cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Association of dopamine, serotonin, and nicotinic gene polymorphisms with methylphenidate response in ADHD.

Gene polymorphisms of the 3′ untranslated region (3′-UTR) of the dopamine transporter (DAT1), Dopamine receptor exon 3 D4 variable number tandem repeat (DRD4VNTR), nicotinic acetylcholine receptor alpha 4 subunit (CHRNA4) and serotonin transporter promoter (SLC6A4-5HTTLPR) are under consideration as potential risk factors for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A post-hoc attempt was made to investigate the association between the allelic variations of these candidate genes and retrospective parental report of response to methylphenidate in an ADHD-enriched, population-based twin sample. Subjects (N = 243) were selected from the twin sample based on parent report that the child had been treated with methylphenidate for ADHD symptoms. The functional polymorphisms screened were the VNTR located in the 3′-UTR of the dopamine transporter, DRD4 VNTR, CHRNA4 (rs1044396 and rs6090384) and the long (LA and LG) and short (S) forms of the serotonin transporter promoter region. Logistic regression did not demonstrate a significant association between methylphenidate treatment response and the relevant polymorphisms. The sample size had high power to detect effect sizes similar to those reported in some prior methylphenidate pharmacogenetic studies; however, the categorical (yes/no) measure of parent-reported treatment response may not have been sensitive enough to pick up statistically significant differences in treatment response based on genotype. Further studies including quantitative measures of treatment response are warranted. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Queen replacement in African and European honey bee colonies with and without afterswarms

We examined the dynamics of the queen replacement process in African and European colonies that did and did not produce afterswarms. In colonies without afterswarms, the queen replacement process was completed in 24–48 hours, the first-emerging virgin queen (VQ) typically inherited the natal nest even if multiple queens emerged, workers performed few vibration signals on emerged queens, and all signaling activity was directed toward early emerging VQs. In contrast, if colonies did produce afterswarms, the queen replacement process required 5–6 days, there was no advantage for first-emerging queens, vibration rates on emerged queens were 25 times greater, and signaling activity was directed toward all VQs. Although vibration signal activity was more pronounced in colonies with afterswarms, the signal was consistently associated with increased VQ survival under all conditions. These trends were exhibited similarly in the African and European colonies, suggesting that they have broad applicability to queen-replacement decisions over a range of environmental and racial conditions. However, the African and European colonies differed in the total number of queens involved in the elimination process and the relative importance of queen duels and pre-emergence destruction under the different reproductive strategies. Taken together, our results suggest that worker behavior is a major determinant for the outcome of queen replacement, either through reduced interactions that allow first-emerged queens to rapidly eliminate rivals, or through increased use of interactions such as the vibration signal, which may allow workers to influence the ultimate fate of each emerged VQ. We discuss the possibility that these behavior patterns may reflect the roles of cooperation and conflict in shaping honey bee reproductive decisions.
Mitochondrial dihydrolipoyl succinyltransferase deficiency accelerates amyloid pathology and memory deficit in a transgenic mouse model of amyloid deposition

Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are involved in Alzheimer disease (AD) pathogenesis. In human AD brains, the activity of the alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase enzyme complex (alpha-KGDHC) is reduced. KGDHC is mostly involved in NADH production. It can also participate in oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. The mitochondrial dihydrolipoyl succinyltransferase enzyme (DLST) is a key subunit specific to the alpha-KGDHC. In cultured cells, reduction of DLST increased H(2)O(2)-induced ROS generation and cell death. Thus, we asked whether partial genetic deletion of DLST could accelerate the onset of AD pathogenesis, using a transgenic mouse model of amyloid deposition crossed with DLST(+/-) mice. Tg19959 mice, which carry the human amyloid precursor protein with two mutations, develop amyloid deposits and progressive behavioral abnormalities. We compared Tg19959 mice to Tg19959-DLST(+/-) littermates at 2-3 months of age and studied the effects of DLST deficiency on amyloid deposition, spatial learning and memory, and oxidative stress. We found that alpha-KGDHC activity was reduced in DLST(+/-) mice. We also found that DLST deficiency increased amyloid plaque burden, Abeta oligomers, and nitrotyrosine levels and accelerated the occurrence of spatial learning and memory deficits in female Tg19959 mice. Our data suggest that alpha-KGDHC may be involved in AD pathogenesis through increased mitochondrial oxidative stress.
Study of exonic variation identifies incremental information regarding lipid-related and coronary heart disease genes.

Recently, a modest-sized population-based study of exonic variants facilitated the identification of the causal gene, TM6SF2 , in a gene-rich locus on 19p1 previously associated with cholesterol levels in blood. The study also provided compelling functional validation of the locus and evidence at the population level that interference with the function of this gene may substantially reduce the risk of coronary artery disease. The study highlights the potential utility of large-scale studies of coding variants but also hints toward the need of much larger studies to provide insight at other loci. Conducting such studies in parallel with association studies of variation in well-annotated regulatory regions is likely to ultimately yield the highest returns. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) conducted over the past decade have identified many regions of the genome harboring common susceptibility variants for complex traits.1 For many traits, the overall proportion of the genetic variance explained by GWAS to date remains modest.2 A few exceptions exist including blood levels of lipids where large meta-analyses have successfully identified >150 loci for total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and triglycerides.3,4 Remarkably, these discoveries seem to explain more than one quarter of the genetic variance of each trait.3,4 A majority of these GWAS loci are novel and have not been previously linked to lipid biology.3,4 For many, the lead single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) falls in noncoding regions of the genome and the association interval stretches over several kilobases often overlapping several candidate genes.3,4 This situation makes it extremely challenging to determine the causal gene. Several population genetic approaches can be used to help identify the causal gene. First, one can examine the same risk interval in multiple racial groups with the hope that differences in linkage …
RadixZip: linear time compression of token streams

RadixZip is a block compression technique for token streams. It introduces RadixZip Transform, a linear time algorithm that rearranges bytes using a technique inspired by radix sorting. For appropriate data, RadixZip Transform is analogous to the Burrows-Wheeler Transform used in bzip2, but is both simpler in operation and more effective in compression. In addition, RadixZip Transform can take advantage of correlations between token streams with no computational overhead. Experiments over practical data show that for common token streams, RadixZip is superior to bzip2.
Boundedness in functional dynamic equations on time scales

Using nonnegative definite Lyapunov functionals, we prove general theorems for the boundedness of all solutions of a functional dynamic equation on time scales. We apply our obtained results to linear and nonlinear Volterra integro-dynamic equations on time scales by displaying suitable Lyapunov functionals.
The Gaussian parallel relay network

We introduce the real, discrete-time Gaussian parallel relay network. This simple network is theoretically important in the context of network information theory. We present upper and lower bounds to capacity and explain where they coincide.
Cutaneous Myoepithelial Carcinoma in a Neonate

A 27-day-old female neonate presented with a bleeding growth on the abdomen. The clinical differential diagnosis included pyogenic granuloma and hemangioma. Histology shows an ulcerated, spindled and round cell tumor in the dermis with ill-defined margins that invade the subcutaneous fat. The tumor exhibits a biphasic growth pattern with plump spindled cells arranged in fascicles, as well as epithelioid cells arranged in sheets. Some cells show plasmacytoid features. The tumor cells have pleomorphic, vesicular nuclei. Single cell necrosis and mitotic activity is prominent. Myxoid and chondroid stromal changes are focally seen. Immunohistochemical stains show strong positivity for S100 protein, calponin, and, focally, AE1/AE3. Portions of the both the spindled and epithelioid cell components show staining with EMA. Desmin and MSA stains were negative. The tumor does not stain for CD 31, CD 30, CD 45, CD 20, CD 34, CK 20, MART-1, or HMB45. These histologic features are consistent with a cutaneous myoepithelial carcinoma. Cutaneous myoepitheliomas are rare tumors of myoepithelial cells which surround eccrine and apocrine glands. While most myoepitheliomas are benign, tumors with high mitotic activity may have a risk for recurrence or metastasis. This is, to our knowledge, the youngest patient described with myoepithelial carcinoma.
Toward a Program‐Based ADR Research Agenda

Program evaluation research is often too narrowly focused to build theoryabout dispute resolution while theory-driven ADR research is frequentlytoo far removed from programmatic realities to inform practice. To developan ADR evaluation research agenda that connects theory and practice, weneed to consider: making ADR context a central focus of research; undertakinga fuller account of the processes and the work of third parties inrelation to what skills and orientations parties bring with them to ADR asnegotiators; widening our view of ADR impact or result; and reexaminingwhat research methods are best for studying ADR programs. By shiftingour perspectives, placing negotiating parties closer to the center of ourstudy of ADR, and grounding research in the contexts that matter to policy-makersand practitioners, we could significantly advance research onthird-party intervention.
Changes to southern Appalachian water yield and stormflow after loss of a foundation species

Few studies have examined how insect outbreaks affect landscape-level hydrologic processes. Wereport the hydrologic effects of the invasive, exotic hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) in a headwater catchment in the southern Appalachian Mountains. The study watershed experienced complete mortality of an evergreen tree species, Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carr. (eastern hemlock), after infestation was first detected in 2003. Hemlock mortality resulted in a ~6% reduction in basal area in the watershed, and this loss was primarily concentrated inriparianzones.Weuseda paired-watershedapproachtoquantifychanges inwateryield andpeakstormflow using streamflow data from the infested watershed and a nearby watershed with significantly lower hemlock basal area. We hypothesizedthatyieldwouldincreaseshortlyafterhemlockinfestationbutdecreaseoverthelonger-term.Wefoundthatannualyield did not increase significantly in any year after infestation but decreased significantly by 12·0cm (~8%) in 2010. Monthly yield also decreased after infestation, but changes were limited to the dormant season. The decline in yield is likely to persist as hemlock is replacedbyspecieswithhighertranspirationrates.Peakflowincreasedsignificantlyafterinfestationduringthetwolargest flowevents in the post-infestation period. Changes in stormflow during extreme events may have been temporary as another evergreen, Rhododendron maximum, may have mitigated some of the changes after hemlock loss. Thus, streams draining watersheds where eastern hemlock has been lost due to HWA infestation demonstrate permanent reductions in yield and transient increases in peakflow during large-flow events. Published 2014. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Exact associative neural memory dynamics utilizing Boolean matrices

The exact dynamics of shallow loaded associative neural memories are generated and characterized. The Boolean matrix analysis approach is employed for the efficient generation of all possible state transition trajectories for parallel updated binary-state dynamic associative memories (DAMs). General expressions for the size of the basin of attraction of fundamental and oscillatory memories and the number of oscillatory and stable states are derived for discrete synchronous Hopfield DAMs loaded with one, two, or three even-dimensionality bipolar memory vectors having the same mutual Hamming distances between them. Spurious memories are shown to occur only if the number of stored patterns exceeds two in an even-dimensionality Hopfield memory. The effects of odd- versus even-dimensionality memory vectors on DAM dynamics and the effects of memory pattern encoding on DAM performance are tested. An extension of the Boolean matrix dynamics characterization technique to other, more complex DAMs is presented. >
Explanations of the Imbalanced Age Structure and Scattered Distribution of Ponderosa Pine within a High-Elevation Mixed Coniferous Forest

Stein, S.J., 1988. Explanations of the imbalanced age structure and scattered distribution of ponderosa pine within a high-elevation mixed coniferous forest. For. Ecol. Manage., 25: 139-153. Many recent inventories have shown a marked drop in the amount of forest land dominated by ponderosa pine, with replacement by other species. I documented an imbalance in the size-class distribution of ponderosa pines at high elevations on the Paunsaugunt Plateau of southern Utah, due to a lack of individuals in smaller size classes. Germination and seedling survival experiments were conducted to investigate this reproductive failure. Fire-suppression policies of the 1900's, as well as the cooler and wetter recent climate, have probably made natural ponderosa pine regeneration difficult and have favored the more competitive, shade-tolerant spruce and fir. If these trends continue, this population of aged pines may be heading towards extinction. I would speculate that this phenomenon may occur among ponderosa pine populations growing at the upper elevational or northern latitudinal limit of the species,
Comparision of potential paths selected by a malicious entity with hazardous materials: minimization of time vs. minimization of distance

Security of hazardous materials (hazmat) shipments is a growing concern for many governments and private companies due to their potential use as weapons. This paper identifies a methodology for obtaining the paths taken by a malicious entity when he/she hijacks a hazmat truck based on conditional consequence and a measure of cost (either distance or travel time). The work compares the routes obtained by travel time and distance for a sample network and suggests the need for travel time to be considered in urban areas, especially in peak hours.
Determining The Optimal Values Of Exponential Smoothing Constants – Does Solver Really Work?

A key issue in exponential smoothing is the choice of the values of the smoothing constants used. One approach that is becoming increasingly popular in introductory management science and operations management textbooks is the use of Solver, an Excel-based non-linear optimizer, to identify values of the smoothing constants that minimize a measure of forecast error like Mean Absolute Deviation (MAD) or Mean Squared Error (MSE). We point out some difficulties with this approach and suggest an easy fix. We examine the impact of initial forecasts on the smoothing constants and the idea of optimizing the initial forecast along with the smoothing constants. We make recommendations on the use of Solver in the context of the teaching of forecasting and suggest that there is a better method than Solver to identify the appropriate smoothing constants.
Manipulation and regulation of post-weaning growth in the pig

The objective of this dissertation was to investigate the manipulation and regulation of post-weaning growth in the pig. Specific objectives, as reflected in the individual chapters of this thesis, were to investigate the basis for differences in postweaning growth rate and the modification of growth achieved through the use of two feed additives: tylosin phosphate (TP) and ractopamine hydrochloride (RAC). In the first experiment, 18 cannulated barrows (initial BW = 32.6 ± 1.2 kg) were utilized to evaluate the impact of TP on energy and nutrient digestibility in growing pigs fed corn-soybean meal or corn-soybean meal-distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) based diets. Results of this study indicated that the ileal digestibility of all indispensible AA, except leucine, and the apparent total tract digestibility of energy and fiber was lower (P 0.10). A second experiment was conducted to determine if a higher fiber diet alters the response of finishing pigs to TP and RAC in terms of N and water utilization and energy digestibility using 72 gilts (initial BW = 107.4 ± 4.2 kg) housed in individual metabolism pens. Ractopamine HCl improved ADG (P 0.10), but this response was not accompanied by changes in N balance or energy digestibility. A third experiment was conducted to develop a better understanding
Persistent Elevation of Parathyroid Hormone during Pediatric Parathyroidectomy

Primary hyperparathyroidism due to adenoma or hyperplasia is often the cause of inappropriately elevated parathyroid hormone in patients with hypercalcemia. Intraoperative monitoring of parathyroid hormone serum concentrations is widely accepted in the adult population, ensuring adequate resection during primary operative exploration. Here, we describe a pediatric case report during which intraoperative hormone monitoring was crucial in directing the operative approach. This symptomatic patient had standard preoperative studies. However, despite an adequate resection of the identified hyperactive tissue, her intraoperative parathyroid hormone concentrations remained inappropriately elevated prompting further dissection of neighboring tissue. A parathyroid adenoma was successfully excised during the operation, preventing further invasive procedures. This report highlights the feasibility of monitoring intraoperatively parathyroid hormone levels in the pediatric population.
Kinematic analysis of treadmill walking in normal and contused mice using the Treadscan system.

Activity-based rehabilitation is important for clinically treating spinal cord injury (SCI). Advances in SCI research are dependent on quality animal models, which rely on our ability to detect functional differences in animals following injury. The purpose of this study is to analyze the gait of normal and contusion-injured mice using the TreadScan® system. TreadScan® utilizes a transparent treadmill belt and a high-speed camera to capture the footprints of animals and automatically analyze gait characteristics. Adult female C57B1/6 mice were gentled and introduced to the treadmill. Animals received either a standardized mild or moderate contusion injury or a sham injury. TreadScan® gait analyses were performed weekly for ten weeks and compared with scores on the Basso Mouse Scale (BMS). Animals were perfused, and the spinal cords assessed histologically. Results indicate that the TreadScan® system will allow for a more objective, rapid behavioral assessment of locomotor function following SCI than previous measures.
Using tablets in the vision-based control of a ball and beam test-bed

Although the onboard cameras of smart devices have been used in the monitoring and teleoperation of physical systems such as robots, their use in the vision-based feedback control of such systems remains to be fully explored. In this paper, we discuss an approach to control a ball and beam test-bed using visual feedback from a smart device with its camera pointed at the test-bed. The computation of a homography between the frames of a live video and a reference image allows the smart device to accurately estimate the state of the test-bed while facing the test-bed from any perspective. Augmented reality is incorporated in the development of an interactive user interface on the smart device that allows users to command the position of the ball on the beam by tapping their fingers at the desired location on the touchscreen. Experiments using a tablet are performed to characterize the noise of vision-based measurements and to illustrate the performance of the closed-loop control system.
Transfer, Amplification, and Inversion of Helical Chirality Mediated by Concerted Interactions of C3-Supramolecular Dendrimers

The synthesis, structural, and retrostructural analysis of two libraries containing 16 first and second generation C3-symmetric self-assembling dendrimers based on dendrons connected at their apex via trisesters and trisamides of 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid is reported. A combination of X-ray diffraction and CD/UV analysis methods demonstrated that their C3-symmetry modulates different degrees of packing on the periphery of supramolecular structures that are responsible for the formation of chiral helical supramolecular columns and spheres self-organizable in a diversity of three-dimensional (3D) columnar, tetragonal, and cubic lattices. Two of these periodic arrays, a 3D columnar hexagonal superlattice and a 3D columnar simple orthorhombic chiral lattice with P2221 symmetry, are unprecedented for supramolecular dendrimers. A thermal-reversible inversion of chirality was discovered in helical supramolecular columns. This inversion is induced, on heating, by the change in symmetry from a 3D columnar si...
Photographs and Descriptions of Cup-Fungi—XII Elvelaceae

(1930). Photographs and Descriptions of Cup-Fungi—XII Elvelaceae. Mycologia: Vol. 22, No. 4, pp. 163-164.
Use of Thioglycollate Media for Testing Disinfectants.

SummarySodium thioglycollate added to media for testing disinfectants in vitro apparently neutralized the bacteriostatic effect of the mercurial compounds tested and thus indicated the inadequacy of these substances as germicides.
Adolescent Violence Exposure and Victimization at Home: Coping and Psychological Trauma Symptoms*:

The present study examined the relationship between home violence exposure and victimization and adolescent coping strategies, psychological trauma symptoms, and self-reported violent behavior. Dat...
Urban Wetland Characterization in South-Central New York State

Urban wetlands can serve to reduce flooding and improve water quality, yet we know little about their plant communities. Our study aims to characterize the vegetation and soil parameters of these important ecosystems, and to compare these features to those of previously sampled natural wetlands in south-central New York. Vegetation and soil characteristics were sampled in eight urban wetlands and compared to six forested wetlands, five scrub-shrub wetlands, and seven emergent wetlands. Urban sites had significantly lower species richness and a higher percent cover of invasives, including Typha x glauca, Phalaris arundinacea, and Lythrum salicaria. However, non-invasive species were also common in urban flora, including Leersia oryzoides, Ludwigia palustris, and Sagittaria latifolia. Urban wetlands had a high percentage of obligate wetland species, and most closely resembled emergent wetlands in their vegetation composition. Soil pH and soil electrical conductivity were significantly higher in urban sites, but potential net N-mineralization rates were significantly lower. Urban wetland vegetation and soil characteristics are different than those in nearby natural wetlands, and our increased knowledge of these urban ecosystems will lead to more successful restoration and creation projects.
The Internationalisation of Gulf Finance

The second part of this book analyses the emergence of the Gulf States as pivotal actors in the broader rebalancing of global geo-economic and political power. The five chapters in this section examine the greater assertiveness of GCC states in debates over new frameworks of international governance, their rise as major global actors in Islamic finance and sovereign wealth funds, their enmeshment in shifting patterns of global trade, the role of aviation as a powerful case study of the Gulf States’ global repositioning, and the emergence of new security threats and challenges that may over time undermine the Gulf States’ global rise.
Artificial Britain: Risk, Systems and Synthetics Since 1800

This chapter explores the intersection of risk society, synthetic chemistry and enviro-technical systems, focusing primarily on the material dimensions of risk as played out in relation to health. Otter argues that an increasingly artificial human environment underpinned and shaped risk society, even if it did not absolutely determine the way in which risks were comprehended, experienced and managed. Using case histories including benzene, lead and polychlorinated biphenyls, he shows both the enduring persistence of the local in understanding risk and the diffusion of risk across a wide area, as well as the multiple techniques used to prevent, regulate and manage the risks of a technologically complex society.
Structural origin of intrinsic ductility in binary aluminosilicate glasses

Abstract We evaluate the fracture mechanism in the binary aluminosilicate glasses using molecular dynamics simulations. The simulations using two independent force fields reveal that increasing the alumina content promotes shear and suppresses fracture, thereby increasing the intrinsic ductility, in agreement with experimental observations. In indentation simulations, it is directly demonstrated that the deformation mechanism shifts from densification to shear flow with the increase in alumina content. The origin of this intrinsic ductility is that the Al atoms are more amenable to plastic flow and can reduce the creation of lower coordinated weak spots during deformation.
Hardness of Bipartite Expansion.

We study the natural problem of estimating the expansion of subsets of vertices on one side of a bipartite graph. More precisely, given a bipartite graph G(U,V,E) and a parameter beta, the goal is to find a subset V' subseteq V containing beta fraction of the vertices of V which minimizes the size of N(V'), the neighborhood of V'. This problem, which we call Bipartite Expansion, is a special case of submodular minimization subject to a cardinality constraint, and is also related to other problems in graph partitioning and expansion. Previous to this work, there was no hardness of approximation known for Bipartite Expansion. In this paper we show the following strong inapproximability for Bipartite Expansion: for any constants tau, gamma > 0 there is no algorithm which, given a constant beta > 0 and a bipartite graph G(U,V,E), runs in polynomial time and decides whether - (YES case) There is a subset S^* subseteq V s.t. |S^*| >= beta*|V| satisfying |N(S^*)| <= gamma |U|, or - (NO case) Any subset S subseteq V s.t. |S| >= tau*beta*|V| satisfies |N(S)| >= (1 - gamma)|U|, unless NP subseteq intersect_{epsilon > 0}{DTIME}(2^{n^epsi;on}) i.e. NP has subexponential time algorithms. We note that our hardness result stated above is a vertex expansion analogue of the Small Set (Edge) Expansion Conjecture of Raghavendra and Steurer 2010.
Characteristics of the Most Recently Awarded Magnetic Resonance Imaging Patents in the United States.

Purpose To characterize recent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technical development and innovation based on data regarding MRI-related patents awarded in 2016. Methods The US Patent and Trademark Office website was searched for patents awarded in 2016 and an abstract containing "magnetic resonance." Patent characteristics were summarized. An MRI physicist classified patents' themes. Results A total of 423 MRI-related patents were awarded in 2016. Among these, 29% had 1 inventor, 24% had 2 inventors, and 47% had ≥2 inventors. Mean interval between patents being filed and awarded was 1389 ± 559 days (range: 167-4029). Most common countries of patents' first assignee were USA (40%), Germany (24%), Netherlands (10%), and Japan (10%). In all, 3% included assignees with different countries (most common collaborators USA and Germany). Patents' first assignee had an industry affiliation in 76% vs an academic affiliation in 21% (4% indeterminate); and 3% had industry-academia collaboration. Patents' most common themes were coils ( n = 77), sequence design ( n = 65), and noncoil scanner hardware ( n = 41). These top themes were similar for USA, international, and industry-based patents; however, for academic-based patents, the most common themes were sequence design, reconstruction, and exogenous agents. Less common themes included image analysis, postprocessing, spectroscopy, relaxometry, diffusion, motion correction, radiation therapy, implants, wireless devices, and positron emission tomography-MRI. Conclusion Most MRI-related patents were by non-US inventors. A large majority had industry affiliation; minimal industry-academic collaboration was observed. Patents from industry and academic inventors had distinct top focuses: hardware and software, respectively. Awareness of the most recent years' MRI patents may provide insights into forthcoming clinical translations and help guide ongoing research and entrepreneurism.
Do We Go Together? Effects of Dyadic Power Distance Congruence and Gender on Conflict and Burnout

In the present study, we examine the effects of congruence between subordinates’ and supervisors’ power distance orientations. Based on dominance complementarity theory, we propose that dyadic powe...
Computational Model of Antidepressant Response Heterogeneity as Multi-pathway Neuroadaptation

Current hypotheses cannot fully explain the clinically observed heterogeneity in antidepressant response. The therapeutic latency of antidepressants suggests that therapeutic outcomes are achieved not by the acute effects of the drugs, but rather by the homeostatic changes that occur as the brain adapts to their chronic administration. We present a computational model that represents the known interactions between the monoaminergic neurotransmitter-producing brain regions and associated non-monoaminergic neurotransmitter systems, and use the model to explore the possible ways in which the brain can homeostatically adjust to chronic antidepressant administration. The model also represents the neuron-specific neurotransmitter receptors that are known to adjust their strengths (expressions or sensitivities) in response to chronic antidepressant administration, and neuroadaptation in the model occurs through sequential adjustments in these receptor strengths. The main result is that the model can reach similar levels of adaptation to chronic administration of the same antidepressant drug or combination along many different pathways, arriving correspondingly at many different receptor strength configurations, but not all of those adapted configurations are also associated with therapeutic elevations in monoamine levels. When expressed as the percentage of adapted configurations that are also associated with elevations in one or more of the monoamines, our modeling results largely agree with the percentage efficacy rates of antidepressants and antidepressant combinations observed in clinical trials. Our neuroadaptation model provides an explanation for the clinical reports of heterogeneous outcomes among patients chronically administered the same antidepressant drug regimen.
Establishing the Feasibility of a Tablet-Based Consent Process with Older Adults: A Mixed-Methods Study.

Purpose of the study This mixed-methods study explored the feasibility and acceptability of using a tablet-based research consent process with adults aged ≥65 years. Design and methods In the first phase, focus group participants reported on their perceptions of a tablet-based consent process. In the second phase, older adults were randomized to view either a tablet-based or paper-based consent for a mock clinical trial. Measurements included: time to complete, adverse/unexpected events, user-friendliness, immediate comprehension, and retention at a 1-week delay. Results Focus group participants (N = 15) expressed interest in the novel format, cautioning that peers would need comprehensive orientation to use the technology. In the randomized pilot (N = 20), retention was 100% and all participants completed the protocol without the occurrence of adverse/unexpected events. Although the participants took longer to complete the tablet-based consent than the paper-based version, user-friendliness, immediate comprehension, and retention of the tablet-based consent were similar to the paper-based consent. Discussion and implications The findings suggest that a tablet-based consent process is feasible to implement with older adults and acceptable to this population, but we would underscore that efforts to optimize design of tablet-based consent forms for older adults are warranted.
Practical Evaluation of Invariant Measures for the Chaotic Response of a Two-Frequency Excited Mechanical Oscillator

This paper presents results which characterize the chaotic response of alow-dimensional mechanical oscillator. An experimental system based on acart rolling on a two-well potential surface has been shown to closelyapproximate a modified form of Duffing's equation. Two-frequency forcingis applied, providing a useful means of varying the dimension of theresponse. Computation of correlation dimension and Lyapunov spectra areperformed on both experimental and numerical data in order to assess theutility of these measures in a practical setting. A specific focus isthe distinction between subharmonic and quasi-periodic forcing, sincethis has a subtle, and interesting, effect on the subsequent dynamics.The results tend to highlight the statistical nature of the measures andthe caution that should be used in their interpretation.
Studies of Sarcomere Length by Optical Diffraction

Over the past few years, there has been an explosive increase in the use of optical diffraction as a tool for studying the function of skeletal muscle. The usefulness of this technique lies in the fact that it can provide an effectively instantaneous measurement of the length of the basic contractile unit of skeletal muscle fibers, the sarcomere. The importance of the measurement is that sarcomere length is a major determinant of the functional properties of skeletal-muscle cells. Optical-diffraction data can therefore identify a given sarcomere length and provide insight into the dynamic properties of sarcomeres and can be used to assess the validity of models of the mechanism of contraction. These data may also show how different populations of sarcomeres interact with each other, information that is of potential importance in both normal and diseased states of striated muscle.
The Concept of Responsibility in Medicine

Achieving agreement in medical ethics is particularly difficult in light of the confusion surrounding the identification of what constitutes medical ethics.1 Alasdair Maclntyre contends that this difficulty is but a characteristic of our broader culture, which has no systematic way of using such words as “ethical” and “moral” that does not already embody a particular and contentious morality ([20], p. 3). As a consequence, the conflict over how morality is to be defined is itself a moral conflict. Different and rival definitions cannot be defended apart from defending different and rival sets of moral principles.
The Biogenesis and Function of MicroRNAs

MicroRNAs are a large family of approximately 22 nucleotide long, non-coding RNAs processed from stemloop secondary structures. Current evidence indicates that miRNAs negatively regulate the expression of their target genes in plants and animals.
Response to Étienne Balibar, ‘Philosophies of the Transindividual: Spinoza, Marx, Freud’

AbstractIn this short response to Balibar’s article, I discuss what I consider to be some of the most radical implications of Balibar’s notion of transindividualism. Specifically, I argue that in his reading of Marx, Spinoza and Freud, Balibar complicates not only the categories of the individual and the mass but also even the way that these two concepts are connected, along with a more general subversion of the most fundamental building blocks of capitalism. Balibar shows that communism is already present and active within the heart of alienation, materiality and dialectical relationality and in this way can neither be rooted out nor denied its aleatory presence and possibility.
Synchronous Urothelial Bladder and Renal Malignancies. Case Report and Review of Urologic Cancers in Patients With Familial Rb Mutations

We present a urologic case report associated with retinoblastoma (RB1) mutation. A 65-year-old man, who has a history of bilateral retinoblastoma treated with primary radiation therapy at approximately 1 year of age. He presented with a 3-month history of gross hematuria and, on initial workup, was found to have synchronous renal and urothelial malignancies. The patient underwent complete transurethral resection of high grade Ta urothelial cancer and robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy for a pT3a leiomyosarcoma. He remains responsive to Bacillus Calmette-Guerin, and shows no recurrence of his renal malignancy. Through targeted sequencing, Rb mutations can predispose patients to several urologic malignancies.
Interphases of Polymer Electrolytes

Lithium sulfur batteries are endowed with intriguingly high energy density but also suffer from complicated interfacial parasitic reactions, especially toward the anode side. In this issue of Joule, Zhang et al. design a new LiN(SO2CF2H)(SO2CF3)(LiDFTFSI)/poly(ethylene oxide) solid-state polymer electrolyte that is compatible with polysulfide chains and can regulate the interfacial chemistry of lithium anode.
Senior Cohousing—History and Theory

The first modern cohousing community was developed in Denmark just outside of Copenhagen in 1972. Twenty-seven families who desired a greater sense of community and collaboration than found in typical neighborhoods of the time came together to develop a fresh approach to housing (McCamant & Durrett, 1988). With the guiding principles of community and cooperation in mind these families developed the physical characteristics and the governing structure for their new community that have now become hallmarks of the modern cohousing movement. Architectural features such as community kitchens, communal play areas for children, and common gardens and courtyards served to heighten residents’ natural interactions with one another.
In Their Own Words: Experiences of Caregivers of Adults With Cancer as Expressed on Social Media.

Purpose To explore caregivers' writings about their experiences caring for adult individuals with cancer on a social media health communication website. Participants & setting Journal entries (N = 392) were analyzed for 37 adult caregivers who were posting on behalf of 20 individuals with cancer. CaringBridge is a website used by patients and informal caregivers to communicate about acute and chronic disease. Methodologic approach A retrospective descriptive study using qualitative content analysis of caregivers' journal entries from 2009 to 2015. Findings Major categories identified in caregivers' online journals included patient health information, cancer awareness/advocacy, social support, caregiver burden, daily living, emotions (positive and negative), and spirituality. Implications for nursing Nurses often recommend using social media as a communication strategy for patients with cancer and their caregivers. The findings from this study provide potential guidance nurses may wish to offer caregivers. For example, nurses may talk with caregivers about how and what to post regarding treatment decisions. In addition, nurses can provide support for caregivers struggling with when and how often to communicate on social media.
Laser Doppler Multi-Beam Differential Vibration Sensor for Acoustic Detection of Buried Objects

A Laser Doppler multi-beam differential vibration sensor which has low sensitivity to the motion of the sensor itself has been developed. The application of the sensor for vibration imaging of buried objects has been demonstrated.
Editorial Commentary: Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Repair Versus Reconstruction: Still a Question or a Clear Winner?

Abstract Controversy persists regarding appropriate treatment of patellar instability. As surgeons move to a more aggressive approach, medial imbrication and medial patellofemoral ligament repair are waning in popularity whereas medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction has become the standard of care. Techniques vary between surgeons, and consensus remains elusive.
Promoting Healthy Marriages in Chinese Church Communities: Survey of Chinese Couples’ Marriages, Virtue-Based Training for Leaders, and Outcomes:

Couple research, and specifically religion and couple research, is commonly conducted in individualistic cultures. The collectivistic milieu of China makes a useful contrast to Western culture. Wit...
Integrating play therapy into early childhood mental health treatment services: clinician and parent perspectives

This mixed-method study explored how early childhood clinicians integrate play therapy into early childhood mental health treatment services with high-risk preschool children (ages 3 to 6 years) an...
Selective Production of Glycolaldehyde via Hydrothermal Pyrolysis of Glucose: Experiments and Microkinetic Modeling

Abstract Pyrolysis of glucose and glucose-based carbohydrates has been shown to produce a range of chemical species that can be used directly as fuels and chemicals or as feedstocks to further chemical transformations. It is known that process operating conditions such as temperature, heating rate, reactor configuration, moisture content, and pretreatment method can have a significant effect on the observed product distribution. Pyrolysis of carbohydrates in the presence of water at high concentrations can significantly alter the product spectrum and favor the production of specific products at unusually high yields. In this work, we show that pyrolysis of aqueous glucose solutions at high temperatures can result in highly selective production of glycolaldehyde, a C2 hydrocarbon with an aldehyde and hydroxyl functionality, toward direct applications in the food industry or as a chemical building block toward value-added products. A glucose pyrolysis model that was developed previously was expanded to capture the pyrolysis kinetics of glucose at hydrothermal conditions, accurately reproducing the observed product yields for a range of temperatures and feedstock compositions. Dominant reaction families were identified and interrogated to quantify the effect of hydrothermal conditions on the predicted kinetics. High yields of glycolaldehyde were achieved experimentally, with the maximum values observed at moderate temperatures and pure glucose feed. Elevated temperatures and increasing fructose concentrations negatively affected observed glycolaldehyde yields, resulting in increased production of undesired decomposition products in the C1-C3 range. The results of this study include preferred operating conditions toward maximizing the yield of glycolaldehyde as described by a predictive kinetic model that explicitly accounts for the major reactions comprising a complex network taking place and the effect of the operating conditions on their relative contributions to glucose conversion and product yields.
Association of Adrenal Insufficiency With Pediatric Pseudotumor Cerebri Syndrome.

Importance Pediatric pseudotumor cerebri syndrome pathophysiology is complex and not well delineated. Therefore, it is important to identify potential contributors or targets underlying the primary pathogenesis for its development. Objective To report cases highlighting the association of pediatric pseudotumor cerebri syndrome with adrenal insufficiency. Design, setting, and participants This noncontrolled, observational case series included pediatric patients diagnosed with pseudotumor cerebri syndrome and adrenal insufficiency at an urban academic children's hospital in Houston, Texas, from June 2015 to October 2019. Main outcomes and measures Monitoring optic nerve edema by clinical examination, fundus photography, and optical coherence topography images of the optic nerve. Results Data were collected from 5 pediatric patients (age range, 5-10 years) diagnosed with pseudotumor cerebri syndrome and adrenal insufficiency. One was a girl; all were White and prepubertal. Three patients had unrecognized glucocorticoid exposure. All patients had bilateral optic nerve edema that was initially treated with acetazolamide or topiramate, but cortisol functional testing by either 8 am cortisol or cosyntropin stimulation tests revealed a diagnosis of central adrenal insufficiency. Treatment with physiological doses of hydrocortisone resulted in resolution of optic nerve edema and clinical symptoms of pseudotumor cerebri syndrome, as well as a shorter time receiving medical therapy. Conclusions and relevance In this case series, adrenal insufficiency was associated with both primary and secondary prepubertal pediatric pseudotumor cerebri syndrome. As a potential target specific to causative mechanism, physiologic hydrocortisone therapy resolved the condition. To date, there remains a global unawareness among clinicians about the suppressive outcome that glucocorticoids may have on the developing hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, resulting in adrenal insufficiency and so-called episodic pseudotumor cerebri syndrome in young children. Ophthalmologists and pediatric subspecialists should implement cortisol testing via either 8 am cortisol or cosyntropin stimulation tests at initial evaluation of all children with pseudotumor cerebri syndrome and risk factors for adrenal insufficiency, no predisposing causes, or nonresponse to conventional treatment. Further management and treatment should be in combination with ophthalmology and endocrine services.
Current perspectives on obesity and skeletal muscle contractile function in older adults.

Obesity has become one of the most pressing public health issues of the 21st century and currently affects a substantial proportion of the older adult population. Although the cardiometabolic compl...