cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Acalculous cholecystitis in children

Abstract Acalculous cholecystitis (AC) is a rare disease in children, and its spectrum has not been well established. Twenty-five children with AC were identified (treated between 1970 and 1994) by retrospective clinical and pathological review. The authors recognized two distinct forms of this disease: acute (duration of symptoms 3 months). Thirteen children had acute AC. Seventy-five percent were males; the age range was from 2 months to 20 years. Of these cases, six occurred in the immediate postoperative period, five were in association with a systemic medical illness, and two had an infectious cause ( Salmonella ). The mean time of onset of symptoms ranged from 4 to 30 days after surgery or hospitalization (mean, 16 days). All children presented with fever, right-upper-quadrant pain, and vomiting. Other manifestations included jaundice (38%) and right-upper-quadrant mass (23%). Most had leukocytosis (76%) and abnormal liver function test results (62%). Ultrasonography was the most commonly used radiological test, and all 10 cases tested met the ultrasonographic criteria for acute AC. Cholecystectomy was performed in nine children, and pathological examination confirmed cholecystitis. No postoperative complications occurred. The other four children were managed nonoperatively with intravenous antibiotics. One died, but the other three recovered fully. Twelve children had chronic AC. Sixty-seven percent were females; the age range was 7 to 18 years. All presented with chronic symptoms of right-upper-quadrant pain and nausea or vomiting. The leukocyte count and results of liver function tests were normal. Seventy-five percent had evidence of abnormal gallbladder function (noted by a radionuclide hepatobiliary scan or cholecystography). All children in this group underwent cholecystectomy, with pathological confirmation of chronic inflammation. No complications occurred, and all patients had complete resolution of symptoms. The authors conclude that AC in children occurs in two distinct patterns. The acute and chronic forms differ in their clinical setting and presentation. Cholecystectomy is effective treatment of AC, although there may be a role for nonoperative management in selected cases.
Role of type and content of nanoparticles on certain dielectric characteristics of polypropylene nanocomposites

In practical power apparatus, the insulation under high electrical stress is exposed to recurrent partial discharge pulses, and the utility of the insulation is largely determined by its resistance to aging by partial discharges. The occurrence of partial discharges is largely governed by a combination of the applied field and the space charges that are generated due to these discharges. Since the space charge profile generated by a time-varying voltage and, thus, the resultant field would be much different from that of a constant ac voltage, this work investigates how the partial discharge characteristics, the resulting erosion, and remnant breakdown strength change when samples are aged with a step voltage profile. Since incorporation of nanofillers in controlled quantities is known to alter the space charge formation and transportation, this work also focuses on understanding the effect of incorporation of different quantities of natural (cloisite 20 A° natural montmorillonite clay) and synthetic (tetrasilisic fluro mica) nanofillers into a pure polypropylene matrix on its partial discharge characteristics and the resulting effect when aged under the application of step voltages. Isotactic polypropylene films with different filler concentrations of natural and synthetic nanofillers were aged. The cumulative effect of the partial discharge behavior was investigated through analysis of the erosion depth produced by these pulses on sample surface and remnant breakdown strengths of aged samples. Results indicate that maximum partial discharge magnitudes become prominently lower in nanofilled samples as compared to that of base polypropylene only when the applied voltage is beyond a certain level. Up to that voltage, the average discharge magnitude is significantly lower in samples whose filler content is below a percolation threshold, but above that voltage, the average magnitude depends on the aspect ratio of the nanofillers. Partial discharge resistance and characteristic breakdown strength increases with increase in filler content in both types of nanofilled samples, but excessive filler content is not effective in enhancing these parameters.
Regulation of type 1 ANG II receptor in vascular tissue: role of α1-adrenoreceptor

Angiotensin II (ANG II) and norepinephrine (NE) are important regulators of vascular function and structure. Recent studies showed that there are multiple interactions between these two potent vaso...
Folding of Fibroblast Growth Factor 1 Is Critical for Its Nonclassical Release

Fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF1), a ubiquitously expressed pro-angiogenic protein that is involved in tissue repair, carcinogenesis, and maintenance of vasculature stability, is released from the cells via a stress-dependent nonclassical secretory pathway. FGF1 secretion is a result of transmembrane translocation of this protein. It correlates with the ability of FGF1 to permeabilize membranes composed of acidic phospholipids. Like several other nonclassically exported proteins, FGF1 exhibits β-barrel folding. To assess the role of folding of FGF1 in its secretion, we applied targeted mutagenesis in combination with a complex of biophysical methods and molecular dynamics studies, followed by artificial membrane permeabilization and stress-induced release experiments. It has been demonstrated that a mutation of proline 135 located in the C-terminus of FGF1 results in (i) partial unfolding of FGF1, (ii) a decrease in FGF1's ability to permeabilize bilayers composed of phosphatidylserine, and (iii) drastic inhibition of stress-induced FGF1 export. Thus, folding of FGF1 is critical for its nonclassical secretion.
Cryo-electron microscopy structure of the TRPV2 ion channel

Transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV) cation channels are polymodal sensors involved in a variety of physiological processes. TRPV2, a member of the TRPV family, is regulated by temperature, by ligands, such as probenecid and cannabinoids, and by lipids. TRPV2 has been implicated in many biological functions, including somatosensation, osmosensation and innate immunity. Here we present the atomic model of rabbit TRPV2 in its putative desensitized state, as determined by cryo-EM at a nominal resolution of ∼4 A. In the TRPV2 structure, the transmembrane segment 6 (S6), which is involved in gate opening, adopts a conformation different from the one observed in TRPV1. Structural comparisons of TRPV1 and TRPV2 indicate that a rotation of the ankyrin-repeat domain is coupled to pore opening via the TRP domain, and this pore opening can be modulated by rearrangements in the secondary structure of S6.
5‐Lipoxygenase Gene Variants Are Not Associated With Atherosclerosis or Incident Coronary Heart Disease in the Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis Cohort

Background The arachidonate 5‐lipoxygenase enzyme plays a crucial role in mediating inflammation to maintain homeostasis, yet certain allelic variants of the 5‐lipoxygenase gene, ALOX5 , may increase risk of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease (CHD). Further, relations between ALOX5 and disease outcomes may be enhanced or attenuated depending on the bioavailability of 5‐lipoxygenase enzyme substrates. By using a candidate gene approach in 6153 Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) participants, associations were determined among 1348 ALOX5 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and carotid intima‐media thickness (cIMT) as well as incident CHD, and interactions with plasma concentrations of arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, or docosahexaenoic acid were tested. Methods and Results Multivariable linear regression was used to test for associations between cIMT and ALOX5 SNPs, and Cox regression was used for incident CHD. Bonferroni correction was used for multiple hypothesis testing. No significant associations between ALOX5 SNPs and cIMT or CHD events were observed. Levels of arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, or docosahexaenoic acid concentrations did not modify the relations of ALOX5 with either outcome. Conclusions ALOX5 gene variants do not appear to be related to clinical CHD events or subclinical atherosclerosis regardless of bioavailable enzyme substrate levels in this multiethnic cohort. Further studies that directly examine protein expression or enzyme activity may better define the arachidonate 5‐lipoxygenase pathway in disease development and progression.
Outcomes following mechanical ventilation in children undergoing bone marrow transplantation

Between 1976 and 1992, 869 patients <19 years of age underwent BMT at the University of Minnesota for a variety of malignant and non-malignant disorders. One hundred and ninety-six required mechanical ventilation (MV) at some time from the start of pre-BMT cyto reduction through the first year following BMT. Reasons for MV included respiratory compromise, upper airway management and non-pulmonary indications for respiratory support. In multivariate models, underlying diagnosis, receipt of HLA-mismatched marrow and the presence of acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) were independent predictors of the need for MV. Indication for MV, underlying diagnosis, and presence of aGVHD were independent predictors of successful extubation. Overall survival at 2 years was 14% among MV patients and 52% among non-MV patients. While the need for MV during BMT reduces the overall likelihood of survival, 40% of children who required MV were successfully extubated; 35% of these extubated patients were long-term survivors. This outcome is better than that reported for adult BMT patients requiring respiratory support, who show survival of <5% at 6 months following BMT. Our data suggest extrapolation of outcome data from adult to pediatric patients is not appropriate and aggressive care of pediatric patients requiring respiratory support is not futile.
Borrelia coriaceae in its tick vector, Ornithodoros coriaceus (Acari: Argasidae), with emphasis on transstadial and transovarial infection.

Field and laboratory studies demonstrated that transovarial passage of the recently described spirochete Borrelia coriaceae occurs occasionally in the soft tick Ornithodoros coriaceus Koch, but this process appeared to be inefficient for maintaining and distributing the spirochete. Borreliae were detected in only 5 (0.6%) of 883 wild-caught O. coriaceus larvae and in a low percentage of the F1 (larval) progeny from only one of nine spirochete-infected females. Infected and uninfected females did not differ statistically in fecundity or fertility. Transstadial survival of spirochetes also occurred in O. coriaceus , but experimental evidence suggests that some ticks may lose their infections during or after ecdysis. The distribution of spirochetes in tissues of infected nymphs and adult ticks that fed to repletion and later molted or oviposited was generalized or semigeneralized. Neither the coxal fluid nor the hemolymph test was found to be reliable for detecting spirochetes in ticks. Borreliae in tissue smears prepared from 1 of 18 spirochete-infected O. coriaceus nymphs and adults reacted with a monoclonal antibody (H5332) that is reportedly specific for Borrelia burgdorferi . The potential significance of this finding is discussed briefly.
Study on emergency response plan system

With the rapid developing of societal economy and the rising in pubic emergency,China government has stepped to improve the emergency management system.Emergency response plan system is the core part of the emergency management system.In this paper a series of confusion in practice was reviewed and the lacks and problems in emergency response plan system were identified.Based on system theory,this paper did some analysis were conducted on basic conceptions,and the definition and relationship of element of emergency response plan system were proposed.The basic model and extension method of emergency response plan system were also proposed.Adding on,a methodology of the study and practice on emergency response plan system were presented.The conclusions can offer referenced ideas to researcher and manager.
Fabrication of Electrocompacted Aligned Collagen Morphs for Cardiomyocyte Powered Living Machines

Based on the need for small scale compliant devices for use in medical robotics, there is increasing interest in the development of muscle actuated biobots. Such biobots are traditionally fabricated using nondegradable, synthetic polymers; however, such substrates require micro-patterning and additional treatments in order to promote cellular adhesion and induce cellular alignment. By using an organic substrate, such steps can be eliminated, and degradable scaffolds can be produced. Here we present a manufacturing process and culture conditions for fabrication of living machines using electrochemically compacted and aligned collagen ELAC as a scaffold. Using collagen as a scaffold results in a completely organic device. Milli-scale scaffolds were seeded with primary cardiomyocytes isolated from chick embryos and electrically stimulated to induce movement.
US Veterans’ Use Of VA Mental Health Services And Disability Compensation Increased From 2001 To 2010

There has been concern about the capacity of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system to provide care for veterans returning from war zones in the Middle East and Afghanistan. We used two nationally representative surveys of US veterans in 2001 and 2010 to examine changes in the veteran population and veterans’ use of health care services after a decade of war. The population was older and more diverse in 2010 than in 2001. In both years, veterans who served in the World War II era or earlier were more likely to have been exposed to combat-related trauma than veterans of more recent service eras. In 2010 veterans who served in the Persian Gulf War era (1990 through the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan) were more likely to have used VA mental health services and to have received VA disability compensation than veterans of previous service eras. Compared to veterans in 2001, those in 2010 were two times more likely to have used any VA health services and were more likely to have received VA di...
The challenges of genetic tests for human behavior.

OBJECTIVE To review the potential benefits and adverse effects of genetic tests that may develop, that effectively predict mental illness or variation from the norm on behavior traits. METHOD A review is offered of the history of genetic-based political policies and racial discrimination. The current status of genetic research in mental disorders is described. Anticipated genetic progress, and derivative tests and limits on their predictive power are considered. RESULTS There does exist a potential for invidious stigmatization and discrimination, based on genotypes of individuals and allele frequencies in communities, in various transactions such as health care access, employment and education, as well as in more intimate decisions including choice of spouse and decisions to become a parent. CONCLUSIONS The major uses of valid genetic tests for human behavioral traits will be for development of knowledge on pathophysiology of illness, and for development of new treatment and educational strategies to deal with illness. Some extension of genetic tests into predictions about specific individuals may well occur. Awareness of the potential for discrimination, and a determination to develop culturally sensitive and fair applications of genetic tests, is required to avoid adverse effects on individuals and communities.
Introduction to the fourth edition

This is a completely updated edition of a book originally published in 1988 and last revised in the early part of 2001. In the short space of time since then, the international community has gone through the watershed date of 9 September 2001, the ensuing war in Afghanistan and the resumption of the Gulf War. These events have already left their mark on the way in which the jus ad bellum is perceived and practised. Moreover, several international legal phrases – like ‘material breach’ or so-called ‘preemptive’ self-defence – have percolated from the somewhat rarefied sphere of discourse by scholars and specialists to the public arena of political jousting. The result has been a lot of heat, but not necessarily much light. The fourth edition examines the new developments in an effort to interpret correctly their proper meaning. As well, the new edition reflects recent judicial pronouncements of the International Court of Justice, relevant decisions adopted by the Security Council, the final Draft Articles on State responsibility as formulated by the International Law Commission and an unprecedented spate of legal literature on the subject of the use of inter-State force. There are several new supplementary sections in the book. These relate mainly to consent by States to the use of force (as expressed either ad hoc or by treaty); an armed attack by non-State actors; the various phases in the Gulf War up to the occupation of Iraq in 2003 and beyond; and immunities from jurisdiction.
The Design, Data Flow Architecture, and Methodologies for a Newly Researched Comprehensive Hybrid Model for the Detection of DDoS Attacks on Cloud Computing Environment

As cloud computing services are becoming more practical and popular for the sake of its convenience and being more economical, its’ security vulnerability has been the continuous threat for both cloud service providers and clients. The more the financial benefits of these services became so attractive and the need for uninterrupted services grows, the distributed denial of services (DDoS) attacks that degrade and down its’ service availability has been the major security concern. While researchers try to address this security threat and come up with lasting solutions for early detection of DDoS attacks, the degree of these attacks is getting higher and very sophisticated. The changing and aggressive nature of the attacks make it very severe threat and difficult to easily find remedy. On this research paper, we are presenting the design and dataflow architectures for a solution model that could contribute in resolving one of the major cloud security threat, the early detection of DDoS attacks, using its hybrid approach.
Pollination of a native plant changes with distance and density of invasive plants in a simulated biological invasion.

Premise of the study Effects of an exotic plant on pollination may change as the invasive increases in density. Quantity of pollinator visits to a native may increase, decrease, or change nonlinearly, while visit quality is likely to decrease with greater interspecific pollen movement. How visit quantity and quality contribute to the effect on reproductive success at each invasion stage has not been measured. Methods We simulated four stages of invasion by Brassica nigra by manipulating the neighborhood of potted plants of the native Phacelia parryi in a field experiment. Stages were far from the invasion, near the invasion, intermixed with the invasive at low density, and intermixed at high density. We measured pollinator visitation, conspecific and invasive pollen deposition, and seed set for P. parryi at each stage. Key results Native individuals near invasive plants and within areas of low invasive density showed greatest seed production, as expected from concurrent changes in conspecific and invasive pollen deposition. Those plants experienced facilitation of visits and received more conspecific pollen relative to plants farther from invasives. Native individuals within high invasive density also received frequent visits by many pollinators (although not honeybees), but the larger receipt of invasive pollen predicted interference with pollen tubes that matched patterns in seed set. Conclusions Pollinator visitation was highest when exotic plants were nearby. Detrimental effects of heterospecific pollen deposition were highest at high exotic density. Our study quantified how reproduction benefits from near proximity to a showy invasive, but is still vulnerable when the invasive reaches high density.
Computational illumination for 3D phase microscopy(Conference Presentation)

This talk will describe new computational microscopy methods for high pixel-count 3D images. We describe two setups employing illumination-side and detection-side aperture coding of angle (Fourier) space for capturing 4D phase-space (e.g. light field) datasets with fast acquisition times. Using a multi-slice forward model and compressive sensing inspired algorithms, we develop efficient 3D reconstruction methods for both incoherent and coherent imaging models, with robustness to scattering and aberrations. Experimentally, we achieve real-time 3D intensity and phase capture with high resolution across a large volume. Such computational approaches to optical microscopy add significant new capabilities to commercial microscopes without significant hardware modification. We will discuss applications in 3D microscopy and all-optical neural activity tracking.
Geographical Distribution of Viroids in the Americas

Abstract Natural viroid infections by members of the families Avsunviroidae and Pospiviroidae occur throughout the Caribbean, North, Central, and South America. Of the 31 viroid species currently recognized by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses, at least 22 have been reported to occur in this region. This chapter provides a review of current literature on the geographic distribution of viroids in the Americas and the hosts from which these viroids are reported.
Spatial and temporal reasoning in geologic map interpretation

In this paper, we describe a way of extending and combining several AI techniques to attack a class of problems exemplified by a problem known as geologic map interpretation. We use both a detailed and an abstract model of elementary geology, combined with both local and global reasoning techniques to achieve the system's expertise. In particular, a new technique called imagining allows us to find global inconsistencies in our hypotheses by causally simulating a sequence of "instructions". Imagining makes use of both our detailed and abstract models of the world.
The Opioid Risk Tool Assessing Opioid Risk: Why Is the Sensitive Question Important?

In the past, assessment of risk for opioids was overlooked, and the result is a widespread epidemic of prescription opioid abuse, overdose deaths, and the related transition to heroin abuse and crime. Validated evidence-based tools must be used to assess high-risk medications before prescribing and should be incorporated into routine care and into the healthcare structure. Included in the risk assessment should be the Opioid Risk Tool score, a pain history, an opioid history, a psychiatry history, a urine toxicology screen, calculation of the oral morphine equivalent dose, and a check of the Prescription Monitoring Program. Providers sometimes feel discomfort addressing the sensitive questions about psychiatry history, especially about preadolescent sexual experience, but this discomfort is unfounded and based on gender-specific biases of the provider that must be addressed if any resolution to the opioid crisis in the United States is to be attained. The Opioid Risk Tool is a validated 5-item questionnaire that predicts future aberrant behaviors consistent with opioid dependency and addiction. It can be incorporated into system structures as a stop/pause/think method, to encourage taking risk assessments and to help guide prescribing. This article outlines the argument that systems should incorporate validated evidence based tools into their Electronic Medical Record to address pathology that is present in the community. It outlines for clinicians the issues involved with obtaining opioid risk, including relevant gender biases and offers strategies and scripts to communicate with patients more effectively.
Assembly and Insertion of a Multi-Subunit Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor into Plasma Membranes

The nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR) is one of a family of ion channel receptors, which are gated directly by neurotransmitters. Other receptors of this type include the GABA and glycine receptors. An important characteristic of these receptors is that they are composed of multiple distinct subunits all of which have a similar transmembrane topology (for a review see Barnard et al., 1987). The AChR is an oligomeric glycoprotein consisting of five subunits (α2,β,γ, and δ) of four different types. Five subunits span the plasma membrane and are arranged in a rosette to form an ion channel. The binding of acetylcholine (ACh) to the a subunits causes the membrane channel to open (for reviews see Karlin, 1980; Conti-Tronconi & Raftery,1982; Barrantes,1983; Anholt et al.,1984, and Popot & Changeux,1984). Each of the four subunits is coded by separate mRNAs. Thus, the production of a complete functional AChR molecule involves complex processes including not only the synthesis of the individual subunits but also their assembly in a particular order, and their insertion into the plasma membrane with the correct orientation (for a review see Merlie & Smith, 1986).
“As soon as people hear that word…”: associative stigma among clinicians working with people with serious mental illness

Stigma by association occurs when members affiliated with a marginalized group become discredited themselves. The purpose of this paper is to explore associative stigma among mental health (MH) clinicians working with individuals diagnosed with serious mental illness (SMI).,In total, 47 eligible service providers completed an online qualitative study, with open-ended questions about areas touching on associative stigma such as assumptions about the MH profession, personal experiences of work-related stigma, and ways of coping.,The data revealed that MH clinicians commonly endorse experiences of associative stigma. The following themes were derived: experiences of stigma in describing the profession to others, media portrayal of MH professionals, assumptions about the field, ascriptions of personal characteristics, job devaluation, means of coping with associative stigma, and impact of associative stigma on work on clients.,This is the first qualitative study to examine the phenomenon of associative stigma with MH clinicians. This study suggests that MH providers working with people with SMI do encounter associative stigma when discussing their profession with community members. Professionals discussed encountering the stereotype that the work that they do is dangerous, that it is something “unwanted” and that it does not require much skill but could be done by anyone. Associative stigma could be an important component in the understanding of factors related to professional burnout.
Impact of the California Breast Density Law on Screening Breast MR Utilization, Provider Ordering Practices, and Patient Demographics

Abstract Purpose To assess the impact of California's Breast Density Law (BDL) on MRI utilization and clinician ordering practices. Materials and Methods Our institutional review board approved this study that retrospectively compared the ordering pattern for screening breast MRI examinations in the 30-month period before and after the BDL was enacted. Examinations were subcategorized into those with breast density mentioned as an examination indication. Patients were classified into (1) high risk; (2) above average risk, defined but not quantified; and (3) undefined or average risk. χ 2 test or Fisher's exact test was used to compare MRI utilization, use of breast density as an indication, patient demographics, and provider characteristics. Results Screening MRI examinations with breast density as the indication increased from 8.5% (32 of 376) to 21.1% (136 of 646, P P P = not significant [NS]) and specialists (62.5% and 63.5%, P = NS) ordered the majority of breast MRI examinations compared with males (18.6% and 22.6%, P = NS). Conclusion Screening breast MRI utilization for non-high-risk women more than doubled after the California BDL went into effect. BDL has had an impact on MRI utilization, and its clinical value for changing outcomes deserves further study.
Preference profiles for efficiency, fairness, and consistency in school choice problems

We study the school choice problem in which a school district assigns school seats to students. There has been a long debate over the three best-known rules for this problem: the deferred acceptance rule (DA), the top-trading cycles rule (TTC), and the immediate acceptance rule (IA). We evaluate these rules by investigating how often they satisfy three central requirements, efficiency, fairness, and consistency. We compare the restricted domains of students’ preferences on which each rule satisfies these requirements. From the containment relations between them, we show that DA performs better than IA, which itself performs better than TTC in terms of efficiency and fairness. If we consider consistency instead, IA performs better than DA, which itself performs better than TTC.
Independence of Malting Quality and Barley Flour Particle Size12

A recently published sedimentation-nephelometric procedure (28) was not applicable for screening the malting potential of American six-row barleys. Sedimentation behavior was influenced more by mil...
Management of the Cancer Patient with Fever and Prolonged Neutropenia

Cancer patients who suffer prolonged durations of fever and neutropenia are at high risk for developing serious infections. This article reviews the initial management of these fevers, subsequent modifications of the initial empirical regimens (both empirical changes in the antibiotic regimen and those changes directed at specific sites of infection that may become apparent during the course of prolonged neutropenia), and the potential impact of hematopoietic cytokines on future management of prolonged fever and neutropenia.
The Legends on the Yale Martellus Map

Using the 2014 multispectral images, I have been able to read many of the legends on the Yale Martellus map, and I present those legends, together with English translations and commentary, in the following pages. My purpose in studying the legends has been twofold: first, to gain a deeper understanding of the map itself, which is one of the most important and influential of the late fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries and yet is almost entirely unstudied, and, second, to explore the nature of the relationship between the Martellus map and Martin Waldseemuller’s famous world map of 1507. As mentioned in my introductory remarks above, the general similarity between the Yale Martellus map and Waldseemuller’s 1507 map has been noted previously, but the extent to which Waldseemuller might have used the Martellus map as a source for the details of his map had never been investigated.
Structural breaks and regional inflation convergence for five new Euro members

Following Euro adoption, it is expected that a country’s inflation rates and other macroeconomic variables will continue to converge to those of other members of the bloc. But fixed exchange rates can cause macroeconomic adjustment to take place through goods prices, and varying geographic and historic ties might lead to different degrees of inflation convergence among economic regions. This study examines monthly inflation series for five Central and Eastern European Euro members, testing for structural breaks before analyzing correlations and stationary inflation differentials versus four regional country groups. Overall, certain regional groupings have stronger connections than others post-Euro, such as Estonia with its Nordic neighbors and, more recently, with the largest EU economies. We find that no CEE inflation rate has a breakpoint that corresponds specifically to Euro adoption. Instead, all countries have multiple breaks, and four inflation series have a final structural break occurring in 2013, after which general convergence versus all four regions increased.
Split Dapoxyl Aptamer for Sequence-Selective Analysis of Nucleic Acid Sequence Based Amplification Amplicons

Hybridization probes have been used for the detection of single nucleotide variations (SNV) in DNA and RNA sequences in the mix-and-read formats. Among the most conventional are Taqman probes, which require expensive quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) instruments with melting capabilities. More affordable isothermal amplification format requires hybridization probes that can selectively detect SNVs isothermally. Here we designed a split DNA aptamer (SDA) hybridization probe based on a recently reported DNA sequence that binds a dapoxyl dye and increases its fluorescence (Kato, T.; Shimada, I.; Kimura, R.; Hyuga, M., Light-up fluorophore-DNA aptamer pair for label-free turn-on aptamer sensors. Chem. Commun. 2016, 52, 4041−4044). SDA uses two DNA strands that have low affinity to the dapoxyl dye unless hybridized to abutting positions at a specific analyte and form a dye-binding site, which is accompanied by up to a 120-fold increase in fluorescence. SDA differentiates SNV in the inhA gene of Myc...
Explanatory Item Response Theory Models: Impact on Validity and Test Development?

Many explanatory item response theory (IRT) models have been developed since Fischer’s (Acta Psychologica 37:359–374, 1973) linear logistic test model was published. However, despite their applicability to typical test data, actual impact on test development and validation has been limited. The purpose of this chapter is to explicate the importance of explanatory IRT models in the context of a framework that interrelates the five aspects of validity (Embretson in Educ Meas Issues Pract 35, 6–22, 2016). In this framework, the response processes aspect of validity impacts other aspects. Studies on a fluid intelligence test are presented to illustrate the relevancy of explanatory IRT models to validity, as well as to test development.
Impacts of experimental flooding on microbial communities and methane fluxes in an urban meadow, baton rouge, louisiana

The impacts of flooding on microbial communities and their activities in rice paddy soils have been well documented. However, little is known about the responses of urban soil microbial communities. To assess resistance and resilience to short-term flooding, surface soil samples and intact soil cores were collected from an urban meadow bisected by Dawson Creek in Baton Rouge, LA. All samples were collected subsequent to the unprecedented flood of south central Louisiana during August, 2016, which ensued after deposition of some 27 trillion liters of water. During the flood, an area (lower meadow) adjacent to Dawson Creek was inundated for an unknown period lasting at least several days, while an elevated area (upper meadow) was not flooded. Microbial community composition and diversity at each site were assessed for soils collected from core sections at intervals over a 10-cm depth before and after 3 days of experimental flooding ex situ. Cores from both lower and upper meadow sites were also used to assess methane fluxes before and after the experimental flooding. The results indicated that methane fluxes differed between lower and upper meadow sites, and that they were not resistant to flooding. Lower meadow cores emitted methane prior to flooding and rates increased substantially post-flooding; upper meadow cores consumed methane to levels below ambient atmospheric concentrations prior to flooding, but emitted methane post-flooding. In contrast both lower and upper meadow microbial communities were resistant to short-term flooding, with no significant changes observed at either site, or at any depth interval from the surface to 10 cm. However, lower and upper meadow soil communities differed significantly, with distinct distributions of Acidobacteria, Nitrospirae, and Thaumarchaeota among others. Based on responses of soil cores to experimental flooding, the differences between sites in microbial communities do not appear to be residual effects of the August, 2016 flood, but rather appear to arise from physical, chemical, and biological variables that change along a 4-m elevation gradient. Collectively, the results suggest that the composition and diversity for some urban soils might be insensitive to short-term flooding, but that important biogeochemical processes, e.g., methane fluxes, might respond rapidly.
Absence of J/pi/, T = 0/+/, 1 level excitations in residual nuclei from /pi /+ or -/,2N/ reactions

Gamma-ray spectra taken in prompt coincidence with incident 180-MeV pi/+/, 220-MeV pi/-/ and 0-MeV pi/-/ on the self-conjugate targets C-12 and S-32 reveal that the cross sections/yields are equal to or near zero for production of the J/pi/,T = 0/+/, 1 levels of the odd Z, odd N nuclei resulting from np removal. It is thought that the 0-MeV pi/-/ results can be explained by selection rules governing one-step quasi-free interactions but that the delta(1232) region results cannot. This indicates that there may be additional restrictions upon the pion absorption mechanism.
Risk Management for BRCA1/BRCA2 Mutation Carriers Without and With Breast Cancer

We review the management for unaffected BRCA1/2 mutation carriers and the local management of early-stage breast cancer. For unaffected BRCA1/2 mutation carriers, surveillance includes annual magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and mammogram (MG). Novel imaging modalities, including abbreviated protocol MRI, ultrafast/accelerated MRI, and contrast-enhanced digital mammography are being investigated. Risk-reducing mastectomy (RRM) should be considered, and nipple-areolar sparing mastectomy (NSM) is now an option. Additionally, risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) is strongly recommended as it reduces mortality. In BRCA1/2 mutation carriers with breast cancer, BCT is an appropriate treatment option but to reduce risk of second primary, mastectomy and contralateral risk-reducing mastectomy should be considered. Breast and ovarian cancer screening and prevention options result in improved outcomes and decreased mortality in BRCA1/2 mutation carriers. In women with BRCA1/2 mutations who have BC, local management of the BC and secondary surgical prevention measures are different than women with sporadic disease.
The language network reemerges during recovery from severe traumatic brain injury

Abstract Regaining the ability to express and understand language is a key milestone for patients recovering from severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, the neurobiological correlates of language recovery after TBI have not been identified. We explored whether recovery of language in patients with acute severe TBI is associated with functional MRI (fMRI) changes within and outside the canonical language network (i.e. bilateral superior temporal gyri [STG] and inferior frontal gyri [IFG]). We consecutively enrolled 16 adult patients with acute severe TBI and performed fMRI assessment using a spoken language stimulus in the intensive care unit. Eight patients, all of whom recovered language function, returned for follow-up fMRI at median [interquartile range] 220.5 [189-473.5] days post-injury. Sixteen age- and sex-matched healthy subjects also completed the fMRI paradigm. Language function was behaviorally assessed immediately before fMRI using the Coma Recovery Scale-Revised and components of the Confusion Assessment Protocol. At follow-up, patients also completed the California Verbal Learning Test-II. We compared acute and follow-up fMRI responses by calculating mean Z-scores of suprathreshold voxels in bilateral STG and IFG regions-of-interest (ROI). We also performed a whole-brain analysis. Significant longitudinal increases to language stimuli were found in the left STG but not the right STG, left IFG, or right IFG. Whole-brain analysis revealed longitudinal changes in the right supramarginal and middle temporal gyri, regions known to be involved in language processing. Both acute and follow-up fMRI responses in patients were indistinguishable from those of healthy subjects at a stringent statistical threshold of Z ≥ 3.1. At lower statistical thresholds (e.g. Z ≥ 2.1) patients assessed acutely demonstrated decreased fMRI responses in right STG and IFG compared to healthy subjects. Collectively, these results provide initial evidence that responses in bihemispheric language-processing regions of cerebral cortex reemerge with recovery of language function in patients with severe TBI.
A 2.666GT/s 128GB/s 14nm Memory I/O with Jitter and Crosstalk Cancellation

A DDR interface that serves DDR4 and Optane DC Persistent Memory DIMMs achieves 2.666GT/s transfer rate on a state of the art 14nm Server CPU with a total of 6 channels, yielding 128GB/s data bandwidth required to fulfill high bandwidth demand of server applications. To support 2 DIMM per Channel (DPC) configuration, it utilizes three novel techniques, namely Phase Based Crosstalk Cancellation (PXC), Data Dependent Jitter Cancellation (DDJC) and un-clocked DFE architecture.
On the Interoperability of Decentralized Exposure Notification Systems

This report summarizes the requirements and proposes a high-level solution for interoperability across recently proposed COVID-19 exposure notification efforts. Our focus is on interoperability across exposure notification (EN) applications which are based on the decentralized Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) protocol driven by Google/Apple Exposure Notifications API (including DP3T and similar protocols). We distinguish different interoperability use cases, such as worldwide public EN interoperability, as well as interoperability in the enterprise EN systems. This report also proposes an API and a backend implementation architecture for EN interoperability. Finally, we propose using a permissioned blockchain-based solution for managing EN backend certificates and configurations (without storing any users' data on the blockchain) for helping address EN interoperability challenges across different vendors.
Efficacy of verbenone and a blend of verbenone and nonhost volatiles for protecting lodgepole pine from mountain pine beetle (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

1. Significant research has been devoted to the development of semiochemical repellents for mountain pine beetle Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins. Several formulations of the beetle's antiaggregation pheromone verbenone (4,6,6‐trimethylbicyclo[3.1.1]hept‐3‐en‐2‐one) are registered to protect pine trees and stands. 2. We compared the efficacy of verbenone and Verbenone Plus for protecting individual lodgepole pine Pinus contorta Dougl. ex Loud. and small stands of P. contorta from mortality attributed to D. ponderosae . Verbenone Plus is a blend of semiochemicals [(−)‐verbenone, acetophenone, and (E )‐2‐hexen‐1‐ol + (Z )‐2‐hexen‐1‐ol] originally developed to inhibit aggregation of western pine beetle D. brevicomis LeConte. It is the only effective semiochemical repellent that protects ponderosa pine P. ponderosa Dougl. ex Laws. from mortality attributed to D. brevicomis , but has yet to be registered or commercialized. 3. Both verbenone and Verbenone Plus were effective for protecting individual P. contorta and small stands of P. contorta from mortality attributed to D. ponderosae . Verbenone alone was as effective as Verbenone Plus. 4. An obstacle to the broader use of semiochemical repellents for the management of bark beetles is the relatively high cost and specificity of the semiochemicals involved. A semiochemical repellent with efficacy across multiple bark beetle species and hosts, such as Verbenone Plus, would be desirable, assuming the additional components are not cost‐prohibitive or limit registration.
Photosynthetic energy conversion efficiency in the West Antarctic Peninsula.

The West Antarctic Peninsula (WAP) is a highly productive polar ecosystem where phytoplankton dynamics are regulated by intense bottom-up control from light and iron availability. Rapid climate change along the WAP is driving shifts in the mixed layer depth and iron availability. Elucidating the relative role of each of these controls and their interactions is crucial for understanding of how primary productivity will change in coming decades. Using a combination of ultra-high-resolution variable chlorophyll fluorescence together with fluorescence lifetime analyses on the 2017 Palmer Long Term Ecological Research cruise, we mapped the temporal and spatial variability in phytoplankton photophysiology across the WAP. Highest photosynthetic energy conversion efficiencies and lowest fluorescence quantum yields were observed in iron replete coastal regions. Photosynthetic energy conversion efficiencies decreased by ~ 60% with a proportional increase in quantum yields of thermal dissipation and fluorescence on the outer continental shelf and slope. The combined analysis of variable fluorescence and lifetimes revealed that, in addition to the decrease in the fraction of inactive reaction centers, up to 20% of light harvesting chlorophyll-protein antenna complexes were energetically uncoupled from photosystem II reaction centers in iron-limited phytoplankton. These biophysical signatures strongly suggest severe iron limitation of photosynthesis in the surface waters along the continental slope of the WAP.
Genetic ancestry, admixture, and population structure in rural Dominica.

The Caribbean is a genetically diverse region with heterogeneous admixture compositions influenced by local island ecologies, migrations, colonial conflicts, and demographic histories. The Commonwealth of Dominica is a mountainous island in the Lesser Antilles historically known to harbor communities with unique patterns of migration, mixture, and isolation. This community-based population genetic study adds biological evidence to inform post-colonial narrative histories in a Dominican horticultural village. High density single nucleotide polymorphism data paired with a previously compiled genealogy provide the first genome-wide insights on genetic ancestry and population structure in Dominica. We assessed family-based clustering, inferred global ancestry, and dated recent admixture by implementing the fastSTRUCTURE clustering algorithm, modeling graph-based migration with TreeMix, assessing patterns of linkage disequilibrium decay with ALDER, and visualizing data from Dominica with Human Genome Diversity Panel references. These analyses distinguish family-based genetic structure from variation in African, European, and indigenous Amerindian admixture proportions, and analyses of linkage disequilibrium decay estimate admixture dates 5–6 generations (~160 years) ago. African ancestry accounts for the largest mixture components, followed by European and then indigenous components; however, our global ancestry inferences are consistent with previous mitochondrial, Y chromosome, and ancestry marker data from Dominica that show uniquely higher proportions of indigenous ancestry and lower proportions of African ancestry relative to known admixture in other French- and English-speaking Caribbean islands. Our genetic results support local narratives about the community’s history and founding, which indicate that newly emancipated people settled in the steep, dense vegetation along Dominica’s eastern coast in the mid-19th century. Strong genetic signals of post-colonial admixture and family-based structure highlight the localized impacts of colonial forces and island ecologies in this region, and more data from other groups are needed to more broadly inform on Dominica’s complex history and present diversity.