cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Changes in the microbial community of Lubomirskia baicalensis affected by Red Sponge Disease

Abstract Sponge diseases occur globally and the resulting reduction of sponge populations has negative effects on other organisms within the ecosystems due to loss of nutrient enrichment and loss of bioremediation. In Lake Baikal, the predominate sponge species Lubomirskia baicalensis is currently being infected with an unidentified pathogen resulting in a sharp decline in population. The current hypothesis is that the recent increase in methane concentration in the lake has caused dysbiosis within the bacterial community of L. baicalensis resulting in the disease outbreak. In this study we investigated the changes in the bacterial community between healthy and sick sponges using 16S bacterial profiling targeting veritable regions 3-5. Here we present data that the bacterial communities of the healthy sponge samples were significantly different from sick samples and several poorly classified organisms were identified by Indicator Species Analysis as significant. Organisms identified from the sick samples classified within taxonomic units that contain acidophilic bacteria which suggest pH may play a role. There was also an observed decrease in the number of identified methyltropic bacteria present in the sick sponge samples compared to the healthy.
The Importance of the Water Molecular Quadrupole for Estimating Interfacial Potential Shifts Acting on Ions Near the Liquid-Vapor Interface.

Interfacial electrostatic potential gradients arise from nonuniform charge distributions encountered crossing the interface. The charges involved can include the molecular charges predominantly bound to each neutral solvent molecule and distributions of ions (or electrons) free to move in the interfacial region. This paper focuses on the solvent contribution to the interfacial potential. Quasichemical theory (QCT) provides a physical framework for the analysis of near-local (chemical) and far-field contributions to ion solvation free energies. Here, we utilize QCT to analyze cavity net potentials that contribute to the single-ion real solvation free energy. In particular, we discuss the results of molecular dynamics simulations of water droplets large enough to exhibit bulklike behavior in the droplet interior. A multipolar analysis of the cavity potential illustrates the importance of the solvent molecular quadrupole due to the near-cancellation of the dipolar contributions from the cavity–liquid and liq...
Surveying the POSNA Landscape: What Can We Learn From Society Survey Studies?

BACKGROUND A growing trend of survey-based research has been seen in the field of pediatric orthopaedics. The purpose of this study was to describe patterns of surveys of Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA) membership and evaluate for associations between study characteristics and response rates in order to inform future research efforts. We hypothesized that studies with fewer survey questions and study group or committee involvement would demonstrate higher response rates. METHODS A systematic review of the literature was performed to identify all peer-reviewed survey publications targeting POSNA members published up to December 2017. Included studies were reviewed to identify author and publication characteristics, survey development and methodology, survey distribution procedures, and response rates. Statistical analyses were performed to describe publication patterns and evaluate for associations between study characteristics and response rates. RESULTS Thirty-four studies published from 1991 to 2017 were identified as meeting inclusion criteria, with a substantial increase noted over the last 3 years. Studies included 4.6 (SD 1.9) authors and 14.7% had affiliations with study groups or committees. Survey development methodology was detailed in only 1 study. Surveys included a median of 19.5 questions (3 to 108) and were primarily electronically distributed. The mean survey response rate was 42% with a downward trend noted over the studied time period. None of the studied author, publication, and design characteristics were associated with increased response rates. CONCLUSIONS Survey-based studies of the POSNA membership have become increasingly popular study designs in recent years. Response rates are lower than reports in other physician cohorts, and appear to be declining, possibly representative of respondent fatigue. No associations were identified between response rates and the modifiable study characteristics evaluated (number of authors, committee or subgroup affiliation, number of questions, and mode of distribution). Efforts should be made to identify tactics to sustain participation as these studies become more widely utilized within our field. Optimizing study design and implementation features while valuing physician time and effort spent on survey completion is important to avoid member survey fatigue. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level V-systematic review of Level V research.
Oral somatosensatory acuity is related to particle size perception in chocolate.

Texture affects liking or rejection of many foods for clinically relevant populations and the general public. Phenotypic differences in chemosensation are well documented and influence food choices, but oral touch perception is less understood. Here, we used chocolate as a model food to explore texture perception, specifically grittiness perception. In Experiment 1, the Just Noticeable Difference (JND) for particle size in melted chocolate was ~5 μm in a particle size range commonly found in commercial chocolates; as expected, the JND increased with particle size, with a Weber Fraction of ~0.17. In Experiment 2, individual differences in touch perception were explored: detection and discrimination thresholds for oral point pressure were determined with Von Frey Hairs. Discrimination thresholds varied across individuals, allowing us to separate participants into high and low sensitivity groups. Across all participants, two solid commercial chocolates (with particle sizes of 19 and 26 μm; i.e., just above the JND) were successfully discriminated in a forced-choice task. However, this was driven entirely by individuals with better oral acuity: 17 of 20 of more acute individuals correctly identified the grittier chocolate versus 12 of 24 less acute individuals. This suggests phenotypic differences in oral somatosensation can influence texture perception of foods.
StackCBPred: A stacking based prediction of protein-carbohydrate binding sites from sequence

Carbohydrate-binding proteins play vital roles in many important biological processes. The study of these protein-carbohydrate interactions, at residue level, is useful in treating many critical diseases. Analyzing the local sequential environments of the binding and non-binding regions to predict the protein-carbohydrate binding sites is one of the challenging problems in molecular and computational biology. Existing experimental methods for identifying protein-carbohydrate binding sites are laborious and expensive. Thus, prediction of such binding sites, directly from sequences, using computational methods, can be useful to fast annotate the binding sites and guide the experimental process. Because the number of carbohydrate-binding residues is significantly lower than the number of non-carbohydrate-binding residues, most of the methods developed for the prediction of protein-carbohydrate binding sites are biased towards over predicting the negative class (or non-carbohydrate-binding). Here, we propose a balanced predictor, called StackCBPred, which utilizes features, extracted from evolution-driven sequence profile, called the position-specific scoring matrix (PSSM) and several predicted structural properties of amino acids to effectively train a Stacking-based machine learning method for the accurate prediction of protein-carbohydrate binding sites (https://bmll.cs.uno.edu/).
Inverse Parabolic Problems

In this chapter, we consider the second-order parabolic equation $$\displaystyle{ a_{0}\partial _{t}u -\mathrm{div}(a\nabla u) + b \cdot \nabla u + cu = f\,\mathrm{in}\,Q = \varOmega \times (0,T), }$$ where Ω is a bounded domain the space \(\mathbb{R}^{n}\) with the C2-smooth boundary ∂ Ω.
Shifting the Paradigm for Opioid Use Disorder: Changing the Language.

Abstract Morbidity and mortality associated with opioid use have been on the rise, exemplifying a major public health epidemic. Despite public health interventions, opioid-related morbidity and mortality have yet to plateau or decrease. One explanation for this phenomenon is the presence of barriers to evidence-based pharmacotherapies. Stigma has only recently been identified as a barrier to treatment. The purpose of this report is to evaluate the language used to describe opioid use disorder and associated pharmacologic treatment. Nurse practitioners must emerge as leaders in ensuring that patient-centered and nonstigmatizing language is used to improve patient outcomes.
Reinventing Neuroaging Research in the Digital Age

The worldwide average human lifespan has increased over the past century. These changing demographics demand a reinvention of experimental approaches to study the brain and aging, with the aim of better matching cognitive healthspan with human lifespan. Past studies of cognitive aging included sample sizes that tended to be underpowered, were not sufficiently representative of national population characteristics, and often lacked longitudinal assessments. As a step to address these shortcomings, we propose a framework that encourages interaction between electronic-based and face-to-face study designs. We argue that this will achieve the necessary synergy to accelerate progress in the discovery and application of personalized interventions to optimize brain and cognitive health.
Appraisal Algorithms for Relevance and Controllability in Human-Robot Collaboration

We have investigated the mutual influences of affective and collaborative processes in a cognitive theory to support interaction between humans and robots or virtual agents. We build primarily on the cognitive appraisal theory of emotions and the SharedPlans theory of collaboration to investigate the structure, fundamental processes and functions of emotions in a collaboration. We have developed new algorithms for appraisal processes as part of a new overall computational model. We have evaluated our implemented algorithms by conducting an online user study.
Genome-wide interaction study reveals age-dependent determinants of responsiveness to inhaled corticosteroids in individuals with asthma

While genome-wide association studies have identified genes involved in differential treatment responses to inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) in asthma, few studies have evaluated the potential effects of age in this context. A significant proportion of asthmatics experience exacerbations (hospitalizations and emergency department visits) during ICS treatment. We evaluated the interaction of genetic variation and age on ICS response (measured by the occurrence of exacerbations) through a genome-wide interaction study (GWIS) of 1,321 adult and child asthmatic patients of European ancestry. We identified 107 genome-wide suggestive (P<10-05) age-by-genotype interactions, two of which also met genome-wide significance (P<5x10-08) (rs34631960 [OR 2.3±1.6-3.3] in thrombospondin type 1 domain-containing protein 4 (THSD4) and rs2328386 [OR 0.5±0.3-0.7] in human immunodeficiency virus type I enhancer binding protein 2 (HIVEP2)) by joint analysis of GWIS results from discovery and replication populations. In addition to THSD4 and HIVEP2, age-by-genotype interactions also prioritized genes previously identified as asthma candidate genes, including DPP10, HDAC9, TBXAS1, FBXL7, and GSDMB/ORMDL3, as pharmacogenomic loci as well. This study is the first to link these genes to a pharmacogenetic trait for asthma.
Telehealth and Home Monitoring in Lung Transplant

Purpose We hypothesize that home monitoring and telehealth utilizing data from a mobile healthcare application in conjunction with laboratory values and chest imaging, can replace an outpatient appointment. Methods Our study is comprised of patients who have received a single or bilateral lung transplant or a heart/lung transplant.Before our patients are discharged from their inpatient stay after Transplantation, the application for home monitoring is installed on their smart phone. This application was specifically designed for Lung Transplant Patients. A blood pressure cuff and spirometer are provided and linked to their mobile device using Bluetooth. A weighing scale is also provided which uses a cellular connection to a secure cloud relaying data to the patient's phone and to EPIC. Additional data including (e.g. temperature, pulse oximetry) are manually entered into the application. Physical fitness (steps) is also monitored. The team who created the application enabled the data to flow from the application to our electronic medical record. Alerts are set for each piece of data and any abnormal value is sent to our team's EPIC in-basket for further action.Patients who are compliant with their home monitoring are offered telehealth. Patients are sent for laboratory testing and imaging the week of the appointment close to their home. Results As of October 1, 2019, we have enrolled fifty patients in our home monitoring program. Fourteen patients are now one - year post transplant. Twelve of these patients are compliant with home monitoring. Eight of them have had telehealth visits throughout the year with five receiving the majority of their care utilizing home monitoring and telehealth. These visits occur bimonthly for the first three months after transplant and then monthly for the first year. Conclusion Home monitoring and telehealth visits can replace outpatient visits in the first year following lung transplantation. Patients find the devices easy to use and are satisfied with the care they receive during their telehealth visits. Additionally, telehealth improves patient quality of life by reducing visits to the medical center and avoiding additional costs such as parking and time off work. It also limits pathogen exposure. Long term use may enable early detection of rejection or infection.
An evaluation of the practice of transparency and reproducibility in addiction medicine literature.

Abstract Background Credible research emphasizes transparency, openness, and reproducibility. These characteristics are fundamental to promoting and maintaining research integrity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the current state of reproducibility in the field of addiction science. Design Cross-sectional design. Measurements The National Library of Medicine catalog was searched for all journals using the subject terms tag: Substance-Related Disorders [ST]. Journals were then searched via PubMed to identify publications from January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2018; 300 publications were randomly selected from among those identified. A pilot-tested Google form containing reproducibility/transparency characteristics was used for data extraction in a duplicated and blinded fashion by two investigators. Findings Slightly more than half of the publications were open access (152/300, 50.70%). Few publications had pre-registration (7/244, 2.87%), material availability (2/237, 0.84%), protocol availability (3/244, 1.23%), data availability (28/244, 11.48%), or analysis script availability (2/244, 0.82%). Most publications provided a conflict of interest statement (221/293, 75.43%) and funding sources (268/293, 91.47%). One replication study was reported (1/244, 0.4%). Conclusion Our study found that current practices that promote transparency and reproducibility are lacking, thus, there is room for improvement. In particular, investigators should pre-register studies prior to commencement. Researchers should also make the materials, data, and analysis script publicly available. Further, individuals should be transparent about funding sources for the project and financial conflicts of interest. Research stakeholders should work together toward improvements on these matters. With such protections, the field of addiction medicine can better disseminate the information necessary to treat patients.
Positive Organizational Behavior: What’s in It for HRD in South Korea?

Psychology is one of the theoretical foundations of human resource development (HRD) discipline. Traditional psychology has been based on the negativity that human beings are fragile and flawed. As a repercussion, a positive psychology movement has emerged for the last three decades, concerning with optimal human functioning instead of pathological human functioning. Recognizing the untapped potential of this science-based, positively oriented approach, scholars in organizational theory and behavior have developed two major parallel and complementary movements: organizational scholarship and positive organizational behavior (POB). The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of this positive psychological movement to HRD. The scope and goals of HRD in organizations were reexamined. The link between POB and HRD is clear in that POB constructs are to be state-like versus trait-like, open to developed, and relevant to performance. Based on an Input–Process–Output model, the potential constructs that overlap HRD and POB research were proposed for future research. Further, an overall trend analysis of POB research for the last two decades was examined, based on the keywords search of six POB constructs through Google Scholar. Last, the implications of POB research in the field of HRD in Korea were discussed.
Smart City Document Evaluation to Support Policy Analysis

Local administrations face many challenges in their shift to smart city development. One of the main challenges is in the area of governance and identification of policy strategies that ensure successful integration of new technologies. In this article we explore a methodology for knowledge elicitation from textual information to identify smart city development trends. Our goal is to evaluate and predict the relevance of documents, especially press releases, to different areas of smart city development. Our methodology includes natural language processing techniques to possibilistically evaluate the relevance of a text to several smart city development areas. Relevant concepts are further associated to domain ontologies and expanded using data fusion techniques to evaluate the relevance of information in text to the areas of smart city development. We test our approach on a large number of documents from the smart city development community.
Hispanic/Latino Ethnic Identity and Diabetes: An Examination of Underlying Acculturation Processes and the Hispanic/Latino Health Advantage.

Background. Hispanics/Latinos in the United States experience both a health advantage and disadvantage in developing diabetes. Ethnic identity, a predictor of psychological well-being, has not been...
Nursing home care under Medicaid managed long-term services and supports.

OBJECTIVE To measure the impact of Medicaid managed long-term services and supports (MLTSS) on nursing home (NH) quality and rebalancing. DATA SOURCES/STUDY SETTING This study analyzes secondary data from annual NH recertification surveys and the minimum dataset (MDS) in three states that implemented MLTSS: Massachusetts (2001-2007), Kansas and Ohio (2011-2017). STUDY DESIGN We utilized a difference-in-difference approach comparing NHs in border counties of states that implemented MLTSS with a control group of NHs in neighboring border counties in states that did not implement MLTSS. Sensitivity analyses included a triple-difference model (stratified by Medicaid payer mix) and a within-state comparison. We examined changes in six NH-level outcomes (percentage of low-care NH residents, facility occupancy, and four NH quality measures) after MLTSS implementation. DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS For each state, all freestanding NHs in border counties were included, as were NHs in neighboring counties located in other states. Information on low-care residents was aggregated to the NH level from MDS data, then combined with Online Survey Certification and Reporting (OSCAR) and Certification and Survey Provider Enhanced Reporting (CASPER) data. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS MLTSS had no statistically significant effects on NH quality outcomes in Massachusetts or Kansas. In Ohio, MLTSS led to an increase of 0.21 nursing hours per resident day [95% CI: 0.03, 0.40], and a decrease of 1.47 deficiencies [95% CI: -2.52, -0.42] and 9.38 deficiency points [95% CI: -18.53, -0.24] per certification survey. After MLTSS, occupancy decreased by 1.52 percentage points [95% CI: -2.92, -0.12] in Massachusetts, but increased by 3.17 percentage points [95% CI: 0.36, 5.99] in Ohio. We found no effect on low-care residents in any state. Findings were moderately sensitive to the choice of comparator group. CONCLUSION The study provides little evidence that MLTSS reduces quality of care, occupancy, or the percentage of low-care residents in NHs.
Post-combustion carbon capture for tank to propeller via process modeling and simulation

Abstract The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has issued a long-term sustainable strategy to gradually phase out the major ship-related sources of greenhouse gas emissions. While the post-combustion carbon capture has been well investigated for onshore plants, the maritime carbon capture system is still in an early stage due to its unique characteristics and design limitations. Aiming at providing a holistic way to find the most efficient and sustainable PCC solution for an LNG tanker, this work proposed a system of the tank to propeller post-combustion carbon capture which integrates ship engine process modeling with chemical absorption/desorption process modeling techniques. A rate-based aqueous monoethanolamine (MEA) process model was developed and validated, then scaled up and modified to capture CO2 from the flue gas. To increase the carbon capture efficiency and decrease the energy penalty, this work provided detailed steps for process model development covering innovative absorber/stripper design under variation of solvents, packed type, and liquid to gas ratio. This work also included a thorough sustainability evaluation based on emission reduction efficiency, energy penalty, and carbon cyclic capacity among two single aqueous amines, MEA and diisopropanolamine (DIPA), and one blended amine with a promoter, methyldiethanolamine (MDEA) with piperazine (PZ). Although DIPA presented a better performance on energy requirement for solvent regeneration, the blended amine was the optimal solvent to meet the requirement of the IMO carbon abatement strategy. Compared to the seven molality MEA, the MDEA-PZ option could capture more than 57 % CO2 while around 25 % specific reboiler duty can be saved.
Disturbing behaviour in pp → nn at 40 GeV/c☆

Abstract Attention is drawn to a contradiction between recent measurements of d σ d t in p p → n n at 40 GeV/c and the expected theoretical behaviour.
Criterion validity of the Mood and Feelings Questionnaire for depressive episodes in clinic and non-clinic subjects.

Background: Previous measures of pediatric depression have shown inconsistent validity in groups with differing demographics, comorbid diagnoses, and clinic or non-clinic origins. The current study re-examines the criterion validity of child- and parent-versions of the Mood and Feelings Questionnaire (MFQ-C, MFQ-P) in a heterogeneous sample of children and adolescents from clinic and non-clinic sources. Methods: Among 470 consecutive youth completing semi-structured interviews at a university-based child psychiatry center, total scores from the 33-item MFQ-C and 34-item MFQ-P were examined across subjects with and without mood disorders using analysis of variance, and receiver operating characteristics analysis. Results: Mean scores of the MFQ-C and MFQ-P, respectively, differed significantly (p < .0005) across youth having major depressive episodes (MDE) (33 and 32, n ¼ 77), mood disorders not meeting criteria for current MDE (24 and 28, n ¼ 75), and no mood disorders (12 and 10, n ¼ 318). In the overall sample, areas under the curve (AUC) for discriminating MDE and any mood disorder, respectively, were .85 and .83 on the MFQ-C, .86 and .90 on the MFQ-P, and .89 and .90 on the MFQ-C and MFQ-P averaged together, suggesting moderate to high criterion validity. Similar findings were noted in subgroups divided by age, sex, race, comorbid psychopathology, and clinic or non-clinic origins. AUCs of these MFQ scores compared favorably with those of the Beck’s Depressive Inventory, the Child Behavior Checklist’s Anxious/Depressed scale and the Children’s Depressive Rating Scale‐Revised by the same raters. A score of 29 on the MFQ-C (positive screen rate 21%, sensitivity 68%, specificity 88%) or 27 on the MFQ-P (positive screen rate 23%, sensitivity 61%, specificity 85%) optimally discriminated youth with MDE from the rest of the sample. Conclusions: The MFQ-C and MFQ-P, especially used in combination, validly identify MDE or other mood disorders in youth diverse in demographic and clinical characteristics. Keywords: Pediatric depression, assessment, validity, reliability. Abbreviations: AUC: area under ROC curve; BDI: Beck Depressive Inventory; CDRS-R: Children’s Depressive Rating Scale, Revised; CBCL: Child Behavior Checklist; ICC: Intraclass Correlation Coefficient; KSADS-PL: Schedule for Mood Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children ‐ Present and Lifetime Version; MDE: major depressive episode; MFQ: Mood and Feelings Questionnaire; MFQ-Ave: score averaging child and parent MFQ scores; MFQ-C: child-version of MFQ; MFQ-P: parent-version of MFQ; SE: standard error; ROC: receiver operating characteristics.
Dissociable regulation of instrumental action within mouse prefrontal cortex

Evaluation of the behavioral 'costs', such as effort expenditure relative to the benefits of obtaining reward, is a major determinant of goal-directed action. Neuroimaging evidence suggests that the human medial orbitofrontal cortex (mOFC) is involved in this calculation and thereby guides goal-directed and choice behavior, but this region's functional significance in rodents is unknown despite extensive work characterizing the role of the lateral OFC in cue-related response inhibition processes. We first tested mice with mOFC lesions in an instrumental reversal task lacking discrete cues signaling reinforcement; here, animals were required to shift responding based on the location of the reinforced aperture within the chamber. Mice with mOFC lesions acquired the reversal but failed to inhibit responding on the previously reinforced aperture, while mice with prelimbic prefrontal cortex lesions were unaffected. When tested on a progressive ratio schedule of reinforcement, mice with prelimbic cortical lesions were unable to maintain responding, resulting in declining response levels. Mice with mOFC lesions, by contrast, escalated responding. Neither lesion affected sensitivity to satiety-specific outcome devaluation or non-reinforcement (i.e. extinction), and neither had effects when placed after animals were trained on a progressive ratio response schedule. Lesions of the ventral hippocampus, which projects to the mOFC, resulted in similar response patterns, while lateral OFC and dorsal hippocampus lesions resulted in response acquisition, though not inhibition, deficits in an instrumental reversal. Our findings thus selectively implicate the rodent mOFC in braking reinforced goal-directed action when reinforcement requires the acquisition of novel response contingencies.
Layered manganese oxide intergrowth electrodes for rechargeable lithium batteries: Part 1-substitution with Co or Ni

Lithium manganese oxides substituted with nickel or cobalt were characterized electrochemically in lithium cell configurations. The compounds studied were either single-phase layered structures with either primarily O2 or O3 stacking arrangements, or O2/O3 intergrowths, prepared from P2, P3 and P2/P3 sodium-containing precursors, respectively. The stacking arrangements are extremely sensitive to the Na/T. M. (T. M. = transition metal) ratios and the level of substitution. Phase diagrams showing the stability regions of the various arrangements for the Na-Ni-Mn-O system are presented. A possible correlation between vacancies and electrochemical performance is suggested. For high levels of substitution with Ni, fewer defects are possible for materials containing more O3 component and higher discharge capacities can be achieved, but spinel conversion upon cycling also occurs more rapidly as the O3 content increases. Intergrowths show intermediate behavior and represent a potential route towards designing stable, high capacity electrodes.
Cranial suture biology.

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the cranial suture biology. The term “craniosynostosis” was first used in 1830 by Otto to describe the premature fusion of cranial sutures. Since this first identification of craniosynostosis as a distinct clinical entity, several theories have been proposed to explain both the pathogenesis of premature suture fusion and the resultant aberrations in calvarial growth that result in a dysmorphic skull. Recent advances in clinical genetics have resulted in the identification of genetic mutations in the major craniosynostostic syndromes. Despite these insights into the rudimentary disturbances leading to craniosynostosis, the processes by which mutations in these genes trigger premature suture fusion remain largely unknown. Rodents are proving to be extremely valuable in unraveling the cellular and molecular mechanisms of cranial suture morphogenesis and pathology. The cranial sutures include the metopic or interfrontal suture (between the frontal bones), the sagittal suture (between the parietal bones), the coronal suture (between the frontal and parietal bones), and the lambdoid sutures (between the parietal and interparietal bones). The sutures can be thought of as a complex consisting of four principal components: (1) the osteogenic fronts of the approximating bone plates; (2) the suture mesenchyme spanning the osteogenic fronts; (3) the overlying pericranium or cranial periosteum; and (4) the underlying dura mater, a tough, fibrous membrane that constitutes the outer meningeal layer that envelops the brain and forms the inner lining of cranial bones and sutures. The main objective is to obtain a thorough understanding of normal and pathological suture morphogenesis and development. Armed with this knowledge, researchers will be prepared to devise biologically based therapeutic strategies that could be used both in utero or postnatally to prevent craniosynostosis, potentially alleviating any adverse sequelae and avoiding the morbidity of current surgical approaches.
Load converter interactions with the secondary system in the Space Station Freedom power management and distribution dc test bed

The NASA LeRC in Cleveland, Ohio, is responsible for the design, development, and assembly of the Space Station Freedom (SSF) Electrical Power System (EPS). In order to identify and understand system level issues during the SSF Program design and development phases, a system Power Management and Distribution (PMAD) DC test bed was assembled. Some of the objectives of this test bed facility are the evaluation of, system efficiency, power quality, system stability, and system protection and reconfiguration schemes. In order to provide a realistic operating scenario, dc Load Converter Units are used in the PMAD dc test bed to characterize the user interface with the power system. These units are dc to dc converters that provide the final system regulation before power is delivered to the load. This final regulation is required on the actual space station because the majority of user loads will require voltage levels different from the secondary bus voltage. This paper describes the testing of load converters in an end to end system environment (from solar array to loads) where their interactions and compatibility with other system components are considered. Some of the system effects of interest that are presented include load converters transient behavior interactions with protective current limiting switchgear, load converters ripple effects, and the effects of load converter constant power behavior with protective features such as foldback.
Analyzing and exploiting the competitiveness of scenarios for negotiating convoy formation under time constraints

In the convoy formation problem, two embodied agents are negotiating the synchronization of their movement for a portion of the path from their respective sources to destinations. As equilibrium strategies are not practically possible, we are interested in strategies with bounded rationality, which achieve good performance in a wide range of practical negotiation scenarios. Naturally, the performance of a strategy is dependent on the strategy of the opponent and the characteristics of the scenario. The goal of this paper is to develop a collaborativeness metric of the negotiation scenario which formalizes our intuition of collaborative scenarios (where the agents' interests are closely aligned) versus competitive scenarios (where the gain of the utility for one agent is paid off with a loss of utility for the other agent). We are using the Children in the Rectangular Forest (CRF) game as a canonical model of convoy formation, assume zero initial knowledge and a negotiation protocol requiring mandatory, but non-binding evaluations of the opponents offer. We also assume that the negotiation happens in physical time. We describe two negotiation strategies: the comparatively simple Internal Negotiation Deadline (IND) strategy and the computationally more expensive Uniform Concession (UC) strategy. Then, we describe how these strategies can be augmented by collaborativeness analysis: we approximate the collaborativeness metric in the first several negotiation rounds, and use the result to cut short the negotiation when the estimated collaborativeness is lower than a threshold. Through an experimental study, we show that augmenting the strategies with collaborativeness analysis significantly improves their performance for low collaborativeness scenarios, with only a minimal penalty in high collaborativeness scenarios.
Singlet lifetime measurements in an all-proton chemically equivalent spin system by hyperpolarization and weak spin lock transfers

Hyperpolarized singlet states provide the opportunity for polarization storage over periods significantly longer than T1. Here, we show how the singlet state in a chemically equivalent proton spin system can be revealed by a weak power spin-lock. This procedure allowed the measurement of the lifetimes of the singlet state in protic solvents. The contributions of different intra- and intermolecular relaxation mechanisms to singlet lifetimes are investigated with this procedure.
Genuinely Nonlinear Scalar Conservation Laws

Despite its apparent simplicity, the genuinely nonlinear scalar conservation law in one space dimension possesses a surprisingly rich theory, which deserves attention not only for its intrinsic interest but also because it provides valuable insight in the behavior of systems. The discussion here will employ the theory of generalized characteristics developed in Chapter X. From the standpoint of this approach, the special feature of genuinely nonlinear scalar conservation laws is that the extremal backward generalized characteristics are essentially classical characteristics, that is, straight lines along which the solution is constant. This property induces such a heavy constraint that one is able to derive very precise information on regularity and large time behavior of solutions. Solutions are (classically) continuous at points of approximate continuity and locally Lipschitz continuous in the interior of the set of points of continuity. Points of approximate jump discontinuity lie on classical shocks. The remaining, irregular, points are at most countable and are formed by the collision of shocks and/or the focusing of compression waves. Generically, solutions with smooth initial data are piecewise smooth.
Disparities in uterine cancer epidemiology, treatment, and survival among African Americans in the United States

Objective The objective of this article is to comprehensively review the scientific literature and summarize the available data regarding the outcome disparities of African American women with uterine cancer.
An Alternative Method for the Quantitation of Neuronal Damage after Experimental Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion in Rats: Analysis of Behavioral Deficit

We tested the hypothesis that increasing durations of focal ischemia that have been shown to result in enlargement of cortical infarct will be associated with progression of behavioral dysfunction that can be measured by a battery of tests sufficiently sensitive and reproducible to detect a positive effect of pharmacotherapy. Untreated or N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist (CNS-1102)-treated spontaneously hypertensive rats underwent 45, 60, 90, or 120 min of tandem middle cerebral and common carotid artery occlusion followed by reperfusion. We then evaluated the extent of damage and its recovery for up to 21 days using nine behavioral tests aimed at analyzing strength, coordination, and bilateral asymmetry. Also using a graded bioassay that employs a curve-fitting computer program (ALLFIT) to correlate duration of ischemia with degree of behavioral dysfunction, we calculated the average maximal behavioral dysfunction and duration of ischemia required to produce half-maximal behavioral dysfunction and compared these values in untreated controls with analogous values obtained from animals treated with CNS-1102. Three behavioral tests, forearm flex, tape (somatosensory neutralization), and foot-fault placing, were each separately and combined able to distinguish between the degrees of damage produced by increasing durations of ischemia. The behavioral abnormalities assessed using the tape test were reversible within a week, whereas those using forearm flex or foot-fault tests persisted for at least 21 days. CNS-1102 significantly reduced behavioral dysfunction measured by all three tests. This analysis of behavioral dysfunction represents a useful experimental model to grade efficacy of therapies aimed at protecting the brain from damage produced by acute stroke and might also be used to assess recovery from preexisting ischemic damage.
Population growth in the world’s largest cities

Abstract This paper uses recent UN data to examine population growth in the world’s 485 largest cities between 1950 and 2010. Three themes guide the analysis. First, the changing population size distribution of these large cities is studied. Second, the changing global urban center of gravity is calculated and mapped. As expected, this urban centroid drifted steadily to the south and east after 1950. Third, the cities are grouped into 10 clusters, ranked from fastest growing to slowest growing, based on the similarity of their 5-year population growth rates during the 60-year study period. Some generalizations regarding size and location are given for the cities in these clusters and future trends for the world’s largest cities are briefly discussed.
A Critical Role for Protein Kinase C-θ-Mediated T Cell Survival in Cardiac Allograft Rejection

Protein kinase C (PKC)-θ mediates the critical TCR signals required for T cell activation. Previously, we have shown that in response to TCR stimulation, PKC -θ−/− T cells undergo apoptosis due to greatly reduced levels of the anti-apoptotic molecule, Bcl-xL. In this study, we demonstrate that PKC-θ-regulated expression of Bcl-xL is essential for T cell-mediated cardiac allograft rejection. Rag1 −/− mice reconstituted with wild-type T cells readily rejected fully mismatched cardiac allografts, whereas Rag1 −/− mice reconstituted with PKC -θ−/− T cells failed to promote rejection. Transgenic expression of Bcl-xL in PKC -θ−/− T cells was sufficient to restore cardiac allograft rejection, suggesting that PKC-θ-regulated survival is required for T cell-mediated cardiac allograft rejection in this adoptive transfer model. In contrast to adoptive transfer experiments, intact PKC -θ−/− mice displayed delayed, but successful cardiac allograft rejection, suggesting the potential compensation for PKC-θ function. Finally, a subtherapeutic dose of anti-CD154 Ab or CTLA4-Ig, which was not sufficient to prevent cardiac allograft rejection in the wild-type mice, prevented heart rejection in the PKC -θ−/− mice. Thus, in combination with other treatments, inhibition of PKC-θ may facilitate achieving long-term survival of allografts.
Teaching sonoanatomy to anesthesia faculty and residents: utility of hands-on gel phantom and instructional video training models

Abstract Study objective Thousands of patients worldwide annually receive neuraxial anesthesia and analgesia. Obesity, pregnancy, and abnormal spinal anatomy pose challenges for accurate landmark palpation. Further, spinal sonoanatomy is not uniformly taught in residency education, even though its use has previously been shown to improve identification of relevant structures and decrease procedural complications and failure rates. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of hands-on gel phantom and instructional video training for teaching spinal sonoanatomy among anesthesiology faculty and residents. Design Twenty-three residents and 27 anesthesiologists were randomized to gel phantom, video teaching, and control groups. Setting Academic Hospital. Measurements Successful identification of spinal sonoanatomy was attempted on a human volunteer before and immediately after the respective intervention and 3 weeks later. Perceived knowledge and training modality satisfaction were assessed using modified Likert scales. Interventions Gel phantom and video teaching groups compared with control (no intervention). Main results Both interventions significantly improved spine sonoanatomy identification accuracy. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated both interventions improved the odds of transverse process (gel 12.61, P = .013; video 7.93, P = .030) and lamina (gel 65.12, P = .003; video 8.97, P = .031) identification. Perceived knowledge of basic spinal anatomy and spinal sonoanatomy improved in the intervention versus control groups. Mean (SD) modified Likert scale scores for learning satisfaction (1 = unsatisfied, 10=very satisfied) were 8.1 (1.5) and 8.0 (1.7) for hands-on gel phantom and instructional video training participants, respectively. Conclusion Use of hands-on gel phantom or instructional video training can improve anesthesia staff and resident knowledge of lumbar spine sonoanatomy.
Nursing Staff Perceptions of Quality of Life of Cognitively Impaired Elders: Instrumental Development

This article describes the development and testing of the Cognitively Impaired Life Quality (CILQ) Scale to quantify differences in quality of life of severely cognitively impaired elderly patients as perceived by nursing caregivers. Two studies are reported. In study 1, focus groups with long-term care nurses were conducted using a vignette to elicit items most relevant to quality of life in cognitively impaired elders. These data were used to generate a 29-item version of the CILQ Scale. An exploratory factor analysis revealed a four-factor structure that included items related to social interaction, basic physical care, appearance of patient to others, and nutrition. In study 2, 67 nursing caregivers completed a shortened 14-item CILQ Scale using two actual patients as their reference. With these patients, the factor structure best resembled a three-factor solution including items related to social interaction, nutrition/comfort, and basic physical care.
Understanding Children's Knowledge and Beliefs about Advertising: A Global Issue that Spans Generations

Abstract As governments, particularly those in the European Union, continue to place tighter restrictions on advertising aimed at children, it seems appropriate to reexamine children's knowledge of and understanding of television advertising in terms of both its content and its intent. Much of the data that decision-makers rely on is based on children (now adults) born prior to 1990, many born in the 1960s and 70s, and as such may not be representative of today's children who are exposed to more television advertising than any previous generation. The present research uses a sample of children born in the 1990s in order to reexamine some of the earliest research that pertained to children's knowledge of advertising (Robertson and Rossiter 1974). Comparisons are made and the original work is extended based on the current sample of children.
Imaging in Rectal Cancer: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Versus Endorectal Ultrasonography

Over the past several decades there have been tremendous improvements in the outcomes of patients with rectal cancer. Imaging modalities such as endorectal ultrasonography (ERUS), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed tomography scanning play a pivotal role in evaluating rectal cancer preoperatively, planning surgical procedures, and selecting patients for neoadjuvant therapy. This article provides an overview of rectal anatomy and pelvic structures relevant to preoperative assessment and surgical treatment. The technical aspects, applications, and limitations of the imaging tools currently in use are examined, focusing on MRI and ERUS.
Assessing the Quality of a Security Market: A New Approach to Transaction-Cost Measurement

I discuss a new method for measuring the deviations between actual transaction prices and implicit efficient prices. The approach decomposes security transaction prices into random-walk and stationary components. The random-walk component may be identified with the efficient price. The stationary component, the difference between the efficient price and the actual transaction price, is termed the pricing error. Its dispersion is a natural measure of market quality. I describe practical strategies for estimating these quantities. For a sample of NYSE stocks, the average pricing error standard deviation estimate is roughly 0.33 percent of the stock price. If the pricing error is normally distributed.and if it is always a positive cost incurred by the transaction cost for these traders is 0.26 percent of the stock price. The dispersion of the pricing error is also found to be elevated at the beginning and end of the trading session. Article published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Financial Studies in its journal, The Review of Financial Studies.
The Characterization of Boron/Aluminum Composite in the Nonlinear Range as an Orthotropic Elastic-Plastic Material:

Off-axis uniaxial testing is used to characterize the nonlinear behavior of boron/ aluminum composite. An orthotropic elastic-plastic formulation is used.
African American English-speaking students: a longitudinal examination of style shifting from kindergarten through second grade.

Purpose The purpose of this longitudinal study was twofold: to examine shifting from African American English (AAE) to mainstream American English (MAE) across the early elementary grades, when stu...