cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Referral and Diagnosis of Developmental Auditory Processing Disorder in a Large, United States Hospital-Based Audiology Service.

Background Children referred to audiology services with otherwise unexplained academic, listening, attention, language, or other difficulties are often found to be audiometrically normal. Some of these children receive further evaluation for auditory processing disorder (APD), a controversial construct that assumes neural processing problems within the central auditory nervous system. This study focuses on the evaluation of APD and how it relates to diagnosis in one large pediatric audiology facility. Purpose To analyze electronic records of children receiving a central auditory processing evaluation (CAPE) at Cincinnati Children's Hospital, with a broad goal of understanding current practice in APD diagnosis and the test information which impacts that practice. Research design A descriptive, cross-sectional analysis of APD test outcomes in relation to final audiologist diagnosis for 1,113 children aged 5-19 yr receiving a CAPE between 2009 and 2014. Results Children had a generally high level of performance on the tests used, resulting in marked ceiling effects on about half the tests. Audiologists developed the diagnostic category "Weakness" because of the large number of referred children who clearly had problems, but who did not fulfill the AAA/ASHA criteria for diagnosis of a "Disorder." A "right-ear advantage" was found in all tests for which each ear was tested, irrespective of whether the tests were delivered monaurally or dichotically. However, neither the side nor size of the ear advantage predicted the ultimate diagnosis well. Cooccurrence of CAPE with other learning problems was nearly universal, but neither the number nor the pattern of cooccurring problems was a predictor of APD diagnosis. The diagnostic patterns of individual audiologists were quite consistent. The number of annual assessments decreased dramatically during the study period. Conclusions A simple diagnosis of APD based on current guidelines is neither realistic, given the current tests used, nor appropriate, as judged by the audiologists providing the service. Methods used to test for APD must recognize that any form of hearing assessment probes both sensory and cognitive processing. Testing must embrace modern methods, including digital test delivery, adaptive testing, referral to normative data, appropriate testing for young children, validated screening questionnaires, and relevant objective (physiological) methods, as appropriate. Audiologists need to collaborate with other specialists to understand more fully the behaviors displayed by children presenting with listening difficulties. To achieve progress, it is essential for clinicians and researchers to work together. As new understanding and methods become available, it will be necessary to sort out together what works and what doesn't work in the clinic, both from a theoretical and a practical perspective.
Colors and Stuff: Exploring the Visual Representation of Color

It is standard to suppose that, whether or not they are actually instantiated in our environment, colors are properties. Presumably those who are convinced of this thesis are convinced because they think that’s how we see colors--how visual experience represents them. I argue, in contrast, that there are cases of illusory color perception in which it is more plausible to suppose colors are represented as kinds of stuff or substance rather than as properties. I then show how to extend this result to support the conclusion that colors are always represented in vision as kinds of stuff rather than as properties. In a concluding section, I consider further ways to explore and test the “stuff theory” of visual color representation. I also extract a moral from this investigation about our ability to draw accurate conclusions about our conscious visual experience.
Autosomal dominant calpainopathy due to heterozygous CAPN3 c.643_663del21

Introduction: A calpain-3 (CAPN3) gene heterozygous deletion (c.643_663del21) was recently linked to autosomal dominant (AD) limb girdle muscular dystrophy. However, the possibility of digenic disease was raised. We describe three families with AD calpainopathy carrying this isolated mutation. Methods: Probands heterozygous for CAPN3 c.643_663del21 were identified by targeted next generation or whole exome sequencing. Clinical findings were collected for probands and families. Calpain-3 muscle western blots were performed in three unrelated individuals. Results: Probands reported variable weakness in their 40s-50s with myalgia, back pain or hyperlordosis. Pelvic girdle muscles were affected with adductor and hamstring sparing. CK was normal-1,800 U/L independent of weakness severity. Imaging demonstrated lumbar paraspinal muscle atrophy. EMG and muscle biopsies were normal to mildly myopathic. Muscle calpain-3 expression was reduced. Discussion: This study provides further evidence for AD calpainopathy associated with CAPN3 c.643_663del21. No pathogenic variants in other genes known to cause myopathy were detected. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
The Unfolding Nature of the Rural Poor, Rural Development and Public Service Delivery of Electricity in Ghana’s Fourth Republic

This chapter argues that changing norms of domestic political autonomy have simultaneously empowered, as well as limited, the scope of economic authority and possibly authenticity of local-level institutions/district assemblies and national government through external institutions and actors. Efforts to support a “minimal” state under decentralization amid the leverage of external actors and assistance are intricately tied to a reduced scope for purposeful rural development strategies, which is reflected in incremental electricity provision for rural constituents.
Differential Effects of the US Supreme Court’s Same-Sex Marriage Decision on National Support for Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Civil Rights and Sexual Prejudice

The US Supreme Court (SCOTUS) in Obergefell v. Hodges legalized same-sex marriage throughout all US states and territories. Before that decision, after, and 1 year later, this successive-independent samples study identified clusters of individuals across the US based on worldview ideologies and used those clusters to examine effects of the SCOTUS decision on support for gay rights and sexual prejudice. Participants were 407 adults from 49 US states and territories. A cluster analysis identified three worldview groups: conservatives (23.6%), moderates (30.2%), and progressives (46.2%). Although no overall changes emerged over time in support for gay rights or sexual prejudice, the conservative group showed a marked polarization after the SCOTUS decision, becoming less supportive of gay rights and more prejudiced. Worldviews explained 68.3% of the variance in same-sex marriage support, 67.5% in gay rights support, and 68.8% in sexual prejudice, effects approaching nearly three times a large-sized effect in the social sciences. These findings add nuance to our understanding of the attitudinal impact of court decisions or legislation around progressive issues like same-sex marriage and gay rights, as well as the potential barriers to cultural progress on these issues.
Study of variability metrics for solar irradiance and photovoltaic output

Two variability metrics, i.e., universal variability index (UVI) and natural variability index (NVI) for solar irradiance and PV output are examined in this paper using high resolution irradiance measurement data of a PV farm over three years. Three criterions are proposed to evaluate the acceptability of variability metrics, including irradiance variability level classification, variability pattern identification and correlation with ramps of solar irradiance. It is shown that both UVI and NVI can differentiate seasonal irradiance variations. UVI has a superior performance in distinguishing the irradiance variation on clear sky and overcast days while NVI has limitations in identifying the irradiance variation on intermittent cloudy days. Furthermore, a strong linear relationship is observed between irradiance ramps and universal variability index, which implies that UVI can be used as a predictor for irradiance ramping estimation.
A 1.8 GHz LC VCO with 1.3 GHz tuning range and mixed-signal amplitude calibration

A 1.8GHz LC VCO designed in a 0.18 /spl mu/m CMOS process achieves a very wide tuning range of 73% and measured phase noise of -123.5dBc/Hz at a 600kHz offset from a 1.8GHz carrier while drawing 3.2mA from a 1.5V supply. A novel amplitude calibration technique used to stabilize performance across the wide band of operation does not degrade the VCO phase noise and consumes negligible power and area.
Kernel equivalence of programs and proving kernel equivalence and correctness by test cases

The statements in a program may be classified as "kernel statements" if they participate directly in the computation of some output and as "control statements" if they participate directly in deciding the control path at branch points. Two programs are kernel equivalent if they always execute identical sequences of kernel statements given the same inputs. Kernel equivalence is defined formally and is shown to be practically decidable in many cases by a procedure of trying test cases. The concept of program kernel may also be used as a basis for proving correctness of programs.
Synergy of elastic strain energy and electron wind force on thin film grain growth at room temperature

Abstract Grain growth in polycrystalline materials is commonly achieved with thermal annealing. Here, we explore an alternate athermal route through a synergy of electrical current and tensile strain at or near room temperature. Our experimental approach involves passing electrical current in 100 nm thick freestanding palladium films with about 5 nm initial grain size. The resulting Joule heating increases the temperature up to 470 K (homologous temperature of 0.25) at the middle section of the specimen. The massive heatsinks at the two ends of the specimen constrain them at the room temperature. At current density of 7 × 105 A/cm2, in-situ transmission electron microscopy shows more than two orders of magnitude grain growth in the high temperature regions and little growth at the room temperature regions. However, application of elastic strain (about 0.1%) dramatically increased the grain size to about 100 nm in a few seconds at the room temperature regions. Our finding suggests that the synergy of elastic strain energy and electrical current density may achieve grain growth in metallic materials even at the room temperature. Molecular dynamics simulation of this phenomenon reveals that the externally applied strain is localized at the grain boundaries in nanocrystalline metals, which promotes the effects of electron wind force on the grain boundary atoms. We conclude that a synergy of two or more stimuli can achieve grain growth at room or even lower temperatures.
Flow shops with reentry: Reversibility properties and makespan optimal schedules

Abstract We consider flow shops with job reentry. We first discuss how reversibility properties of conventional flow shops can be generalized to flow shop models with job reentry. We show under which conditions the makespan and job flow times are reversible. Second, we examine the problem of minimizing the makespan in ordered flow shops with job reentry. In particular, we focus on two special cases of the ordered flow shop that are referred to as machine-ordered and proportionate flow shops. We specify a class of cyclic schedules that have a makespan invariance property and minimize the makespan when each job follows the same route. We then examine makespan optimal schedules in a more generalized processing environment with loop effects on job processing times for which the makespan invariance property does not hold. Lastly, we present a dispatching rule that minimizes the makespan when considering a more general form of job recirculation with the route of each job not necessarily being the same.
Arthropods visiting flowers of Aristolochia californica Torr. (Aristolochiaceae)

A survey of arthropods visiting flowers of California pipevine, Aristolochia californica Torr. (Aristolochiaceae), was conducted during 2017 and 2018. Collecting produced 1725 individuals in 75 terminal taxa. Over the two years, a residential backyard produced more terminal taxa (70) and individuals (1539) than flowers in an upland grassland (27 terminal taxa, 186 individuals). Diptera: Mycetophilidae were the dominate arthropod group attracted to the flowers, accounting for 77.8% of visitors and represented by 17 genera and 28 morphospecies, with Mycetophila Meigen, 1803 being most diverse with 12 morphospecies. The superfamily Sciaroidea (Keroplatidae, Mycetophilidae, Sciaridae) had 33 morphospecies and 1505 specimens representing 87.2% of the total arthropods. The arthropods could be grouped into the following guilds: potential pollinators, fluid feeders, predators, parasites, scavengers and temporary residents.
Evaluation of Frequency of Encounters With Primary Care Physicians vs Visits to Community Pharmacies Among Medicare Beneficiaries.

Importance The shift toward value-based care has placed emphasis on preventive care and chronic disease management services delivered by multidisciplinary health care teams. Community pharmacists are particularly well positioned to deliver these services due to their accessibility. Objective To compare the number of patient visits to community pharmacies and the number of encounters with primary care physicians among Medicare beneficiaries who actively access health care services. Design, Setting, and Participants This cross-sectional study analyzed a 5% random sample of 2016 Medicare beneficiaries from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2016 (N = 2 794 078). Data were analyzed from October 23, 2019, to December 20, 2019. Medicare Part D beneficiaries who were continuously enrolled and had at least 1 pharmacy claim and 1 encounter with a primary care physician were included in the final analysis (n = 681 456). Those excluded from the study were patients who were not continuously enrolled in Part D until death, those with Part B skilled nursing claims, and those with Part D mail-order pharmacy claims. Exposures We conducted analyses for the overall sample and for subgroups defined by demographics, region of residence, and clinical characteristics. Main Outcomes and Measures Outcomes included the number of visits to community pharmacies and encounters with primary care physicians. Unique visits to the community pharmacy were defined using a 13-day window between individual prescription drug claims. Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to compare the medians for the 2 outcomes. Results A total of 681 456 patients (mean [SD] age, 72.0 [12.5] years; 418 685 [61.4%] women and 262 771 [38.6%] men) were included in the analysis; 82.2% were white, 9.6% were black, 2.4% were Hispanic, and 5.7% were other races/ethnicities. Visits to the community pharmacy outnumbered encounters with primary care physicians (median [interquartile range (IQR)], 13 [9-17] vs 7 [4-14];P Conclusions and Relevance This cross-sectional study suggests that community pharmacists are accessible health care professionals with frequent opportunities to interact with community-dwelling patients. Primary care physicians should work collaboratively with community pharmacists, who can assist in the delivery of preventive care and chronic disease management.
Influences of Race and Sex on Self-Care for Persons with Heart Failure and Diabetes

Introduction Persons with both diabetes (DM) and heart failure (HF) have complex self-care. Self-efficacy and knowledge influence a patient's ability to manage these chronic conditions. In other populations, differences between race and gender have been reported in areas of disease specific knowledge, self-efficacy, and self-care. Greater understanding of differences by race and gender is significant for improving HF-DM self-care and quality of life (QOL). The purpose of this study was to examine HF-DM knowledge, self-care, efficacy, and QOL in racial groups (White, Black) and by sex (men/women) in order to inform culturally congruent care. Hypothesis There are differences in self-care and antecedents of self-efficacy, knowledge, and outcomes of QOL by race and sex. Methods In a secondary analysis, baseline data were examined from 134 persons with HF-DM participating in a trial to improve co-morbid self-care. Participants were 69% Black, and 66% men. Mean age was 57.4 ± 10.6 years. Variables and measures included demographics, clinical factors (HF severity, years with HF, and DM), HF knowledge (AHFKQ), social support (ESSI), self-care efficacy and behavior (SCHFI); HF and DM QOL (MLWHF, ADDQOL), and health status (EQVAS). DM variables were self-care (SCSDA), knowledge (MDKT), and self-efficacy (PDSMS). Group comparison tests were performed using chi squares, t-tests, and non-parametric Mann Whitney tests. Results Black participants had higher body mass index (BMI) (p=.04), higher PDSMS (p=.009) and SCSDA foot care scores (p=.04), and lower MDKT (p=.001), ESSI (p=.05), and ADDQOL scores (p=.03) than white participants. Men were diagnosed with HF longer than DM (p=.02), had higher EQVAS (p=.006) and lower SCHFI confidence (p=.05) and foot care scores (p=.005). Women had lower severity of HF (p=.006) and had lived with HF longer than men (p=.02). Conclusions Results revealed differences in self-care, self-care antecedents, and QOL by race and sex. Implications include HF-DM education and social support interventions to improve overall QOL and self-care in Blacks. More focus on DM self-efficacy and foot care is warranted for men, as well as greater attention to longer term HF symptoms and QOL for women. Culturally relevant care and sex-based interventions are needed to address self-care needs for those with co-morbid conditions.
A regularity theory of causality for the social sciences

This article discusses a regularity theory of causality (RTC) for the social sciences. With RTC, causality is a relationship between X and Y characterized by three features: (1) temporal order; (2) spatiotemporal connection; and (3) constant conjunction. The article discusses each of these three features, situating them within work in the social sciences. The article explores how scholars in the fields of comparative-historical analysis (CHA) and qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) implicitly understand causality in terms of these three features. Special attention is focused on the concern of CHA with methods for establishing the spatiotemporal connection between cause and outcome. Likewise, special attention is focused on the concern of QCA with establishing constant conjunction in the form of non-spurious regularities. The article compares RTC with two other theories of causality: causal power theories, which focus on the activation of entities with generative capacities, and counterfactual theories, which view individual causes as difference-makers for outcomes. The article concludes with a call for scholars in the social sciences who implicitly use RTC to begin to do so explicitly and more self-consciously.
Use of oral tetracyclines in the treatment of adult outpatients with skin and skin structure infections: Focus on doxycycline, minocycline, and omadacycline.

Oral tetracyclines have been used in clinical practice for over 60 years. One of the most common indications for use of oral tetracyclines is for treatment of adult outpatients with skin and soft infections (SSTIs), including acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSIs). The 2014 Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) skin and soft tissue guideline strongly recommends sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim, clindamycin, and tetracyclines as oral treatment options for patients with purulent SSTIs, especially when methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is of clinical concern. Despite the long-standing use of tetracyclines, practice patterns indicate that they are often considered after other guideline-concordant oral options for the treatment of patients with SSTIs. Clinicians may therefore be less familiar with the clinical data associated with use of commercially available tetracycline agents for treatment of patients with SSTI. This review summarizes the literature on the use of oral tetracyclines (ie, doxycycline, minocycline, and omadacycline) for the treatment of adult patients with SSTIs. As part of this review, we describe their common mechanisms of resistance, susceptibility profiles against common SSTI pathogens, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, and comparative clinical data.
Spontaneous regression and quiescence of choroidal neovascularization secondary to traumatic choroidal rupture depicted on OCT angiography.

Introduction Choroidal rupture is a tear/break within the Bruch's membrane, retinal pigment epithelium and choroid following blunt trauma. Choroidal neovascularization is a well-known complication of traumatic choroidal rupture that is typically treated with intravitreal injections of Bevacizumab. This case describes an early detection of choroidal neovascular complex secondary to traumatic choroidal rupture and its spontaneous regression and quiescence without treatment followed using optical coherence tomography (OCT) angiography. Case description A healthy 19 year old female presented with decreased vision in her left eye following a blunt non-penetrating closed globe injury two weeks prior. A complete ophthalmic examination with ancillary testing was consistent with sub-foveal choroidal neovascularization secondary to traumatic choroidal rupture. Five weeks later, there was spontaneous regression of the choroidal neovascular complex as depicted on OCT angiography and complete resolution of subretinal fluid/exudation on structural OCT. A conservative approach without intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections was chosen for management. Conclusion To the authors' knowledge this is a first case describing a unique evolution with spontaneous regression and quiescence of choroidal neovascularization secondary to traumatic choroidal rupture without treatment followed using OCT angiography. Expectant management may be a viable treatment option for this condition.
Antibody-based Biosensor Development

This chapter focuses on antibody-based biosensor development. The use of biological molecules and/or biological structures as the basis for sensing devices is a research area which is rapidly expanding. These biosensors have a wide array of applications, including detection of chemical pollutants, various metabolites, or for medical drug monitoring. In this study, the PR-FIS device uses a fiber-tipped sensor fabricated with dialysis membrane and filled with approximately 20 to 40 nL of anti-benzopyrene-tetrol (BPT) antibody solution. The results illustrate the capacity of the PR-FIS device to reveal the spectrum of 30 femtomoles of BPT in the presence of much higher amounts of interfering benzo(a)pyrene (BaP). Finally, the FIS device is also applied to the analysis of biological samples isolated from human placenta samples. One of the main goals in this study is to provide a sensitive and selective tool for detection and quantification of human exposure to environmental carcinogens. The previous measurements demonstrated that the FIS can achieve attomole sensitivity. This study successfully demonstrated the effectiveness of the FIS device for biomonitoring human exposure to toxic pollutants such as benzopyrene (BP). The detection limit is 14 attomoles of BPT.
A rare case of iododerma after therapy with oral Iodine-131

1320 Objectives Iododerma is a rare type of hypersensitivity, manifesting as cutaneous eruptions after systemic or oral exposure to Iodine. Only one case of Iododerma after oral administration of I-131 for treating hyperthyroidism has been reported yet(11). We report the second case of Iododerma caused by oral I-131 therapy. By presenting this case we would like to highlight the possibility of this uncommon hypersenstivity, especially to nuclear medicine physicians who frequently administer radioactive iodine therapies. Methods We selected our patient based on the history of receiving I-131 therapy for a hyperfunctioning autonomous nodule. The patient reported a papulopustular rash developing on her lower extremities four hours after I-131 administration, which progressively worsened. Over the period of next three days the rash progressed to the upper extremities and face which prompted her to come to Emergency Department. She was subsequently admitted to the hospital for further management. The patient was subjected to a battery of serological tests, tissue cultures and skin biopsies. Dermatology and Surgery services were also involved. The patient was followed till the lesions were improved and discharged from the hospital. Results Serological tests were within normal limits. Cultures demonstrated no pathogens. Biopsies of the lesions showed evidence of a dense neutrophilic infiltration in the dermis, suggestive of Iododerma. The patient was managed symptomatically and clinical improvement was noted in 1 week. Conclusions Iododerma has been usually reported after systemic administration of iodine containing contrast media, and less commonly after oral or topical administration. The diagnosis of Iododerma is mostly clinical based on the history and physical examination. Our patient had cutaneous manifestations soon after receiving Iodine 131 therapy with negative serological tests, negative cultures and histopathological results suggesting Iododerma. The clinical course and history along with these findings are all supporting the diagnosis of I-131 therapy induced Iododerma
Resolving double disulfide bond patterns in SNAP25B using liquid chromatography–ion trap mass spectrometry

Complex disulfide bond patterns in synaptosomal-associated protein of 25 kD B (SNAP25B) are thought to regulate neurotransmitter release in response to oxidative stress. However, the steric feasibility of each possible disulfide pattern in SNAP25B has not been assessed. To assess the steric feasibility of hypothesized closely spaced complex disulfide patterning in SNAP25B and also the feasibility of identifying complex disulfide bond patterns with MS, we have developed a novel probabilistic analysis to unambiguously resolve complex double disulfide bond patterns by using an ion trap mass spectrometer. We analyzed fragmentation patterns of singly linked peptides to determine likely fragmentation events in an ion trap mass spectrometer and observed double and single backbone cleavage along with heterolytic cleavage of the disulfide bond. We modeled these same events in the doubly disulfide linked SNAP25B peptide and used a cumulative hypergeometric distribution with top–down scoring to both identify and differentiate these bonding patterns. Because of the presence of unique MS/MS peaks, two of the bonding patterns were directly identified. The third was assigned on the basis of full chromatographic separation and confirmed by modeling triple breakage fragments. In total, this work demonstrates the feasibility – and also limitations – of identification of complex intradisulfide patterns by using ion trap-based collision-induced dissociation-based fragmentation methods. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sparse glider datasets: A case study for NoSQL databases

Multi-sensor platforms like buoys and gliders produce one or more readings per sensor on varying, discrete time frequencies. The resulting datasets are a matricies with rows containing readings from sensors that reported at a moment in time and NULL for missing readings from sensors that did not. Traditional Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS) are already well suited for the dense matricies in which NULL values are infrequent. The efficiency of these systems deteriorates though as data becomes more sparse. The University of South Florida College of Marine Science Ocean Technology Group (COT) operates four gliders. Each glider produces dynamic, different sparse datasets. Other data management solutions exist, but they are based on a RDBMS. COT has been investigating an alternative without using and RDBMS. Glider Database Alternative with Mongo (GDAM) is a data management system for gliders built on the MongoDB NoSQL database engine. It is live in production at COT. GDAM is a collection of scripts which parse, process and store real-time glider datasets. Data is parsed as soon as it is transmitted via satellite to our shore-based servers. The system has been tested during two Slocum G1 glider deployments in September and October of 2012. Archival datasets dating back to March of 2009 have also been uploaded into this system. Records are indexed by time, GPS, and depth with the ability to add more indexes as necessary. The paper outlines dataset problems identified using data from COT glider operations in 2012. These problems inform a discussion of design decisions and possible options considering both RDBMS and NoSQL systems. The paper concludes by discussing the current implementation of GDAM.
Ablation Monitoring with Elastography: 2D In-vivo and 3D Ex-vivo Studies

The clinical feasibility of 2D elastography methods is hindered by the requirement that the operator avoid out-of-plane motion of the ultrasound image during palpation, and also by the lack of volumetric elastography measurements. In this paper, we develop and evaluate a 3D elastography method operating on volumetric data acquired from a 3D probe. Our method is based on minimizing a cost function using dynamic programming (DP). The cost function incorporates similarity of echo amplitudes and displacement continuity. We present, to the best of our knowledge, the first in-vivopatient studies of monitoring liver ablation with freehand DP elastography. The thermal lesion was not discernable in the B-mode image but it was clearly visible in the strain image as well as in validation CT. We also present 3D strain images from thermal lesions in ex-vivoablation. Good agreement was observed between strain images, CT and gross pathology.
Lung Cancer: Genetics

There exists sufficient evidence supporting a genetic component to lung cancer development. However, the genes involved and the exact mechanisms underlying individual susceptibility to lung cancer development are still unclear. Advances in cellular biology and laboratory methods are rapidly evolving and will provide further insight about the genetic basis of this disease. Keywords: lung cancer; genetics; genomics; DNA repair; glutathione-S transferases
Experiments in laser fusion

The subject of laser induced fusion has advanced by some dramatic steps in the last few years. The following article by the staff of KMS Fusion outlines some of these events. I have had the pleasure of being associated with the group while many of the experiments were being carried out. I feel that the high values of volumetric compression achieved speak for the eventual success of this method of generating large numbers of neutrons. The neutron yield has increased from a few thousand to 7 × 106 in a comparatively short time and the various tests that have been conducted lead me to believe that the neutrons are of thermonuclear origin.
Early progress in epigenetic regulation of endothelin pathway genes.

Control of gene transcription is a major regulatory determinant for function of the endothelin pathway. Epigenetic mechanisms act on tissue-specific gene expression during development and in response to physiological stimuli. Most of the limited evidence available on epigenetic regulation of the endothelin pathway focuses on the EDN1 and EDNRB genes. Examination of whole genome databases suggests that both genes are influenced by histone modifications and DNA methylation. This interpretation is supported by studies directed at detecting epigenetic action on the two genes. The clearest illustration of epigenetic factors altering endothelin signalling is DNA methylation-associated EDNRB silencing during tumourigenesis. This review summarizes our current understanding of epigenetic regulation of the endothelin pathway genes. LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on Endothelin. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2013.168.issue-1
Arteriovenous malformation embocure score (AVMES): reply.

We greatly appreciate the authors’ interest and review of our paper and congratulate them on the recent publication of their endovascular arteriovenous malformation (AVM) grading scale. The addition of their study to the previously published Buffalo score1 and our arteriovenous malformation embocure score (AVMES) enriches this new domain of neuroendovascular surgery, but also serves to highlight the need for such a tool. We appreciate the authors’ experience and opinions articulated in their review of our paper. The authors raise the issue of redundancy between the factors of size and arterial feeders. They draw on their own experience, which demonstrated a correlation between the nidal size and the number of arterial pedicles. We chose to consider these factors separately for three reasons. First, though common, this association does not always hold true. Two, the number of arterial pedicles is often reflective of the qualitative complexity of the AVM, with a lesion harboring more arterial pedicles generally being considered more complex. By including the number …
Reduced cross-talk semiconductor optical amplifiers based on type-II quantum wells

It is shown that using type-II QW active regions in SOA's will allow up to 10 dB reduction in the interchannel crosstalk at high (>2.5 Gbit/s) data rates. The reduction can be attained via a corresponding increase in saturation energy without any reduction in the efficiency.
Natural History of Atherosclerotic and Fibrous Renal Artery Disease: Clinical Implications

Atherosclerotic renal artery disease and the fibrous renal artery diseases are described with respect to their radiographic and clinical characteristics. In a retrospective review, serial renal arteriograms of 85 patients with atherosclerotic renal artery disease and 66 patients with the medial fibroplasia type of fibrous renal artery disease were analyzed to characterize their natural history. Atherosclerotic renovascular disease progressed in 37 patients (44%) with total arterial occlusion occurring in 14 patients (16%). Medial fibroplasia of the renal artery progressed in 22 patients (33%) with no patient progressing to complete occlusion. Reduction in kidney size and increase in serum creatinine were good clinical markers for progressive atherosclerotic renal artery disease, but failed to discriminate between progressive and nonprogressive medial fibroplasia. The adequacy of BP control did not correlate with progressive occlusive disease in patients with either renal artery atherosclerosis or medial fibroplasia. The clinical implications of these observations are discussed with a view toward renal revascularization or transluminal angioplasty for preservation of renal function.
Posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and parenting satisfaction among a national sample of male vietnam veterans.

This study examined relationships between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and parenting satisfaction. Total PTSD severity scores and avoidance and emotional numbing symptoms were significantly associated with parenting satisfaction. These associations remained significant even after controlling for partner violence, major depression, and alcohol abuse/dependence. Results suggest that higher levels of PTSD symptoms and avoidance and emotional numbing symptoms in particular may have a deleterious effect on parent–child relationship satisfaction.
Channeling Hollywood: Picture Palace Employees and Celebrity Culture

Abstract The author examines the relationship between early twentieth-century urban life and the celebrity culture generated by Hollywood through the lens of the daily lives of picture palace employees in Tampa, Florida. Many theater employees appropriated the glamour of Hollywood, and in doing so created distilled celebrity identities. These identities allowed them particular freedoms within the city and enabled movie patrons to brush shoulders with “near” celebrities.
On the solution of an integral equation arising in water waves theory

In this paper, a new approach is introduced to derive the solution of an integral equation that arises in water waves theory. The equation appears in the study of a circular harbour with a small entrance subjected to incident waves.
Inhibition of Bacterial Growth and Intramniotic Infection in a Guinea Pig Model of Chorioamnionitis Using PAMAM Dendrimers

Dendrimers have emerged as topical microbicides to treat vaginal infections. This study explores the in vitro, in vivo antimicrobial activity of PAMAM dendrimers, and the associated mechanism. Interestingly, topical cervical application of 500 microg of generation-4 neutral dendrimer (G(4)-PAMAM-OH) showed potential to treat the Escherichia coli induced ascending uterine infection in guinea pig model of chorioamnionitis. Amniotic fluid collected from different gestational sacs of infected guinea pigs posttreatment showed absence of E. coli growth in the cultures plated with it. The cytokine level [tumor necrosis factor (TNFalpha) and interleukin (IL-6 and IL-1beta)] in placenta of the G(4)-PAMAM-OH treated animals were comparable to those in healthy animals while these were notably high in infected animals. Since, antibacterial activity of amine-terminated PAMAM dendrimers is known, the activity of hydroxyl and carboxylic acid terminated PAMAM dendrimers was compared with it. Though the G(4)-PAMAM-NH(2) shows superior antibacterial activity, it was found to be cytotoxic to human cervical epithelial cell line above 10 microg/mL, while the G(4)-PAMAM-OH was non-cytotoxic up to 1mg/mL concentration. Cell integrity, outer (OM) and inner (IM) membrane permeabilization assays showed that G(4)-PAMAM-OH dendrimer efficiently changed the OM permeability, while G(4)-PAMAM-NH(2) and G(3.5)-PAMAM-COOH damaged both OM and IM causing the bacterial lysis. The possible antibacterial mechanism are G(4)-PAMAM-NH(2) acts as polycation binding to the polyanionic lipopolysaccharide in E. coli, the G(4)-PAMAM-OH forms hydrogen bonds with the hydrophilic O-antigens in E. coli membrane and the G(3.5)-PAMAM-COOH acts as a polyanion, chelating the divalent ions in outer cell membrane of E. coli. This is the first study which shows that G(4)-PAMAM-OH dendrimer acts as an antibacterial agent.
iciA, an Escherichia coli gene encoding a specific inhibitor of chromosomal initiation of replication in vitro.

Abstract The gene encoding the protein that binds the three 13-mers in the origin (oriC) of Escherichia coli to block initiation of replication in vitro has been cloned, sequenced, and overexpressed. The gene possesses an open reading frame for 297 amino acids (mass of 33,471 Da). The protein has a motif for DNA-binding (helix-turn-helix) and has homology to a diverse set of prokaryotic regulatory proteins, known as the LysR family. The protein, previously referred to as the 33-kDa protein, has been named IciA (for inhibitor of chromosome initiation). The iciA gene is at 62.8 min on the chromosomal map. Cells with enhanced levels of the protein grow at a normal rate but generally exhibit a pronounced lag upon transfer to a fresh medium.
Intracellular bacillary burden reflects a burst size for Mycobacterium tuberculosis in vivo.

We previously reported that Mycobacterium tuberculosis triggers macrophage necrosis in vitro at a threshold intracellular load of ~25 bacilli. This suggests a model for tuberculosis where bacilli invading lung macrophages at low multiplicity of infection proliferate to burst size and spread to naive phagocytes for repeated cycles of replication and cytolysis. The current study evaluated that model in vivo, an environment significantly more complex than in vitro culture. In the lungs of mice infected with M. tuberculosis by aerosol we observed three distinct mononuclear leukocyte populations (CD11b(-) CD11c(+/hi), CD11b(+/lo) CD11c(lo/-), CD11b(+/hi) CD11c(+/hi)) and neutrophils hosting bacilli. Four weeks after aerosol challenge, CD11b(+/hi) CD11c(+/hi) mononuclear cells and neutrophils were the predominant hosts for M. tuberculosis while CD11b(+/lo) CD11c(lo/-) cells assumed that role by ten weeks. Alveolar macrophages (CD11b(-) CD11c(+/hi)) were a minority infected cell type at both time points. The burst size model predicts that individual lung phagocytes would harbor a range of bacillary loads with most containing few bacilli, a smaller proportion containing many bacilli, and few or none exceeding a burst size load. Bacterial load per cell was enumerated in lung monocytic cells and neutrophils at time points after aerosol challenge of wild type and interferon-γ null mice. The resulting data fulfilled those predictions, suggesting a median in vivo burst size in the range of 20 to 40 bacilli for monocytic cells. Most heavily burdened monocytic cells were nonviable, with morphological features similar to those observed after high multiplicity challenge in vitro: nuclear condensation without fragmentation and disintegration of cell membranes without apoptotic vesicle formation. Neutrophils had a narrow range and lower peak bacillary burden than monocytic cells and some exhibited cell death with release of extracellular neutrophil traps. Our studies suggest that burst size cytolysis is a major cause of infection-induced mononuclear cell death in tuberculosis.
October 1995 magnetic cloud and accompanying storm activity: Ring current evolution

The passage at Earth of the October 1995 magnetic cloud and the high-speed corotating stream overtaking it, monitored by the Global Geospace Science (GGS) spacecraft Wind, caused two consecutive geomagnetic storms: a major one during the strong Bz < 0 nT phase of cloud passage and a moderate one during the intermittent Bz < 0 activity in the fast corotating stream. Large dynamic pressure changes were observed in the sheath region ahead of the cloud and in the cloud-stream interface region at its rear, resulting in substantial corrections to the measured Dst index. A burst of superdense plasma sheet extending over ∼2 hours in local time was observed at geostationary orbit during the second storm. We simulate the ring current development during this storm period using our kinetic model and calculate the magnetic field perturbation caused by the ring current. The plasma inflow on the nightside is modeled throughout the investigated period using data measured at geosynchronous orbit. The modeled Dst index is compared with the observed Dst values corrected for magnetopause and telluric currents. The temporal evolution of the ring current H+ and O+ distribution functions is computed, considering losses due to charge exchange, Coulomb collisions, and ion precipitation. We find that (1) the storm time enhancement of the plasma sheet ion population contributed significantly to the ring current buildup; (2) an additional ∼12 nT decrease in Dst is achieved when the symmetry line of the plasma convection paths is rotated eastward from the dawn-dusk direction with 3 hours during the first storm; (3) the major loss process is charge exchange, followed by Coulomb collisions and ion precipitation; (4) however, the energy losses due to ion precipitation increase monotonically during the more active periods, reaching the level of Coulomb losses at peak storm intensity. We argue that the losses due to ion precipitation considered in this study are closely related to the enhanced convection electric field, which in our model is parameterized with the planetary Kp index. Correspondingly, we find that (5) there is a very good correlation between the variations in time of this index and the magnitude of the ion precipitation losses.
Gestational lead exposure selectively decreases retinal dopamine amacrine cells and dopamine content in adult mice

Gestational lead exposure (GLE) produces supernormal scotopic electroretinograms (ERG) in children, monkeys and rats, and a novel retinal phenotype characterized by an increased number of rod photoreceptors and bipolar cells in adult mice and rats. Since the loss of dopaminergic amacrine cells (DA ACs) in GLE monkeys and rats contributes to supernormal ERGs, the retinal DA system was analyzed in mice following GLE. C57BL/6 female mice were exposed to low (27 ppm), moderate (55 ppm) or high (109 ppm) lead throughout gestation and until postnatal day 10 (PN10). Blood [Pb] in control, low-, moderate- and high-dose GLE was ≤ 1, ≤ 10, ~25 and ~40 μg/dL, respectively, on PN10 and by PN30 all were ≤ 1 μg/dL. At PN60, confocal-stereology studies used vertical sections and wholemounts to characterize tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expression and the number of DA and other ACs. GLE dose-dependently and selectively decreased the number of TH-immunoreactive (IR) DA ACs and their synaptic plexus without affecting GABAergic, glycinergic or cholinergic ACs. Immunoblots and confocal revealed dose-dependent decreases in retinal TH protein expression and content, although monoamine oxidase-A protein and gene expression were unchanged. High-pressure liquid chromatography showed that GLE dose-dependently decreased retinal DA content, its metabolites and DA utilization/release. The mechanism of DA selective vulnerability is unknown. However, a GLE-induced loss/dysfunction of DA ACs during development could increase the number of rods and bipolar cells since DA helps regulate neuronal proliferation, whereas during adulthood it could produce ERG supernormality as well as altered circadian rhythms, dark/light adaptation and spatial contrast sensitivity.
Falconer's formula for the Hausdorff dimension of a self-affine set in R2

Let A1, A2,…,Ak be a finite set of contractive, affine, invertible self-mappings of R2. A compact subset Λ of R2 is said to be self-affine with affinitiesA1, A2,…,Ak ifIt is known [8] that for any such set of contractive affine mappings there is a unique (compact) SA set with these affinities. When the affine mappings A1, A2,…,Ak are similarity transformations, the set Λ is said to be self-similar. Self-similar sets are well understood, at least when the images Ai(Λ) have ‘small’ overlap: there is a simple and explicit formula for the Hausdorff and box dimensions [12, 10]; these are always equal; and the δ-dimensional Hausdorff measure of such a set (where δ is the Hausdorff dimension) is always positive and finite.
Unsolved motility looking for answer.

A rod-like axostyle complex turns the anterior end of a termite flagellate, including the plasma membrane, continually in the same direction relative to the rest of the cell at speeds up to ∼1 Hz. This motility provides direct visual evidence for the fluid nature of cell membranes. Torque is generated along the length of the axostyle complex by an unknown mechanism. Here I describe findings not published before and promising experiments that may help to solve this remarkable motility. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
HOW INVESTMENT IN GENDER IDEALS AFFECTS WELL-BEING: THE ROLE OF EXTERNAL CONTINGENCIES OF SELF-WORTH

The present study examined the relationship between investment in gender ideals and well-being and the role of external contingencies of self-worth in a longitudinal survey of 677 college freshmen. We propose a model of how investment in gender ideals affects external contingencies and the consequences for self-esteem, depression, and symptoms of disordered eating. Specifically, we find that the negative relationship between investment in gender ideals and well-being is mediated through externally contingent self-worth. The model showed a good fit for the overall sample. Comparative model testing revealed a good fit for men and women as well as White Americans, Asian Americans, and African Americans.