-class discussion of labour economics and labour history with service learning in worker centres and similar alt-labour organisations.
Abstract 15063: Association of Global Longitudinal Strain With Outcomes in Patients Who Develop Significant Tricuspid Regurgitation After Pacemaker/Defibrillator Implantation

Background: Development of significant tricuspid regurgitation (TR) following pacemaker/internal defibrillator (PPM/ICD) implantation, due to leaflet perforation or lack of coaptation, is occasionally observed. Global longitudinal strain (GLS) on echocardiography is a sensitive marker of regional myocardial mechanics. In a group of patients who developed significant TR, following PPM/ICD implantation, we sought to assess whether left (LV) & right ventricular (RV) GLS is independently associated with mortality. Methods: We studied 237 consecutive patients (age 64±13 years, 70% men) with Results: Mean baseline STS score, LV ejection fraction (LVEF), RV systolic pressure (RVSP), LV-GLS & RV-GLS were 11±11%, 27±12%, 36±10 mm Hg, -9.9±3% & -15.5±5%. 24% had 1, 43% had 2 and 33% had 3-chamber PPM/ICD. 54 % had ischemic cardiomyopathy. Mean follow-up RVSP, LV and RV-GLS (at 2 years after PPM/ICD implantation) were 36±10 mm Hg, -9.3±4% & -11.4±4%. At 6±3 years of follow-up, 3% underwent tricuspid repair/replacement, while 5% had heart transplantation and 64% died. Results of multivariate Cox Proportional Hazard analysis for long-term mortality are shown in Figure A. Survival curves separated on basis of baseline RV-GLS better or worse than median (-16%) are shown in Figure B. Conclusion: High-risk patients who develop ≥3+ TR following PPM/ICD implantation have a high rate of mortality & worse baseline & follow-up RV-GLS (but not LV-GLS) are independently associated with long-term mortality. No causality between post PPM/ICD TR & mortality is established & there is need for prospective confirmation.
Exploration of New Complexity Metrics for Curriculum-Based Measures of Writing.

Researchers and practitioners have questioned whether scoring procedures used with curriculum-based measures of writing (CBM-W) capture growth in complexity of writing. We analyzed data from six in...
Can Inter-VM Shmem Benefit MPI Applications on SR-IOV Based Virtualized Infiniband Clusters?

Single Root I/O Virtualization (SR-IOV) technology has been introduced for high-performance interconnects such as InfiniBand. Recent studies mainly focus on performance characteristics of high-performance communication middleware (e.g. MPI) and applications on SR-IOV enabled HPC clusters. However, current SR-IOV based MPI applications do not take advantage of the locality-aware communication on intra-host inter-VM environment. Although Inter-VM Shared Memory (IVShmem) has been proven to support efficient locality-aware communication, the performance benefits of IVShmem for MPI libraries on virtualized environments are yet to be explored. In this paper, we present a comprehensive performance evaluation for IVShmem backed MPI using micro-benchmarks and HPC applications. The performance evaluations show that, through IVShmem, the performance of MPI point-to-point and collective operations can be improved up to 193% and 91%, respectively. The application performance can be improved up to 96%, compared to SR-IOV. The results further show that IVShmem just brings minor overhead compared to native environment.